Royal Caribbean International’s innovative cruise trips

By Shabiya Ali Ahlam

When the ‘Legend of the Seas’ of USA’s Royal Caribbean International (RCI) called to port in Colombo last week, the ‘royalty’ of the ship was certainly witnessed when a group of journalists were taken on board to have a firsthand feel on the luxury offered by the cruise liner.

Having a 40 year history of delivering a holiday of a life time to its customers across the world, in Sri Lanka, Hemas Travels is RCI’s selected General Sales Agent (GSA).

Providing guests with the most innovative ships, features, destinations and personalised service, RCI’s award winning fleet now includes more dining options, entertainment and kids programs than it did before.

While the ‘Legend of the Seas,’ which offered cruises in the Asia region, will be repositioned in Europe by mid this year to offer Mediterranean cruises, the ship will be replaced by the larger ‘Mariner of the Seas’ which will arrive in Singapore this June for her maiden voyage after its refurbishment.   

The ‘Mariner of the Seas’ will offer trips of three to ten nights to Malaysia, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea and Shanghai, and will return to Singapore in November to extend a series of Southeast Asian cruises offering guests the benefits of the multi-million dollar ‘Royal Advantage Strategy’.

Making available the most innovative cruise ships, exiting itineraries to popular destinations, and world-renowned friendly and engaging Gold Anchor service, the fleet of RCI includes enhanced staterooms and other creative features that have been conceptualised recently.

Accommodation

RCI Asia Account Executive Sim Kian Tiong shared that different categories of staterooms are made available to suit different budget requirements. “We have plenty of choices for accommodation. Whether you are looking for rooms with a stunning ocean view room from your balcony, a luxurious suite, or just an elegant setting for comfort and relaxation, we have it all,” Tiong said.

He stated that all staterooms are equipped with a television, telephone, hairdryer, and a vanity area and added that also made available is a dedicated attendant for each stateroom.

While the featured categories are Balcony suites, Balcony staterooms, Ocean View staterooms, and Interior staterooms, all ships of the RCI offers a number of connecting staterooms and suites if travelling with family or a group.

Dining

Ships of the RCI are full of dining options as it offers varieties of complementary meals and snacks in addition to its five start dining experience.

Whether craving for a pizzeria, delicious seafood, or a healthy light meal, no matter what you want, you will be certainly spoilt for choice.

The main dining rooms offer complementary, multi-course dining for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in an elegant setting, and with an attentive staff. While additional complementary options include the Windjammer Café, Jade Sushi and Asian-fused cuisine, the meals and snacks at the Solarium Café and Café Promenade are available at reasonable charges.

If wanting to try something out of the ordinary, ships of the RCI features a variety of specialty restaurants such as the Portofino’s and Giovanni’s table for classing Italian cuisine, and Chops Grille for juicy steaks and fresh sea food.

The new My Time dining option allows the flexibility to choose when you want to dine each evening, giving a chance to enjoy the cruise at one’s own phase.

Onboard activities

RCI calling itself the most innovative cruise fleet in the world, its ships certainly justifies the statement as it is packed full of onboard activities for all ages.  

“If you want to spend your holiday by doing everything you can think of, or do nothing at all, we have activities to suite your every mood,” Tiong said.

The RCI’s Explorer Academy has professional staffs to teach those who are interested in dancing, skating, or even making the perfect martini.

For the sporty ones, the miniature golf course allows you to practice your swing, whereas you can also show off your moves at the ice rink or the inline skating track. To sweat off there is also a full sized sports court in every ship where a friendly game of basket ball or volley ball could be played.  

To get a feel of water sports while at sea, guests are more than free to test themselves by riding waves at the onboard surf parks. If looking for something quieter, available are swimming pools, and cantilevered whirlpools, which extend four meters from the side of the ship allowing the possibility of relaxing or enjoying a quiet swim with friends or children.

Also, RCI’s ships leave no shortage of sensational shopping inboard activities. Having renowned brands such as Guess, Gucci, and Swarovski, amongst many others, one can browse through art collectables, including Romero Britto’s very own art gallery.

Recreational activities

Ships of the RCI offer a holistic approach to wellbeing with seminars, healthy menu options, fitness series, spa treatments and much more with its Vitality Wellness program. One can set his own pace for Pilates, kick-boxing and yoga as the latest classes for all levels of fitness is offered.

If relaxation and rejuvenation is on the agenda, one can escape to a sea of tranquility with a soothing massage. A visit to the internally managed spa will no doubt leave you refreshed and replenished.

The DreamWorks experience

Aiming to make your family vacation an absolute unforgettable adventure, RCI along with DreamWorks Animations allows children to discover memorable moments filled with their favourite characters from Madagascar, Shrek, Kung Fu Panda, and many more.

While only selected ships have this incredible feature, kids can meet, interact, play and have their photographs taken with the characters. Alongside this, tableside visits during character meals will also be arranged.

Furthermore, fantastic DreamWorks films are brought to life in the ship’s 3D theatre or in the rooms itself.

Conference centres

For meetings, conferences, and incentive travel, RCI offers everything one needs to get work done.  Being the only cruise company to offer a dedicated onboard Convention Services Coordinator and a professional Shoreside Support Team, the highly skilled personnel checks gives the confidence and allows one to relax and enjoy the trip stress free.

While made available are flexible meeting rooms that can accommodate small groups, breakout sessions, to lectures, ships of the RCI have spacious lounges which provide an ideal environment for relaxed discussions or creative brainstorming sessions. In addition to this, the Grand Theatre features state-of-the-art technology for presentations and special events.

Pix by Lasantha Kumara