Jonas Delays Cruises

Anthem of the Seas 

Grandeur of the Seas 

Under Snow Dome 

According to the National Weather Service...
 
Major to Historic Winter Storm Jonas Will Impact the Middle Atlantic to Southern New England into Sunday

Snow fall so far has amounted to more than two feet in some areas.  Heavy winds will accompany the snow, making for very dangerous conditions.  Many states have activated the National Guard to help combat the snow and rescue people who were trapped by the storm.

Royal Caribbean International has announced two delays caused by Jonas (click link for current statement):


Anthem of the Seas

Anthem of the Seas will be delayed a day, arriving back into Cape Liberty in Bayonne, New Jersey, on Tuesday, January 26 instead of Monday, January 25. Passengers on the current voyage will get an extra day, while passengers on the January 25th voyage will have an altered itinerary, yet to be announced. 

Your local forecast office is

New York, NY

News Headlines

•  Snow Accumulation Forecast
•  Major Winter Storm Expected to Impact the Region into Sunday Morning
•  Significant Coastal Impacts Expected for Portions of the Region Saturday into Sunday
•  Latest Snowfall Amounts

Grandeur of the Seas

Grandeur of the Seas will now return to Baltimore a day late. Grandeur will now depart Baltimore on Monday, January 25th. Passengers on the current voyage will get an extra day, while passengers on the January 24th voyage will have an altered itinerary, yet to be announced.

Your local forecast office is

Baltimore, MD/Washington, D.C.

News Headlines

•  BLIZZARD / WINTER STORM - More info HERE
•  Latest Snowfall Map/Listing
•  Top snowfall statistics for DCA, BWI, and IAD
•  NOW AVAILABLE - Experimental Days 4-7 Winter Storm Threat graphics!

Travel Insurance 

Winter Storm Jonas is the perfect example of why you need to purchase travel insurance.

You had every intention of traveling to New York or Baltimore for your cruise, but Mother Nature had other plans. Your flight was probably cancelled. With a little luck, the airline will be able to reschedule you for a flight that will arrive in time for the revised cruise departure. But what if they can't?

Perhaps you already departed when the storm grounded you at a connection. Now you had an unexpected hotel stay. These are just a few of the possible situations the Travel Insurance Companies' Assistance Desks will be dealing with this weekend.

The intangible benefit of travel insurance is just having someone to turn to when things go wrong during your vacation. The assistance you are given is a bonus benefit. If you've ever experienced a problem during a vacation, you know what I mean. You just can't think on your own - what do I do next - you start to panic.

Make sure you have your Travel Insurance Policy Number & Phone Contact with you. Contact your Cruise Specialist for assistance in obtaining this information (another reason for using a professional for your booking as well).

Stay Safe

For those that are traveling to / from their cruise vacation this weekend - stay safe. To everyone else in the effected areas - stay inside warm & safe.

2015 in Review

As the year draws to a close, we'll take a look at some of the headlines from the past year.  2015 was a relatively quiet year in the news media, at least for the major cruise lines.  There were some bumps and incidents aboard ships, but nothing compared to some of the recent years.

The cruise lines added capacity, but at the same time explored new markets, like China, which helped to stabilize pricing, which was a goal for the industry.   Now more than ever it is important for passengers to plan ahead so that they can take advantage of lead-in pricing.   The lines have vowed not to do "fire sale" pricing close in to the sailing date.  

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

 "First New Cruise Ship
for 2015"

Honors went to Royal Caribbean International as it took delivery of the second ship in the Quantum-class, Anthem of the Seas.

Anthem of the Seas Conveyance

A New Anthem for New York

Anthem of the Seas features all the spectacular innovations of her sister ship Quantum of the Seas, including North Star, SeaPlex, and circus school complete with flying trapeze. Offering a rich mix of cabin options for couples, families, spa enthusiasts, and solo travelers, accommodations range from luxurious suites to single studios - many with balconies - and interior cabins with virtual views. Relaxation and activities choices abound, and with more bars, dining and entertainment options than can be experienced in a week, this dazzling ship delivers a true resort experience and a blast of a cruise!

"Most Anticipated New Ship for 2015"

“It is our view that in the race to build bigger ships, many cruise lines have lost sight of the destinations to which they sail,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking Cruises (May, 2013). “With our new ocean cruises, we are applying the same principles behind our award-winning river cruises to our itinerary and ship design; privileged-access excursions; and onboard experiences to make destinations the true focus.”

