Strictly as an aside to RCI fan readers and visitors, I have started work on www.CruiseAficionados.com and have the site open to those that might like to start checking it out.

Likewise, the message boards on both RCI Fan and Cruise Aficionados are open and operational again.  I’ve been implementing some security features to guard against hackers and such.   I hope folks will help jump start the community on both sites by signing onto each.

I’m interviewing assistant webmasters to aid in the hard core technical and editorial aspects of all my cruise sites.  And that does mean that I am actively looking for people with photos, cruise stories, and/or an interest in becoming part of these projects.  More on that as development proceeds, but inquiries from interested parties are encouraged.  Even if it is just to know what is going on.

Cruise Line Expands Offering for Vacationers With Independence of the Seas

MIAMI, Feb. 26 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Royal Caribbean International today announced plans to deploy Independence of the Seas - the third in its new Freedom class of ships - in the United Kingdom, when she debuts in May 2008. Sharing the title of the largest, most innovative cruise ship in the world with sister ships, Freedom of the Seas and the soon-to-be-launched Liberty of the Seas, Independence of the Seas will be the largest ship ever to be home-ported in Europe.

“This significant step is part of the company’s strategy of international business development and expansion into emerging and high-growth cruise markets,” said Richard Fain, chairman and chief executive officer of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., at a press conference in London today. “We have already seen tremendous growth of the cruise industry in Europe. This year, 21 percent of the capacity of our three brands combined - Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Pullmantur - will be in this market. Bringing this new generation of megaships to the United Kingdom will further develop our global operations and reinforce cruising as an enticing vacation option for travelers to the region.”

Currently under construction in Aker Yards in Turku, Finland, Independence of the Seas will be delivered to Royal Caribbean in May 2008 and will feature the line’s signature innovations including the FlowRider(R) surf simulator, the H2O Zone water park, an ice-skating rink, a rock-climbing wall and a boxing ring. The 3,634-guest cruise ship will sail the 2008 summer season from Southampton, United Kingdom.

“Our decision to base the newest and most exciting ship in Southampton will offer our guests an easy, convenient and affordable way to see several legendary European landmarks and exotic destinations without having to repeatedly unpack their suitcases,” said Adam Goldstein, president, Royal Caribbean International. “The amenities available onboard Independence of the Seas will give a fresh face to cruising in the market providing guests with a variety of options to create their own unique adventure.”

Following a series of preview sailings in Oslo, Norway; Hamburg, Germany; and Southampton, U.K., Independence will embark on her maiden voyage in mid- May 2008, alternating 14-night ‘Mediterranean Treasures’ and ‘Italian Mediterranean’ itineraries. Ports of call for the ‘Mediterranean Treasures’ itinerary include Gibraltar, UK; Barcelona, Spain; Nice, France; Florence/Pisa, Italy; Sardinia, Italy; Lisbon, Portugal; and Malaga and Vigo, Spain. Guests on the ‘Italian Mediterranean’ cruises will experience the destinations of Gibraltar; Cannes/Monte Carlo, France; Florence/Pisa, Rome and Sardinia in Italy; Seville and Vigo, Spain; and Lisbon, Portugal.

Guests can also enjoy two four-night getaways from Southhampton to Cork, Ireland and St. Peter Port in the Channel Islands. Three 11-night Canary Islands itineraries, also roundtrip from Southampton, will round out the fall season, calling in Madeira, Portugal; Tenerife, Canary Islands; Las Palmas, Gran Canaria; Lanzarote, Canary Islands; and Vigo, Spain. Independence then heads to the Americas for a series of warm weather Eastern and Western Caribbean sailings, roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Bookings for the European itineraries will be open for sale on March 14.

Independence of the Seas will join a long list of Royal Caribbean ships in Europe. In the summer of 2007, six ships - the highest number ever for the cruise line - will sail European itineraries stopping in 63 ports of call in Europe alone. Navigator of the Seas and Jewel of the Seas will sail from Southampton and Harwich, England, respectively. In Spain, Voyager of the Seas and Brilliance of the Seas will be Barcelona-based. Legend of the Seas will homeport in Rome and Splendour of the Seas will sail from Venice, Italy.

