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Royal Caribbean International’s New Generation of Megaships to Set Sail in Europe in 2008

February 27th, 2007    Subscribe To Our Feed

Royal Caribbean International today announced plans to deploy Independence of the Seas - the third in its new Freedom class of ships - in the United Kingdom, when she debuts in May 2008. Sharing the title of the largest, most innovative cruise ship in the world with sister ships, Freedom of the Seas and the soon-to-be-launched Liberty of the Seas, Independence of the Seas will be the largest ship ever to be home-ported in Europe.

“This significant step is part of the company’s strategy of international business development and expansion into emerging and high-growth cruise markets,” said Richard Fain, chairman and chief executive officer of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., at a press conference in London today. “We have already seen tremendous growth of the cruise industry in Europe. This year, 21 percent of the capacity of our three brands combined - Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Pullmantur - will be in this market. Bringing this new generation of megaships to the United Kingdom will further develop our global operations and reinforce cruising as an enticing vacation option for travelers to the region.”

Currently under construction in Aker Yards in Turku, Finland, Independence of the Seas will be delivered to Royal Caribbean in May 2008 and will feature the line’s signature innovations including the FlowRider(R) surf simulator, the H2O Zone water park, an ice-skating rink, a rock-climbing wall and a boxing ring. The 3,634-guest cruise ship will sail the 2008 summer season from Southampton, United Kingdom.

“Our decision to base the newest and most exciting ship in Southampton will offer our guests an easy, convenient and affordable way to see several legendary European landmarks and exotic destinations without having to repeatedly unpack their suitcases,” said Adam Goldstein, president, Royal Caribbean International. “The amenities available onboard Independence of the Seas will give a fresh face to cruising in the market providing guests with a variety of options to create their own unique adventure.”

Following a series of preview sailings in Oslo, Norway; Hamburg, Germany; and Southampton, U.K., Independence will embark on her maiden voyage in mid- May 2008, alternating 14-night ‘Mediterranean Treasures’ and ‘Italian Mediterranean’ itineraries. Ports of call for the ‘Mediterranean Treasures’ itinerary include Gibraltar, UK; Barcelona, Spain; Nice, France; Florence/Pisa, Italy; Sardinia, Italy; Lisbon, Portugal; and Malaga and Vigo, Spain. Guests on the ‘Italian Mediterranean’ cruises will experience the destinations of Gibraltar; Cannes/Monte Carlo, France; Florence/Pisa, Rome and Sardinia in Italy; Seville and Vigo, Spain; and Lisbon, Portugal.

Guests can also enjoy two four-night getaways from Southhampton to Cork, Ireland and St. Peter Port in the Channel Islands. Three 11-night Canary Islands itineraries, also roundtrip from Southampton, will round out the fall season, calling in Madeira, Portugal; Tenerife, Canary Islands; Las Palmas, Gran Canaria; Lanzarote, Canary Islands; and Vigo, Spain. Independence then heads to the Americas for a series of warm weather Eastern and Western Caribbean sailings, roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Bookings for the European itineraries will be open for sale on March 14.

Independence of the Seas will join a long list of Royal Caribbean ships in Europe. In the summer of 2007, six ships - the highest number ever for the cruise line - will sail European itineraries stopping in 63 ports of call in Europe alone. Navigator of the Seas and Jewel of the Seas will sail from Southampton and Harwich, England, respectively. In Spain, Voyager of the Seas and Brilliance of the Seas will be Barcelona-based. Legend of the Seas will homeport in Rome and Splendour of the Seas will sail from Venice, Italy.

Royal Caribbean International is a global cruise brand with 20 ships currently in service and three under construction. Liberty of the Seas, the cruise line’s newest ship which debuts in May 2007, will share the title of largest cruise ship at sea with sister-ship Freedom of the Seas. At 160,000 GRT with a capacity of 3,634 guests double-occupancy, Liberty of the Seas will sail alternating Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries from Miami. The line also offers unique land-tour vacations in Alaska, Canada, Europe, Australia and New Zealand through its cruisetour division.

