Top 5 Reasons to Choose Royal Caribbean for a Family Cruise

Once upon a time cruises were considered a refined, maybe even stuffy, vacation where the average passenger was well past retirement age. Not anymore!

Today's cruise ships are stacked with fun for the entire family. Water parks? A bar with a robot bartender? Ice skating rink? World-class Broadway-style entertainment? YES, PLEASE!

I'm often asked what cruise line I recommend for family vacations. While there isn't one answer that is right for every family (I pride myself on getting to know my clients and making a custom recommendation tailored to their family's vacation style), Royal Caribbean is almost always high on my list of recommendations.

Here are my top 5 reasons for recommending Royal Caribbean for family cruises.

Family Suites

You will very rarely hear the word "spacious" and "stateroom" in the same sentence. In the past, finding a stateroom that would accommodate a family of 4 could be a challenge, and finding something for a family of 5 was darn near impossible. Even finding connecting staterooms was difficult as most cruise ships had a minimal number available and they booked up quickly. 

The newer Royal Caribbean ships were designed with families in mind. There are considerably more connecting staterooms in all category levels as well as family staterooms that can sleep up to six in one room. 

Planning a multigenerational trip with a larger group? You may want to consider one of the Royal Family Suites that comfortably accommodate up to 8 people and give you family space to hang out and relax. While a regular stateroom may not be considered spacious, you'll be impressed with the amount of space and amenities you'll enjoy when you book a suite!

If you really want to go all out and blow your kids minds, book one of the Ultimate Family Suites onboard the Symphony of the Seas! These two-bedroom suites will sleep up to 8 and have the most kid-tastic features such as a floor-to-ceiling LEGO wall, a slide from the secondary bedroom down into the living room, a dining room table that magically transforms into an air-hockey table (or is it the other way around!), and a movie room with a popcorn machine and a 3D television. And it doesn't stop there! Open the doors and head out to your 212 sq ft wrap-around balcony with a climbing playscape, a ping-pong table, a full-size hot tub, and unparalleled ocean views. It's truly the ultimate in family accommodations!

Ultimate Family Suite on board the Symphony of the Seasphoto ©SBW-Photo

Kids Clubs for Ages 6 months to 17 Years

No matter what age your kids are, there is a kids club with dedicated space and age-appropriate activities just for them. 

Traveling with a baby? You'll find planned 45-minute interactive playgroups, interactive classes with enriching activities, and an expertly staffed nursery where your little one can stay with the childcare staff while you enjoy dinner, the spa, or just some adult time. (Check with your travel advisor… nursery drop off is not available on some ships).

The kids' clubs are divided by age group. The Aquanauts for ages 3-5, Explorers for ages 6-8 and Voyagers for ages 9-11. Teens are split into younger teens (ages 12-14) and older teens (ages 15-17). Each age group has its own dedicated spaces and supervised activities. There is never a dull moment and plenty of opportunities for your kids to make new friends and enjoy time on their own.

They even have a "Late Night Party Zone" for kids from 10 pm to 2 am for parents who want to enjoy a date night on their vacation. The kids' clubs are included in the cost of your cruise, however additional fees may apply for some activities, nursery drop off, and the late-night party zone.

Adventure Ocean on Allure of the Seasphoto ©Royal Caribbean International

Nightly Family Entertainment

After a day of fun in the kids' clubs, you may want to get the family together to enjoy some evening entertainment! There is no shortage of entertainment options for the whole family.

Royal Caribbean is known for their award-winning Broadway-style shows. The shows will vary based on the ship, but you'll find shows such as Mamma Mia, Hairspray, and the Queen Tribute, We Will Rock You. It's a great way to introduce your kids to this type of show in a more relaxed environment (and a slightly abbreviated show).

But it's not just musical theater! There are plenty of other entertainment options available as well. On Oasis Class Ships, head to the open-air-theater to be wowed by the professional acrobats, divers, and synchronized swimmers. The aqua-theater has two 30-foot diving platforms, tightropes, and the deepest pool at sea. The show is like nothing else you've experienced before!

