Royal Caribbean Boosts Northern Europe Capacity

Written by cruiseindustrynews.com on November 3, 2008

Royal Caribbean International will have three ships, and a passenger capacity of 83,200, in Northern Europe next year – a 70 percent increase over 2008, when the line had two ships and a 48,800 passenger capacity.

The boost is a result of Royal Caribbean dedicating more short sailings to local markets.

In 2009, the Vision of the Seas will offer more than 30 four- and five-day cruises, sailing out of Oslo, Stockholm, Copenhagen and Harwich, from May through early September. In 2008, the Jewel of the Seas offered 10 short cruises.

In addition, the Independence of the Seas will again be dedicated to the UK market next year; and the Jewel of the Seas will offer longer sailings for North American passengers.

In Royal Caribbean Cruises’ Q3 earnings call, Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Adam Goldstein said that the line has been pushing more product into Europe – offering shorter cruises – going into different markets.

Last week, Goldstein said that international sales seem more robust than the North American market.

Royal Caribbean Short Caribbean Group Offer

Please click on the group offer below and book your 10 double cabins (20 full paying guests) groups with a $25 per person refundable deposit to lock the space, cabin and rate with names by November 30, 2008 to take advantage:

Royal Caribbean Expands 2009-10 Cruise Season at San Diego

written and credited by cruiseindustrynews.com

Royal Caribbean International today announced new Mexican Riviera itineraries for the 2009-10 winter and spring seasons. Radiance of the Seas willextend its season from San Diego, offering West Coast vacationers a total of 24 Mexican Riviera sailings, ranging from four- to 12-night itineraries, and two West Coast cruises, a nine- and a 10-night itinerary. These new sailings aboard Radiance, in addition to Mariner of the Seas’ debut in Los Angeles in February 2009, will give vacationers a wider breadth of itineraries to choose from the two Southern California ports. Subsequently, the cruise line is announcing the cancellation of Radiance of the Sea’s previously planned South America cruises during the same time period.

Radiance of the Seas will increase the total number of San Diego sailings from September 2009 through May 2010 with 10 long cruises to the Mexican Riviera. These nine- to 11-night roundtrip itineraries are in addition to the 12 short cruises – four- and five-night itineraries – announced earlier this year. Guests also can choose an additional 12-night holiday cruise departing December 21, 2009, when guests will celebrate Christmas and herald in the New Year on board, or a thirteenth five-night short cruise, sailing on May 3, 2010. Ports of call on these Mexican Riviera cruises include: Acapulco, Cabo San Lucas, Ensenada, Huatulco, Ixtapa (Zihuatanejo), Manzanillo, Mazatlan, and Puerto Vallarta. Radiance’s call at Manzanillo on Thanksgiving Day 2009 will mark the cruise line’s first return to the port since 1999.

Guest also can choose among two West Coast cruises, one sailing from San Diego to Vancouver on January 22, 2010 for 10 nights, and in reverse on March 2, 2010 for nine nights. Each sailing includes ports of call at Catalina Island and an overnight in San Francisco, California; Astoria, Oregon; Seattle, Washington; and Victoria, British Columbia.

Guests holding either individual or group reservations on Radiance of the Seas’ previously scheduled South America cruises from November 21, 2009 through March 7, 2010 will be offered the option to rebook on Radiance of the Seas’ South America cruises from November 23, 2008 through February 1, 2009 and February 28, 2009 through April 26, 2009, subject to availability and at the prevailing rate. Rebooking guests will receive onboard credits of $200 per standard stateroom and $400 per suite. Travel agent partners also will receive a $50 bonus commission per stateroom when rebooking their affected customer to one of these suggested sailings.

All guests and travel agent partners with affected bookings are being contacted by Royal Caribbean International. A special toll-free number has been established to answer questions: 888-281-9344. The number is the same for both individual and group bookings. All bookings for the affected sailings will be immediately cancelled.

