After cruising to the South Pacific ports in the 1970's, my husband and I decided to re-visit the area on a current cruise ship. It was an interesting experience. We booked a 10 night cruise on Voyager of the Seas to try the Royal Caribbean brand. We have both cruised on 6 or 7 occasions previously trying Princess, P&O, Celebrity, Star and others.

Voyager is showing her age in some ways but is kept spotlessly clean by her hard-working staff. Maintenance appears to be a little lacking but after 20 years on salty waters, I guess that will catch up. The embarkation process at the Sydney Overseas Terminal was pretty easy with plenty of staff to direct you and advise what paperwork to have on hand etc. We had spent the week-end prior in Sydney at a CBD hotel so with a 12 noon - 1.00pm boarding slot, we checked out and wandered down to Circular Quay for a late breakfast. We arrived at the Terminal at 12.15pm and were on board by 12.45pm. We explored a little then headed up to the pool area and had a drink while waiting for the announcement that staterooms were ready. We were able to access our Staterooms just before 1.30pm which was incredibly quick.

We had a Superior Ocean View with Balcony on the 9th Deck. There was ample room with the bed being a King-size and a 3 seat lounge. Our suitcases slid easily under the bed for storage and there was heaps of drawer and hanging space. There was also a chair and desk arrangement with a kettle and a small fridge which keeps drinks at 13 deg. The bathroom was small but efficient with a small round shower with sliding doors and great water pressure. Liquid body soap and a bar of soap was provided. Towels were plentiful and replaced if left on the floor. Our room attendant was very efficient, spoke to us by name most days as we came and went and left us with a different towel animal every night. The balcony had 2 comfortable outdoor chairs and a round table and we enjoyed breakfast out there on a couple of occasions. It would only fit 2 people though. The maintenance programme was lacking as the wooden balcony rail on this side of the ship was definitely in need of varnishing. It was almost on the point of releasing splinters, it was so dry and looking down, it was evident on most of the other floors as well. However, on the pool deck and the walking decks, the rail was beautifully varnished! Overall, the cabin was great. The TV selection - not so great as all movies are an extra cost of $US12 per movie. The selection was pretty ordinary as well. There were the normal RCI channels selling their product, explaining the ship and showing you where you were and then a Foxtel arrangement of about 5 news channels and a couple of childrens cartoon channels. No National Geographic or Lifestyle programmes. On holiday, there is only so much news you can take. Read more