Carnival Cruise Line to base nearly 25% of its global fleet down under as Royal Caribbean aim to grow 30% year on year

Off Radar Cruise News recently learned from reports originating from the existing CEO of Carnival Australia namely "Ann Sherry" that Carnival Corporation (US based global Cruise giant) will base a little under 25% of its global fleet in Australia, which is clearly a bold statement as the start of the island nation's largest cruise summer season is about to start.

To be precise 22 vessels in all (including P&O Cruises, Princess Cruises and the luxury line Seabourn) will frequent Australian waters this coming cruise summer season, featuring a capacity of 530,000+ passengers. The economic impact of this activity is estimated to be in the region of $4 billion to the Australian economy.

Meanwhile, Carnival's main competitor globally Royal Caribbean is planning to base 7 cruise ships (20% of the Royal Caribbean global fleet) in Australia, with 4 ships directly home ported in Sydney, 2 floating between various Australian ports and 1 in Brisbane. By all accounts forward bookings for the summer are reported to be significantly ahead of 2014 and expectation are 30% growth year on year.

The Radiance of the Seas, which is (scheduled for Sydney 95 calls) will be the first vessel to commence the 2015 cruising season. Moving forward, Royal Caribbean plans to visit Port Kembla, south of Sydney in the future and is seriously considering the port for the 2018-2019 summer, enabling it to extend the summer cruising season.

In essence it is widely known that savvy Australians like cruising due to the fact that the majority of costs all inclusive. Cruise Lines have adapted to cruising product to meet the tastes and preferences of the Australian consumer, which in the grand scheme of things is not so far removed from the American cruisers. Moreover, most established Cruise Lines sell and operate in Australian dollars so there is no confusion or currency risk.

Only China is outpacing Australia in terms of Cruise Industry growth and the trend is expected to continue for years to come as Australians embrace the cruising world!

Thailand goes on the security radar for Cruise Lines present in South East Asia

The devastating blast in Bangkok which sadly killed at 20 people and injured 100+ has now stirred security concerns among the major Cruise Lines frequenting the waters of Thailand.

Among the Cruise Lines closely monitoring events in Bangkok and Thailand as a whole are:

• Royal Caribbean
• AIDA Cruises
• Silversea
• Regent 
• Oceania

To date, we are not aware of any itinerary changes, however this is not the first time that security has been a concern in Thailand in recent times.

Our sources advise us that at this juncture Bangkok in functioning normally with day to day activities and businesses are operating normally. Residents and visitors alike can able to freely move around the city . Moreover, the following services are operating as normal:

• Public transport systems
• Subway & Airport Rail Link
• Rail and bus services from Bangkok to the provinces
• Shopping malls

Other neighboring countries such as Malaysia and even Singapore are concerned as future itinerary planning to South east Asia could be affected.

We close, by saying that our thoughts are with all the people caught up in the devastating events in Bangkok and we hope that the "Land of Smiles" stays on the Cruise calendar's of the major Cruise Lines frequenting the waters of South east Asia.  

Royal Caribbean to feature the full production of "Mama Mia" on board the Quantum of the Seas

Royal Caribbean International – the first cruise line to feature fully licensed, Tony Award-winning Broadway productions – today announced that guests onboard Quantum of the Seas will enjoy MAMMA MIA! – the smash hit musical based on the songs of Swedish pop sensation ABBA – when she sails from New York in November 2014. The first details of the new ship’s entertainment offerings were revealed to viewers who tuned in to watch the cruise line’s float, “A World at Sea,” set sail down the streets of Manhattan as part of the 87th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

“The debut of Mamma Mia! onboard Quantum of the Seas continues to raise the bar of what we offer our guests onboard our latest groundbreaking ship,” said Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, Executive Vice President, Operations, Royal Caribbean International. “Since introducing Hairspray onboard Oasis of the Seas in 2009, our Tony award-winning musical productions have been incredibly well-received by guests, and we are proud to expand our Broadway at sea offerings with our fourth licensed main-stage production – more than any other cruise line.”

More than 54 million people around the world have fallen in love with the characters, the story and the music that make MAMMA MIA! the ultimate feel-good show. The sunny, funny tale unfolds on a Greek Island paradise where on the eve of her wedding, a daughter’s quest to discover the identity of her father brings three men from her mother’s past back to the island they last visited 20 years ago. ABBA’s greatest hits – including “Dancing Queen,” “The Winner Takes It All,” “Money, Money, Money” and “Take a Chance on Me” – propel this enchanting tale of love, laughter and friendship.

