What’s New at Carnival?
Todd Satterlee of Carnival Cruise Lines lunched with us yesterday to bring us up to date on the latest developments at CCL. We talked for 2 hours, but we include just the highlights. If you want more info, call us at 802-372-6321.
General items of interest:
Carnival’s executive chef is France’s highly decorated George Blanc. It’s not your father’s Carnival!
While many other ships use electronic music, Carnival’s shows still have a live band. There IS a difference!
Outdoor theaters have been cloned from sister line Princess, and are already on 8 ships with more coming soon.
In 1998, when I asked CCL president Bob Dickenson when Carnival would have a private island, he replied quickly – “Never!” Now that Bob has retired and the concept has been proven, Carnival is sharing Half Moon Cay with Holland America on some cruises. Others stop at Grand Turk Island where you can walk a short distance from the docked ship to the beach ala Disney’s Castaway Cay. I’ll have to focus on Carnival’s Grand Turk miracle in another post.
Wednesday is the day that last minute Pack and Go specials are released to agents. Call then if you are interested in this type of travel. Caveat: Sometimes your cruise savings are eaten up by high last minute air prices.
Ship updates:
Fantasy Class
A major upgrade of the older fantasy class ships is almost completed. They’re like new ships upgraded to 21st century cruiser's needs.
The vastly expanded Water Works water park is positioned at the stern, making the main pool more relaxed.
Speaking of relaxation, a separate deck area of Serenity Lounges provides more deck chairs and amenities; both in and out of the sun.
Carnivals new Splendor
She will cruise South America before reaching a permanent port in Long Beach California. In keeping with restaurant policy, the exclusive spa area will have a $20 dollar a day fee. This is no problem for those who really appreciate the services and atmosphere, but will isolate it from those who are just browsing around. The ship will also have Spa Cabins that have included private access to the spa area.
Cruise critic has voted her as best value on the seas.
Carnival Dream
Here’s your Buyer’s Market special. – You can sail transatlantic from Rome (easy one-way airfare) to New York in September 2009 on this great new ship for only $799 – WOW
The 130,000 ton ship will do 2 (8-day) Panama Canal cruises before settling down to its schedule. These will be great prices too.
New on the Dream are the 230 square foot Deluxe Ocean View cabins with 2 baths for families. We’ve been waiting for 5 person cabins for some time, and they are here.
Also new on this ship are 110 Cove Balcony cabins ala Queen Mary 2, where balcony rails are replaces by a solid waist high wall. With pricing between ocean view and regular balconies, this is the perfect vehicle for an easy upgrade to balcony life.
Carnival Pride in Baltimore
With several choices for inexpensive airfare from Burlington Vermont to Baltimore, this departure point for the Bahamas or the Eastern Caribbean becomes very attractive for Vermont’s school vacation 2010.
Carnival Miracle
If you don’t want to fly at all, you can just drive to you a free parking spot in Albany NY, where we’ll have a motor coach take you direct to the ship.
This ship has one of the best deck layouts on the seas, and visits San Juan, ST Thomas, and Grand Turk without the hassle of air travel.
Carnival Triumph
This ship will be taking over the New York to Canada and New England cruise this summer. With gas pricing starting to rise again, this may be a relaxed replacement for the traditional auto tour.
Carnival Legend and Liberty
Although Carnival’s 4-seating plan has more or less eliminated lines at dinner, many people want a different seating time each night. These two ships are currently testing a new As You Wish dining plan, which has worked very well so far.
Since many of today’s relaxed passengers don’t want to have to apologize for not making formal wear part of their lifestyle, Carnival has relaxed the 2 Formal dress-up nights to a designation of Cruise Elegant. Those who love their Tuxes and evening dresses can still look “Mahvellous” these nights, but others can dress down a little. Note: most of the luxury cruise lines have had a casual dress policy for years.
Stay Tuned for our series on packing for the 21st century, which will start this week.
Dick leaves Vancouver for Alaska
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Friday, December 12, 2008
WiFi communication for cruisers
With the advent of Netbook computers (1 inch thick, 9-10 inch screen, Less than 3 pounds, long battery life, built-in camera and microphone, less than $400 cost), taking your computer on a cruise is effortless.
Unfortunately net access and telephony on-board ships are priced quite high. Phone calls can be $7.50 per minute, and web time can be 75 cents per minute. Here are some ideas that I will be using on my next cruise. Please feed back your tips and tricks to add to the list.
Web Browsing:
You can easily find a free WiFi hotspot in your port of call, and do your web work there. Hotels, libraries, coffee shops, book shops, etc are good bets. There are usually several inexpensive Internet cafes near each port that the crew uses to contact their distant homelands. Remember that if all you wanted to was surf the web, you could have stayed home and saved money. How many of your precious hours in this exotic port can be allotted to surfing.
