Showing posts with label Explorer of the Seas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Explorer of the Seas. Show all posts

Monday, January 27, 2014

Norovirus Strikes Royal Caribbean's Explorer of the Seas



Explorer of the Seas Royal Caribbean Struck With Norovirus

With over 577 passengers and 49 crew having become ill on the Royal Caribbean's Explorer of the Seas, company officials have decided to end the cruise two days early. The Explorer of the Seas is expected to return to Bayonne on Wednesday.

The cruise originally departed from Cape Liberty Cruise Port in Bayonne, NJ. on January 21st on what was to be a 10-day Caribbean Cruise.

Representatives of Royal Caribbean Cruise Line said Sunday that they were “unable to deliver the vacation our guests were expecting” due to the widespread sickness.

It is assumed that an infected passenger or crew member introduced the Virus on-board the ship.

Test results are expected mid-week, but the symptoms of the outbreak, vomiting and diarrhea, are consistent with the highly contagious norovirus, the most common cause of acute gastroenteritis in the U.S.

Royal Caribbean is offering impacted cruise passengers compensation for missed cruise days and ports plus credit on a future cruise.

After two full days of sanitation and decontamination, the Explorer of the Seas is expected to sail on her next cruise on January 31 which is a 9-day cruise to the Caribbean as planned.

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Monday, September 2, 2013

Royal Caribbean to Build New Cruise Terminal in Bayonne (Cape Liberty Cruise Terminal).



Cape Liberty Cruise Port - Courtesy of Cape Liberty

The Port Authority Board of Commissioners approved plans by Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines to build a new cruise terminal building at the Port Authority-owned Bayonne Military Ocean Terminal in Bayonne, New Jersey.

As part of its expansion plans, Royal Caribbean plans to base its new Quantum of the Seas vessel—one of the largest cruise ship serving the New York-New Jersey region—at Bayonne beginning in 2014. The new vessel, which can accommodate up to 4,180 passengers, will sail to the Caribbean, Bahamas and Florida.

As part of the agreement allowing construction of the cruise terminal building, the Port Authority agreed to extend Royal Caribbean’s operating agreement for the terminal for an additional five years through 2043.

“The new Royal Caribbean Cruise Terminal will provide the people of New Jersey and New York with the world-class travel experience they deserve,” said Port Authority Deputy Executive Director Bill Baroni. “We welcome the significant investment Royal Caribbean is making in our region and look forward to welcoming the Quantum of the Seas to her new home in our port.”

The new $70 million cruise terminal building—which will be paid for by Royal Caribbean—includes a 36,000-square-foot check-in terminal, 60,000-square-foot luggage area, parking deck, additional parking, and berth improvements. Construction is scheduled to begin this summer and be completed by October 2014.

Passenger volumes at the Cape Liberty Cruise Terminal have grown steadily in the past three years—from 393,000 passengers in 2010 to 476,000 in 2012. Passenger volumes at the facility are expected to increase to approximately 600,000 after the new terminal building opens.

This recent announcement has also revived a discussions about building a hotel and other tourist related venues near the facility.

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Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Royal Caribbean Announces Explorer of the Seas 2014 Cruises From Cape Canaveral.

Royal Caribbean's Explorer of the Seas Departs Cape Liberty, Bayonne
Explorer of the Seas Departs Cape Liberty, Bayonne
Royal Caribbean International today announced new Caribbean cruises for Explorer of the Seas from November 2014 through early January 2015. After eight consecutive years dedicated to the New York metropolitan area with year-round sailings from Cape Liberty Cruise Port in Bayonne, N.J., Explorer of the Seas will redeploy to Port Canaveral, Fla., to offer a range of four- to nine-night Bahamas, and Western and Southern Caribbean vacations. Throughout the short season, Explorer of the Seas will join Freedom of the Seas and Enchantment of the Seas at Port Canaveral to offer the most ships and itinerary options to The Bahamas and the Caribbean from Central Florida’s Space Coast. Guests aboard each ship will enjoy a Caribbean-holiday vacation that only Royal Caribbean can deliver, with the cruise line’s award-winning family programming, industry-leading entertainment and world-renowned friendly and engaging GOLD Anchor Service. Explorer of the Seas’ 2014 holiday season cruises from Port Canaveral are now open for sale.

