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Well, 2018 is racing to a close, and it was an incredible year for the industry. Let's take a look back at some of the incredible new ships that debuted in 2018! New Ships: Every year cruise lines seem to outdo themselves with the incredible ships they debut, and 2018 was one of the most incredible! From the largest ship in the world debut to the most innovative ship of our time. The Largest: Symphony of the Seas, debuted in May of 2018 making her the fourth Oasis-class cruise ship operated by Royal Caribbean International. At 228,000 GRT, 1,188 feet long, and 215.5 feet wide Symphony of the Seas is the largest passenger ship afloat. In addition to bringing back some Royal Caribbean classics such as the Royal Promenade, Central Park, and the Boardwalk (made famous by her sister, Oasis). Symphony brings some new features including Laser Tag, Playmakers Arcade and Sports Bar, and Sugar Beach. Symphony has earned the "Best new Large Cruise Ship" title by the reader choice awards! Check out the Symphony here! The Most Advanced: Celebrity Edge debuted just weeks ago stunning everyone who sails on her. EDGE is Celebrity Cruises first new ship since 2012, and it was well worth the wait. The Edge is unrecognizable as a Celebrity ship as her design both inside and out is a first for this premium cruise line. From countless new restaurants, a cantilevered elevating bar and restaurant, a 22,000 square foot spa, and new staterooms the EDGE is "A total game changer." Check out the EDGE here! The others: Norwegian Bliss: The largest Norwegian Cruise Line ship to date the Norwegian Bliss is the third in the Breakaway Plus class ships and at 168,000 is one of the largest passenger ships in the world. The Bliss features one of the only go-kart tracks at sea, outdoor laser tag, and multiple full-size water slides. Check out the Bliss here! Carnival Horizon Carnival has stepped up their game. The Carnival Horizon might not be the largest cruise ship ever built, but she is one of the best ships afloat. The Horizon is beautifully laid out, features incredible restaurants, bars, venues, staterooms and has unrivaled service. I can not wait to be back on board. Check out the Horizon here! MSC Seaview: MSC Cruises is making waves in the North American market. MSC Seaside was built specifically for North America, and the reviews are incredible. From her chic exterior design to her dazzling interiors she is allowing the North American market to be more Mediterranean! Check out the Seaview here! Nieuw Statendam: Holland America Line is bringing elegance and innovation together on their newest ship Nieuw Statendam. The largest Holland America ship to date she allows guest to enjoy the classic elegance of an ocean liner and the innovation and excitement of a modern cruise ship! Check out the Nieuw Statendam here! These are just some new ship that we saw hit the ocean this year. 2019 looks to outdo 2018 with ship hitting the ocean such as Royal Caribbean's Spectrum of the Seas, Norwegian's Encore, Carnival's Panorama and even more ships being released by MSC Cruises, Princess, and Costa Cruises! Click here to check out all the new cruise ships coming in 2019!

Royal Caribbean News Items http://www.royalcaribbeanpresscenter.com/press-release/1229/harmony-of-the-seas-amps-up-fun-for-the-entire-family/ 26/January/2016

And it's a great day to be cruising from the Port of Baltimore! Hello, everyone! It feels great being back after a nearly 2 month hiatus. I missed you all and hope everyone has been in nothing but cruisetacular spirits! Never have I been more proud to be a resident of the great state of Maryland! We're home to the Superbowl Champions, the best crabs in the world and the recently refurbished Grandeur of the Seas! This past Friday - May 03, 2013 - MD's Governor Martin O'Malley (D) proclaimed the day to be state-wide Royal Caribbean Cruise Day! How cool is that? It was with great enthusiasm I accepted an invitation from Royal Caribbean International to join in for the festivities that would be taking place at the Port of Baltimore (which is conveniently only 15 minutes from my driveway)! Here in Baltimore, we have seen tremendous growth in our annual cruise passenger numbers! We began with seasonal service back in 2004 with about 30 cruises a year that took 60,000 passengers on high seas adventures. Today, the Port of Baltimore sees approximately 100 cruises a year (96 slated for 2013) with 240,000 passengers sailing through the number one cruise port in the Mid-Atlantic. The Port of Baltimore is the 11th biggest cruise port in the United States and 20th in the world! In addition to that, the Port generates about 90 million dollars in revenue for the State of Maryland and 200 direct jobs. And if any of you have been here, you know the port literally sits right on I-95 - making it the best free advertisement around! Now that's what I call cruisetacular! In her 48 million dollar face-lift, Grandeur of the Seas was given new dining options to bring her food offering to eight - something unheard of for a ship her size (which is great)! She also was given a new pool-side big screen for your viewing pleasure as well as upgraded areas for toddlers, kids and teens! The Solarium onboard, which is adult only and also saw an enhancement, truly helps the mature cruisers find the perfect escape while on the ship.The highlight of the improved Grandeur of the Seas is the Centrum Wow show which takes place in the ships centrum (some of you may call it the atrium). Oh, and did I mention RCI have her all new carpet and furniture? She's truly a new ship with enhancements that'll truly fit everyone who sails aboard - including YOU! Grandeur of the Seas sailed from the Port of Baltimore seasonally from 2004-2009 prior to her return in 2013. Friday, May 03 marked her first cruise from Baltimore in about four years - the voyage was a seven night cruise to Bermuda; featuring 3 days and 2 nights docked at Kings Wharf. Today, she currently offers the most diverse list of sailings from the Mid-Atlantic with a port of call line-up to include Bermuda, the Bahamas, Florida, the Eastern Caribbean, Canada and New England. With new features, amazing voyages and plenty of room for you and your family, this ship has enough splendor and charm to share with all those who walk up her gangway. For more information on Grandeur of the Seas or the itineraries she will sail, cruise on over to her very own webpage on Royal Caribbean's website. And if you want to see more pictures I captured from RCI Day here in MD, I've posted them all to Cruise Man 3000's Facebook Fan Page! I've also added exclusive behind the scenes videos on my YouTube Channel, too! Until we talk ship again next Monday, keep cruisin' and groovin'! You're cruisetacular for reading!