Royal Caribbean Cruises to Hawaii

February 27th, 2007    Subscribe To Our Feed

Have you always wanted to see Hawaii? What better way to see it than Royal Caribbean Cruises to Hawaii? In addition to having the luxury of a cruise ship to return to at night, you will have the full benefit of the beautiful islands. You get the whole Hawaii experience. You will get to explore Maui’s waterfalls, Hawaii’s rain forests, and Oahu’s volcano’s. If that isn’t enough take some time to snorkel with dolphins, watch acrobatic Hawaiian surfers, and even experience the shoreline on horseback. And a hike across Hawaii’s spectacular lava fields will add some adventure to the package.

Each of the islands has its own adventures to offer. Oahu is nicknamed “The Gathering Place” because although it is the third largest of the islands, it is the most populous. This is the island where you will find Diamond Head Crater in Waikiki. Maui is the second largest of the islands and hosts the largest dormant volcano in the world. Kauai, the oldest and fourth largest, is known as “The Garden Isle”. It is one of the wettest spots on earth due to an average rainfall of 460 inches a year. It offers lush rainforest and snorkeling. Hawaii is the largest of the islands, and features Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

Royal Caribbean Cruises has an excellent website. You will find information on what to pack and details of the Cruising experience. Some memories in life we have the ability to create for ourselves: Royal Caribbean Cruises to Hawaii will help you do so.

Royal Caribbean Cruises to Mexico

February 24th, 2007    Subscribe To Our Feed

If you enjoy warm climates and sunny beaches but want something with just a little adventure, Royal Caribbean Cruises to Mexico might be perfect for you.

Did you know there are rainforests in Mexico? You will also find an undersea garden in Catalina. Ensenada offers a glimpse into the art of wine making. There is more than you might imagine, and of course all the things to you expect including spicy food, snorkeling, and white-sand beaches.

Baja is an entire peninsula waiting to be discovered. In the summer fishing and diving are a favorite. January through March is the season for whale watching. February and March bring the Carnival. If shopping is something you enjoy the bargains you can find in the many shops and markets will delight you. And of course sailing, surfing and swimming are standard leisure activities.

Further south is the Mexican Riviera. You can explore jungles, visit plantations, or search for whales. Most of this coast was made up of small fishing villages until the 1920’s when a new road system helped to bring in the tourist industry. Soon luxury hotels were built in Acapulco and Puerto Vallarta In the 1960’s Elizabeth Taylor bought a seaside villa in Puerto Vallarta after filming “Night of the Iguana” and brought international fame to the area.

Royal Caribbean Cruises offers you the opportunity to take the vacation of your dreams. Get away from it all and create lasting memories with Royal Caribbean Cruises. If you long for the dream vacation, Royal Caribbean Cruises can take you there.

Royal Caribbean Cruises to Alaska

February 19th, 2007    Subscribe To Our Feed

If you like the idea of taking a cruise, but the tropical scene just isn’t your thing you should check out the Royal Caribbean Cruises to Alaska. These cruises offer the best of both worlds: the luxury and comfort of a cruise vacation and the adventure of the outdoors in a land tour. After the outrageous scenery and the sight of a cruise liner, you will never want to set foot in a theme park again.

Royal Caribbean Cruises to Alaska offer a choice to take the land tour before the cruise or after. The land tour offers just about everything you could imagine. A scenic train ride, hiking, helicopter trips over the ice fields, mountain-bike tours, and of course dogsled rides.

Juneau is the featured city on the Tour. Juneau is located on the southern panhandle of Alaska. Inter-coastal waterways, rainforests, mountains, and glaciers surround it. In 1880 the discovery of gold lead to the development of Juneau, and in 1900 it became the capital of Alaska. In addition to the beauty of the city a rich variety of wild life including whales, bears, and salmon are natural attractions.

You won’t want to miss Hubbard Glacier. This glacier is very active and continues to grow at an amazing rate. Its size is almost incomprehensible as it stretches 76 miles to the sea, just north of Yakutat in Disenchantment Bay. It is the largest tidewater glacier in America.

Royal Caribbean Cruises has an excellent website. You will find information on what to pack and details of the Cruising experience. Some memories in life we have no control over, but Royal Caribbean Cruises to Alaska will allow you to create a fantastic memory to treasure.

For more information or to book your cruise to Alaska, visit Cruise Direct.

A Caribbean Cruise - The Adventure Vacation Of A Lifetime

February 14th, 2007    Subscribe To Our Feed

The Caribbean is such a beautiful part of the world, with many exciting places to see, the calypso culture to discover and fun activities to take part in. All of that contribute to make a Caribbean cruise possibly the adventure vacation of a lifetime for you. This is your chance to have that all inclusive getaway you have always dreamt about.