            Explorer of the Seas is among the Voyager class of ships, which first introduced innovative and iconic Royal Caribbean onboard amenities, such as Studio B – a real ice-skating rink, a rock-climbing wall, an in-line skating track, and the Royal Promenade, a four-deck high boulevard that runs nearly the length of the ship. The Royal Promenade is lined with boutiques, lounges and a café and comes to life with colorful parades during the day and themed dance parties at night. Guests also can delight in professional ice-skating productions in Studio B and Royal Caribbean’s award-winning Broadway-style musical revues in the Palace Theater; try their luck in the Casino Royale; and dance into the night in The Chamber nightclub.

            Young guests, ages three to 11, can join in Royal Caribbean’s award-winning Adventure Ocean kids program, while teens, ages 12-17, have their own exclusive space. College-accredited counselors lead ongoing entertaining and educational sessions from 9 a.m. to 2 a.m. in five age groups. Kids will enjoy the Adventure Beach splash pool and teens can hang out with their peers in the teens-only Optix lounge.

            From close encounters with the rich wildlife both on land and below the sea, to enriching tours of cultural and historic landmarks, to exciting adventures into the lush terrain, Royal Caribbean’s expansive array of shore excursions help guests make the most of their Caribbean port of call and create long-lasting memories for every member of the family. No matter which Royal Caribbean shore excursion they choose, guests can rest assured that their guides and tour operators are reputable, experienced and insured.

            On select itineraries, guests call at two destinations highly rated by guests, CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s private island paradise in The Bahamas, or Labadee, the cruise line’s private beach destination on the north coast of Haiti. Guests can choose a wide range of watersports options on beautiful sandy beaches and enjoy a sumptuous seaside barbeque. Labadee also offers a range of activities for thrill seekers, who can soar 500 ft. down the mountainside on the Dragon’s Breath Flight Line, the longest zip line over water; twist and turn down the same mountainside on the Dragon’s Tail Alpine Coast; or beat the heat on the new 300 ft. long Dragon’s Splash Waterslide.

            Explorer of the Seas will sail four Western Caribbean cruises roundtrip from Port Canaveral through Jan. 4, 2015. On these five-night itineraries, guests call at Cozumel, Mexico, and Nassau, The Bahamas, or CocoCay and Cozumel. Vacationers also can choose two Southern Caribbean sailings on a nine-night itinerary that call at each of the ABC Islands and Labadee.

            Additionally, a five-night Bahamas cruise, departing Dec. 13, 2014, will call at Nassau, Grand Bahamas Island and CocoCay. Guests on a special four-night sailing, departing Dec. 23, will call at Labadee on Christmas Day. The following eight-night Caribbean itinerary will herald in the New Year in St. Maarten, as well as call at San Juan, Puerto Rico, St. Croix and Labadee. Vacationers also can choose an extended 14-night Southern Caribbean itinerary, departing Nov. 1, 2014, which repositions Explorer of the Seas from Cape Liberty to Port Canaveral via the Southern Caribbean.

            From Port Canaveral, vacationers also have Royal Caribbean’s Freedom of the Seas and Enchantment of the Seas from which to choose. Freedom of the Seas, with its iconic FlowRider surf simulator, will continue to alternate seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries and Enchantment of the Seas will offer three- and four-night Bahamas getaways.