Extending the choices available to West Coast vacationers is the February 2009 arrival of Mariner of the Seas at its new year-round homeport of Los Angeles. Mariner will be the largest cruise ship to be based in the Pacific Ocean and offer guests some of the cruise line’s innovative and exclusive onboard amenities. Mariner of the Seas is among Royal Caribbean’s Voyager class of ships, known for revolutionizing the cruise industry in the ‘90s by introducing an onboard rock-climbing wall, ice-skating rink, and Royal Promenade – a boulevard running nearly the length of the ship that is lined with lounges, stores and restaurants, including a Ben & Jerry’s scoop shop.

Guests of both shipswill enjoy Royal Caribbean’s award-winning Broadway-style musical revues from Royal Caribbean Productions, multiple onboard bars, lounges and discos throughout the ship, and Vegas-style gaming in the Casino Royale. The ships’ onboard Day Spa also offers a full range of rejuvenating treatments, and the adults-only Solarium pool provides a more relaxing environment. On international sailings, guests also enjoy select popular food, beverage and entertainment options found in the region of their cruise.

Younger cruisers will laugh and learn in the line’s award-winning Adventure Ocean kids program, while teens 12 and older have more mature activities in the ships’ teen-only spaces. Families also can stay in and order room service – always complimentary 24 hours a day – and catch a popular on-demand movie. Throughout their stay, every guest will enjoy Royal Caribbean’s Gold Anchor standard of friendly and engaging service from staff and crew.

Royal Caribbean Reports Record Earnings

Taken, credited and published by cruiseindustrynews.com

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. today announced record net income for the third quarter 2008 of $411.9 million, or $1.92 per share, compared to net income of $395.0 million, or $1.84 per share, in 2007. This improvement was due primarily to increased capacity, higher yields, and lower net cruise costs, partially offset by higher fuel prices. These figures also include the receipt of a legal settlement of $17.6 million. Higher fuel prices increased costs by $65.1 million, or $0.30 per share. While fuel costs per metric ton increased 46% versus 2007, they were $48 per metric ton, or $0.07 per share lower than previous guidance. Selling, general and administrative expenses were $17.2 million, or $0.08 per share better than previous guidance due primarily to timing and management’s focus on cost containment.

 

The company noted that new bookings slowed considerably during the month of September, but have leveled off over the last couple of weeks. “As we have seen during other challenging periods, our customers are delaying their further out purchase decisions,” said Brian J. Rice, executive vice president and chief financial officer. “It is too early to respond to this atmosphere in a systematic way, but we have attracted short term volume in the traditionally weak fourth quarter using discounts. Had the value of the U.S. dollar not strengthened, we would be forecasting flat yields in the fourth quarter.”

In summarizing the company’s third quarter 2008 results and outlook Royal Caribbean Chairman and CEO Riochard Fain added: “The company’s performance, during a period of such economic uncertainty and unprecedented market volatility, is a testament to our business model. Nonetheless, we are taking proactive steps to respond to these challenges. Our strong brand positioning, a management team focused on cost improvement and the most innovative fleet in the industry provide a strong and stable platform from which to weather a difficult 2009 and to capture the eventual benefit of a rebounding economy and a more optimistic consumer.”

 

ROYAL CARIBBEAN CRUISES LTD. ANNOUNCES Fuel supplement Charges will no apply for 2010

MIAMI – October 24, 2008 – Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. today announced that the

company’s fuel supplement will no longer apply to new Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity

Cruises and Azamara Cruises bookings made on or after November 10, 2008, anywhere in the

world, for sailings that depart on or after January 1, 2010.

This decision takes into consideration the recent reductions in global fuel prices. The company

has also established specific guidelines that will determine whether fuel supplement refunds will

be provided for sailings that begin in 2009 and later, which were booked prior to November 10,

2008, if fuel prices remain below a specific price threshold.

For 2009 sailings and 2010 sailings booked before November 10, 2008, the company will

determine on a quarterly basis whether fuel supplements will be refunded. Refunds, in the form

of an onboard credit, will be provided if the closing price of West Texas Intermediate fuel is $65

or less, at the closing time of the New York Mercantile Exchange, two weeks prior to the

beginning of the upcoming calendar quarter. When those conditions are met, an onboard credit

will be provided to all guests on sailings that begin during the upcoming calendar quarter.

