Nov 28

SPLENDOUR OF THE SEAS BECOMES THE FIRST CRUISE SHIP TO FEATURE IPADS IN ALL STATEROOMS

Five-Week Bow-to-Stern Revitalization on Royal Caribbean Ship Also Brings 124 New Balcony Staterooms

MIAMI, Nov. 22, 2011 – Royal Caribbean International will mark another industry first with the introduction of iPad mobile digital devices in every stateroom onboard the newly revitalized Splendour of the Seas. The hottest tablet on the market empowers guests with an additional medium by which to receive, retrieve and use information on their cruise vacation. With a touch of the screen, guests will be able to access the daily Cruise Compass of events and activities; personal daily itineraries, including shore excursions; monitor their onboard account; order room service; view restaurant menus; access the internet; and watch movies. The iPads will be available beginning mid-February 2012 on Splendour of the Seas before being extended to all Vision-class ships when each undergoes revitalization in the following two years.

“Based on consumer research, we added the iPads to greatly enhance guest communication, interactivity and to continue to offer industry leading technology that helps enhance the guest experience,” said Lisa Bauer, senior vice president, Hotel Operations, Royal Caribbean International. “This is just one of the many exciting ways that Royal Caribbean continues to provide our guests with the ultimate cruise experience.”

The iPads, which will feature English and Portuguese when they debut on Splendour of the Seas, will offer guests the opportunity to access all of their information not only from the comfort of their staterooms, but through the pervasive WIFI also being installed throughout the ship, which will enable guests to enjoy the iPads wherever they go onboard.

In addition to the iPads, Splendour of the Seas, which emerges from dry dock on Nov. 25, 2011, also will have an array of new stateroom amenities such as flat screen televisions, new bathrooms, and completely remodeled interiors, including luxurious new linens and furniture, as well as an additional 124 balconies. The ship also will be outfitted with the award-winning digital wayfinding technology that can be found on the line’s acclaimed Oasis-class ships.

The newly revitalized Splendour also will debut new dining options including the Asian Izumi restaurant; the line’s signature steakhouse, Chops Grille; the Boardwalk Dog House hotdog counter; the Park Café deli-style restaurant; and the exclusive Chef’s Table dining experience. Royal Caribbean also will introduce a new à la carte menu in the Viking Crown Lounge that will offer guests the opportunity to enjoy bite sized portions of their favorite classics. Additional Royal Caribbean signature innovations debuting on the ship will be the Royal Babies and Tots Nursery, a Diamond lounge, a Concierge Lounge, a Britto Gallery featuring works from Brazilian pop-artist Romero Britto, the new R-Bar as well as a reinvented Centrum experience.

Upon completion of the refurbishments, Splendour of the Seas will sail a trans-Atlantic voyage on November 25 from Lisbon, Portugal to her seasonal homeport of Sao Paulo (Santos), Brazil. From there, she will offer a variety of South American itineraries that take advantage of the summer season in Brazil

Nov 28

Splendour Dry Dock: New Balconies, Technology and Luxury

Nov 24

Happy Thanksgiving!

Nov 22

St. Maarten’s Extreme Airport: A Caribbean Paradise for Thrill Seekers, Aviation Enthusiasts – ABC News

After the long flight to a Caribbean paradise, most tourists can’t wait to get away from the airport — except on the island of St. Maarten, where the airport is the main attraction.

No place in the world can people get so close to planes that they can almost touch the fuselage as the planes fly over the beach and come in for a landing at the Princess Juliana International Airport — a thin, two-lane highway separates the beach from the runway. Thrill seekers and aviation enthusiasts flock to the tiny half-Dutch/half-French island to sunbath in the shadow of a jumbo jet.

Near the end of the runway, the Sunset Bar and Grill is packed with people. Each morning, they write the flight schedule on a surf board and broadcast air traffic control instead of music. All day, the planes land and crowds rush to the beach, beer in one hand, camera in the other.

But that’s only half the thrill. Every flight that lands, takes off, and that’s a real danger. The massive jet engines can easily produce winds of more than 100 mph, blowing people and sand into the water.

The “Jet Blast” is celebrated with its own shot at the Sunset Bar, and some of the folks who get behind the engines seem to have had a few. It’s the one Caribbean island where the most exhilarating part of the trip happens before you leave the airport.

Nov 22

Splendour of the Seas Becomes the First Cruise Ship to Feature iPads in All Staterooms

MIAMI, Nov. 22, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Royal Caribbean International will mark another industry first with the introduction of iPad mobile digital devices in every stateroom onboard the newly revitalized Splendour of the Seas. The hottest tablet on the market empowers guests with an additional medium by which to receive, retrieve and use information on their cruise vacation. With a touch of the screen, guests will be able to access the daily Cruise Compass of events and activities; personal daily itineraries, including shore excursions; monitor their onboard account; order room service; view restaurant menus; access the internet; and watch movies. The iPads will be available beginning mid-February 2012 on Splendour of the Seas before being extended to all Vision-class ships when each undergoes revitalization in the following two years.