            Royal Caribbean International is an award-winning global cruise brand with a 40-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. Owned by Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE/OSE: RCL), the cruise line sails 21 of the world’s most innovative cruise ships to the most popular destinations in the Caribbean, Europe, Alaska, South America, the Far East, and Australia and New Zealand. World renowned for its friendly and engaging Gold Anchor Service, delivered by every staff and crew member, Royal Caribbean has been voted “Best Cruise Line Overall” for 10 consecutive years in the Travel Weekly Reader’s Choice Awards.


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Friday, May 10, 2013

Cruise Ships Return to New York

This past week we saw the return of the return of several regular ships back to the port of New York.

Cunard Line's Queen Mary 2


Cunard's Queen Mary 2 returned to New York on May 3rd and docked at the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal. After completing a transatlantic crossing, ending to her world cruise, the Queen Mary 2 turned around 11 hours later and sailed full speed back to Southampton, England.

Celebrity Cruises' Celebrity Summit returned to Port Liberty, Bayonne, New Jersey on May 4th for her Spring, Summer, Fall cruises to Bermuda and fall sailings to New England/Canada.

Norwegian Cruise Line's New Norwegian Breakaway arrived in New York on May 7th. The Norwegian Breakaway will be sailing 7-day cruises from New York to Bermuda and fall and winter cruises to Florida and the Bahamas.

Royal Caribbean's Explorer of the Seas


In addition, Norwegian Cruise Lines' Norwegian Gem (to Florida and the Bahamas), Royal Caribbean's Explorer of the Seas (to Bermuda or Florida and the Bahamas) and Carnival Cruises Carnival Splendor (to Florida and the Bahamas) are sailing full swing from the port.

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Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Royal Caribbean Announces 2014 Summer Cruise Schedule From New York and Baltimore.

Royal Caribbean's Explorer of the Seas to Sail from New York / Cape Liberty to Bermuda, Bahamas and the Caribbean
Royal Caribbean's Explorer of the Seas (Pictured) to Sail from New York / Cape Liberty to Bermuda, Bahamas and the Caribbean. Grandeur of the Seas to operate similar itineraries from Baltimore through August 2014.


Royal Caribbean International today announced new summer 2014 cruise vacations, sailing from the New York metropolitan area and Baltimore. Known for the most exciting itineraries to compelling destinations and friendly and engaging Gold Anchor Service, the cruise line will offer unforgettable vacations geared to families on five- to nine-night itineraries to Bermuda, The Bahamas and the Caribbean, aboard five of the industry’s most innovative ships,

            “Summertime is the best season for the entire family to share in a vacation that combines the award-winning entertainment and innovative amenities that can only be found on Royal Caribbean,” said Lisa Bauer, executive vice president of Sales and Marketing for Royal Caribbean International. “These new summer 2014 cruises continue our year-round commitment to Northeast and mid-Atlantic vacationers, as well as to vacationers from the U.S., Canada and around the world. Guests will enjoy an incomparable experience aboard these industry-acclaimed ships that are designed for WOW.”


              In the Northeast U.S., vacationers can choose seven-night Bermuda or Bahamas itineraries aboard the newly revitalized Grandeur of the Seas, departing every Friday from Baltimore. For those who don’t want to wait and wish to experience Grandeur of the Seas during its inaugural year serving Baltimore, Royal Caribbean is offering up to $200 onboard credit for all May through December 2013 sailings. The onboard credit offer applies to all new individual bookings made between February 1 through 28, 2013. Guests can enjoy $50 onboard credit per Oceanview or Inside stateroom (Option Code: SLY1); $100 per Stateroom with Balcony (Option Code: SLY2); and $200 per Suite-category stateroom (Option Code: SLY3.) Offers are not combinable with any other promotion and additional restrictions may apply.

            Explorer of the Seas also will offer convenient cruise getaways for New York metropolitan area vacationers. The ship will alternate five-night Bermuda itineraries and nine-night Bermuda and Caribbean itineraries on Saturdays and Thursday, respectively, departing from Cape Liberty Cruise Port in Bayonne, N.J.

