What happens if you really want to book a cruise -- but are afraid you may lose your job before the sail date? Norwegian Cruise Line today announced a new program, called BookSafe Travel Protection Plan, which will provide a full cash reimbursement to passengers who are forced to cancel their trip because they have been laid off.
BookSafe works like a travel insurance policy. The cost of the plan varies based on cruise fare, but starts at $29 per person. Under the plan, if you lose your job and need to cancel a cruise -- at any time, even the day before -- you will be reimbursed for the total amount paid (with no cancellation fees) for everyone in the cabin, as long as a protection plan was purchased for each traveler. BookSafe covers everything booked through NCL, even air/sea packages; the only thing you won't be reimbursed for is the cost of the plan itself. To be eligible for reimbursement, you must have been an active employee in your company for at least one year at the time of cancellation.
BookSafe can be purchased by anyone (including U.K.-based cruise travelers) any time prior to final payment. The program goes into effect on February 26 and is eligible for cruises departing on or after May 1.
The plan is certainly timely and relevant to the current economic climate, but it's not necessarily original. Airline JetBlue is already offering the JetBlue Promise Program, which will refund airfares and waive cancellation fees if you lose your job and need to cancel a flight (though unlike NCL's plan, this guarantee is offered at no extra cost to the consumer). Outside of travel, car manufacturer Hyundai is offering Hyundai Assurance Plus, also free of charge, which covers your car payments for three months if you lose your job -- and if you still can't afford the car, you can return it to the dealer.
Even though BookSafe is not free, there are advantages to choosing it over a "cancel for any reason" rider on your travel insurance policy. For example, we priced out a travel insurance policy from well-known insurance provider, Travel Guard, for a weeklong cruise to the Caribbean costing $499 per person. Though the cost to add "cancel for any reason" is less than taking NCL's plan ($19 per person versus $29), reimbursement is capped at 75 percent. Plus, you'd have to purchase that coverage within two weeks of your initial deposit.
NCL is the first line to offer a job loss program, paid or otherwise, to cruise travelers. We asked a handful of other cruise lines, such as Carnival, Celebrity, Holland America, Silversea and Seabourn, if they are planning similar programs. At this point, the consensus is no -- but we're waiting to see who'll follow NCL's lead.
Stay tuned.
--by Erica Silverstein, Associate Editor
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Is Oasis of the Seas in Financial Trouble?
Are Oasis of the Seas and other Royal Caribbean new-builds in financial trouble? That's the buzz being generated by Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.'s recent annual performance report, which specifically mentions the potential risk of not securing proper funding for the two under-construction Oasis-class ships, Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas. The 220,000-ton, 5,400-passenger Oasis of the Seas, the largest and most innovative cruise ship ever, is scheduled to debut on December 1, 2009; sister ship Allure of the Seas is due out in the summer of 2010.
In the Form 10-K report, required of all publicly traded companies by the Security and Exchange Commission, RCCL said that it has "commitments for government financing guarantees from Finnvera, the export credit agency of Finland [Oasis is under construction at Finland's STX Europe], for 80 percent of the financed amount of the Oasis-class ships," but that it "must still secure financing for Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas" to fill the gap.
The filing went on: "Although we believe that we will be able to do so, there can be no assurance that we will be able to do so or that we will be able to do so on acceptable terms." The price tag for Oasis of the Seas is estimated at $1.2 billion.
Representatives from Royal Caribbean could not be reached by press time.
It's important to note that risks are listed because they are possible, not necessarily probable. In looking at the filing, potential financing issues regarding Oasis and Allure were one of nearly 20 risks listed on the 10-K that could adversely affect Royal Caribbean's bottom line. Others included terrorist and pirate attacks, failure of international banks, loss of qualified workers, change in tax status, and so on. Such inclusions are commonplace in 10-K filings, which are meant to sufficiently warn investors of general potential risks.
So what kind of additional financing is RCCL seeking for Oasis? RCCL mentioned in the filing that it is "exploring opportunities to increase the guarantee level [from the Finnish government] and obtain partial funding support from the relevant export credit agencies."
It's interesting to note that the remaining Solstice-class ships being built by Celebrity Cruises, another Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. brand, are already fully funded according to the filing. Those ships received a higher proportion of financial guarantee from Germany, where they're being built; HERMES, the export credit agency of the German government, has guaranteed 95 percent funding compared to Finnvera's 80.
Stay tuned.
