Archive for August, 2008

NCL F3’s – No New News

August 29, 2008

It’s all gone quiet on the NCL F3 front. RCI have of course stolen the limelight with their amazing ‘Oasis’ class.

 So what might NCL ‘reveal’ next?  I can’t imagine the F3’s will have too much room for any innovations that take up space, like a RCI style ‘Central park’, for example.

O.K. they are going to be big ships (QM2 size-ish), but they are also going to be pretty high density. The ice bar for example, only holds 25 people. I’m expecting multiple dining venues and multiple entertainment venues, rather than any single big venue’s. After all, the ‘Jewel’ class (or whatever they are called?) have sacrificed big atrium’s and double hight rooms for multiple dining venues.

I must say that I was surprised that RCI have still opted for the one big ‘main dining’ room on Oasis.  Mind you, it is one of their trademarks.

Only time will tell what secrets the F3’s hold or not!

Oasis of the Seas: Pool and Sports Zone & Vitality Zone

August 28, 2008

Miami, August 27, 2008 –  Royal Caribbean International have unveiled two more neighborhoods for the highly anticipated Oasis of the Seas, the world’s largest and most revolutionary cruise ship when she launches in November 2009. The Pool and Sports Zone and the Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center were announced at the consumer Internet event.

Adam Goldstein, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International, said:  ”This latest unveiling of two more neighborhoods 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.”

The Pool and Sports Zone and the Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center – coupled with the previously announced neighborhoods of Central Park, Boardwalk and Royal Promenade – will provide guests with the widest array of experiences from which to satisfy their personal styles, preferences or moods on a cruise. Stretching the length of the ship, the Pool and Sports Zone is an ample playground for guests of all ages, featuring private cabanas, four unique types of pools, and two FlowRider surf simulators – each larger than the single FlowRider found on the line’s Freedom-class ships. Building on the Royal Caribbean’s popular Vitality wellness program, guests will be able to soothe mind, body and soul in the Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center. New to the spa services menu and fitness line-up are unique spa treatments and Kinesis group classes, a full-body, no-impact workout utilizing fluid, natural movement to engage several muscle groups simultaneously.

The Pool and Sports Zone will showcase new additions to traditional amenities, including an intimate adults-only Solarium and sports deck that will awe even the most seasoned cruiser. The first Beach Pool at sea will have a sloped entry where guests will be able to wade into the water or relax in colorful beach chairs under an umbrella as the water rolls gently beneath. Two whirlpools will flank either side of the “beach” for guests who prefer warmer waters. Located on the opposite side of the ship from the Beach Pool and separated by Central Park six decks below, is the Main Pool with two side-by-side whirlpools, ideal for rest and relaxation in the sun. Overlooking both pools will be private cabanas, complete with a dedicated attendant. Families looking for fun in the sun will easily spot Royal Caribbean’s signature H2O Zone, marked by a giant octopus with its slides and water-spraying tentacles and surrounded by fellow water-spouting ocean creatures. Separate wading and current pools, as well as a dedicated infant and toddler pool, will be set in the interactive aquatic playground and surrounded by adult and child-sized lounge chairs. The more competitive set will find haven in the Sports Pool, where afternoon water team sports will include basketball, badminton and water polo, while morning hours will be dedicated to lap swimming.

Adults looking for a retreat from the bustle of every day life will find solace in the grandest Solarium yet. Boasting a redefined layout, guests will have the sensation of floating on air from the two-deck high, glass-paneled enclave designed with seating on various “islands” surrounded by water. The open-air Solarium will offer a tranquil swimming pool, two serene whirlpools, and four cantilevered whirlpools suspended 136 feet above the ocean. The mezzanine level of the adult-dedicated area will overlook the pool deck below, offering additional chaise lounges and seating. The new Solarium Bistro will offer casual fare from the Vitality spa menu during the day, and in the evenings, transform into a romantic and intimate setting for specialty dining and dancing under the stars. It is also the perfect venue for a unique late night dance club experience – Club 20 – made popular on the line’s Freedom-class ships.

The Sports Deck in the Pool and Sports Zone also will boast new innovations, including the first zipline at sea, and two of the popular FlowRider surf simulators, flanking either side of the elevated back deck. Royal Caribbean favorites such as the nine-hole miniature golf course, Oasis Dunes, will challenge golfers of different abilities, and the Sports Court, will allow for friendly games of basketball and volleyball. Spectators will be able to cheer flowboarding guests from the Wipe Out Bar or enjoying casual dining at the Wipe Out Café.

