Hi all, just got back from Voyager cruise. Will post a review later.

But for now, thought I would open up a controversial topic. We took just 3 "free" excursions on this trip, and all were in some way or another of lesser quality or organization than previously.

I think upon reflection that we'd rather pay something. Previously we did some "concierge selection" excursions that were wonderful, but even the "ordinary excursions" were in general better than we experienced this trip.

1. Salvador. Good guide, nice tour, bus not totally full (about 2/3). But...there were about 12 buses full of people doing this single excursion. All the same. So we were constantly bumping into other groups in a very crowded little group of beautiful baroque churches. Why could they have not staggered these tours or provided more of a variety?

2. Barbados. Catamaran with snorkel turtle-viewing, then some beach time. Huge cat, with about 40 people on it--should have been 25. Very crowded in the water to view the turtles. Beach time on a public beach with other boats and people. Nasty rude captain, tried to turn us geriatrics into a party boat, partly succeeded with loud music. No pretense of sailing other than a bit of jib. Horrible bus to get us there. We have done marvellous similar trips in the past, way better than this.

3. San Juan. Good tour guide, nice little bus, only about 15. Bacardi distillery tour--not worth it, done lots better. City tour, very nice. So all in all, not bad, chosen because we didn't want to be energetic that day and hike through the rainforest.