Stay Park and Fly

Chicago to Miami

Our 2016 National Conference was held on Carnival Vista which sailed from Miami.  The cruise actually began on Saturday December 3rd, but we had a pre-conference reception at Sheraton Miami Airport the night before.

We booked an early flight (6 AM) to Miami so that we'd take advantage of cheap airfare and also get to the hotel in time for the evening event.

That meant we'd need to get to O'Hare airport around 4:30 AM at the latest.   We booked the Hampton Inn O'Hare for the night before because they offered a hotel package which included transfers to the airport and parking for the duration of our cruise.

Friday morning, we got up early and gathered our luggage. After checking out we boarded the shuttle bus, which was waiting, for the short ride to O'Hare Airport.

The airport was decorated for the holiday season.  As you can see in this picture, the airport is pretty deserted at this time of morning.   It didn't take long to get checked in and through security.  

One thing to keep in mind if you have an early flight like we did is that most concession stands at the airport don't open until 5:30 or 6:00 AM.  Therefore, we had brought some food for breakfast from home.

Staying at a hotel close to the airport prior to departure is a good way to avoid the stress of rushing to the airport early in the morning.

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