“Based on consumer research, we added the iPads to greatly enhance guest communication, interactivity and to continue to offer industry leading technology that helps enhance the guest experience,” said Lisa Bauer, senior vice president, Hotel Operations, Royal Caribbean International. “This is just one of the many exciting ways that Royal Caribbean continues to provide our guests with the ultimate cruise experience.”

The iPads, which will feature English and Portuguese when they debut on Splendour of the Seas, will offer guests the opportunity to access all of their information not only from the comfort of their staterooms, but through the pervasive WIFI also being installed throughout the ship, will enable guests to enjoy the iPads wherever they go onboard.

In addition to the iPads, Splendour of the Seas, which emerges from dry dock on Nov. 25, 2011, also will have an array of new stateroom amenities such as flat screen televisions, new bathrooms, and completely remodeled interiors, including luxurious new linens and furniture, as well as an additional 124 balconies. The ship also will be outfitted with the award-winning digital wayfinding technology that can be found on the line’s acclaimed Oasis-class ships.

The newly revitalized Splendour also will debut new dining options including the Asian Izumi restaurant; the line’s signature steakhouse, Chops Grille; the Boardwalk Dog House hotdog counter; the Park Cafe deli-style restaurant; and the exclusive Chef’s Table dining experience. Royal Caribbean also will introduce a new a la carte menu in the Viking Crown Lounge that will offer guests the opportunity to enjoy bite sized portions of their favorite classics. Additional Royal Caribbean signature innovations debuting on the ship will be the Royal Babies and Tots Nursery, a Diamond lounge, a Concierge Lounge, a Britto Gallery featuring works from Brazilian pop-artist Romero Britto, the new R-Bar as well as a reinvented Centrum experience.

Upon completion of the refurbishments, Splendour of the Seas will sail a trans-Atlantic voyage on November 25 from Lisbon, Portugal to her seasonal homeport of Sao Paulo (Santos), Brazil. From there, she will offer a variety of South American itineraries that take advantage of the summer season in Brazil.

Royal Caribbean International is a global cruise brand with 22 innovative ships, calling on more than 270 destinations in 72 countries across six continents. The line also offers unique cruise tour land packages in Alaska, Canada, Dubai, Europe, and Australia and New Zealand.

Royal Caribbean provides a world-class vacation experience with a wide range of signature onboard amenities, entertainment, and award-winning family programming. The cruise line has a 40-year history of giving guests the Royal Advantage – the most innovative cruise ships, exciting itineraries to popular destinations, and world-renowned friendly and engaging Gold Anchor Service. Royal Caribbean has been voted “Best Cruise Line Overall” for eight consecutive years in the Travel Weekly Readers’ Choice Awards. For additional information or to make reservations, call your travel agent, visit www.RoyalCaribbean.com or call (800) ROYAL-CARIBBEAN. Follow Royal Caribbean on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/RoyalCaribbean or on Twitter, @RoyalCaribbean. Travel professionals should visit www.cruisingpower.com or call (800) 327-2056.

Royal Caribbean International is part of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE/OSX: RCL), a global cruise vacation company that also operates Celebrity Cruises, Azamara Club Cruises, Pullmantur, CDF Croisieres de France, as well as TUI Cruises through a 50 percent joint venture with TUI AG. The company owns a combined total of 40 ships and has one under construction and one under agreement.

Nov 21

Martina McBride Helps Royal Caribbean International Celebrate the Cruise Line’s Return to New Orleans

NEW ORLEANS, Nov. 21, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Royal Caribbean International celebrated the arrival of Voyager of the Seas into New Orleans with an exclusive performance by country music star Martina McBride. The four-time CMA award-winner treated guests to selections from her recently released album, Eleven, as well as some of her most popular hits.

Royal Caribbean International is a global cruise brand with 22 innovative ships, calling on more than 270 destinations in 72 countries across six continents. The line also offers unique cruise tour land packages in Alaska, Canada, Dubai, Europe, and Australia and New Zealand.

Royal Caribbean provides a world-class vacation experience with a wide range of signature onboard amenities, entertainment, and award-winning family programming. The cruise line has a 40-year history of giving guests the Royal Advantage – the most innovative cruise ships, exciting itineraries to popular destinations, and world-renowned friendly and engaging Gold Anchor Service.

Royal Caribbean has been voted “Best Cruise Line Overall” for eight consecutive years in Travel Weekly Readers’ Choice Awards. For additional information or to make reservations, call your travel agent, visit www.royalcaribbean.com or call (800) ROYAL-CARIBBEAN. Follow Royal Caribbean on Facebook at www.facebook.com/royalcaribbean or on Twitter, @royalcaribbean. Travel professionals should visit www.cruisingpower.com or call (800) 327-2056.

