Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/3108
Black Meetings & Tourism April/May 2009: www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 21 From May 2010, Freedom of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas will continue alternating seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries departing respectively on Saturdays and Sundays. On January 30, 2011, Liberty of the Seas will begin alternating a six-night Western Caribbean, departing every other Sunday, and an eight-night Eastern Caribbean itinerary, departing every other Saturday. The two ships feature the cruise line's exclusive onboard amenities, including the FlowRider surf simulator, the H2O Zone water park, a boxing ring, cantilevered whirlpools, an ice-skating rink, and the four-bedroom, four- bath Presidential Family Suite. With eight restaurants and more than 15 bars and lounges, these Freedom-class ships offer guests more ways to enjoy a memorable Caribbean cruise vacation. From Port Everglades, vacationers can choose a Saturday or Sunday departure aboard one of the world's largest and most revolutionary cruise ships in the industry, Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas. In 2010, Allure of the Seas will cruise its inaugural season, mirroring Oasis of the Seas' alternating seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean roundtrip itineraries. Oasis of the Seas also will sail two special holiday cruises, a five-night voyage depart- ing December 18, calling at Labadee and Falmouth, Jamaica; and a nine-night voyage departing December 30, calling at Labadee, Falmouth, St. Maarten and St. Thomas. Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas, debuting in November 2009 and 2010 respectively, will feature Royal Caribbean's new neighborhood concept, seven themed areas throughout the ship that offer different experiences for guests to choose, based on their personal styles, prefer- ences or moods. Inspired by seaside entertainment esplanades, Boardwalk will engage the entire family – whether young or young at heart – with eateries, retail out- lets, carnival games, and an original, handcrafted carousel – a first at sea. Nine decks above, the first zip-line at sea will whisk guests from end to end on a thrilling aerial adventure. Boardwalk will lead to the AquaTheater at the stern of the ship, where the amphitheater – another first at sea – will offer a guest pool area by day and a performance venue at night, featuring dramatic acrobatics, synchronized swimming, water ballet, professional high-diving, and elab- orate fountain shows synchronized to music and lights. Onboard every Royal Caribbean ship, guests enjoy the cruise line's award-winning Broadway-style musical revues from Royal Caribbean Productions, acclaimed Adventure Ocean kids and teen programming, world-class gaming in the Casino Royale, and Royal Caribbean's renowned friendly and engaging Gold Anchor Service from every staff and crew member. Travel professionals can visit the deployment microsite to view announced itineraries and download the latest deployment flyers at www.cruisingpower.com/royal- caribbeandeployment. Agents can use drop-down menus based on product or ship, or click on a region on a world map for more information about Royal Caribbean's cruis- es and itineraries. WATER PARK, ADULTS-ONLY RETREAT, RESORT-STYLE POOL, 98 BALCONIES HIGHLIGHT CARNIVAL ECSTASY'S REFURBISHMENT THIS FALL The 2,052-passenger Carnival Ecstasy will undergo an extensive, multi-million-dollar refurbishment this fall that will include the addition of an expansive new water park, an exclusive adults-only retreat, a Circle "C" facility for 12- to 14-year olds, and a redesigned resort-style main pool area. Additionally, 98 balconies will be added to existing ocean view staterooms. The refurbishment, which will take place during a 28- day dry dock from September 19 to October 17, 2009, con- tinues a series of major upgrades to the line's eight Fantasy-class vessels. Carnival Ecstasy will be the second ship to have addi- tional balconies added following the success of a similar implementation on the Carnival Sensation earlier this year. Carnival Ecstasy operates year-round four- and five-day western Caribbean cruises from the Port of Galveston. On this route, four-day cruises depart Thursdays and visit Cozumel while five-day voyages depart Mondays and Saturdays and call at Cozumel and Progreso. "With a host of new open deck attractions and 98 new balcony staterooms, we're providing Carnival Ecstasy guests with opportunities for even more memorable vaca- tion experiences," said Roberta Jacoby, Carnival's senior vice president of hotel operations. "Plus, with today's con- sumers seeking more affordable, close-to-home vacations, adding these exciting new features makes a four- and five- day cruise on Carnival Ecstasy from Galveston an even greater value," she added. Reservations are currently being accepted for the Carnival Ecstasy's four- and five-day western Caribbean cruises from Galveston. For additional information and reservations call (8000 CARNIVAL or visit carnival.com. Carnival Ecstasy