Voyaging through Asia and Australia: A look at Voyager of the Seas' time in the Far East and Down Under
A look back one of Asia’s pioneering cruise ships
Voyager of the Seas in Singapore in May 2018. PHOTO: SINGAPORE CRUISE SOCIETY
Since May 2012, Royal Caribbean International’s Voyager of the Seas has called Asia and Australia home, bringing many passengers to new and exciting destinations in Asia-Pacific. However, in September 2021, after nine illustrious years, Voyager of the Seas bade farewell to Asia and Australia, this time bound for Europe. So let’s take a look at some of the interesting milestones that Voyager was a part of during her time here.
But First, Let’s Talk Size
Voyager of the Seas first came to Asia in 2012, bound for China. At a massive 137,276 gross tons, she dwarfed many existing ships operating in and around Asia at the time. For context, she was more than double the size of her fleetmate Legend of the Seas, which was then operating out of Singapore. She was also significantly larger than the 75,338-Gross Ton SuperStar Virgo, the largest cruise ship purpose-built for Asia at the time. The dwarfing of other ships didn’t stop, even when she went to her winter vacation home down under, where Voyager was one of the largest, if not the largest cruise ship in Australia.
Firsts In The Region
With size comes a variety in offerings. Just like how Voyager of the Seas introduced never-before-seen concepts when she was first delivered to Royal Caribbean in 1999, she would also go on to pioneer several of these concepts in Asia. She brought with her features never before seen on a cruise ship operating out of the region, like the Studio B ice rink and Royal Promenade shopping arcade. She also sported 11 dining venues, and unparalleled sports facilities including an inline skating track, rock-climbing wall, a 9-hole mini golf course, a golf simulator, a full size sports court with basketball court, three swimming pools and six whirlpools.
Interesting Voyager Milestones
Marina Bay Cruise Centre’s First Ship, And Voyager’s Maiden Voyage in Asia (May 2012)
Speaking of firsts, Voyager of the Seas' repositioning cruise from Europe to Shanghai also coincided with the beginning of operations at the brand-new Marina Bay Cruise Centre in Singapore. On the 26th of May 2012, Voyager of the Seas made history by becoming the first cruise ship ever to berth at the facility.
26th May also marked the commencement of Voyager’s Asia deployment, and events were held both in the terminal and onboard the ship. A traditional Lion Dance was held in the terminal, and to welcome the new arrival, there was one onboard the ship as well. Then-Royal Caribbean’s President and CEO, Mr. Adam Goldstein also had the honour of catching the mandarin orange tossed by the lions. Guests were also invited to dine in the ship’s main dining room, and Shrek from the Dreamworks movie “Shrek” also paid a surprise visit to the guests at the VIP table, as part of a partnership between Royal Caribbean and Dreamworks to showcase Dreamworks characters on Royal Caribbean cruises. (Though at the time of writing, the partnership has ended.)
The Largest Weight Loss Lesson Ever (July 2018)
Voyager of the Seas was also a Guiness World Record setter, and an advocate of good health! On the 13th of July 2018, Voyager played host to the World’s Largest Weight Loss Lesson, consisting of 1,874 people while en-route from Vietnam to China. The record was set by Zhejiang Yuyue Software Co. Ltd and states that it was set onboard a Royal Caribbean cruise, but no ship was specifically mentioned. Photos from the world record attempt suggest that the record was set onboard the Voyager of the Seas.
The First Chinese Captain In The Royal Caribbean Group (November 2018)
Voyager of the Seas was also the first ship in the Royal Caribbean fleet to be helmed by a Chinese captain. Captain Wu Huimin became the first Asian Captain in the fleet in 2018.
Captain Wu, who hails from Qingdao, studied marine operations at the Shanghai Maritime University. He worked on merchant ships before joining the cruise industry in 2000. Wu joined the Royal Caribbean family in 2014, where he served as Staff Captain on Adventure of the Seas and Quantum of the Seas. His first appointment as Master (Captain) was in November 2018, onboard Voyager of the Seas.
In an article by Seatrade Cruise News, Captain Wu mentioned how his guests are proud to have a Chinese captain onboard. He says ‘I am approached by guests telling me that they are proud of me for being the first Asian captain of Royal Caribbean Cruises’. Captain Wu also takes pride in his work and position, saying “I’m truly honored to be the first Asian captain of Royal Caribbean Cruises, with Voyager of the Seas being my first ship as master. There is a small but growing number of Asians taking up significant positions onboard our ships, such as hotel and cruise directors. I am proud to witness the growing diversity of our company in this respect.”
The Royal Amplification Treatment (October 2019)
Voyager would also undergo a major refit in September 2019 in Singapore , where she was given the Royal Amplification treatment. Besides a brand new paint job that matched the Quantum-class ships, she was also given new facilities like The Perfect Storm waterslide and re-fitted Adventure Ocean and Teens facilities, dedicated to younger guests aged 3 to 17. The ship also received new staterooms up front, replacing what used to be the Bridge Viewing area.
Voyager Gallery - Submissions From The Community
We here at Singapore Cruise Society believe that the guests and crew are the heart and soul of every ship. Voyager of the Seas is no exception. As such, we have also curated a selection of photographs and stories from the community!
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