Created as the crown jewel of the cruise line’s Vitality program, the Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center will encompass various amenities that cater to complete body wellness. As a precursor to any treatment, guests are encouraged to begin the spa experience by unwinding in the calming relaxation rooms. The new Vitality at Sea Spa will include a Thermal Suite, featuring heated tile loungers, saunas and steam rooms; three couples massage suites and seven individual treatment rooms – the largest collection at sea. Kids and teen guests also will find their own dedicated Spa in which to enjoy specially catered services. The Fitness Center will offer vacationers a plentiful and varied selection of the latest cardio and resistance equipment for working out alone or for joining one of the several classes, including spinning, kickboxing, Pilates and yoga. Whether after a satisfying workout or a soothing spa session, the Vitality Café will be a convenient stop for healthy snacks, light meals and refreshing juices.

RCI have a new movie of these two new neighborhoods: www.oasisoftheseas.com.

Oasis of the Seas Fares

August 23, 2008

Cabins have now gone on sale to Diamond Plus and Diamond ‘Crown & Anchor’ members. Below are the fares for the inaugural cruise: Total rate for 2(Not including insurance or flights ) in US Dollars:

AquaSuite—12271.16

CL(Crown Loft)—11431.16

OS(Owners Suite)—9871.16

GS(Grand Suite)—7671.16

JS(Junior Suite)—4871.16

D1(Balcony)—4171.16

D2 (Balcony)—4071..16

D5 (Balcony)—3891.16

D8 (Balcony)—3691.16
B1(Boardwalk Balcony)—4151.16

B2(Boardwalk Balcony)—4011.16

C1(CentralPark Balcony)—3951.16

PR(Promenade)–3529.16

Cat L(interior) —3176.16

Currency Converter Here: www.xe.com/ucc

Having Looked at the Oasis of the Seas Deck Plans…

August 20, 2008

…she is certainly wide. If you look at deck 7 (for example) at the bow, there are 13 cabins across from 7118 to 7518 (L to R) – now that’s wide!

I’m amazed RCI still went for the one big dinning room: still it is their trademark.  I thought that they might finally adopt an NCL Freestyle multi-dinning room approach.  I wonder what the ‘Private Dining Rooms’ are?

The Viking Crown Lounge looks disappointing as it houses many loft-suites andin terms of view (non-panoramic) but I bet the space is still big.

Although nice features, I don’t think Central Park and the Boardwalk will live up to all the hype (and the renditions). Although the Royal Promenade, with some natural light, is a great idea.

RCI stage some excellent production/Ice shows, so I have high hopes for the Aqua-Theatre.

I still don’t really understand where the pools are and how big they are?  I believe that their are going to be two FlowRiders somewhere?

At Last: Oasis of The Seas Deck Plans

August 18, 2008

See Here: (PDF)

https://secure.royalcaribbean.com/content/en_US/pdf/Oasis_Deck_Plans.pdf

Royal Caribbean revealed additional details about the Oasis of the Seas including cabin categories and preliminary deck plans this week.

When she launches in late 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 will be the first ship to tout the cruise line’s new neighborhood concept of seven distinct themed areas, which includes Central Park, Boardwalk, and the Royal Promenade.

The following is a summary of the cabin categories available on Oasis of the Seas:

Lofts

The Royal Loft Suite (1) offers a living room and dining room with a dry bar. One bedroom with convertible twins on the main level, bathroom withshower on the main level. Loft Master Suite on the upper level with a master bath withtub/ shower, two sinks, bidet, and stairway to upper level. Private balcony with whirlpool and dining area withdry bar. This category can hold up to six guests. Can be adjoined with one (1) Crown Loft Suite; staterooms 1740 and 1738. ( 1524 sq. ft. / balcony 843 sq. ft.)

The Sky Loft Suite (2) offers a living room and dining room with a dry bar. Master suite on the upper level with a master bath withshower and stairway to loft. Private balcony and dining area. Two (2) Suites can be adjoined; staterooms 1718 and 1720. ( 722 sq. ft. / balcony 410 sq. ft.)

The Crown Loft Suite (25) offers living room with sofa able to convert to double bed, dining room withdry bar, table/desk, and stairway to loft. 2 bedrooms: Master suite on the second level with a master bath; Master bedroom with convertible twins. Bathroom with shower. Private balcony withchairs. The accessible stateroom has an elevator. One (1) Loft Suite can be adjoined with the Royal Loft Suite; staterooms 1740 and 1738. ( 545 sq. ft. / balcony 114 sq. ft.)

