July 4, 2024 – Episode 93
The Surreal Experience Of The Blue Lagoon In Iceland
It’s one of the most popular shore excursions when a cruise ship docks in Reykjavík, Iceland. An experience unlike any other, the Blue Lagoon is a bucket list item for many cruise passengers. In episode 93 of the vlog from our September 2022 cruise on the Royal Caribbean ship Voyager of the Seas, our coach from the ship has arrived at the Blue Lagoon.
June 27, 2024 – Episode 92
The Shore Excursion Adventure To The Blue Lagoon In Reykjavík Iceland
When we were planning this 14-night cruise on the Voyager of the Seas in September of 2022, the shore excursions for Reykjavík, Iceland, were of particular interest because the ship would be docked there for essentially two full days. An obvious excursion in this part of Iceland is the famous Blue Lagoon. In episode 92 of the vlog from that cruise on the Voyager of the Seas, we’re boarding the coach to head to the Lagoon.
June 20, 2024 – Episode 91
Balcony Stateroom View Of Reykjavík Iceland’s Cruise Terminal
After walking off the Voyager of the Seas when it first docked in Reykjavík, Iceland, in September of 2022 to see the city center, we had to come back to the ship to get ready for our Blue Lagoon excursion later that evening. In episode 91 of the vlog from that cruise, the view from our balcony stateroom shows that the terminal is really only suited to one cruise ship at a time.
June 13, 2024 – Episode 90
The Reykjavík Iceland Cruise Terminal
When the Voyager of the Seas arrived in Reykjavík, Iceland, in September 2022, the ship’s passengers would have almost two full days to see the city or explore the country through shore excursions. In episode 90 of the vlog from that cruise on the Voyager of the Seas, we found out the hard way that the yellow shuttle buses pulling up next to the ship don’t take you into the city center like everyone hoped they would.
June 6, 2024 – Episode 89
Icelandic Adventures: Voyager Of The Seas Docked In Reykjavík Iceland
With a steady rain falling, the Voyager of the Seas docked in Reykjavík, Iceland, in September of 2022. We were there in the city for almost two days and participated in two long shore excursions from the ship, one of which visited the famous Blue Lagoon.
May 30, 2024 – Episode 88
Watch As The Voyager Of The Seas Arrives At Reykjavik’s Skarfabakki Harbour!
With a busy day and a half in front of us, the Voyager of the Seas slowly pulled into the Skarfabakki Harbor in Reykjavík, Iceland. In episode 88 of the vlog from this September 2022 cruise on the Voyager, the view from our Deck 9 Junior Suite balcony is rather enjoyable.
May 23, 2024 – Episode 87
Docked And Loaded: Reykjavík Welcomes The Voyager Of The Seas
With a Fred Olsen ship already docked in Reykjavík, Iceland, the Voyager of the Seas pulls into port to dock at the remaining terminal space. In episode 87 of the vlog from our September 2022 cruise on the Voyager of the Seas, our second stop in Iceland awaits. We visited several locations in the southern part of the country, including the famous Blue Lagoon.
May 16, 2024 – Episode 86
Reykjavík Rainfall: An Icelandic Shower For Voyager Of The Seas
When Voyager of the Seas arrived in port in Reykjavík, Iceland, in September 2022, it was raining. A few hours later, when we got off the ship for the first time, it was still raining, but we came prepared.
May 9, 2024 – Episode 85
Calm Seas Off The Coast Of Reykjavík, Iceland
In September 2022, the Voyager of the Seas called on Reykjavík, Iceland, for two days during a 14-day Arctic Crossing Cruise that would take the ship from Copenhagen, Denmark, to Boston, Massachusetts. On the approach to Reykjavík that morning, the seas were relatively calm.
May 2, 2024 – Episode 84
Chilly Ocean Adventure: A Sea Day On The Voyager Of The Seas
On the morning of the Voyager of the Seas’ arrival into Reykjavík, Iceland, in September 2022, the fog was thick, the temperatures were cold, and the Solarium at the front of the ship was sparsely crowded as most of the passengers were indoors.
April 25, 2024 – Episode 83
Get Your Groove On With The Voyager Of The Seas Disco Party
One of the long-standing traditions on a Royal Caribbean cruise is the 70s disco party on the Promenade, which is sure to please. In episode 83 of the vlog from our September 2022 14-night Arctic Crossing Cruise on the Voyager of the Seas, that magic time arrived, and we were all transported back to the 1970s!