If you have pressing family or business needs, there are packages for web time aboard the ship that will allow you to to your "away-work" during slack periods in your day or night at a lower cost per minute. They are still pricey, but serve as a limit on trivial tasks that will detract from your cruise experience. Mission critical jobs can easily justify the cost.
Please share your experience with me in a post.
Telephone:
My approach to telephone calls is to use the famous Magic Jack. Just because this little gem sells for $20 per year for free or low cost calling from anywhere in the world doesn't mean that it's a toy. I called my next-door neighbor from the middle of the Atlantic ocean for 5 minutes for zero dollars. Phone mail and other features are available at no extra cost. Others may want to use Skype, but I'm not sure that the video will work well.
Even at 75c/minute, a 3 minute call from the ship will cost $2.25 vs 22.50 - Wow! Finding one of those hot spots in town for a free 3 minute call is also an option (try www.wififreespot.com). You won't waste too much of your day in paradise.
Again, please post YOUR tricks and traps to share with the rest of us. With the 10x difference in cost, I'm sure that the cruise lines will not be supporting this technique. Have any of you been blocked from doing this?
Unfortunately net access and telephony on-board ships are priced quite high. Phone calls can be $7.50 per minute, and web time can be 75 cents per minute. Here are some ideas that I will be using on my next cruise. Please feed back your tips and tricks to add to the list.
Web Browsing:
You can easily find a free WiFi hotspot in your port of call, and do your web work there. Hotels, libraries, coffee shops, book shops, etc are good bets. There are usually several inexpensive Internet cafes near each port that the crew uses to contact their distant homelands. Remember that if all you wanted to was surf the web, you could have stayed home and saved money. How many of your precious hours in this exotic port can be allotted to surfing.
If you have pressing family or business needs, there are packages for web time aboard the ship that will allow you to to your "away-work" during slack periods in your day or night at a lower cost per minute. They are still pricey, but serve as a limit on trivial tasks that will detract from your cruise experience. Mission critical jobs can easily justify the cost.
Please share your experience with me in a post.
Telephone:
My approach to telephone calls is to use the famous Magic Jack. Just because this little gem sells for $20 per year for free or low cost calling from anywhere in the world doesn't mean that it's a toy. I called my next-door neighbor from the middle of the Atlantic ocean for 5 minutes for zero dollars. Phone mail and other features are available at no extra cost. Others may want to use Skype, but I'm not sure that the video will work well.
Even at 75c/minute, a 3 minute call from the ship will cost $2.25 vs 22.50 - Wow! Finding one of those hot spots in town for a free 3 minute call is also an option (try www.wififreespot.com). You won't waste too much of your day in paradise.
Again, please post YOUR tricks and traps to share with the rest of us. With the 10x difference in cost, I'm sure that the cruise lines will not be supporting this technique. Have any of you been blocked from doing this?
Thursday, November 6, 2008
On Board Expense Cutting for 2009
On-board expenses are the life-line of the cruise industry during this recession/depression. While secret coolers to carry your booze on-board have been successful. (Cruise Packngo), cruising becomes a lifestyle. You want to be sure not to bite too hard at the hand that you look forward to literally feeding you again in the future. Use some of these tricks, but only to the extent that you keep your expenses close to what you would pay for similar products and services where you live.
Be sure to try the DOD (Drink of the Day) each day. They're lower priced, and you'll find some exciting new drinks to add to your favorites. Avoid all drinks with umbrellas, and don't order by brand unless you have the taste and sobriety to tell the difference. Don't try to impress others with your selection, they're too busy thinking of themselves.
Buy liquor on-board on the first leg of a Back-to-Back cruise (2 or more cruises in a row on the same ship and cabin), consume it on the second with free juice mixers.
Bring or buy a single water bottle, and refill it with the clean distilled water from your tap.
In casino's, do the matching free chip offer, and gamble it at the craps table. Don't feel pressured to win. This is supposed to be enjoyment, not work. Concentrate, and make good gaming decisions. Always look at it from a cost per hour perspective. your losses over time should not exceed the cost per hour of your other pastimes (golf,bowling,etc.). When you're over that cost per hour, it's time to hit the nickel machines (Remember to play maximum coins.), or just go enjoy the many free activities available on the ship.
Get your hair and nails done at home before you leave.
Make sure to attend all of the captain's cocktail parties for which you are eligible. Get aisle seats so that the servers are constantly passing you with fresh drinks. Order drinks 2 at a time, and make your last order just before the captain speaks. The bar usually closes the second that he opens his mouth.