On many ships, you can also enjoy Royal Caribbean's original productions in their ice-skating rink. These dramatic shows feature professional skaters, dazzling costumes, and engaging choreography.

With all of these different options, you can enjoy a different type of family entertainment each night…. All included in the cost of your cruise!

Hairspray on Symphony of the Seasphoto ©SBW-Photo

Tons of Dining Options… and you won't have to dress up for dinner!

Dining has always been a very important feature of cruises… but things have certainly changed as more cruise lines moved to focus on families. On Royal Caribbean ships, dinner is still an event each evening but it is no longer as structured as it used to be. And (much appreciated by the kids!) you no longer have to dress up for dinner unless you want to. You'll find passengers wearing everything from casual cruise wear to cocktail attire… the choice is yours. It is your vacation after all! 

In addition to the traditional main dining rooms and casual buffet options, you'll find an assortment of specialty dining options. Enjoy burgers and shakes at Johnny Rockets, take in the table-side show at Teppanyaki, savor the mouthwatering steaks at Chops, or indulge in the delicious pasta dishes at Jamie's Italian… once again, the choice is yours!

 Want a date night for Mom and Dad? Send the kids to the late night kids club and make a reservation for one of the fine dining establishments. Enjoy a specialty cocktail and a quiet dinner for two… you deserve it!

While dinner in the main dining room, buffets, and select casual restaurants is included in your cruise fare, many of the specialty restaurants require an additional fee. Talk to your travel advisor about the restaurants that your family may be interested in. They may recommend a specialty dining package that will save you money on your dining experiences.

Wonderland Imaginative Cuisine onboard Symphony of the Seasphoto ©SBW-Photo

You'll never hear them complain about being bored!

If you've never cruised before… or even if you've never sailed with Royal Caribbean… you may have a hard time wrapping your head around just how much there is to do and see on the ship. 

 Wondering what types of activities you'll find waiting for you? How about…

a rock-climbing wall, surf simulator, sky diving simulator, zip line, mini-golf, water slides, ice skating, trivia contests, dance lessons, wine tastings, escape rooms, culinary classes, bingo, casino games, live music, karaoke, comedians, movies, dance parties, history and port lectures, art auctions, behind-the-scenes-tours… and so much more. (Note that not all activities are available on all ships. If there are specific activities that you are interested in, your travel advisor can direct you to the ships you should consider).

Many of the newer ships are like floating cities. They are made up of up to seven different "neighborhoods" and are taller than the Eiffel Tower, and every square inch is packed with fun for your family!

Ultimate Abyss onboard the Symphony of the Seasphoto ©SBW-Photo

The perfect family cruise starts with a vacation consultation. Just click here to contact me. We'll talk about what kind of cruise you are looking for and how I can help. After that, I'll put together a no-obligation quote for you to review and we can get started planning!

Choose the Right Cruise for Your Family

When clients come to me looking for a “fun for the whole family” vacation with lots of activities for the kids but still gives Mom and Dad time for relaxation, a family cruise is almost always among my list of recommendations.


Cruises are an excellent way for families to see the world and have a ton of fun along the way. Cruise ships have become almost like a destination unto themselves… and they take you to some pretty exciting and scenic locations as well.

There are so many fantastic ships and itineraries out there that it can be hard to pick the one that is right for you.


Here are my top tips for things to consider for your first family cruise…


Get the kids involved in planning.

Find out what your kids feel is the most important part of a cruise vacation. Are they excited by the activities on the ship or by the adventures they can have in port? Are there specific things they want to experience or are looking forward to? There is something for everyone but knowing where everyone’s priorities lie will help you sort through the options.


Does size matter?

When it comes to choosing the right cruise ship for your family, size does matter. Smaller cruise ships feel more intimate, and your family may have an easier time finding your way around on board. You’ll have more interaction with the crew as well, but you may be one of the few families onboard. On the other hand, the larger “mega ships” have more activities and more options for dining. There may be more extensive kids programming available on the larger ships if that is something that is important to you.

Royal Caribbean's Oasis Class Ship

photo ©Royal Caribbean International

Short trip or longer escape?

