Royal Caribbean's Snazzy Soda Dispensers

A Big Thumbs UP on This New Feature

Photo by CruiseReady, 2013

Royal Caribbean has installed new Coke dispensers on some of their ships.  The original announcement indicated that the intention was to eventually have them fleet wide, but I'm not sure where that stands at this point.  I had a chance to try them out recently on the Enchantment of the Seas, and they're a real plus for soda drinkers.  It was nice not to have to wait for a bar to open to grab some early morning carbonated caffeine.

Now cruisers who have purchased the unlimited fountain soda package can saunter up to one of the machines and fill their special cups at will.  Well, almost. There's a built in timer to limit you to one refill every fifteen minutes.  But that's plenty often enough.

The machines can only be activated with the special glass you get when you pay for the drink package.  So, whatever you do, don't lose it!

Photo by CruiseReady, 2013

Not only do you not have to wait in line at a bar to get a soda, but there are tons more selections available than there would be from behind the bar.  All of them are not immediately apparent.  

I felt a bit like a kid in a candy store when, upon selecting Diet Coke from among the initial 20 selections, I are presented with a range of different flavors from which to choose.  I tried a few of them, including plain, lime, cherry, vanilla, and raspberry.  I never got around to trying the orange flavor, though.  Next time, I guess.  

As for the special cups, they are newly designed, with easier to screw on and off tops.  They are chipped, not only for the 15 minute timer I mentioned earlier, but also with an expiration date, so they can't be used on a future cruise.  

Photo by CruiseReady, 2013

Here's a comparative photo, with an old coke cup on the left and one of the new ones on the right.  The new ones seem to hold just as much as, if not a little bit more than, the old ones.

You do still get a sticker on your Sea Pass card, so you can show it at dinner, or use it to get a glass of soda when you don't have your cup with you.  But the new serve yourself option sure is nice.

The only suggestion I would make if Royal Caribbean were to ask me would be to install another machine or two at other points around the ship.  There were several on deck nine, where the pool and Windjammer are, and one on deck six.  I would have liked to have seen them on one or two other decks, as well.

RCCL Voyager Class Refurbs Coming Soon

One More "Detail" Disclosed

Navigator of the Seas (image credit)

With refurbishments slated for Voyager class ships over the next year and a half or so, we had heard already of some of the features that would be added.  Those include a Chef's Table, the expected flat screen tvs, a concierge lounge for top tier passenters, a Diamond lounge, and a Giovanni's restaurant, among other things.

But, Adam Goldstein dropped another 'little' detail that may raise some eyebrows in a quartely earnings call.  That little detail?  The cruise line will ADD some 75 additional cabins to each of the ships.

No details yet on how, when, or where this additional capacity will be added, or what types of cabins they will be.

Royal Caribbean's Voyager Class ships are the Voyager, Explorer, Adventure, Navigator, and Mariner of the Seas.

Limited Engagement for Explorer of the Seas

Cruise to Curacao from Port Canaveral

 Sail to New Ports for a Limited Time on Explorer of the Seas

Curacao: Willemstad harbor, by  Mtmelendez   CC-BY-SA-3.0

Late next year, cruisers leaving from Port Canaveral will have some options rarely seen on itineraries embarking from the Space Coast.  They'll have the choice - for a short time - of cruising on the popular Explorer of the Seas.  Not only that, she'll call at some places in her travels that are usually only found on cruises leaving from other ports..

Explorer will be here from mid November of 2014 through early January of 2015.
During that time, the voyager class ship will sail two nine night Southern Caribbean Adventure cruises, calling at the ABC islands of Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao, as well as at Labadee, Haiti.

Passengers on Explorer's eight night cruise will welcome in 2015 at sea, after spending the day in St. Croix.   Other destinations on that voyage include Labadee, San Juan, and St. Maarten.

There will also be a number of five night sailings and a special four night Christmas cruise.