The dates on which the price of West Texas Intermediate fuel will be measured, and the

quarters during which refunds could apply are:

Fuel Price Determination Date Quarter of Possible Fuel Supplement Refunds

December 18, 2008 First quarter 2009

March 18, 2009 Second quarter 2009

June 17, 2009 Third quarter 2009

September 17, 2009 Fourth quarter 2009

December 18, 2009 First quarter 2010

March 18, 2010 Second quarter 2010

June 17, 2010 Third quarter 2010

September 17, 2010 Fourth quarter 2010

 

 

The company will continue to closely monitor the movement of global fuel prices and recognize

that an upturn in those prices could necessitate the reinstatement of a fuel supplement.

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. is a global cruise vacation company that operates Royal

Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Pullmantur, Azamara Cruises and CDF Croisieres

de France. The company has a combined total of 38 ships in service and six under

construction. It also offers unique landtour

vacations in Alaska, Asia, Australia, New Zealand,

Canada, Europe and South America. Additional information can be found on

www.royalcaribbean.com,

 

 

www.celebrity.com, www.pullmantur.es, www.azamaracruises.com,

www.cdfcroisieresdefrance.com

 

 

or www.rclinvestor.com.

 

Royal Caribbean Ship 6 for Europe 2009: Jewel of the Seas

Royal Caribbean’s Jewel of the Seas offers the ultimate “at sea” experience by combining speed, added comfort, greater space, sweeping ocean vistas and an exceptional staff committed to serving your every whim. Among her spectacular features are the ten-story glass-constructed Centrum, glass elevators facing the sea, and the highest percentage of outside cabins in the Royal Caribbean fleet.

WHEN YOU’RE NOT EXPLORING EUROPE THERE IS PLENTY TO DO ONBOARD Rock-climbing wall Portofino Italian Restaurant Chops Grille Latte-tudesSM, a specialty coffee house featuring Seattle’s Best Coffee® Seaview Cafe Themed bars and lounges Casino RoyaleSM The Colony Club, a unique British colonial-style lounge with self-leveling pool tables Beautiful indoor Solarium Indoor/outdoor country club with golf simulator Adventure Ocean® youth facilities Day Spa and Fitness Center Sports court with basketball/volleyball court FUN JEWEL TRIVIA Maiden Voyage: May 8, 2004 Refurbished: October 2007 Passenger Capacity: 2,501 Godmother: Kathy Mellor Gross Tonnage: 90,090 Length: 962′ Beam: 105.6′ Draft: 26.7′ Cruising Speed: 25 knots EXPLORE NORTHERN EUROPE WITH JEWEL OF THE SEAS® 12-Night Scandinavia & Russia May through August 2009 Harwich, England; Copenhagen, Denmark; Stockholm, Sweden; Helsinki, Finland; St. Petersburg, Russia; Tallinn, Estonia; Oslo, Norway; Harwich, England Harwich, England; Oslo, Norway; Copenhagen, Denmark; Stockholm, Sweden; Helsinki, Finland; St. Petersburg, Russia; Tallinn, Estonia; Harwich, England 12-Night British Isles/Norwegian Fjords June 22, 2009 Harwich, England; Le Havre (Paris), France; Cherbourg, France; Cork, Ireland; Dublin, Ireland; Greenock (Glasgow), Scotland; Geiranger, Norway; Flam, Norway; Alesund, Norway; Bergen, Norway; Harwich, England EXTEND YOUR VACATION BY ADDING A 4-NIGHT PARIS & LONDON CRUISETOUR!