Nov 20

ROYAL CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL’S ALLURE OF THE SEAS MAKES BIG SCREEN DEBUT IN HAPPY MADISON’S “JACK AND JILL”

MIAMI, November 11, 2011 – What better way to spend the holidays than on a cruise? On Nov. 11, 2011, the ultimate family cruise vacation will set sail with the anticipated premiere of Columbia Pictures’ newest comedy film “Jack and Jill,” the story of Jack Sadelstein (Adam Sandler), a successful advertising executive who dreads one event each year: the Thanksgiving visit of his identical twin sister Jill (also Adam Sandler). Along with his wife, Erin (played by Katie Holmes) and kids, Jack brings his sister Jill on a holiday cruise vacation aboard Royal Caribbean International’s Allure of the Seas, one of the world’s two largest and most revolutionary cruise ships. Once onboard, a mix of sibling rivalry and Jack’s attempts to set his twin up with Al Pacino (played by himself), who takes a surprising interest in Jill, leads to chaos and calamity.
Scenes for the movie, which was written and produced by Adam Sandler and directed by Dennis Dugan, were filmed aboard Allure of the Seas last November during the ship’s pre-inaugural celebrations. Moviegoers just might be inspired to take their own family cruise vacation after watching the activities and antics Jack and Jill participate in while onboard – especially when it results in a surprising bonding experience for the unlikely twins. From enjoying the ship’s variety of restaurants and dining options, to one-upping each other in the pool or during a match of double-dutch, audiences will catch a glimpse of all that a family vacation with Royal Caribbean can offer.
“Allure of the Seas provided a very unique movie backdrop for the cast and crew of “Jack and Jill,” said Betsy O’Rourke, senior vice president, Marketing, Royal Caribbean International. “The film production added an extra layer of excitement to our successful launch and we were thrilled to be able to showcase our largest and most innovative ship and some of her many offerings.”
Consumers will have the opportunity to win a “Jack and Jill” inspired cruise vacation on Allure of the Seas by visiting the line’s Facebook page at http://tinyurl.com/8xpegr6 from November 11 through December 7. “Jack and Jill” opens in theaters nationwide on Friday, November 11. The film trailer and exclusive behind the scenes footage is available on Royal Caribbean’s website and YouTube channel, www.youtube.com/royalcaribbeanintl.
Allure of the Seas shares the title of the world’s largest and most revolutionary cruise ship with sister-ship Oasis of the Seas. With a cache of distinct new onboard activities and amenities, Allure of the Seas offers one-of-a-kindentertainment performances, culinary concepts, retail venues and technology innovations. An architectural marvel at sea, Allure’s neighborhoods are divided into seven distinct themed areas, which include Central Park, Boardwalk, the Royal Promenade, the Pool and Sports Zone, Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center, Entertainment Place and Youth Zone. She spans 16 decks, encompasses 225,282 gross registered tons, carries 5,400 guests at double occupancy, and features 2,700 staterooms. Allure of the Seas alternates a Western Caribbean with an Eastern Caribbean seven-night itinerary from her home port of Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Additional information is available at www.AllureoftheSeas.com.

Nov 20

Royal Caribbean Welcomes Big Screen Heroes: Puss in Boots 3D Film Premieres at Sea

Sea

Nov 20

Princess Cruises Details 2012 Canada and New England Season

As the East Coast cruising season has just come to an end, Princess Cruises is reminding passengers it’s the perfect time to start planning a Canada & New England voyage for 2012. Whether travelers are intrigued by charming Canadian ports, including quintessentially French Quebec City, or wish to follow in the footsteps of America’s founders in historic cities, Princess’ fall cruises next year offer the perfect way to discover these timeless vacation destinations.

Emerald Princess and Caribbean Princess will offer 11 voyages on three itineraries — a week-long roundtrip sailing from New York; a 10-day one-way voyage, sailing between New York and Quebec City and featuring an overnight stay in the charming French-Canadian city; and a 12-night Canada & Colonial America cruise from Quebec to Ft. Lauderdale for a voyage along the entire eastern coastline.

All itineraries feature the opportunity to experience area highlights, such as the historic treasures of Boston, the beauty of Maine’s Acadia National Park, and the dramatic mansions of Newport, RI.

“The natural beauty of this coastline mixed with the area’s rich history makes Canada and New England one of our favorite cruise destinations,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises executive vice president. “Where else can you find such brilliant fall foliage, colonial landmarks, rugged beauty and quaint towns all in one voyage?”

Passengers can extend their Canada & New England voyage with one of two cruisetour options that create a full land/sea vacation to America’s colonial treasures, or to Niagara Falls and some of the favorite cities in Canada.