April 25, 2024 – Episode 83
Get Your Groove On With The Voyager Of The Seas Disco Party
One of the long-standing traditions on a Royal Caribbean cruise is the 70s disco party on the Promenade, which is sure to please. In episode 83 of the vlog from our September 2022 14-night Arctic Crossing Cruise on the Voyager of the Seas, that magic time arrived, and we were all transported back to the 1970s!
April 18, 2024 – Episode 82
Dancing On Ice: Voyager Of The Seas’ Studio B
After a great day in Akureyri, Iceland, in September 2022, we caught one of the ice shows at Studio B on the Voyager of the Seas that evening after dinner. The show was a lot of fun, with high-energy music and performances from the cast.
April 11, 2024 – Episode 81
Stunning Views Of Akureyri Iceland From A Voyager Of The Seas Balcony
From Deck 9 of the Voyager of the Seas, the view of Akureyri, Iceland, as the ship was departing in September 2022, was gorgeous. In the distance, you can see snow-covered mountains and miniature waterfalls, all part of the Icelandic landscape.
April 4, 2024 – Episode 80
Sailing Away: Voyager Of The Seas Departs From Akureyri Iceland
At the end of our port stop in Akureyri, Iceland, in September 2022, the Voyager of the Seas backed out of the cruise port, slowly turned and began heading for the next stop, Reykjavík, Iceland.
March 28, 2024 – Episode 79
Spectacular Departure: Voyager Of The Seas Sets Sail From Akureyri Iceland
Once all of the passengers were back onboard the Voyager of the Seas in Akureyri, Iceland, in September of 2022, the Captain gave the command to let go of all lines, and the ship was underway. Iceland’s amazing beauty was on full display from our Deck 9 Junior Suite balcony.
March 21, 2024 – Episode 78
The Ultimate Cruise Ship Balcony View: Voyager Of The Seas
In September 2022, while the Voyager of the Seas was still docked in Akureyri, Iceland, we spent some time on our Junior Suite balcony on Deck 9, enjoying the view of the city.
March 14, 2024 – Episode 77
Back On The Ship
After a very nice, long shore excursion in northern Iceland, we returned to the Voyager of the Seas docked in Akureyri, Iceland, in September 2022. In episode 77 of the vlog from that cruise on the Voyager, we’re back on the ship and checking out the view from our balcony.
March 7, 2024 – Episode 76
Excursion – Lava field Dimmuborgir Pt. 2
Before we returned to the Voyager of the Seas, which was docked in Akureyri, Iceland, in September 2022, our Jewels of the North shore excursion stopped at the Dimmuborgir Lava fields. This is a beautiful area with some unique landscapes.
February 29, 2024 – Episode 75
Excursion – Lava field Dimmuborgir Pt. 1
While the Voyager of the Seas was docked in Akureyri, Iceland, in September 2022, we were on the Jewels of the North shore excursion. In episode 75 of the vlog from that cruise, we’re at our last stop on the tour, the Dimmuborgir Lava Fields.
February 22, 2024 – Episode 74
Excursion – Námaskarð Pt. 3
In episode 74 of the vlog from our September 2022 cruise on the Royal Caribbean ship Voyager of the Seas, we’re still at the Námaskarð in Northern Iceland while the ship is docked in Akureyri, Iceland.
February 15, 2024 – Episode 73
Excursion – Námaskarð Pt. 2
Our Jewels of the North shore excursion from Royal Caribbean in September 2022 featured a stop at the Námaskarð in Northern Iceland. In episode 73 of the vlog from our 14-night Arctic Crossing Cruise on the Voyager of the Seas, the ship is docked in Akureyri, Iceland, while we’re out exploring an amazing natural wonder.
February 8, 2024 – Episode 72
Excursion – Námaskarð Pt. 1
While the Voyager of the Seas was docked in Akureyri, Iceland, in September of 2022, we were on a long shore excursion called the Jewels of the North. One of the stops on this excursion was the Námaskarð, a geothermal area on the mountain Námafjall in northern Iceland.
