Cruise News
Independence of the Seas still largest ship in the world until December 2009
Royal Caribbean Cruises magnificent Independence of the Seas cruise ship launched in April 2008 making history at the largest
ship to sail out of UK waters when cruising her inaugural season from Southampton. The third ship in the Freedom class,
Independence of the Seas is 1,112 feet long and weighs in at nearly 160,000 tons. She took 2 years to build and cost £400 million,
but Royal Caribbean Cruises believe a boom in the popularity of cruising holidays will make her worth every penny.
Royal Caribbean's UK managing director Jo Rzymowska said: 'The UK cruise market is leading the way with more new ships
sailing from our waters than any other European market, and growing numbers of travellers turning on to the idea of
holidays at sea.'
Independence of the Seas will be returning to the UK in 2009 sailing out of Southampton to destinations around Europe and
the Mediterranean.
Continuing to show no signs of limitations, Royal Caribbean Cruises are to launch the ground-breaking Oasis of the Seas
in December 2009, which will be even larger than Independence of the Seas – some 220,000 gross tons and able
to carry an amazing 5,400 passengers. Featuring many industry firsts such as neighbourhood areas including the open-air
Central Park with lush tropical gardens.
Royal Caribbean Cruises announce enhanced program for suite guests
For guests looking to enjoy the luxuries of suite accommodation on board one of Royal Caribbean Cruises ships they can now take advantage of a new and improved program just introduced by the award-winning cruise line. The enhanced program will ensure that guests enjoy a personalised service from the start of their voyage right until the end, including a myriad of special privileges and upgraded amenities throughout their cruise.
"The new suite program allows Royal Caribbean to provide our guests with a premium vacation that is personalized and seamless,” said Lisa Bauer, senior vice president, Hotel Operations, Royal Caribbean International. “With more than 2,000 suites across the fleet, Royal Caribbean is one of the largest suite operators in the hospitality industry. Our extensive range of suites combined with the new suite amenities and offerings and Royal Caribbean’s Gold Anchor Service creates a compelling cruise experience for our guests that desire a more exclusive vacation."
Suite passengers will benefit from their own dedicated check-in and security line, complimentary slippers and luxury bathrobes, Ghirardelli chocolates at turn down, a special menu from which to select their pillow of individual preference and nightly pre-dinner cheese presentations.
As part of the new suites program, Royal Caribbean also is upgrading furnishings in all suite category staterooms.