Royal Caribbean News Items

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ROYAL CARIBBEAN NAMES INSPIRATIONAL HOMETOWN HERO IN EDUCATION AS GODMOTHER OF HARMONY OF THE SEAS

 

http://www.royalcaribbeanpresscenter.com/press-release/1282/royal-caribbean-names-inspirational-hometown-hero-in-education-as-godmother-of-harmony-of-the-seas/

25/October/2016

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WORLD’S THREE LARGEST CRUISE SHIPS MEET FOR THE FIRST

TIME AT SEA

 

Royal Caribbean’s Newest Ship Harmony of the Seas Welcomed by Sister Ships, Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas

NOTE TO EDITORS: Additional high-resolution images and video are available at RoyalCaribbeanPressCenter.com/Harmony.
 
MIAMI– Royal Caribbean International’s Oasis-class ships, Oasis of the Seas, Allure of the Seas and the New Harmony of the Seas, struck a chord today, greeting each other at sea for the first and possibly only time. In a meeting of unprecedented proportions, the three record-breaking sisters came together to celebrate the U.S. arrival of Harmony of the Seas on the eve of the ship’s debut in her new permanent homeport of Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. 

http://www.royalcaribbeanpresscenter.com/press-release/1286/worldrsquos-three-largest-cruise-ships-meet-for-the-first-time-at-sea/

4/November/ 2016

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ROYAL CARIBBEAN’S HARMONY OF THE SEAS MAKES

SPECTACULAR U.S. DEBUT

 

World’s Largest Cruise Ship Sets Sail from Fort Lauderdale for First Time

 

MIAMI – With a sail away celebration befitting the world’s largest cruise ship, Royal Caribbean International’s brand new ship, Harmony of the Seas, departed on her maiden voyage from her new permanent homeport of Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.  The world’s most adventure-packed ship was fêted with an adventurous take on the traditional flotilla send-off, complete with a team of 16 jetboard and jetpack riders from the world-renowned Aquafly Hydroflight Sports Performance Team leading Harmony out to sea and performing a show of extraordinary stunts.

Joining sister ships Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas on the east coast of Florida – which are homeported in Port Canaveral and Port Everglades respectively – Harmony offers seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries, providing new adventures from the islands of the Caribbean to the shores of Mexico.

http://www.royalcaribbeanpresscenter.com/press-release/1287/royal-caribbeanrsquos-harmony-of-the-seas-makes-spectacular-us-debut/

5/November/ 2016

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PATTI LABELLE GIVES EXCLUSIVE VIP PERFORMANCE ON ROYAL

CARIBBEAN’S FIRST-EVER PRESIDENT’S CRUISE

MIAMI– Grammy award-winning legendary artist Patti LaBelle hit a high note onboard Royal Caribbean International’s Allure of the Seas in honor of the cruise line’s first-ever President’s Cruise with President and CEO Michael Bayley. LaBelle was onboard to treat members of the cruise line’s Crown & Anchor Society loyalty program to an exclusive performance of her best hits including “Lady Marmalade,” “New Attitude,” “On My Own” and “You Are My Friend.” During the special seven-night Caribbean cruise, sailing round-trip from Fort Lauderdale, FL,  guests onboard Allure are visiting popular ports of call including Nassau, The Bahamas; San Juan, Puerto Rico; and Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas.

Royal Caribbean International is an award-winning global cruise brand with a 46-year legacy of innovation and introducing industry “firsts” never before seen at sea. Media can stay up-to-date by following @RoyalCaribPR on Twitter, and visiting RoyalCaribbeanPressCenter.com. For additional information or to make reservations, vacationers should call their travel agent; visit RoyalCaribbean.com; or call (800) ROYAL-CARIBBEAN.

http://www.royalcaribbeanpresscenter.com/press-release/1277/patti-labelle-gives-exclusive-vip-performance-on-royal-caribbeanrsquos-first-ever-presidentrsquos-cruise/

22/September/2016

 

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ROYAL CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL OPENS SAILINGS TO CUBA

 

Adventure Seekers Can Now Visit Havana On Empress of the Seas from Miami or Tampa

 

MIAMI, Dec. 9, 2016 – Salsa music, dominoes, Mojitos and historic Havana neighborhoods are easier to reach than ever before for guests on Royal Caribbean International. The newly revitalized Empress of the Seas will make history for the cruise line with its first visit to Cuba during a 5-night sailing departing Miami on April 19, 2017. The ship will then reposition to Tampa offering two itineraries with calls to Havana on April 30 (7-night sailing) and May 20 (5-night sailing). These Empress of the Seas sailings are now open for sale.