As the only cruise line to offer Tony Award-winning Broadway musicals at sea, Royal Caribbean guests can enjoy the 60’s-inspired bebop of Hairspray on Oasis of the Seas, the jazz-infused score of Chicago: The Musical on Allure of the Seas, the toe-tapping disco beats of Saturday Night Fever on Liberty of the Seas and now, the storytelling magic of ABBA’s timeless songs in MAMMA MIA! on the new Quantum of the Seas.

The new Quantum-class will debut in November 2014 with Quantum of the Seas, followed by her sister-ship Anthem of the Seas in April 2015.Each ship spans 16 decks, encompasses 167,800 gross registered tons, carries 4,180 guests at double occupancy and features 2,090 staterooms. More information on Quantum class of ships is available at RoyalCaribbean.com/QuantumoftheSeas.

Off Radar - Open View

From our objective perspective this development is a major deal for Cruise Ship Entertainment. To feature a Broadway Show on board with the appropriate cast is a game changer for the Industry and yet another positive reason to prompt first time cruisers to give it a try.

With all the doom and gloom of 2013 connected to cruising, this is welcome news indeed, especially for those that enjoy a Broadway or West End Show. The likelihood is that this development could set off a trend of featuring first rate Theatre style Entertainment on board. 

Another Quantum-class Ship for Royal Caribbean

Miami based, Royal Caribbean has entered into a credit agreement with German credit firm Hermes, for financing its third Quantum class cruise ship for Royal Caribbean International.

The loan is for 637 million and the German credit firm will guarantee the 95% of it. The third Quantum is expected to be finished in 2016.

Royal Caribbean has another two Quantum class ships: "Quantum of the Seas" and "Anthem of Seas". 3rd's ship name has not be yet announced.

Royal Caribbean may capitalize on a low demand for new ships, securing a powerful position

Royal Caribbean made worldwide cruising news back in December 2012 when they confirmed an order for a third "Oasis Class" ship. Moreover the worlds second largest group went onto confirm orders for no less than 3 Quantum-class cruise ships.

Now it transpires that Royal Caribbean may even be in the market for ordering yet another new cruise ship. According to financial analyst Robin Farley of UBS Investment Research, Royal Caribbean currently has an option for a 4th "Oasis-Class" order which if it becomes a reality would be delivered in 2018 (around June). the rational of Farley is that the drop in demand leading to lower prices for build new ships may be too tempting for Royal Caribbean and sway their decision.

Subsequently, Royal Caribbean must decide in the short term, as the option expires in December 2013. if they do plan to go ahead, Royal Caribbean with further consolidate itself as the worlds largest Cruise Line.

The world’s largest cruise ship

Hotels are going the boutique route. Cruise ships are going the opposite direction.

Each year, cruise ship operators seem to be upping their “mine is bigger and fancier than yours game.” And nobody does it better than Royal Caribbean.

The cruise line made a big splash, as it were, with its remake of the Oasis of the Seas about five years ago. Then came its ever-so-slightly bigger sister ship, Allure of the Seas. Both ships carry roughly 5,400 passengers and feature seven distinct “neighbourhoods,” along with a carousel and designer shops.

Last year, the cruise line launched Quantum of the Seas: 168,666 tons, 4,180 guests, a sky-diving simulator and a giant viewing pod that suspends out over the water.

Now comes word of a new and improved ship for 2016 called Harmony of the Seas, the newest of the Oasis class from Royal Caribbean. With room for 5,479 passengers, it will be the world’s largest cruise ship.

Harmony of the Seas also will feature the Central Park garden theme and various neighbourhoods, but they’re adding three separate three-storey waterslides; better than most hotel pools by a long shot. They also are promising “larger balcony and suite staterooms than her sister ships (and) new virtual balcony staterooms.” Virtual balcony rooms have an 80-inch high-definition screen that projects the views from outside the ship into your inside room, thus providing the illusion of that great view of your ship steaming into port in San Juan.

As with the Quantum of the Seas ship, Harmony of the Seas will have robotic bartenders called Makr Shakr, as well as special wristbands you can use to pay for your upgraded dining experience or for a shore excursion. They also are promising high-speed Internet (at what price we don’t know) so you can talk with friends on Skype or download videos of yourself spiralling down a three-story waterslide as the ship steams between St. Maarten and St. Thomas.

Harmony of the Seas will span 16 decks, encompass 227,000 gross registered tons and carry up to 5,479 guests in 2,747 staterooms. The cost is reported to be about $1.5 billion (U.S.). Plans are for the ship to make its maiden voyage in April of next year. The ship’s itinerary is expected to be announced later this month in case you’re desperate to attain bragging rights.

