CrownCast Podcast

MIAMI, June 01, 2010 – Royal Caribbean International today announced new enhancements to the cruise line’s Crown & Anchor Society that will better recognize and reward the cruise line’s loyal member guests. The new Crown & Anchor Society enhancements will begin rolling out on June 1, 2010, offering members the exclusive privilege to book their next cruise onboard and receive an onboard credit for their future sailing. Members also can apply their Crown & Anchor Society Savings Certificates and receive the onboard credit for their future booking, receive more individual attention and service from additional onboard Loyalty Staff aboard each ship, have priority notification of exclusive member specials, and exclusively receive added-value offers in the Crown & Anchor Society Ultimate Value Booklet.

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MIAMI, May 25, 2010 – Royal Caribbean International announces 47 additional Europe cruises in 2011-12 aboard Splendour of the Seas and Mariner of the Seas, totaling 27 unique itineraries with calls at 30 unique ports in 12 countries. Sailing roundtrip from Venice, Splendour of the Seas will offer a new series of 10- and 11-night Greek Isles and Turkey itineraries. Mariner of the Seas willhomeport in Rome (Civitavecchia) and offer a variety of Western Mediterranean, Egypt and Holy Land itineraries ranging from six to 13 nights. Additionally, vacationers can choose a Royal Caribbean Europe cruisetour land package, which combines a voyage aboard either ship with an escorted land tour to explore inland cities and attractions. Bookings for these 2011 Europe cruises and cruisetours are now open.

“Royal Caribbean’s eleven in ’11 offer vacationers 11 ships sailing from 11 popular and historic European port cities in 2011,” said Betsy O’Rourke, senior vice president of Marketing, Royal Caribbean International. “If you’ve been waiting for the right time to cruise in Europe, it’s arrived. With so many great itineraries and ships, Royal Caribbean cruises and cruisetour land packages offer the best value for family vacationers to experience vibrant cultures and compelling destinations throughout Europe. Get onboard, unpack once and enjoy the Royal treatment.”

Royal Caribbean cruisetour land packages offer even more depth and breadth to a memorable Europe vacation. Vacationers can opt for an Italian Lakes and Venice cruisetour, which combines a sailing aboard Splendour of the Seas with a three-night itinerary that explores Italy’s Stresa, situated along the west shore of the spectacular Lake Maggiore in Northern Italy. The cruisetour includes an excursion to chic Lake Como for a private boat tour, a walking tour of Piazza San Marco and the grand, gothic Doge’s Palace, and an overnight in Venice. Vacationers also can choose the Venice, Florence and Rome cruisetour, which combine a sailing aboard Mariner of the Seas with a five-night land tour including the three cities. All Royal Caribbean cruisetours are escorted by a Tour Director, and ground transfers, hotel reservations, city tours and some meals are included.

Guestsalso have an expansive array of shore excursion options to enhance their Europe vacation, for an additional charge. On Mariner of the Seas’ Holy Land cruises, guests can choose “Grand Overland” and visit some of the most sacred sites in Israel, including Bethlehem, Nazareth, the Wailing Wall, and the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, on this most comprehensive overview of this fascinating region that features an overnight stay in Jerusalem. “Grand Egypt Tour” includes Cairo, where the Pyramids and Sphinx are located, and Luxor and the Valley of the Kings, while the “Best of Ephesus” highlights this fascinating Turkish city, featuring the largest collection of Roman ruins in the Eastern Mediterranean, including the iconic Library of Celsius. Splendour of the Seas’ guests can sample local wines while taking in amazing vistas from the quaint village of Oia on “Village of Oia and Santorini Island,” or spend the day at the beautiful beach resort of Dassia Chandris Hotel in Corfu, Greece on “Dassia Beach Hotel Package.”

In Venice, Splendour of the Seas will join Voyager of the Seas – the first Voyager-class ship ever to sail from the port – from April through November 2011. Vacationers can choose from alternating 10-night Greek Isles and 11-night Greek Isles and Turkey itineraries, the latter featuring an overnight in Venice at the start of the cruise. Splendour of the Seas will kick off the season with an eight-night Western Europe itinerary from Lisbon to Venice, departing on April 14. A seven-night Mediterranean cruise from Venice to Barcelona, departing November 18, will conclude Splendour of the Seas’ Europe season, followed by a 15-night trans-Atlantic voyage to Sao Paulo (Santos), Brazil.