Whether you are looking for a long weekend or a two-week holiday, there are cruise options available. Consider the amount of time you have for your vacation. Longer cruises allow for more sea days in addition to your days in port. Don’t underestimate the importance of having some time to explore and enjoy your cruise ship. Sea days often provide the relaxation that you are hoping to get from your vacation.

Relaxing on a Sea Day

How important are the dining options?

For many of my clients, dining is a huge part of their cruise vacation! Cruise lines can vary widely in their approach to dining. From the atmosphere to type of cuisine, the options are just about endless. Do you want traditional cruise dining with an assigned dining time, dining room and table where you get to know your wait staff and table mates? Or would you prefer a system with multiple dining options where things operate more like a restaurant where you can either make a reservation or show up when you are ready to eat and wait for the first available table? Do you want a ship where all of the dining options are included in the cost of your cruise, or do you want the opportunity to pay a nominal fee for specialty or premium restaurants on board (though free dining options are always available as well!)?



What type of accommodations do you want?

A cruise ship may feel like a floating hotel, but the type of rooms available are much less flexible. Many staterooms are only set up to accommodate 2 or 3 people with a limited number of rooms designed for 4. Families of 5 are even more limited in their choices. While some ships have a handful of larger rooms for groups of 5, others do not have options for more than 4 people. Are you looking for rooms that connect with a door between them? Those can be limited as well. You may need to book early to make sure you can get connecting rooms.


Stateroom considerations go far beyond just occupancy. How important is the view outside your room… or are you okay with sacrificing a view at all to save money? For some families, the ability to relax on your balcony while you have breakfast is non-negotiable. For others, an inside stateroom with no window at all is perfectly fine, but that saves hundreds is absolutely fine. And where do you want to be on the ship? Is proximity to the “action” like the dining rooms, kids’ clubs, and other activities important to you? Is anyone in your party susceptible to sickness? If so, your cabin location becomes very important.



Top Tip… Get Help from an Expert

An expert travel planner knows the right questions to ask to match your family to the perfect cruise ship and itinerary. They will also guide you through the process of selecting a stateroom that meets all of your needs and expectations and will assist you with planning activities and shore excursions that will be fun for all members of your travel party.


Travel professionals often have access to special pricing or amenities that are not available to the general public. Whether or not your selected sailing has special pricing available, a travel professional such as those here at Cruise Planners-Unique Family Adventures are well versed at ensuring that you get the best possible pricing for your cruise. They can advise you on your best options for everything from pre or post cruise hotel options to travel insurance and shore excursions. We have agents who have cruised as children and now are cruising with their children.

Cruising Declared Cool !!

Think that sailing a large mass market is not for you, well it may well not be if you sail in a regular balcony cabin. Royal Caribbean is changing this with their Royal Suite class and the top level of that is the Star Class suites with amenities that will leave you with hardly any charges on your ship board account. Harper's Bazaar featured an article by a couple who probably wouldn't be caught dead on this type of ship, who now after sailing in a Star Class Suite, Cruising is Chic again. Of course they sailed on the Anthem of the Seas out of the New York City area. 10 Reasons Cruising is Chic Again.

The Star Class suites are only on the Anthem, Oasis, Allure and Harmony of the Seas. Anthem of the Seas as featured sails out of Cape Liberty,NJ(just across the river from NYC)  seasonally to Bermuda, Canada/New England and the Caribbean.

Allure and Oasis of the Seas sail out of Fort Lauderdale, FL year round. The Oasis will move to Port Canaveral, FL in the fall when the new Harmony of the Seas arrives after spending her 1st summer sailing in Europe.

Ready to be pampered in a Star Class Suite?

Meet Royal Caribbean's Next Great Ship

Think cruise ships can't get any bigger?  Think again.   A sister to Royal Caribbean's giant Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas (the current record holders), Harmony of the Seas will eclipse its siblings by more than 1700 tons and hold nearly 100 more passengers at double occupancy.  Like the two earlier ships, which made waves in the  cruise industry when they debuted in 2009 and 2010, respectively.  Harmony will be a floating mega resort, (when she debuts in Europe for the summer), to rival the most spectacular properties on land with dozens of eateries, bars, showrooms and deck-top fun zones.

