When it comes to cruising one name stands out from the crowd. Royal Caribbean International is quite simply the most exciting cruise line in the cruise industry today. Always the innovator, this is the company that brought a new dimension to cruising when they introduced Voyager of the Seas in 1999.
Such was the acclaim surrounding this new generation of cruise ships a further four identical vessels entered service in subsequent years. In 2006 an even larger ship was showcased to an eager public and Freedom of the Seas became an industry icon overnight. Two further ships complete the series, culminating with the introduction of Independence of the Seas in April 2008. Royal Caribbean International has taken the unprecedented step of basing this 3,634-passenger ship in Southampton immediately upon taking delivery. There is no better testimony to this cruise line’s commitment to the European market.
In additional to a series of short cruises, Canary Islands cruises, and summer-long series of sailings to the Mediterranean aboard Independence of the Seas; there’s seven Scandinavia and Russia cruises and a British Isles and Norway cruise from Harwich aboard the much-loved Jewel of the Seas.
With a distinctly European ambiance, Jewel of the Seas is one of four Radiance-class ships that accommodate 2,110 passengers. Another in the series, Brilliance of the Seas is sailing from Barcelona on Royal Caribbean International’s first-ever year-round European deployment. Making her home in the Catalan capital, this highly-rated ship sails throughout the Mediterranean in summer and autumn before heading south to offer Canary Islands itineraries during the first five months of 2009.
Barcelona is undoubtedly ‘cruise central’ for this enterprising company who has built its own, strikingly-designed, dedicated cruise terminal in this busy port. In addition to the host of sailings on Brilliance of the Seas, the mighty Voyager of the Seas is operating no fewer than 27 seven-night cruises from this Spanish port from May through November. These headline-grabbing voyages call at Villefranche (for Nice and Monte Carlo), Livorno (for Florence and Pisa), Civitavecchia (for Rome), Naples (for Capri and Sorrento), and Palermo in Sicily.
Navigator of the Seas
Joining her sister-ship, Navigator of the Seas has an extensive series of short four and five-night cruises from Barcelona. In July and August 2008 this ship, which has proved to be an outstanding favourite with families, sets sail from Civitavecchia – the port of Rome – on eight 7-night sailings to Messina, Piraeus (for Athens), Kusadasi (for Ephesus and Iraklion in Crete.
The Italian market, a favourite for this American cruise company that understands European tastes in cruising, is not forgotten in 2008. Two Vision-class ships are offering 7-, 12- and 13-night cruises from Venice and Civitavecchia to the Greek Isles, the Eastern Mediterranean, and Turkey. The 1,804-passenger Splendour of the Seas and Legend of the Seas were the first to operate the European cruising programme for Royal Caribbean International and have remained perennially-popular with passengers who appreciate the finer things in life.
Independence of the Seas
A cruise aboard a Royal Caribbean International ship is more than a leisurely voyage from one port to another – much more. Every vessel is brim-full with cutting-edge activities that appeal to all age groups. The mega-ships such as Independence of the Seas boast novel diversions including FlowRider surf simulator and boxing ring. They too, like Voyager of the Seas and Navigator of the Seas have an ice-skating rink where passengers can learn to skate during the day, while by night enjoy a spectacular show performed by world-class professionals. The trademark rock-climbing wall, mini-golf, and golf-simulators are a feature on all Royal Caribbean International ships.
The Viking Crown Lounge perched high above the ocean is a great place to meet friends and look down on the expansive open decks and swimming pools where kids of all ages seem to spend their entire cruise having fun. When not splashing around, children enjoy a wealth of activities in the unrivalled Adventure Ocean Youth Programme.
Entertainment
Entertainment is taken to new heights on Royal Caribbean International ships. Whether it’s a Broadway-style review show or headline entertainers giving virtuoso performances in the Theatre, cabaret and comedy shows, contemporary and classical music in the stylish bars, ballroom dancing, or tempting Lady Luck in the Casino; there’s something for everyone. World-class ShipShape Spas are havens of serenity and well-being, while the variety of shore excursions are all-encompassing and offer unique insights into each port of call.
Stunning Restaurants
When it comes to that great cruise pastime of fine dining each day is a triumph. Stunning restaurants soaring two and three deck high serve international and local cuisine, while the remarkable Windjammer café offers buffet-style breakfasts, lunches and casual dining. On all ships operating European sailings, except Splendour of the Seas and Legend of the Seas, there’s the option of intimate dining in Chops Grille and Portofino.
When it comes to that great cruise pastime of fine dining each day is a triumph. Stunning restaurants soaring two and three deck high serve international and local cuisine, while the remarkable Windjammer café offers buffet-style breakfasts, lunches and casual dining. On all ships operating European sailings, except Splendour of the Seas and Legend of the Seas, there’s the option of intimate dining in Chops Grille and Portofino.
Royal Caribbean International not only has the most breathtaking ships afloat, they understand the essence of cruising European-style. With so many ships visiting so many ports, there’s never been a better time to hit the high life on the high seas.
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