 Guests aboard Grandeur of the Seas enjoy more of Royal Caribbean’s acclaimed entertainment, dining and onboard amenities that debuted aboard the Oasis-class ships. The ship’s recent bow-to-stern revitalization includes the Royal Babies and Tots Nursery, technological upgrades, an outdoor movie screen overlooking the pool deck, refreshed furniture, carpet, upholstery and staterooms, as well as new spectacular aerial entertainment in its six-deck Centrum. The cruise line’s suite guests and valued Crown & Anchor Society members also can enjoy Grandeur of the Seas’ new Concierge Lounge and Diamond Lounge. Furthermore, guests can savor new onboard dining choices, including Giovanni’s Table family-style Italian restaurant, Izumi Asian Cuisine, Park Café, Chops Grille steakhouse, an exclusive and intimate Chef’s Table co-hosted by the Executive Chef and Sommelier for a five-course, wine-pairing experience, and a transformed Viking Crown Lounge that features a new menu of bite-size delectables, as well as a stunning new design.
            Royal Caribbean International is a global cruise brand with 22 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 provides a world-class vacation experience with a wide range of signature onboard amenities, entertainment, and award-winning family programming.


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Monday, January 28, 2013

Royal Caribbean's New Sunshine Class Ships.



Royal Caribbean has released very few details of the thier new Sunshine Class ships expected to be deliver in late 2014. The 158,00 ton ships are being built at Germany's famous Meyer Werft Shipyard in Papenburg, Germany.

The Royal Caribbean Sunshine Class ships will carry 4,100 passengers double occupancy.

The Sunshine Class ships will meet the new stringent requirements for low-sulfur fuel emissions which take effect in 2015.

Although no itineraries have been announced for the new ships, it is expected that one will replace the Explorer of the Seas sailing our of Bayonne to Bermuda; New England & Canada; Florida & Bahamas; and Caribbean sailings.

The Explorer of the Seas is expected to undergo a major refit and be deployed elsewhere within the Royal Caribbean fleet.

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Thursday, December 20, 2012

Bahamian Government Permits Royal Caribbean to Perform Wedding at Sea

Bahamian Government Permits Royal Caribbean to Perform Wedding at Sea
Bahamian Government Permits Royal Caribbean to Perform Wedding at Sea


Engaged couples can now experience the romance of being joined at sea by the Captain aboard a Royal Caribbean International ship through the Royal Romance weddings and vow renewal program. The Commonwealth of the Bahamas has cleared the cruise line to conduct legal weddings aboard the world’s most innovative cruise ships while they are at sea. A Royal Caribbean ship is an ideal option for a ‘multi-destination’ wedding, able to cater to large parties, attended by family members and friends, to smaller – but still unforgettable – affairs. Couples wishing to share this special moment with friends and family can enjoy the Sweethearts at Sea promotional offer, inclusive of a ceremony performed by the Captain, photography and more, when booking 12 or more staterooms on a 2013 Royal Caribbean International sailing during the special introductory offer.

“Thanks to the support of the Bahamas, our guests can now be married during the course of their Royal Caribbean cruise and bask in the romance of the sea as they exchange their vows,” said Adam Goldstein, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International.  “Royal Caribbean's staff and crew will cater the affair with our world-renowned friendly and engaging Gold Anchor Service to help make the day extra special for the couple and their guests.”

“The Bahamas is happy to participate in this venture with Royal Caribbean International,” said Senator Allyson Maynard-Gibson, Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, the Bahamas.  “This premier cruise line has been bringing visitors to our beautiful country for many years, and we know that the Royal Romance weddings and vow renewal program will encourage even more visitors to our beautiful shores.”