Source: The Globe and Mail

Three of a kind: Ovation of the seas to join quantum class as the third Smartship

Third Quantum Class Ship Marks First Milestone with Steel Cutting Ceremony

On the cusp of delivering the first in a new generation of technologically advanced cruise ships Royal Caribbean International marked an important milestone today as the first piece of steel was cut marking the official construction start on the third Quantum class ship.

The steel cutting for Ovation of the Seas, scheduled to be delivered in the autumn of 2016, took place at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany, where Quantum of the Seas, Anthem of the Seas and now Ovation of the Seas are being built.

The groundbreaking Quantum class ships will debut new unprecedented features, such as dancing Roboscreens in the unique Two70 entertainment venue; robotic bartenders in Bionic Bar; RipCord by iFLY, the first skydiving experience at sea; the North Star, an engineering marvel that transports guests more than 300 feet above the ocean; transformative venues, such as Sea-Plex, the largest indoor sports and entertainment complex at sea with bumper cars, roller skating and more; and the cruise line’s largest and most advanced staterooms ever, including the industry’s first-ever Virtual Balcony staterooms, which offer expansive, real-time views of the ocean and exciting destinations for interior staterooms.

The Quantum class will debut in autumn 2014 with Quantum of the Seas sailing from New York followed by her sister-ship Anthem of the Seas in spring 2015 sailing from Southampton in the UK. Quantum ships span 16 decks, encompass 167,800 gross registered tonnes, carry 4,180 guests at double occupancy and feature 2,090 staterooms.

Cruise ship visits in doubt

Lyttelton Port's refusal to accommodate larger cruise ships could see the South Island dropped as a cruise ship destination with the loss of millions of tourist dollars.

Earthquake damage to wharves at Lyttelton means the bigger ships have nowhere to berth as they make their way from Dunedin to Wellington and have to spend an extra day at sea.

Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines carries about 40 percent of all the cruise ship passengers who visit New Zealand.

Its New Zealand representative Tony Petrie said since Lyttelton was taken out of action, the cruise line's super-sized 3500 passenger capacity ships have cut sailings to the South Island from six three years ago, to just one for the coming season.

He said without a stop at Lyttelton, cruises to the South Island are hard to sell.

"When they leave Australia they're going to be sailing for three sea days before people can get off the ship in Dunedin and they want to be in New Zealand then. But of course without Lyttelton they've then got another sea day before they get to Wellington. So it's pretty difficult for them to sell that."

Photo: Port of Lyttelton

Mr Petrie also said if the South Island was cut from cruise ship itineraries altogether it would make trips to New Zealand harder to sell in general.

He urged Lyttelton Port Company to think about the bigger picture.

"The port is looking very narrowly at its own interests and not the wider interests of the community there. The Canterbury region is missing out in a big way because the ships aren't coming in."
Upgrade too costly

Lyttelton Port Company CEO Peter Davie said it would cost $40 million to build a cruise ship berth and it cannot be justified, particularly if the cost is to be borne by the company alone.

Because they don't visit as often cruise ships provide only a fraction of the returns container ships do.

Mr Davie said: "If we spend money that doesn't give a return on a facility such as this, our return to our shareholders becomes lower so that has a direct impact."
Case put in favour

Christchurch and Canterbury Tourism has just presented the Christchurch City Council, which owns 100 percent of the port, with a business case for why the ships need to return.

Chief executive Tim Hunter said bringing the larger vessels in could inject an extra $113 million into the region over the next decade, but not doing so could see the industry wither and die.

"Within ten years, 30 to 40 percent of our ships will be in that large category. So I'm not saying we won't continue getting the 2000 capacity ships but it'll be the lessor end of the market and our cruises over time will simply diminish."
Concern over loss of earnings

Hassle Free Tours runs excursions for the smaller cruise ships now coming in to Akaroa Harbour.

Its owner Mark Gilbert said 40 percent of his business comes from the ships and the council needed to ensure a berth for the larger ships was built at Lyttelton.

"If we can't get these ships into Lyttelton then the economic impact on the region's going to be massive in terms of lost earnings from these passengers. So I think the council definitely needs to step in."

Christchurch City Council Finance Committee Chair Raf Manji said the council was looking seriously at whether it should direct the port to construct the new wharf.

"I mean as a 100 percent shareholder we can obviously direct them to make that type of investment. Or the council can do it in a different way. We can work with private investors as well. So it's not necessarily something the port will have to do themselves. So commercially it may not stack up for the port but commercially for the city it may well stack up."

Mr Manji said if a proposal to sell a minority stake in the port goes ahead it won't make it harder to build a berth for the cruise ships.

