Royal Caribbean Contract for New Mega Pier in Jamaica

Big new ships require big new piers, and Jamaica has stepped up to the plate to ensure they will be the recipient of the business the Oasis of the Seas, her sister ships, and other mega ships of the future will bring.

Royal Caribbean International has signed a $224 million contract with Jamaican officials to build a new cruise terminal in Falmouth for its 220,000-ton Oasis of the Seas. Jamaican newspapers reported the agreement, which includes retail areas, entertainment facilities and restaurants on the North Coast in Trelawny, between Montego Bay and Ocho Rios. Completion is scheduled for May 2010. According to the Jamaica Gleaner, the Jamaican government will invest $122 million while Royal Caribbean will contribute $102 million.

In related news, Mott MacDonald, a management, engineering and development consultancy company with projects around the world, has been selected by the Port of Authority of Jamaica to develop the new cruise pier on the north shore of Jamaica at Falmouth. The new pier is expected to welcome the first of Royal Caribbean Cruises new Genesis class of cruise ships, the Oasis of the Seas, in May 2010. The new Genesis class liners will accommodate some 5,400 passengers and the Falmouth pier is being configured to host two vessels simultaneously. The cruise terminal and shops will be themed on the Georgian architecture for which the town of Falmouth is noted.

Royal Caribbean Contract for New Mega Pier in Jamaica

Big new ships require big new piers, and Jamaica has stepped up to the plate to ensure they will be the recipient of the business the Oasis of the Seas, her sister ships, and other mega ships of the future will bring.

Royal Caribbean International has signed a $224 million contract with Jamaican officials to build a new cruise terminal in Falmouth for its 220,000-ton Oasis of the Seas. Jamaican newspapers reported the agreement, which includes retail areas, entertainment facilities and restaurants on the North Coast in Trelawny, between Montego Bay and Ocho Rios. Completion is scheduled for May 2010. According to the Jamaica Gleaner, the Jamaican government will invest $122 million while Royal Caribbean will contribute $102 million.

In related news, Mott MacDonald, a management, engineering and development consultancy company with projects around the world, has been selected by the Port of Authority of Jamaica to develop the new cruise pier on the north shore of Jamaica at Falmouth. The new pier is expected to welcome the first of Royal Caribbean Cruises new Genesis class of cruise ships, the Oasis of the Seas, in May 2010. The new Genesis class liners will accommodate some 5,400 passengers and the Falmouth pier is being configured to host two vessels simultaneously. The cruise terminal and shops will be themed on the Georgian architecture for which the town of Falmouth is noted.

A New Ship and a New Terminal

Just in time for the celebrations surrounding the inaugural sailings of the Celebrity Solstice, Port Everglades opens Phase 1 of the new pier facilities being built to handle the new Oasis Class Royal Caribbean ships which begin sailing late next year.

Opening of Phase I of Passenger Terminal 18 is the first phase of a two-part terminal renovation that will transform Terminal 18 into the largest cruise terminal in the world dedicated to servicing a single ship. Once the entire expansion project is complete in fall 2009, the terminal will be home to the largest cruise ships in the world.

But in the meantime, the Solstice gets to make use of these brand new facilities. Can't wait to experience it next week!

Royal Caribbean Europe and Alaska Dollar Off!

The next in the series of special pricing offers as part of Royal Caribbean's November First Time Cruisers Month Event is here! Book a selected Alaska or Europe cruise between November 17 and 23, and receive up to $200/cabin savings!

The full list of offers and applicable savings can be found at Royal Caribbean Alaska and Europe Cruise Dollars Off Savings. Find something you like? You know what to do!

Confused about options and itineraries in Alaska or Europe? You're not alone! Know that I've traveled extensively in Europe and actually grew up mostly in Alaska. Call or email me with all your questions. That's what I'm here for!

Royal Caribbean Happy Hours for November 18

I'd held off posting this week's Happy Hour specials as Celebrity hadn't released anything yet... not have they said they won't be having any Happy Hours. But I didn't want to hold off any longer. If Celebrity releases specials later, I'll add those with another post.

Another big Happy Hour this week for Royal Caribbean, for sale on November 18. Because I will be flying in the middle of the day out to Ft. Lauderdale for Solstice preview and charter sailings, best bet if you're interested is to contact me prior to the 18th so I can get your booking taken care of before I leave. I will, however, of course have internet access while I'm gone (except, of course, on the flight itself).

You know the drill - prices good on Tuesday, November 18 only, new bookings only, and many have reduced single supplements as well:

Royal Caribbean Happy Hour/Sales Event Specials for November 18

Why Cruising?

One of the most frequent questions I get from those who have never cruised is "will I be bored?" It's a legitimate question if you have never cruised. After all, cruising was once thought of as the vacation of choice for "newly weds and nearly deads." But that all has changed and cruising is as active a vacation as you want it to be.