New on board will be giant, multi-deck water slides - a first for Royal Caribbean, Harmony also will be the first Oasis class ship with a Bionic Bar where the drinks are served by robot bartenders - a concept that first debuted in 2014 on Royal Caribbean's Quantum of the Seas.  In addition, the ship will have larger cabins than Oasis and Allure in some categories, and windowless "inside" cabins will be outfitted with Royal Caribbean's exclusive Virtual Balconies, which offer a real-time view of the outdoors - a concept that debuted in 2014 on the line's Navigator of the Seas.

Suite passengers also will have exclusive new areas to enjoy including a suite lounge, a private suites-only restaurant called Coastal Kitchen and a full service Suite Sun Zone sun deck.  New restaurants will include the whimsical Wonderland Imaginative Cuisine eatery that first debuted on the Quantum.  Also planned is Sabor, the modern Mexican restaurant that Royal Caribbean recently started adding to their ships.

After spending the Spring and Summer cruising the Mediterranean from Barcelona, Harmony will re-position to Fort Lauderdale, Fl., to offer alternating seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean voyages.

Take a Cruise on New York's Newest Star

After rolling out the hottest new ship of 2014 ,Quantum of the Seas, Royal Caribbean is doubling down in 2015 with a nearly identical sister vessel, Anthem of the Seas.  The ship started sailing out of Bayonne, N.J. in November, is 167800 tons and has the ability to carry 4180 passengers in state of the art comfort.  She will sail from the New York year-round; on 7 to 12 night Bahamas or Caribbean cruises during the colder months, and 5 night Bermuda and 9 night Caribbean sailings during the warmer seasons.


Anthem of the Seas boasts such innovative new features as a skydiving simulator and a class capsule on a mechanical arm that will rise high above the ship for bird's-eye views.  Also on board is the Two70, an unusual, multilevel entertainment space with floor-to-ceiling windows that  features live aerial performances as well as digital performances projected on moving screens.  Anthem also is only the second cruise ship to feature a bar with robot bartenders.

Like Quantum, Anthem isn't be quite as big as Royal Caribbean's two Oasis class vessels - the world's largest cruise ships.  But it will still rank among the five largest passenger vessels afloat and features signature amenities Royal Caribbean fans have come to love, from a 30-foo-high rock climbing wall to a FlowRider surf simulator to an H2O Zone kids water park.

The Best of Both Worlds - A Family Cruise to Bermuda

   

       When it comes to taking a vacation on a cruise ship, seasoned travelers seem to have strong opinions on the subject, both pro and con.  But there is no denying the impact the cruise industry has had on how families travel over the last several decades, and they're working overtime to appeal to kids of all ages.  More and more ships are being built with state-of-the-art kids clubs, water slides, arcades, climbing walls, sports courts, and other activities designed for kids and teens.  And it's working.  Families now account for the second largest segment of cruise passengers behind only the retires.  Yet, despite all the new family friendly features on the cruise ships, if you and your family likes to explore and get to really know each port of call; then booking a cruise may not be for you.  Arriving into port in the morning and departing later that afternoon - as most cruises do - simply does not leave enough time to explore.  However, one destination seems to be a notable exception, one where you can enjoy all of a ship's on board activities and facilities, and immerse yourself in the local culture: Bermuda.

       What is great about a cruise to Bermuda is that on a seven night cruise, in addition to the four days at sea, you are docked on the island for three full days at Kings Wharf.  This allow you plenty of opportunities to explore all the fabulous places and experiences that Bermuda has to offer in detail and at your leisure. Accommodations on the island are limited and can get pricey.  With this option, you don't have to book a hotel or worry about where to dine out: the ship takes care of all that.  (As someone who travels regularly with a family of four, I know how the expenses for lodging and meals can add up quickly).