--by Dan Askin, Assistant Editor
In the Form 10-K report, required of all publicly traded companies by the Security and Exchange Commission, RCCL said that it has "commitments for government financing guarantees from Finnvera, the export credit agency of Finland [Oasis is under construction at Finland's STX Europe], for 80 percent of the financed amount of the Oasis-class ships," but that it "must still secure financing for Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas" to fill the gap.
The filing went on: "Although we believe that we will be able to do so, there can be no assurance that we will be able to do so or that we will be able to do so on acceptable terms." The price tag for Oasis of the Seas is estimated at $1.2 billion.
Representatives from Royal Caribbean could not be reached by press time.
It's important to note that risks are listed because they are possible, not necessarily probable. In looking at the filing, potential financing issues regarding Oasis and Allure were one of nearly 20 risks listed on the 10-K that could adversely affect Royal Caribbean's bottom line. Others included terrorist and pirate attacks, failure of international banks, loss of qualified workers, change in tax status, and so on. Such inclusions are commonplace in 10-K filings, which are meant to sufficiently warn investors of general potential risks.
So what kind of additional financing is RCCL seeking for Oasis? RCCL mentioned in the filing that it is "exploring opportunities to increase the guarantee level [from the Finnish government] and obtain partial funding support from the relevant export credit agencies."
It's interesting to note that the remaining Solstice-class ships being built by Celebrity Cruises, another Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. brand, are already fully funded according to the filing. Those ships received a higher proportion of financial guarantee from Germany, where they're being built; HERMES, the export credit agency of the German government, has guaranteed 95 percent funding compared to Finnvera's 80.
Stay tuned.
--by Dan Askin, Assistant Editor
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Royal Caribbean gives West Coast its largest cruise ship ever
By Gene Sloan, USA TODAY
Xlarge Cruise fans on the West Coast finally have something that East Coasters have had for years: A mega-ship to call their own.
Royal Caribbean's 142,000-ton Mariner of the Seas -- one of the line's much-ballyhooed, super-sized Voyager class vessels -- debuted Thursday in Los Angeles.
By far the largest cruise ship ever to offer regular sailings out of a West Coast port, the 3,114-passenger Mariner will sail seven-night cruises to the Mexican Riviera through at least 2010. It's more than 50% larger than the largest vessels currently based on the West Coast.
ALSO ONLINE: Hydraulic door on cruise ship crushes crew member
ALSO ONLINE: Another Carnival cruise ship gets an extreme makeover
DEBATE: Should passengers in suites get VIP access to pool chairs?
This is the first time Royal Caribbean has deployed one of the next-generation Voyager class ships west of Texas, and it brings such Voyager class innovations as an ice skating rink and an interior Royal Promenade to the West Coast drive-in market for the first time.
Royal Caribbean also has announced plans to move another ship, the 90,000-ton Radiance of the Seas, to the West Coast this fall to sail four- and five-night Mexican Riviera voyages. It'll be the newest and largest ship to sail short cruises from the region.
Mariner's itinerary includes stops in Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta and Mazatlan. Radiance will call at Cabo and (on five-night itineraries) Ensenada.
Xlarge Cruise fans on the West Coast finally have something that East Coasters have had for years: A mega-ship to call their own.
Royal Caribbean's 142,000-ton Mariner of the Seas -- one of the line's much-ballyhooed, super-sized Voyager class vessels -- debuted Thursday in Los Angeles.
By far the largest cruise ship ever to offer regular sailings out of a West Coast port, the 3,114-passenger Mariner will sail seven-night cruises to the Mexican Riviera through at least 2010. It's more than 50% larger than the largest vessels currently based on the West Coast.
ALSO ONLINE: Hydraulic door on cruise ship crushes crew member
ALSO ONLINE: Another Carnival cruise ship gets an extreme makeover
DEBATE: Should passengers in suites get VIP access to pool chairs?
This is the first time Royal Caribbean has deployed one of the next-generation Voyager class ships west of Texas, and it brings such Voyager class innovations as an ice skating rink and an interior Royal Promenade to the West Coast drive-in market for the first time.
Royal Caribbean also has announced plans to move another ship, the 90,000-ton Radiance of the Seas, to the West Coast this fall to sail four- and five-night Mexican Riviera voyages. It'll be the newest and largest ship to sail short cruises from the region.
Mariner's itinerary includes stops in Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta and Mazatlan. Radiance will call at Cabo and (on five-night itineraries) Ensenada.