China is the new home for Royal Caribbean's Quantum of the Seas

The world’s newest and most technologically advanced cruise ship sets an entirely new standard for world’s fastest growing market

Royal Caribbean International today announced that its newest ship, Quantum of the Seas, will make its home port in Shanghai (Baoshan), China, bringing the company’s most innovative ship to the world’s fastest-growing cruise market. The ship will reposition to China in May 2015, following her inaugural winter season sailing out of New York Harbor to the Caribbean. In China, Quantum of the Seas will join Mariner of the Seas and Voyager of the Seas in Asia, increasing the company’s capacity in the region by 66 percent.

“These incredible ships will meet the sophisticated expectations of consumers in Shanghai, New York and London. Our mantra for the new Quantum class of ships is ‘this changes everything’ – and upping our game in these key markets achieves just that,” said Dominic Paul, Vice President, International, Royal Caribbean International. “Our distinctive style of high quality innovative cruises has become known to travellers around the world and we will continue to deploy our most technologically advanced ships where the demand is, with the expectation of winning new converts to cruising.”

“Consumers in China have grown to expect the best the world has to offer, and Quantum of the Seas meets that standard like no other ship,” added Adam Goldstein, President and COO, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. “We are ready to accelerate the growth of this vital market with a ship that will capture the imagination of travellers looking for a one-of-a-kind holiday experience.”

“Every trend we are seeing in China tells us we can achieve real long-term competitive advantage and appealing returns on our investments in this fast-growing market by accelerating our presence there,” Goldstein said. “We will have to be nimble, but the ability to move fast is one of our strengths.”

Goldstein said the company was able to make the move because its new-ship pipeline will keep the New York region supplied with top-rate ships as well.

“We are very mindful of the importance of New York, which is why we are bringing Liberty of the Seas and thenAnthem of the Seas to this market.”

Quantum of the Seas will debut in November 2014, and will spend its inaugural season sailing from Cape Liberty in Bayonne, N.J., before repositioning to China in May 2015. Beginning late June 2015, the ship will sail three- to eight-night itineraries year-round from Shanghai to Japan and Korea. Liberty of the Seas will then arrive to Cape Liberty to sail to Bermuda, the Caribbean, and Canada and New England for the 2015 summer and autumn seasons. The Freedom-class ship will be the company’s newest and largest ship to offer cruises to Bermuda from the New York-metropolitan area.

Finally, Quantum of the Seas’ sister ship, Anthem of the Seas, which launches in April 2015, will complete her inaugural Europe season from London (Southampton), U.K., before arriving to Cape Liberty in November 2015 to continue Quantum-class cruising to the Bahamas and Caribbean for the winter 2015-16 season.

The groundbreaking Quantum-class ships, Quantum of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas, will debut a new set of first-at-sea onboard experiences, such as Ripcord by iFLY, a heart-pounding skydiving experience; North Star, a thrilling adventure that transports guests more than 300 feet in the air on a breathtaking journey; cutting-edge transformative venues including SeaPlex, the largest indoor sports and entertainment complex at sea with bumper cars, roller skating and more; and the cruise line’s largest and most advanced staterooms ever. Guests also will enjoy the new Quantum-class “Dynamic Dining,” a completely new culinary experience that offers a landscape of 18 restaurant concepts as vast and varied as dining in the world’s most cosmopolitan cities, including specialty restaurants created with partner-chefs Jamie Oliver, Devin Alexander and Michael Schwartz.

The Quantum Class spans 18 decks, encompasses 167,800 gross registered tons, can carry 4,180 guests at double occupancy and features 2,090 staterooms.

Royal Caribbean announces 2016-2017 Caribbean cruise ship deployments

Bookings for these Caribbean sailings will be available beginning on March 11, 2015.
Here's a breakdown of the deployments by ship

Anthem of the Seas
Year-round sailings from Cape Liberty Cruise Port in Bayonne, N.J., and make its maiden season at Bermuda. During September and October, Anthem of the Seas will sail nine-night Canada and New England cruises from Cape Liberty.

Serenade of the Seas
During September and October, Serenade of the Seas will offer seven-night Canada and New England cruises from Boston, Mass.
In the winter 2016-2017, Serenade of the Seas alternates a 10- and 11-night Southern Caribbean itinerary from Miami, Florida.

Grandeur of the Seas
Five-night Bermuda, nine-night Bermuda and Bahamas, and nine-night Canada and New England cruises throughout the summer. In the winter, the ship will sail nine-night Southeast Coast & Bahamas and 12-night Southern Caribbean cruises.