       With three full days on the island you will find a treasure trove of of places and activities for the whole family to enjoy.  The beach at Horseshoe Bay is world famous for its pink sand and rainbow-colored reefs, and is a prime location for families to enjoy.  Snorkeling is an activity the whole family can enjoy together, and the ares around Church Bay and Tobacco Bay are among the best family-friendly options you will find in North America.  If the kids want a day away from the water, a trip to the Crystal and Fantasy Caves to check out the amazing stalactites and stalagmites is an awe-inspiring visit.  If their is a golfer in the family, renting some clubs and playing a round at one of numerous world famous golf courses is a must.  And just visiting the towns and people of the high class former British colony is a treat.  Scooters are a popular and fun way to see the island.  The local buses provide a good alternative, and you can buy a three day pass that will take you anywhere on the island.  If you want a more scenic view, hop the ferry to Hamilton or St. George's for a great day trip.

      Cruises to Bermuda are offered seasonally, with the summer months being the most popular.  With cruises to Bermuda being offered from New York, Boston, and Baltimore, by Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Royal Caribbean Line.  Each line offers tons of on board family activities and multiple dining options, and some of the cruise lines are running their newer, and larger ships, which will offer plenty of company for your kids to enjoy the cruise with, ( during the peak summer months there will be 300-600 kids on board cruise to Bermuda).  For example, Norwegian Cruise Line places a great importance in family cruises to Bermuda by sailing their newest ship, the Norwegian Breakaway, seasonally out of New York City.  The Breakaway is the ultimate in family cruising; featuring a the Aqua Park with five multistory waterslides, a three level Sports Complex, featuring a rock wall, ropes course and a miniature golf course.  Other features for the kids Nickelodeon themed excitement and multi storied clubs for everyone based on age, and its all complimentary and supervised, so mom and dad can get some personnel time.  Add to that, three decks of daytime and nighttime entertainment, 28 dining options, with Norwegian's famous "freestyle dining", were no set dining time or formal dress up is require.  In addition the cruise has three family friendly Broadway shows and fireworks; you can see why Norwegian is targeting the family for a Bermuda cruise.  With a great island with perfect  weather to explore over multiple days; and great ships like the Norwegian Breakaway that offers endless shipboard activities for the entire family, this may be the perfect combination for a family cruise that everyone will love.

Mediterranean Cruise Travel Tips

             The idea of a Mediterranean cruise brings to mind blue waters, sunny beaches, major cities and small villages, world famous museums, ancient churches and ruins, great food and interesting cultures.  For the enterprising traveler, a cruise ship - which cuts down on travel time, and essentially provide you a floating hotel - a creates a convenient way to experience the Mediterranean and all the history and culture and beauty she has to offer.  Its no wonder that after the Caribbean and Alaska, the Mediterranean is the most popular cruise destination for Americans year after year. Traveling on a cruise to the Mediterranean at first look,  may seem a little daunting, with the different languages and cultures.  But with a little planning  and understanding your options, you can ensure you will have the most satisfying cruise experience.


When to Go
       Weather in the Mediterranean is marked by warm dry summers and wet winters.  So summer is the traditional season for Mediterranean cruises, when the sun is warm and the weather makes shore excursions enjoyable, but also the season for of the highest demand by far.  If you go in the summer book your cruise as far in advance as possible and use transportation where available when on shore.  If you can't deal with the crowds at the Colosseum in Rome during the summer heat, you can avoid the crowds and the heat by booking cruises early in the season - April and May -- and later, after Labor Day till early October.  You will save money on cruise fare and airfare by traveling in shoulder months.

What Itinerary to Choose
       Routes in the Mediterranean depend on the cruise line you select and the length of your stay.  The cruise lines separate the Mediterranean into two areas, east and west.  Western Mediterranean cruises stop in Spain, Portugal, Italy, and France.  They tend to offer a wider variety of on-shore options, ranging from sunny beaches to cultural and historic hot spots.  You should pay attention to the size of a ship cruising to the western Mediterranean.  Big ships tend to focus on the largest ports, while smaller ships dock in more out of the way towns and villages.
       Eastern cruises travel to Greece, Turkey, and Croatia.  Most of them emphasize Greece for its combination of ancient culture and inviting islands; other destinations in the area focus more on museums and ruins, with less attention on the beaches.  Because the Mediterranean offers so many options, focus on a few specific areas you absolutely want to see and book the cruise that covers those areas, leaving the remainder of the region for another trip.