Famous SS United States Up for Sale?
February 22, 2009
Famous SS United States Up for Sale?
When Queen Elizabeth 2 left Cunard in November 2008 to become a floating luxury hotel in Dubai, it was a grave blow for many historic ship aficionados. Now various outlets are reporting that the legendary SS United States, the largest cruise ship ever built in the U.S., could be the next classic ocean liner up for sale. But the ship known by fans as the "Big U" may not be as fortunate as the QE2 -- many are suggesting that the United States may be scrapped.
The SS Untied States Conservancy, a group dedicated to the preservation of the classic ship, became especially concerned when Norwegian Cruise Line, which had owned the United States since April 2003, revealed on February 10 that the ship's title had been transferred back to its parent company, Malaysia-based Star Cruises.
A conservancy press release stated that it was told by NCL that the United States would be put up for sale, sparking fear that the ship could be sold for scrap. A spokesperson from the conservancy told Cruise Critic that NCL had given the organization first dibs at purchasing the ship or arranging for its purchase at a cost of $20 million. The conservancy is currently exploring options through its "Save Our Ship" campaign.
NCL declined to comment further, and Star Cruises has yet to respond to inquiries.
It's been roughly 40 years since the SS United States was last in service, and for over a decade, it's been left to rust, docked in the Delaware River just off of I-95 in Philadelphia (near an IKEA). It was only in 2004 when then CEO of NCL Colin Veitch enthusiastically told the Philadelphia Inquirer that he saw a future in cruise travel for the SS United States. Veitch has since parted ways with NCL, and with him perhaps any glimmer of hope for the ship's restoration. High end estimates for refurbishment run in the hundreds of millions of dollars.
Built in 1952, the construction of the ship was heavily subsidized by the US government, which wanted the option to use the Big U as a military transport vessel when it wasn't sailing trans-Atlantic pleasure cruises for United States Lines. An incredibly fast ship, it still holds the westbound trans-Atlantic speed record, crossing the pond in some 3 days and 10 hours. Onboard, the ship reflected the golden age of ocean liners -- it was divided into three distinct "classes," first, cabin and tourist, each with their own dining rooms and lounges. Passengers could mix in the gymnasium and pool.
We'll be following the story.
--by Dan Askin, Assistant Editor
Famous SS United States Up for Sale?
When Queen Elizabeth 2 left Cunard in November 2008 to become a floating luxury hotel in Dubai, it was a grave blow for many historic ship aficionados. Now various outlets are reporting that the legendary SS United States, the largest cruise ship ever built in the U.S., could be the next classic ocean liner up for sale. But the ship known by fans as the "Big U" may not be as fortunate as the QE2 -- many are suggesting that the United States may be scrapped.
The SS Untied States Conservancy, a group dedicated to the preservation of the classic ship, became especially concerned when Norwegian Cruise Line, which had owned the United States since April 2003, revealed on February 10 that the ship's title had been transferred back to its parent company, Malaysia-based Star Cruises.
A conservancy press release stated that it was told by NCL that the United States would be put up for sale, sparking fear that the ship could be sold for scrap. A spokesperson from the conservancy told Cruise Critic that NCL had given the organization first dibs at purchasing the ship or arranging for its purchase at a cost of $20 million. The conservancy is currently exploring options through its "Save Our Ship" campaign.
NCL declined to comment further, and Star Cruises has yet to respond to inquiries.
It's been roughly 40 years since the SS United States was last in service, and for over a decade, it's been left to rust, docked in the Delaware River just off of I-95 in Philadelphia (near an IKEA). It was only in 2004 when then CEO of NCL Colin Veitch enthusiastically told the Philadelphia Inquirer that he saw a future in cruise travel for the SS United States. Veitch has since parted ways with NCL, and with him perhaps any glimmer of hope for the ship's restoration. High end estimates for refurbishment run in the hundreds of millions of dollars.
Built in 1952, the construction of the ship was heavily subsidized by the US government, which wanted the option to use the Big U as a military transport vessel when it wasn't sailing trans-Atlantic pleasure cruises for United States Lines. An incredibly fast ship, it still holds the westbound trans-Atlantic speed record, crossing the pond in some 3 days and 10 hours. Onboard, the ship reflected the golden age of ocean liners -- it was divided into three distinct "classes," first, cabin and tourist, each with their own dining rooms and lounges. Passengers could mix in the gymnasium and pool.
We'll be following the story.
