A New wave in cruising is about to hit Australia

As the world awaits the return of Voyager of the Seas, Royal Caribbean announced details of what we can expect when she returns to Australian waters later this year.

Along with some very special firsts, the ships multi-million dollar bow to stern revitalisation includes Australia’s first FlowRider surfing simulator at sea and new ambassador, Adam Wildman.

Gavin Smith, Regional Vice President Asia- Pacific, said: “Royal Caribbean International is the world’s largest cruise brand and we are renowned for our first at sea facilities. We can’t wait to be able to offer Aussies, Kiwis and our international cruise guests the chance to catch a wave onboard Voyager of the Seas after her revitalisation.”

Along with the new FlowRider, Voyager of the Seas has a host of new features and amenities including a 3D cinema, three new signature Royal Caribbean speciality dining restaurants – Chops Grille steakhouse, Giovanni’s Table and Izumi – and Australia’s first virtual balcony staterooms which show real time views of the ship’s surrounding in interior staterooms.

Ambassador Adam Wildman was on holiday in 2009 onboard Voyager of the Seas’ sister ship, Freedom of the Seas, when he first tried his hand at a FlowRider and discovered his special talent. Ignoring naysayers who told him that it was not a sport, Adam has proved otherwise with outstanding results on the world stage including winning the European Flowboarding Championships, coming second in the FlowJam 2013 in Singapore, and fifth at the world titles in the USA.

“My dream is to see Flowboarding take off in Australia and I couldn’t be more excited that a Royal Caribbean ship complete with a FlowRider, which I used to have to travel to different parts of the world for, is going to be right here on our doorstep,” says Adam.

Sean Treacy, commercial director, Royal Caribbean Australia, says, “Adam is just incredible to watch on the FlowRider and we’re very pleased to have this talented Australian onboard to help us introduce Australia’s first surf experience at sea to our surf-loving nation. In the coming months, we’ll share his tips on how to master flowboarding.”

Adam’s advice to everyone who gets onboard Voyager of the Seas is “don’t be afraid – give the FlowRider a go! It’s the so much fun and one of the best experiences you can in the middle of the ocean. Like me, some of you will never want to get off.”

He entered his first competition when he was 15, placing fourth in the Australian Flowboarding Championship in 2010. After another trip onboard cruise ship Independence of the Seas in 2011, he was told he was good enough for the European Championships.

Wildman trained hard and worked on his tricks for the next two years, before competing in his first international competition. At FlowJam in Singapore, March 2013 he placed second in the Pro Bodyboard division. Later that year, he took first place in the European Championships, in the UK.  Later, on Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas, he practiced every day for two weeks for the World Championships which were held in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Wildman is currently fifth in the World in the Pro Bodyboard division (narrowly missing the final by 0.02 points) and he is the number one rider outside of America.

He hopes to improve his World ranking in this year’s European Championships, to be held in Holland in October, and the World Championships not too long after that.

Highlights of Voyager of the Seas’ revitalisation include features similar to those found on the cruise line's newest Quantum and Oasis class ships – including:

FlowRider

Onshore or offshore, you never have to wait for good wind conditions to catch the perfect wave on the FlowRider. Whether you surf, boogie board or wake board, test your skills on the 12 metre long surf simulator or watch others take on the challenge from the nearby stadium seating. There are also private lessons for those that want to really hone their skills.

Virtual Balconies

Interior rooms with the view of the ocean! Virtual Balconies will provide guests in selected interior staterooms with real-time sights and sounds of the sea, displayed on an 80-inch, high definition screen framed to look like a real balcony. An industry first concept from the Quantum class of ships, the Virtual Balconies onboard Voyager of the Seas will be one of only three ships to offer this unique feature.

3D Movie Theatre 

Already a huge hit on the world’s biggest ships, Allure of the Seas and Oasis of the Seas, Royal Caribbean provides the glasses and the action in the onboard 3D movie theatre – all guests have to do is sit back and prepare to be wowed as new releases from DreamWorks and other studios come to life in stunning 3D! Plus, the ship will also feature a 220-square foot outdoor movie screen by the pool which will screen movies and be used for giant video game challenges.

New Dining Options

A wide array of delectable dining options will be added to Voyager of the Seas, including fresh sushi at Izumi Japanese Cuisine, Royal Caribbean’s signature Chop’s Grille steakhouse, and Giovanni’s Table Italian trattoria. Plus, the ship’s Champagne Bar will be re-conceptualised into Royal Caribbean’s retro-chic R Bar, channelling the sophisticated 1960s era, complete with iconic furnishings and signature cocktails created by savvy mixologists. There will also be a new Diamond Lounge for Crown & Anchor guests to enjoy. 

Technology

Voyager of the Seas will have a host of up-to-the-minute technologies added including new digital signage to help guests find their way around the ship and to find out what’s happening onboard, bow-to-stern Wi-Fi service and flat panel televisions in every stateroom.

The Voyager class of ships was the first to introduce the active cruise holiday and the ship will retain popular features such as the iconic ice-skating rink, rock-climbing wall, a full-size basketball and sports court, and the Royal Promenade – an interior boulevard that runs nearly the length of the ship flanked by restaurants, lounges and boutiques where spectacular parades and evening dance parties are held.

During the 2014/2015 Australia & New Zealand cruise season Voyager of the Seas she will sail on popular itineraries around Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific. Fares start from just AU$1,599* per person on her 14-night repositioning cruise, departing from Singapore on 25^th November, 2014.

Alison Carmichael-Rulten

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