Which Cruise Line
       At the same time you're considering which countries to visit, check out the offerings of your favorite cruise  line.  In selecting a cruise line for a Mediterranean vacation, first-timers might ask themselves some questions about their expectations.  If your traveling with children, you might consider family friendly Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line or MSC Cruises.  If your more interested in good food, luxurious accommodations, adult activities, smaller ports and extended shore excursions; try a premium cruise line like Princess, or Celebrity, or luxury brands such as Oceania Cruises or Azamara Club Cruises.  Another decision you need to decide is on the atmosphere of the ship.  If you want more of an American themed ship, with English only language spoken and American themed meals and entertainment then sail on ships from American based lines like Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, or Princess.  These lines run a limited number of ships on limited routes mostly on a seasonal basis.  If you want a more international cruise experience, with announcements made in multiple languages, and the blend of passengers more mixed, then a European based line like MSC or Costa Lines is for you.  Plus these cruise lines sail year round in the Mediterranean and offer more trip options than the American lines do.

The Best Short Cruises for 2015

   

  When most people think about taking a cruise, they envision a full week sailing on a cruise ship to some exotic locale.  For many travelers, this exactly what they are looking for.  But for many others who would love to take a cruise, the thought of being on a ship for a full week will actually discourage them from taking a cruise.  Whether you do not having enough vacation time, or your lifestyle does not allow you to get away for a full week, or maybe you're a first-time cruiser who does not want to commit to a full week at sea; it does not mean you can't do a cruise.  The cruise lines get that you can't do a seven-night cruise, and the result is they are offering an increasing number of shorter cruise options.

       The three-, four-, or five-night sailings are often affordable priced, and travel to many popular destinations, especially in the winter/spring sailing season.  The cruises tend to be on older ships that have smaller cabins with fewer balconies, and lack many newer amenities like specialty bars and restaurants or water slides.  While these short cruises have had a reputation for attracting a party-hearty crowd looking for cheep fun, the cruise lines are now focusing more on attracting families, and travelers want the features and quality experience that a newer cruise ship has to offer.  The cruise lines are now offering some of their newer ships, and want to give the family or the cruiser for a better quality ship experience, the ability to enjoy a cruise experience in a shorter time frame.

Here are some winter and spring short cruise highlights for 2015:

Disney Cruise Line:  The cruise line who wrote the book on modern family ships operates 2 ships for shorter cruises.  From Port Canaveral, FL. (near Orlando); the Disney Dream sails on 3 and 4 night sailings to Nassau and Disney's private island , Castaway Cay, in the Bahamas.  Sailing from Miami, the Disney Wonder, in addition to 4 night sailings to the Bahamas is doing 5 night sailings to the Western Caribbean.

Princess Cruises:  Offering 4 and 5 night itineraries to the Eastern and and Western Caribbean on the Caribbean Princess from Fort Lauderdale, and sailing from Los Angeles, the Crown Princess visits Mexico on 4 night cruises.  These modern, innovative ships offer new dining and ship experiences in a casual yet elegant environment.

Royal Caribbean Line:  Offering newer and recently completely reconditioned ships, Royal Caribbean offers modern conveniences on a number of their short cruises.  From ships offering majority balcony cabins, to water slides and rock climbing walls to flexible and specialty dining to state of the art entertainment: these ships offer something fore everyone.  The Enchantment of the Sea does 3 and 4 night sailing to the Bahamas, including a stop at Royal's private island of Coco Cay, from Port Canaveral.  From Fort Lauderdale, Liberty of the Sea; and from Tampa, Brilliance of the Sea, both sail on 4 and 5 night adventure to the Western Caribbean.

Celebrity Cruises:  The Celebrity Constellation sails 4 night cruises to the Bahamas and 5 night cruises to the Western Caribbean.  The ship offers its guests modern and elegant sophistication with world class dining for people who want a little more in their travels.