So, Space Coasters, if you've been eager to learn the ABC's of the Caribbean, to Celebrate in St. Croix, or just to spend some time on the Explorer of the Seas, your time is coming.  I've already reserved my cabin.  What about you?

Quantum Tidbits

Some Little Tidbits about Quantum and Anthem of the Seas

As practically everyone knows by now, construction is underway on a new class of Royal Caribbean ships.  The first, Quantum of the Seas is due in November, 2014, with her sister, Anthem of the Seas debuting in April, 2015.  

In size, the Quantum class ships will fall in between two existing classes:  Larger than Freedom of the Seas and her sisters, but smaller than the Oasis class cruise ships.

Cruising solo?  Line up one of the 28 single cabins, called 'studio staterooms,' 12 of which will have balconies.

If you liked the self-leveling pool tables on Royal Caribbean's Radiance class ships, you be pleased to know you'll e able to enjoy them on the new ships, too. 

And, finally, Bayonne.  You could be sailing on the Quantum of the Seas on a 7 - 12 days voyage out of the NEW Bayonne, NJ cruise terminal facility to be constructed by Royal Caribbean.  

If you're anticipating being one of the first to experience her while she still has that 'new ship' smell, then you probably already know that bookings are open for November 2014 through early April of 2015. 

A third ship in the class, due out in 2016, has yet to be given a name.   RCI also has an option for a fourth.

Jewel of the Seas - Fabulous!

Jewel of the Seas in Key West

We recently had the pleasure of spending a few days on Royal Caribbean's Jewel of the Seas.  It was a long overdue respite from ... well, stuff.

And what a pleasure it was!  She's a beautiful ship, from bow to stern, with a fabulous crew.   (I couldn't say enough good things about the crew, even if I tried!)

It was our first time on the Jewel, but not our first cruise on a Radiance class ship.  We'd previously cruised on a couple of her sisters, Radiance and Serenade.  That particular class of ships is something special.

After our sailing, the Jewel left the Port of Tampa for a new home in San Juan, and I know she'll be missed.

Late this year, the Brilliance of the Seas will be moving to Tampa to take over the same itinerary.  Odds are, we'll be sailing on that ship, too.  Tampa's an easy port to sail out from.  Not quite as easy for us as Port Canaveral, but a LOT more stress free than either Ft. Lauderdale or Miami, both of which are quite crowded, resulting in a much longer boarding and disembarkation process.  And RCL's choices of itineraries from there include 5 night cruises, which are the perfect compromise between a weekender and a week long voyage.

So, if you're looking for a short, but not too terribly short, cruise out of a less crowded port that's easier to navigate, on a beautiful ship that's not a behemoth, you might want to consider the Brilliance when she begins sailing from the only cruise port on Florida's west coast, beginning in November of 2013.

Ships Come and Go at the Port

Monarch of the Seas at Port Canaveral

Port Canaveral is gaining a new home ported ship next weekend, and will be losing one next year.

First, Saturday's gain. 
The New Disney Fantasy will be officially welcomed to Port Canaveral with a Sail-a-bration at Jetty Park next Saturday.  The Sail-a-bration is timed to see the Fantasy off on her 'maiden' boyage from the port, and will include prizes and entertainment.

I'm sure a good time will be had by all.  We've attended these Sail-a-brations in the past, and they're fun. 

Particulars:
DISNEY FANTASY SAIL-A-BRATION

Saturday, March 31, 4:00pm to 6:00 pm
Jetty Park
Admission: Non-perishable food item for the Central Brevard Sharing Center


Now, the Sadder News
Royal Caribbean has announced that they will be transferring the Monarch of the Seas to the Pullmantur fleet next year.  So, Port Canaveral will be losing their Sovereign Class ship.    

Her final sailing as a Royal Caribbean ship will be on March 29, 2013.

Even sadder is that no replacement ship for the Monarch has been announced.  However, the Port and Royal Caribbean are reportedly "in discussions" regarding the line "retaining a two-ship presence" here.