Shop for jewelry aboard and ashore, than amaze yourself by the savings you can get at home by watching Jewelry TV.
If any of the above tricks take away the feeling of being a special person at a special occasion, don't do them. With the price you paid for the cruise, do you REALLY have to scrimp?
Be sure to try the DOD (Drink of the Day) each day. They're lower priced, and you'll find some exciting new drinks to add to your favorites. Avoid all drinks with umbrellas, and don't order by brand unless you have the taste and sobriety to tell the difference. Don't try to impress others with your selection, they're too busy thinking of themselves.
Buy liquor on-board on the first leg of a Back-to-Back cruise (2 or more cruises in a row on the same ship and cabin), consume it on the second with free juice mixers.
Bring or buy a single water bottle, and refill it with the clean distilled water from your tap.
In casino's, do the matching free chip offer, and gamble it at the craps table. Don't feel pressured to win. This is supposed to be enjoyment, not work. Concentrate, and make good gaming decisions. Always look at it from a cost per hour perspective. your losses over time should not exceed the cost per hour of your other pastimes (golf,bowling,etc.). When you're over that cost per hour, it's time to hit the nickel machines (Remember to play maximum coins.), or just go enjoy the many free activities available on the ship.
Get your hair and nails done at home before you leave.
Make sure to attend all of the captain's cocktail parties for which you are eligible. Get aisle seats so that the servers are constantly passing you with fresh drinks. Order drinks 2 at a time, and make your last order just before the captain speaks. The bar usually closes the second that he opens his mouth.
Shop for jewelry aboard and ashore, than amaze yourself by the savings you can get at home by watching Jewelry TV.
If any of the above tricks take away the feeling of being a special person at a special occasion, don't do them. With the price you paid for the cruise, do you REALLY have to scrimp?
Election Results and the Cruise Business
With the election past us, it's time to look at the probable effect on the cruise industry.
Obama's promises to curb outsourcing.
Although staffing of cruise ships serving Americans with foreigners could be misconstrued as outsourcing of jobs, NCL's experience in Hawaii showed that forcing the use of U.S. crews did not work. CLIA has done a great job of showing that cruise lines are international businesses with international crews sailing predominantly on international waters. We are confidant that Obama realizes that these jobs were never in the U.S. - Stay tuned!
Cuba
Have you realized that you can cruise easily to North Vietnam, while nearby Cuba is off limits to U.S. citizens. The Russian nuclear threat that caused these rules is gone. Only the lingering hatred of ex-patriots keeps us from alleviating the congestion in ports of the Caribbean by opening up a beautiful thousand mile long island exactly in the center of the region. Cruisers would all benefit, and the infusion of dollars into Cuba should eventually result in better conditions for Cubans. The newly elected Democrats seem to be be more sympathetic to the idea, but Fidel Castro may have to be gone before a 50 year old hatred can be erased.
Who's in/Who's out?
Christopher Shays of Connecticut is out. He has been a vocal (And, I think, unfair) critic of cruise safety. A better set of consistent international rules is needed, but his non-constructive criticism painted an unfair picture of cruise safety. In almost a year at sea on cruise ships, I have never encountered a safety problem.
Ted Stevens of Alaska helped defeat the bill that would have made cruising impossible as we know it to Hawaii and Alaska. Unfortunately irregularities in his own world lost him the election.
Elijah Cummings of Maryland should be a good proponent of the cruise industry. He heads the Committee on Coast Guard and Marine Transport, and understand the health that cruise expansion from Baltimore will bring to his state.
It's the Economy....
Just as in 9/11/2001, customer confidence has plummeted. This has resulted in falling cruise prices, and more last minute bookings. Air fares have increased as their companies face bankruptcy.
Carnival's stock has dropped to a five year low, and they have had to suspend dividends to finance completion of new ships under construction. Because of high fixed costs, cruise ships must lower the price to sail full and hope that guests spend some of their cruise savings in the spa and casino. To the customer this means prices so low that "It's cheaper than staying home".
Travel agents are being squeezed by lower effective commissions, while trying to keep up the high level of advice and service that makes customers feel pampered. This will put a whole new meaning to "South Beach Dieting".
The customer can help the industry stay in business while they get phenomenal prices. Most of us will survive, but only if you take advantage of the deals. P.S. Don't "Nickel and Dime" your travel agent, that's all they are getting in the current market.
Obama's promises to curb outsourcing.
Although staffing of cruise ships serving Americans with foreigners could be misconstrued as outsourcing of jobs, NCL's experience in Hawaii showed that forcing the use of U.S. crews did not work. CLIA has done a great job of showing that cruise lines are international businesses with international crews sailing predominantly on international waters. We are confidant that Obama realizes that these jobs were never in the U.S. - Stay tuned!
