There's a Place Where Only the Bold Venture

Do You Dare Take the Plunge?

click image to enlarge

During our conference cruise on Harmony of the Seas in 2017, my son dared me to take the plunge into the Ultimate Abyss.  I accepted the challenge to Step Over the Edge and plummet 10 stories to the Boardwalk.

This year, at our 2019 Dare Conference on its sister ship, Symphony of the Seas, we were challenged to get out of our comfort zone and complete one or more dares.  I accepted the challenge once again, but this time it was for a good cause.   The Ultimate Abyss is a free attraction on Symphony, but our Cruises Inc., Cruise One, and Dream Vacations group reserved time for exclusive use of the slide.  Anyone wishing to take the plunge contributed $20 to Make A Wish.

Our Make a Wish goal for the conference was $120,000.  I'm happy to report that we exceeded that goal raising $136,000 during our one week conference.   There were several activities besides the Abyss which generated the money towards our goal.

There’s a place where only the bold venture and only the bravest return. Step to the edge. Peer into the darkness. Listen to the call of the unknown. There's no turning back once you take the plunge. Plummet 10 stories into the mysteries of the deep on the tallest slide at sea. Are you brave enough— or will you become a permanent resident of the Ultimate Abyss?

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Where have you explored? 

Gather your travel and food pics and join us every Wednesday night for the latest installment of #FoodTravelChat 

A New Anthem for New York

Coming to New York This Fall

Royal Caribbean's newest ship, Anthem of the Seas, was named in Southampton, U.K., April 20th in a spectacular ceremony complete with Scottish pipers, a boy band, a DJ, the cast of Queen musical "We Will Rock You" and flashing wristbands.

The sister ship to Quantum of the Seas will sail Mediterranean itineraries from Southampton, U.K. for the Summer, before crossing the Atlantic to its homeport in Bayonne, New Jersey in October.

       

(click image for flyer)

Be Among the First to Sail  Anthem of the Seas 


Those of you that follow our blog on a regular basis know that we rarely write posts about cruise offers. That's not to say that we don't know about them, but we primarily want to share information about destinations and some of our adventures, rather than focus on one particular offer.

We are making an exception to the norm here because rarely does Royal Caribbean offer discounts on their brand new ships. This is a fabulous opportunity to be among the first to experience the sister ship which has been so well received by guests and the industry watchers.

• From now through May 31, 2015, get a balcony for the price of an ocean view stateroom, plus 50% reduced deposit
• Offer valid on new Caribbean and Bahamas itineraries on Anthem of the Seas sailings departing between Nov. 10, 2015 – Apr. 18, 2016.

Learn More about Anthem of the Seas on our Microsite (Click Image Below) 

Peace of Mind - Priceless

What Value is Peace Of Mind

During Your Vacation

This is a true story of two of my guests that were booked on Quantum of the Seas departing New York on Saturday March 20th.  We join the story on Friday morning.

As the day before departure approached, so did a spring snow storm in New York City.  Hundreds of flights were cancelled in advance of the storm - including theirs. This story has a happy ending.

3 Keys to Happy Ending

Springtime in Chicago and New York can be unpredictable and getting to the ship on time could be problematic.   Normally they would have flown to the departure port a day early, but this time they were unable to get out of work for the extra day, so they opted for an early departure on Saturday, the day of the cruise.

The flights were arranged by me on their behalf through Royal Caribbean ChoiceAir program. ChoiceAir benefits include assured arrival to the ship in case of airline complications, total flexibility to pick your preferred airlines and itineraries, and most importantly in this case, 24/7 support.

My day Friday began with a frantic email informing me that their flight had been cancelled. I placed a call to ChoiceAir and was fortunate to get a hold of Evarld, one of the flight specialists, who worked tirelessly looking for options to get them to the ship on time Saturday. After more than four hours of working on the problem, with phone calls back and forth with Royal Caribbean and my clients,  I received a phone call with details for flights departing that evening, which would arrive around midnight. I'd already alerted my guests to head to the airport and told them I'd provide them with the new confirmation information once I got it from ChoiceAir. They were enroute in the limo when I called them.  

Their original schedule was a non-stop flight, but the only possible choices now, with more than 800 flights cancelled, were connecting flights through Atlanta, GA.  Another bonus - they were upgraded to first class.

The second thing they had done towards peace of mind was to purchase Travel Insurance with their booking. In the event they would not have been able to get to the ship on time, they would have been able to file a claim for appropriate benefits.

And lastly, since they put their travel plans in my hands, they weren't the ones on the phone for hours Friday, trying to figure out how to get to New York.   I monitored the flights that evening and saw that they actually arrived in New York around 12:30 AM Saturday.   They emailed a picture of the two of them with big grins onboard Quantum of the Seas.   I could finally breathe a sigh of relief because I knew how much they had been dreaming about this cruise and how devastating it would have been to miss the cruise.

Thank you to Royal Caribbean for actually delivering on your promise when creating the ChoiceAir program.

