Oasis of the Seas Balloon Mystery

There has been mass debate regarding the strange spherical object that is tethered to Royal Caribbean’s latest ship Oasis of the Seas since photos were posted on STX Europe’s web site as the ship undergoes sea trials. Speculation about the balloon flying above the 220,000 ton, 5,400-passenger Oasis of the Seas has been raging and its ideas of its intended use includes a weather station and blimp cam, although a cruise industry website believes it is a trial balloon ride.

The balloon is connected to Oasis of the Seas by a cable to the aft of the ship and it flies 50 metres above the vessel. It can be lowed via the cable to its docking station on the upper deck of the ship and it is believed that a gondola or basket will have space for passengers.

Royal Caribbean’s Chairman Richard Fain has not confirmed the rumours and has posted on his blog: "The idea is interesting, but it has such a cornucopia of practical issues that I give it less than a 50 percent chance of being used on Oasis," he writes. "If we don't use it on the ship, I will consider it just another of the many ideas our people develop that didn't work."

Broadway musical Hairspray set to wow on Oasis of the Seas

The award-winning musical ‘Hairspray’ is set to debut on Royal Caribbean cruise lines eagerly anticipated Oasis of the Seas when the new ship sets sail from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in December 2009. One of two productions taking place in Oasis of the Seas’ grand Opal Theatre, ‘Hairspray’ will open with a wide range of cruise industry firsts that Royal Caribbean will be debuting with the launch of their new ship.

“We are thrilled to bring to our guests a ground-breaking entertainment feature such as Hairspray on Oasis of the Seas,” said Peter Compton, vice president, Entertainment, Royal Caribbean. “The addition of this popular musical to Royal Caribbean’s entertainment lineup will undoubtedly take cruise entertainment to the next level and cater to the evolving tastes of vacationers. Guests will be able to enjoy an award-winning Broadway-caliber production on Oasis of the Seas along with a myriad of revolutionary onboard amenities for a most memorable cruise vacation.”

Set in 1962, ‘Hairspray’ follows the story of Tracy Turnblad, a big girl with big aspirations who wins a spot on the local TV dance program, ‘The Corny Collins Show’ and finds herself transformed into an overnight teen sensation. The show has been licensed to Royal Caribbean for three years aboard Oasis of the Seas under an agreement struck with the aid of New York City-based Musical Theater International and Broadway Theatrical; the show will be available exclusively to the cruise line.

Oasis of the Seas is set to offer a myriad of diverse entertainment options for guests including an innovative aerial show which is yet to be formally announced but will make its home in the Opal Theater. In addition to the headlining shows, guests can visit Entertainment Place, one of seven diverse neighborhoods on Oasis of the Seas, which will offer Jazz on 4, an intimate lounge filled with live jazz and blues; Comedy Live, featuring side-splitting comedy; Studio B with an ice show, ‘Frozen in Time’ featuring the writings of Hans Christian Anderson; and more.

More sailings announced for Oasis of the Seas inaugural season

Royal Caribbean Cruises have announced that they plan to extend Oasis of the Seas inaugural season. The hugely anticipated new ship is set to launch next year and will be the world’s largest cruise ship and able to carry 5,400 guests. The additional two sailings will include a 7 night eastern Caribbean itinerary departing on the 5 December.

Oasis of the Seas inaugural season will also feature a special four night voyage to celebrate the launch of Royal Caribbean Cruises new ‘beach paradise’ in Haiti. Oasis of the Seas will make a maiden port of call at Labadee on December 3 2009, heralding the opening of new facilities and debut of a spectacular array of activities and excursion options at the private beach destination.

Oasis of the Seas will dock at Labadee’s new pier (currently under construction), which leads guests through a grand entry to the welcome plaza. Water taxis and five different walking paths, trails and avenues will take guests from the welcome plaza to many areas throughout the peninsula, including the new Dragon’s Plaza, Labadee Town Square, and Columbus Family Beach, all currently under development. Sea-based excursions, including a new exhilarating fast boat tour, also will depart from the welcome plaza.