--by Dan Askin, Assistant Editor
Friday, February 20, 2009
Celebrity Cruises, Members Bid Farewell to Galaxy
Celebrity Cruises' 77,713-ton, 1,850-passenger Celebrity Galaxy, one of the oldest and most intimate ships in the Celebrity Cruises fleet, is just a few weeks away from its final farewell.
After an 11-night Southern Caribbean cruise, departing on March 2, the 11-year-old vessel will leave the Celebrity fleet for a new assignment with TUI Cruises -- a new, German-based cruise line that's a joint venture between Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (Celebrity's parent) and European mega-operator TUI AG.
TUI Cruises held a contest to determine the ship's new name -- and more than 11,000 people sent in over 30,000 suggestions. The winner? The line reports that the name that came up most often was Mein Schiff, which translates to "my ship" in German.
The planned livery (pictured above) is one of the most eye-popping we've seen at sea, easily putting it in a class with fellow German line AIDA Cruises' signature giant eyes and lips, as well as Norwegian Cruise Line's technicolor exteriors. In a statement, TUI said that the design aims to reflect the name, featuring "emotional associations…flowing calligraphy on the vessel's side, transform[ing] it into an imaginary passenger diary."
TUI plans to make a significant investment by refurbishing Celebrity Galaxy before it becomes its flagship next year. It will spend 50 million euros (approximately $78 million) to add a whopping 428 balconies to the ship's exterior. TUI will also create spa cabins.
Cruise Critic members are already bidding the ship farewell in its current form. Read member reviews from Celebrity Galaxy's final cruises.
-- by Dan Askin, Assistant Editor
After an 11-night Southern Caribbean cruise, departing on March 2, the 11-year-old vessel will leave the Celebrity fleet for a new assignment with TUI Cruises -- a new, German-based cruise line that's a joint venture between Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (Celebrity's parent) and European mega-operator TUI AG.
TUI Cruises held a contest to determine the ship's new name -- and more than 11,000 people sent in over 30,000 suggestions. The winner? The line reports that the name that came up most often was Mein Schiff, which translates to "my ship" in German.
The planned livery (pictured above) is one of the most eye-popping we've seen at sea, easily putting it in a class with fellow German line AIDA Cruises' signature giant eyes and lips, as well as Norwegian Cruise Line's technicolor exteriors. In a statement, TUI said that the design aims to reflect the name, featuring "emotional associations…flowing calligraphy on the vessel's side, transform[ing] it into an imaginary passenger diary."
TUI plans to make a significant investment by refurbishing Celebrity Galaxy before it becomes its flagship next year. It will spend 50 million euros (approximately $78 million) to add a whopping 428 balconies to the ship's exterior. TUI will also create spa cabins.
Cruise Critic members are already bidding the ship farewell in its current form. Read member reviews from Celebrity Galaxy's final cruises.
-- by Dan Askin, Assistant Editor
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
South African tourism is set to enjoy a significant boost when one of the world's largest cruise liners - Sun Princess - visits four local ports this
Spending up as cruise liner visits
February 17, 2009 Edition 3
South African tourism is set to enjoy a significant boost when one of the world's largest cruise liners visits four local ports this year.
Princess Cruises' Sun Princess - with a passenger capacity of more than 2 200 - will be docking at Richards Bay, Durban, Port Elizabeth and Cape Town between May and June this year en route to Fremantle (Australia).
Princess Cruises, owned by Carnival Corporation, is represented in South Africa by Discover the World Marketing (DTWM).
DTWM director Sabrina Allcock says the Sun Princess is one of the cruise line's largest ships.
Click here!
"We are so delighted to have one of our ships visiting South Africa this year … and it's a bonus that people all around the country will have a chance to see her."
Allcock says each of the harbour cities can expect to enjoy a revenue boost from visitors disembarking to enjoy the local sights and shopping. The 2007 Cruise Line International Association Economic Impact Study (released in October 2008) shows that on a typical cruise ship call, a 2 500-passenger ship generated an average of R358 000 in passenger and crew onshore spending per call.
South African passengers will be able to embark on the Sun Princess in Cape Town. Other package deals have been put together for South Africans. For example, there's an offer of a one-way flight to Fremantle, where passengers will join the ship in a voyage to locations such as Malaysia and Thailand. - Sapa
February 17, 2009 Edition 3
South African tourism is set to enjoy a significant boost when one of the world's largest cruise liners visits four local ports this year.
