Royal Caribbean Updates

Itinerary Updates for 2012:  Royal Caribbean is shaking things up a bit with the 2012 sailings from the Northeast.  Now don’t get too excited…I’m not talking about a new ship coming into the area (I know, I know, that’s what we’re all really waiting for)!  But this is good too!

 Enchantment of the Seas, which home ports in Baltimore year round, currently sails a 5-night Bermuda / 9-night Eastern Caribbean schedule in the spring and summer.  During that same time of year in 2012 the rotation will be a 6-night Bermuda / 8-night Bermuda & Northeast itinerary.  What’s nice about the new Bermuda itinerary is that the ship is docked for three days in Kings Wharf, Bermuda.  I’ve always felt that two days on the island cuts things a bit short, despite how much I enjoy my sea days.  The new 8-night cruise will still have an overnight in Bermuda, but will also make stops in Boston and Newport.  Come the fall of 2012, the itinerary of the 8-night changes to a Canada & New England route.  Ports of call include Portland, Bar Harbor, St. John and Halifax.

 Explorer of the Seas, which leaves from Cape Liberty, New Jersey year round, will still alternate between a 5-night Bermuda / 9-night Bermuda & Caribbean in the spring and summer.  In the fall that changes to a 7-night Bermuda itinerary that includes three days on the lovely island.

Beverage Package Modifications:  Some new options have been announced for those guests that like the all inclusive beverage experience. There is the …

•  Beer Package:  All beer brands plus 25% discount on cocktails and wine. Cost is $29 per guest /day.
•  Classic Package:  Included in this package are all beer brands, as well as cocktails in the house and call brand categories. A 25% discount is offered on all premium and specialty brand liquors, as well as all wines.  Cost is $39 per guest /day.
•  Premium Package: The Premium-brand liquors are included in this package, as well as champagne cocktails. All beer brands, and wines by the glass up to $10 are included as well. A 25% discount is offered on specialty liquor brands, as well as wines by the bottle and glasses of wine price over $10.  Cost is $49 per guest /day.

 These packages will only be available on three ships; ships which cater to non-American cruisers; Independence of the Seas, Grandeur of the Seas, and Legend of the Seas.  I suppose if these packages prove to be successful Royal Caribbean may consider rolling it out to other ships."