Sunday, September 29, 2013

Royal Caribbean International


There is no better way to span two continents in one holiday than onboard a Royal Caribbean International cruise. The cruise line known for the industry’s most innovative cruise ships announced Ocean Voyages, a collection of special sailings that offer unique onboard programming, new shore excursion packages, and unbeatable value on 2014 sailings between Europe and the Americas.

Holidaymakers can choose among 11 Royal Caribbean International ships that call at more than 35 exciting destinations on Ocean Voyages, which also include late 2014 sailings onboard the world’s largest and most innovative cruise ship Oasis of the Seas, and the next-generation Quantum of the Seas, introducing its variety of new at sea firsts to the industry.

“Royal Caribbean International’s collection of Ocean Voyages offers unique and enriching WOWs,” said Carol Schuster, senior vice president of Marketing for Royal Caribbean International.

“Our ships are world-renowned for their wide range of exclusive and innovative onboard features and our friendly and engaging Gold Anchor Service. Combined with exciting onboard enrichment and interesting itineraries, guests on these sailings will enjoy a distinctive experience that can only be found on Royal Caribbean International.”

Delivering the Royal Caribbean International WOW in a whole new way, each Ocean Voyage will feature a guest expert, who will lead a line-up of entertainment programming and engaging activities, which feature spotlight topics such as culture, dance, film, visual arts, photography, and wines and cuisine. A highlight of every Ocean Voyage will be the Black & White Masquerade Party, so guests are encouraged to bring along a special outfit for the occasion.

Guests can also sign up for new shore excursion packages at the exciting ports of call for even more memorable experiences along the way. Ocean Voyages shore excursion packages include a choice of three options from a prix fix menu of some of Royal Caribbean International’s most popular shore excursions at each port of call. Each ship’s shore excursion package is customised to its specific itinerary; start at $99 per guest; and offers a great value on shoreside adventures.  Options include visiting side-by-side caldera lakes, on “Sete Cidades Crater Lakes” at Ponta Delgada, The Azores; or explore Mt. Teide National Park in Tenerife, the Canary Islands, on “Canadas del Tiede” for one of the best examples of alpine volcanic ecosystems. At Funchal, Madeira, guests can choose “Emblematic Madeira & Ribeira Brava” to enjoy an incomparable view from Cabo Girao, Europe’s highest sea cliff, and sample Poncha, a local drink made with rum and honey.

On board, guests will finally have the opportunity to fully enjoy Royal Caribbean International’s innovative and exclusive features, including surfing to their hearts content on the FlowRider surf simulator on Liberty of the Seas and Independence of the Seas; ice skating their way across the Atlantic in the Studio B ice rinks onboard Adventure of the Seas; and becoming a billiards expert on the self-leveling pool tables onboard Brilliance of the Seas and Serenade of the Seas.

All Royal Caribbean International ships to sail Ocean Voyages will also have completed revitalisation by early 2014. Guests will not only enjoy the special Ocean Voyages programme, but more entertainment, delectable dining experiences and technology upgrades. On Radiance and Vision class ships, guests will be WOW’ed by the award-winning aerial-acrobatic entertainment production, which spans throughout the ship’s multi-story Centrum. Guests also can savour each of the many new or signature restaurants, up to 10 per ship, such as the exclusive Chef’s Table, Chops Grille Steakhouse, Izumi Asian Cruise, Giovanni’s Table, and Rita’s Cantina for an additional charge, and complimentary restaurants, such as the Park Café gourmet deli and Boardwalk Dog House.

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Costa Concordia captain blames helmsman

Francesco Schettino, captain of the Costa Concordia, which sank off Italy in 2012, has blamed his Indonesian helmsman for the accident. Schettino claims the helmsman failed to obey orders to slow down and steered the ship onto rocks. The captain is presently fighting charges of causing the shipwreck and abandoning ship.Thirty-two people died when the cruise ship capsized in January 2012. Helmsman Jacob Rusli Bin has already been convicted of manslaughter in a separate trial. He was one of five Costa employees who were granted plea bargains in return for mild sentences in a separate proceeding. He was given a sentence of one year and eight months. Investigators have said previously language problems between the captain and the helmsman might have played a role in crash. Schettino claimed if the helmsman had quickly executed the correct manoeuvre, the Concordia would have steered away from the jagged reef that sliced a hole in its side.


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