From Rome (Civitavecchia), Mariner of the Seas will alternate 11- to 13-night Mediterranean Egypt and Mediterranean Holy Land itineraries, calling at several Greek and Italian ports. The Egypt cruises feature two full-day calls at Alexandria and the Holy Land cruises offers a full-day call each at both Ashdod and Haifa, Israel. Mariner of the Seas also will offer six consecutive sailings of a seven-night Western Mediterranean itinerary, beginning July 22, followed by a one-time six-night Western Mediterranean cruise, departing September 2.

In addition to Voyager of the Seas, Splendour of the Seas and Mariner of the Seas will be joined by Liberty of the Seas and Grandeur of the Seas, whichwill sail their maiden Europe seasons from Barcelona and Palma de Mallorca, Spain,, respectively. Independence of the Seas will continue its year-round service from Southampton, U.K. and, with Liberty of the Seas, make two Freedom-class ships to sail European waters as the region’s largest and most innovative cruise ships. Navigator of the Seas, Adventure of the Seas and Brilliance of the Seas will sail a variety of Mediterranean itineraries, while Jewel of the Seas and Vision of the Seas will ply the Baltic and North seas.

MIAMI – (May 25, 2010) – Cruise and hospitality veteran, Michael Bayley, has been promoted to Executive Vice President, International for Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., the company announced today. Bayley will continue to drive the strategic international business development for three of the company’s cruise brands: Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Club Cruises.

In his most recent role as Senior Vice President, International, Bayley was responsible for the International sales, marketing and commercial operations for the three cruise lines leading business activities in Europe, the Middle East, Asia Pacific, Latin America and the Caribbean. He also serves on the Board of TUI Cruises AG, the German cruise line which is a joint venture between Royal Caribbean Cruise Line and TUI, Germany and is an executive committee member of the European Cruise Council.

“Over the past three years, Michael has successfully spearheaded our aggressive expansion efforts into emerging and high-growth markets,” said Richard Fain, Chairman and CEO, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. “We have seen significant international growth under his leadership and look forward to continuing to develop this segment of the business.”

Bayley, 51, a 29-year veteran of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., previously served as Senior Vice President, Hotel Operations, Royal Caribbean International, where he oversaw the worldwide hotel operations and onboard revenue for the cruise line. Prior to that, he served as Chairman and Managing Director of Island Cruises plc, a joint venture Cruise Line and Tour Operator begun in 2002 by Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. and the British tour operator First Choice Holidays.

Bayley began his career with Royal Caribbean International in 1981, working in a variety of shipboard and shoreside positions with increasing management responsibility, including that of Vice President of Total Guest Satisfaction, Fleet Operations. He also served as a Vice President for Caesars Palace Hotel and Casino, one of the world’s largest premium gaming resorts in Las Vegas.

A native of the United Kingdom, Bayley graduated with a degree in business administration from the University of Bournemouth in England. He is a Certified Hotel Administrator with the American Hotel and Motel Association and has attended management programs at Harvard Business School and Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan. Bayley serves on the board of Steamship Mutual Underwriting Association (Bermuda) Ltd.

MIAMI, May 20, 2010 – Royal Caribbean International is providing guests with more options than ever before to explore European destinations across 55 ports in 22 countries. Just in time for summer travels, the global cruise line is touting new shore excursion opportunities that feature the ability to make private tour arrangements as well as exclusive family-friendly tour options. Royal Caribbean also will be expanding its existing shore excursion services by nearly doubling the number of “Easy” tours for accessible sight-seeing throughout the 57 unique itineraries currently available – soon to be 109 unique itineraries when a record setting 11 Royal Caribbean ships will be deployed in Europe in 2011. Dedicated to providing unique travel experiences, Royal Caribbean’s enhanced offerings will empower guests to create European cruise vacations that meet their individual styles, needs and preferences.

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MIAMI, May 19, 2010 – Royal Caribbean International today announced Mariner of the Seas’ short Brazil season beginning February 15, 2011. Mariner of the Seas will offer four roundtrip sailings from Sao Paulo (Santos) on a six-night itinerary – the March 5, 2011 voyage coinciding with Brazil’s Carnaval celebrations – featuring a call at Rio De Janeiro and an overnight at Salvador De Bahia. Vacationers also can choose a two-night roundtrip getaway, departing on March 11, which also calls at Rio De Janeiro. Mariner of the Seas will then depart for Rome on March 13 for a 14-night trans-Atlantic itinerary via the Canary Islands to be counted among 11 record-setting Royal Caribbean ships to ply European waters in 2011.