Introducing Viking Oceans

With those words above, a new vision was revealed along with the birth of a new cruise line, the first since Disney Cruise Line announced Dis.ney Magic over 17 years ago.  In her debut season Viking Star was awarded with the cruise industry’s highest honors, including being named Best New Ocean Ship and receiving a 5-star rating by the editors of Cruise Critic, receiving the highest rating in the mid-size ship category in Berlitz Cruising & Cruise Ships 2016, and being heralded by CNN as the “world’s best new cruise ship.”  Two additional ships, Viking Sky and Viking Sea, will be delivered in 2016.

A Cruise Line is Born
Introducing Viking Star

Costa Concordia Captain Sentenced 

As these new ships were preparing to enter service, one ship that had been front and center in the industry news for more than 2 years, had one final appearance in the media as litigation completed.  In February, the Italian court passed sentence on Captain Schetino - this video discusses the ruling.  Costa Concordia which had made its final voyage in 2014 as it was towed to Genoa, Italy to be scrapped, now fades into history.  More info: Captain Schettino Prison Sentence Set

Final Entry for 2015 - Norwegian Escape

View Itineraries          Click to Learn More about Norwegian Escape

Norwegian Cruise Line is known for their innovation and the new Norwegian Escape, which debuts this November is no exception.  Cruise Like a Norwegian - Escape Starting November

Norwegian Escape homeports in Miami and sails to the Caribbean year-round.  We've just attended our National Conference on the initial sailing from Miami and are posting articles and pictures in our digital diary.  Well-known maritime artist Guy Harvey designed the hull artwork for the new ship.   There are a number of new dining options introduced on the Norwegian Escape including the first-ever Margaritaville at Sea.

Click (here) or Image to the left for more stories and photos from our conference cruise on Norwegian Escape.   Check out this brand new ship from Norwegian Cruise Line.

If you have specific questions about the ship, the itinerary, or cruising in general, we'd love to hear from you.

Follow us on Twitter: @ChrisPappinMCC  Pinterest: CruiseWithChris Pappin and Facebook: CruiseWithChris Pappin Cruises Inc
 

Industry Changes

Probably the biggest news is in response to passenger demand for improved communications at sea.   Carnival Corporation announced a fleet-wide initiative with new flat-fee offerings and improved bandwidth to meet passenger desires to stay connected to social media while at sea.   Other lines have also followed suit, but not to the same extent.   Keep your eye on this initiative across the industry.

As cruise prices stabilized, many lines have been looking to onboard expenditures as a means to increase revenue.   Items that had once been included, like room service, have started to see additional charges for example.   Some passengers aren't happy with the new trend to "nickle-and-dime" them and may look to cruise lines that have less optional charges.   Luxury lines are becoming an even better value since you know your cost of the entire trip up front.

It will be interesting to see how new players, such as Viking Oceans, impacts the industry as they grow their fleets.  They are bucking the tide to go big and instead opting for smaller ships and more emphasis on the destinations.  Of course, the river cruise industry is booming as the demand soars for this method of exploring the globe.

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) 

Anthem of the Seas Conveyance

Royal Caribbean Anthem of  the Seas         Courtesy Meyer Werft

Anthem of the Seas is almost here - she recently went through her conveyance and it was a success! Want to learn more about the conveyance process? Check out this video to learn more and let me know what you think. Pretty neat, right?


The building of the Anthem of the Seas, the sister vessel of the Quantum of the Seas, commenced with the keel laying on 19th November 2013. Work will be completed upon delivery of the ship this Spring.

Anthem of the Seas Main Characteristics  Tonnage 167,800 GT Overall Length 348 m Width 41.4 m Decks 18 Engine Output 67,200 kW Speed 22 kts Number of Passenger Cabins 2,094 Passengers 4,188

As far as entertainment, engineering and safety are concerned, the Anthem of the Seas will be of an equal standard as its sister vessel, the Quantum of the Seas. Highlights: virtual balconies into the inside cabins  an unforgettable view from the ninety-metre-high ‘North Star‘ observation capsule high-action entertainment such as bumper cars available in the SeaPlex multifunctional room simulated parachute jumping courtesy of the ‘RipCord by iFly‘ traditional attractions, such as the ‘FlowRider‘ surfing simulator

Once it has commenced service, the Anthem of the Seas will sail with its 4,100 passengers from Southampton (England) to Norway and the Mediterranean, before making its way from Fort Lauderdale (Florida) to the Caribbean in winter 2015. A third quantum-class ship has been ordered from the shipyard and is scheduled for delivery in 2016.

