Royal Caribbean Voyager Class Cruise Ships Guide!

Royal Caribbean’s Voyager-class cruise ships changed cruising when Voyager of the Seas launched in 1999 as the biggest ship in the world at that time. It amazed travelers with things no one had seen before on a cruise, like an ice-skating rink and a rock-climbing wall. Over the next few years, more ships joined the class, with Mariner of the Seas arriving in 2003 as the last and slightly updated version. These Voyager-class ships set the stage for many of the brand’s favorite features and showed how cruising could feel bigger, bolder, and more exciting for everyone on board.

All Voyager-Class Cruise Ships

All Voyager-class cruise ships are packed with fun and things to do. You can walk around, enjoy shows, try different foods, and find spots to hang out with friends or family. Here are all Voyager-class cruise ships you can choose from:

• Voyager of the Seas (1999)
• Explorer of the Seas (2000)
• Adventure of the Seas (2001)
• Navigator of the Seas (2002)
• Mariner of the Seas (2003)

Voyager of the Seas

Photo Courtesy: Royal Caribbean

Voyager of the Seas made waves in 1999 when it introduced exciting firsts at sea, like a rock-climbing wall, an ice-skating rink, and the lively Royal Promenade filled with shops and dining spots. A big update in 2019 brought even more thrills, including the FlowRider surf simulator, two twisting waterslides called The Perfect Storm, and a glow-in-the-dark laser tag arena. With its mix of activities, entertainment, and dining choices, the ship continues to offer something fun for families and travelers of all ages.

Explorer of the Seas

Photo Courtesy: Royal Caribbean

Explorer of the Seas joined the Royal Caribbean fleet in 2000 as the second Voyager-class ship and brought with it exciting features like an ice-skating rink, a rock-climbing wall, and the lively Royal Promenade lined with shops and dining spots. A dry-dock in 2015 added guest favorites such as the FlowRider surf simulator and The Perfect Storm waterslides, giving the ship even more appeal. With itineraries that reach the Caribbean, Europe, and Alaska, it continues to attract travelers of all ages looking for fun at sea.

Adventure of the Seas

Photo Courtesy: Royal Caribbean

Adventure of the Seas joined the Royal Caribbean fleet in 2001 and later received a major update in 2016 that brought new dining spots and exciting attractions. Like its sister ships, it offers favorites such as the rock-climbing wall, ice-skating rink, and the lively Royal Promenade. The refurbishment also added the FlowRider surf simulator, The Perfect Storm waterslides, and Splashaway Bay for kids. With trips mainly around the Caribbean, the ship remains a popular choice for families and groups looking for fun and variety.

Navigator of the Seas

Photo Courtesy: Royal Caribbean

Navigator of the Seas first set sail in 2002 and later went through a huge $115 million update in 2019 that made it a top choice for short Caribbean cruise trips. The upgrade added big thrills like The Blaster aqua coaster, the longest slide at sea, and the Riptide mat racer. The pool deck got a bright new Caribbean look with the Lime and Coconut bar and fresh dining spots such as Hooked Seafood and Playmakers. It still offers classics like the rock-climbing wall, ice-skating rink, and Royal Promenade.

Mariner of the Seas

Photo Courtesy: Royal Caribbean

Mariner of the Seas made its debut in 2003 as the final Voyager-class ship and got a huge $120 million update in 2018. The refurbishment added new favorites like the FlowRider surf simulator, The Perfect Storm waterslides, and glow-in-the-dark laser tag. Guests can still enjoy classic features such as the rock-climbing wall, ice-skating rink, and the Royal Promenade. With added dining spots like Jamie’s Italian and Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade, the ship delivers a fun-filled Caribbean experience for all ages.

Shared Voyager-Class Features

All Voyager-Class ships share fun features you can enjoy. They have pools, theaters, restaurants, and sports areas. You can walk around, watch shows, eat different foods, and spend time with friends. Here are the common features on Voyager-class ships.

Revolutionary Ship Design

Photo Courtesy: Royal Caribbean

• The Royal Promenade: The signature feature of the Voyager-class is a multi-deck indoor boulevard that stretches through most of the ship. It’s lined with shops, bars, and cafés, creating a lively, city-like feel at sea where guests can stroll, shop, or stop for a drink at any time.
• Interior Balcony Cabins: Many staterooms face the Royal Promenade, offering a unique view of the activity below. This gives passengers a new kind of "inside" cabin with a window overlooking the bustling central area of the ship.