Spanning 16 decks, Oasis of the Seas boasts more than 2,700 staterooms and brand new innovations such as the Loft Suites. The ship will be divided into several distinct areas, offering guests the widest choice of on board experiences possible.

Oasis of the Seas unveils final neighbourhood

Royal Caribbean Cruises have revealed details of Oasis of the Seas’ final neighbourhood during an online unveiling sponsored by American Express Travel. The Youth Zone, as the final neighbourhood will be called, joins the six other previously announced diverse neighbourhoods that will be aboard the world’s largest and most revolutionary cruise ship.

The six other neighbourhoods are Central Park, Boardwalk with the AquaTheater, the Royal Promenade, the Pool and Sports Zone, the Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center, and Entertainment Place. Oasis of the Seas is set to launch November 2009 and will feature the unique neighbourhood concept which allows guests to seek out experiences based on their personal style, preference or mood.

The latest neighbourhood will be some 28,700 sq. feet or child and teen friendly adventures Kids Avenue, Royal Caribbean Cruises’ first nursery for infants and toddlers (six months of older), state-of-the-art teen areas and the Kids Arcade.

Undoubtedly one of the most anticipated advancements is the addition of the Royal Babies and Tots nursery, a first for Royal Caribbean Cruises. This colorful space will serve as a fully-staffed nursery where children can be left in the care of Royal Caribbean Cruises' trained professionals, as well as host various playgroups created by Fisher-Price and Crayola for babies and tots.

Longtime favorite Royal Caribbean Cruises teen-only spaces, Fuel disco and The Living Room, will return aboard Oasis of the Seas, only larger and more state-of-the-art. The Living Room will be the ultimate go-to hangout for teens to kick back and socialize at the "mock-tail" bar, which serves non-alcoholic sodas and juice concoctions; learn to spin and mix music in Scratch DJ 101 classes, a part of Royal Caribbean Cruises' Scratch DJ Academy; or surf the Internet and keep in touch with friends via the bank of computer stations dedicated to the space. Teens also will be able to kick it up a notch at Fuel, a disco which will feature a hip environment, where they can hang out with friends, and a dance floor, where they can show off their moves. A spacious outdoor deck adjacent to these venues will give teens more opportunities to make new friends while on their cruise vacation.

When she launches in November 2009, Oasis of the Seas will be the largest and most revolutionary cruise ship in the world. An architectural marvel at sea, she will span 16 decks, encompass 220,000 gross registered tons (GRT), carry 5,400 guests at double occupancy, and feature 2,700 staterooms.

Oasis of the Seas Entertainment Place

More eagerly anticipated details have been released of Royal Caribbean’s new ship Oasis of the Seas. It has been revealed that another of the seven neighbourhoods is Entertainment Place, a complex of diverse entertainment venues. Previously announced neighbourhoods include Central Park, Boardwalk, Royal Promenade, the Pool and Sports Zone and the Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center.

Entertainment Place will be a contemporary night club district on board Oasis of the Seas and will introduce many after dark signature spaces offering guests more intimate venues and a variety of entertainment experiences.

Some of the new venues include Blaze, the hottest nightclub at sea; Jazz on 4, an intimate lounge with live jazz and blues music; and Comedy Live, with side-splitting comedy to entertain guests. There will also be a dance lounge called Dazzles where dance enthusiasts can participate in dance lessons and competitions.

The design and aesthetics of the individual venues will inspire guests. Comedy Live is inspired by a New York Sub station complete with underground theme; Jazz 4 is of the Chicago era with warm tones of rich walnut paneling, plush sofas and velvet drapes; Blaze will entice guests through its dramatic burning doors entrance complete with charred threshold, where they can dance the night away to pulsating music in a hip and trendy atmosphere.

Oasis of the Seas will also feature a state of the art main theatre called the Opal Theatre seating 1,380 guests, Studio B ice-skating rink and the largest ever at sea casino, Casino Royale. Entered by two themed walkways, The Hall of Odds and The Museum of Gaming, the elegant and stylish casino is reminiscent of the French Riviera with sculptured architecture and sparkling chandeliers.

