Royal Caribbean International announced the final neighborhood on the Oasis of the Seas -- The Youth Zone, a haven for children and teens including themed play areas, a teen club and a nursery. Due to launch in November 2009, the 220,000-ton Oasis of the Seas will feature six other neighborhoods, including Central Park, Boardwalk with the AquaTheater, the Royal Promenade, the Pool and Sports Zone, the Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center, and Entertainment Place.
“The Youth Zone aboard Oasis of the Seas will continue to build on our award-winning Adventure Ocean youth and teen programs, and expand to include dedicated space and programming for our guests as young as six months,” said Adam Goldstein, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International.
The latest neighborhood unveiling introduced kid- and teen-friendly adventures within the 28,700-square-foot Youth Zone. Among the features are Kids Avenue, a central boulevard connecting dedicated Adventure Ocean spaces and various themed play areas; the cruise line’s first nursery for infants and toddlers six months or older; and state-of-the-art teen areas. A video preview of these areas, including interviews with Royal Caribbean executives, is now available at www.OasisoftheSeas.com.
The Royal Babies and Tots nursery, a first for Royal Caribbean, will serve as a fully-staffed nursery with trained professionals, as well as various playgroups created by Fisher-Price and Crayola. Open daily, the nursery will offer parents drop-off options in the daytime and evening, carefully maintaining an optimum staff-to-child ratio. Free-time play also will be offered daily.
Within the Youth Zone, Kids Avenue will serve as the main promenade for young cruisers. Arts and crafts activities, scavenger hunts, talent shows and other scheduled and guided age-specific activities will be offered to three age groups, each with its own space: Aquanauts, age 3 to 5; Explorers, age 6 to 8; and Voyagers, ages 9 to 11. In addition, there will be new common play areas, including the Kid’s Arcade for video games; the Workshop, where families can learn scrapbooking skills or create personalized jewelry; Imagination Studio where children can explore through the Adventure Art by Crayola; an Adventure Science Lab; Play, a circular area for sports and games; and Adventure Ocean Theater, a children’s theater at sea complete with a stage and curtains, audience seating and production equipment.
The teen-only spaces will be located one deck above and adjacent to the ship’s Sports Deck, where kids can try out the ship’s two FlowRider surf simulators; the miniature golf-course, Oasis Dunes; or the Sports Court for volleyball and basketball games. The physical separation of the teen-only spaces from younger Adventure Ocean guests is an enhancement recommended by Royal Caribbean’s Teen Advisory Board. Longtime teen-only spaces, Fuel disco and The Living Room, will return aboard Oasis of the Seas, only larger and more state-of-the-art. The Living Room is a hangout for teens with a “mock-tail” bar, which serves non-alcoholic sodas and juice concoctions. It also is the place for Scratch DJ 101 classes and surfing the Internet via the bank of computer stations. An outdoor deck is adjacent.
In addition to these areas, attractions for children will be located throughout the ship’s other neighborhoods. Along the Boardwalk, kids and teens will be able to shop at retail stores tailored to their interests, and infants and toddlers can ride the Carousel with their parents or enjoy the play space modeled after a 50’s style gas station next to the Johnny Rockets restaurant. The Challengers Arcade will return with the latest video games. In the Vitality Spa and Fitness Zone, teens and tweens can enjoy a menu of spa options specially tailored for them. Oasis of the Seas will be the largest cruise ship in the world, spanning 16 decks with capacity for 5,400 guests at double occupancy. Its inaugural voyage is scheduled to depart Fort Lauderdale’s Port Everglades on Dec. 12, 2009, for a season of Eastern Caribbean cruises.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Friday, October 17, 2008
A Bargain in Waikiki
If you thought prices were too high to visit Hawaii, think again. The Royal Hawaiian which has closed for an extensive renovation is reopening with a room rate of just $19.27. Yes, you read it correctly! Keep reading for more info:
"Royal Hawaiian in Waikiki will celebrate its grand reopening after a multi-million dollar redesign in January with a special 1927 rate in honor of its original opening date of Feb. 1, 1927. The resort is offering a first-night room rate of $19.27 with a four-night minimum in a Royal Grove room. Additional nightly room rates start at $450. The rates include dinner for two at the new Azure seafood restaurant, two mai tais at the Mai Tai Bar and a Royal Hawaiian memento. The rates are available Feb. 1 through June 30, 2009. Advance reservations are required, and all rates are subject to state and hotel taxes. Packages are subject to room availability at the time of reservation, blackout dates may apply, and prices may change without prior notice."