 

               Empress of the Seas will homeport in Tampa for the 2017 summer season – the cruise line’s first-ever summer program from the destination – offering a series of 4- and 5-night sailings, including port calls to destinations in Cuba. The largest ship to sail to Cuba from the United States, Empress will provide vacationers with the opportunity to discover the timeless sights, sounds and culture of this island nation. Details of the summer itineraries will be released at a later date.

 

https://www.royalcaribbeanpresscenter.com/press-release/1296/royal-caribbean-international-opens-sailings-to-cuba/

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ROYAL CARIBBEAN WINS ‘BEST CRUISE LINE OVERALL’ FOR RECORD 14^TH YEAR

 

Unrivaled Global Cruise Line Sweeps Prestigious Travel Weekly Readers Choice Awards in Cruise Sector

 

MIAMI, Dec. 16, 2015 – For the fourteenth consecutive year, Royal Caribbean International was named “Best Cruise Line Overall” in the 2016 Travel Weekly Readers Choice Awards. At a ceremony last night, the most coveted travel awards, recognizing the best of the best in the travel industry, also honored the cruise line as “Best Cruise Line Sales & Service” for the ninth consecutive year and “Best Cruise Line in the Caribbean.” Royal Caribbean’s ships continued the tradition of winning “Best New Cruise Ship Overall,” with the designation this year going to Harmony of the Seas, and “Best Individual Cruise Ship” for Allure of the Seas.  

 

                  “It is such a great honor to sweep the top categories in the cruise sector of these notable awards selected by Travel Weekly readers and so many valued travel agents,” said Vicki Freed, senior vice president, Sales and Trade Support and Service, Royal Caribbean International. “Being recognized as ‘Best Cruise Line Overall’ since the inception of the Readers Choice Awards, as well as ‘Best Cruise Line Sales & Service’ for nine years in a row, is testament to our incredibly strong relationships with travel partners built on years of working together, learning together and innovating together. We thank Travel Weekly and valued agents for their ongoing support, and will continue to deliver on our commitment and promise to our travel partners’ success.”

 

                  Travel Weekly recognized the honorees at its 14th annual Readers Choice Awards, hosting a gala dinner and ceremony Thursday night at the Conrad Hotel in New York. Winners were selected in 78 categories in the airline, car, hospitality, rail, GDS, agent education, tour, cruise, destination, loyalty program and theme park sectors. The awards are presented to suppliers considered by Travel Weekly readers who led the way in product and service during the past year. 

 

https://www.royalcaribbeanpresscenter.com/press-release/1298/royal-caribbean-wins-lsquobest-cruise-line-overall-for-record-14th-year/

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POWERED BY LNG AND FUEL CELLS, ROYAL CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL’S NEW SHIPS WILL RIDE THE WAVE OF THE FUTURE

 

New Icon-class design to advance clean-power technologies at sea

MIAMI, Oct. 10, 2016 -- The newest class of ships from Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE: RCL) will be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) and introduce the use of fuel cell technology, ushering in a new era of shipbuilding that will dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The ships will join the fleet of Royal Caribbean International, an industry leader in innovation and breakthrough ship design.

RCL said that it has signed a memorandum of understanding with shipbuilder Meyer Turku for the new class of vessel under the project name "Icon." The vessels will be delivered in the second quarters of 2022 and 2024. In the meantime, the company said, it will begin testing fuel cell technology on an existing Oasis-class ship in 2017, and will also run progressively larger fuel cell projects on new Quantum class vessels being built in the next several years.

Royal Caribbean is already known for making steady progress on energy efficiency and reduced emissions through such technologies as air lubrication, which sends billions of microscopic bubbles along the hull of a ship to reduce friction, and AEP scrubbers, which clean exhaust gases before they leave the ship. Use of the new technologies will result in much cleaner emissions, as they produce no sulfur and significantly reduce the production of nitrogen oxides and particulates.

