Royal Caribbean Confirms Ships to Return to Australasia

Media release
Royal Caribbean Confirms Voyager Of The Seas, Radiance Of The Seas And
Rhapsody Of The Seas Will Return To Australasia In 2013-14

In summer 2013-14 Royal Caribbean offers its broadest ever range of itineraries

19 April 2012- Royal Caribbean International has announced its summer 2013-14 Australasian programme, revealing a line-up of the region’s three most exciting and innovative cruise ships sailing together again for a second consecutive season. Guests can choose among 53 distinctive itineraries aboard Voyager of the Seas, returning for a second and extended season, and the recently revitalised Radiance of the Seas and Rhapsody of the Seas. In total, the three ships will offer 55 sailings calling at 56 beautiful Australian, New Zealand and South Pacific ports, with departures from September 2013 to April 2014.

According to Adam Armstrong, commercial manager, Royal Caribbean Cruises New Zealand, the 2013-14 programme is a further testament to the company’s continued commitment to cruising in the region.

“It’s with great pleasure that we can confirm that sister ships, Voyager of the Seas, Radiance of the Seas and Rhapsody of the Seas, will be back to wow Australian and New Zealand cruisers in summer 2013-14. For the next two summer cruise seasons, Royal Caribbean International will be the largest cruise line operating out of Sydney, and these newly revitalised “premierships” will offer the very latest in cruising – experiences guests previously had to travel to other parts of the world to have,” said Adam.

“We’ve added more cruises on Australasia’s first megaliner Voyager of the Seas and some new itineraries across the entire fleet to ensure that there are even more options to suit different lifestyles and needs. It’s our widest ever range of cruises Down Under. The good news, too, is that if you book your cabin now, you can save up to $1,200 per person in our Earlybird sale.”

Itineraries range from two to 18 nights and guests can select from favourites such as Round Australia and New Zealand, as well as popular favourites in Queensland and South Pacific islands of Fiji and New Caledonia. There are longer cruises for a truly pampering experience, or shorter ones for those who want to have a taste of cruising.

For her second season down under, Voyager of the Seas will sail from Sydney and Perth. Her 2013-14 season will feature four new itineraries and two additional sailings – a 10 percent extension from her maiden season. Her programme highlights include:

• NEW - A 14-night cruise from Singapore to Sydney on October 24, 2013, which begins with an overnight in Singapore and calls at Kuala Lumpur (Port Kelang), Malaysia, Darwin and Brisbane.
• NEW – A two-night weekend sampler cruise departing from Sydney.
• Five sailings to New Zealand, including popular 14-night cruises as well as a NEW shorter 11-night itinerary.
• NEW – One ten-night South Pacific Fiji cruise with more ports in Fiji, and one nine-night sailing.
• NEW - A nine-night Tasmania, Victoria and South Australia cruise, sailing February 4, 2014, featuring an overnight at Hobart on this one-time only itinerary.
• Two 14-night sailings which uniquely combine calls in New Caledonia, Fiji and New Zealand.
• A spectacular Round Australia 18-night cruise from Sydney ending in Perth.
• Voyager of the Seas will return to the Asia on a 14-night sailing on 27 March 2014 from Perth to Singapore, via Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City.

Radiance of the Seas and Rhapsody of the Seas also will commence sailings out of Sydney from October 2013 to April 2014. Together they will offer guests a wide variety of itineraries, ranging from five to 18 nights to Tasmania and Queensland, New Zealand, Fiji and New Caledonia.

Radiance of the Seas’ programme will feature:
• NEW – An eight-night cruise to Queensland departing on Australia Day, allowing embarking guests to watch the day’s festivities on the harbour from the open decks.
• Two and five-night sampler cruises from Sydney.
• Six South Pacific cruises ranging from eight to 11 nights
• Radiance of the Seas will also circumnavigate twice around Australia. Guests can choose to sail a 16-night ‘Top End’ cruise or a 17-night south coast and New Zealand sailing, or choose to combine the cruises into one majestic 33-night voyage. Cruises depart October 24, 2013 and February 14, 2014.
• A 17-night Trans-Pacific Tahiti and NZ cruise, from Honolulu to Sydney departing 23 September 2013, or an 18-night Sydney to Honolulu sailing on 10 April 2014.


Rhapsody of the Seas’ programme will feature:
• NEW – A 16-night Trans-Pacific Fiji and Samoa cruise from Honolulu to Sydney departing 18 September 2013, or Sydney to Honolulu on 18 April 2014.
• NEW – A 15-night Queensland and South Pacific New Year cruise – a first for the cruise line.
• Ten South Pacific cruises ranging from nine to 13 nights.
• A seven-night Tasmania cruise.
• Four 11-night Queensland sailings.
Prices for an eight-night South Pacific cruise aboard Radiance of the Seas departing 11 January 2014 start from $1,775* per person. Fares for a 14-night Voyager of the Seas New Zealand cruise departing 9 November 2013 start from $2,475 per person and a nine-night South Pacific cruise aboard Rhapsody of the Seas departing 10 November 2013 start from $1,735 per person.

*Pricing is in NZD and is inclusive of taxes and gratuities.

Visit www.royalcaribbean.co.nz for a selection of earlybird savings of up to $1,000 per person.

About the ships
Royal Caribbean’s fleet of three “premierships” will feature activities and onboard amenities never before seen in Australia. Exclusively offering the DreamWorks Experience in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific, Voyager of the Seas offers holidaymakers the most unique and entertaining Australia and New Zealand cruise experience. The ship is the first among a class of ships that revolutionised the industry by introducing the active cruise vacation, debuting the first onboard ice-skating rink, rock-climbing wall, and the Royal Promenade, an interior boulevard that runs nearly the ship’s length; flanked by restaurants, lounges and boutiques; and where enchanting parades and evening street parties are held.

Fresh from a $54 million revitilisation, Rhapsody of the Seas features a new high-flying Centrum entertainment experience, where aerialists glide through the five-storey atrium as guests enjoy a cocktail in the new 60’s-themed R Bar, or catch a small bite in the new chic Viking Crown Lounge in the evening. And both Rhapsody and Radiance of the Seas also newly feature an oversized LED video screen overlooking the main pool, the Royal Babies and Tots Nursery, bow-to-stern WiFi service, and completely refreshed staterooms with new flat-panel interactive TVs, and a Concierge Lounge and Diamond Club for suite and Crown & Anchor Society member guests. Guests on Rhapsody of the Seas can enjoy the convenience of iPads in every room.

Also newly revitalised, Radiance of the Seas, referred to as the “culinary ship”, will also offer guests a wide spectrum of the most contemporary dining and entertainment options. Revitalised in 2011, she ten dining venues including – Park Café, Chef’s Table, Giovanni’s Table, Izumi, Rita’s Cantina, Samba Grill, Windjammer Café, Chops Grille Steakhouse, Boardwalk Doghouse and main dining room – and the new Quill & Compass Pub.

Royal Caribbean Cruises New Zealand commenced operation in April 2010 as the New Zealand arm of global cruise vacation company Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. In New Zealand the company operates Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Azamara Club Cruises. The global company has a combined total of 40 ships in service and one under construction. It also offers unique land-tour vacations in Alaska, Asia, Australia/New Zealand, Canada, Dubai, Europe and South America. For additional information or to make reservations, contact your travel agent, call 0800 102 123 or visit www.royalcaribbean.co.nz

ENDS

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