Enchantment of the Seas
Three- and four-night short Bahamas getaways from Miami, Florida

Navigator of the Seas
Alternate five-night Bahamas and Mexico with nine-night Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao and Labadee cruises in the winter from Miami, Florida.

Oasis of the Seas
Western Caribbean and two new Eastern Caribbean itineraries in summer 2016, all seven nights in length and departing from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale.
In winter 2016-2017, Oasis of the Seas will reposition to Port Canaveral, alternating a seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itinerary.

Allure of the Seas
Western Caribbean and two new Eastern Caribbean itineraries in summer 2016 and winter 2016-2017, all seven nights in length and departing from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale.

Harmony of the Seas
Seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itinerary for winter 2016-17 from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale.

Independence of the Seas
In the winter, Independence of the Seas will follow a sequence of four- and five-night short Western Caribbean itineraries from Port Everglades.

Freedom of the Seas
During summer 2016, Freedom of the Seas will continue alternating seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries. In winter 2016-2017, Freedom of the Seas will reposition to Port Everglades and lternate between a six-night Western Caribbean with an eight-night Eastern Caribbean itinerary.

Rhapsody of the Seas
Rhapsody of the Seas will take over three- and four-night Bahamas cruises from Enchantment of the Seas in Port Canaveral.

Brilliance of the Seas
Four- and five-night Western Caribbean cruises throughout winter aboard Brilliance of the Seas from Tampa, Fla.

Liberty of the Seas
Will continue its year-round deployment sailing from Galveston, Texas to Mexico and the Western Caribbean.

Adventure of the Seas
Will homeport at San Juan and sail to the Southern Caribbean.

Jewel of the Seas
Will homeport at San Juan and sail to the Southern Caribbean.


Source: Royal Caribbean

Anthem of the Seas mega block transferred out of Building Hall

A piece that will make up Royal Caribbean International’s highly anticipated new ship ‘Anthem of the Seas’ was transferred out of a building hall in the Meyer Werft ship yard Papenburg (Germany).
Royal Caribbean International’s Anthem of the Seas is being built after sister sship, Quantum of the Seas leaves the building hall later this year.

This ‘piece’ is approx. 120 metres long and approx. 60 metres high.

Anthem of the Seas is Royal Caribbean International’s second Quantum-class ship. Due for delivery in Spring 2015 the ship, along with Quantum of the Seas, will be a dramatic leap forward for the cruise industry and introduce more game-changing “firsts at sea” such as a skydiving experience called RipCord by iFLY and the North Star, an engineering marvel featuring a jewel like capsule that extends 300 feet above the ocean and over the sides of the ship to deliver 360-degree views for guests.

Cutting-edge transformative venues include SeaPlex, the largest indoor sports and entertainment complex at sea with bumper cars, roller skating and more; and the cruise line’s largest and most advanced staterooms ever. These new, larger state rooms enable innovation in design, storage and comfort including the industry’s first virtual balconies. 

Fire on board the the Anthem of the Seas!

Further to our recent report on the Anthem of the Seas we have just learned that this magnificent shop in construction experienced a fire break out with damage in the region of a reported $68,000 USA.

The Anthem of the Seas incident occurred at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Germany on deck 3.

As one would expect the production area was immediately evacuated and thereafter the fire was quickly controlled and extinguished by on site Yard safety personnel and regional fire services.

A layer Royal Caribbean statement indicated that the only injuries were 2 people who were treated for "slight smoke poisoning".

At this juncture the cause of the fire remains unknown as do any potential implications to the delivery of this mega ship to Royal Caribbean.

Southampton welcomes back Royal Caribbean International Ships for 2014 summer season

Independence of the Seas and Adventure of the Seas, two of Royal Caribbean International’s most activity packed ships have arrived back into the Port of Southampton (UK) this month to embark on their 2014 summer seasons for the second year running. The return of these modern ships underscores the company’s commitment to the UK and Southampton market, which will grow further with the arrival of the most technologically advanced ship ever, Anthem of the Seas in April 2015.
The newly enhanced Adventure of the Seas arrived into the City Cruise terminal on 4 May 2014 while sister ship Independence of the Seassails into the port on 17 May 2014.

A host of all new features will be available for the first time from Southampton 2014 sailings with Adventure of the Seas. These include Wifi throughout the ship, a new Concierge Lounge for suite guests, a Diamond Lounge for Crown & Anchor Society loyalty programme members and digital signage throughout the ship. Flat screen TV’s in every stateroom and a giant outdoor cinema screen and the addition of Giovanni’s Table – a family friendly Italian trattoria - are further new features that await guests on Adventure of the Seas.