February 1, 2024 – Episode 71
Excursion – Barren Landscape
During our long Jewels of the North shore excursion from the Voyager of the Seas in September 2022, our tour stopped at a hotel in the middle of nowhere for a restroom and cafe break. The area of the hotel in this northern area of Iceland, not far from Akureyri, looked like a barren landscape.
January 25, 2024 – Episode 70
Iceland – Skútustaðagígar pseudo-craters Pt. 2
In September 2022, the Voyager of the Seas was docked in Akureyri, Iceland, during a 14-night Arctic Crossing Cruise. We decided on the shore excursion Jewels of the North, which featured a stop at the Skútustaðagígar pseudo-craters near Lake Myvatn.
January 18, 2024 – Episode 69
Iceland – Skútustaðagígar pseudo-craters Pt. 1
With the Voyager of the Seas docked in Akureyri, Iceland, in September 2022, we headed out on the Jewels of the North shore excursion. One of the stops on the tour was the Skútustaðagígar pseudo-craters. The craters were formed when lava flowed over the wetlands near Lake Myvatn.
January 11, 2024 – Episode 68
Goðafoss Pt. 2
In episode 68 of the vlog from our September 2022 14-night Arctic Crossing Cruise on the Voyager of the Seas, we’re visiting the Goðafoss waterfall located about 45 minutes away from Akureyri, Iceland.
January 4, 2024 – Episode 67
Goðafoss Pt. 1
Goðafoss is a waterfall located about 45 minutes away from Akureyri, Iceland. In episode 67 of the vlog from our September 2022 14-night Arctic Crossing Cruise on the Voyager of the Seas, we’re on a shore excursion from the ship, and our first stop is this amazing waterfall.
December 28, 2023 – Episode 66
Akureyri Iceland
On our September 2022 14-night Arctic Crossing Cruise on the Voyager of the Seas, Akureyri, Iceland, was as far north as we traveled. The northern coast of Iceland made for some amazing scenery during shore excursions from the ship.
December 21, 2023 – Episode 65
Early Morning Quiet
Early on the morning the Voyager of the Seas was approaching Akureyri, Iceland; it was eerily quiet, the ship was moving rather slowly, and the bridge crew was sounding the horn at regular intervals due to the low visibility and thick fog.
December 14, 2023 – Episode 64
Fog On The Balcony
As the Voyager of the Seas cruised toward Iceland in September 2022, the ship ran into extremely foggy conditions. Because of this, the ship was moving at a slower speed than usual and the crew were sounding the ships horn at regular intervals.
December 7, 2023 – Episode 63
Blue Nose Ceremony Pt. 2
In part two of the Blue Nose Ceremony on the Voyager of the Seas during a sea day in September 2022, the painting of noses has begun.
November 30, 2023 – Episode 62
Blue Nose Ceremony Pt. 1
On the Voyager of the Seas’s second sea day en route from Norway to Iceland in September 2022, we attended the Blue Nose ceremony by the main pool on Deck 11. While we opted not to get our noses painted blue, it was still a fun and unique experience during the cruise.
November 23, 2023 – Episode 61
Deck 10 Grand Suite
As we concluded our stateroom crawl during a sea day on the Voyager of the Seas in September 2022, a Grand Suite on Deck 10 was our final stop.
November 16, 2023 – Episode 60
Deck 10 Cabin Crawl Cont.
In episode 60 of the vlog from our September 2022 14-night Arctic Crossing Cruise on the Voyager of the Seas, we’re still on the cabin crawl, spending a lot of time on Deck 10.
November 9, 2023 – Episode 59
Deck 10 Cabin Crawl
During a sea day on a 14-night Arctic Crossing Cruise on the Voyager of the Seas, we spent some time on Deck 10 taking part in a cabin crawl. Many of the passengers on this cruise signed up for this event prior to the cruise, and it was a fun way to check out various staterooms on the ship.
November 2, 2023 – Episode 58
Deck 9 Cabin Crawl
On a sea day on the Voyager of the Seas in September 2022, we took part in a cabin crawl as the ship sailed from Norway to Iceland.
October 26, 2023 – Episode 57
Cabin Crawl Start
During our 14-night Arctic Crossing Cruise on the Voyager of the Seas in September 2022, we had seven sea days on the ship. That’s plenty of time to organize some activities with fellow passengers, and in episode 57 of the vlog from that cruise, we’re starting a cabin crawl adventure.
