Royal caribbean international cruise line

What is it like? With all those passengers, will it seem crowded? These were among the questions we had on Feb. 3, 2001, as we flew from Philadelphia to Miami to start our 7-day cruise aboard the Voyager of the Seas, the largest cruise ship in the world!

We were greeted by Royal Caribbean International staff and put on a bus to the pier where the Voyager of the Seas was docked. Wow! She is enormous. She is 1,020 feet in length, her beam is 157 1/2 feet and she weighs 142,000 tons. She regularly carries 3,114 passengers and 778 crew.

Embarkation was smooth and within 15 minutes we were cleared and in our cabin, No. 6525 on deck 6. We had an inside cabin with two beds, table, sofa and a long bureau with large mirrors. There were plenty of drawers and good closet space. The bath was ample with lots of fluffy towels. The lighting was excellent.

We were welcomed by TV and could get all shipboard information on it as well as shows, special features and movies.

After we had lunch in the Windjammer Cafe and unpacked, we took an orientation tour of the fitness center. It is very large and had every kind of machine available. There was also a large whirlpool and spa.

Our dining assignment was in the Magic Flute restaurant. We were seated at a table of eight and quickly got acquainted. During the week we dined in several different restaurants with various specialties. There were eight places to eat, including the fancy Portofino Italian restaurant which had a 20-dollar cover charge.

There were many quiet corners to relax in on board and 11 different theme bars. The ship never seemed crowded and we never had to wait in line. The service was excellent and the staff friendly.

The Welcome Aboard show was in the La Scala Theater, which is on decks 2, 3 and 4. All seats were good.

On our first day at sea we joined the "Walk a Mile Group" on the jogging track and earned a Shipshape Dollar that could be turned in later for awards.

We also explored all l5 decks, starting with the beautiful wedding chapel at the very top and ending at the hospital on deck one. We passed several pools, and some sunworshipers were already working on their tans. That evening we enjoyed the formal Captain's Welcome Aboard party and dinner as well as an after-dinner show and comedy duo.

The next day we stopped at Labadee, Haiti, and then RCI's private island. We opted for a boat trip to Amigo island for two hours of snorkeling. That evening we went to the Studio B Ice Rink to see the ice acrobatics show.

We had been to Ocho Rios, Jamaica, many times and so stayed aboard when we came to that port call. We again toured the ship just to take pictures. The ship is a photographer's dream. There are so many venues, so much color and many works of art.

The Royal Promenade is the heartbeat of the ship with 'round-the-clock dining and entertainment offered in a festive atmosphere. There are unique storefronts and interesting street performers. One evening there was a Mardi Gras parade.

In a day at sea, we would play golf while the younger set climbed the rock wall, rollerbladed or ice-skated. The evening brought a comedy show and a not-so-newly-wed game.

When we made a port call at Cozumel, Mexico, we had time for a round of golf aboard ship before going ashore. A leisurely boat trip took us to Playa Sol, a private, beach club with kayaks, sailboats, lounge chairs, shopping for native crafts and even a small zoo! We enjoyed the warm water and beautiful beach before a nice buffet lunch was served.

That evening our steward made up the room as usual. Each night he made an animal from towels and washcloths. Once it was an elephant wearing fancy sunglasses. He also made a poodle, a monkey and an alligator! He was an excellent steward, always anticipating our needs.

Plenty of activities were offered aboard the ship each day. There are clubs for children of different age groups, each with their own counselors and activities. There is a pool with a large water slide, too. We used the final day to shop, make an ice cream cone with sprinkles, play the nickel slots and eat a last pizza.

Our week's cruise cost $699 each, double occupancy, plus airfare (we used frequent-flyer miles). You can call Royal Caribbean International in Miami, FL, at 800/327-6700.

ROSA NEFF

Roslyn, PA