Curious whom you see online.  Last night, somebody who would be recognized by anybody among the online cruise community, reappeared on a backwater net location.  During the warm reception and conversation, it was said that no less than three attempts at mergers have failed in recent months.  If believed, RCI has made plays or been approached about merging with MSC, NCL, and a high-end but smallish cruise line.  For whatever reason, it seems nothing could be concluded and all attempts to merge failed over the course of six weeks.
I’ve felt for some time that the time was ripe for RCI to finally succeed in making a major merger.  MSC doesn’t seem like a logical fit.  The small line would seem to fit, but might be redundant with Celebrity.  The NCL merger has been the topic of conversation for some time.  NCL does have orders for three ships the size of the Voyager class, and they are with Akers, who produces those vessels.  The company is in debt, but it would be a strong move to further diversify RCI’s war footing.
In any case, even if there is nothing to the rumors, that isn’t to say there might not be some action with the above noted cruise lines.  RCI was born of a disrupted merger/takeover attempt by Carnival.  They merged with Admiral, which is what brought Empress of the Seas into the fleet.  One might wonder what value the merger really brought, since the only other ship, the Viking Serenade, has since been booted from the fleet.  Attempts to merge with other companies were foiled by Carnival.  The Celebrity merger is evolving into something special, but surly didn’t start that way.  The attempt at a merger with Princess was imploded by Carnival.  At some point, a major take-over attempt by RCI has to happen.  The record of failure on that front would suggest more outside help may be needed.

Having enjoyed a breakfast snack, the warm weather, and some casual conversation, I moved to get my baggage checked. I hauled my bagged to the porters. I was struck by how there were so few people were mulling around the bus’. I asked the young porter if it was alright to check my baggage yet. He didn’t seem to know, and pointed to his supervisor, whom was walking towards us. This was my first cruise out of Miami in five years. The last time I check baggage, an old salt with more years at the port than I have of life did the work. Five years later, the exact same fellow was at the same pier. I joked with him about having managed to have used the same person that far apart, and he checked the bags.

I kept my computer bad and briefcase with me, since I didn’t trust the Department of Homeland Security or anybody else with searching them. I noted a sign which said boarding wouldn’t be until 2 p.m. I dismissed it, since the lines have always said they start later than is ever the case. In the past, I had arrived around 9:30, been first to arrive, and on the ship by 11:30. I eventually found I could wait inside the entrance lobby, and used my company computer to check email, and otherwise post to the message boards I read. Another fella was waiting, but he had just gotten off the Navigator of the Seas, and his girlfriend had forgotten something. They were still checking the cabin to see if they could locate it. They didn’t. But the man admitted it could have been anyplace.

Around 10:00 a.m., the few people that had gathered in the lobby were allowed to proceed upstairs to the x-ray machines. It was now that I noticed the first signs the embarkation would not follow precedent. The area before the x-ray machines is on the second floor of the pier, and is where the ship photographers take the welcome-aboard photos. They try to get people to finish their paperwork there if it hasn’t been done already. It affords a view of the gangway exiting the ship as well. The gangway was stuffed with passengers from the previous cruise, and they were not moving either fast, or even noticeably. The slow arrival of RCI staffers and security also seemed to hint at a longer wait.

On RCI ships, as it is with other ships and lines, people often get married on the ship prior to departure. These people are brought to the front of the line where they meet with wedding coordinators from the line. When boarding starts, the wedding party, guests included, are allowed on first. It was the same this time, only I’ve not seen so many different parties at the same time. At least four, and possibly five groups were having weddings on this cruise. All were moderately confused about what was going on.

Chatting with the security staff, I learned the Navigator of the Seas was debarking a full load of 3200 passengers, 80% of whom were not U.S. Citizens. Nobody seemed to think they would clear the ship quickly. I pondered what that meant to the port in general. The Voyager of the Seas was also in port, along with two Carnival ships and a Celebrity vessel. As in the past, around 11:00 a.m. They began to run people through the x-ray machines. Once you proceed through the x-ray machines, you enter into an amusement park-style maze of lines. The idea is to cram as many of the passengers into them, as to then flush them through the check-in lines. The check-in process amounts to confirming cabin assignment and printing your Seapass card with your information. Most everything else is done in advance by logging onto the RCI website weeks before.

