Royal Caribbean International Heats Up the Gulf Coast With New Cruise Options for Vacationers

MIAMI, Nov. 11, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Royal Caribbean International is heating things up down south this winter with three of the cruise line's most innovative ships sailing to the Caribbean from convenient Gulf Coast ports.  Today, Galveston, Texas welcomes Mariner of the Seas, and on Nov. 12, 2011, Voyager of the Seas arrives into New Orleans, La. and Jewel of the Seas into Tampa, Fla.  The arrival of these ships gives Gulf Coast-area residents more opportunities than ever before to enjoy a hassle-free cruise vacation to the Caribbean and Mexico.  Guests also will enjoy an array of exclusive onboard amenities and world-renowned friendly and engaging Gold Anchor Service, which helped Royal Caribbean earn the "Best Cruise Line Overall"* award for eight consecutive years.

"Royal Caribbean is thrilled to be back in the Gulf Coast to offer exciting and convenient winter getaways at an incredible value," said Betsy O'Rourke, senior vice president of Marketing, Royal Caribbean International. "We are particularly delighted to have Martina McBride help us celebrate our return to New Orleans with an exclusive concert aboard Voyager of the Seas.  No matter which itinerary to the beautiful Caribbean vacationers choose, they can expect to be wowed by our innovative ships and Gold Anchor Service, which together delivers the Royal Advantage."

Royal Caribbean's Voyager of the Seas is the largest and most innovative cruise ship ever to homeport in the Crescent City. To celebrate the occasion, the cruise line is teaming up with Republic Nashville to treat Royal Caribbean's loyal and valued Crown & Anchor Society members to a special, live performance by one of country music's most beloved artists, Martina McBride.  Following the debut of her new album, ELEVEN, which hit stores on Oct. 11, 2011, the four-time CMA Female Vocalist of the Year is scheduled to perform aboard Voyager of the Seas on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011.

Now through April 2012, Royal Caribbean is offering vacationers, from families to couples, a wide variety of options to choose from:

• New Orleans – Voyager of the Seas sails seven-night Western Caribbean itineraries, visiting Cozumel, Mexico; George Town, Grand Cayman; and Falmouth, Jamaica. The first of the Voyager-class of ships that introduced active cruise vacationing, Voyager of the Seas features the cruise line's exclusive and innovative onboard amenities, such as its iconic rock-climbing wall, the Studio B ice-skating rink, nine-hole mini-golf course, an in-line skating track, a full-size basketball court, and the Royal Promenade, a boulevard of boutiques, restaurants and lounges and bars. Cruise fares start at $499 per guest, double occupancy.
• Galveston – Royal Caribbean's Mariner of the Seas also offers seven-night Western Caribbean itineraries starting at $549 per guest, double occupancy, visiting Cozumel, Mexico; George Town, Grand Cayman; and Falmouth, Jamaica.  Mariner of the Seas' guests sailing from Galveston also will enjoy the same innovative onboard amenities as Voyager of the Seas.
• Tampa – Vacationers have a wide selection of short vacation options with Jewel of the Seas, which offers four and five-night Western Caribbean itineraries to Cozumel and Costa Maya, Mexico, starting at $329 per guest, double occupancy.  A sleek and sunlit cruise ship, Jewel of the Seas is appointed with a 10-story grand Centrum, ocean-view glass elevators offering vistas of the idyllic Caribbean Sea, and self-leveling billiard tables.

Aboard every Royal Caribbean ship, guests enjoy the cruise line's award-winning entertainment, as well as the world-class Casino Royale, a full-service day spa and fitness center, and a variety of delectable onboard dining options. Younger guests can join the complimentary, award-winning Adventure Ocean kids and teen program, with counselor-led activities from 9 a.m. till late.

Royal Caribbean International is a global cruise brand with 22 innovative ships, calling on more than 270 destinations in 72 countries across six continents. The line also offers unique cruise tour land packages in Alaska, Canada, Dubai, Europe, and Australia and New Zealand.

Royal Caribbean provides a world-class vacation experience with a wide range of signature onboard amenities, entertainment, and award-winning family programming. The cruise line has a 40-year history of giving guests the Royal Advantage – the most innovative cruise ships, exciting itineraries to popular destinations, and world-renowned friendly and engaging Gold Anchor Service. Royal Caribbean has been voted "Best Cruise Line Overall" for eight consecutive years in the Travel Weekly Readers' Choice Awards. For additional information or to make reservations, call your travel agent, visit www.royalcaribbean.com or call (800) ROYAL-CARIBBEAN. Follow Royal Caribbean on Facebook at www.facebook.com/royalcaribbean or on Twitter, @royalcaribbean. Travel professionals should visit www.cruisingpower.com or call (800) 327-2056.

Royal Caribbean International is part of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE: RCL; Oslo), a global cruise vacation company that also operates Celebrity Cruises, Azamara Club Cruises, Pullmantur, CDF Croisieres de France, as well as TUI Cruises through a 50 percent joint venture with TUI AG.  The company owns a combined total of 40 ships and has one under construction and one under agreement.  

 * Eight-time consecutive winner of Travel Weekly Readers' Choice Awards 2003-2010

SOURCE Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.