There are many activities to do while on a Caribbean cruise. A cruise ship is much like a floating city. With entertainment, sports, shopping, dining, casinos all onboard. Many Caribbean cruises offer entertainment from Broadway style shows to the latest comedy acts to many styles of music. Some cruises are even themed for certain crowds. There are family cruises, singles cruises, and even religious cruises.

If you aren’t taking in a show, you can enjoy fine dining, bars and lounges while on this floating city.  After you have indulged, you can exercise in gyms and go swimming in a pool. Some Caribbean cruise lines offer rock climbing walls, golf and other specialty sports.

On board the ship, you may find shops, casinos, spas and more. The ways to pamper yourself may seem endless while you are on a Caribbean cruise. Most popular cruise lines offer programs for the children as well so that the whole family can enjoy the vacation.

A cruise is not just a floating adventure. The cruise ship will stop at various ports of call. While on shore, you will have the opportunity to explore some very exotic destinations. Your Caribbean cruise may stop in Jamaica, Mexico, the Bahamas, Puerto Rico, Barbados, Belize, Aruba and more. Perhaps you will try scuba diving, or para-sailing. Maybe you will travel to the markets and shop for local crafts and try some of the local foods. Perhaps you will travel off the beaten trail and go sightseeing. Most Caribbean cruise lines will offer you many choices to suit you own tastes and sense of adventure.

The cost for a Caribbean cruise will vary. Many times there are special offers available. Cruises are available for short durations (a three or four day weekend) to longer vacations - even up to 14 nights. There are also many room options available which will also affect the cost of your Caribbean cruise. Some rooms will give you a view of the ocean, while other rooms are in the interior of the cruise ship. Just as in first class hotels, cruise ships also offer special suites as well as more traditional rooms.

A Caribbean cruise may be just the vacation you have been looking for. It will certainly be a vacation that you will not soon forget.

Cruising - Not Just for Grown-Ups

February 12th, 2007    Subscribe To Our Feed

As it is the case with other service providers, kids are more and more targeted by cruise lines. That should be all right with parents, because taking your kids on a cruise is a comfortable way to travel to remote and exotic destinations. Add to that the possibility of saving money, and you’ve got an offer you can’t resist.

There are many advantages to choosing a cruise that will cater to your children’s needs. For one, kids can’t get lost, you’ll always know they are somewhere on the ship. That “somewhere” can be quite precise if the ship offers beepers for you and your kids so that you can keep track of each other. Furthermore, if there are special programs for kids onboard the ship, you can find time to enjoy yourself in the company of other adults while your child is having fun and playing with newly found friends of their own age in the secure environment provided by the ship. Youth counselors will also be there to make sure your kids are having a good time.

Not all cruise lines cater to children’s needs, however, so you should make inquiries before you book a cruise. Ask if there are any age restrictions and find out if you might get a discount for your children. You might even find a special offer that will give your kids the chance to travel for free. That’s not an opportunity you’d want to miss, so it’s worth the research. Ask whether there are cribs or beds available for your little cruisers, and get information regarding the size of the cabins, so that you’ll know if you have to book one cabin or two adjoining ones. It’s also good to know if there are any restaurant options, such as special menus for kids or special dining hours for families with children.

Also, ask if there are any activities on board that are designed to entertain the kids. After all, it has to be a pleasant experience for them too, not just a comfortable and economical solution for you. You might find a cruise line that offers such amenities as, for instance, a special swimming pool for kids, and has lifeguards specifically focusing on the children. Check the availability of youth counselors and babysitting services - and the possible extra fees for the latter. If you do want to take a break from the kids so that you can enjoy other activities, you’ll want to know you don’t have to worry about their safety.

One more thing you should consider is that, if you want to take advantage of the above mentioned advantages, the best thing to do is to plan your cruise a long time in advance. Most cruise lines with special offers for kids will be booked up during school holidays, so you shouldn’t wait until the last minute - in fact, you might have to book it up to a year in advance. This might seem a bit stressful and complicated, but when you finally set sails, you won’t regret taking the trouble to do the extra research and planning.

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Credits: PLRPro.com | Matteo Turchetto from italiasw.com | Andreas Viklund from andreasviklund.com