What A Great Time For A Caribbean Cruise

       If you have been thinking of doing a Caribbean cruise this Fall or winter, this may be the best opportunity over the next several years; if you want variety and value.  The reason for this opportunity is simple old fashioned supply and demand. The cruise lines have significantly increased their capacity in the number of ships and cruises they are sailing to the Caribbean.  At the same time, the  demand has been flat cruises to the region; at the same time the overall cruise demand globally has increased.  What this means for you and I are more options at a lower price.

       The reason for this imbalance in supply is a combination of the cruise line looking for more stable markets for their ships, after a disastrous drop in demand for European cruises between 2010-12; and an increase in new ships and and new cruise lines entering the Caribbean market year round.  The Caribbean Princess, which would spend the summer in Europe is now based year round in Florida.  In addition, the cruise lines are adding new ships, with more features and larger capacities, such as the Norwegian Getaway, the Regal Princess and Royal Princess.  The Norwegian Getaway is based year round out of Miami, while the Princess ships are cruising the seasonally in the Caribbean.  Throw in the popular European line, MSC, which based its new 4000 passenger ship, the Divina, which they based this year in Miami for year round Caribbean cruises.  The result is a 20% increase in passenger capacity this Fall, compared to 2013.  Norweigian Cruise Line CEO Kevin Sheehan described this in Travel Weekly, as " the lemming theory... at the same time, and it's like you show your hand and everybody's in the Caribbean, with the capacity being up 20%."

       The demand has been flat for Caribbean cruises over the last several years.  The cruise lines think a major reason for this is is a perception in the public that the cruises are on the same old ships to the same old destinations.  In response, the cruise lines have increased their marketing to show the new features on their new ship; and and changing their cruises.  They are adding new ports of call, varying the port schedules, and adding both longer and shorter cruise lengths; to meet the changing demands of the American travelers.

       But this valuable opportunity for us; of more cruises and cruise options, will not last forever.  Already the cruise line have a reduction in both the number of ships to sail year round out of Florida and the number of ship cruising seasonally in the Caribbean for 2015/16.  Both MSC and Princess will discontinue year round sailing out of Miami. In addition, ships that had been scheduled to sail in the Caribbean such as the Norweigian Epic, and Royal Caribbean's newest ship, Quantum of the Sea, will be moved to other faster growing cruise regions, in this case Europe and China respectively.   What this means for us will be a large reduction in options for us next year.  So while the ships are all here this season, go have some fun on that cruise you want to do, try a new ship, enjoy the new cruise lengths and ports of call.  The value is hard to beat.

For Royal Caribbean: Bigger is Better X2

     
       If you have any interest in the cruise industry, from the occasional cruiser to the most hard core fan of cruising; you have heard of Royal Caribbean Line's ships, the Oasis of the Seas and the Allure of the Seas.  These two mega ships, each capable of carrying more than 5400 passengers, are the largest cruise ship ever built.  Even though they are very popular with travelers and command a premium price, they also have many detractors because of their size and inward ship focus.  Well, love em or hate em, Royal Caribbean is doubling down.  It has ordered not one, but two new ships of the Oasis-class, each in fact will be larger than the existing vessels.

       According to a report from Reuters, Royal Caribbean has just ordered a 4th ship of the Oasis-class to be built for delivery in 2018.  The 3rd ship in the series was ordered last year and is scheduled to go into service in 2016.  The two vessels will be built in France, and at 225,300 tonnes, will be larger than the existing ships, capable of carrying over 6000 passengers.  Each ship is budgeted to cost $1.8 billion.  Overall Royal Caribbean has increased its ship building budget from $5 billion to $6.8 billion thru 2018.

       No matter what you think of the Oasis-class vessels, just based on their sheer size and capacity, they will have a huge impact on the cruise industry.  Very few ports can handle ships of that size.  But with a booming demand for cruises in Asia, the cruise industry is responding by adding more capacity in that region.  Royal Caribbean has just reported it will send its newest ship, Quantum of the Seas, to China year round starting in 2015, after it was reported the Chinese are building a brand new port terminal for her.  Other ports in Asia and the Caribbean are reported to be expanding their port capacities in order to handle the larger vessels.  In the US, Port Canaveral in Florida is planning to build a brand new terminal and 1000 space parking garage for Royal Caribbean; for the rumoured new home port for one of the Oasis-class ships.