Oasis of the Seas is set to launch late 2009 and will sail from her home port of Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

New Nickelodeon itineraries for Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean Cruises have announced that families will have further opportunities to sail on Nickelodeon-themed cruises, following the success of the first Nickelodeon cruise sailing in the western Caribbean this month on Freedom of the Seas.

The seven day cruise was filled with splats and surprises, nautical nonsense, Nickelodeon characters and TV stars and lots of slime! The themed cruises are designed to entertain the entire family with interactive shows and performances from all the children’s favourite characters including Dora the Explorer, Diego and SpongeBob SquarePants.

The first of the new itineraries sets sail on 26 July 2009 for a seven day cruise through the Mexican Riviera on Mariner of the Seas. The Freedom of the Seas departs on the 9 August 2009 for a seven day cruiser through eastern Caribbean.

Commenting on the announcement, Cyma Zarghami, President of Nickelodeon Kids and Family Group, said: "The first Nickelodeon cruise was a home run … Populated by Nickelodeon families eager to spend time together, the combination of Royal Caribbean's expertise and the Nick brand experience set the stage for next year."

Royal Caribbean Cruises have also recently released further details of their newest ship currently under construction, Oasis of the Seas. The announcements detail two further neighbourhoods and deck plans.

Royal Caribbean announce latest neighbourhoods on Oasis of the Seas

Royal Caribbean Cruises have revealed further exciting details about the much anticipated Oasis of the Seas. The Pool and Sports Zone and the Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Centre are the two latest neighbourhood attractions to be announced after details were released about Central Park, the Boardwalk and the Aqua Park.

The Pool and Sports Zone will stretch the whole length of the enormous ship and will have features such as private cabanas, four pools and two FlowRider surf simulators, both of which are larger than the single FlowRider found on Freedom class ships in Royal Caribbean Cruises fleet such as Independence of the Seas. Highlights are the first ever beach pool at sea with sloped entry allowing guests to wade into the water, private cabanas overlooking the pools, interactive aquatic playground, a sports pools where water team sports take place in the afternoon, four cantilevered whirlpools suspended 136 feet above the ocean and the new Club 20 nightclub.

The Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness centre will have new spa relaxation rooms to encourage guests to unwind before any treatments, a thermal suite with heated tile loungers, saunas and steam rooms, three couples massage suites and a dedicated kids and teen Spa for younger guests. The Fitness centre will feature the latest cardio and resistance equipments and facilities for kick boxing, Pilates and yoga classes. There is also a Vitality Café for healthy smoothies, juices, snacks and light meals.

Adam Goldstein, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International commented:
“This latest unveiling of two more neighbourhoods to be found on Oasis of the Seas continues to prove our legacy of revolutionary cruise ship design. We have developed the Pool and Sports Zone and the Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center to give our guests even more choices on a unique and memorable Royal Caribbean cruise.”

Royal Caribbean Cruises Oasis of the Seas is now open for ticket sales to the loyalty club members who have taken at least ten cruises with Royal Caribbean. Oasis of the Seas goes on general sale on 3 September 2008.

Oasis of the Seas cruises go on sale

Cruises on the worlds most eagerly anticipated ship Oasis of the Seas are set to go on sale from 1pm on Wednesday 3^rd September 2008. Royal Caribbean Cruises newest addition to the fleet, Oasis of the Seas, will make its first revenue sailing on the 12^th December 2009 from Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Royal Caribbean Cruises will not be offering any early booking discounts and expect the first cruises on Oasis of the Seas to be the fastest selling in history. Prices for a nine-night fly/cruise including return flights from the UK and a seven-night Caribbean cruise on board Oasis of the Seas will start from £1,299 per person.

The inaugural season will begin with 19 consecutive seven-night sailings to the Eastern Caribbean, with ports of call at Charlotte Amalie, St Thomas; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; and Nassau, Bahamas. From the 1 May 2010, Oasis of the Seas will alternate its Eastern Caribbean itinerary with the Western Caribbean itinerary, which will call at Labadee, Royal Caribbean International’s private beach destination in Haiti; the new port of Falmouth, Jamaica; and Cozumel, Mexico.