Cuba
Have you realized that you can cruise easily to North Vietnam, while nearby Cuba is off limits to U.S. citizens. The Russian nuclear threat that caused these rules is gone. Only the lingering hatred of ex-patriots keeps us from alleviating the congestion in ports of the Caribbean by opening up a beautiful thousand mile long island exactly in the center of the region. Cruisers would all benefit, and the infusion of dollars into Cuba should eventually result in better conditions for Cubans. The newly elected Democrats seem to be be more sympathetic to the idea, but Fidel Castro may have to be gone before a 50 year old hatred can be erased.
Who's in/Who's out?
Christopher Shays of Connecticut is out. He has been a vocal (And, I think, unfair) critic of cruise safety. A better set of consistent international rules is needed, but his non-constructive criticism painted an unfair picture of cruise safety. In almost a year at sea on cruise ships, I have never encountered a safety problem.
Ted Stevens of Alaska helped defeat the bill that would have made cruising impossible as we know it to Hawaii and Alaska. Unfortunately irregularities in his own world lost him the election.
Elijah Cummings of Maryland should be a good proponent of the cruise industry. He heads the Committee on Coast Guard and Marine Transport, and understand the health that cruise expansion from Baltimore will bring to his state.
It's the Economy....
Just as in 9/11/2001, customer confidence has plummeted. This has resulted in falling cruise prices, and more last minute bookings. Air fares have increased as their companies face bankruptcy.
Carnival's stock has dropped to a five year low, and they have had to suspend dividends to finance completion of new ships under construction. Because of high fixed costs, cruise ships must lower the price to sail full and hope that guests spend some of their cruise savings in the spa and casino. To the customer this means prices so low that "It's cheaper than staying home".
Travel agents are being squeezed by lower effective commissions, while trying to keep up the high level of advice and service that makes customers feel pampered. This will put a whole new meaning to "South Beach Dieting".
The customer can help the industry stay in business while they get phenomenal prices. Most of us will survive, but only if you take advantage of the deals. P.S. Don't "Nickel and Dime" your travel agent, that's all they are getting in the current market.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
How to Survive Long Lay-overs
Let's face the facts- In order to avoid bankruptcy, airlines have had to take drastic measures. One of these measures is to cut flights from their schedule. With a shortage of flights for an itinerary, the flights will be full, and the price will inevitably rise.
Fallout from this situation includes much more difficulty in booking "sweet" connections with layovers between 1.5 to 3 hrs. These connections allow for a slight delay in the early flight, and don't make your trip last all day.
This posting deals with long layovers. You don't have to sit in the airport and go crazy. Your luggage is checked through. If only there was a safe and economical way to leave the airport to spend your layover in the real world. Well there are safe options, and Harriet Baskas recently shared them with us in her USA Today web column. www.usatoday.com/travel/columnist/baskas/2008-09-09-airport-side-trips
Stuck in Laguardia? Just grab the Q48 bus to the Louis Armstrong museum.
Stalled in San Francisco SFO? Bay Area Rapid Transit BART will get you downtown and back for $5.50.
Lingering in LAX? Take Shutle C to the C PArking lot, where you can access transit to reach the nearby free Flight Path Learning Center.
Mad in Miami? Grab a shuttle from the departure level of Concourse 3 to the Dolphin Mall.
Parked in Philly? SEPTA will get you to the Liberty Bell, etc. in just 15 minutes.
Going Ape in Amsterdam? Right in the airport is a museum of the Dutch Masters. I forget just where it is, but it is very well marked, and will kill quite a bit of time.
Antsy in Atlanta? Take MARTA (Near the ground transportation services) for $ 1.75, and spend an hour or 2 in the Georgia Aquarium.
Mired in Minneapolis? Take the 11 minute ride on the Hiawatha line to the Mall of America.
Bogged down in Boston? You can get right downtown to the museums and markets by taking the free Massport #66 bus to Logan Dock to catch the the $20 r/t water taxi
Other Lay-over Information:
Remember to go directly to the furthest point in your plan, and work your way back. The airline will be glad to give your seat to another passenger if you're late.
Cruise passengers with a long layover BEFORE their return flight will have a problem with baggage. We recommend that they take the morning tours offered by the cruise line. You have fun, your baggage goes on the bus with you, and they deliver you to the airport in time for your flight.
If your layover is unplanned, stay close to the gate in case they solve the problem and leave you on your tour. This is one of the most frustrating parts of air travel. Airlines often lie about their delays so you don't go to another carrier. I have waited through 6 consecutive 1-hour extensions of delay, just to find the flight cancelled at 11PM. The agents were proud to offer me meal tickets for the restaurants that had just closed, and would not open until a after I got a new flight out the next morning. Watch out for the much discussed Airline Passenger's Bill of Rights (www.strandedpassengers.blogspot.com). It's sorely needed.