October 19, 2023 – Episode 56
Deck 5 Wake View
During a 14-night Arctic Crossing Cruise on the Voyager of the Seas in September 2022, we had plenty of opportunities to explore the outer decks of the ship. In episode 56 of the vlog from that cruise, I have the Insta360 camera recording as we’re walking around on Deck 5, where we stopped to check out the wake view.
October 12, 2023 – Episode 55
Walking Around Deck 5
On a cold sea day between Norway and Akureyri, Iceland, in September 2022, Deck 5 of the Voyager of the Seas provided the perfect way to casually walk around the ship, getting exercise while enjoying the view of the ocean.
October 5, 2023 – Episode 54
Helipad Conversation
During our 14-night Arctic Crossing Cruise on the Voyager of the Seas in September of 2022, we met a lot of new people. We kept running into some of these new friends over and over again, especially on the Helipad, which offers such amazing views.
September 28, 2023 – Episode 53
Helipad
During our 14-night Arctic Crossing cruise on the Voyager of the Seas in September of 2022, the Helipad came in handy on several occasions. From walking around on a sea day to our tour through the Prins Christian Sund area of Greenland, the Helipad provided amazing views of the area around the ship.
September 21, 2023 – Episode 52
Viking Crown Lounge Dance Class
While the Voyager of the Seas was en route from Norway to Iceland in September 2022, we stopped by the Viking Crown Lounge in the late morning to see what was happening. When we exited the elevator, a Latin dance class was in full swing.
September 14, 2023 – Episode 51
View From The Balcony
On our second sea day during a 14-night Arctic Crossing cruise on the Voyager of the Seas, the Royal Promenade was busy, as to be expected, the pizza was flowing at the Cafe Promenade, and the view from our balcony was the same as the day before. This was a unique cruise for us, one of those bucket list experiences where we’d get to visit countries we’d never been to before and may not ever visit again.
September 7, 2023 – Episode 50
Nighttime Entertainment
After dinner one night on the Voyager of the Seas in September 2022, we stopped by the Schooner Bar and the Star Lounge to get a drink and enjoy the performers on the ship. Afterward, we ventured out onto the running track to record some video at night.
August 31, 2023 – Episode 49
Diamond Club
During our 14-night Arctic Crossing Cruise on the Voyager of the Seas, we only spent a little time in the Diamond Club, even though it’s very nice with plenty of room. In episode 49 of the vlog from that cruise, we stopped by the Diamond Club for a minute to get some video of the interior.
August 24, 2023 – Episode 48
Star Lounge
During a long 14-night repositioning cruise on one of the smaller ships in the Royal Caribbean fleet, you become very familiar with the entertainers performing during the cruise. In the case of the Star Lounge on Deck 5, we had many opportunities to view the same band and enjoy the variety of songs they played for the passengers.
August 17, 2023 – Episode 47
Shopping For A Coat
As part of a commitment to thoroughly document all aspects of cruising, we typically record almost non-stop during a cruise, so even mundane activities like shopping for a new coat in the Royal Caribbean store are likely to show up in a vlog episode eventually. In episode 47 of the vlog from our September 2022 cruise on the Voyager of the Seas, Maria is shopping for a coat, and the Insta360 camera is capturing the experience.
August 10, 2023 – Episode 46
Pizza @ Cafe Promenade
On the Voyager class ships of Royal Caribbean, the Cafe Promenade on Deck 5 is one of our favorite venues. While not the most amazing pizza on the planet, the pizza served at Cafe Promenade on any of the ships in the Royal Caribbean fleet is consistently prepared and cooked and, in our opinion, always delicious.
August 3, 2023 – Episode 45
Crown & Anchor Event
When you’re on a long Royal Caribbean repositioning cruise with several sea days, you actively check the app for enjoyable daily activities. For our cruise in September 2022, the third day was a sea day between Norway and Iceland, and a Crown & Anchor event was scheduled for that morning, so why not.
July 27, 2023 – Episode 44
Cafe Promenade Part 2
In part 2 of our look at the Cafe Promenade on the Voyager of the Seas during a 14-night Arctic Crossing Cruise in September 2022, we had the chance to speak with an officer about the Cafe in general and how they approach the food selection throughout the day.