Princess Cruises' Sun Princess - with a passenger capacity of more than 2 200 - will be docking at Richards Bay, Durban, Port Elizabeth and Cape Town between May and June this year en route to Fremantle (Australia).
Princess Cruises, owned by Carnival Corporation, is represented in South Africa by Discover the World Marketing (DTWM).
DTWM director Sabrina Allcock says the Sun Princess is one of the cruise line's largest ships.
Click here!
"We are so delighted to have one of our ships visiting South Africa this year … and it's a bonus that people all around the country will have a chance to see her."
Allcock says each of the harbour cities can expect to enjoy a revenue boost from visitors disembarking to enjoy the local sights and shopping. The 2007 Cruise Line International Association Economic Impact Study (released in October 2008) shows that on a typical cruise ship call, a 2 500-passenger ship generated an average of R358 000 in passenger and crew onshore spending per call.
South African passengers will be able to embark on the Sun Princess in Cape Town. Other package deals have been put together for South Africans. For example, there's an offer of a one-way flight to Fremantle, where passengers will join the ship in a voyage to locations such as Malaysia and Thailand. - Sapa
Holland America Line's Culinary Arts Center Program to Host More Than 60 Experts in 2009
In partnership with "Food and Wine" magazine, Holland America Line has scheduled approximately 60 celebrated chefs and wine experts to sail in 2009. On cruises that do not have a guest chef on board, classes and demonstrations in the show kitchen are scheduled with Holland America's own expert chefs.
"The Culinary Arts Center is a guest favorite, and the variety of talent we get on board is always impressive," said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs. "Our guests look forward to seeing how we're going to 'wow' them with our enhanced enrichment program, and this culinary program is one of the many highlights of our premium cruise experience."
The line partners with "Food & Wine" magazine to provide guests on select cruises the opportunity to experience demonstrations and seminars conducted by a wide range of culinary experts.
This season Holland America Line will welcome well-known personalities such as Captain Keith Colburn from Discovery Channel's "Deadliest Catch" sailing on ms Westerdam June 7 -- 14 in Alaska; George Duran of "Ham on the Street" on the Food Network sailing aboard ms Amsterdam Aug. 29 -- Sept. 5 in Alaska; "Top Chef" contestant Richard Blaise sailing on ms Maasdam Oct. 23 -- Nov. 6 in the Caribbean; and Christina Pirello of "Christina Cooks" on PBS sailing aboard ms Zuiderdam Aug. 8 -- 15 in Alaska. In addition to world-famous chefs, the Culinary Arts Program includes cookbook authors as well as chocolatiers and tablescape experts.
A selection of participating chefs and experts in the continuing 2009 season include:
Posted : Tue, 17 Feb 2009 20:42:25 GMT
Author : Holland America Line
Category : Press Release
"The Culinary Arts Center is a guest favorite, and the variety of talent we get on board is always impressive," said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs. "Our guests look forward to seeing how we're going to 'wow' them with our enhanced enrichment program, and this culinary program is one of the many highlights of our premium cruise experience."
The line partners with "Food & Wine" magazine to provide guests on select cruises the opportunity to experience demonstrations and seminars conducted by a wide range of culinary experts.
This season Holland America Line will welcome well-known personalities such as Captain Keith Colburn from Discovery Channel's "Deadliest Catch" sailing on ms Westerdam June 7 -- 14 in Alaska; George Duran of "Ham on the Street" on the Food Network sailing aboard ms Amsterdam Aug. 29 -- Sept. 5 in Alaska; "Top Chef" contestant Richard Blaise sailing on ms Maasdam Oct. 23 -- Nov. 6 in the Caribbean; and Christina Pirello of "Christina Cooks" on PBS sailing aboard ms Zuiderdam Aug. 8 -- 15 in Alaska. In addition to world-famous chefs, the Culinary Arts Program includes cookbook authors as well as chocolatiers and tablescape experts.