"With Icon class, we move further in the journey to take the smoke out of our smokestacks," said Richard Fain, chairman and chief executive officer of Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd. "We are dedicated to innovation, continuous improvement, and environmental responsibility, and Icon gives us the opportunity to deliver against all three of these pillars."

"Our guests expect us to push every envelope we can," said Michael Bayley, president and chief executive officer of Royal Caribbean International. "And on this new class of ship, we began by challenging ourselves to find a new approach to power and propulsion that is safe, reliable, and more energy-efficient than ever before." Bayley added that exciting and innovative new guest experience elements of the Icon class design will be revealed later in the development process.

"Our partnership with RCL has created a number of ground-breaking ship classes, such as Oasis, Celebrity Solstice, Quantum, and Mein Schiff, and we are grateful that Royal Caribbean is again  giving us the opportunity to partner with them on a new class of ships," said Jan Meyer, the CEO of Meyer Turku.

The switch to LNG provides further momentum for the technology, which has begun making significant inroads in the maritime industry. "Increasing the commitment to LNG makes it easier for suppliers to make their own infrastructure commitments," said Fain. "As more ships are built for LNG, the number of ports that support it will grow." The Icon ships are expected to run primarily on LNG but will also be able to run on distillate fuel, to accommodate occasional itineraries that call on ports without LNG infrastructure.

The introduction of fuel cells represents another dramatic step forward for the maritime industry, which has only made limited experiments using the technology. "We believe fuel cells offer very interesting design possibilities," said Harri Kulovaara, RCL's chief of ship design. "As the technology becomes smaller and more efficient, fuel cells become more viable in a significant way to power the ship's hotel functions. We will begin testing those possibilities as soon as we can, and look to maximize their use when Icon class debuts."

Kulovaara said RCL had been eyeing fuel cells for nearly a decade, and believes the technology is now at a stage of development that justifies investment. "There is a long lead time for Icon class, and we will use that time to work with Meyer Turku to adapt fuel cell technology for maritime use." Kulovaara said that additional regulatory standards would also need to be developed for the technology.

Because of the long lead time, Kulovaara said that many Icon design elements are in early stages. The Icon ships would likely accommodate approximately 5,000 passengers, he said, but details are still being worked out.

Icon is the first new ship class announced by RCL since Celebrity Cruises' new Edge class, which debuts in 2018. The company is also expanding its fleet with new Oasis- and Quantum-class ships for Royal Caribbean International. Fain said the new ships are in line with RCL's strategy of moderate capacity growth. This order is contingent upon the completion of contractual conditions, including documentation and financing.  Final contracts are expected to be completed by year end.  Based upon current ship orders, projected capital expenditures for full year 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020 are $2.4 billion, $0.5 billion, $2.6 billion, $1.5 billion and $2.0 billion, respectively.  Capacity increases for 2016 through 2020 remain unchanged and do not include potential ship sales or additions that the company may elect to make in the future.

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Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE: RCL) is a global cruise vacation company that owns Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Club Cruises, as well as TUI Cruises through our 50 percent joint venture interest and Pullmantur and CDF Croisières de France through our 49 percent joint venture interest. Together, these six brands operate a combined total of 48 ships with an additional 11 on order. They operate diverse itineraries around the world that call on approximately 490 destinations on all seven continents. Additional information can be found on www.royalcaribbean.com, www.celebritycruises.com, www.azamaraclubcruises.com, www.pullmantur.es,  www.cdfcroisieresdefrance.com, www.tuicruises.com or www.rclinvestor.com.

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https://www.royalcaribbeanpresscenter.com/press-release/1279/powered-by-lng-and-fuel-cells-royal-caribbean-internationals-new-ships-will-ride-the-wave-of-the-future/

10/October/2016

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DIVE INTO ADVENTURE WITH PADI OPEN WATER DIVER COURSE ON ROYAL CARIBBEAN

Only Cruise Line with a Full Range of PADI Scuba Diving Education Programs and Onboard PADI Five-Star Dive Centers

MIAMI, Jan. 23, 2017 – Royal Caribbean International is now the only cruise line in the world with onboard PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors®) Five Star Dive Centers, which allows guests to become certified scuba divers as part of their vacation. Adventure seekers can dive in, exploring hundreds of storied shipwrecks in destinations like St. Thomas and the British Virgin Islands, and some of the most vibrant and renowned coral reefs across the Caribbean, including the Belize Barrier Reef, the second largest barrier reef in the world.

