Royal Caribbean introduces overnight shore excursions

Posted on 8 April, 2016 by Spacejunkie2

Tikal National Park – GoUNESCO

Royal Caribbean International said it will offer shore excursions that include overnight stays on select cruises.

The new Multi-Day Adventures program offers two-day overnight explorations in Greece; Bangkok; and Tikal, Guatemala.

The excursions let passengers leave their ship in one destination and rejoin at the next port of call. They include fully guided tours, dining, airfare (where applicable), hotel accommodations and transportation. Pricing wasn’t disclosed.

As an example, passengers can book flights from either Belize or Honduras to Tikal National Park, a Mayan archaeological site. The trip includes an overnight tour, an expedition to walk the ruins and a Mayan ceremonial experience, plus return flight.

Royal Caribbean seeks name advice from ‘Boaty McBoatface’ creator

Posted on 4 April, 2016 by Spacejunkie2

In this April Fool’s Day-inspired rendering, a new Royal Caribbean ship is Boaty McBoatface of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean international is seeking name input on future ships from the British man who coined “Boaty McBoatface” for a U.K. research vessel. The cruise line says it’s not an April Fool’s Day stunt.

James Hand submitted the childish sounding moniker in an online contest to name a $288 million Antarctic survey vessel. Hand’s suggestion leads in online voting, which closes April 16.

Now he’s been invited to sail on Harmony of the Seas and possibly spice up Royal Caribbean’s somewhat predictable “of the Seas” ship name series.

“The people of the United Kingdom know the name of a great ship when they see it,” said Royal Caribbean President Michael Bayley. “Like the rest of the world, we fell in love with the name Boaty McBoatface when we heard it, and we knew immediately that Royal Caribbean could use James Hand’s talent to name our next ship.”

Hand told USA Today that the offer came as a “massive surprise” as has all the attention he’s received since he submitted the name.

Royal Caribbean to charge for high-speed Internet on Majesty of the Seas

Posted on 29 March, 2016 by Spacejunkie2

Royal Caribbean International said it plans to charge for Internet connection on the Majesty of the Seas when it returns from drydock.

Previously, Royal Caribbean had advertised the high-speed Voom internet as being free on the ship, which will do short cruises from Port Canaveral after the April refurbishment.

While in drydock, the Majesty will receive an expanded pool bar and poolside movie screen, family hot tubs, a kids-only pool area with the Splashaway Bay aqua park, and upgraded cabins. Royal Caribbean said the need for those investments precluded offering Voom for free.

For a limited time, however, free Voom will be available to acknowledge the previously advertised service. On cruises from May 15 to July 1, it will be included in the cruise fare. Passengers who booked before March 15 for sailings anytime after May 15 will also get free Internet.

Although they vary by ship, Voom packages typically cost about $15 a day.