The Royal Romance team of wedding specialists are poised to assist couples during this momentous occasion in their lives and are eager to help create a beautifully personalized event that reflects the bride and groom’s desires. From day one, the Royal Romance team assists in wedding planning services, including any legal requirements pre-departure, and once onboard, the Royal Romance Coordinator ensures every last detail is taken care of for the special moment.
Brides and grooms looking to marry onboard a Royal Caribbean ship will be married in a manner that is legally recognized by the Bahamas through the newly passed Marriage Act.  The act allows for marriages while in international waters, which is defined as outside the 12-mile limit of the territorial waters of any nation. The actual location of the ship when the marriage takes place is then recorded in the Marriage Record book of the Bahamas.

Couples have several customizable Royal Romance Package options that celebrate their big day and include all the essentials for creating the perfect wedding. For example, the Royal Romance at Sea package includes: the ceremony performed by the ship’s captain, a groom’s boutonniere, a rose bouquet for the bride, freshly-made cake, recorded music and a live soloist during ceremony, wine at the ceremony, dinner for the bride and groom at an onboard specialty restaurant, photography services, plus champagne and strawberries in the couple’s stateroom.

The Sweethearts at Seas promotion offers couples a complimentary Romance at Sea package when they share their happy memories with family and friends and their wedding party books 12 or more staterooms on a 2013 cruise of five nights or longer.  Those couples booking 25 or more staterooms can enjoy the above, plus a complimentary stateroom upgrade, bar service and an hors d’oeuvres reception.

Royal Romance also offers vow renewal packages, symbolic services and customized proposal packages. Complementing Royal Romance’s packages is Royal Caribbean’s Honeymoon Registry which continues the romance with friends and family contributing to a couple’s ideal Royal Caribbean honeymoon cruise.  Instead of the standard pots and pans, the couple’s family and friends can contribute to a dinner at a specialty restaurant, a couple’s massage, or an excursion.  Couples can add all of the onboard activities they’d like in the registry, where their family and friends can even contribute to the cruise fare and help make the dream of vacationing to far-off places a reality.
The Sweethearts at Seas is now available to be booked for cruises starting January 1, 2013. For more information about the Royal Romance Program contact your preferred travel agent, visit Royal Caribbean at www.RoyalCaribbean.com/weddings or call 888-WED-RCCL (888-933-7225).

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Sunday, December 16, 2012

Royal Caribbean Offers Drinks Packages

Royal Caribbean Offers Beverage Program On Board Ships
Royal Caribbean Offers Beverage Program On Board Ships


December 13, 2012 - Royal Caribbean International is furthering its commitment to total guest satisfaction by expanding its existing onboard beverage program to include two new packages that will streamline and enhance the onboard guest experience.  The cruise line is introducing two new beverage packages – Classic and Premium, which will allow guests to pay one price at the beginning of their cruise vacation and enjoy a wide selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages at greater savings and convenience for the duration of their voyage. Complementing the new beverage packages are a variety of specialty dining packages, which allow guests to pre-book the cruise line’s signature restaurants at an incredible value.

“Royal Caribbean is in the midst of an extensive revitalization program that will leave no ship untouched and includes enhancing the variety of new dining and beverage options for our guests,” said Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, executive vice president, Operations, Royal Caribbean International.  “The addition of these new beverage and culinary packages creates a seamless vacation experience for our guests, providing them with a greater selection of choices and delivering it to them at an incredible value and convenience.”

Guests interested in an alcohol-inclusive beverage package have a choice of the Classic Beverage Package for $45 per guest, per day, or the Premium Beverage Package for $55 per guest, per day, both inclusive of a service charge. The Classic features beer, house wines by the glass, as well as all non-alcoholic cocktails, fountain soda and juices. The all-inclusive Premium package features the afore-mentioned, as well as frozen drinks and all cocktails including premium brands.

Beverage packages are available for purchase on all seven-night or longer sailings and must be purchased on the first day.  Guests choosing either package also must purchase the package for guests 21 years old or older sailing in the same stateroom. Packages are currently available on 13 ships and will be available on the remaining ships with seven-night or longer itineraries by early 2013.