                  “For the past 16 years Royal Caribbean has worked closely with PADI to develop our onboard dive program,” said Roberta Jacoby, managing director, Global Tour Operations at Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd. “No other cruise line offers the opportunity for guests to become PADI certified scuba divers as part of the cruise, making it an ultimate dive trip as well. When guests sign up for the PADI Open Water Diver Course, they receive first-rate training and diver certification, performing their own scuba dives amidst the beautiful and serene waters of multiple Caribbean destinations and the South Pacific.”

                  Royal Caribbean’s partnership with PADI opens up a vast underwater world for guests. Whether a newbie or experienced diver, Royal Caribbean offers a range of programs from a 30-minute Try Dive program, for those just wanting to get their feet wet, to PADI’s Reactivate™ Program for certified divers wanting a refresher; prices starting at $29 and $59 per person, respectively. Those seeking the ultimate scuba dive vacation can enroll in PADI’s Open Water Diver course to earn their complete scuba diving certification, starting at $599 per person. The premiere scuba course begins at home with the online course using either the PADI Touch™ app for mobile devices or PADI eLearning® online for desktop and laptop computers, leaving more time for the fun of scuba diving while on vacation. Once on the high seas, divers will test the waters in the ship’s pool before heading out to complete the four mandatory, open-water training dives in some of the world’s most spectacular underwater surroundings. The training dives will be split among two different ports of call, allowing for maximum sightseeing in the crystal blue waters of the Caribbean or South Pacific. Upon returning home, guests will be certified scuba divers able to plan and execute dives on their own and have the stories to share about the aquatic world they’ve recently discovered.

                  Guests looking to immerse themselves in the beauty of the ocean and wonder of marine life can book their PADI course before boarding through the Cruise Planner, or while on board at one of the Royal Caribbean-exclusive PADI Five Star Dive Centers found on 10 ships across the fleet, including Oasis-, Freedom- and Voyager-class ships, as well as Quantum-class’ Anthem of the Seas. PADI is the world’s most respected and recognized organization in recreational scuba diver training and certification.

                  Royal Caribbean International is an award-winning global cruise brand with a 46-year legacy of innovation and introducing industry “firsts” never before seen at sea.  The cruise line features an expansive and unmatched array of features and amenities only found on Royal Caribbean, including jaw-dropping, Broadway-style entertainment and industry-acclaimed programming that appeals to families and adventurous vacationers alike. On board, guests are catered to with the cruise line’s world-renowned friendly and engaging Gold Anchor Service by every staff and crew member. Royal Caribbean has been voted “Best Cruise Line Overall” for 14 consecutive years in the Travel Weekly Reader's Choice Awards.

                  The cruise line sails 25 of the world’s most innovative cruise ships to the most popular destinations in Bermuda and the Caribbean, Europe, Canada and New England, Alaska, South America, Asia, and Australia and New Zealand. Media can stay up-to-date by following @RoyalCaribPR on Twitter, and visiting RoyalCaribbeanPressCenter.com.  For additional information or to make reservations, vacationers should call their travel agent; visit RoyalCaribbean.com; or call (800) ROYAL-CARIBBEAN.

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INDEPENDENCE OF THE SEAS:

WITH EXTRA EXTRAORDINARY IN 2018

Royal Caribbean announces extraordinary features on Independence of the Seas as part of multi-million pound makeover

London, UK, 26 September 2017 - Royal Caribbean International today announced new features that will make Independence of the Seas even more extraordinary than she already is when she sets sail in summer 2018 following a multi-million pound makeover.

Independence will boast lots of new and exciting activities like the interactive aqua park Splashaway Bay, which will be bigger and better than ever before and feature waterslides, water cannons, fountains, pools and the child-favourite drench bucket.

