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Royal Olympic Cruises

MS Olympic Voyager

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Reviewed by: Jennifer Kachinosky
# previous cruises: 4
Date of Trip: November 18, 2000
Itinerary: Mediterranean

Olympic Voyager is a brand new ship with an itinerary that can't be beat! We could never have covered all the awesome destinations on our own in 7 days, and have the comfortable surroundings and knowledgeable international staff to guide us through the 4 different countries. My husband and I took this trip to celebrate our fifth anniversary and get away one last time before the birth of our child in May 2001. We are both in our mid 30's.

The public areas were cozy and inviting. The library provided a quiet area to read the latest newspapers, and we loved the piano bar music while enjoying a cocktail/soda before dinner. The disco didn't get much use on our trip due to the advanced ages of most passengers, but we enjoyed listening to music there on Latin Night. The main show lounge has ample seating for all activities and the views are pretty good unless you get stuck behind one of the few support columns. The casino is small but was never crowded. The pool is also small, and since the weather was rather cool there were only a handful of people there. The pool deck area and bar were popular spots to watch the ship enter and leave ports, and half of the deck is covered by a canopy which minimizes the wind. The ship has no walk-around promenade which makes getting between outdoor deck areas a little tricky.

The main dining room was open for all three meals, with reserved seating only at dinner (6:30 or 9:00 seatings). The food there was always good, sometimes great. Greek specialties were offered at most meals, two or three main entrees, and a vegetarian selection. Desserts were outstanding! We had great service from our regular dinner waiter but experienced less than acceptable service at some lunch sittings. Meal times were adjusted for shore excursion returns. An alternative buffet was available for breakfast and lunch, but the selections were not very interesting. The 24 hour room service was very quick, but the same 6 menu items were offered all week. The only food available outside the room after lunch was pizza.

Our Deck 4 inside cabin was small but well designed. We had plenty of storage for three suitcases full of clothes in a huge closet (24 hangers) and 8 drawers. The furniture is light colored wood, and a full wall mirror behind the bed made the room feel bigger than it was. Electricity is both 220 and 110 with US style outlets. The tile shower was plenty big although two people can't pass each other in the bathroom. Deck 4 forward cabins are the best on the ship - there are no public areas on this deck, and only cabins above. We had some noisy neighbors though who liked to get up at 5:00am and bang doors and drawers. Hallway noise was not too bad.

We attended two shows. The entertainers were very enthusiastic, but the dancing wasn't the greatest. The singers and musicians were excellent. Everyone loved the magician. The cruise director did a great job all week long - I don't know when she slept!

There are too many ports and shore excursions to list here - all were very well run and organized. The Royal Olympic website has details and prices. The ship has a wonderful spa where I had a massage, manicure and pedicure. They have several saunas, and mud bath room, and full service beauty salon. This is not a ship for children. There is no babysitting, and only a few organized gatherings for kids.

Fellow passengers were an older international group. About 70% are American, 10% Spanish, 10% Italian, and the rest a mix of French, British, Australian, German and Greek. We met several couples we plan to visit and correspond with in the future. Everyone was friendly and chose the cruise for the itinerary. Many people went on shore excursions every day, and some were staying on board for the next cruise (12 day Atlantic crossing to Ft. Lauderdale). It was definitely an older crowd. I estimate 60% were over 65, 5% under 35.