The 3,114-guest Adventure of the Seas arrived into the popular port on 4 May 2014. The ship offers a series of seven to 16 night cruises around the Mediterranean and Northern Europe, plus shorter sailings, including a four-night trip to Belgium and France.

The announcement that both Independence and Adventure of the Seas are returning into Southampton comes ahead of Royal Caribbean embarking on a massive step change for the global business by placing some of its newest ships on this side of the Atlantic. In 2015,Anthem of the Seas, the newest and one of the most technologically advanced ships ever will call the Port of Southampton home for its summer season, while sister ship, Allure of the Seas will call Barcelona its home.

The 3,634-guest Independence of the Seas, based in Southampton since 2008, continues to receive rave reviews from UK holidaymakers, most recently in the 2013 Cruise Critic UK Cruisers’ Choice Awards, where it was honoured in the best food, entertainment, families, fitness and service categories.
To kick off its summer season, Independence of the Seas will offer a series of new itineraries including more, shorter sailings such as three-night cruises to Le Havre for Paris and four night cruises to Le Havre for Paris and Zeebrugge for Bruges. The ship will also offer six night cruises to France and Spain, an eight-night cruise to Norway, various 14-night Mediterranean cruises, plus 11 and 12-night Canary Islands cruises as part of its 2014 summer season.

Stuart Leven, managing director, Royal Caribbean International, commented:

“We are thrilled to welcome back two of our most activity-packed ships to the city of Southampton. It is an extremely important port for our ships and the experience for our guests is always excellent. The port is easily reached by road, rail and air and we know our guests love how quickly they can reach the hot spot destinations of Northern Europe and the Mediterranean.”

Leven added: “The incredible consumer response that these two ships have received these past five years sailing out of Southampton is just one of the many reasons why we’ve been given the confidence to bring some of our newest and best ships to the UK and European markets. There is no doubt that come 2015, UK holidaymakers will embrace Anthem of the Seas with the same vigour and enthusiasm that they have with Independence and Adventure of the Seas, beginning what will hopefully be many more great seasons to come.”

Anthem of the Seas will be Royal Caribbean International’s second Quantum-class ship and is due to feature a number of game-changing “firsts at sea” including a Jamie’s Italian, a skydiving experience called RipCord by iFLY and the North Star, an engineering marvel featuring a jewel like capsule that extends 300 feet above the ocean to deliver 360-degree views for guests. Other cutting-edge transformative venues onboard include SeaPlex, the largest indoor sports and entertainment complex at sea with bumper cars, roller skating and more; and the cruise line’s largest and most advanced staterooms ever.

Royal Caribbean - Away With Words!

Royal Caribbean International launches UK search for a ‘Blogger-On-Board’

Are you looking for a whole new challenge? Do you think you can take on the longest zip line at sea, the tallest floating rock climbing wall, discover a new destination nearly every day and try out over 20 restaurants in one month? If you answered ‘yes’ to any or all of the above then Royal Caribbean International’s ‘Blogger-On-Board’ opportunity could be the challenge of a lifetime for you.

Royal Caribbean International is inviting one lucky person to become a guest blogger aboard the innovative cruise ship Allure of the Seas in the Mediterranean in 2015.

The ‘Blogger-On-Board’ will be whisked away to join the ship for a whole month during summer 2015. Charged with reporting on life aboard a ship as well as the destinations visited, the opportunity promises an awe inspiring backdrop to the experience including a real outdoor park longer than a football pitch complete with real grass; a zip wire; 20 pools and whirlpools, and an outdoor AquaTheater and of course an ever changing postcard destination every day.


To be in with a chance to win, would be bloggers simply need to visit www.royalcaribbean.co.uk/awaywithwords/ and in no more than 500 words or a 60 second video explain what their most ‘WOW’ travel experience involved. For full terms and conditions and details regarding the judging stages please visit www.royalcaribbean.co.uk/awaywithwords/.

Anthem of the Seas - Record Breaking Sales

The world's most innovative cruise ship has captured the imagination of holiday bookers with phenomenal sales. Early reports suggest Anthem of the Seas is the fastest selling UK-based ship for Royal Caribbean International.
During the first day of sales – 26 February 2014, Royal Caribbean International has seen over two-thirds of bookings for premium balcony and suite accommodation.
Stuart Leven, managing director, Royal Caribbean International, UK and Ireland, comments:

"Since the announcement in November last year that Anthem of the Seas will call Southampton its home, the reaction from holiday makers and agents has been phenomenal. It’s been two weeks since we confirmed the itineraries and it’s clear that the anticipation has been there and converted to vigorous first day sales and we haven’t even announced all of our ground breaking features for this amazing new ship.