There are bargains out there.....
I'll find them for you.
"Royal Hawaiian in Waikiki will celebrate its grand reopening after a multi-million dollar redesign in January with a special 1927 rate in honor of its original opening date of Feb. 1, 1927. The resort is offering a first-night room rate of $19.27 with a four-night minimum in a Royal Grove room. Additional nightly room rates start at $450. The rates include dinner for two at the new Azure seafood restaurant, two mai tais at the Mai Tai Bar and a Royal Hawaiian memento. The rates are available Feb. 1 through June 30, 2009. Advance reservations are required, and all rates are subject to state and hotel taxes. Packages are subject to room availability at the time of reservation, blackout dates may apply, and prices may change without prior notice."
There are bargains out there.....
I'll find them for you.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Newly improved Carnival Fantasy
Carnival Cruise Lines’ Carnival Fantasy has resumed sailing from New Orleans following a 28-day dry-dock that added a new water park, an adults-only area, a redesigned main pool and a new Circle C facility for 12- to 14-year-olds. The suites and dining venues were also renovated, and new dining options such as a Mongolian wok and rotisserie were added. The new features are part of the line’s $250 million “Evolutions of Fun” refurbishment program for its eight Fantasy-class ships.
A signature element of Carnival Fantasy’s upgrades is Carnival WaterWorks, an expansive aqua park towering over Verandah Deck. The open-air facility includes a 300-foot-long spiral water slide along with twin 82-foot-long racing slides and various water spray apparatus. Located aft on Promenade Deck is Serenity, an exclusive adults-only retreat. Serenity offers plush chaise lounges and chairs, oversized umbrellas, and two large whirlpools. Here, guests can sip icy cocktails and frozen drinks or enjoy a light meal or snack from the nearby Lido restaurant. The third element of the top deck upgrades is a totally redesigned resort-style pool located mid-ship on Lido Deck featuring thatched roofing and large faux palm trees. The pool now has oversized umbrellas, comfortable deck chairs and a tiled faux beach encircling the pool’s edge.
The Celebration and Jubilee main dining rooms, as well as the causal poolside Windows on the Sea Bar & Grill, have been renovated with new interiors and updated carpeting, tile work and furniture. Windows on the Sea also features a new Mongolian wok where guests can select meat, vegetables, and noodles and have the dish prepared before their eyes. A rotisserie has been added with roasted chicken, beef and lamb, along with side dishes and accompaniments. A new Circle C facility catering to 12- to 14-year-olds has also been incorporated into Atlantic Deck forward. The center features a high-tech sound and lighting system, plasma-screen TVs displaying movies and music videos, a touch-screen jukebox, and gaming pods with the latest video games and consoles. Cosmetic enhancements were also made to other shipboard areas, including renovated guest corridors and public bathrooms, new décor and technical enhancements to the Electricity dance club, new artwork, and updated furniture and fixtures in many staterooms. Additionally, all of the ship’s 54 suites were remodeled with updated wall coverings, carpeting, tile work and lighting fixtures, as well as new bathrooms. A number of connecting staterooms were incorporated as well.
The 70,000-ton, 2,056-passenger Carnival Fantasy currently operates four- and five-day Western Caribbean cruises from New Orleans. Four-day cruises depart Thursdays and visit Cozumel while five-day voyages depart Mondays and Saturdays and call at Cozumel and Progreso. Carnival Fantasy will sail from New Orleans through Nov. 5, 2009, then reposition to Mobile, Ala., to operate year-round four- and five-day cruises starting Nov. 16. Carnival Fantasy will be replaced in New Orleans by the 2,758-passenger Carnival Triumph in November 2009.
For pricing and information on this or any other Carnival cruise, please call me at 732-418-0819.
A signature element of Carnival Fantasy’s upgrades is Carnival WaterWorks, an expansive aqua park towering over Verandah Deck. The open-air facility includes a 300-foot-long spiral water slide along with twin 82-foot-long racing slides and various water spray apparatus. Located aft on Promenade Deck is Serenity, an exclusive adults-only retreat. Serenity offers plush chaise lounges and chairs, oversized umbrellas, and two large whirlpools. Here, guests can sip icy cocktails and frozen drinks or enjoy a light meal or snack from the nearby Lido restaurant. The third element of the top deck upgrades is a totally redesigned resort-style pool located mid-ship on Lido Deck featuring thatched roofing and large faux palm trees. The pool now has oversized umbrellas, comfortable deck chairs and a tiled faux beach encircling the pool’s edge.
