Royal Caribbean Winter Cruise Season 2014-15: Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific season

Global Cruise tour brand Royal Caribbean International has announced its winter 2014 - 2015 cruise season for Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific. The cruise ship operator will serve the region in the season with three extensively revitalized cruise ships: Voyager of the Seas, Radiance of The Seas and Rhapsody of the Seas. Radiance of the Seas and Rhapsody of the Seas already has already been upgraded. Voyager of the Seas is planned to receive an update before its 2014-15 Australia season. These cruise ships will cruise from Sydney on two- to 17-night itineraries throughout Australia and the South Pacific.

Voyager of the Seas or Radiance of the Seas will offer a grand Australia cruise tour which is a combination of sailing with a four or five night land tour to Australias' must see in-land attractions. Radiance of the Seas will also offer 16 night northern coast cruising from Sydney to Fremantle and a 17-night southerly return sailing to Sydney via New Zealand. One pair of circumnavigation cruises departs Oct. 20, 2014 and the other on Feb. 26, 2015.

Rhapsody of the Seas will perform four Queensland cruises throughout winter cruising season of 2014-2015. These 11 night cruises will focus on destinations of Australia’s northeast coast, including an overnight at Cairns and a call at Airlie Beach for plenty of time to explore the Great Barrier Reef.

At the beginning and the end of Australia season, the ships offer long cruises on their way to and from Australia. Voyager of the Seas will cruise from Singapore to Sydney in 13 days itinerary on 25 November 2014 via the Coral Sea. The cruise ship will cruise from Sydney to Far East starting on 16 March 2015 via a 16-night 16-night southerly route to Fremantle, before continuing onward to Singapore on Apr 1st 2015.

Royal Caribbean International's Voyager of the Seas

At the beginning and the conclusion of the Australia season, vacationers also have a variety of sailings that brings each ship to their homeport of Sydney. Voyager of the Seas will sail a 13-night itinerary from Singapore to Sydney on Nov. 25, 2014 via the Coral Sea. The ship departs Sydney on Mar. 16, 2015 to the Far East via a 16-night southerly route to Fremantle, before continuing onward to Singapore on Apr. 1.

Radiance of the Seas and Rhapsody of the Seas will also offer a pair of trans-Pacific cruises from Vancouver Canada to Sydney via Hawaii. Rhapsody of the Seas will depart for Hawaii and the South Pacific on Sept. 5, 2014 and Radiance of the Seas will sail one week later on Sept. 12. The two ships will return to Vancouver at the end of the season, with Rhapsody of the Seas departing Sydney on Apr. 17, 2015 and Radiance of the Seas on Apr. 19.

MS Rhapsody of the Seas is a Vision-class cruise ship which can accommodate up to 2,435 passengers. It has onboard amenities such as a full-service spa, two swimming pools, six bars, and a Starbucks coffee shop which also contains a Ben and Jerry's ice-cream parlor. The cruise ship was upgraded in April 2012 with addition staterooms, an outdoor movie screen near the pool, new dining venues, digital signage, Wi-Fi internet access, concierge and diamond lounges, and a nursery.

MS Voyager of the Seas, is a Voyager-class cruise ship can handle up to 3114 guests and is referred to as a "Floating hotel" due to the range of facilities that it offers. Voyager of the Seas featured some world firsts for cruise ships when launched, including the first rock climbing wall (mounted on the funnel) and ice-skating rink at sea.

MS Radiance of the Seas is a Radiance-class cruise ship which can carry 2,501 passengers and is the first cruise ship to feature pool tables that are stabilized by a computer-controlled gyroscope.

Royal Caribbean International 2014 Alaska cruise and cruisetour season

Royal Caribbean International has just announced its 2014 Alaska cruise and cruisetour season, which will mark 25 years of delivering the magnificence of the Alaskan frontier on land and sea. Recently revitalized Radiance of the Seas and Rhapsody of the Seas will return to Alaskan waters and offer 34 sailings on exciting seven-night itineraries from Vancouver, British Columbia, and Seattle, Washington. On board, guests can enjoy up to 11 dining options, new and breathtaking entertainment, as well as family programming such as the award-winning Adventure Ocean kids and teen program, and the new Royal Babies and Tots Nursery, catering to Royal Caribbean’s youngest guests, age six to 36 months old.

In ports of call, guests can choose from an extensive menu of shore excursions to further explore the untamed Alaskan frontier. At Icy Strait Point, for instance, adventure seeking guests can ride the world’s longest ZipRider zip line – 5,300 ft. long – that accelerates up to 60 miles an hour over a lush forest to the beach 1,300 ft. below, or mush their own dogsled team on Dog Sledding on the Mendenhall Glacier by Helicopter from Juneau. For the whole family, the Gold Rush Sled Dogs & White Pass Train Adventure in Skagway offers an exciting ride on the world-famous, narrowgauge White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad, followed by meeting a veteran Iditarod musher and his dogsled team with a chance to pet some pups, or the opportunity to go off-roading through Tongas National Park and canoeing in Lake Harriet Hunt on Backcountry Jeep & Canoe Safari from Ketchikan.