To get an idea of what activities can be found on a mainstream cruise ship (albeit, Royal Caribbean isn't necessarily "typical" as they have many unique features), here's the next tip in the First Time Cruisers Month series from Royal Caribbean: First Time Cruisers: Why Cruising?

I dare you to still think you might be bored after reading this! However, if you think this sounds exhausting, realize that in addition to all the activities, cruise lines have also invested in some wonderful spa facilities, and you can just relax on a lounge chair, sit by the pool with your favorite "frozen thingie" in hand, and enjoy a low-key vacation as well. That's the key to cruising - it's great no matter what type of vacation you want!

A New Nation is Declared

Now that we all know to "Get Out There" thanks to 9 years of advertising which changed many people's minds about cruising, Royal Caribbean has decided that it's time to declare a new nation - the Nation of Why Not?

Why not indulge yourself with a luxurious spa treatment? Why not ice skate on the equator? Why not climb a mountain in the middle of the ocean? Vacations are a time to step outside your normal routine and do things you might not at home - be they active or relaxing indulgences. Royal Caribbean, of course, is here to help with that.

In a new advertising campaign kicking off today with a series of emails to passengers, then moving to morning television on November 10 on ABC and NBC, then to Sunday print ads the week of November 16, Royal Caribbean expands again the popular conception of cruising, calling on us to join their new Nation, including a social networking site at www.nationofwhynot.com. The imagery that I've seen so far really draws you in and is something you want to watch a few times. I think it will be another enormously successful direction for Royal Caribbean.

This new campaign seem to perfectly suit the Royal Caribbean target market of people of all ages who are a bit more active and adventurous, though reminding other cruisers that they haven't forgotten the pampering and relaxing aspects of cruising as well. Why not take your multi-generational family on a cruise since there's something for everyone? Why not explore solo with others who like the same things you do? It's a particularly good fit for their new Oasis class ships debuting in December, 2009, as they evolve the image of cruising beyond where people have been before.

So Why Not? I'm a citizen! Are you?

Royal Caribbean Crown & Anchor Dollars Off!

As part of the 2nd Annual First Time Cruisers Month, Royal Caribbean is offering past passengers and members of their Crown and Anchor society dollars off selected cruises. Yes, there is logic here, as they're extending the offer to not just the Crown and Anchor member's cabin, but also to another one on the same cruise. Think of it as an enticement for you to cruise... and bring a new cruiser with you!

The offers range from $50-$200/cabin discount as follows:

• 3-5 Night Cruises - $50/cabin discount
• 6-9 Night Cruises - $100/cabin discount
• 9+ Night Cruises - $200/cabin discount

The applicable sailings and discounts can be found at First Time Cruisers Event Crown & Anchor Dollars Off Offer. The offer is good for bookings made November 10-30, 2008. So call or email me for your booking(s)!

TGIHH - Thank Goodness It’s Happy Hour!

Happy Hour announcements from Celebrity and Royal Caribbean came out a bit early this week, and we've got some doozies for next week!

As a reminder, Happy Hour specials (also called Xciting Deals and Sales Events) are limited-time specials put out by Celebrity and Royal Caribbean, usually for close-in sailings. While traditionally they are for reservations made on Tuesdays, that rule of thumb is often broken, such as next week with Celebrity.

Celebrity is continuing their 2nd Passenger 50% Off specials next week, with a huge offering of mostly exotic sailings. But exotic doesn't necessarily mean far-flung, as there are Southern Caribbean and Panama Canal sailings in there. These are mostly longer sailings, but the fares are truly astounding. There are even Christmas and New Years sailings in there!

Solos, they didn't forget you. While the official name is 50% off Second Passenger, look closely - they are also offering reduced single supplements as low as 125% of the first passenger fare, and nothing on the sale is over 150%! Looks like they're getting the message, too!

Royal Caribbean's offers are a bit more traditional, for sale only on Tuesday, November 11. Typical offerings in there, mostly shorter sailings, but some 7-night and longer, including exotics. Even some holiday and some very nice reduced single supplements, too!

For the full line-up of specials, just click here:

Celebrity Happy Hour/Xciting Deals for Week of November 10-14, 2008

Royal Caribbean Happy Hour/Sales Event Deals for November 11, 2008

Royal Caribbean’s “You Pick the Offer” Special

As part of the 2nd Annual First Time Cruisers Month, and commemorating their 38th anniversary, Royal Caribbean is offering a 2-day "You Pick the Offer" special! Applicable for all new oceanview or higher bookings of a 3- or 4-night Caribbean cruise booked on Thursday, November 7 or Friday, November 8, you get to choose between a $75/cabin savings or a $75/cabin onboard credit!

Full details, including the usual restrictions, can be found at You Pick the Offer.

So, do you want to save up front, or do you want more spending cash onboard? You decide! All you have to do is call and book.