Anthem of the Seas clearly has great appeal and the high value bookings reflect that guests want to holiday in a new and innovative way and in style. Thank you to Crown and Anchor loyalty members and partners for delivering a record breaking welcome to this new ship."

Anthem of the Seas’ itineraries include a selection of Mediterranean and Northern European cruises from the port of Southampton during summer 2015. Featuring sky diving, dodgems and even the North Star – a glass capsule suspended from the ship on a mechanical arm, offering panoramic views of the ocean and destinations – Anthem of the Seas is the most technically advanced ship ever built.

The ship is currently under construction in Papenburg (Germany) and will launch in April 2015. Sailing from Southampton until late Autumn 2015, further innovations for the highly-anticipated ship will be announced over the next few months.

Royal Caribbean International's Navigator of the Seas gets Texas-Sized Makeover!

Enhancements include Royal Caribbean’s first-ever virtual balconies, FlowRider surf simulator and new dining programme

Having completed a month-long drydock revitalisation, Royal Caribbean International’s Navigator of the Seas is primed to resume year-round service from Galveston, Texas, and wow the Lone Star State with the area’s most innovative Caribbean cruise holiday offering.  Part of an extensive fleetwide programme to enhance every Royal Caribbean ship, Navigator of the Seas will introduce new and enhanced dining options; debut a new FlowRider surf simulator; and offer a glimpse ahead toward the cruise line’s highly anticipated Quantum of the Seas, with new first-at-sea features.

Most anticipated of all the ship’s revitalisations is the new FlowRider surf simulator, the center of the action atop the deck 13 Sports Deck, as well as the debut of Royal Caribbean’s first Virtual Balconies in 81 interior staterooms displaying expansive views of the ocean and destinations. Virtual Balconies were first announced for Quantum of the Seas, which debuts October 2014, and holidaymakers can be among the first to experience the innovation on Navigator of the Seas – even before the Quantum class is launched. Holidaymakers also can choose new Panoramic Ocean View staterooms, featuring floor-to-ceiling glass walls facing outward to provide guests unobstructed views all the time.

Navigator of the Seas’ guests also can look forward to an expanded line-up of eight different dining options, led by the debut of an all-new modern Mexican specialty restaurant Sabor, featuring a menu of modern Mexican dishes, such as Oaxacan Ceviche of Red Snapper, Spicy Chicken Flautas, or Chicken and Roasted Corn Empanada, topped with Green mole and spicy peanut sauce – to name a few. Sabor diners also can delight in customised guacamole and salsas, made tableside right in front of their eyes, as well as an assortment of tacos, quesadillas and burritos, all made with the freshest ingredients. Sabor has a service charge of $25 per guest.

Guests can complement their experience with a curated menu of tequilas, mezcal, and Mexican beers, as well as delicious sangrias and tableside-mixed margaritas, for an additional charge. Sabor’s tequila flights also offer guests a chance to sample a trio of Plata, Reposado and Anejo tequila, or savour the nuances among three Reposado tequilas.

Navigator of the Seas’ guests will also be the first to enjoy the fully revamped and elevated Chops Grille: The New American Steakhouse, which marries contemporary flair to traditional steakhouse offerings. The first among Royal Caribbean’s fleet to offer the new menu, Chops Grille on Navigator of the Seas will feature brand new selections, such as the Veal Chop Parmesan, slow broiled with caramelised shallots and topped with parmesan herb butter, a Slow-braised Short Rib of Beef with Bordelaise sauce, and a Dry-aged Steak Burger served on a brioche bun and topped with melted gruyere and pancetta. Guests also can still enjoy Chops Grille classic cuts, such as the 8 Oz. Filet Mignon, served with Béarnaise butter, and a 10 Oz. Grilled Sirloin Steak, as well as a range of new and delicious signature appetisers, soups, salads, and sides – such as new, decadent Truffled French Fries and Gruyere Cheese Tater Tots – that will complete the experience in the cruise line’s hallmark specialty restaurant. Chops Grille steakhouse has a service charge of $35 per guest.

Chops Grille also features two new premium selections of the finest quality cuts of beef in the world, a 16 Oz. dry-aged NY Strip Steak and a 20 Oz. dry-aged Porterhouse Steak (an additional $18 and $19 respectively), each USDA prime beef, dry-aged for four weeks to achieve the pinnacle of flavour, tenderness and aroma. This dry-aged process can only be found at select steakhouses around the world, and now, in a cruise industry first, is offered onboard Royal Caribbean International’s Chops Grille.