“Royal Caribbean has been unfolding the wonders of the Alaskan frontier for a quarter century and we continue to deliver this amazing destination like no other cruise line,” said Lisa Bauer, executive vice president of Global Marketing and Sales, Royal Caribbean International. “Guests can explore this awe-inspiring destination while sailing aboard our recently revitalized ships that are Designed for WOW and enjoy Royal Caribbean’s friendly and engaging GOLD Anchor service from every staff and crew member. To further immerse themselves, vacationers also can choose an unforgettable Royal Caribbean Alaska cruise tour combining the best of land and sea in the region and without having to worry about any of the planning.”

In addition to witnessing the majesty of Alaska by ship, vacationers also can explore Alaska’s interior on a variety of exciting Royal Caribbean Cruisetours, which combines a sailing aboard Radiance of the Seas with a three- to six-night land tour adventure. Royal Caribbean takes care of all the planning, transportation and lodging on fully escorted tours that spend at least one night in Denali National Park and one leg on the Wilderness Express, a plush, glass-domed train cars that offer panoramic views of the grand Alaskan frontier. A 10-night, family-geared cruisetour will feature a three-night land tour that includes a behind-the-scenes visit to the Alaska Sea Life Center to learn about the region’s natural habitat and the center’s wildlife rehabilitation and conservation efforts, and wildlife spotting in Denali National Park at the Murie Science and Learning Center.

Alaska Cruise Royal Caribbean

Vacationers also can combine a Radiance of the Seas or Rhapsody of the Seas’ Alaska cruise with one of four pre- or post-cruise land tours throughout the Canadian Rockies and – new for 2014 –the Okanagan Wine Valley. For a comprehensive Alaska and the Canadian Rockies adventure, the Ultimate Cruisetour combines both region’s land tour programs with a seven-night cruise aboard Radiance of the Seas for a 19-night grand adventure on land and sea.


Recently revitalized in 2011 and 2012, respectively, Radiance of the Seas and Rhapsody of the Seas now offer guests a range of new dining options, breathtaking entertainment, and contemporary amenities that are Designed for WOW. Each ship now features some of the most popular dining options and amenities that were first introduced aboard the world’s largest and most revolutionary ships, Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas. New signature concepts aboard these ships include a new dance club experience in the contemporized Viking Crown Lounge. On Rhapsody of the Seas guests are surprised and delighted throughout the day by a series of heart-pounding, aerial-acrobatic entertainment experiences in the four deck-high Centrum which also features the new retro R Bar. Guests enjoy choices from 11 delectable dining options on Radiance of the Seas and nine on Rhapsody of the Seas, including the Park Café gourmet deli, Izumi Asian Cuisine, Giovanni’s Table Italian restaurant, and the exclusive Chef’s Table, some for an additional cover charge. Both ships offer bow-to-stern WiFi service, a refresh of all public spaces and updated staterooms with flat-panel televisions. An oversized LED movie screen overlooking the main pool provides entertainment to guests taking a brisk dip on a warm Alaskan day, and new Concierge and Diamond lounges aboard each ship further recognize Royal Caribbean’s loyal Crown & Anchor Society members and suite guests.


Radiance of the Seas will alternate North- and Southbound seven-night itineraries from Vancouver and Seward, respectively. Guests will cruise the Inside Passage and the monumental Hubbard Glacier, as well as call at Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point, Juneau and Skagway, Alaska. Radiance of the Seas’ Alaska season will be bookended with a seven-night itinerary, sailing roundtrip from Vancouver on May 9 and Sept. 5, calling at Icy Strait Point, Juneau, and Ketchikan, and cruising up Tracy Arm Fjord to see Sawyer Glacier.


For its part, Rhapsody of the seas will sail seven-night, roundtrip itineraries to Sawyer Glacier from Seattle, Wash. Guests will cruise the Inside Passage and call at Juneau, Skagway, and Victoria, British Columbia. Two similar seven-night itineraries that call at Ketchikan instead of Victoria will sail from Vancouver to Seattle on May 16 and vice versa on Aug. 29.

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.

Source : ROYAL CARIBBEAN ANNOUNCES 2014 ALASKA CRUISES AND CRUISETOURS

Royal Caribbean Winter 2013-14 Cruise Australia

You know what they say: There is nothing like Australia. Well, there’s also nothing like experiencing Australia with a cruise ship. Royal Caribbean International's winter 2013-14 Australia vacations aboard three of the region’s most innovative cruise ships for a second consecutive season offers exactly this once in a lifetime experience.

Vacationers can choose among 55 sailings that call at 56 beautiful South Pacific ports on 53 distinctive itineraries aboard Voyager of the Seas and the recently revitalized Radiance of the Seas and Rhapsody of the Seas, with departures from Sept. 2013 through April 2014. Vacationers also can choose a Royal Caribbean Australia Cruisetour to couple an escorted land tour with a Royal Caribbean cruise for a grand Outback adventure. Royal Caribbean’s winter 2013-14 Australia cruises and Cruisetours are now open for booking.