Finally, feel free to append your favorite layover routine to share tricks that Harriet and I have not brought up.
Fallout from this situation includes much more difficulty in booking "sweet" connections with layovers between 1.5 to 3 hrs. These connections allow for a slight delay in the early flight, and don't make your trip last all day.
This posting deals with long layovers. You don't have to sit in the airport and go crazy. Your luggage is checked through. If only there was a safe and economical way to leave the airport to spend your layover in the real world. Well there are safe options, and Harriet Baskas recently shared them with us in her USA Today web column. www.usatoday.com/travel/columnist/baskas/2008-09-09-airport-side-trips
Stuck in Laguardia? Just grab the Q48 bus to the Louis Armstrong museum.
Stalled in San Francisco SFO? Bay Area Rapid Transit BART will get you downtown and back for $5.50.
Lingering in LAX? Take Shutle C to the C PArking lot, where you can access transit to reach the nearby free Flight Path Learning Center.
Mad in Miami? Grab a shuttle from the departure level of Concourse 3 to the Dolphin Mall.
Parked in Philly? SEPTA will get you to the Liberty Bell, etc. in just 15 minutes.
Going Ape in Amsterdam? Right in the airport is a museum of the Dutch Masters. I forget just where it is, but it is very well marked, and will kill quite a bit of time.
Antsy in Atlanta? Take MARTA (Near the ground transportation services) for $ 1.75, and spend an hour or 2 in the Georgia Aquarium.
Mired in Minneapolis? Take the 11 minute ride on the Hiawatha line to the Mall of America.
Bogged down in Boston? You can get right downtown to the museums and markets by taking the free Massport #66 bus to Logan Dock to catch the the $20 r/t water taxi
Other Lay-over Information:
Remember to go directly to the furthest point in your plan, and work your way back. The airline will be glad to give your seat to another passenger if you're late.
Cruise passengers with a long layover BEFORE their return flight will have a problem with baggage. We recommend that they take the morning tours offered by the cruise line. You have fun, your baggage goes on the bus with you, and they deliver you to the airport in time for your flight.
If your layover is unplanned, stay close to the gate in case they solve the problem and leave you on your tour. This is one of the most frustrating parts of air travel. Airlines often lie about their delays so you don't go to another carrier. I have waited through 6 consecutive 1-hour extensions of delay, just to find the flight cancelled at 11PM. The agents were proud to offer me meal tickets for the restaurants that had just closed, and would not open until a after I got a new flight out the next morning. Watch out for the much discussed Airline Passenger's Bill of Rights (www.strandedpassengers.blogspot.com). It's sorely needed.
Finally, feel free to append your favorite layover routine to share tricks that Harriet and I have not brought up.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
More Oasis of the Seas info!
Here's my latest understanding of how the Oasis of the seas will begin operation:
Bookings:
Bookings are planned to open on September 3, 2008, for sailings beginning 12/12/2009.
Some sources say shipyard delays could jeopardize that date, but a contact inside RCCL says that the ship may even be early!
Itineraries:
Because of major port renovations in the Western Caribbean, the first 19 sailings will be to the Eastern Caribbean. Ports of call visited from the Fort Lauderdale home port will be St Thomas, St Martin, and Nassau, with 3 days at sea to enjoy the ship.
Starting May 1st 2008, the ship will begin alternating eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries. The Western itinerary will include Labadee (Private Island), Falmouth Jamaica, and Cozumel.
Port Renovations:
Although docking is RCCL's intent, major renovations may cause some tendering at first. I hope that this doesn't happen, because loading and unloading about 36 tender loads could really cut time for shore activities. Here are some of the port rebuilds in progress:
Bookings:
Bookings are planned to open on September 3, 2008, for sailings beginning 12/12/2009.
Some sources say shipyard delays could jeopardize that date, but a contact inside RCCL says that the ship may even be early!
Itineraries:
Because of major port renovations in the Western Caribbean, the first 19 sailings will be to the Eastern Caribbean. Ports of call visited from the Fort Lauderdale home port will be St Thomas, St Martin, and Nassau, with 3 days at sea to enjoy the ship.
Starting May 1st 2008, the ship will begin alternating eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries. The Western itinerary will include Labadee (Private Island), Falmouth Jamaica, and Cozumel.
Port Renovations:
Although docking is RCCL's intent, major renovations may cause some tendering at first. I hope that this doesn't happen, because loading and unloading about 36 tender loads could really cut time for shore activities. Here are some of the port rebuilds in progress:
- St Martin is enhancing their terminal to accommodate the 5400 passenger ship.
