Exclusive: First peek at the revitalised Voyager of the Seas
The largest cruise ship revitalisation in Singapore is well underway with Voyager of the Seas expected to complete its multi-million dollar refurbishment ready for a 4-day charter voyage on Friday from the lion city.
Currently docked at Sembcorp Marine's newly constructed Sembawang Shipyard – specifically built to cater to modern fleets of mega-liners for brands including Royal Carribbean International (RCI)and Carnival Cruises – the company has undertaken a 32 day project to breathe new life to Voyager before her Australian season debut next month.
During a behind-the-scenes shipyard visit in Singapore yesterday, Travel Today was invited on board to see the US$40 million to US$50 million revitalisation of Voyager first hand, which includes both soft and hard refurbishments from bow to stern.
Apart from new carpet being laid across the entire ship, there is a fresh coat of paint to match with new soft pink doors almost dry to greet its first commercial guests departing from Sydney on 9 December.
The 11-night cruise to New Zealand is already at full capacity at 3100+ passengers, which RCI's commercial director Asia Pacific, Sean Treacy said is on trend with the cruise line's projections after reporting 50% of its upcoming season has already been sold.
Treacy said RCI has not specifically aimed to target any one specific sector – families to couples – whilst redesigning the ship, instead to focus on changing the overall perception of cruising.
"We're not just targeting fist timers, families or couples, but [the revitalisation] helps to break some of the perceptions of cruising that there's not much to do onboard," he told Travel Today.
In order to do that, coupled with a bid to attract repeat passengers, Treacy said they would offer more "variety across the board" from room types to amenities.
And amenities is just what Voyager has. Upon boarding passengers will take note of the first new 'gadget' to be implemented on the ship – a digital interactive screen. Gone are the days of wandering aimlessly down corridors – you can now find your room or any of the ships' amenities from a touch of a button on the Digital Way Finder – we tested, it worked.
Next comes the staterooms and suites, some now equipped with ensuring passengers will never miss a beat on what's happening outside. Of course, we're referring to the new "virtual balconies", which according to RCI's revenue manager, Melinda Ryan, has been priced competitively with other room types and will "shock" passengers who may not have been aware of "just what they're getting" when they check-in.
"We're getting as many travel agents on board to see it first hand," Ryan told Travel Today.
Taking a closer look, the flatscreen – which can be closed off by curtains – shows off views from one side of the ship and according to Ryan is chosen by "whichever has the better vantage point".
Ryan advised that RCI pricing is fluid, and while was unsure whether rates would increase in 2015, she said the upcoming earlybird pricing would be some of the "best deals" available for customers who choose to book in advance.
Other new attractions for Voyager include a new outdoor screen to be used for film nights plus more options for foodies including three new speciality restaurants – Chops Grill, Izumi and Giovanni's, new bars such as the Tavern and the highly-anticipated FlowRider – the first surf simulator at sea, which according to Treacy was extremely popular on Quantum of the Seas which made its debut in New York last week.
Upon questioning if Quantum would make its way to Australia, Treacy said "never say never. The fact she's in China says there's potential one day, but there's no plans now".
Voyager will host a travel trade only one-night sailing on December 8.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
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