“There’s no better way for families and adventurers to experience Australia and New Zealand than with Royal Caribbean,” said Betsy O’Rourke, senior vice president of Marketing for Royal Caribbean International. “Unpack once, visit multiple destinations in this fascinating region and sail aboard the industry’s most innovative ships, where guests enjoy new award-winning dining and exclusive entertainment, and our renowned personal, friendly and engaging Gold Anchor Service. Royal Caribbean’s Explorations shore excursions and Cruisetours also will help guests delve deeper into the metropolises and frontiers for an unforgettable Australia adventure.”

The more comprehensive way to experience the best of Australia and New Zealand is on a Royal Caribbean Australia Cruisetour. A cruisetour combines a Royal Caribbean cruise with a pre- or post-cruise escorted land tour to the must-see attractions that lay inland or is restrictive for cruise ships to enter. Guests have opportunities to explore the Great Barrier Reef; come face-to-face with the awesome Ayers Rock; walk Australia’s Great Outback; or delve into New Zealanders culture and landscapes on more than four itineraries, all escorted by a dedicated Royal Caribbean Adventure Specialist who knows what to see and where to go. Royal Caribbean takes care of all the planning, premium hotel accommodations, included activities, all motorcoach and air transportation, select meals, and time for independent exploration and shopping for a stress-free Australia adventure.

Voyager of the Seas will sail from Singapore to Sydney on a 14-night cruise on October 24 2013, which begins with an overnight in Singapore and calls at Kuala Lumpur (Port Keland), Malaysia, and Darwin and Brisbane, Australia. The ship then homeports at Sydney to offer nine sailings to New Zealand, Fiji and New Caledonia, ranging from nine- to 14-night itineraries. A ninenight Tasmania cruise, sailing February 4, 2014, features an overnight at Hobart on this one-time only itinerary. At the end of the season, Voyager of the Seas will sail a spectacular 18-night Australia and New Zealand itinerary to Perth, and return to the Far East on a 14-night sailing on March 27 to Singapore, via Bangkok.

Voyager of the Seas will cruise from Singapore to Sydney on a 14-night cruise on October 24 2013,
which begins with an overnight in Singapore and calls at Kuala Lumpur (Port Keland), Malaysia,
and Darwin and Brisbane, Australia.

Exclusively offering the DreamWorks Experience in the Far East and South Pacific, Voyager of the Seas offers vacationers the most unique and innovative Australia and New Zealand cruise experience. Popular DreamWorks Animation characters, such as Po the Warrior Dragon from Kung Fu Panda, Shrek and Fiona, and Alex the Lion and Gloria the Hippo from Madagascar, will delight guests in Character Breakfasts, themed activities, surprise appearances, and plenty of unforgettable photo opportunities. The ship also is the first among a class of ships that revolutionized the industry by introducing the active cruise vacation, debuting the first onboard ice-skating rink, rock-climbing wall, and the Royal Promenade, an interior boulevard that runs nearly the ship’s length; flanked by restaurants, lounges and boutiques; and where parades and evening street parties are held.

Radiance of the Seas and Rhapsody of the Seas also will be homeported at Sydney from October 2013 to early May 2014, offering vacationers a wide variety of itineraries, ranging from seven to 15 nights to Australia’s Tasmania and Queensland, New Zealand, Fiji and New Caledonia. Radiance of the Seas also will circumnavigate twice around Australia – comprising a 16-night north coast and 17- night south coast and New Zealand sailing each – departing October 24, 2013 and February 14, 2014. Trans-Pacific crossings between Vancouver, B.C. and Sydney bookend both ship’s winter 2013-14 Australia season, comprising a 12-night Hawaii and a 16- or 17-night South Pacific sailing, departing September 13, 2013 and April 10, 2014 aboard Radiance of the Seas, and September 6, 2013 and April 18, 2014 aboard Rhapsody of the Seas.

In between exciting ports of call, just-revitalized Radiance of the Seas and Rhapsody of the Seas offer guests a wide spectrum of the most contemporary dining and entertainment options. Referred to as the culinary ship, Radiance of the Seas was revitalized in 2011 to offer eight restaurants – Park Café, Boardwalk Dog House, Chef’s Table, Giovanni’s Table, Izumi, Rita’s Cantina, Samba Grille and main dining room – and the new Quill & Compass Pub.

Rhapsody of the Seas features a new high-flying Centrum entertainment experience, where aerialists glide through the five-story atrium as guests enjoy a cocktail in the new 60’s-themed R Bar on the ground floor. In the evenings, guests can catch a small bite in a chic new Viking Crown Lounge, offering a cutting-edge, modern dance club atmosphere. Both ships also newly feature an oversized LED video screen overlooking the main pool, the Royal Babies and Tots Nursery, bow-to-stern WiFi service, and completely refreshed staterooms with new flat-panel interactive TVs, and a Concierge Lounge and Diamond Club for suite and Crown & Anchor Society member guests.

Younger guests can join in informative and entertaining programming from morning to late night in the cruise line’s award-winning Adventure Ocean and Kids program. College-accredited counselors lead kids in stimulating activities designed for five age groups, 3-5, 6-9, 10-13, and 14-17 years, where teens have their own dedicated space to hang out with peers.