MIAMI, Dec. 27 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — If sledding with huskies in Juneau, exploring the wild Yukon in Skagway, and searching for bears in Ketchikan sound like perfect thrill-seeking journeys, guests aboard Royal Caribbean International’s Alaska cruises are in for some new adventures, courtesy of the line’s recently introduced shore excursion offerings.With more than 135 tours available in Southeast Alaska alone, Royal Caribbean’s Explorations! program encourages guests to discover Alaska, and other Royal Caribbean ports-of-call, in unique and unexpected ways. Shore excursions are offered for guests of all ages, and at every activity level, for virtually every Royal Caribbean cruise itinerary.

“Our new Alaska shore excursions offer rich and scenic regional experiences on land, at sea and even in the sky,” said Craig Milan, senior vice president, Land Operations for Royal Caribbean International. “We pride ourselves in continually adding new and enriching tours for all guests, as their palette for adventure is ever-changing.”

Following are highlights of the 2007 Alaska shore excursion offerings:

• Dog Sledding on the Mendenhall Glacier (Juneau) - By helicopter, guests can view crevasses and glacier-carved peaks from above, and, by land, experience awe-inspiring scenery while sledding through the natural beauty of Alaska, all under the direction of the Mendenhall Glacier dogsled camp.
• Photo Safari by Land & Sea (Juneau) - During a breathtaking journey through the waterways of Juneau’s Channel Islands, guests can capture the attractions and marine wildlife through photography lessons with a professional coach.
• Yukon Exploration & White Pass Scenic Railway (Skagway) - Guests travel by motor coach along the Skagway River Canyon over the summit of White Pass into Canada’s scenic and historic Yukon Territory. Following the footsteps of the original gold seekers, guests explore the popular Yukon sites of Pitchfork Falls, the White Pass Summit and Dead Horse Gulch. Travel back to Skagway on the White Pass and Yukon route railroad for a scenic and historic rail journey.
• Glacier Point Wilderness Safari (Skagway) - Visitors travel through deep fjords, rain forests and majestic mountains on a guided wilderness safari. Their adventure includes a catamaran cruise through Alaska’s deepest fjord, a nature walk offering breath-taking views of the Davidson Glacier tumbling into the lake below, and canoeing amid blue icebergs.
• Anan Creek Bear Watch (Ketchikan) - Available to a limited number of guests, this exclusive excursion transports passengers by float plane to one of the most coveted bear-viewing venues in Alaska. Few natural settings provide a unique wildlife expedition as remote and beautiful as Anan Creek.
• Mountain Point Snorkeling Adventure (Ketchikan) - Travelers can immerse themselves in Alaska’s sea world when they snorkel the calm and clear waters of Mountain Point, while observing multicolored sea stars, urchins, sea cucumbers and giant sunflower stars.

Alaska shore excursions are available at www.royalcaribbean.com and can be reserved in advance. Excursion details are also available as a downloadable brochure and are customizable by port city, ship and sail date.

MIAMI, Dec 21, 2006 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX News Network/ — Royal Caribbean International today announced that the line’s third and final Freedom-class ship will be named Independence of the Seas. The ship, currently under construction at Aker Yards in Turku, Finland, is set to make her debut in May 2008. She will follow Liberty of the Seas, which makes her entrance into New York City harbor May 3, 2007.”Independence of the Seas will have all of the signature elements of her sister ships, Freedom of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas, making the Freedom- class ships the most innovative and forward-looking class of ships in the cruise industry,” said Adam Goldstein, president for Royal Caribbean International. “Her name reflects the all-encompassing mindset behind Freedom of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas, where guests have the freedom to create their own unique adventure by choosing multiple onboard options, from active pursuits such as rock climbing, surfing or ice skating; to more relaxing experiences, such as spa treatments, fine dining or world-class entertainment.”

At 160,000 GRT and holding 3,634 guests double-occupancy, Independence of the Seas will share the title of the world’s largest cruise ship with Freedom of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas. Among new programs and onboard embellishments yet to be announced, amenities on Independence of the Seas will include the popular innovations already found on her sister ships including the FlowRider(R) surf simulator; the H20 Zone aqua park; cantilevered whirlpools, suspended 112 feet above the ocean; an ice-skating rink; a boxing ring; and the 1,215-square-foot Presidential Family Suite, which sleeps up to 14.

Beginning May 19, 2007, Liberty of the Seas will sail alternating seven- night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries year-round from Miami, calling on San Juan, Puerto Rico; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; and Labadee, Haiti in the east; and Labadee; Montego Bay, Jamaica; George Town, Grand Cayman; and Cozumel, Mexico in the west. Liberty of the Seas will depart Miami on Saturdays while Freedom of the Seas, also sailing alternating seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries out of Miami, will depart Sundays.

A quick bit of RCI news.

RCI is partnering with Fischer Price and Leapster as they continue to bolster their offerings for families with small children. Precisely what that means, I’m honestly unsure just yet.

I’m 26 days removed from my departure for Miami. The cruise isn’t until January 6, but I am most definitely looking forward to the long easy drive from Ohio to Florida. My route is fully programed into my Tomtom Go. I’ve pin-pointed my gas stations. And I’m about done with packing. Mostly.

I have found a few potintial partners for the website, details are pending, but it might me a faster launch for some things I had figured to hold off on.