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MIAMI, May 13, 2010 – After revolutionizing the cruise industry with the debut of Oasis of the Seas last fall, Royal Caribbean International continues to set the standard in guest experiences and satisfaction by introducing select Oasis-class amenities and features on the popular Freedom-class ships, Freedom of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas. Rolling out in early 2011, guests of Freedom of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas will soon have some of the top-rated features from Oasis of the Seas, including new dining, entertainment, children’s programming, and other enhancements.

“Royal Caribbean is always exploring new ways to enhance our guests’ vacation,” said Lisa Bauer, senior vice president of Hotel Operations, Royal Caribbean International. “We have received such overwhelmingly positive guest responses to amenities, entertainment and programs that we debuted on Oasis of the Seas that we are introducing some of them aboard Freedom of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas. No matter which Royal Caribbean ship vacationers choose, they are going to love all the enhancements that we are planning.”

Additionally, Royal Caribbean is proud to offer three exclusive Cozumel shore excursions, available exclusively to guests of Oasis of the Seas immediately, one of which kicks off a new series of ‘voluntourism’ activities, enabling guests to give back while on vacation.

Entertainment that WOWs All Ages

Following the acclaimed debut of Tony Award-winning Hairspray on Oasis of the Seas, and the immense response to the cruise line’s recent announcement of Chicago: The Musical to run on Allure of the Seas, Royal Caribbean also will introduce a Broadway production on Liberty of the Seas. Announcement of the show’s title will be made at a later date. A family musical geared for children, such as the one playing in the Adventure Ocean Theater aboard Oasis of the Seas, also will debut in the main theaters of both Freedom of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas.

A huge hit aboard Oasis of the Seas, Royal Babies and Tots Nursery also will be available for Freedom of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas’ guests. The nursery care program for babies and tots six through 36 months old offers parents a safe, fun and interactive vacation environment for their toddler too. Royal Caribbean’s trained professionals carefully maintain an optimum staff to child ratio, offering various playgroups and activities developed exclusively for Royal Caribbean with partners Fisher Price and Crayola.

Oversized outdoor video screens similar to those wowing guests at Oasis of the Seas’ Aquatheater will make their debut aboard Freedom of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas. The large 18.5-foot video screen aboard each ship will be center of and overlooking the main family pool area and will feature movies and entertainment programs throughout the cruise for families, friends and couples to enjoy an evening under the stars.

Navigating Freedom of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas also will be even easier, thanks to the groundbreaking wayfinding system launched on Oasis of the Seas. Onboard activities, real time updates, customized directions and routing, as well as ship factoids will be at guests’ fingertips with new plasma and LCD touch screen signs that will be prominently placed throughout each of the ships.

Delightful New Tastes

A runaway hit for sweet treats in Oasis of the Seas’ Royal Promenade, the enchanting Cupcake Cupboard will soon charm guests of Freedom of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas as well. The specialty bakery boutique will feature a wide array of fresh gourmet cupcakes á la carte, and will also offer hands-on decorating classes, as well as a separate space for guests looking to celebrate special events – birthdays, anniversaries, reunions, and more.

For the wine aficionados, the Vintages loungeaboard Freedom of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas also will feature a new trendier décor and offer guests a wide range of fine wines. Guests also can enjoy a self-pour with new Enomatic serving systems, which will be stocked with an assortment of notable wine selections.

New Exclusive Oasis of the Seas Shore Excursions

Guests aboard Oasis of the Seas can exclusively enjoy a choice of three memorable shore excursion options immediately at Cozumel, Mexico, one of which inaugurates a new series of ‘voluntourism’ opportunities. For an additional charge, the whole family can enjoy a memorable day snorkeling near nurse sharks under the watchful eye of a highly skilled trainer and learn about shark physiology, reproduction and eating habits at Xcaret Eco Park on “Xcaret Shark Encounter” or wine aficionados can choose an unforgettable Mexican food and wine pairing, sample more than 180 delicious Mexican wines on display at Xcaret’s newly constructed wine cellar on “Mexican Wine Tasting at Xcaret Park.”