Oasis of the Seas is almost 40 per cent larger than any other cruise ship to date and will feature some of the most innovative and exciting amenities at sea including Central Park, an open air space in the centre of the ship with lush, tropical gardens with al fresco dining and street entertainment. Other highlights will be the Boardwalk, a family orientated area inspired by seaside piers with the first carousel at sea and opening onto the AquaTheater, an open air amphitheatre space with two 43 foot rock climbing walls and zip-line suspended nine decks above.

The new loft staterooms will be the most luxurious accommodation available at sea, with spectacular views of the ocean from floor-to-ceiling double-height windows. Loft suites will feature a modern spacious living area with contemporary detailing and a private balcony with sun chairs. Prices for a nine-night fly/cruise including accommodation in a loft stateroom start from £2,999 per person.

Jo Rzymowska, associate vice president and general manager, Royal Caribbean International, UK and Ireland, said:
“Oasis of the Seas is the most hyped holiday experience ever to be available. We are predicting a day of mammoth sales on 3rd September. The prices represent phenomenal value for money and includes access to some of the most groundbreaking facilities ever available from a leisure resort, especially when you consider that this one will be at sea.”

Grand Cayman plays host to two Royal Caribbean ships

The Grand Cayman Islands were home to a momentous occasion last week when two Royal Caribbean Cruise ships called into the port at the same time. There were over 9,000 passengers that disembarked from the Royal Caribbean ships with over a third of them being children.

Royal Caribbean ships cater for children extremely well with a huge variety of fun activities and youth programmes geared towards children from 6 months to 17 years old. Children onboard Royal Caribbean’s Freedom of the Seas would have been enjoying the Nickelodeon themed cruise.

Guests who disembarked at Grand Cayman were amazed by the warm welcome they received and locals had organised music and cultural displays, as well as a treasure hunt for the children.

Trina Christian, Executive Director of the Cayman Islands Tourism Association (CITA) commented: "CITA looks forward to future endeavours of this nature that align with our cruise sector goals and our general Association objective to provide more opportunity for converting cruise passengers are into return overnight visitors."

There is a vast array of attractions in Grand Cayman, including learning about the turtles that live here, visiting the town of Hell, exploring Seven Mile Beach and enjoying the undersea world with some snorkeling or scuba diving. Other highlights are Grand Cayman Botanic Park and the Cayman Islands National Museum.

Oasis of the Seas set to be "coolest" ship ever with kids

Royal Caribbean Cruises newest ship currently under construction, Oasis of the Seas, looks set to be a definite success with the kids.

Cruises Mates teen reporter Alex Gaynor has been checking out the amenities on offer on board Oasis of the Seas and reports that Royal Caribbean Cruises new ship will be “the coolest thing ever” and will appeal to teenagers on a number of levels.

Alex Gaynor has also noted that even areas of Oasis of the Seas that are as yet inaccessible to children still hold much intrigue.

"One of the cool features, which as teens we can't use yet, is the rising tide bar. Over time, it ascends and descends between the Promenade and Central Park above it. Even though we're underage, it still seems like a cool thing to watch," she notes.

It seems though the main centre of interest is Boardwalk, one of seven neighbourhood concepts that have been developed by Royal Caribbean Cruises as yet another unique feature of Oasis of the Seas.

There are fabulous child-friendly amenities in the Boardwalk area including eateries such as Johnny Rockets, Seafood Shack, the Boardwalk Donut Shop and Ice Cream Parlour and entertainment in the form of Madame Zahara's psychic and tattoo parlour, a carousel and two "huge" rock-climbing walls.

Lose pounds whilst cruising

We have all been there – struggling to lose a few extra pounds before the start of your holiday and the inevitable bathing costume ceremony. Now whilst the concept of a cruise holiday on board a super-liner with a whole host of tantalising restaurants and bars to tempt you and weight loss do not go hand in hand, it has been found that cruise holidays can actually be a great holiday for losing some pounds.