DON’T FORGET TO EXPLORE THESE PORTS! Geiranger, Norway Be sure to bring along plenty of extra film, because you’ll want to capture the natural beauty of Geiranger’s magnificent fjord country. Thundering waterfalls, snow-capped mountains, crystalline glaciers, and still blue lakes make this a truly unforgettable area. Explore Geiranger Fjord, one of the most beautiful fjords in Norway, with towering mountainsides and numerous waterfalls. The fjord stretches inland some 10 miles, fed by gushing waterfalls, including the Seven Sisters, the Suitor, and the Bridal Veil. Visit Briksdal Glacier, one of nature’s true wonders. Cross over a thundering waterfall before reaching a beautiful mountain valley that faces the awe-inspiring glacier. Journey through forest-clad hills down to Hornindal Lake. At more than 1,500 feet, it is the deepest freshwater lake in Europe. Check out Geiranger Church, a quaint wooden church built in an octagonal shape with a lovely view of the countryside and the cruise ships below. Cherbourg, France Cherbourg offers everything you could want from a seaside town in France – beautiful gardens, cute little shops, appetizing restaurants. As a port, however, Cherbourg is a maritime institution, playing major roles in early transatlantic travel, submarine building and nautical pastimes. One look at its massive man-made sea wall or its bustling piers and any seafaring adventurer will feel right at home here. La Cite de la Mer is a museum, aquarium and oceanographic center all rolled into one. Learn about man’s underwater adventures in the Ocean Exhibition, which includes aquatic galleries and an impressive collection of sea life. Then explore the decommissioned nuclear submarine La Redoutable, which served the French military for more than 20 years. Cherbourg is home to a number of 19th-century gardens featuring hundreds of plant varieties, spring-fed ponds, native animals, rare birds, and more. Listed as a historical monument in 1984, the amazing Cherbourg Theater offers many lively shows and programs. You can’t visit France without touring a chateau, and the Ravalet Chateau in nearby Tourlaville is a stunning example of Renaissance style. Pay your respects at the Resistance Museum, featuring relics of the Resistance Movement during the German occupation of World War II.

The Youth Zone is Oasis of the Seas Final Neighborhood

Royal Caribbean’s 5,400-passenger, 220,000-ton Oasis of the Seas is set to become the largest and most innovative cruise ship ever built when it debuts in November 2009 — and the anticipation for this behemoth, still over a year from its launch, has been palpable. With tonight’s announcement of the last of the ship’s themed neighborhoods, we’re finally hearing about the onboard spaces dedicated solely to the children itself onboard the ship.

The “Youth Zone” neighborhood spans more than 28,700 square ft., and includes the Kids Avenue, a central boulevard housing dedicated Adventure Ocean (12 and under) spaces and themed play areas; the cruise line’s first nursery for infants and toddlers (six months or older); and a teen area that will keep the moodiest of cruisers happily distanced from the annoying younger kids. The Youth Zone will be the largest kids’ facility afloat, some 4,000 square ft. larger than the spaces on RCI’s Freedom-class trio of ships, the current title holders.

The Youth Zone joins Oasis of the Seas’ six other neighborhoods, themed spaces which include

So what’s in store for the less mature cruisers onboard Oasis of the Seas?

The Kids Avenue, located toward the front of the ship on Deck 14, will serve as the main promenade for cruisers between the ages of 3 and 11 to access the various Adventure Ocean areas. Building on its already-established program, RCI will offer arts and crafts activities, scavenger hunts, talent shows and other scheduled and guided age-specific activities to three Adventure Ocean program age groups, each with its own space: Aquanauts, 3 to 5; Explorers, 6 to 8; and Voyagers, 9 to 11.

In addition to the dedicated spaces for each of the three age groups, Oasis of the Seas will also feature several common play areas on the Kids Avenue. The incredible size of the ship — some 40 percent larger than Royal Caribbean’s Freedom-class trio, the current largest cruise ships in the world — allowed for these new purpose-built spaces. The Adventure Ocean Theater will be the first-ever theater at sea just for kids, complete with a stage and curtains, audience seating (parents?) and state-of-the-art production equipment. Kids can take drama classes, and overcome their fear of stage fright in talent shows and theatrical productions. Of course, Royal Caribbean isn’t the first to go in this direction (see Disney and their children’s theater workshops), but it’s an interesting approach.