As part of a new series of “voluntourism” activities, “Voluntourism: The Mexican Red Cross Landscaping Project” offers guests the opportunity to contribute to the local community of Cozumel, thanks to a partnership with the Mexican Chapter of the Red Cross. As part of a beautification project, guests will be outfitted with materials and tools for this four-hour excursion that will allow them to assist with the planting of trees and shrubs at the local chapter’s new facility. Remaining proceeds will be donated to the Cozumel chapter of the Mexican Red Cross.

MIAMI, May 13, 2010 – When she debuts this December 2010, Royal Caribbean International’s Allure of the Seas will bring a refreshing new array of features and amenities to the high seas as the world’s next largest and most innovative cruise ship. Following the announcement of Chicago: The Musical as the ship’s signature Broadway production, Royal Caribbean is sharing the next of several new onboard amenities that will surprise and delight Allure of the Seas’ guests.

“Allure of the Seas will offer guests a new set of onboard amenities and entertainment and dining options that will help make a most memorable vacation,” said Lisa Bauer, senior vice president, Hotel Operations, Royal Caribbean International. “Though Allure of the Seas and Oasis of the Seas are sister ships, each ship’s distinctive onboard experience will offer guests a wide selection of choices that appeals to every age and lifestyle. Throughout, guests will also enjoy the Royal treatment, delivered by every member of our world-renowned friendly and engaging staff and crew.”

Among the features being introduced aboard Allure of the Seas will include a 3-D Movie Screen. The phenomenon of 3-D movies adds a new dimension to Entertainment Place, thanks to specially equipped 3-D screens in the ship’s Amber Theater. Following suit, Royal Caribbean’s popular Freedom of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas, as well as sister-ship Oasis of the Seas, also will be equipped with 3-D technology as soon as January 2011.

Combining the best of classic Mexican beach bars and Southern California’s famed taquerias, Rita’s Cantina will be a vibrant new restaurant in the Boardwalk neighborhood. Adults and kids alike will enjoy some of their favorite Mexican fare, such as shrimp ceviche tostadas, warm tortilla chips with salsa and fiesta guacamole, as well as entrées, such as fajitas, fish tacos and Chipotle-style flautas. The more casual setting will be a favorite lunch, snack or dinner spot for guests seeking a flavorful fiesta aboard Allure of the Seas. Rita’s Cantina also will boast some of the best and widest selection of margaritas at sea, offering both authentic and signature concoctions mixed with a choice from the extensive list of quality tequilas, served on the rocks or frozen in a variety of fruit-flavor combinations. In addition, Rita Cantina will introduce new nightlife to Boardwalk with live guitar music, drinks and dancing. Rita’s Cantina’s design will include large open breeze ways and an outdoor seating area complete with high top tables and stools, and will be located in place of Seafood Shackaboard Oasis of the Seas.

Also new to Boardwalk’s dynamic and engaging scene will be The Boardwalk Dog House, an outdoor hot-dog specialty counter located where the donut shop is on Oasis of the Seas. Guests can choose from traditional hot dogs, wieners, brats, sausages and other delicious linked meats and a variety of toppings to split a long bun. The Donut Shop will remain on Boardwalk in a new location next to the Ice Cream Shoppe.

One of the world’s most recognizable fashion apparel companies, GUESS, also will debut its first flagship store at sea this December in Allure of the Seas’ Royal Promenade neighborhood. Guests will enjoy the latest stylish handbags, wallets, watches, shoes, jewelry, eyewear and perfumes in one of the largest GUESS accessory stores. The GUESS Accessory boutique will be located in place of Focus Photo Shop on deck six.

Guests also will enjoy new complimentary onboard conveniences, such as guest services kiosks in the Royal Promenade where guests can instantly view, print or e-mail their SeaPass folio or their personal calendar, or check-in and print airline boarding passes. Each stateroom aboard Allure of the Seas also will be equipped with an Apple Ipod dock for guests to set their own personal ambience.

