New Class of Ships for Royal Caribbean

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The code name of the next class  of ships for Royal Caribbean is “Project Sunshine”.

We are so looking forward to what Royal Caribbean will come up with next.  I imagine it will be an exciting challenge to top the Oasis Class ships.    They really stand out with extraordinary innovation.   If anyone is up for the challenge, it’s Royal Caribbean.

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. signed a letter of intent with German shipyard Meyer Werft to build the first of a new generation of ships for its Royal Caribbean International brand, with a scheduled delivery in 2014.

“This next generation will not disappoint,” said RCCL Chairman Richard Fain in a statement.

“It will offer features for everyone: from grand, spectacular spaces to small intimate settings; from active, invigorating activities to the serenity of more personal space; and from a plethora of dining alternatives to a cornucopia of opportunities for families,” Fain said.

These ships will be smaller than the previous Oasis Class ships from Royal Caribbean, which carry 5,400 passengers and have a gross tonnage of 225,000. “Project Sunshine” ships will be 158,000 GRT and carry just over 4,100 guests based on double occupancy.  The estimated all-in cost per berth is about $230,146.

Happy Sailing 🙂

The Disney Dream Sails to Port Canaveral, Florida

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Disney_Dream_Arrival_001_JPG_05538_500wDisney-Dream-fireworks-1101_rdax_676x405

With the backdrop of fireworks as they light the morning sky, the Disney Dream, Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship, arrived this morning (1-4-11) for the first time to her home port of Port Canaveral, Florida after traveling approximately 6,500 miles across the Atlantic Ocean on a two week trek from Bremerhaven, Germany.  The Disney Dream will welcome guests on her maiden voyage Jan. 26, 2011,  The Disney Dreamfeatures AquaDuck, a first ever shipboard water coaster, magical portholes in inside staterooms that provide guests with a real-time view outside the ship, rotational dining in elaborately-themed restaurants, Disney-infused children’s spaces and more.  A lot to look forward to!!

The Disney Dreamâ„¢ is the majestic third ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet.  Towering 14 decks, the 130,000-ton vessel includes 1,250 staterooms and has the capacity to comfortably accommodate 4,000 passengers—along with the over 1,458 crew members who tend to the needs of every cruise guest each and every day.  I anxiously await the day when our family with all of our nieces and nephews can experience Disney aboard a cruise ship, the Disney Dream!  Happy Sailing!  🙂

We Sailed the Oasis of the Seas!!

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Jason's 40th Birthday Cruise 225Jason's 40th Birthday Cruise 248

Jason's 40th Birthday Cruise 172Jason's 40th Birthday Cruise 247

Yeah!!  We celebrated Jason’s 40th birthday onboard Oasis of the Seas!!  My first thought was, hmmmmm, it doesn’t  look that much larger :)  Once we were onboard however, I couldn’t have been more wrong.  This ship is literally a floating city.  We had so much fun!!  So much to do and a week hardly allows one to see it all.  From the incredible entertainment, to the scrumptious food, to the variety of clubs, shops and alternative dining, there is something for everyone. There are seven neighborhoods including Central Park, Boardwalk, the Royal Promenade, Pool &Sports Zone Vitality at Sea Sap and Fitness Center, Entertainment Place and Youth Zone.  There is a thrilling zip line that races diagonally nine-decks above an open-air atrium that is home to a carousel and an amphitheater-style theater that serves as pool by day and a dazzling ocean front theater by night.

 It turned out to be a successful first time vacation with both of the in-laws.  Jason’s parents went (their first cruise) and my parents all sailed together to celebrate Jason’s birthday.  We may have to make this a New Year’s resolution.  Happy Sailing 🙂

RCI’s Allure of the Seas Arrives in Port Everglades

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Allure-of-the-seas-arrives-at-its-new-home-in-FloridaThe world’s largest cruise ship has made her transatlantic maiden voyage and sailed right into her homeport, Port Everglades in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.   Allure of the Seas, sister ship to the other world’s largest cruise ship, Oasis of the Seas, is approximately five millimeters longer.   Not noticeable when you are already 4 football fields in length!  Wow, is she beautiful! 

While Oasis and Allure are sisters, they are not carbon copies.  Allure of the Seas will feature her own special personality that includes incredible new entertainment, restaurants and retail shops.  Allure of the Seas will offer a huge array of entertainment options including the Broadway production, “Chicago: The Musical,” as the headlining show in the ship’s main theater.   The Allure has the first ever “Guess” store at sea, along with the first “Starbucks” at sea.  The theater on the Allure is equipped to handle 3D movies, also a first for movies at sea.  New as well, each stateroom on the Allure has an iPod docking station.  Some of the new eateries include:  Samba Grill, Rita’s Cantina on the Boardwalk and Boardwalk Doghouse.

A lot of similarities, but enough different to make sure and sail both ships to get the best of both.  That will be my excuse anyway 🙂

Happy Sailing!