The 2012 Canada & New England program includes:

Canada & New England — Caribbean Princess sails on its popular roundtrip seven-day sailings from New York, featuring calls at Halifax (Nova Scotia), Saint John (for the Bay of Fundy), Bar Harbor (for Acadia National Park), Boston and Newport. Caribbean Princess will offer seven departures between September 8 and October 20, 2012.

Classic Canada & New England — Emerald Princess sails on three Classic Canada & New England 10-day cruises between New York and Quebec City, featuring calls in Newport, Boston, Bar Harbor, Saint John (for the Bay of Fundy), Halifax (Nova Scotia), Sydney(Cape Breton Island), and Charlottetown plus an overnight stay for extra time in charming Quebec City. Emerald Princess departs between September 26 and October 16, 2012.

Canada & Colonial America — Emerald Princess also offers one sailing along the full East Coast on a 12-day Canada & Colonial America itinerary from Quebec City to Ft. Lauderdale on October 26. This cruise features an overnight in Quebec City plus calls along the Eastern seaboard in Sydney (Cape Breton Island), Halifax (Nova Scotia), Bar Harbor (for Acadia National Park), Boston, Newport, New York and Charleston.

Cruisetours — For those who would like to extend their Canada & New England vacation, Princess offers escorted pre- or post-cruise land tours in conjunction with these sailings, in which passengers can travel back through historic America or spend further time in Canada with a complete land and sea experience. The Historic America cruisetour includes travel to Washington, D.C.; Williamsburg; Richmond and Monticello in Virginia; Gettysburg, and Philadelphia, while the Maple Explorer cruisetour includes the Canadian cities of Toronto (for Niagara Falls), Ottawa, Montebello, and Montreal.

Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel agent, by calling 1-800-PRINCESS, or by visiting the company’s website at www.princess.com.

Oct 28

Norwegian Gem To Feature Nickelodeon Family Programming

Norwegian Cruise Line and Nickelodeon today announced the expansion of their   exclusive partnership, extending the popular family entertainment and   programming from two to three ships with the addition of Norwegian Gem,   beginning in February 2012. Nickelodeon-themed family events, shows and   activities were first introduced in April 2010 on Norwegian Jewel and in July   2010 on Norwegian Epic.

“We’ve   had tremendous success with the Nickelodeon-themed entertainment and programming   to date on Norwegian Epic and Norwegian Jewel,” said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian   Cruise Line’s chief executive offer. “Families are flocking to these ships for   the unique experience available to them through Nickelodeon.  Based on this   success, we wanted to give more families the opportunity to experience sailing   with their favorite Nickelodeon characters, so we are pleased to roll out this   programming on Norwegian Gem.”

“Nickelodeon’s   entertainment programs on Norwegian have resonated with families around the   world,” said Pam Kaufman, chief marketing officer, Nickelodeon Networks Group.    “We look forward to expanding the program and offering even more kids and   families the opportunity to experience Nickelodeon alongside all the wonderful   amenities on Norwegian’s amazing cruise ships.”

Each Norwegian   Gem cruise will feature a live Nickelodeon-themed interactive show in the main   theater; Nick Live Poolside!, where families can take part in interactive games and activities by the pool;   Breakfast with the Characters, where kids – and adults – can eat, sing and play   with SpongeBob SquarePants, Dora the Explorer, Patrick, Diego and more; Dora’s Dance Party, where kids can join   Dora and the Nickelodeon cast to dance and sing along; meet and greets with   popular Nickelodeon characters, including SpongeBob SquarePants, Dora the   Explorer and many more. In addition, there are also other family activities   offered, including Nick Jr. Story Time, family trivia and special arts and   crafts sessions.

Norwegian   Gem will begin offering Nickelodeon programming year-round beginning on the   February 19, 2012 cruise, sailing from New York City to the Bahamas & Florida. The   ship is sailing a series of seven-day Bahamas & Florida voyages from   New York City   through September 1, 2012.  Ports of call include Orlando and the Beaches (Port Canaveral), Florida; Great Stirrup Cay (Norwegian’s private island)   and Nassau,   Bahamas, as well   as three relaxing days at sea.

If   the kids can’t wait until next February to experience Nickelodeon, Norwegian   Epic and Norwegian Jewel both already offer the family-friendly programming.   Norwegian Epic   returns to Miami in time for Thanksgiving Break, sailing the Eastern Caribbean   with stops in Phillipsburg, St. Maarten; St.   Thomas, Virgin Islands and Nassau, Bahamas. Norwegian Jewel is currently   sailing from New York City on seven-day   Bahamas and Florida cruises, calling on Orlando and the Beaches (Port Canaveral), Florida; and Great Stirrup Cay and Nassau, Bahamas.

To book a cruise   on Norwegian, contact a travel professional, visit www.ncl.com; or call 888-NCL-CRUISE   (625-2784).