- Cozumel is widening their pier.
- St Thomas, St Martin, and Nassau harbors will be dredged.
- A new cruise pier and enhanced infrastructure will be completed in Falmouth Jamaica by March 2010.
- A new pier is under construction in Labadee
We hope to get a pre-innaugural visit on the ship to let you know how all of these innovative ideas mesh in real life. I personally dislike ships with large crowds, and can't wait to see how the neighborhood concept works. Can the biggest ship in the world feel more intimate than her predecessors??
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
MyNext Cruise - Oasis of the Seas update
MyNextCruise OASIS OF THE SEAS UPDATE
The new $1.2 billion Royal Caribbean cruise ship Oasis of the Seas will be about 4 football fields long, and 154 feet wide. 5400 passengers will have the run of her 16 decks. She’ll be about 5 times the size of the Titanic, Royal Caribbean has broken her up into 7 “neighborhoods” with distinctive features that will be hubs for different types of passengers. You’ll be on a ship with 5400 people, but may only see one seventh of them who share your values. Only three of these neighborhoods have been announced, but they are astounding in their innovation. Let us help you choose among the 37 categories of staterooms (Including the 2 storey "Loft" suites). Here is part of a press release from Royal Caribbean that will fill you in on the first three neighborhoods announced:
BOARDWALK
This breathtaking space was inspired by both the seaside piers that dot the coast of England and the nostalgic boardwalks of yesteryear such as Coney Island. Boardwalk will be an area for the entire family to enjoy together, whether young or just young at heart. The elements of the Boardwalk will be a dynamic way to engage families in classic fun with a colorful original carousel as well as eateries, retail outlets and carnival games. Signature elements of the Boardwalk will include:
1- AquaTheater, a remarkable outdoor venue at the stern of Oasis of the Seas with a backdrop of the ocean across the horizon. The amphitheater-style space will celebrate water with a full-spectrum of day and night options, including professional diving and theatrical performances. The first of its kind and the most technologically-advanced area of the ship, AquaTheater will be a complete sensory experience that plays on the element of surprise, as the latest technology and design features amaze audience members.
2- A one-of-a-kind and first-ever at sea carousel, the centerpiece of Boardwalk. Specially hand-crafted for Royal Caribbean from poplar wood, the full-sized, traditional carousel will take six to eight months to complete. It will feature 21 figures suspended from stainless steel poles, showcasing a time-honored menagerie of animals such as zebras, giraffes and lions, alongside a variety of hand-painted horses, including a princess horse and a crowned frog prince. The lead horse, customarily the fanciest horse of the carousel, will be adorned with Royal Caribbean logos, while a single chariot will serve as a stationary seat for two. The frame of the carousel will have a red and golden yellow facade, turn-of-the-century artwork scenery panels, and LED lights that twinkle during the day and night.
3- A zip line, a thrilling new feature suspended nine decks above Boardwalk. Adventurers will take in a birds-eye view of the action below, as the rider speeds diagonally across the open air atrium – a distance of more than 82 feet (25 meters).
4- Six AquaTheater Suites, 221 Boardwalk-view balcony staterooms, and eight Boardwalk-view window staterooms.
Additional features of Boardwalk:
Five shops:
Madame Zamara’s - Psychic and Tattoo Parlor
Smile - novelty photo shop
Candy Beach - specialty candy store - believe it or not!
Star Pier - teen retail
Specialty children’s retail
Five restaurants/bars:
Johnny Rockets
Ice Cream Parlor
Boardwalk Donut Shop
Seafood Shack
The Boardwalk Bar
ROYAL PROMENADE
1- A natural evolution of the signature Royal Promenade featured on Voyager- and Freedom-class ships, the new design found on Oasis of the Seas will allow guests to have a physical connection with the neighborhood above – Central Park – as natural light cascades down from the sky. Giant glass-arched skylights, the Crystal Canopies, will form a sculptured roof that will look up into Central Park and the sky beyond.
2-The unique Rising Tide bar – the first moving bar at sea – will be an engineering feat that span three decks and allow cruisers to enjoy a cocktail as they slowly descend from Central Park and arrive into the Royal Promenade.
3- Suspended above the Globe and Atlas Pub, an unfurling bridge on hinged hydraulics will create a spectacular, surprise element for guests. Incorporated into the pub’s facade, a giant copper globe will “crack open” as part of its unique construction and extend over the Royal Promenade as a bridge platform. A focal point of the Royal Promenade, the bridge will be approximately 10 feet above and adjacent to the entertainment area for performances.
