Royal Caribbean International (RCL) announced at a SeaTrade convention that it will deploy 8 ships to the European market next year.  This comes as pricing in the Caribbean market is expected to soften greatly with the sluggish global economy.  One Freedom class, two Voyager class, two Radiance class, and three vision class ships will sail a reported 70 distinct itineraries, visiting 87 ports in 32 countries.  By name, the Independence of the Seas (Freedom class,) Navigator of the Seas, Voyager of the Seas (Voyager class,) Brilliance of the Seas, Jewel of the Seas (Radiance Class,) Legend of the Seas, Splendour of the Seas, and Vision of the Seas (Vision class.)

Oasis of the Seas will not visit the UK during her delivery cruise to Port Everglades.  Normally, if possible, ships visit various European ports, often New York City, and then proceed to their initial ports of operation.  During these early visits, promotional cruises are offered to select individuals.  I had the opportunity to cruise on Liberty of the Seas this past year on such a cruise.  The reason for the unusual change in early operation is the ship itself.  With the quantity of grass and trees to be installed, and the ship being finished in the winter months, Royal Caribbean will be completing that project once she makes it across the ocean.

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