In a twist on adult-oriented enrichment trends, RCI is introducing on Oasis some new-for-kids classes in the Workshop, such as creating scrapbooks and designing jewelry. As well, the line also has expanded existing programs as part of its Imagination Studio; kids can experiment with coloring (in a program created by Crayola). The Adventure Science Lab, a fully-equipped lab, is the place for conducting those delightfully rudimentary science experiments (baking soda volcano). Play is a circular area where the more active kids can participate in a variety of sports and games (indoor soccer, team building sports, etc.); and the Kid’s Arcade is a dedicated arcade space just for the under 12’s.

For the youngest passengers (six months is the minimum age to cruise on Oasis), Royal Caribbean is introducing the Royal Babies and Tots nursery, the first-ever dedicated nursery space offered by the line. Open daily from 9 a.m to 6 p.m. (including port days), the space will serve as a fully-staffed nursery where parents can leave kids in the care of trained professionals, as well as a venue for hosting various playgroups created by Fisher-Price and Crayola. Free-time play will also be offered daily, so parents and children can chill together with a variety of Fisher Price developmental toys. According to Adam Goldstein, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean International, the line is not intending to charge for the services — but he added that nothing is set in stone at this point. One note about the nursery: If we had to select a major weakness of Royal Caribbean’s kids’ programming, it would be that line has largely ignored the under three crowd — where line’s like Disney have embraced it. But that appears to have changed with RCI’s Oasis nursery. 

For the teens, Royal Caribbean staples Fuel and The Living Room are back on Oasis of the Seas (only larger, of course). The Living Room boasts a “mock-tail” bar offering alcohol-free concoctions; Scratch DJ 101 classes, where kids can learn to spin crazy beats; and a bank of computer stations for surfing the Web. Fuel is a disco and hang out space with a dance floor. An outdoor deck space — for open-air teenage mingling — is adjacent to these teen spaces.

In addition to the child-specific spaces and other recreation activities — and perhaps equally important as those — the other neighborhoods onboard have their own kid friendly offerings. The Boardwalk boasts a vintage carousel, tattoo parlor (temporary tattoos), cruise travel’s first-ever zip-line (located nine decks above the Boardwalk) and traditional carnival games. The Challenger’s Arcade, featuring the latest video games, is also back. Pool & Sports Zone has the popular H2O Zone aquapark for the little ones. In the Vitality Spa and Fitness Zone, teens and tweens can enjoy a menu of spa options specially tailored for them in a dedicated space at the Vitality at Sea Spa.

And while all neighborhoods have been announced, there are still Oasis tid bits that have yet to be revealed (such as menus and prices for the ship’s dining venues). Goldstein also mentioned a future reveal outlining just how a ship carrying nearly 6,000 passengers will embark smoothly and efficiently.

 

Liberty of the Seas leaving from Miami 7-night roundtrip flyer

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Tropical Weather Update October 15, 2008 6pm

Royal Caribbean International continues to closely monitor the path and progress of Hurricane Omar to ensure our guests enjoy safe and comfortable cruises, and to make certain our ships steer clear of the storm.

The safety of our guests and crew members is always our foremost concern.

Given the location and projected path of Hurricane Omar, we are altering the itinerary of two ships:

Ships sailing from Port Canaveral

• Mariner of the Seas, which departed Port Canaveral on Sunday, October 12, will sail a revised itinerary. The ship will not be visiting Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, Wednesday, and Philipsburg, St. Maarten, on Thursday. Instead the ship will be at sea Wednesday, visit Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands, Thursday, Cozumel, Mexico, Friday, and be at sea Saturday.

Ships sailing from Port of San Juan, Puerto Rico

• UPDATED – Adventure of the Seas, which departed the Port of San Juan on Sunday, October 12, will sail a modified itinerary. The ship will not be visiting St. Johns, Antigua, on Thursday. Instead the ship will visit Roseau, Dominica.

At this time, no other Royal Caribbean International ships are being adversely impacted by tropical weather.

Royal Caribbean Fleet Guide for 2008/09 season

Click the thumbnails to enlarge the pictures: