Tag: Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean partners with Queensland Theme Parks

April 4, 2022 quality_baz Ocean Cruises Comments Off on Royal Caribbean partners with Queensland Theme Parks

Royal Caribbean and Village Roadshow Theme Parks Create Ultimate Queensland Getaway

Two of the biggest icons in family adventure have come together to create the ultimate end-to-end Queensland getaway. Royal Caribbean International has teamed up with Village Roadshow Theme Parks to offer guests sailing from Brisbane on Quantum of the Seas access to exclusive accommodation and attraction packages, combining two amazing family experiences into one holiday with plenty of added perks.

Making it easy to plan a holiday that combines the best of land and sea, the new, exclusive partnership welcomes Royal Caribbean holidaymakers to enjoy unlimited entry to Warner Bros. Movie World, Sea World, Wet’n’Wild and Paradise Country, and a 15% discount on accommodation at Australia’s only theme park resort, Sea World Resort with additional inclusions for the whole family, making it easy to plan a holiday combining the best of land and sea.

Royal Caribbean’s highly anticipated launch in Queensland starts this summer with the ground-breaking Quantum sailing from the new Brisbane terminal from 9th November onwards. Packed full of adventure for the whole family and known for its innovation and countless industry ‘firsts,’ including rock climbing, ice skating, sky diving and surfing at sea, Royal Caribbean will capture the imagination of families and adventurous holidaymakers alike.

Royal Caribbean Reveals Four World-Class Ships Head to Alaska in 2023

December 9, 2021 quality_baz Ocean Cruises Comments Off on Royal Caribbean Reveals Four World-Class Ships Head to Alaska in 2023

Following a successful return to service in Alaska earlier this year, Royal Caribbean announces that they’ll return in 2023 for their second consecutive year with four ships in the region.

Three bold, returning favourites, Ovation, Quantum and Radiance of the Seas, will be joined by Enchantment of the Seas to offer families and all travellers a variety of ways to experience the Last Frontier and its majestic glaciers, breathtaking wildlife and charming towns.

From Mendenhall Glacier to the Inside Passage, to onboard memory-making thanks to unique experiences such as simulated skydiving on RipCord by iFly and taking in awe-inspiring views through acres of glass, vacationers have in-store cool thrills from one day to the next.

Ovation and Quantum of the Seas – Cruising from: Seattle

  • On Ovation’s cruises, departing on Fridays, travellers can discover the best of Alaska from one charming town to the next. Extended stays also offer adventure seekers more time to explore in Skagway, Alaska, where one can retrace the steps of the historic Klondike Gold Rush and visit a restored 19th-century railroad depot; and state capital Juneau, Alaska, which offers dogsledding across Mendenhall Glacier and explorations of centuries-old mining trails. Plus, vacationers can head to the road less travelled at Ward Cove near Ketchikan where they can take in the unspoiled scenery along the Tongass Narrows and the wildlife that calls it home, like sea lions, bald eagles, and porpoises.
  • Departing on Mondays, Quantum’s stunning itineraries will bring travellers up close to the massive Dawes Glacier after sailing through the impressive Endicott Arm, alongside visits to four coastal communities, including Ketchikan, Alaska, and Victoria, British Columbia. When heading ashore, travellers can look forward to immersing themselves in the local culture while at destinations like Sitka and Icy Strait Point, Alaska, home to the rich history of the Tlingit and activities ranging from kayak island-hopping to whale watching and fishing.

Radiance and Enchantment of the Seas – Cruising from: Seward and Vancouver

  • Radiance will, once again, sail alternating southbound and northbound itineraries that
  • depart from Seward and Vancouver. Travellers will have the opportunity to discover the region’s
  • magnificent landscapes firsthand when visiting Icy Strait Point, Sitka and Skagway, and as they sail
  • the Inside Passage and by Hubbard Glacier.
  • Enchantment makes its way to the Pacific coast for its debut Alaska season, sailing roundtrip from Vancouver. Vacationers have in store more glaciers than one, Hubbard Glacier and Tracy Arm fjord, and inspiring destinations like Haines, Ketchikan – the gateway to the wild landscapes and seascapes – Skagway and Juneau.