Many dining rooms on board cruise ships often have a healthy eating option. Royal Caribbean Cruises newest addition to the fleet, Independence of the Seas, offers guests the opportunity to take part in ‘An Eat More to Weigh Less’ scheme. The programme on Independence of the Seas includes a tour of the buffet restaurant by an instructor who can provide tops on the healthier food options available.

Most cruise ships also feature comprehensive and up-to-the-minute gym facilities and with jogging tracks and surf pools on Royal Caribbean Cruises, calorie conscious cruisers will be in heaven.

Carnival Cruises also boast a deck jogging track, a golf course and a multi-faceted swimming pool.

The latest innovative addition to Princess Cruises is Wii Fit, where guests can take part in fitness tournaments.

Oasis of the Seas to visit the Virgin Islands

Royal Caribbean Cruises newest addition Oasis of the Seas, currently under construction, is to make ports of call at the Virgin Islands as part of its 2009 cruise schedule.

The Virgin Islands Daily News reported that the region’s tourism department made the announcement on Monday 30 June.

Oasis of the Seas will visit Charlotte Amalie when it makes its debut Caribbean cruise in 2009. The cruise liner is reported to be the world’s largest cruise liner and can hold 5,400 guests. Oasis of the Seas will also visit St Thomas, St Maarten and the Bahamas.

Royal Caribbean Cruises magnificent addition to its fleet features a host of innovative features, among which is the AquaTheater. It is an outdoor venue located at the stern of the ship, the amphitheatre will offer a selection of activities during the day and many performances by night.

The AquaTheater pool will be the largest and deepest freshwater pool at sea measuring 6.6 meters by 15.7 metres wide and has a depth of 5.4 metres.

Oasis of the Seas Caribbean Itineraries

Royal Caribbean Cruises have released the details of itineraries for their newest ship Oasis of the Seas inaugural year, with sailings planned in the east and west Caribbean.

Oasis of the Seas maiden voyage will not take place until December 2009, but customers will be able to make bookings on the much anticipated ship from September of this year.

Ports of call for the magnificent new super liner Oasis of the Seas will include Haiti, Jamaica, Nassau, Phillipsburg and Cozumel, Mexico.

Royal Caribbean Cruises have said that they are working closely with the new ports to feature on Oasis of the Seas itineraries to ensure that guests will enjoy a faultless cruise experience.

"Royal Caribbean is working in partnership with the Port Authority of Jamaica to complete the new Falmouth Cruise Pier by March 2010, as well as establish the associated infrastructure necessary to welcome cruise ship guests," the company said earlier this week.

The Royal Caribbean Cruises fleet, including Independence of the Seas, also has itineraries in Alaska, Asia, New Zealand and the Panama Canal.

Oasis of the Seas - Royal Caribbean release more enticing details

Royal Caribbean Cruises have released details of the amenities to feature on their newest ship, Oasis of the Seas. Pushing the boundaries in every way, the latest ship in the Royal Caribbean Cruises fleet will be the worlds largest and most revolutionary cruise ship.

There will be an array of truly astounding and innovative features on Oasis of the Seas. The Broadwalk takes inspiration from days spent at the seaside piers, whilst the AquaTheatre will have the largest freshwater pool on a cruise ship offering a vast selection of activities and performances for guests. The urban living concept will be introduced to cruise ships via loft suites, an industry first that will offer panoramic views of the ocean and also luxurious amenities.

The Royal Promenade, Royal Caribbean’s signature feature, will be further enhanced allowing guests a connection with Central Park above, whilst natural light pours down through the sculptured glass domes. Other additions will be the first zip line at sea which will be suspended nine decks above Broadwalk and will enable guests to go zipping through the cruise ship.

The new announcement of the latest neighbourhoods on Oasis of the Seas adds to the previously released details of Central Park. Broadwalk will hark back to the nostalgic seaside piers on the coast of England and will have elements that will captivate the entire family in classic fun. There will be an amazing hand=crafted carousel which will be the centrepiece of this breathtaking space.