Together with Royal Caribbean, I've been able to make this dream vacation come true.  If you'd like to plan YOUR next cruise, I'd be happy to assist you.   We have several exclusive offers and Royal Caribbean has a WOW sale currently.  Check out current offers here.

That's Alluring Entertainment

Click on any image for a close up view

#FriFotos Theme

ADRENALINE!

Friday is here again, and we'll be including some of our images in the Twitter photo chat #FriFotos.  It took us a few minutes before we knew exactly what images in our archives would best depict this theme.  Here are just a few...

Cruise Ship Entertainment

In particular, the aerial and acrobatic shows must definitely get the performers adrenaline going.  The feats that these performers accomplish are even more amazing when you think about the fact that their stage and any gear used in the act is moving / rolling with the waves of the seas.

Blue Planet

One of our favorite shows was on Royal Caribbean Allure of the Seas.  It's a high energy show that uses all sorts of props like the suspended globe above.   Imagine being suspended high above the stage and clinging to a globe while performing several maneuvers such as the ones pictured above.

Another segment of the show has the performers bouncing among "rocks" in an elaborate prop that has a trampoline in the center.  It's not too bad when only one person jumps, but imagine several jumping from either end at the same time, again while the ship is moving.

Ice Skating at Sea

Also on Royal Caribbean Allure of the Seas, you'll find ice skating shows that will thrill you.   Just like in an Olympic event, ice skating jumps are an important part of the show. 

There are triples, doubles and quads.  There are Toe Loops, Loops, Flips, Salchows, Axels,  Lutzs and Sequence Jumps.  These maneuvers are hard enough to perform on land, without adding the additional element of ship's motion to the equation.

Some of the acts feature individual skaters while others have partners or even an entire cast of skaters performing their parts as if acting out a play.

We've only included a couple images here, but we have many more in our album:

Allure OTS - Ice Games 

We'll feature some more of them on Twitter and Pinterest as well.

Aqua Theater Shows

Another entertainment feature on the Allure of the Seas is the Aquatic Shows in the Aqua Theater.  The shows feature high diving and other acrobatics.

Once again, we have many more images on Twitter and in our photo album:


Allure OTS - Aqua Show

We really enjoy these high-energy shows on cruise ships.   Royal Caribbean is one of the best cruise lines when it comes to entertainment.   They even have their own production company for Broadway style shows.

Follow us on Twitter: @ChrisPappinMCC  Pinterest: CruiseWithChris Pappin and Facebook: CruiseWithChris Pappin Cruises Inc for more ideas.

3 Top Things To Do in Hellesylt Cruise Port

Hellesylt, Norway

Recall from last time that we left the Jewel of the Seas in Geiranger, Norway for an all day tour, Journey to Briksdal Glacier . Usually you begin and end your tour in the same port of call, but that isn't the case with Geiranger. The ship stayed there for most of the day so people could stay in town if they chose to. At 3:30 PM, it set sail for Hellesylt, where the majority of the passengers, who'd been on tours, would rejoin the ship.

During My Cruise Stop in Hellesylt I'd...

Photograph a Waterfall

The site of the village on the mountain sides at the end of the Sunnylvs Fiord is exceptionally picturesque. Right through the centre, 100 meters from Grand Hotel, the Hellesylt waterfall gushes down into the Fiord. This waterfall is one of the most photographed sites in Norway. Of course, we were obliged to get a few pictures of our own.

Relax & Enjoy Picturesque Views

Hellesylt is a small village in the Stranda Municipality, which is a part of the Møre and Romsdal County in the western part of Norway. Our motor coach arrived in this little town and parked near the dock where we would board a tender boat to rejoin our ship.

Hellesylt is well known for for its colorful history, and in the old street most of the old buildings are still intact.  Our tour was behind schedule, so we didn't have much time before we had to board the tender boat.

Not Miss Sail Away

Before boarding the last tender boat, we clicked a few more pictures of the waterfall and of our ship, which despite its 90,090 gross tons, was dwarfed by the fjords.  Words cannot describe the view - you must bring a camera, or at least your smart phone, with you to capture this moment in time to cherish forever.

The tender boat had an upper level, which we selected so that we could capture images of the fjord and our ship from this vantage point.  The ship grew larger as we approached, but it was still dwarfed by its surroundings.


We had late dinner plans, so we were able to relax on our aft balcony verandah, enjoying a glass of wine with friends, as we sailed away (see photo album).

From Hellesylt we sailed for our next port of call, Flåm , where we would see an even more amazing waterfall.

Our 12 Night British Isles / Norwegian Fjords cruise continued to be an exceptional cruise with wonderful memories. When updating my website, and posting to this blog, I can't help but recall those fabulous days in the Norwegian Fjords. I do hope you get to experience this magnificent country some day. 

Ever Wonder What Soaring Like a Bird is Like

RipCord by iFly on Royal Caribbean Quantum of the Seas

Why Would Anyone Step Out of a Perfectly Good Airplane?