Suites

The Royal Suite (1) offers a grand entrance with door bell and a piano, a living room withsofa which converts to a double bed, dining room withdry bar, entertainment center, and guest bathroom with shower. A Master suite withqueen bed & sitting area, master bath withtub and shower, two sinks, and bidet. Private balcony withJacuzzi and dining area. ( 1274 sq. ft. / balcony 334 sq. ft.)

The Presidential Family Suite (1) offers a living room withsofa which converts to a double bed, a dining room with dry bar, and a guest bathroom withshower. Two (2) master suites with convertible twins, two master baths withtubs, two (2) additional bedrooms withconvertible twins/ Two (2) pullman, and one (1) of the bedrooms has its own bathroom withshower. A private balcony with a whirlpool, dining area, and a bar. A minimum of eight guests are needed to book this accommodation, but is able to hold up to fourteen (14) guests. Can be held as a Family Stateroom. ( 1142 sq. ft. / balcony 476 sq. ft.)

The AquaTheater Suite (2) offers a marble entry, living area withsofa that converts to a double bed, entertainment center, and dining room. Two bedrooms withbeds which convert to queen and two Pullman beds, vanity withchair in each bedroom. Two bathrooms, master bath withtub. Private elegant and high hand balcony withtable & chairs. A dry bar with mini refrigerator. Can hold up to eight guests. ( 823 sq. ft. / balcony 772 sq. ft.)

The Owner Suite (10) offers a queen-size bed, private balcony, private bathroom and a separate living area with queen-size sofa bed. ( 556 sq. ft. / balcony 213 sq. ft.)

The Royal Family Suite (4) holds two bedrooms with twin beds that convert to queen-size beds (one room with third and fourth Pullman beds), a private balcony, two bathrooms and living area with double sofa bed. Can be held as a Family Stateroom, can hold up to eight guests. ( 580 sq. ft. / balcony 230 sq. ft.)

The Grand Suite (30) offers two twin beds (can convert into queen-size), private balcony, sitting area (some with sofa) and private bathroom. ( 370 sq. ft. / balcony 105 sq. ft.)

The Junior Suite (86) offers two twin beds (can convert into queen-size), private balcony, sitting area (some with sofa) and private bathroom. Eight staterooms out of this category can hold up to five (5) guests. (287 sq. ft. / balcony 80 sq. ft.)

Family

The Family Stateroom with Balcony (7) offers two twins which cam be converted to a queen size bed. A sofa which can be converted to a double bed, two Pullman beds. Private bathroom withshower and vanity area withchair. Ocean view balcony. The accessible Family Balcony stateroom will feature a roll in shower and a larger Ocean view balcony. Can be held as a Family Stateroom. Category can hold up to six (6) guests. ( 271 sq. ft. / balcony 82 sq. ft.)

The Family Oceanview stateroom (eight) offers two twins which can be converted to a queen size bed. A sofa which can be converted to a double bed, two Pullman beds. Private bathroom withshower and vanity area withchair. Ocean View window. Can be held as a Family Stateroom. Category can hold up to six (6) guests. (271 sq. ft.)

The Family Inside stateroom (4)offers two twin beds (can convert into queen-size) and private bathroom. Can be held as a Family Stateroom. Category can hold up to six (6) guests. ( 260 sq. ft.)

Central Park

The Central Park View 148 stateroom with Balcony offers two twins which convert to a queen size bed with private bathroom withshower, vanity area withchair, and sofa. Smoking is not permitted on the balcony. ( 182 sq. ft. / balcony 52 sq. ft.)

The Central Park View stateroom (70) offers two twins which converts to queen size bed with private bathroom with shower and vanity area withchair and sofa. ( 199 sq. ft.)

Boardwalk

The Boardwalk View stateroom with Balcony 142 offers two twins which convert to queen size bed with private bathroom withshower, vanity area withchair, and sofa. Balcony will overlook the Boardwalk neighborhood. Thirteen (13) staterooms out of the B1 categories can hold up to five (5) guests. Smoking is not permitted on the balcony. ( 182 sq. ft. / balcony 52 sq. ft.)

The Boardwalk View stateroom 8 offers two twins which can be converted to a queen size bed. Private bathroom withshower and vanity area withchair. ( 191 sq. ft.)