Towards the aft of the Royal Promenade, a mezzanine level will allow for sweeping views of the promenade and feature the cruise line’s Schooner Bar, Adventures with Royal Caribbean International, and the Diamond Club, an exclusive lounge for Crown & Anchor Society loyalty members.
4- Another first for the cruise line, the Royal Promenade will serve as the entry point for all guests embarking on Oasis of the Seas, rather than the traditional lower decks. A vast tree sculpture by international artist Larry Kirkland will serve as an impressive welcoming spot.
Additional features of Royal Promenade:
18 Promenade View Staterooms
Eight retail outlets including:
Focus - photo shop and gallery
Regalia - fine jewelry and gifts
Solera - perfume and cosmetic shop
Prince & Greene - Get Out There store
The Shop - logo and souvenir shop
Port Merchants - liquors and sundries
Willow - accessories shop
A Close Shave - men’s salon
Nine restaurants and bars including:
Sorrento’s Pizzeria
Mondo Coffee Bar
Café Promenade - signature café
Schooner Bar
On Air Club - Karaoke bar
Boleros - Latin dance club
Rising Tide - moving bar
Globe and Atlas Pub
Champagne Bar
CENTRAL PARK
Royal Caribbean will bring the best of the land to sea with Central Park, a revolutionary design in which the center of the ship opens to the sky and features lush, tropical grounds spanning more than the length of a football field. An exquisite public gathering place featuring serene pathways, seasonal flower gardens and canopy trees, Central Park will provide cruisers with more choices in a unique outdoor space. One of the ship’s most ground-breaking spaces, this new concept was the first of seven neighborhoods to be unveiled on Oasis of the Seas.Additional features of Central Park:
Three retail outlets including:
Parkside Gallery - art gallery
Picture This - portrait studio
Specialty Retail
Six restaurants/bars:
150 Central Park
Chops Grille
Antonio’s Table
Central Park Café
Vintages
Canopy Bar
Oasis of the Seas will be the first ship to tout the cruise line’s new neighborhood concept of seven distinct themed areas, which includes Central Park, Boardwalk, and the Royal Promenade. The ship will sail from her home port of Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
P.S. The official web page for this new ship is www.oasisoftheseas.com. I’ve extracted highlights for this blog, You can go there for more details, and I’ll try to let you know as other neighborhoods get announced. As of now, my contacts at RCCL tell me that bookings may open as early as September, and that inaugural cruises may start in late October (Check our Cruise Finder). Above all, be flexible. Remember that inaugural sailings are also Beta tests to see if new features and personnel can handle the crowds, Except for the bragging rights, waiting a little while makes sense, It can also save dollars!
A Vermonter that I know says that "It's the second mouse that gets the cheese"!
The new $1.2 billion Royal Caribbean cruise ship Oasis of the Seas will be about 4 football fields long, and 154 feet wide. 5400 passengers will have the run of her 16 decks. She’ll be about 5 times the size of the Titanic, Royal Caribbean has broken her up into 7 “neighborhoods” with distinctive features that will be hubs for different types of passengers. You’ll be on a ship with 5400 people, but may only see one seventh of them who share your values. Only three of these neighborhoods have been announced, but they are astounding in their innovation. Let us help you choose among the 37 categories of staterooms (Including the 2 storey "Loft" suites). Here is part of a press release from Royal Caribbean that will fill you in on the first three neighborhoods announced:
BOARDWALK
This breathtaking space was inspired by both the seaside piers that dot the coast of England and the nostalgic boardwalks of yesteryear such as Coney Island. Boardwalk will be an area for the entire family to enjoy together, whether young or just young at heart. The elements of the Boardwalk will be a dynamic way to engage families in classic fun with a colorful original carousel as well as eateries, retail outlets and carnival games. Signature elements of the Boardwalk will include:
1- AquaTheater, a remarkable outdoor venue at the stern of Oasis of the Seas with a backdrop of the ocean across the horizon. The amphitheater-style space will celebrate water with a full-spectrum of day and night options, including professional diving and theatrical performances. The first of its kind and the most technologically-advanced area of the ship, AquaTheater will be a complete sensory experience that plays on the element of surprise, as the latest technology and design features amaze audience members.
2- A one-of-a-kind and first-ever at sea carousel, the centerpiece of Boardwalk. Specially hand-crafted for Royal Caribbean from poplar wood, the full-sized, traditional carousel will take six to eight months to complete. It will feature 21 figures suspended from stainless steel poles, showcasing a time-honored menagerie of animals such as zebras, giraffes and lions, alongside a variety of hand-painted horses, including a princess horse and a crowned frog prince. The lead horse, customarily the fanciest horse of the carousel, will be adorned with Royal Caribbean logos, while a single chariot will serve as a stationary seat for two. The frame of the carousel will have a red and golden yellow facade, turn-of-the-century artwork scenery panels, and LED lights that twinkle during the day and night.