Royal Caribbean Introduces Ultimate World Cruise in 2023

October 21, 2021 quality_baz Ocean Cruises Comments Off on Royal Caribbean Introduces Ultimate World Cruise in 2023

Serenade of the Seas to Make Cruising's First-of-its-kind, 274-Night Adventure in 2023

Royal Caribbean International is raising the bar for world cruises with the debut of the inaugural Ultimate World Cruise, an epic 274-night adventure that visits all seven continents, more than 150 destinations in 65 countries and 11 great wonders of the world. This rich, immersive experience on Serenade of the Seas is the longest and most comprehensive world cruise out there, sailing roundtrip from Miami on Dec. 10, 2023 and through Sept. 10, 2024. Bookings for the full Ultimate World Cruise can be made by phone starting today, with an exclusive one-week window through Oct. 26 for Royal Caribbean’s Crown & Anchor Society Diamond status members and above.

Travellers will sail to 57 destinations new to the cruise line and exclusive to the cruise itself. Highlights include Casablanca, Morocco; Qaqortoq, Greenland; and Shimizu, Japan – the gateway to Mount Fuji. Guests can delve deep into many of the world’s breathtaking wonders, from Peru’s Machu Picchu to the Taj Mahal in India, and experience distinct cultures and picturesque shores at every corner of the world all in one spectacular adventure – only on Royal Caribbean.

Guests ready to traverse the world can book the full Ultimate World Cruise today or choose from any of the four expeditions that will offer a wide range of destinations as soon as December 2021 – the Americas, Asia-Pacific, the Mediterranean and Northern Europe:

  • Round the Horn: Americas and Antarctica Expedition Dec. 10, 2023 – Feb. 11, 2024 – Three continents, 36 destinations, four wonders

The once-in-a-lifetime journey begins in Miami, the cruise capital of the world, and sets course for postcard- perfect Caribbean destinations – like the ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao) – before heading to glacier- studded Antarctica and around Cape Horn. Travelers can take in four of the world’s stunning wonders along the way in Central and South America, including Chichen Itza in Cozumel, Mexico; the largest art deco sculpture in the world, Christ the Redeemer, in Rio de Janeiro – where they’ll celebrate New Year’s Eve – and the largest waterfall system on the planet, Iguazu Falls near Buenos Aires, Argentina. One of the most iconic symbols of ancient Inca civilization and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Machu Picchu, awaits in Peru, while sunshine and glamour will welcome guests in Los Angeles.

  • Wonders of Asia and the Pacific Expedition Feb. 11 – May 9, 2024 – Three continents, 40 destinations, three wonders

Guests will venture miles from the ordinary in Oceania, Asia and beyond on the cruise’s next showstopping leg. They can discover the beauty and adventure throughout the Hawaiian Islands’ world-renowned mountainous landscapes and black sand beaches before sailing south to Moorea and Tahiti, French Polynesia, for sapphire blue skies and crystal-clear waters. The thrills continue with an exploration of New Zealand, before a deep-dive into Australia’s Great Barrier Reef – the only living thing on the planet that’s visible from space. Pristine natural beauty in Bali, Indonesia, is soon followed by two of the most iconic manmade world wonders, the Great Wall of China and India’s Taj Mahal, and gems of the South Pacific – from Vietnam to Malaysia. Rounding out the expedition are endless possibilities in Japan, with unparalleled culture in Tokyo, street food in Osaka and the tropical beaches of Okinawa.

  • Middle East Treasures and Marvels of the Med Expedition May 9 – July 10, 2024 – Three continents, 44 destinations, four wonders

This expedition begins in glamorous Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and brings many of history’s greatest mysteries, myths and legends to life. Adventurers can uncover ancient sites and more world wonders from the times of emperors and pharaohs, like Jordan’s lost city of Petra, the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt, Temple of Artemis in Ephesus, Turkey, and the Colosseum in Rome. There are also less-traveled places to explore, such as Greece’s Olympia, once a sanctuary site to honor Zeus and the location of the first Olympic games. The journey only continues to even more destinations known for their storied history — like Split, Croatia, and  annes and Provence in France.

