Won’t You Take Me On A Sea Cruise?

Not so very long ago fares for repositioning voyages were relatively inexpensive. That was before they became a popular option for experienced cruisers for whom the ship is the thing. Royal Caribbean recognizes that there is no better way to span two continents in one vacation than aboard a cruise. The cruise line known for the industry’s most innovative cruise ships has announced Ocean Voyages, a collection of special sailings that offer unique onboard programming, new shore excursion packages, and unbeatable value on 2014 sailings between Europe and the Americas. Vacationers can choose among 11 Royal Caribbean ships that call at more than 35 exciting destinations on Ocean Voyages, which also include late-2014 sailings aboard the world’s largest and most innovative cruise ship Oasis of the Seas, and the next-generation Quantum of the Seas, introducing its panoply of new at-sea firsts to the industry.

“Royal Caribbean’s collection of Ocean Voyages offers unique and enriching WOWs,” said Carol Schuster, senior vice president of Marketing for Royal Caribbean International. “Our ships are world-renowned for their wide range of exclusive and innovative onboard amenities and our friendly and engaging Gold Anchor Service. Combined with exciting onboard enrichment and interesting itineraries, guests on these sailings will enjoy a distinctive experience that can only be found on Royal Caribbean.”

Delivering the Royal Caribbean WOW in a whole new way, each Ocean Voyage will feature a guest expert, who will lead a line-up of entertainment programming and engaging activities, which feature spotlight topics such as culture, dance, film, visual arts, photography, and wines and cuisine. A highlight of every Ocean Voyage will be the Black & White Masquerade Party, so guests are encouraged to bring along a special outfit for the occasion.

Guest also can sign up for new shore excursion packages at the exciting ports of call for even more memorable experiences along the way. Ocean Voyages shore excursion packages include a choice of three options from a prix fix menu of some of Royal Caribbean’s most popular shore excursions at each port of call. Each ship’s shore excursion package is customized to its specific itinerary; start at $99 per guest; and offers a great value on shoreside adventures. Options include visiting side-by-side caldera lakes, one green and the other blue, on “Sete Cidades Crater Lakes” at Ponta Delgada, The Azores; or explore Mt. Teide National Park in Tenerife, the Canary Islands, on “Canadas del Tiede” for one of the best examples of alpine volcanic ecosystems. At Funchal, Madeira, guests can choose “Emblematic Madeira & Ribeira Brava” to enjoy an incomparable view from Cabo Girao, Europe’s highest sea cliff, and sample Poncha, a local drink made with rum and honey.

On board, guests will finally have the opportunity to fully enjoy Royal Caribbean’s innovative and exclusive amenities, including surfing to their hearts content on the FlowRider surf simulator on Liberty of the Seas and Independence of the Seas; ice skating their way across the Atlantic in the Studio B ice rinks aboard Adventure of the Seas; and becoming a billiards expert on the self-leveling pool tables aboard Brilliance of the Seas and Serenade of the Seas.

All Royal Caribbean ships to sail Ocean Voyages also will have completed revitalization by early 2014. Guests will not only enjoy the special Ocean Voyages program, but more breathtaking entertainment, delectable dining experiences and technology upgrades. On Radiance- and Vision-class ships, guests will be WOW’ed by the award-winning aerial-acrobatic entertainment production, which spans throughout the ship’s multi-story Centrum. Guests also can savor each of the many new or signature restaurants, up to 10 per ship, such as the exclusive Chef’s Table, Chops Grille Steakhouse, Izumi Asian Cruise, Giovanni’s Table, and Rita’s Cantina for an additional charge, and complimentary restaurants, such as the Park Café gourmet deli and Boardwalk Dog House.

As part of the collection launch, Royal Caribbean is offering a complimentary premium beverage package for all new individual bookings made in balcony- and suite-category staterooms on 13 select 2014 Trans-Atlantic Ocean Voyages. Eligible guests will enjoy a wide selection of call and premium brand cocktails, beers and house wines by the glass, as well as non-alcoholic cocktails and fountain soda, on their passage across the ocean. The complimentary premium beverage package offer is available from Sept. 11 through Oct. 15, 2013 and vacationers must ask for option code SPV3 to receive the offer. Eligible sailings and offer details also can be found at RoyalCaribbean.com/OceanVoyages.