3- A zip line, a thrilling new feature suspended nine decks above Boardwalk. Adventurers will take in a birds-eye view of the action below, as the rider speeds diagonally across the open air atrium – a distance of more than 82 feet (25 meters).
4- Six AquaTheater Suites, 221 Boardwalk-view balcony staterooms, and eight Boardwalk-view window staterooms.
Additional features of Boardwalk:
Five shops:
Madame Zamara’s - Psychic and Tattoo Parlor
Smile - novelty photo shop
Candy Beach - specialty candy store - believe it or not!
Star Pier - teen retail
Specialty children’s retail
Five restaurants/bars:
Johnny Rockets
Ice Cream Parlor
Boardwalk Donut Shop
Seafood Shack
The Boardwalk Bar
ROYAL PROMENADE
1- A natural evolution of the signature Royal Promenade featured on Voyager- and Freedom-class ships, the new design found on Oasis of the Seas will allow guests to have a physical connection with the neighborhood above – Central Park – as natural light cascades down from the sky. Giant glass-arched skylights, the Crystal Canopies, will form a sculptured roof that will look up into Central Park and the sky beyond.
2-The unique Rising Tide bar – the first moving bar at sea – will be an engineering feat that span three decks and allow cruisers to enjoy a cocktail as they slowly descend from Central Park and arrive into the Royal Promenade.
3- Suspended above the Globe and Atlas Pub, an unfurling bridge on hinged hydraulics will create a spectacular, surprise element for guests. Incorporated into the pub’s facade, a giant copper globe will “crack open” as part of its unique construction and extend over the Royal Promenade as a bridge platform. A focal point of the Royal Promenade, the bridge will be approximately 10 feet above and adjacent to the entertainment area for performances.
Towards the aft of the Royal Promenade, a mezzanine level will allow for sweeping views of the promenade and feature the cruise line’s Schooner Bar, Adventures with Royal Caribbean International, and the Diamond Club, an exclusive lounge for Crown & Anchor Society loyalty members.
4- Another first for the cruise line, the Royal Promenade will serve as the entry point for all guests embarking on Oasis of the Seas, rather than the traditional lower decks. A vast tree sculpture by international artist Larry Kirkland will serve as an impressive welcoming spot.
Additional features of Royal Promenade:
18 Promenade View Staterooms
Eight retail outlets including:
Focus - photo shop and gallery
Regalia - fine jewelry and gifts
Solera - perfume and cosmetic shop
Prince & Greene - Get Out There store
The Shop - logo and souvenir shop
Port Merchants - liquors and sundries
Willow - accessories shop
A Close Shave - men’s salon
Nine restaurants and bars including:
Sorrento’s Pizzeria
Mondo Coffee Bar
Café Promenade - signature café
Schooner Bar
On Air Club - Karaoke bar
Boleros - Latin dance club
Rising Tide - moving bar
Globe and Atlas Pub
Champagne Bar
CENTRAL PARK
Royal Caribbean will bring the best of the land to sea with Central Park, a revolutionary design in which the center of the ship opens to the sky and features lush, tropical grounds spanning more than the length of a football field. An exquisite public gathering place featuring serene pathways, seasonal flower gardens and canopy trees, Central Park will provide cruisers with more choices in a unique outdoor space. One of the ship’s most ground-breaking spaces, this new concept was the first of seven neighborhoods to be unveiled on Oasis of the Seas.Additional features of Central Park:
Three retail outlets including:
Parkside Gallery - art gallery
Picture This - portrait studio
Specialty Retail
Six restaurants/bars:
150 Central Park
Chops Grille
Antonio’s Table
Central Park Café
Vintages
Canopy Bar
Oasis of the Seas will be the first ship to tout the cruise line’s new neighborhood concept of seven distinct themed areas, which includes Central Park, Boardwalk, and the Royal Promenade. The ship will sail from her home port of Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
P.S. The official web page for this new ship is www.oasisoftheseas.com. I’ve extracted highlights for this blog, You can go there for more details, and I’ll try to let you know as other neighborhoods get announced. As of now, my contacts at RCCL tell me that bookings may open as early as September, and that inaugural cruises may start in late October (Check our Cruise Finder). Above all, be flexible. Remember that inaugural sailings are also Beta tests to see if new features and personnel can handle the crowds, Except for the bragging rights, waiting a little while makes sense, It can also save dollars!
A Vermonter that I know says that "It's the second mouse that gets the cheese"!
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