The Celebration and Jubilee main dining rooms, as well as the causal poolside Windows on the Sea Bar & Grill, have been renovated with new interiors and updated carpeting, tile work and furniture. Windows on the Sea also features a new Mongolian wok where guests can select meat, vegetables, and noodles and have the dish prepared before their eyes. A rotisserie has been added with roasted chicken, beef and lamb, along with side dishes and accompaniments. A new Circle C facility catering to 12- to 14-year-olds has also been incorporated into Atlantic Deck forward. The center features a high-tech sound and lighting system, plasma-screen TVs displaying movies and music videos, a touch-screen jukebox, and gaming pods with the latest video games and consoles. Cosmetic enhancements were also made to other shipboard areas, including renovated guest corridors and public bathrooms, new décor and technical enhancements to the Electricity dance club, new artwork, and updated furniture and fixtures in many staterooms. Additionally, all of the ship’s 54 suites were remodeled with updated wall coverings, carpeting, tile work and lighting fixtures, as well as new bathrooms. A number of connecting staterooms were incorporated as well.
The 70,000-ton, 2,056-passenger Carnival Fantasy currently operates four- and five-day Western Caribbean cruises from New Orleans. Four-day cruises depart Thursdays and visit Cozumel while five-day voyages depart Mondays and Saturdays and call at Cozumel and Progreso. Carnival Fantasy will sail from New Orleans through Nov. 5, 2009, then reposition to Mobile, Ala., to operate year-round four- and five-day cruises starting Nov. 16. Carnival Fantasy will be replaced in New Orleans by the 2,758-passenger Carnival Triumph in November 2009.
For pricing and information on this or any other Carnival cruise, please call me at 732-418-0819.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Royal Caribbean to offer cruises from Dubai
If you want a different cruise itinerary, how about this one?
Royal Caribbean International will deploy Brilliance of the Seas in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from January to April 2010. The company will offer seven-night Middle East sailings, but exact itineraries will be announced in the coming weeks. “Dubai is a dynamic and thriving city that shows great growth potential. Building on our reputation for introducing revolutionary cruise experiences, we are excited to provide a different cruise vacation than traditionally offered in this region,” said Michael Bayley, senior vice president-international for Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. During a visit to Dubai this week, Rama Rebbapragada, regional vice president-international sales and marketing for RCCL added, “We continue to win devotees from throughout the Middle East and are pleased to have exceeded our 2008 sales target for the region, achieving significant growth over last year.” The 90,090-ton, 2,500-passenger Brilliance of the Seas has a 10-deck-high Centrum, a rock-climbing wall, a nine-hole miniature golf course and five dining venues.
Royal Caribbean International will deploy Brilliance of the Seas in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from January to April 2010. The company will offer seven-night Middle East sailings, but exact itineraries will be announced in the coming weeks. “Dubai is a dynamic and thriving city that shows great growth potential. Building on our reputation for introducing revolutionary cruise experiences, we are excited to provide a different cruise vacation than traditionally offered in this region,” said Michael Bayley, senior vice president-international for Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. During a visit to Dubai this week, Rama Rebbapragada, regional vice president-international sales and marketing for RCCL added, “We continue to win devotees from throughout the Middle East and are pleased to have exceeded our 2008 sales target for the region, achieving significant growth over last year.” The 90,090-ton, 2,500-passenger Brilliance of the Seas has a 10-deck-high Centrum, a rock-climbing wall, a nine-hole miniature golf course and five dining venues.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
New Disney Cruise Line Itineraries
Disney Cruise Lines announces it summer 2010 itineraries!
Disney Cruise Line said it will reposition one of its ships, Disney Magic, to Europe for a five-month season of Northern European and Mediterranean cruises in 2010. For the first time, DCL will offer a 12-night Northern European Capitals cruise, where guests can experience fjords, city centers and Viking lore in such Scandinavian ports as Oslo, Copenhagen and Stockholm. The ship will also sail to Warnemunde, Germany, gateway to Berlin, and to St. Petersburg, Russia. Disney Magic will overnight in St. Petersburg, allowing guests time to experience the city known as the “Cultural Capital of Russia” or use the second day to book a shore excursion to Moscow.