  • Capitals of Culture July 10 – Sept. 10, 2024 – Three continents, 40 destinations

The final leg of the Ultimate World Cruise is an immersive, cultural experience that begins in the Mediterranean and heads north. At travelers’ fingertips is the opportunity to discover Barcelona’s brilliant architecture, including Antoni Gaudi’s famed Sagrada Familia and whimsical Park Guell, and savor new flavors across continents — such as an indulgent lunch in a Parisian bistro and a dinner of tagine and mint tea in Morocco. Museums, theaters and galleries line the streets of St. Petersburg, Russia, while larger-than-life fjords await in Norway. Guests can reflect on their epic voyage in the geothermal waters of the Blue Lagoon in Iceland before visiting New York on their way back to Miami. Globetrotters will explore the world in style on board Serenade,

Singapore to welcome Spectrum of the Seas

October 1, 2021 quality_baz Ocean Cruises Comments Off on Singapore to welcome Spectrum of the Seas

Singapore to welcome Spectrum of the Seas

Holidaymakers will have much to celebrate when Royal Caribbean International brings Asia’s largest and most innovative ship to Singapore – Spectrum of the Seas – for the long-awaited comeback of cruising. Travellers can look forward to spectacular 3- to 9-night sailings that will visit Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam, starting October 21, 2022. Sailings are now open for bookings.

Guests onboard Spectrum will savour an exotic array of Asian-inspired cuisine consisting of Teppanyaki and Hot Pot-style dining, as well as an entertainment extravaganza touching on the cultures, colours, music, and dance styles of China, Persia, and India. Spectrum offers the perfect combination of high-tech experiences, providing adventure-loving guests a wealth of onboard experiences:

  • Asia’s first Sky Pad, a virtual reality, bungee trampoline adventure where guests strap in and don a headset to transport themselves to another time and planet.
  • Royal Caribbean’s first and exclusive Suite Enclave, which features the exquisite Royal Suite Class Star, Sky and Sea accommodations in a private area, supremely positioned at the forward end of the ship. Guests booked in these luxury suites have exclusive floor access, an elevator, private restaurants, and a dedicated lounge area.
  • Cutting-edge and transformative venues such as Two70. Boasting stunning 270-degree ocean views by day and transforming into a multidimensional theater by night, this transformative space flaunts six agile Roboscreens, breath taking live performers and mind-bending aerialists to create unimaginable visuals. Meanwhile, SeaPlex, the largest indoor active space at sea, featuring bumper cars, roller skating, laser tag, fencing, archery, and more.
  • Star Moment, a lively and energetic karaoke venue where family and friends can belt out and sing like stars.
  • Spectrum boasts an array of spacious and family friendly staterooms, from exterior balcony staterooms to family friendly interconnected rooms, to the signature two-level Ultimate Family Suite, an expansive, multi-room retreat complete with its own ensuite slide and cinema, which also doubles as a karaoke stage.
  • A bold lineup of signature activities, including the FlowRider surf simulator; the North Star, an all-glass capsule which ascends 300 feet above the ocean, delivering incomparable 360-degree views; and RipCord by iFly, the first sky diving experience at sea.
  • Nineteen distinct dining options serving up flavours from around the world, including Hot Pot, featuring an authentic Chinese dining experience, Teppanyaki, a celebration of authentic oriental flavours cooked in Japan’s traditional teppanyaki style, and Sichuan Red, a new specialty dining experience tailored just for Spectrum, where diners can savour a bold tapestry of authentic spices and Sichuan flavours. Signature classics include imaginative cuisine at Wonderland, top-notch, aged beef at Chops Grille, and authentic rustic fare and handmade pasta at Jamie’s Italian.

Royal Caribbean Updates Australian Summer Season to Domestic only

August 5, 2021 quality_baz Ocean Cruises Comments Off on Royal Caribbean Updates Australian Summer Season to Domestic only

Ovation of the Seas pivots to Domestic cruising

Royal Caribbean International today announced a new season of Australian domestic sailings on board returning favourite Ovation of the Seas. Ovation will sail from Sydney starting 13 th Dec. 2021 through 31st March 2022 offering a mix of 2- to 10-night domestic sailings visiting some of the country’s most famous cities and regions.