Moving into the main lobby, I realized how long things were really going to take. The gangway, which was viewable from the previous room, stretched across the third floor above us. It was utterly jammed with passengers. As slow as the line moved, it was clear it would take hours to clear it. And that proved the case. I would be told later by somebody affiliated with the line, that only four customes agents were there to help with the debarkation. RCI isn’t allowed to pay for extra agents because it is somehow deemed to be bribery. Thus, I had my first experience with how poorly the department of homeland security is run. I could rant for hours about how pathetic it is that the DHS can’t figure out that 20,000 cruise passengers might require more than 12 agents to clear customs. But then that is a topic for another blog.

By 1:00 p.m. I was now at the head of the line, ready to board, save for customs finishing its job. The wedding parties were getting visibly nervous and their coordinators were as well. The guests have to leave the ship before it leaves port of course. The weddings also have to have their receptions done before that. With less than three and a half hours before all were supposed to leave, time was growing very limited. Ordinarily they would have been on board and done with the wedding by now. By 1:50 they had finally cleared the ship to board, and people began to drag themselves up to the third floor.

From the third floor, boarding proceeding quickly. A quick stop at a security kiosk to have a digital photo entered into the ships passenger database, I was on my way to the cabin. Despite not being in my cabin until about 2:20 p.m., and the painful wait in line, it was still worth being as early as I was. There is nothing on this earth that is more agonizing than being at the end or in the middle of one of these lines. This is a truth brought home later as I sipped a drink and saw the boarding line snake all the way outside of the pier and along the bus parking.

Getting to the port remains as wise as it ever has. Nothing sets you up for more stress during this process, than a hectic departure from a hotel and a hurried ride in a cab or bus. Those that fly into a port city the day of a cruise are even more nuts. Life doesn’t always give us a choice, but if it does, one should still try to get to the port early.

What would I do different, if anything? I plan on buying a small foldable chair. That tiny bit of equipment would have improved my entire cruise. I would bring a bit more food with me, to buffer the long wait. Finally, I’d bring a bit more electronic entertainment. Nothing about the experience would dissuade me from arriving early. It might seem odd to want to wait a long time, to be in the front of another line you have to wait in. However, those few hours spent in advance, still give you hours on board before departure.

Next entry, Unpacking and Departure.

MIAMI, Feb. 12 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Royal Caribbean International’s Majesty of the Seas returns home to South Florida after undergoing an extensive bow-to-stern renovation that includes several new dining and entertainment options. The newly transformed ship resumes year-round three- and four-night cruises from Miami offering a fresh onboard vibe for Bahamas- bound guests looking for a weekend getaway, a first cruise experience or multi-destination incentive group trip.

Coming out of an extreme 28-day makeover which required extensive around- the-clock man-hours - and accomplishing in days what can take months, Majesty’s onboard enhancements include a complete overhaul of the guest suites and staterooms, casual dining areas, the main dining rooms, the Majesty Day Spa and ShipShape Fitness Center, the Adventure Ocean youth area - adding the teen-focused Fuel Nightclub and Living Room lounge, conference rooms, the pool deck, the theater and Casino Royale. In addition, the Viking Crown Lounge, Centrum shops’ facades and other primary public areas have all been modernized. Finally, Majesty’s guests will enjoy an exciting all-new onboard entertainment lineup.

“We consistently see an attraction towards shorter trips as the perfect weekend getaway or for corporate incentive travel, so it’s natural to ensure that our ships consistently offer guests what they have come to expect from us - high standards for innovation and a quality product,” said Lisa Bauer, senior vice president, sales for Royal Caribbean International. “The revitalized Majesty provides convenient and enjoyable three- and four-night escapes in the most contemporary setting, albeit for business or pleasure.”

Since her inaugural voyage in 1992, Majesty has sailed under the guidance of godmother, Queen Sonja of Norway, and is the third ship in the Sovereign class to be refurbished - following the facelifts of Monarch of the Seas in 2003 and Sovereign of the Seas in 2004.