A selection of participating chefs and experts in the continuing 2009 season include:
Posted : Tue, 17 Feb 2009 20:42:25 GMT
Author : Holland America Line
Category : Press Release
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Why Carnival's imagination is a good first cruise
For a first-time cruiser the Carnival imagination is a more than adequate start into cruise with activities ranging from a driving range of putt course a four-story slippery slide and to race slide. For adults a brand-new spa with plenty of couples massage and therapy rooms along with an adequate gym for a four night or a three night cruise. Aboard the Carnival imagination there is three major dining choices of course there is the buffet which ranges from healthy meals down to all the sweets you can imagine the other two main dining areas are the sit down restaurants the best part of the restaurant is small and intimate location to have a beautiful dinner. After sailing on this ship I would highly recommend any first-time cruiser to consider this cruise my group of 11 had a fantastic time we sailed to Key West and Cozumel on a four night sailing from Miami.This ship also sales to Nassau on three nights sailing. If I would rate this ship out of 10 for a first-time cruiser I would rank it a strong seven for those who have cruise before I would rank it a five because it does not offer the amenities that a new worship offers other than that it was a wonderful cruise.
Article written by Paul A. Belletiere, ACC
Article written by Paul A. Belletiere, ACC
Adventure of the Seas Will Sail from Malaga in 2010
February 6, 2009
Adventure of the Seas Will Sail from Malaga in 2010
Royal Caribbean's Adventure of the Seas, which has sailed year-round from San Juan since it launched in 2001, will reposition to Malaga, Spain, for five months in 2010. According to a Spanish-language press release put out jointly by Royal Caribbean and the City of Malaga, the Voyager-class ship will offer 25 five- and seven-night Mediterranean itineraries between June and November next year. The news was revealed at the International Tourism Show (FITUR) held in Madrid in early 2009.
Adventure of the Seas will sail out of Malaga from June 26 to November 28, 2010. From June 26 to October 9, it will offer 15 seven-night itineraries calling at Cagliari (Sardinia), Rome, Ajaccio (Corsica) and Palma de Mallorca. From October 9 to November 28, it will offer 10 five-night cruises, split between two itineraries -- one calling in Tenerife and Funchal, the other calling in Ajaccio and Villefranche.
Malaga is not a new homeport for Royal Caribbean. In fact, in fall 2009, sister ship Navigator of the Seas will offer six short Mediterranean cruises from the Spanish port. What is more interesting perhaps than its destination is Adventure of the Seas' departure from San Juan, a port so troubled by reduced airlift and negative feedback from cruisers that Cruise Critic rated it a "cooling off" destination in our feature, Caribbean Ports -- What's Hot, What's Not.
Royal Caribbean spokesperson Harrison Liu tells us that 2010 Caribbean deployments will not be finalized until mid-March. Until that time, there's no word on which ship, if any, will replace Adventure of the Seas in San Juan, or even whether the ship will spend the rest of 2010 in its usual Caribbean homeport.
Cruise Critic members are already discussing Adventure of the Seas' redeployment on our message boards. If you've got an opinion or want to join the discussion, share your thoughts here.
--by Erica Silverstein, Associate Editor
Adventure of the Seas Will Sail from Malaga in 2010
Royal Caribbean's Adventure of the Seas, which has sailed year-round from San Juan since it launched in 2001, will reposition to Malaga, Spain, for five months in 2010. According to a Spanish-language press release put out jointly by Royal Caribbean and the City of Malaga, the Voyager-class ship will offer 25 five- and seven-night Mediterranean itineraries between June and November next year. The news was revealed at the International Tourism Show (FITUR) held in Madrid in early 2009.
Adventure of the Seas will sail out of Malaga from June 26 to November 28, 2010. From June 26 to October 9, it will offer 15 seven-night itineraries calling at Cagliari (Sardinia), Rome, Ajaccio (Corsica) and Palma de Mallorca. From October 9 to November 28, it will offer 10 five-night cruises, split between two itineraries -- one calling in Tenerife and Funchal, the other calling in Ajaccio and Villefranche.
Malaga is not a new homeport for Royal Caribbean. In fact, in fall 2009, sister ship Navigator of the Seas will offer six short Mediterranean cruises from the Spanish port. What is more interesting perhaps than its destination is Adventure of the Seas' departure from San Juan, a port so troubled by reduced airlift and negative feedback from cruisers that Cruise Critic rated it a "cooling off" destination in our feature, Caribbean Ports -- What's Hot, What's Not.
Royal Caribbean spokesperson Harrison Liu tells us that 2010 Caribbean deployments will not be finalized until mid-March. Until that time, there's no word on which ship, if any, will replace Adventure of the Seas in San Juan, or even whether the ship will spend the rest of 2010 in its usual Caribbean homeport.
Cruise Critic members are already discussing Adventure of the Seas' redeployment on our message boards. If you've got an opinion or want to join the discussion, share your thoughts here.
--by Erica Silverstein, Associate Editor
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