Oh, yes, please!
And can we have a Vision or Radiance class ship?  Or, maybe even a Celebrity ship?  OR BOTH?

Port Closings - T.S. Maria



Tropical Storm Maria

   With Tropical Storm Maria approaching, ports in the northeastern Caribbean are closed or will be closed to incoming vessels.

The Port of San Juan went to condition Yankee last night, which closes the port to incoming traffic.  It is likely that they will move into condition Zulu in the coming hours, and order all ships over a certain gross tonnage out to sea.

Currently due in to the Port of San Juan on Sunday are Royal Caribbean's Serenade of the Seas, and the Carnival Victory.   At this time, Tropical Storm Maria is forecast to be passing to the north of San Juan on Sunday.  

As you can see from the attached satellite image, Maria covers a whole lot of  real estate .  Tropical storm force winds extend out some 200 miles from the center.  However, the NHC tells us that the northeast side of the storm is the worst.  While Puerto Rico may get some awfully bad weather, looks like it could have been worse.  Maria could have taken a more southerly route.

Niether RCCL or CCL has announced changes in  disembarkation / embarkation for tomorrow's scheduled sailings  - YET.  They may or may not have to.  It all depends on Maria.

Royal Caribbean is advising passengers scheduled to sail on Sunday to "monitor the Royal Caribbean website and their airlines for any additional updates regarding the storm and the status of the port."  Carnival cruisers should be monitoring the situation as well.

Royal Caribbean is stationing Guest Assistance Agents in baggage terminals B and D at the San Juan Airport.

The itinerary of the Oasis of the Seas has also been adjusted because of the storm.

Related Articles:

• Huirricane Tips for Cruisers
• Hurricane Season 2011 Predictions

New in May: Pets at Sea from Royal Caribbean

If you're cruising Royal Caribbean, and your party includes a child or two, get ready for their new "Pets at Sea" program, which the youngsters are going to LOVE!

Pets at Sea

Your child will get to choose from a variety of different species of pets (not-yet-stuffed animals), stuff it in a special 'stuffing machine,' dress it, and name it.  And, here's really cool part - after attaching the animal to the stuffing machine to 'bring it to life,' they are given a small star.  They make a wish, then tuck the star INSIDE the newly stuffed toy. 

According to the cruise line, they'll be available fleetwide beginning this month.

Price?  You can pre-order a pet with one outfit for $29.95 on Royal Caribbean's website.  (with two outfits, the price is  $42.90.)  But, I'm sure there will be plenty available once you board. 

Actually, it looks and sounds like fun, and I'm willing to bet that there will be a lot of adults who will want one, too.

 

Legend of the Seas revised Itinerary (Japan Earthquake)

Due to the situation in Japan, and in consideration of the damaged nuclear pants, Royal Caribbean has announced a revised itinerary for Saturday's sailing of the Legend of the Seas.

The ship will sail from Shanghai as schedued, but will now call at the following ports:

• Cheju Island, South Korea on Sunday, March 20
• Hong Kong, China (overnight) from 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 22 until midnight on Wednesday, March 23

According to the announcement on Royal Caribbean's website, guests who sail on the revised itinerary will be given an onboard credit, while those who opt out of the sailing will receive a full refund.

Falmouth Finally Opens!

The Port of Falmouth, Jamaica, has finally received its first ship. It's been a long time coming. The Voyager of the Seas called there yesterday.

Falmouth is on the north coast of Jamaica, to the east of Montego Bay. Find it on the above map by tracing down from the tail of the J in the word Jamaica. (Some great Maps of the Caribbean are avaiable at AllPosters.)

Although the real GRAND opening of the "Historic Falmouth Port" port won't be until March 22, when the huge Oasis of the Seas calls there, other ships will actually be visiting in the meantime.