Allure of the Seas will share the title of the world’s largest and most revolutionary cruise ship with sister-ship Oasis of the Seas. An architectural marvel at sea, she will span 16 decks, encompass 225,282 gross registered tons, carry 5,400 guests at double occupancy, and feature 2,700 staterooms. Allure of the Seas will tout Royal Caribbean’s exclusive neighborhood concept of seven distinct themed areas, which will include Central Park, Boardwalk, the Royal Promenade, the Pool and Sports Zone, Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center, Entertainment Place and Youth Zone. The ship will alternate a Western Caribbean with an Eastern Caribbean seven-night itinerary from her home port of Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Additional information is available at www.AllureoftheSeas.com.

MIAMI, May 13, 2010 – After revolutionizing the cruise industry with the debut of Oasis of the Seas last fall, Royal Caribbean International continues to set the standard in guest experiences and satisfaction by introducing select Oasis-class amenities and features on the popular Freedom-class ships, Freedom of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas. Rolling out in early 2011, guests of Freedom of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas will soon have some of the top-rated features from Oasis of the Seas, including new dining, entertainment, children’s programming, and other enhancements.

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GALVESTON, Texas — Ship pilots have agreed to drop a hotly contested requirement that cruise line operators pay two pilots to help guide ships into and out of the island’s harbor, provided the Port of Galveston widens areas in the channel where passenger vessels turn.

The requirement of two pilots to turn a cruise ship around in the channel has been the source of tension for months between operators of passenger liners and the 15-member Galveston-Texas City Pilots Association.

Industry stakeholders who pay pilot fees have argued that having two pilots was unnecessary and expensive. One pilot was sufficient, they argued. The association argued that two pilots were necessary for the safety of thousands of passengers on cruise ships.

The agreement, brought about by weeks of negotiations, was presented to the five-member Board of Pilot Commissioners on May 3 and is expected to go into effect May 20.

But the pilots association will continue to require two pilots until dredging is completed and the port has created clearly marked and maintained turning areas in the harbor, Capt. Mark W. Saunders, vice president of the pilots association said.

Dredging to deepen the channel in some places to 45 feet is under way by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The port’s governing board last month, however, authorized an emergency dredging contract to create the turning areas. That work will be done in conjunction with routine dredging and cleanup at berths and slips silted by Hurricane Ike.

To meet pilot requests, crews will widen turning areas in the channel to 1,400 feet. The turning areas are about 1,100 wide feet now. The widening should be complete by Aug. 31, port officials said.

Cruise ships, some of which are more than 900 feet long, enter and leave the port in same direction, requiring them to be turned completely around.

With the two-pilot resolution, Carnival Cruise Lines has dropped its objection to miscellaneous fee increases. While there is no across-the-board rate hike, pilots have increased the safety and education fee imposed on each vessel to $41 a ship from $21.

The pilots are not asking for an across-the-board rate increase but will raise prices on some services for which they incur extra costs, such as detention fees assessed for late ships.

Ship pilots each make about $350,000 a year.

But Royal Caribbean International and the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association did not drop their opposition to the new tariffs, saying they wanted the two-pilot agreement dropped immediately.

Royal Caribbean’s objection is moot because its Voyager of the Seas sails from November to April from Galveston, long after pilots will have stopped charging for the second pilot.

Last year, the average round-trip pilot cost to steer the Voyager into harbor was $12,400. That paid one pilot at the full rate and the second at half the rate.

Carnival Cruise Lines, Royal Caribbean and the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association in September filed a lawsuit against the Board of Pilot Commissioners, which sets ship pilot rates. A month later, the port, which counts the cruise ships as tenants, agreed to join the lawsuit in support of its customers.

The lawsuit sought to enforce an earlier agreement between industry and the pilots that would have granted the pilots a 5 percent rate increase. But when the commission met to approve the tariff, the rates presented a 9 percent increase, angering industry. The pilots abruptly withdrew their request, citing potential legal challenges by industry.

The port is not objecting to the new tariffs but would not formerly drop its opposition until Royal Caribbean and the cruise association had, Port Director Steve Cernak said.

With the latest agreement, the lawsuit is expected to be resolved.

“I’m just glad that this impasse was able to be resolved,” Cernak said.

The pilot association said the agreement represents the start of better relations with its customers.

“We’ve established a good working relationship directly with our customers. We’ve come to an understanding over these issues,” Saunders said. “It’s a whole different ballgame now.”

The association will keep a requirement that two of its members guide oil tankers. Industry has not sought to remove that requirement.