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
royal caribbean international singapore sneak peak voyager of the seasLatest News
Travel Weekly announces a new team to helm Australia’s No.1 travel trade title
Some shameless self-promotion from us, but we thought you needed to know who's bringing you the news.
IHG reveals plans for Brisbane’s first Kimpton in 2028
Just another reason to book that trip to Brisvegas. But don't jump the gun, it's not open until 2028.
Cruiseabout’s first store in five years opens in Perth
Perth gets a break from being behind the rest of the country with the addition of the first Cruiseabout store.
ATAS complaints process acknowledges non-economic loss
A High Court case win over 'disappointment and distress' on a cruise gone wrong prompts ATIA complaints change.
Cunard previews new Queen Anne
Yep, this one does exactly what it says on the tin.
Bunnik Tours unveils latest expansion to Iceland
Just as the Icelandic vikings did many years ago, Bunnik is expanding into new territories.
Australia’s first glamping retreat turns 25
25th anniversary gifts usually come in silver. Ours comes in the way of a news story.
Embrace the journey: Traversing the world with the Shokz OpenRun
If you’ve been on the wrong side of a final call in the airport, or missed the stop on rail journey, it might be time to invest in a pair of Shokz OpenRun headphones. Originally marketed as headphones for fitness fanatics, runners or cyclists with a keen to steer clear of a prang with a car, […]
Tourism Western Australia MD Carolyn Turnbull departs
Turnbull hints her new role will see her staying in the tourism and hospitality industry and who can blame her?
DriveAway launches Brit-Euro Blitz campaign
If agents can put the foot down quick enough and get involved, there are some great prizes to be won.
Fly and Stay Free with the Great Southern
Unlike those dodgy scam phone calls you're getting more and more of, there's no strings attached to this deal.
Sober travel and TikTok guide Australian Gen Z trips
Can you call it a sober holiday if you enjoy a few glasses of red on the flight? We think yes.
Travel DAZE Exec Agenda REVEALED: top execs to speak on airline competition
As the industry reels from Bonza's implosion, it is more important than ever to ask the big questions.
TTC: Deals are driving up demand for September trips
The latest market research from TTC Tour Brands shows interest in international leisure travel remains high for 2024, with 77 per cent of Australians over 18 still planning trips this year. Notably, 28 per cent of those travellers are eyeing September for their journeys. Europe continues to be the most popular destination, with 68 per […]
Skroo says Rex will need deep pockets to fill lost Bonza slots
The door is open for Rex, and anyone else who wants to launch a regional Aussie airline...
Sno’n’Ski Holidays unveils 2025 mega famil to Colorado!
Let the games begin - this is certainly not a famil that you will want to miss!
Walk Japan launches Kyoto: Mountains to the sea walking tour
There are two types of people, one who enjoys walking on holiday and another who enjoys sipping Mojitos by the pool.
Which destination had a 48% boost in bookings following 10 MILLION TikTok views?
Here's a clue: it's not Malabar Beach.
Asher Telford appointed General Manager of SeaLink Whitsundays
Telford has plenty of reasons to smile after SeaLink doubles down and makes him GM after buying his tourism operation.
Qantas ‘working urgently’ to fix app data leak
Qantas is looking into customer reports that passengers have this morning been able to access other passengers’ personal information on the airlines app. X user Lachlan posted that he was able log into different accounts every time he opened the app. My @Qantas app logs me in to a different person each time I open […]
Hilton Expands Presence in North Queensland with the signing of Hilton Garden Inn Townsville
Heading to a North Queensland Cowboys clash? Hilton Garden Inn Townsville is set to open, but not until 2026.
Rail Europe ANZ: making dream journeys come true
Rail Europe's running a lottery! You're not going to win millions, but you might just snag a free holiday.
Bonza’s future on knife edge
It would seem a long road back from here, perhaps a knife's edge is too much credit.
Revamped Wailoaloa Beach hotel opens as Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay Resort & Spa
Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay Resort & Spa is open and ready for bookings after the first phase of a multi-million-dollar transformation. Part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ premium collection, the transformation has seen the completion of 106 guestrooms showcasing contemporary interiors reflective of the premium Crowne Plaza brand and is a first for the […]
Nielsen Data reveals brands spending big to attract Aussie tourists
Trip A Deal, Virgin and Ignite Travel walk into a bar, blow their cash on travel advertising instead of the pokies.
Kamalaya Koh Samui clinches clutch of wellness awards
Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary & Holistic Spa has so far clinched five prestigious awards in 2024, including being inducted into the ‘Hall of Fame’ at the World Spa & Wellness Awards in London. Founders of the Koh Samui sanctuary and spa John and Karina Stewart expressed their heartfelt gratitude for the awards. “We are profoundly honoured […]
Jetstar offers 200,000 return for free flights to celebrate 20th anniversary
Jetstar hits 20 and everyone else gets the presents with free return flights to domestic and international destinations.
Amora Hotels & Resorts set to double APAC portfolio, announces new Sydney office
Staff in the new Sydney office have been welcomed by a week of rain on the forecast.
RIU opens Chicago hotel and rooftop bar a few steps from the world-famous Magnificent Mile
Rooftop cocktails hold a dear place in your heart? Look no further than RIU Chicago.
How can travel agents best sell cruises? Uniworld’s Alice Ager tells all: Travel Weekly TV
Agents, you don't want to miss this. Yes, that's the case with everything in the newsletter, but we really mean it here!
South Africa bookings are back in action
It's a wrap! South Africa in the news with resumed flights, film fest and booking tech.
Agents’ chance to score free spot on Intrepid trip to Antarctica
This is the trip of a lifetime, even if you are scared of the cold!
Bonza nosediving amid mass cancellations and reports of repossessed planes
Bonza's days appear to be numbered as the low-cost carrier today announced mass cancellations around the country.
Amy Poehler joins Vivid Sydney event
Oh Joy! Hit comedian Amy Poehler will make an emotional appearance at the Sydney Opera House for Vivid.
Pullman Sydney Penrith ties up with Trilogy Hotels, announces new GM
The crew from Trilogy hotels doing their best impression of the Penrith front row here.
Linkd appoints Carolyn Nightingale and Lawson Dibb to new roles
Linkd Tourism sings praises of Carolyn Nightingale and dubs Lawson Dibb as Kyushu Tourism Office guru.