Royal Promenade

Promenade stateroom 18 offers a view of the Royal Promenade with bowed windows, two twin beds (can convert into queen-size) and private bathroom. Three (3) staterooms out of this category can hold up to five guests. (194 sq. ft.)

Staterooms

Superior Oceanview staterooms with Balcony (1310) offer two twin beds (can convert into queen-size), sitting area (some with sofa bed), private balcony and private bathroom. The D1 category has a larger balcony. Thirty (30) staterooms out of the D4 category and twenty-seven (27) staterooms out of the D3 category can hold up to five (5) guests. ( 182 sq. ft. / balcony 80 sq. ft.)

The Standard Oceanview stateroom (169) offers two twin beds (can convert into queen-size) and private bathroom. Nineteen (19) statrrooms out of the I categories can hold up to five (5) guests. (179 sq. ft.)

The Standard Inside stateroom (474) offers two twin beds (can convert into queen-size) and private bathroom. (172 sq. ft.)

Bookings for Oasis of the Seas will open September 3, 2008. The ship’s homeport is Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Oasis of the Seas will begin her inaugural season 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. Starting May 1, 2010, Oasis of the Seas will alternate its Eastern Caribbean itinerary with the Western Caribbean itinerary, which will call at Labadee, Royal Caribbean’s private beach destination in Haiti; the new port of Falmouth, Jamaica; and Cozumel, Mexico.

The global booking dates are:

 Diamond Plus and Diamond members may begin reserving space on August 21, 2008.

 All Crown and Anchor members may reserve between August 28 and September 2, 2008.

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 On September 3, 2008 booking will be available to the public.

Celebrity Solstice Float Out Images

August 11, 2008


See here for some excellent images:
 http://www.spiegel.de/fotostrecke/fotostrecke-34089.html#backToArticle=571094

Float Out!

Float Out!

Mast and twin funnels now added.

Mast and twin funnels now added.

A Touch of Class

August 7, 2008
Norwegian Gems Courtyard Villas

Norwegian Gem's 'Courtyard Villas'

I had an interesting debate recently about the possible resurgence of ‘class divisions’ on board modern cruise ships. The discussion was initiated by an article from Robin Searle, reporting on the Miami SeaTrade exhibition in March:

“Mainstream cruise lines will increasingly offer a two-tier experience with high-paying customers enjoying separate privileges to standard passengers, according to the chief executive of Royal Caribbean…”.

Please see my ‘Industry Comment’ page (Menu right) entitled “Is on board class division on the rise”?

Oasis Images – Secrets Revealed

August 5, 2008
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See these excellent ariel images of ‘Oasis of the Seas’:
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(Scroll to the bottom of the web page)

 

 

Celebrity Solstice

August 2, 2008
MEYER WERFT shipyard has announced that the float out of Celebrity Cruises, Celebrity Solstice is scheduled for Sunday, August 10th. The float out, which is still subject to weather conditions, means that the largest addition to Celebrity’s fleet will leave the covered building where it has been assembled over the past 16 months, for the first time.

According to the schedule released by MEYER WERFT, the cruise ship will slowly start leaving the building dock around 7.30 am. By 9.00 am the Celebrity Solstice will be moved in the harbor. During the day, a variety of engine and other mechanical tests will take place while the ship remains in the harbor. By 2.00 pm it is expected that the ship will be berthed alongside the yard’s pier.

Once the ship is berthed at the pier, the additional fitting out work will be completed. This work includes the mounting of the ship’s two funnels, which is schedule for next Monday and a completion of the ship’s interiors. The river Ems passage to the sea trials port in Eemshaven (Netherlands) is scheduled to will take place on September 27th.

Celebrity Solstice is the first of at least three new-ships of the same class. The second ship will be named Celebrity Equinox. Each of the three ships will be 2,850-guest vessels measuring 1,033 feet in length and 121 feet in width.

Following several weeks of inaugural activities, Celebrity Solstice will make its maiden voyage December 14, 2008, on a seven-night Eastern Caribbean cruise roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., visiting San Juan, Puerto Rico; Basseterre, St. Kitts; and Philipsburg, St. Maarten. The itinerary will be offered on Sundays through April 5, 2009, with an alternating itinerary calling on San Juan, Puerto Rico; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; Tortola, B.V.I.; and Labadee, Haiti, through April 12, 2009.