Delayed Departure:  Due to weather, we were notified a few days in advance that our 16 night voyage would be reduced to 15, and we needed to stay an extra day in Barcelona prior to departure (Royal Caribbean reimbursed one hotel night).  In addition, due to flooding in Valencia, Spain, we would instead visit Palma De Mallorca.

Be flexible!  After boarding, further itinerary changes were necessary.  Madeira (Funchal) Portugal was replaced with and extra day at Gran Canaria, Canary Islands.

As you can see below, lines formed outside in Barcelona and moved slowly through the boarding process.  Fortunately, the weather was pretty nice, so…after some patience, our TransAtlantic sailing could begin.

Cabin - limited choices

• #2330 - Ocean View, Starboard, mid- to rear, near rear elevators
• After starting this trip with an eastbound TransAtlantic voyage on the Adventure, we knew what to expect on this ship (of the same class); the ship had so much to offer that the cabin was not going to be a highlight anyway - no complaints, but as I researched this review, I didn’t find any photographs of the cabin.  A safe assumption is that we chose economical, to better manage a month-long trip, with our four days between ships spent in Lisbon and Barcelona.
• The second deck does not run the length of the ship.  If you take the forward elevator down, you need to walk up to deck three to reach the cabins from mid-ship to rear.

Entertainment

There were many choices, on a daily basis.  With 8 sea days, that’s important.  We are rarely bored on a cruise, even the lengthy ones.  But it was nice to know that we had options which varied throughout.  Here are some highlights:

• On night one, a couple from Ukraine performed ballet and more; they were tagged “Duo Art Motion.”
• Frankie and the Dreamers were featured on the third and fifth nights (i.e., a very professional rendering of Frankie Vallie and the Four Seasons’ songs and choreography.
• The Ice Spectacular was held on nights 7, 10 and 11.  It was full when we attended, and worth the effort to arrive early for better seats.
• In addition, there was a hypnotist, a man of man voice impressions, a magician and a juggling act.  Several musical acts were also available - from 50s/60s to Hits from Brits.
• As is typical, near the end of the trip, the Adult Scavenger Hunt “Quest” was held.

Children and Families

As is typical for a TransAtlantic cruise of about two full weeks, during the normal school schedule, this voyage appealed to an older crowd, traveling with few children.  Most days the temperature was in the 60s, with low 70s as we approached Florida.  Those who want to soak up the sun are not deterred by a few clouds, but that was not the main activity.  The Voyager offers the following options, weather cooperating:

• FlowRider Surf Simulator
• Rock Climbing Wall
• Outdoor Movie Screen
• Ice Skating Rink (indoors)

Ports

Mallorca - The cruise terminal 3.5 miles from the city center, walkable if you need over an hour of exercise.  Shuttle buses (private) are available for 10 euros cash, departing every 30 minutes for the slow drive of about 30 minutes, with a drop off close to the a cathedral - La Seu, a gothic structure.  Also of interest - the Royal Palace of La Almudaina.

Cartagena - an historic port city, very walkable from the ship, with a Main Street lined with shops, restaurants and historic buildings.  We enjoyed a slightly wet visit, stopping at shops and checking out the architecture during our brief stay.  Photos below:

Malaga - The ship docks about 2 miles (30-40 minutes walk) from the center city.  Once there, most of the main tourist attractions are close.  Local operators can provide round-trip shuttles for 5 euros cash (in 2024).  Also, taxis are available.  Places of interest include a Roman Theatre, Malaga Cathedral, a castle, a Picasso museum and more.  (We visited the Picasso museum on a prior trip - tip:  go online even as you wait outside the museum, to purchase a discounted ticket and avoid the wait.)

Gran Canaria, Canary Islands - We enjoyed our 2-day visit, despite missing a stop in Madeira (Funchal), Portugal.  The two days gave  us a chance to relax, and return to see more of things we might normally see once, on a brisk walk.  There was an air-conditioned mall which offered a chance to cool down (from the advertised 70 degrees, which felt warmer).  We ate lunch at a sidewalk cafe and enjoyed a walk along the water (funny how that’s still fun, after spending so much time ON the water).  We loved the night view of the port city, too.  On the second day, we took a taxi a few miles to the Triana District and wandered around the square/piazza.  Our visit was on a weekend, and the area was notably uncrowded, with few open shops on Sunday.

Tenerife, Canary Islands - The ship docks about 30 minutes walk to downtown.  There is a complimentary shuttle, which was neither convenient nor comfortable.  This is not a port I would expect to visit again; I might stretch my land-legs, or just remain aboard.