Have you ever wanted to experience the sensation of flying through the air, but didn't have the guts to step outside of a perfectly good airplane?

"The chance to fly and be balanced in the air is a wonderful feeling and I've tried it" - Richard Fain, Chairman &CEO Royal Caribbean, Ltd.

That's right: Fly! 

Another first you'll find only on Royal Caribbean is RipCord by iFly®.   This skydiving simulator lets you experience the sheer thrill and exhilaration of flying. RipCord by iFly®'s air machine will keep you afloat in a safe, controlled environment. So you can feel the wind in your hair, and utter WOW of flying, all without ever having to leave the ship.

You Can Soar Like an Eagle


The sensation of flying takes place inside a 23-foot tall glass flight chamber so guests will have stunning ocean views as well.  It is surrounded by a viewing platform for friends, family and other spectators.  It's located on the Sports Court at the aft of the ship, will overlook the FlowRider surf simulator and is situated adjacent to the Rock Climbing Wall.

Without the Risk

According to The Dropzone.com Skydiving Fatalities Database, which is an unofficial record of fatal skydiving accidents since January 1, 2004, fatalities are declining but there were still 14 recorded in 2014.   If you don't have to step out of an airplane, but can have the same experience, would that be something you'd be more likely to try?


PREPARE TO BE WOWED^SM

Royal Caribbean International® unveils a Quantum leap forward in cruising. With newly designed staterooms, innovative features, and transformative venues, Royal Caribbean's newest ship, Quantum of the Seas, elevates cruising to an entirely new level. Sailing Fall 2014 from the New York area.

You MUST Act Quickly

Royal Caribbean recently announced that Quantum of the Seas^® stay in the New York area will be short-lived.  The ship will sail out of Cape Liberty in Bayonne, New Jersey, as scheduled in November, 2014.   Following that it will be redeploying to China in Spring 2015 where it will homeport  in Shanghai, China starting in May, 2015.

Sister ship, Anthem of the Seas^®, will sail Caribbean waters in her 2015 North American debut, departing round trip from Cape Liberty.  There will be several months gap, after Quantum leaves the New York area, before you will be able to fly at sea.

Explore our microsite to watch videos and learn more about this new ship sailing this Fall. Then Make Your Plans to Soar Like an Eagle.

  
 

Visit our Quantum of the Seas Microsite

 

50 Million Guests Can't Be Wrong

#RoyalWOW

Royal Caribbean International®

Celebrates Major Milestone

50 Million Guests

This year there has been a lot of negative press and attention to the cruise industry.  While the majority of the press was aimed at one particular cruise line, all lines have seen an impact.  The industry is strong and in the long run, this will only be a small blip on the radar.  In fact, Royal Caribbean International has just welcomed their 50 millionth guest onboard their ships.

We live in what seems like "tragic times".   Every night on the news there are more stories with sad news about death, injury, and disasters, than there are uplifting stories with happy endings.  Through  the marvels of technology, we are connected in ways never before imagined and can be "live" on the scene anywhere in the world as news breaks out.

Unfortunately, there are many people that have considered cruising, but were not certain it was right for them.   When prospective first-time cruisers listen to the news and hear only negative "facts", it is understandable that they have doubts, and often decide to stay within their comfort zone.

Here is an Uplifting Story With More Happiness to Come

Royal Caribbean International was founded as Royal Caribbean Cruise Line in 1968.  They currently operate with a fleet of 21 ships, two of which are the largest ships afloat in the entire industry.  There are three more ships being built over the next 3 years.

When you go on vacation, whether it be on a cruise, or to a hotel nearby or far from home, you have some expectations about your experience.    Royal Caribbean strives to deliver the "WOW" to each and every guest each time they sail on one of their ships. 

Royal Caribbean, upon achieving this milestone, has demonstrated that it has delivered on that goal over the years.  Guests who sail on RCI are very loyal.  In fact their Crown & Anchor® Society just recently expanded their tiers to recognize members with 700 or more cruise points (which reflect the number of cruises, nights, and type of accommodations).

Celebrating All Year

Royal Caribbean is celebrating this milestone all year long.   Currently they are asking guests to submit their "WOWs"  via Facebook, Twitter, or other means.  For more information see their 50 Million Guests Page.   Watch this video to learn more about this milestone.

As part of this year-long celebration, we are collecting your ideas about what you'd like to see on the next Oasis-class ship.  Maybe your idea will come to life ...   What Would You Like to See on Third Oasis-Class Ship

CONGRATULATIONS ROYAL CARIBBEAN ON THIS ACHIEVEMENT 

On a personal note, I'd like to thank Vicki Freed, Senior Vice President Sales and Trade Support & Service, and the entire Royal Caribbean family for being such great travel partners.  Together we strive to exceed our guest's dreams day after day.   It is pretty easy to do when we can offer such a great product as RCI delivers the #RoyalWOW.