“The Northern European Capitals itinerary provides our guests with an amazing collection of destinations to explore,” said Disney Cruise Line President Tom McAlpin. “We’re excited to bring the rich history, culture and folklore these ports offer to life for our guests in a family-friendly way only Disney Cruise Line can deliver.”
Departing out of Dover, England, Disney Magic will sail a total of four 12-night cruises to the Northern European capitals in June and July 2010. Rates for the 12-night Northern European Capitals itinerary start at $3,649 per person for a category 11 stateroom. Book-ending the summer season in Northern Europe, Disney Magic will once again return to the Mediterranean with 10- and 11-night cruises, but with three new ports of call not offered when DCL last sailed the Mediterranean. In addition to popular ports in Italy, France and Spain, the Disney Magic will visit Tunis, in Northern Africa, the island nation of Malta, and Corsica, the island that was the birthplace of Napoleon.
Departing out of Barcelona, Spain, the Disney Magic will sail four 10-night and four 11-night cruises in the Mediterranean in April, May, August and September. Rates for the 10- and 11-night Mediterranean cruises start at $2,529 per person for a category 11 stateroom. DCL will also offer four repositioning cruises including two 14-night transatlantic voyages, a seven-night cruise from Barcelona to Dover, England, and an eight-night cruise from Dover back to Barcelona.
While Disney Magic cruises Europe in 2010, Disney Wonder will shift to four- and five-night cruises sailing to Nassau, Key West and Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay. The shift is designed to accommodate guests looking for slightly longer cruises with DCL while children are enjoying their summer break. Rates for the special five-night voyages to Key West or two stops at Castaway Cay start at $899 per person, while the four-night voyage begins at $849 per person for a category 11 stateroom. Guests will be able to book all DCL itineraries for the 2010 season beginning on Tuesday, Oct. 14.
Disney Cruise Line said it will reposition one of its ships, Disney Magic, to Europe for a five-month season of Northern European and Mediterranean cruises in 2010. For the first time, DCL will offer a 12-night Northern European Capitals cruise, where guests can experience fjords, city centers and Viking lore in such Scandinavian ports as Oslo, Copenhagen and Stockholm. The ship will also sail to Warnemunde, Germany, gateway to Berlin, and to St. Petersburg, Russia. Disney Magic will overnight in St. Petersburg, allowing guests time to experience the city known as the “Cultural Capital of Russia” or use the second day to book a shore excursion to Moscow.
“The Northern European Capitals itinerary provides our guests with an amazing collection of destinations to explore,” said Disney Cruise Line President Tom McAlpin. “We’re excited to bring the rich history, culture and folklore these ports offer to life for our guests in a family-friendly way only Disney Cruise Line can deliver.”
Departing out of Dover, England, Disney Magic will sail a total of four 12-night cruises to the Northern European capitals in June and July 2010. Rates for the 12-night Northern European Capitals itinerary start at $3,649 per person for a category 11 stateroom. Book-ending the summer season in Northern Europe, Disney Magic will once again return to the Mediterranean with 10- and 11-night cruises, but with three new ports of call not offered when DCL last sailed the Mediterranean. In addition to popular ports in Italy, France and Spain, the Disney Magic will visit Tunis, in Northern Africa, the island nation of Malta, and Corsica, the island that was the birthplace of Napoleon.
Departing out of Barcelona, Spain, the Disney Magic will sail four 10-night and four 11-night cruises in the Mediterranean in April, May, August and September. Rates for the 10- and 11-night Mediterranean cruises start at $2,529 per person for a category 11 stateroom. DCL will also offer four repositioning cruises including two 14-night transatlantic voyages, a seven-night cruise from Barcelona to Dover, England, and an eight-night cruise from Dover back to Barcelona.
While Disney Magic cruises Europe in 2010, Disney Wonder will shift to four- and five-night cruises sailing to Nassau, Key West and Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay. The shift is designed to accommodate guests looking for slightly longer cruises with DCL while children are enjoying their summer break. Rates for the special five-night voyages to Key West or two stops at Castaway Cay start at $899 per person, while the four-night voyage begins at $849 per person for a category 11 stateroom. Guests will be able to book all DCL itineraries for the 2010 season beginning on Tuesday, Oct. 14.
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