Royal Caribbean’s New Terminal to Feature Galveston-Inspired Sculpture

Posted on 30 October, 2022 by Spacejunkie2

Royal Caribbean Group’s soon-to-be-opened terminal at the Port of Galveston will display the Galveston Beach Trio sculpture, designed by Brad Oldham Sculpture, according to a press release.

The cruise line’s initiative to feature the sculpture in its new terminal is aimed at strengthening ties with the local community and celebrating local art and culture. Travellers will be able to enjoy the sculpture when the terminal opens on November 9, 2022, according to Royal Caribbean Group.

“Showcasing the history and culture of Galveston was our top priority in establishing this art installation in our new terminal, and we’re thrilled to partner with Brad Oldham Sculpture to bring this vision to life,” comments Joshua Carroll, vice president, of destination development, Royal Caribbean Group.

The sculpture, fashioned in stainless steel and lost-wax bronze, depicts a musical trio inspired by the port city’s musical heritage, which includes Barry White, Joyce Fields and guitarist Joe Pena.

The Royal Caribbean Group team enlisted the help of Piper Faust Public Art to compile a list of Texas artists to be considered for the project and ultimately selected Brad Oldham and Christy Coltrin of Brad Oldham Sculpture.

“Some of our best memories are from travelling together. We are honoured to create a permanent installation that cultivates the vacation vibe with an approachable music theme using native animals to make up the band,” said Brad Oldham.

This community-inspired feature is the most recent addition to Royal Caribbean Group’s Blue Green Promise. The RCG has committed to engaging the Galveston community through the development and operation of its new terminal, with the incorporation of local arts and culture serving as the first step in this effort.

Royal Caribbean Set for International Calls on Singapore Cruises

Posted on 12 June, 2022 by Spacejunkie2

Royal Caribbean International is adding international port calls on cruises to Singapore for the first time after restarting cruising in late 2020.

The Spectrum of the Seas begins cruising to popular destinations in Malaysia on June 30, with calls set for Penang and Kuala Lumpur on new three- and four-night itineraries.

“We are thrilled to be the first cruise line in Singapore to reconnect holidaymakers with Asia’s beautiful destinations once again. The vibrant and culture-rich cities of Penang and Kuala Lumpur have so much to offer, and that is only the beginning,” said Angie Stephen, vice president and managing director, Asia-Pacific, Royal Caribbean International.

“After more than two years, the excitement from guests, both locals and fly cruisers, along with our travel partners is undeniable. Singapore is a top destination in and of itself, and its proximity to neighbouring countries makes it easy to venture out and explore. There’s no better way to take full advantage of this than by taking a cruise, where guests can enjoy the ultimate combination of thrills, entertainment, dining and activities as they sail from one idyllic destination to the next on Spectrum of the Seas.”

“We have been working closely with various governments in Southeast Asia to align on cruise protocols and policies, and are excited to bring back port calls in Malaysia for sailings as a start,” said Annie Chang, Director of Cruise, Singapore Tourism Board. “Port calls will provide more vacation options and we look forward to seeing more first-time and repeat cruisers in the coming year as more ports in the region open up.”

Royal Caribbean’s Grandeur Resumes Service with New Barbados Program

Posted on 5 December, 2021 by Spacejunkie2

After a 21-month operational pause, the Grandeur of the Seas is resuming service for Royal Caribbean International today. The vessel is also launching a new program for the company that features Barbados as a new homeport.

Sailing from Bridgeport, the Vision-class ship is now offering a series of island-hopping itineraries throughout the Southern Caribbean and Latin America.

The program includes new ports of call for the Royal Caribbean, with itineraries ranging from seven to 14 nights.

For its first cruise, the Grandeur is offering the “Southern Caribbean Explorer” itinerary that features calls in Grenada, Dominica and St. Lucia, in addition to three new ports: Scarborough, Tobago; Port of Spain, Trinidad; and Kingstown, St. Vincent.

Another itinerary offered is the “ABC Caribbean Adventure Cruise” featuring Grenada, Bonaire, Curacao, Aruba, Trinidad and one day at sea.

In January, a longer 14-night cruise also includes stops in Central and South America, with calls to 11 ports, including Limón, Costa Rica; Colón, Panama; and Cartagena, Colombia.

Previously slated to be transferred to sister brand Pullmantur, the Grandeur of the Seas is now the first Vision-class ship to resume service for Royal Caribbean.

The vessel is the third in the series of six ships and entered service originally in 1996. Built in Finland, it has a capacity for 1,950 guests and 74,140 tons.

In 2012, the vessel underwent a major bow-to-stern revitalization. During the five-week-long, $48 million drydocks, the Grandeur received venues first introduced on Oasis-class ships, including new dining options such as the Giovanni’s Table Italian trattoria and the Park Café casual eatery.

The ship’s seven-deck Centrum atrium was also transformed into a chic and lively new space that features an array of daytime activities, as well as unique nighttime entertainment with high-flying aerialists.

The Grandeur of the Seas is the first of three ships that are resuming service for Royal Caribbean International in December.

On Dec. 16, the Brilliance of the Seas is set to welcome guests back for a series of cruises departing from Tampa, while, on Dec. 23, the Enchantment of the Seas resumes service in Baltimore.

With the three vessels returning, Royal Caribbean will close out the year with 20 of its ships back in revenue service.