AquaTheatre will be providing guests with a completely unique water experience. By day guests can swim in the theatre’s beautiful kidney shaped pool, relax on sun loungers situated on tiered platforms around the pool and even take Scuba lessons in the afternoon. At night, the theatre will come alive, delivering a complete sensory experience to guests. There will be rousing theatrical performances that will include dramatic acrobats, synchronised swimming, water ballet and professional high-diving, as well as flamboyant fountain shows synchronised to music and lights.

The 28 two-level loft suites will add a contemporary edge to Oasis of the Seas, which will raise the bar of cruise ship accommodation with vibrant, ocean inspired colours in a sophisticated and airy setting. The lofts will feature floor-to-ceiling, double-height windows allowing guests ocean views from every angle.

“With our history of introducing game changing amenities, we’re pleased to be
able to answer the question of ‘what could possibly come next?’” said Richard D.
Fain, Chairman & CEO, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. “We are
particularly excited about the neighbourhood concept which gives guests
compelling choices and the ability to flow seamlessly throughout the ship to
meet their individual desires and preferences.”

Royal Caribbean Cruises will be proud to have the largest and most revolutionary ship in their fleet following the launch of Oasis of the Seas in late 2009. Oasis of the Seas will span 16 decks, weight 220,000 gross tons, carry 5,400 guests and feature 2,700 staterooms.

In all, Oasis of the Seas will feature seven distinct themed areas, including Central Park, Broadwalk and the Royal Promenade. So watch this space for more announcements to come!

Royal Caribbean Cruises returning to South America in 2009-2010

For a fabulous fun carnival holiday head to South America this summer with Royal Caribbean Cruises in 2009-2010.

Royal Caribbean Cruises have released details on nine South America cruises, ranging from 11 to 15 nights onboard the Radiance of the Seas for the ship’s second winter season in the region.

Radiance of the Seas will afford guests with spectacular views of the unfolding South American coastline as it has the highest percentage of ocean view staterooms and glass elevators in a 10 story glass atrium.

"South America is such a fascinating destination and we are pleased to bring Radiance of the Seas back to the region," said Alice Norsworthy, senior vice president, Marketing, Royal Caribbean International. "On any of these Radiance cruises, guests will have the opportunity to experience a wide variety of South American cultures and celebrations during the region's prime season. Guests also can extend their cruise holiday with a Royal Caribbean cruise tour to visit more inland attractions."

There will be four night pre or post tour programs which will provide guests with the chance to explore the charms of Buenos Aires, Argentina and the breathtaking Iguazu Falls along the Argentina and Brazil border. For guests deciding to embark on cruise tours they will have the pleasure of fully escorted itineraries, deluxe hotel accommodation, air and ground transfers and time for individual pursuits.

There will be a spectacular 11 night itinerary on the 10 February 2010 which features 3 days in Rio de Janeiro Brazil, coinciding with the city’s annual Carnival festival.

Royal Caribbean release details of Project Genesis

Royal Caribbean has released further exciting details of their Genesis Project, which is set for launch in 2009. The currently unnamed ship weighing in at 220,000 tonnes will feature an industry first with inside balcony cabins overlooking an outdoor area running through the centre of the ship.

The outdoor area is to be named Central Park and will be overlooked by 334 staterooms, 254 with balconies, covering a height of six decks. Central Park will have an array of restaurants, including Chops Grille, a steakhouse, a Tuscan style Italian spot called Giovanni’s Table, and 150 Central Park, serving modern cuisine with an observation window so passing passengers can watch chefs in action.

Central Park will also feature beautiful gardens with an onboard horticulturalist holding classes for guests who are keen to learn about the gardens. The 1,180ft long luxury superliner is at the moment under constructed in Finland and is rumoured to be costing 700 million pounds. It will dwarf Royal Caribbean’s current largest ship, the Independence of the Seas.

Southampton 'International Centre' for superliners

It has been reported that Southampton is to grow in stature and become an international centre for cruise ships.

