Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/704649
B M & T ••• March/April 2016 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 45 bling, a luxurious 12,000-sq.-ft. Spa Carnival health and wellness center, and the Serenity adults-only retreat. On its year-round short cruise program from Long Beach, Carnival departs every Friday on three-day cruises to Ensenada and every Monday on four-day cruises to Ensenada and Catalina Island. For additional information and reserva- tions, contact any travel agent, call (800) CAR- NIVAL or visit car nival.com. R oyal Caribbean International brings short Caribbean getaways to a whole new level when the newly- enhanced Empress of the Seas returns to the fleet in March 2016. Following a stint with sister brand Pullmantur, Empress will head to Miami giving guests the chance to get away from it all and enjoy a lively, casual, laid‐back atmos- phere while visiting some of the Caribbean's most popular islands. Guests c an languish over daily 'Sunday' brunches served with a complimentary mimosa or Bloody Mary, enjoy the flexible "My Time Dining" with no formal nights, take in the new Las Vegas- style "Sequins & Feathers" show and then party all night long in the newly reimagined Boleros Latin Lounge. Empress of the Seas also will offer fast pier- to- ship boarding with earlier boarding times of 11:00 a.m. to help guests maximize their vaca- tion time even further. "We're excited to welcome Empress of the Seas back to the family, and back to the Caribbean," said Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. "Empress's short Caribbean getaways will give adventure- seekers the opportunity to party, chill and repeat. They will feel like it's the weekend everyday on Empress." As Miami's newest hometown ship, Empress of the Seas will offer short 4- and 5- night get- aways from Miami to Nassau, The Bahamas; Cozumel and Costa Maya, Mexico; Grand Cayman and Key West, Florida. With longer stays in every port guests will be able to experi- ence spectacular golden sunsets in the Caribbean. Plus, on select 5- night itineraries guest can experience the authentic Mexican cul- ture and cuisine during overnight stays in C ozumel, Mexico. Reservations are available for booking today. "Miami welcomes Royal Caribbean's Empress of the Seas to the Cruise Capital of the World," said Miami- Dade County Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez. "We thank Royal Caribbean for expanding their cruise business at Port Miami. This new deployment further demonstrates the cruiseline's commitment to growing their business in Miami-Dade County. It represents continued economic growth and more job opportunities for our world- class community." Empress of the Seas will offer signature amenities including a thrilling rock-climbing wall for adrenaline seekers; new pools and whirlpools, including an adults- only Solarium; a spa with an extensive treatment menu; and a complimentary Adventure Ocean youth pro- gram. Empress also will offer a variety of dining options, including the casual atmosphere of the Windjammer Café and fine dining at the brand's signature steakhouse Chops Grille. In addition, the ship will offer Voom, the fastest internet at sea. Originally launched as Nordic Empress in June 1990, the ship was the first to set sail from Cape Liberty Cruise Port in Bayonne, New Jersey in 2004. Built in Chantiers de L'Atlantique, St. Nazaire, France, the ship spans nine decks, encompassing 48,563 gross registered tons, and has a double- occupancy capacity of 1,602 guests. Royal Caribbean International is an award- winning global cruise brand witha 46- year legacy of innovation and introducing industry "firsts" never before seen at sea. The cruise line features an expansive and unmatched array of features and amenities only found on Royal Caribbean including, jaw-droppi ng, Broadway- style entertainment and industry-acclaimed programming that appeals to families and adventurous vacation- ers alike. Onboard, guests are catered to with the cruiseline's world- renowned friendly and engaging Gold Anchor Service by every staff and crew member. Royal Caribbean has been voted "Best Cruise Line Overall" for 13 consecutive years in theTravel Weekly Readers Choice Awards. The cruise line sails 23 of the world's most innovative cruise ships to the most popular destinations in Bermuda and the Caribbean, Europe, Canada and New England, Alaska, South America, Asia, and Australia and New Zealand. Media can stay up- to-date by fol- lowing @RoyalCaribPR on Twitter, and visit- ing RoyalCaribbeanPressCenter.com. For additional information or to make reserva- tions, meeting planners should call their trav- el agent; visit RoyalCaribbean.com; or call (800) ROYAL- CARIBBEAN). ROYAL CARIBBEAN'S EMPRESS OF THE SEAS HEADS TO MIAMI FOR SHORT CARIBBEAN GETAWAYS Adventure- Seekers Can Party, Chill, Repeat Like it's the Weekend Everyday