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

 

Two Sisters Under Construction

Quantum of the Seas Keel Laying
Photo courtesy Meyer Werft

Royal Caribbean

New Sister-Ships

Construction Milestones

On August 2, 2013, in the German village of Papenburg, the traditional "laying of the keel" took place at the Meyer Werft shipyard for Royal Caribbean's new ship Quantum of the Seas.

The maritime industry is one that is filled with traditions that live on today.   One of those traditions is the laying of the keel ceremony, which is marked by a celebration that includes the placement of a ceremonial coin under the new ship's keel for good luck.   In modern times,  laying down of the keel is when the first block, or section of the ship, is lowered into the building dock.  This marks the initial step in construction of a ship, so by shipbuilding tradition, the construction is dated from this event.  

A 430-ts block was put in place in the yard's covered building dock. Harri Kulovaara, Executive Vice President Maritime of Royal Caribbean International, put down the lucky penny in the dock before the block of the new ship was lowered by the 800-ts crane. 

The first of a total of 74 blocks of the new cruise liner weighs 430 tons. This keel-laying marks the official start of construction of the Quantum of the Seas. For the time being the 167,800-gt Quantum of the Seas is the biggest ship the shipyard has built so far.

Anthem of the Seas Steel Cutting - Courtesy Meyer Werft

Prior to this the first steel-cutting for her sister ship Anthem of the Seas took place at MEYER WERFT 's laser centre. Delivery of the Anthem of the Seas is scheduled in the spring 2015, that of the Quantum of the Seas as early as in the autumn of 2014.

The Oasis and Allure of the Seas will remain the largest ships in the industry, at 220,000 gt, when these two new ships join the Royal Caribbean fleet. 

The ship will include many of the features from the Oasis-class along with some new innovations such as  a parachuting simulator, bumper cars, virtual balconies and many more.  Studio staterooms will allow solo travelers to enjoy their space, inside and out, with 12 of the 28 cabins including balconies.
   

Visit our Quantum of the Seas Microsite

Related Blog Articles:

Quantum Changes for Cruisers
Prepare to be WOWED – The Quantum Class
Royal Caribbean Has a New Star

Prepare to be WOWED – The Quantum Class

Prepare to be WOWED 

The Quantum Class Introducing the newest ships to the Royal Caribbean fleet – Quantum of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas! View the momentous steel cutting ceremony that took place at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Pappenburg, Germany.


Next Generation of Ships for Royal Caribbean International begins construction

Quantum of the Seas Steel Cutting   courtesy Meyer Werft

It has been about a year since we announced "Project Sunshine" which Royal Caribbean embarked on with Meyer Werft Shipyard in Germany.

New Royal Caribbean Ships on Horizon 
 
After one year of planning, the first steel-cutting taking place in MEYER WERFT's laser centre marks the start of construction of the new Project Sunshine ships for Royal Caribbean International. The first ship of this class will be completed in October 2014. It took the plasma torch in the yard's state-of-the-art laser centre merely a couple of minutes to cut a silhouette of the new ship from the steel plate.
The first steel-cutting marks the start of construction of the first ship of the new series. The first of these newbuildings will be named “Quantum of the Seas”. The second ship, the "Anthem of the Seas”, will be delivered in spring 2015.

Joint Press Release

"Our next class of ships will fascinate our guests," says Harri Kulovaara, Royal Caribbean's Excecutive Vice President, Maritime. “We are very happy about the progress we have made in the planning of this wonderful ship." According to Kulovaara, "now the teams from MEYER WERFT, their partners and the teams from Royal Caribbean International are faced with the task of making the ship come to life." 

Having a tonnage of 167,000 grt, the Quantum class ships will offer capacities for approx. 4,100 passengers.

MEYER WERFT's managing partners, Bernard Meyer, Dr. Jan Meyer and Lambert Kruse, as well as the yard's project manager Uwe Wulff, and Jarmo Laakso from Royal Caribbean International attended the steel cutting ceremony in the laser centre. “We are very happy to build these innovative ships for Royal Caribbean International, and to continue our long-standing relationship," said Bernard Meyer.

“We guarantee to deliver a cruise ship featuring an exceptional interior design, which meets the highest technical standards, is extremely energy efficient, and complies with the latest environmental technologies."

As Royal Caribbean International releases more details about the new ships over the next several months, we will bring updates to our blog subscribers and Facebook fans.

These new ships will undoubtedly set another new standard for the industry to follow.   Many of the innovations introduced in the past have been spread throughout the fleet as it undergoes the Royal Advantage revitalization program.  Certainly those and many more new features will be featured on these ships.