Among the things to do there are riding a bamboo raft on the Martha Brae, and paying a visit to Great Hope House, which offers a variety of activities, and the Appleton Estate, where you can learn a little about making rum. The Dunns River Falls area, with which many cruisers are already familiar, is not far from Falmouth, either.

As more ships begin to call there, Cruising Musings will be interested to hear the reaction of cruise visitors to this long-awaited new port of call.

DUNNS RIVER FALLS PERSONALIZED NOTECARDS and MAGNETS, available at TropiCards:

L.A.'s Loss is Galveston's Gain . . . eventually

Royal Caribbean announced today that the Mariner of the Seas will make her last Mexican Rivera cruise from Los Angeles on January 9, 2011. She'll then head for a "short season" in South America, following which, she'll make Rome her homeport from March to October. Galvestonians will be happy to hear that her 2011-2012 winter homeport will the the Port of Galveston, from which she'll sail 7 night Western Caribbean vvoyages, replacing the Voyager of the Seas.

Mariner of the Seas, at a former home port - Port Canaveral

Texans (and others sailing on Mariner out of Galveston) are sure to relish the fact that they'll have an opportunity to try Royal Caribbean's excellent alternative dining venue, Chops Grill. Oh, the Steak! Oh, the Chocolate Desert! If anything is worth a few extra bucks, this is!

More good News for another hurricane ravagaed port: When Mariner deploys to Galveston, Voyager will head for New Orleans.

It's great news to see these two gems of the Royal Caribbean fleet being deployed to ports that have seen their share of hard times, and can use the economic boost a great ship with strong demand will bring to their area.

This happy news (for Texans and Louisianans)

brought to you by Shirts for Cruising

at Cruise Ready Store

Brand New Eclipse to the Rescue

Celebrity Cruises has made an alteration in the launch schedule of their brand new ship, the Celebrity Eclipse, in order to assist a boatload of U.K. travelers who have been stranded as a result of the eruption of Iceland's volcano.

The new ship was originally scheduled to begina 2 day launch celebration cruise today, but will, instead, sail for Bilbao, Spain. this evening, on a mission of mercy this evening. She'll arrive there very early Thursday, where she'll "collect" stranded travelers, and sail back to  Southampton, arriving late Friday evening. This special voyage replaces the scheduled two-night, round-trip launch celebration cruise from Southampton.

Company chairman and CEO of parent company Royal Caribbean Cruises Richard Fain said, ““Collecting stranded British and Irish holidaymakers is a fitting first mission for new ship Celebrity Eclipse – what better way for a ship dedicated to the UK to mark her arrival?”

KUDOS from Cruise Ready Store to Celebrity and parent company, Royal Caribbean International,  for once again sailing to the rescue!

18 Days and counting

With the economy in the doldrums, folks anywhere could use a bit of uplifting news. The good news around these parts is that our port is due to get one of Royal Caribbean's mega-ships. It's 18 days until May 4, 2009, the Freedom of the Seas arrives here to settle in to her new homeport.

The first of the 'Freedom Class' vessels, this is one BIG ship - and, at 160,000 gt, will be the largest cruise ship to call Port Canaveral home. She measures 1,112 ft long, and carries over 3,500 passengers.

With several pools, an H2O Zone water park, and a FlowRider surfing simulator, there are plenty of water activities onboard Freedom of the Seas. . .

. . . So, if you're planning on sailing the big ship out of Port Canaveral, you'll want to be prepared for lots of sun and fun. Cruise Ready Store can help there. A visit the Beach & Swim Gear category can net you something for poolside, like sunglasses (regular or clip on), swimming goggles (those pools are filled with sea water), a swim suit cover up, or one of these clever Sunblock on a Rope Novelty Necklaces,:

By the way ... wouldn't one of these make a really cute pre-cruise gift for someone? And, best of all, they're now available at pre-season pricing of 10% off.

This entry brought to you by:
CRUISING LINKS at Cruise Ready Store.