Extending the speciality dining options onboard, Izumi, the exotic Asian-inspired dining experience, will be introduced to Independence, giving guests the chance to enjoy fresh sushi and experience skilled hibachi chefs cooking tableside on Teppanyaki grills.

Breathtakingly beautiful new lounges and Panoramic Ocean View staterooms will add an extra bit of extraordinary to Independence. With stunning wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling views, guests can soak up the feeling of standing on the bridge of the ship and watching the sunset over the coastline, all from the privacy of their own stateroom.

Sailing from Southampton after her incredible makeover in summer 2018, Independence will have an all-improved ice rink, as well as a revamped theatre ready to wow with the much-loved Broadway show, Grease.

This news follows the announcement that features including an escape room, a trampoline zone, and a laser tag arena, are confirmed as part of the makeover plans.

Royal Caribbean International is an award-winning global cruise brand with a 48-year legacy of innovation and introducing industry “firsts” never before seen at sea. The cruise line features an expansive and unmatched array of features and amenities only found on Royal Caribbean including, jaw-dropping, Broadway-style entertainment and industry-acclaimed programming that appeals to families and adventurous vacationers alike. On board, guests are catered to with the cruise line’s world-renowned friendly and engaging service by every staff and crew member. Royal Caribbean has been voted “Best Cruise Line Overall” for 14 consecutive years in the Travel Weekly Readers Choice Awards.

The cruise line sails 24 of the world’s most innovative cruise ships to the most popular destinations in Bermuda and the Caribbean, Europe, Canada and New England, Alaska, South America, Asia, and Australia and New Zealand. Media can stay up to date by following @RoyalCaribPR on Twitter, and visiting RoyalCaribbeanPressCenter.com. For additional information or to make reservations, vacationers should call their travel agent; visit RoyalCaribbean.com; or call (800) ROYAL-CARIBBEAN. 

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https://www.royalcaribbeanpresscenter.com/press-release/1332/independence-of-the-seas-with-extra-extraordinary-in-2018/

20/October/2017

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World’s Largest Cruise Ship To Debut Earlier Than Expected

October 18, 2017 by Ben Souza

 

Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas, the largest cruise ship ever built, will debut three weeks earlier than expected the cruise line announced earlier today.

The maiden voyage on Symphony of the Seas was originally scheduled for April 21, 2018.  Royal Caribbean has added three new sailings in the weeks prior to April 21.  These new sailings that are open for bookings are as follows:

·        March 31, 2018: 5 night Western Mediterranean cruise from Barcelona with stops in Naples and Rome.

·        April 7 & 14, 2018: 7 night Western Mediterranean cruises from Barcelona with port stops in Palma De Mallorca, Marseille, Florence/Pisa, Rome, and Naples.

·        View Prices on Cruises on Symphony of the Seas

Royal Caribbean sent the following message to travel agents informing them of these three new sailings:

“The revolutionary new features onboard Symphony of the Seas™ have been revealed, and Royal Caribbean® is more excited than ever for your clients to experience the new sound of adventure. So excited in fact, that we’re opening three additional sailings for you to book your clients on!

 

Think of these as the biggest dress rehearsals ever. Your clients can catch the very first glimpse of the ship, neighborhoods, restaurants, thrills and even special entertainment exclusive to these sailings. While there may be a few final touches being made onboard, they can expect Symphony of the Seas to look and feel fully operational.”

 

Touting new features and amenities for guests, Symphony of the Seas also will boast all the ground-breaking innovations and thrilling experiences that have garnered world-wide recognition for Harmony of the Seas. Among the award-winning and acclaimed favorites are the distinct seven-neighborhood concept, imaginative and sophisticated dining, Bionic Bar robot bartenders powered by Makr Shakr, Broadway-caliber entertainment, the iconic waterfront AquaTheater, the Perfect Storm trio of waterslides, and Ultimate Abyss – the tallest slide at sea that drops 10 stories.

 

Symphony of the Seas will sail week long cruises to the Eastern and Western Caribbean from the Cruise Capital of the World, PortMiami after an inaugural season in Europe.

 

 

https://cruisefever.net/worlds-largest-cruise-ship-debut-earlier-expected/

20/October/2017