The vessels heading to the famous port city are becoming bigger and bigger, including the recently inaugurated 160,000 tonne Royal Caribbean superliner Independence of the Seas.

Richard Fain, Chief Executive of the Miami-based Royal Caribbean International, told the Southern Daily Echo newspaper reporting on the subject:

"The size of vessels will continue to grow, in fact the only limiting factor will be the imagination of ship designers of the future. In fact the sky's the limit."

Mr Fain also commented on the company's forthcoming Project Genesis which will feature a park with real lawns, trees and flowers - the first addition of its kind to a ship. It will also include a moving bar and sufficient cabin space for 8,400 passengers.

Royal Caribbean 2009-2010 Mexican Riviera Cruises

Royal Caribbean has announced details of their 2009-2010 Mexican Riviera cruise season. Royal Caribbean is the cruise company leader in exciting and innovative cruises for families and for active holidaymakers.

Cruisers can choose from 55 departures, ranging from four to seven night Mexico cruises, from Los Angeles and San Diego ports. Mariner of the Seas in the Voyager class will take to the West Coast and is the largest cruise ship to be home ported in the Pacific Ocean.

Alternatively guests can choose from Radiance of the Seas offering short cruises on the West Coast or Serenade of the Seas, with four Panama Canal crossings on the itinerary.

"For the first time, Royal Caribbean is offering a second choice for cruisers to embark on a Mexico cruise from the Southern California port of San Diego," said Alice Norsworthy, senior vice president, Marketing, Royal Caribbean International. "Vacationers, as well as groups and incentives travelers will now have more choices for the best cruise offerings from the West Coast to visit the timeless colonial charms of the Mexican Riviera aboard the industry's most innovative cruise ships."

Mariner of the Seas is embarking on a seven night Mexican Riviera cruise with a round trip from Los Angeles and ports of call at Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta and Mazatlan. Mariner of the Seas is one of the largest cruise ships in the world, offering guests revolutionary amenities such as n onboard ice-skating rink, full-size basketball court, inline skating track, iconic rock-climbing wall, and the Royal Promenade, a boulevard of shops, restaurants, bars and lounges that runs nearly the length of the ship.

Radiance of the Seas 2009 autumn season will feature a four night itinerary with a call at Cabo San Lucas, and a five-night itinerary which also calls at Ensenada. Radiance is one of Royal Caribbean's Radiance class of ships, which features the highest percentage of ocean view staterooms in the line's fleet, and a 10-story atrium with glass elevators offering spectacular vistas of the sea.

Royal Caribbean to offer My Time Dining

My Time Dining, Royal Caribbean’s latest flexible dining option, is to be offered on selected ships and sailings in the main dining room.

This option has become popular as it allows the guests more flexibility when planning their daily activities. If you want to linger awhile around the pool and catch the sun’s last rays then take a later dinner or maybe you have arrived back from a shore excursion with an appetite and would prefer to dine early, no problem.

The idea behind My Time Dining is convenience and flexibility. You can decide to dine anytime between 6pm and 9.30pm each evening. Royal Caribbean will also be accepting reservations once onboard.

For those who have opted for My Time Dining they will be required to pre pay their gratuities. Other than this there is no difference in the menu or service from those that have opted for set dining.

"Innovative" Royal Caribbean Cruises

At this time of year many cruise lines are releasing details of their 2009-10 cruise brochures, highlighting on shore excursions and interesting packages, however Royal Caribbean Cruises

believe that their own sailings offer more choice to passengers.

They will be offering a series of innovative new cruises, with 31 distinct itineraries and a total of 264 sailings from six to fourteen night voyages in the Caribbean.

Alice Norsworthy, Senior Vice-President of Marketing at the cruise line, commented: "We continue our legacy of delivering exhilarating Caribbean experiences in one of the world's most spectacular destinations with some of the best ships in the industry geared for family and active vacations."

Freedom of the Seas will be sailing to the eastern and western Caribbean offering cruisers a wealth of on board amenities, such as the FlowRider surf simulator, rock climbing wall and indoor skating rink.