Onboard Activities and Entertainment

Photo Courtesy: Royal Caribbean

• Studio B Ice-Skating Rink: Each ship includes this popular ice arena, where professional skaters put on shows and guests can join public skating sessions. It’s one of the most talked-about features of the class.
• Signature Thrills: Every Voyager-class ship has a rock-climbing wall rising from the sports deck, a multi-story theater for Broadway-style shows, and a mini-golf course for fun on the top deck. These activities make sure there’s something for everyone, from families to adventure seekers.
• Resort-Style Pool Deck: The pool area offers multiple pools and whirlpools for all ages, along with the adults-only Solarium, a quiet sun-soaked space for guests who want a peaceful break from the action.

Dining and Lounges

Photo Courtesy: Royal Caribbean

• Main Dining Room: The ships have a grand, multi-level main dining room with décor inspired by opera houses. It offers a classic cruise dining experience where guests can enjoy a variety of meals in a beautiful setting.
• Windjammer Marketplace: This casual buffet restaurant is a staple on every Voyager-class ship, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a wide selection of dishes for all tastes.
• Café Promenade: Located along the Royal Promenade, this café is perfect for quick bites, coffee, and snacks throughout the day.
• Iconic Bars: Guests can relax in well-loved bars and lounges, including the Schooner Bar, an English-style pub, and the Viking Crown Lounge, which offers stunning ocean views and a comfortable place to enjoy a drink.

Modern Amplifications

• Newer Attractions: Many Voyager-class ships have gone through "Royal Amplifications," which added modern features like the FlowRider surf simulator, twisting waterslides, and glow-in-the-dark laser tag. These upgrades keep the ships exciting for both new and returning guests.
• Updated Dining: Refurbishments also introduced new specialty restaurants, including Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen and Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade, giving guests even more dining and entertainment choices. The exact offerings may vary depending on the ship, but the variety ensures there’s something for everyone.

Booking Tips for Voyager-Class Cruise Ships

Planning a Voyager-class cruise can be exciting and a bit overwhelming. These tips will help you choose the right cabin, book activities, and make the most of your time on board.

Pre-Booking and Planning

• Book Early for Best Rates: Aim to book 6 to 12 months in advance for the best prices and cabin availability.
• Consider Shorter vs. Longer Cruises: While all Voyager-class ships offer great amenities, some ships like the Navigator and Mariner of the Seas are geared toward shorter, more action-packed weekend itineraries, while others serve longer routes.
• Secure Travel Insurance Immediately: Protect your cruise investment by purchasing travel insurance soon after making your initial non-refundable deposit.
• Compare Amplified vs. Non-Amplified Ships: Decide if you want the added features of a recently "amplified" ship, such as newer waterslides and specialty restaurants, or if the classic Voyager-class experience is sufficient.
• Pre-book Show Tickets: Reserve your seats for entertainment in advance through the Royal Caribbean website or app, as some venues fill up.
• Look for Sales and Deals: Watch for promotional offers and price drops, especially closer to the sail date, but be aware that prices can also increase if the ship is selling out.

Onboard Experience

• Select Your Cabin Wisely: For a smoother ride, choose a cabin located midship. Be aware that some decks might be noisy (e.g., those below the pool deck) and that early Voyager-class ships have lower deck balconies with poor visibility.
• Make Dining Reservations: For the Main Dining Room's "My Time Dining" or specialty restaurants, book your time slots online before boarding to secure your preferences.
• Reserve Activities: Some popular onboard activities like glow-in-the-dark laser tag may require reservations, which can be made via the app or at the box office.
• Utilize the Online Cruise Planner: Use Royal Caribbean's online portal to pre-purchase drink packages, dining reservations, and shore excursions at potentially lower rates than onboard.
• Pack accordingly: Research the dress codes for your cruise, especially for formal nights. Also, pack smart by knowing that essentials like irons are not in cabins.
• Budget for Extra Expenses: Factor in the cost of gratuities, specialty dining, drink packages, and shore excursions, as these are not included in the base fare.

Final Words

Royal Caribbean Voyager-class cruise ships offer exciting activities, great dining, and fun for the whole family. From comfortable cabins to lively entertainment, there’s something for everyone. Plan your trip carefully and enjoy every moment on board. For easy booking and the best cruise deals, visit CruiseBooking.com and start your Voyager-class adventure today.