Royal Caribbean brands transatlantic sailings as Ocean Voyages

Royal Caribbean brands transatlantic sailings as Ocean Voyages

By Tom Stieghorst
Royal Caribbean International has created a package called Ocean Voyages for its seasonal repositioning cruises across the Atlantic.

The cruise line calls Ocean Voyages “a collection of special sailings that offer unique onboard programming, new shore excursion packages and unbeatable value.”

Ocean Voyages will be offered on 11 ships, including late 2014 crossings of Oasis of the Seas and Quantum of the Seas.

Cruises will include a guest expert, who will lead a line-up of entertainment programming and activities, spotlighting topics such as culture, dance, film, visual arts, photography, wines and cuisine. Each Ocean Voyage will include a Black & White Masquerade Party.

Ocean Voyages offer what Royal calls a “prix-fixe” menu of three popular shore excursions at each port of call, customized to the itinerary. Examples include a tour of the side-by-side calderas in the Azores, or Teide National Park in the Canary Islands. Prices will start at $99.

To promote the new product, Royal Caribbean is offering a free premium beverage package on 13 select sailings for individual balcony and suite bookings between Sept. 11 and Oct. 15. Vacationers must ask for option code SPV3 to receive the offer.

Quantum Class Moves Forward

Quantum Class Moves Forward

Royal Caribbean International’s Quantum and Anthem both see milestonesBy: Marilyn Green

Cruise
Royal Caribbean International commemorates two strategic developments at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany.  // © 2013 Royal Caribbean...

Royal Caribbean International commemorates two strategic developments at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany.  // © 2013 Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean International marked two important milestones in the development of its Quantum-class ships at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany, this month.

Quantum of the Seas received its first block, as the keel was officially lowered and put into place, and Anthem of the Seas, Quantum’s sister-ship, had its first piece of steel cut, signaling the first step in the ship’s construction.

“Today is a very special day in the development of our new Quantum class, as we are now two steps closer to delighting guests around the world with Quantum cruising,” said Adam Goldstein, president and CEO. “It’s incredibly rewarding to see Quantum of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas coming together so well, and today we not only honor these two very important milestones, but also recognize the years of hard work and dedication from the team developing these ships.”

The keel laying marks the beginning of the ship’s physical construction. During the ceremony, a 430-ton block measuring 59 by 75 feet was lifted into the building dock with an 800-ton crane. Newly minted coins placed under the keel stay in place until the end of construction, when they are presented to the ship’s captain and crew to be placed onboard the ship. According to maritime tradition, the coins are said to bring luck to the ship.

Quantum-class ships will span 16 deck and carry 4,180 guests. The ships will debut new features, including as RipCord by iFLY, the first skydiving experience at sea; the North Star, which transports guests more than 300 feet above the ocean; and The Sea-Plex, the largest indoor sports and entertainment complex at sea with bumper cars and a roller skating ring; and more.

The Quantum class will debut in autumn 2014 with Quantum of the Seas, followed by sister-ship Anthem of the Seas in spring 2015.

Royal Caribbean cuts 100 jobs, including Bauer’s

Royal Caribbean cuts 100 jobs, including Bauer’s

By Tom Stieghorst
About 100 people in Royal Caribbean’s Miami offices have been let go this week, and the departures include sales executive Lisa Bauer.

Royal Caribbean spokesman Rob Zeiger said Bauer will be leaving by the end of the week. She is currently executive vice president of global sales and marketing, but has held roles in numerous departments at the company over the course of her career.

“She was a terrifically effective executive,” Zeiger said. “She made her mark wherever she went. We wish her well.”

Zeiger said Bauer’s role is being eliminated. Managers who now report to Bauer will report to Royal Caribbean International CEO Adam Goldstein.

The other layoffs were spread across disciplines and up and down the position ranks, Zeiger said.

“This isn’t a signal of a shakeup or a restructuring. There are simply ways to make the company run more effectively,” Zeiger said.