Royal Caribbean reveals new South Pacific private island destination

Posted on 15 October, 2019 by Spacejunkie2

Vanuatu in the South Pacific as been confirmed as the location for Royal Caribbean International’s latest private island destination.

Confirmation of Perfect Day at Lelepa in Vanuatu was made last night.

It is expected to be the first carbon-neutral private cruise destination in the world.

While details remain sketchy, it was revealed that the island will be created in partnership with the local community to showcase the natural ecological beauty and diverse local culture of the island nation as well as provide employment and education opportunities.

Perfect Day at Lelepa will have a different look and feel from Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Caribbean, the line’s president and CEO Michael Bayley said “because our guests around the world all have different definitions for their perfect day – and all of them are right. Our designers and nature have created the ideal South Pacific experience and we expect the results will be stunning”.

The cost and opening date were not disclosed but Perfect Day at Lelepa will be built with sustainability features designed to safeguard the island’s ecosystems.

Cox Architecture, a sustainable, design-focused contemporary architectural firm based in Australia, will serve as the lead architect on the project.

Bayley said: “We believe our destinations should be sustainably designed.

“That idea goes beyond simply protecting the ecological features of Lelepa and includes showing respect for the people and traditions that make this a special place.

“Anyone who has encountered the tremendous natural beauty of Lelepa can understand why it is the perfect setting for ‘Perfect Day.’

“Our guests who travel to the South Pacific are seeking authentic adventures and genuine relaxation, and they will find both here.”

Vanuatu prime minister Charlot Salwai added: “Vanuatu is a true paradise for both our people and the visitors we welcome to our shores each year.

“Today marks a major step forward in our island nation’s close relationship with Royal Caribbean and one that will support sustainable growth for future generations.

“The Ni-Vanuatu people look forward to welcoming Royal Caribbean guests from around the world to enjoy extraordinary adventures and relaxation during their Perfect Day at Lelepa.”

Royal Caribbean to put third ship in Australia

Posted on 9 April, 2014 by Spacejunkie2

By Tom Stieghorst

Royal Caribbean International said it will station three ships in Australia/New Zealand for the winter of 2015-16, adding Explorer of the Seas to a lineup that already includes the Radiance and Voyager.

From November 2015 through April 2016, Explorer will primarily sail from Sydney on 11- and 14-day New Zealand cruises, with up to seven ports of call in the South Pacific country.

During its inaugural Australia season, Explorer also will offer three- and four-day cruises in November 2015 and in February and March 2016.

Voyager of the Seas will sail eight- to 12-day South Pacific and Fiji cruises, all roundtrip from Sydney, while Radiance of the Seas will sail a variety of South Pacific itineraries.

Explorer is cruising in the Bahamas and southern and western Caribbean this winter.

Rowdy passenger removed from Rhapsody of the Seas

Posted on 17 April, 2013 by Spacejunkie2

Rowdy passenger removed from Rhapsody of the Seas

Royal Caribbean has been forced to remove a passenger from one of its vessels, following a bout of rowdy behaviour.

According to reports, the guest was removed from the Rhapsody of the Seas after throwing items overboard and other similar activities.

Cruise Critic reports that the unnamed 29-year-old passenger from Australia had also tried to throw a chair overboard into the south Pacific, but was unsuccessful in the attempt.

“Because this guest violated our Guest Conduct Policy, a decision was made to disembark him the following day in Noumea, New Caledonia, the next port of call,” said Cynthia Martinez, director of global corporate communications at Royal Caribbean, to the news provider.

If passengers are removed from a voyage for violating Royal Caribbean’s terms of conduct, they will be responsible for paying for their own transport home.

Rhapsody of the Seas is currently touring the South Pacific. The vessel is set to spend the summer months touring the waters around Alaska, before heading back to the South Pacific for the winter season.