Exciting New Culinary Configurations

Majesty offers a myriad of new dining options, including a new casual dining concept, the Windjammer Marketplace, which builds on the line’s Windjammer Cafe concept. The Windjammer Marketplace features a bountiful selection of Asian, Latin, Mediterranean and American fare in a relaxed and casual atmosphere. New to the Royal Caribbean brand is the Compass Deli, which features a lavish sandwich bar, daily soups, made-to-order salads, paninis, crepes and energy drinks. Guests also can choose from Sorrento’s Italian pizzeria or Johnny Rockets offering guests all-American favorites including hamburgers and milk shakes. Also new to Majesty is Cafe Latte-tudes, featuring Seattle’s Best Coffee(R), and the Freeze ice cream parlor. Rounding out the culinary offerings, the renamed Starlight and Moonlight dining rooms boast new decor from the walls, column and seating upholstery to plush new carpets and drapery.

More Room for Wellness

The expanded Majesty Day Spa and ShipShape Fitness Center has been relocated, one deck lower, to the space previously occupied by the ‘On Your Toes’ Nightclub and Adventure Ocean venues. The new spa features 10 new treatment rooms, a relaxation area, and the Beauty Salon - fully equipped with a barber station, two experienced hair stylists, manicure and pedicure stations and a teeth whitening room. Exclusive to Majesty of the Seas is the introduction of the virtual Elemis(R) SpaBar. Via interactive technology, guests have access to the ‘dos and don’ts’ for all skin types, as well as tips and recommended beauty products available for purchase onboard. Fitness buffs can now take wellness to the next level in the ShipShape Fitness Center, where stationary bikes and a new aerobic floor have been added to accommodate upbeat spinning and fitness classes.

Entertainment Enhancements

The ship’s new entertainment scene warrants a shout-out as well. “Signed, Sealed and Delivered,” Royal Caribbean’s newest theater production, brings to life the soul, rhythm and blues of Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles and Tina Turner, among others. And the dancing continues with the addition of the line’s signature Latin bar Boleros, located at the forward end of the ship, serving up mojitos and caipirhinas in a design-savvy space. The popular Schooner piano bar has been brought up to par with upgraded decor such as new carpeting, chair upholstery and window coverings. Finally, guests can try their luck and enjoy Majesty’s re-energized Casino Royale, featuring new carpets, window coverings and upholstery, as well as a completely refurbished bar.

Superior Staterooms

To enhance both the recreation and business travel stateroom experience, Majesty debuts fully rebuilt suites, with new wall linings, cabinetry, fixtures, and fittings, as well as standard staterooms complete with new mirrors, wood cappings and decorative rails. Amidst the new settings, all guests will have Wi-Fi access and additional room at the vanity desk, thanks to new flat-screen televisions mounted on the wall. Similarly, bathrooms have been outfitted with new hardware.

The fleet-wide roll out of the enhanced bedding program which debuted on Freedom of the Seas continues as planned with Majesty’s new mattress frames designed to prevent sagging; nine-inch-thick spring mattresses with separate two-inch-thick micro-fiber pillow tops that unfold to lay on top of one another to create a queen-size, gap-free mattress; 220-thread-count long- staple cotton-blend sheets; two micro-fiber pillows, plus one decorative pillow; duvet with cotton-blend covers; bed skirts; and colored bed scarves at the end of the beds to protect the duvet.

Hard at Work and Hard at Play

In addition to overhauling recreational spaces, Majesty offers an expanded and new state-of-the-art conference center, ideal for groups looking to conduct business on the ship’s convenient short sailings. The new multi-media system covers all audio/visual needs and attendees will be able to meet in the comfort of new, softer furnishings.

And not to be forgotten, while their parents are at work or play, younger guests will find something new of their own in the recharged, more colorful and more dynamic Adventure Ocean youth center which offers children of every age, immersive and engaging experiences in partnership with Crayola(R), Fisher Price and Lowe’s. Teens will now have their own exclusive areas, at the ultra- hip Fuel Nightclub and cool hangout lounge called the Living Room.