Royal Caribbean International
Makes the Impossible - Possible

Royal Caribbean International'simagination and innovation has no boundaries. The new Oasis of the SeasSM exemplifies how Royal Caribbean continues to break the mold time and again. Launching in late 2009, the Oasis of the SeasSM will be an architectural marvel making the unimaginable - real. The ship will introduce the cruise line's new neighborhood concept of seven distinct themed areas including:

·  Central ParkSM - Caf鳬 boutique shopping, gardens, and other hidden surprises await you among the winding pathways that open to the sky

·  The Royal Promenade - Featuring the Rising Tide, a levitating bar that ascends and descends three decks, and enough shops and restaurants to entertain even the most traveled of travelers

·  BoardwalkSM featuring AquaTheater - An interactive experience for your entire family. Enjoy a spin on the first ever Carousel at sea. As sun sets, trade your sunblock for cocktails at the AquaTheater featuring water acrobats with high-diving aerial performances set against the ocean and horizon, under a star lit sky

·  Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center - A state-of-the-art setting designed for a healthy lifestyle featuring the Vitality Caf鬠where you'll find healthy juices, smoothies, and nutritious entrees

·  The Pool and Sports Zone - A fun-filled zone for all ages. An entire deck with multiple pools, rocking climbing walls, miniature golf, ping-pong, two FlowRider surf simulators, basketball court, plus a thrilling zip-line suspended nine decks

[back to top]

Celebrity Cruises - Starring YouSM
A Celebration of Solstice Class

Embark on a voyage that inspires the mind just as it delights the senses. Celebrity Cruises introduces a new class of ship in a class all of its own. The Solstice Class consists of four magnificent ships - Celebrity SolsticeSM, which launches in November, 2008; Celebrity EquinoxSM, which launches in August, 2009; Celebrity EclipseSM, which launches in 2010; and a fourth Solstice Class ship that will launch in 2011. Stretching over 1,000 feet, with 15 decks, each ship will be able to accommodate 2,850 guests, making them the largest ships in the Celebrity Cruisesfleet and a truly innovative experience.

Come inhale the fragrance of a beautifully manicured lawn, watch glassblowers create art before your very eyes, attend a wine tasting for new found knowledge, or dine in restaurants capturing every mood. You'll experience the height of thoughtful design in open spaces and small details. And retreat to accommodations inspired by Five Leading Ladies - travel connoisseurs who helped shape your living environment, including AquaClass, a place to discover complete tranquility. Embark on a journey of imagination onboard Solstice Class with Celebrity Cruises, where every moment exemplifies the tradition of impeccable service so you'll truly feel like a star.

[back to top]

Cruising: Rise in Popularity

One word to describe the launch of a new cruise ship is thrilling. Many loyal cruisers book these new ships well in advance, eager to be one of the first to sail on them. Currently, there are 42 new cruise ships on order from 2008-2012 and that number is expected to increase. Below are the impressive facts that support the explosion in cruising:

  • Nine out of 10 people who cruise say they'll cruise again
  • By sailing the seven seas, cruise ships visit - literally - all corners of the earth, calling at more than 1,800 ports worldwide
  • Each year, roughly 40 percent of cruise vacationers are first-timers
  • 80% of cruise passengers agree that a cruise vacation is good way to sample destinations that they may wish to visit again on a land-based vacation

[back to top]

Sea Changes: Tech News from the Cruise World

SeaMobile, a company that provides satellite cell phone and Internet connectivity for major cruise lines, will soon launch the 40-channel Wave Entertainment Network-sure to help satisfy those who spend the cruise-passenger average of six hours watching TV each day. Boasting a new broadband-speed "caching" technology, the network allows passengers to see live events via satellite in familiar time slots. This is an enhancement over the current technology used on most cruise ship TV systems which stream shows that have been stored and are later rebroadcast.

Source: http://www.travelandleisure.com/articles/sea-changes-dec-2007

[back to top]

Tips for First-Time Cruisers

  • Does the price include everything?
    Cruise prices include the room, most meals and some beverages. Free drinks might include coffee, tea, iced tea, lemonade, and with breakfast, juice. Additional costs: alcohol, casinos, spas, Internet access, video games, shopping, shore excursions, and gratuities.
  • What should I pack?
    Bring flip-flops or other slip-on shoes, and a robe or cover-up for walking from the pool to your cabin. Pack for the weather. A New York-Caribbean trip in winter means a few cold days at sea. Alaska in August? Bring rain gear.
  • Do I have to eat in the formal dining room and dress for dinner?
    Most ships have various dining options: buffets, cafes, specialty restaurants and formal dining rooms. Ships will offer traditional dining times (set times) or open-seating and some ships offer a combination of both. Many ships offer "dress casual" nights in the formal dining rooms. But even formal dress nights don't necessarily mean tuxedos and gowns; a suit or dress will do. During your dining hours are the perfect times to make new friends and share stories of your day.

Source: http://travel.msn.com/Guides/article.aspx?cp-documentid=428465&page=2

[back to top]

Why You Should Use a Travel Professional to
Plan Your Cruise

Thinking about sailing into the sunset for a family reunion or a romantic-getaway cruise -- but feeling a little confused because there are so many ports, cruise lines, ships, itineraries and cabins to choose from? There is so much more to cruising than reserving your cabin. As your travel professional I will guide your decision by asking you:

  • Who will you be traveling with-single, couple, family, friends, etc.
  • What would you like to do on the ship - attend lectures, gamble, surf on board, cooking lessons, attend art auctions, get pampered at the spa, dance
  • Do you have any special needs
  • Would you like a lot of sightseeing

Call me today and together we will choose the ship designed uniquely for you!

[back to top]