July 20, 2023 – Episode 43
Cafe Promenade
Because we’ve been cruising with Royal Caribbean since 2005, we’ve experienced many different classes in the Royal Caribbean fleet. Some of the newer ships in the fleet still feature a Cafe Promenade but have reduced the size and purpose given that other venues on those ships help to fill in the gaps. On the older, smaller ships like the Voyager of the Seas, Cafe Promenade is your one destination for everything from pizza to specialty coffee and just about everything in between. This one-stop-shop approach is actually something we prefer. In this video from our September 2022 repositioning cruise on the Voyager, we’ve stopped at the Cafe Promenade for a specialty coffee.
July 13, 2023 – Episode 42
Royal Promenade
The Royal Promenade on the Voyager of the Seas is a great place to shop and find unique treasures. Our cruise on the Voyager of the Seas in September 2022 was a 14-night Arctic Crossing cruise with seven sea days. With that much time on the ship, we had plenty of opportunities to stroll down the Royal Promenade and check out each store for that particular cruise souvenir.
July 6, 2023 – Episode 41
Breakfast On A Sea Day
When our next Royal Caribbean cruise is approaching on the calendar, I start remembering the cruise buffet in the Windjammer. It’s one of our favorite rites of passage on a Royal Caribbean cruise and a part of the ship we invariably spend a lot of time in. In this vlog episode from a repositioning cruise on the Voyager of the Seas, I’m recording some of the food with my new 360 camera before fixing a big plate for breakfast.
June 29, 2023 – Episode 40
On To The Tavern
In this vlog episode from our September 2022 cruise on the Voyager of the Seas, it’s a sea day, and while the ship is headed from Norway to Iceland, we’re taking part in a poker pub crawl that has moved from the Solarium Bar to the Tavern.
June 22, 2023 – Episode 39
Where Are You From?
We’re participating in a poker pub crawl on day 3 of our 14-night Arctic Crossing Cruise on the Voyager of the Seas. Here in the video, we’ve stopped at the Solarium Bar and, to get to know each other started playing the game of where are you from.
June 15, 2023 – Episode 38
Moving To The Solarium Bar
Day 3 of our Arctic Crossing Cruise on the Voyager of the Seas in September 2022 was a sea day while the ship traveled from Norway to Iceland. To keep ourselves busy, we participated in a poker pub crawl that had been arranged pre-cruise in a Facebook group. In the video, we’re moving the crawl up to the Solarium Bar.
June 8, 2023 – Episode 37
Everyone To The Pool Bar
On the Voyager of the Seas during our 14-night Arctic Crossing cruise in September 2022, the pool bar was the perfect place to gather and get to know each other for a kick-off event on embarkation day. It had a great atmosphere, and whether you were looking to relax with a refreshing drink or converse with fellow passengers, the pool bar was the place to be.
June 1, 2023 – Episode 36
Start Of The Poker Pub Crawl
During our September 2022 cruise on the Voyager of the Seas, one of the activities we arranged ahead of time was a poker pub crawl. It was a great way to explore the ship and meet new people while enjoying some friendly competition. We had a blast hopping from place to place on the ship, trying our luck and sipping on delicious drinks. The atmosphere was lively, and the staff were all so friendly and accommodating. It was a memorable experience and the first time we’d taken part in something like this during a cruise.
May 25, 2023 – Episode 35
Everyone’s In The Pub
Hello from the Voyager of the Seas! In this video from our September 2022 14-night Arctic Crossing cruise, we’re hanging out at a really cool pub on the ship taking part in a poker pub crawl. The atmosphere was great and we met so many interesting people. Definitely one of the highlights of our cruise!
May 18, 2023 – Episode 34
Cruise Planning Via Facebook
For our September 2022 cruise on the Voyager of the Seas, one of the more experienced passengers created a Facebook group many months before the cruise. As fellow passengers joined the group, it was utilized to gather information and plan the cruise. Everyone shared advice, tips, and recommendations based on their own cruising experience. The group was also used to coordinate activities during the cruise, such as a poker pub crawl and stateroom crawl.
May 11, 2023 – Episode 33
Meet The Officers
At Oakland Travel, we try to present ALL aspects of cruising and traveling, not just a single video summary. In episode 33 of the vlog from our September 2022 14-night Arctic Crossing Cruise on the Voyager of the Seas, we’re in the Royal Theater attending a presentation for the Crown & Anchor Society where many of the ship’s officers are introduced to the passengers.