Liberty of the Seas ~ February 24, 2019 ~ We’re helping a company run a large conference at sea! Combining fun, learning, and a fantastic cruise into one amazing experience!

Explorer of the Seas ~ September 28, 2018 ~ This is a Pacific Coastal cruise from Seattle to Astoria, San Francisco and Victoria, BC. We’ll be cruising with a group of friends and family and are really looking forward to this cool itinerary!

Allure of the Seas ~ January 28, 2017 ~ We’ll be part of a big group of on-line friends making a great cruise even more unforgettable!

Harmony of the Seas ~ October 28, 2017 ~ Looking forward to making lots of new friends on this cruise while reconnecting with tons of old friends!

Royal Caribbean Ship Launchings Nordic Empress/Empress OTS/Empress/Empress OTS: 30/March/2016—{Expected} Maiden Voyage: 25/August/1989 > Nordic Empress Acquired: 31/May/1990 | Max Capacity WAS: 805 NOW 2020 Max Capacity Maiden Voyage: 15/March/2008 > Empress Pullmantur Cruises Nordic Empress: 25/June/1990—14/May/2004 Royal Caribbean Empress OTS: 15/May/2004—14/March/2008 Royal Caribbean Empress: 15/March/2008—March/2016 Pullmantur Cruises {Spain} Empress OTS: 30/March/2016—{Expected} Royal Caribbean Announced Return: 23/October/2015 Announced Routes & Homeport: 21/December/2015 Homeport: Miami, Florida | 3 to 5 Night Cruises NO FORMAL NIGHTS IN MAIN DINING ROOM {MDR} WHEN SHIP RETURNS TO SERVICE FOR ROYAL

Royal Caribbean Suite Categories Fleet Wide Excluding Nordic Empress/Empress of the Seas Returning to service: 30/March/2016 Royal Loft Suite {RL} — Oasis Class & Quantum Class Royal Suite {RS} — EXCEPT Quantum Class & Harmony OTS 4 Owner’s Loft (OL) — Quantum Class Presidential Family Suite (PS) 1 Freedom Class & Harmony OTS Grand Loft (GL) — Quantum Class Sky Loft Suite (SL) — Oasis Class & Quantum Class AquaTheater Suite (A1/A2/A3/A4) 2 — Oasis Class Crown Loft Suite (CL) (L1/L2) — Oasis Class Owner's Suite (OS) Fleet Wide Royal Family Suite (FS) Fleet Wide Two Bedroom Suite (TS) — Radiance Class 3 Superior Grand Suite (SG) — Quantum Class Grand Suite (GS) Fleet Wide Family Connected Junior Suite [FC] — Quantum Class Family Junior Suite (FJ) — Quantum Class & Legend OTS, Splendour OTS Junior Suite (JS) Fleet Wide Spa Junior Suite (SJ) — Quantum Class Notes: Royal Suite Class—Suite Amenities Program 1 (PS): Four-Bedroom Family Suite 2 (A1): Two Bedroom AquaTheater Suite NOT Part of: Royal Suite Class—Suite Amenities Program 3 Two Bedroom Suite (TS) — Radiance Class 4 Royal Suites {RS} — EXCEPT Quantum Class & Harmony OTS To be Re-Categorised as (OL) & (GL) OASIS OTS: 07/MAY/2016 & ALLURE OTS: 05/JUNE/2016 Silver SeaPass® Card for Recognition Family Connected Junior Suite {FC} Family Junior Suite (FJ) Junior Suite (JS) Spa Junior Suite (SJ) All Other Suite Classes: Gold SeaPass® Card for Recognition

"Damaged ship caused shortened & missed ports." Click here to view the cruise review

I think royal Caribbean and carnival are the best cruise lines in my opinion.... carnival has a wide rang of things to do. royal Caribbean also has a wide rang of things to do like ice skating and rock climbing walls.