Navigator of the Seas’ guests also can choose exciting sushi and Asian fusion dishes in the ship’s new Izumi Japanese Cuisine (a la carte menu), and delicious classic Italian favourites in Giovanni’s Table Italian trattoria ($15 for lunch and $20 for dinner per guest). Rounding out Navigator of the Seas’ culinary experiences is the grand, three-story main dining room, newly renamed Sapphire, the casual-dining Windjammer Café, and complimentary room service from 5 – 12 a.m. Navigator of the Seas’specialty restaurants are available for advance online reservations for booked guests at RoyalCaribbean.com.

Guests also will enjoy some of the more popular concepts that were introduced aboard Royal Caribbean’s ground-breaking Oasis-class ships, such as new digital signage, bow-to-stern Wi-Fi service, new flat-panel televisions in every stateroom, an oversized LCD movie screen overlooking the main pool, a new Diamond Lounge for Crown & Anchor Society loyalty member guests, and the Royal Babies and Tots Nursery for the youngest guests ages six to 36 months. Additionally, the ship’s Champagne Bar has been re-conceptualised into Royal Caribbean’s signature, retro-chic R Bar.

Navigator of the Seas will sail seven-night Western Caribbean itineraries every Sunday from Galveston, visiting exciting warm-weather getaways in the Caribbean, including; Cozumel, Mexico; Roatan, Honduras; Belize City, Belize; Falmouth, Jamaica; and George Town, Grand Cayman. 

About Royal Caribbean International:

·         Royal Caribbean International is a global cruise brand with 21 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 International boosts European presence - Allure of the Seas to call Barcelona home

The world’s most innovative cruise ship, Allure of the Seas from Royal Caribbean International, will call the Mediterranean home in summer 2015. Offering a full season of seven-night cruises, Allure of the Seas will arrive in Barcelona on 3 May 2015 and will offer cruises from the Spanish port until October 2015.

For the first time ever, the exciting ship will be in Europe, following a Mediterranean micro-season from sister ship Oasis of the Seas during late summer 2014.  Both Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas will introduce the pioneering Royal Caribbean International holiday experience which features real outdoor parks, zip lines and an awe inspiring aquatheatre to European families and holiday makers.

Stuart Leven, managing director, Royal Caribbean International, UK and Ireland explains:

“At Royal Caribbean International we have always delivered the unexpected and enjoyed behaving in a way that no other cruise line can. Not only are we increasing our European deployment, but we are doing it in impressive style. News that Allure of the Seas will enjoy a full season based in the popular Mediterranean port of Barcelona is brilliant for agents – they have the opportunity to sell cruises on the world’s most high profile ship closer to home.

“We will be supporting our agent partners extensively in ensuring that they get to learn more about this ship when sister-shipOasis of Seas calls into Southampton later this year. We’re urging agents to forget what they think they know about European cruises – Allure of the Seas will change the face of selling Mediterranean cruises, especially for a family audience.”

The news also comes ahead of the announcement that new ship, Anthem of the Seas joining the Royal Caribbean International fleet in spring 2015, will be based in Southampton. The addition of Allure of the Seas to the European deployment reflects the strength of support and continued commitment for the Royal Caribbean International offering from agents.  It also means that some of the company's newest and innovative ships will be in the Mediterranean during peak holiday seasons, showcasing the breadth of attractions available on board, ranging from dodgems and sky diving, world class spas and cuisine, to ice skating and zip lining in 2015.

In summer 2015 Allure of the Seas will offer seven night cruises from Barcelona calling at Palma de Mallorca, Marseilles for Provence, La Spezia for Florence and Pisa, Civitavecchia for Rome and Naples. Guests will also have the option to travel to Rome and join the ship in Civitavecchia for a week long cruise starting and ending in the Italian port. Offering more flexibility for agents and their clients, the choice of embarkation ports is expected to be a popular addition.

To support the news, agents can look forward to a mini brochure specific to Allure of the Seas. Plus, a dedicated marketing toolkit that includes videos, campaign assets, top offers and fantastic images, as well as much more, to aid selling the new itineraries. Agents should look out for the trade packs that will drop from 12 February 2014 as they feature the opportunity for ten lucky agents to receive at random a special golden ticket to win a VIP weekend in Barcelona as one of the first to see the ship arrive in the Mediterranean. A further ten agents will win the exclusive golden ticket and Barcelona prize by making a booking and registering it at cruisingpower.co.uk.

The new 2015 cruises from Allure of the Seas – the first time the ship has offered cruises outside of the Caribbean – go on sale for Crown & Anchor Society members on Wednesday 12 February 2014.