May 4, 2023 – Episode 32
Show In The Royal Theater
During our 14-night Arctic Crossing cruise on the Voyager of the Seas in September 2022, we saw several amazing shows in the Royal Theater. In episode 32 of the vlog from that cruise, we start out on the Royal Promenade before moving into the Theater to catch a unique show filled with a variety of stunts and performances.
April 27, 2023 – Episode 31
Passing The Kristiansand Lighthouse
As the Voyager of the Seas sailed away from Kristiansand Norway in September 2022, it passed a small lighthouse on one of the little islands just outside of the cruise port. In episode 31 of the vlog from that 14-night Arctic Crossing cruise on the Voyager of the Seas, we’re on our Jr. Suite balcony enjoying the view as we sail to Iceland.
April 20, 2023 – Episode 30
Here Comes The LOS
As the Voyager of the Seas was heading out to the open sea from Kristiansand Norway in early September 2022, the LOS pulled up alongside the ship. In episode 30 of the vlog from our 14-night Arctic Crossing Cruise on the Voyager of the Seas, we’re watching from our Jr. Suite balcony as the LOS picks up the pilot and heads back to shore.
April 13, 2023 – Episode 29
Goodbye Kristiansand
As the Voyager of the Seas sails away from Kristiansand Norway, we see several small islands just offshore. In episode 29 of the vlog from our September 2022 14-night Arctic Crossing Cruise on the Voyager of the Seas, we’re enjoying our Junior Suite balcony as the ship sails to Iceland, our next port of call.
April 6, 2023 – Episode 28
Pushing Away From Kristiansand
In episode 28 of the vlog from our September 2022 14-night Arctic Crossing Cruise on the Voyager of the Seas, it was timing to say goodbye to Kristiansand Norway as the ship dropped the lines and began the journey to Iceland, our next stop on the cruise.
March 30, 2023 – Episode 27
Back On The Ship After Kristiansand Norway
After a full day in beautiful Kristiansand Norway, it was time for us to head to Iceland, our next port of call on a 14-night Arctic Crossing Cruising in September 2022. In episode 27 of the vlog from that cruise, we return to the port after our excursion to the Hunsfos Brewery and watch from our oceanview balcony as they drop the lines.
March 23, 2023 – Episode 26
Kristiansand Norway – Hunsfos Brewery
On our 14-night Arctic Crossing Cruise on the Voyager of the Seas in September 2022, Kristiansand Norway was our first port stop. In episode 26 of the vlog from that cruise, we’re on our second cruise excursion of the day and we’re visiting the Hunsfos Brewery.
March 16, 2023 – Episode 25
Kristiansand Norway – Passing Under The Slow Bridge
While the Voyager of the Seas was docked in Kristiansand Norway, we were off the ship on two different shore excursions. In episode 25 of the vlog from our September 2022 cruise on the Voyager of the Seas, we’re heading back to the ship and passing under the slow bridge.
March 9, 2023 – Episode 24
Kristiansand Norway Drone Footage
One of the best reasons to own a small personal drone is to bring it with you on a cruise. In episode 24 of the vlog from our September 2022 cruise on the Voyager of the Seas, we’re docked in Kristiansand Norway and I found the perfect place to operate my drone to capture some great video of this beautiful city.
March 2, 2023 – Episode 23
Cruise Excursion – Kristiansand Norway – Cathedral
While the Voyager of the Seas was docked in Kristiansand Norway, we were off the ship exploring the town. In episode 23 of the vlog from our September 2022 cruise on the Voyager of the Seas, we’re by the Cathedral in Kristiansand.
February 23, 2023 – Episode 22
Cruise Excursion – Kristiansand Norway – Town Square
In episode 22 of the vlog from our September 2022 cruise on the Voyager of the Seas, we’re on a cruise excursion in Kristiansand Norway visiting the town square.
February 16, 2023 – Episode 21
Cruise Excursion – Kristiansand Norway – Old Town
If your travels happen to take you to Kristiansand Norway, be sure to make time for a visit to Old Town. In episode 21 of the vlog from our September 2022 cruise on the Voyager of the Seas, while the ship is docked in Kristiansand Norway, we’re walking through Old Town on a guided shore excursion from Royal Caribbean.