Embark on a journey of a lifetime: A 7-night Alaska cruise aboard the revitalized Radiance of the Seas® followed by a multi-night fully escorted land tour that takes you deeper into Alaska's rugged interior. Plus, when you book select 2014 Northbound tours, by August 31, you will receive $200* to spend onboard. • Discover the stunning grandeur of Alaska's untamed coastline with its dramatic fjords, calving glaciers and belly-flopping humpbacks. • Choose from eight new exciting dining experiences ranging from Giovanni's Table Italian restaurant to the sizzling skewers of Samba Grill Brazilian steakhouse. • Experience the interior of Alaska with your very own Adventure Specialist who will give an inside perspective on regional history, culture and natural wonders. • Spend your evenings in authentic lodges located steps from incredible sights like Denali Park, home to Mt. McKinley, wild salmon and more. Don't miss out on this great offer, book your 2014 Cruisetour today! Call Rick Cauthen today at 513-278-8195

Rick Cauthen, CTChttp://cincinnaticruise.com/index.html rick@cincinnaticruise.com 513-278-8195 I am offering: Free Specialty Dining for Two Free Spa Treatment for One 50% Reduced Deposit Requirements Free Balcony Upgrades Details are below..... Royal Caribbean: August 2013 Travel Leaders Exclusive Cruise Promotion08/06/2013 Offer Details Travel Leaders Exclusive Offer: Book an Ocean View stateroom from August 6th - September 15th on any 6-night or longer Caribbean or Bermuda Sailing and receive a complimentary dinner for two in one of the Specialty Restaurants. Book a Balcony and above and receive a complimentary spa treatment in addition to the dinner for two. Plus, book by August 20, 2013 and take advantage of a 50 % reduced deposit. Book a balcony as the same price as an ocean view on specifically restricted categories. Book an ocean view as the same prices as an interior on specifically restricted categories. All Special Offers may have Certain Applicable Restrictions Booking Window Dinner/Spa: 08/01/2013 - 09/15/2013 Reduce Deposit: 08/01/2013 - 08/20/2013 Upgrade Offer: 07/31/2013 - 08/31/2013 Applicable SailingsAny 6 night or longer sailing to the Caribbean or Bermuda departing 11/01/2013 - 03/31/2014

Construction officially has begun on Royal Caribbean's next generation of cruise ships.Royal Caribbean says the first piece of steel for the first of its two Project Sunshine vessels was cut this week at a shipyard in Germany. The line also announced that the ships would be called Quantum of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas. Scheduled to debut in fall 2014 and spring 2015, respectively, the two vessels will be part of what the line is now calling the Quantum class."After three years of design and advance planning, this is the first step of the construction of the ship, and I look forward to seeing it all come together in the coming months," Royal Caribbean CEO Adam Goldstein says in a statement. "The new ship will be such a leap forward in terms of vessel design and guest experiences that we thought the name Quantum of the Seas was perfectly appropriate." At 158,000 tons, the new Quantum class ships will be significantly smaller than the line's last two vessels, the much-ballyhooed Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas. At 225,282 tons, the two Oasis class ships set a new record for cruise ship size when they debuted in 2009 and 2010, respectively. While the Oasis class ships have been a notable success, commanding premium pricing, Royal Caribbean executives have said the line needs a mix of different size ships to allow for flexibility in itinerary planning. Royal Caribbean currently operates 22 vessels spread among six classes that range in size from about 69,000 tons to 225,282 tons. Royal Caribbean says the new Quantum class vessels will carry about 4,100 passengers at double occupancy, but the line otherwise has released few details about the ships. They're being built at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany. SOURCE: USAtoday

Well, it's been almost 3 years since our last cruise on the Carnival Dream. It will also be our 9th cruise, yet our 1st on RCCL. Were leaving from Tampa (about 30 minutes from home) which is a port we have yet to sail from. Looking forward to hearing from anyone sailing this cruise as well as some RCCL insight.

I read an article stating that a cruiser got bumped from the Majesty of the Seas (I think) out of Florida after booking a guaranteed cabin 10 days prior. I have never, ever heard of anything like this before. I do recall MSC dumping an entire family off one of their ships several yrs. ago and they rebooked a group at a higher rate which is why I would never take MSC but I have never heard of bumping for overbooking. Anyone ever heard of this?