In lieu of the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the opening of international borders and to ensure guests have peace of mind surrounding their holiday plans, Royal Caribbean has made the decision to cancel the following sailings:

  • Serenade of the Seas’ sailings from Sydney from 24 Oct. 2021 to 27 February 2022 inclusive
  • Ovation of the Seas’ sailings from Sydney from 27 Oct. 2021 to 10 April 2022 inclusive, and Ovation will be redeployed to a domestic only itinerary

Ovation will offer guests a raft of short breaks and voyages with 24 sailings from Sydney starting in December. Guests can choose from 2- to 10-night itineraries that visit ports such as Eden, Hobart, Adelaide, Brisbane, Port Douglas, Kangaroo Island, Airlie Beach, Cairns or Port Douglas. Plus, enjoy scenic excursions of the Great Barrier Reef, Willis Island and the NSW South Coast.

Freedom of the Seas resumes sailing from Miami

July 6, 2021 baz Ocean Cruises Comments Off on Freedom of the Seas resumes sailing from Miami

Freedom of the Seas resumes sailing with Fourth of July Weekend Cruise from Miami

It’s official, Royal Caribbean International is back in the U.S. and delivering the long overdue cruise vacations that families and travellers of all ages have missed. A nearly 16-month journey led up to the moment yesterday when Freedom of the Seas became the first Royal Caribbean ship in the U.S. to welcome guests and the first cruise ship to do so from PortMiami, the cruise capital of the world. Sailing with 93% of the onboard community fully vaccinated and just in time for Fourth of July weekend, Freedom set off on the first cruise of a summer-long series of 3-night weekend and 4-night weekday getaways to Perfect Day at CocoCay – the cruise line’s top-rated private island destination – and Nassau, The Bahamas.

Showcasing its $116 million transformation from March 2020, Freedom has a lineup of new features and amenities in store for guests of all ages, including The Perfect Storm duo of high-speed waterslides, a vibrant, resort-style Caribbean poolscape; the cruise line’s first Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen and new, dedicated spaces for kids and teens. The amplified ship offers an all-around tropical escape from ship to shore, sailing to Nassau and Perfect Day at CocoCay, The Bahamas. At Royal Caribbean’s game-changing private island destination, there are next-level thrills and ways to chill, from the tallest waterslide in North America to the largest freshwater pool in the Caribbean, Oasis Lagoon; to the first floating cabanas in The Bahamas at Coco Beach Club. Between the decked-out experience on board and island hopping from one tropical destination to the next, Freedom’s 3-night weekend and 4-night weekday summer cruises from Miami are the perfect short getaways for families to maximize every moment of their precious vacation time.

Grand Bahama welcomes Adventure of the Seas

June 22, 2021 baz Ocean Cruises Comments Off on Grand Bahama welcomes Adventure of the Seas

Island embraces role as newest homeport destination to RCI's Adventure of the Seas

With lively Junkanoo performances and celebrations, government officials and key business leaders welcomed Royal Caribbean International (RCI) with open arms on Friday, June 18 as Adventure of the Seas completed its inaugural homeporting ceremony in Grand Bahama Island, with 1,000 eager passengers.

Following a 16-month hiatus due to COVID-19 related travel restrictions, the return of cruising to Grand Bahama Island marks a pivotal moment for the local community. It signals the commitment to revitalization following the economic challenges first introduced by the devasting impact of Hurricane Dorian and then worsened amid the global pandemic shutdowns. Freeport Harbour is thrilled to serve as the newest homeport destination responsible for major provisioning and refuelling before the vessel returns to Nassau.

Adventure of the Seas debuted its seven-night getaways from Nassau on June 12, which feature two back-to-back days of thrills at Perfect Day at CocoCay, adventures in Cozumel and a full day of unwinding on Grand Bahama’s white-sand beaches every Saturday throughout the northern summer.

Ep48 – Royal Caribbean, Maritime History, Cruise News & Listener Questions

#10 – Ovation of the Seas