By combining one of the new beverage packages or an existing package, such as the unlimited soda fountain package with a specialty dining package, guests will find all they have left to do is sit back and enjoy their vacation onboard a Royal Caribbean ship.

Dining packages vary from ship to ship as many of the popular Oasis-class specialty restaurants are introduced throughout the fleet as part of the cruise line’s revitalization program.  Some of the restaurant concepts include Giovanni’s Table, Izumi Asian Cuisine and Royal Caribbean’s signature steakhouse Chops Grille. Guests have the option of choosing an all-encompassing package for a full gourmand experience or from smaller packages for those looking to broaden their palate at a lower price point.

For more information on Royal Caribbean’s beverage package and dining packages please visit www.RoyalCaribbean.com.

 
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Monday, October 15, 2012

Royal Caribbean's 3 Day Sale Thru October 17th.

Royal Caribbean Offers 3 Day Sale
Royal Caribbean Offers 3 Day Sale
Royal Caribbean International today announced that its final WOW Sale of the year will run for three days on October 15, 16 and 17, 2012. For all new individual bookings made for a 2013-14 Royal Caribbean sailing, vacationers can receive $50 onboard credit per stateroom on three- to five-night itineraries; $100 per stateroom for six- to nine-night itineraries; and $200 per stateroom for 10-night itineraries or longer. Guests can apply their onboard credit toward an exhilarating shore excursion or rejuvenating spa session, or celebrate a special occasion during their cruise with a specialty dining experience. Vacationers also can enjoy 50 percent reduced deposits during the three-day WOW Sale to lock in their 2013-14 Royal Caribbean cruise vacation anywhere around the world.

            The WOW Sale onboard credit and 50 percent reduced deposit offers are applicable to all Royal Caribbean International cruises that sail on or after January 1, 2013 including cruisetours. Offer is available only in the U.S. and Canada and applies to new individual bookings with required deposit only and is not applicable to groups. Offer applies to all categories available. All bookings must be made and the required deposit must be paid by October 17, 2012, by 11:59 p.m. local time to qualify for the promotion. Onboard credit is in U.S. dollars, has no cash value, is not redeemable for cash, is not transferable and will expire if not used by 10:00 pm on the last evening of the cruise.

            Royal Caribbean International is a global cruise brand with 22 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.



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Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Royal Caribbean's Explorer of the Seas Offers Wine Tasting

Royal Caribbean's Explorer of the Seas Gets Some Oasis Amenities
Royal Caribbean's Explorer of the Seas Gets Some Oasis Amenities
Royal Caribbean International continues to provide its guests with the ultimate vacation experience by enhancing its onboard dining options.

Further enhancing its onboard culinary offerings Royal Caribbean is expanding its partnership with renowned wine producer Domaines Barons de Rothschild by offering the exclusive Lafite Wine Tasting Experience onboard. Available for $23 to $25 per person, depending upon ship and itinerary, the experience, which was first introduced onboard Allure of the Seas, offers guests a unique tasting showcasing the renowned vintages from France’s Bordeaux region.

Developed in conjunction with Château Lafite Rothschild, the premier estate under the Rothschild name, and Master Sommelier John Blazon, the Lafite Wine Experience aims to expand guests’ understanding of growing regions within Bordeaux. A Royal Caribbean cellar master leads the tasting, sharing details about the wines and the winemakers and the history and suggestions for food pairings.  A souvenir packet allows guests to take a piece of the experience home with winemakers’ notes, recipes and more.

The Lafite Wine Tasting Experience is now available for pre-booking on select ships, including Allure of the Seas, Oasis of the Seas, Independence of the Seas, Liberty of the Seas, Freedom of the Seas, Mariner of the Seas, Navigator of the Seas, Adventure of the Seas, Explorer of the Seas, Jewel of the Seas and Enchantment of the Seas.

            Royal Caribbean International is a global cruise brand with 22 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.



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