Royal Suspends Fuel Supplement

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. today announced the suspension of its fuel supplement for Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Cruises sailings that depart on or after January 1, 2009, anywhere in the world.

The decision reflects the recently sustained lower price of fuel.

Effective Monday, December 8, guests making new bookings for sailings that depart on or after January 1, 2009, will not be charged the fuel supplement.

Guests already booked on sailings that depart on or after January 1, 2009, will receive a refund of any fuel supplement paid, as follows:
Guests with existing bookings for sailings that depart on or after January 1, 2009, and who are now paid in full, will have the supplement automatically refunded to them in the form of an onboard credit during their sailing.
Guests with existing bookings for sailings that depart on or after January 1, 2009, and who are not yet paid in full, will have the supplement automatically removed from their outstanding balance. The company reserves the right to reinstate fuel supplement charges if the price of West Texas Intermediate fuel exceeded $65 per barrel, on the quarterly milestone dates mentioned in the company’s October 24, 2008, press release.

The company announced on October 24, 2008, that no fuel supplement would be charged for new bookings made on or after November 10, 2008, for sailings that depart on or after January 1, 2010, unless there is an upturn in fuel prices. Today’s announcement does not affect those previous terms.

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. is a global cruise vacation company that operates Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Pullmantur, Azamara Cruises and CDF Croisieres de France. The company has a combined total of 38 ships in service and six under construction. It also offers unique land-tour vacations in Alaska, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Europe and South America.

Official Press Release Royal Caribbean dated 5th December 2008.

Azamaras Exotic Asian Excursions

In celebration of her Asia debut this winter, the deluxe, 694-guest Azamara Quest is offering guests a way to make the most of their experiences in the exotic destinations that she will visit. Two tour packages that each include a well-rounded selection of excursions will be available for seven select sailings during Azamara’s 2008-09 Asia season. The packages are similar to those Azamara Cruises offered in its first Europe season earlier this year, offering guests a 5% savings over the retail value of the tours in each package. The packages opened for sale this week.

The “Omega Collection” is designed for a more experienced traveler who has been to the destination before or is looking for a more specialized excursion experience. The “Alpha Collection” is ideal for first-time visitors to the destination or for those who seek a variety of highlights in the destination. The packages do not include a tour in every port, which gives guests the option to purchase other, individual tours in those locations.

Three of Azamara Quest’s Southeast Asia itineraries will offer the packages: an 18-night sailing from Singapore to Hong Kong, departing on December 16, 2008; a 14-night sailing from Hong Kong to Singapore, departing on January 3, 2009, and a 14-night voyage from Singapore to Hong Kong, departing on January 17, 2009. Sample tours included in each package during these itineraries include:

• ” In the Alpha Collection, a visit to Hue (Danang), Vietnam, called “Imperial Hue.” Hue is known as the Imperial City of the Nguyen Emperors and this tour allows guests to visit the Imperial Citadel, which was built following a plan similar to the one that shaped the Forbidden City in Beijing beginning in 1804. Guests will enjoy a buffet “Imperial Feast” lunch featuring Asian specialties before visiting one of the numerous imperial tombs that dot the countryside.

• ” In the Omega Collection, a two-night visit to Bangkok (Klong Toey), Thailand, called “Essence of Cambodia.” The highlight of this tour is a visit to Angkor Wat, the largest temple in the world. The temple took 30 years to complete and has been occupied continuously by Buddhist monks. Guests also will have the opportunity to visit Ta Prohm temple, which has been left in near-original condition, as well as Angkor Thom, the last capital of the Khmers, with its Elephant Terrace, Terrace of the Leper King and the stunning Bayon temple.

Four Northeast Asia sailings will offer the tour packages: a 14-night sailing from Hong Kong to Beijing, departing on January 31 and February 28, 2009; and a 14-night sailing from Beijing to Hong Kong, departing on February 14 and March 14, 2009. Sample tours included in each package during these itineraries include:

• ” In the Alpha Collection, a visit to Shanghai, China, called “Shanghai Famous Acrobats.” This evening activity includes an acrobatic performance that follows a tradition that has been unbroken since 200 BC.

• ” In the Omega Collection, a multi-day overland tour of Hiroshima, Japan, called “Bullet Train Overland Tour.” On the January 31 and February 28 sailings, this tour goes from Hiroshima to Osaka, and on the February 14 and March 14 sailings, it goes in the reverse direction. The tour features time in Kyoto, which was the capital of Japan for 1,100 years. Kyoto has over 1,200 Buddhist temples and more than 400 Shinto shrines, most of which are completely intact. In Kyoto, this tour features visits to several temples and the Nijo Castle. In Hiroshima, the tour includes visits to Peace Memorial Park and the Atomic Bomb dome. The centerpiece of this tour is a ride between Hiroshima and Osaka on the famous “Shinkansen,” or bullet train, which makes the trip in approximately 105 minutes.

Packages are available for purchase online, and must be purchased before ten days prior to the date of sailing. Tours within the package cannot be exchanged or cancelled by the guest. If Azamara Cruises cancels a tour, the guest will receive a refund for the full retail value of the tour.

Azamara Cruises unlocks the hidden corners of the world for those who desire to immerse themselves in the rich details of every voyage. The deluxe ships – Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest – offer an intimate experience, while allowing access to exotic destinations experienced travelers long to reach. For the 694 guests on each Azamara Cruises ship, every moment at sea embodies the pinnacle of luxury, and each footstep on shore accentuates the difference between visiting a place and getting a true sense of place. This year, Azamara Cruises presents the best of enchanting Europe, elite Asia, and the most captivating Caribbean and the Panama Canal. The line also offers unique cruisetours in Asia and Europe. For more information, travel agents are encouraged to call 1-877-222-2526. Guests are invited to call 1-877-999-9553.

Official Press Release Azamara Cruises dated 5th November 2008.

Royal Cut Fuel Supplement

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. today announced that the company’s fuel supplement will no longer apply to new Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Cruises bookings made on or after November 10, 2008, anywhere in the world, for sailings that depart on or after January 1, 2010.

This decision takes into consideration the recent reductions in global fuel prices. The company has also established specific guidelines that will determine whether fuel supplement refunds will be provided for sailings that begin in 2009 and later, which were booked prior to November 10, 2008, if fuel prices remain below a specific price threshold.

For 2009 sailings and 2010 sailings booked before November 10, 2008, the company will determine on a quarterly basis whether fuel supplements will be refunded. Refunds, in the form of an onboard credit, will be provided if the closing price of West Texas Intermediate fuel is $65 or less, at the closing time of the New York Mercantile Exchange, two weeks prior to the beginning of the upcoming calendar quarter. When those conditions are met, an onboard credit will be provided to all guests on sailings that begin during the upcoming calendar quarter.

The dates on which the price of West Texas Intermediate fuel will be measured, and the quarters during which refunds could apply are:

Fuel Price Determination Date           Quarter of Possible Fuel Supplement Refunds
 
December 18, 2008                                    First quarter 2009 
March 18, 2009                                          Second quarter 2009
June 17, 2009                                             Third quarter 2009
September 17, 2009                                   Fourth quarter 2009
December 18, 2009                                    First quarter 2010
March 18, 2010                                          Second quarter 2010
June 17, 2010                                             Third quarter 2010
September 17, 2010                                   Fourth quarter 2010 

The company will continue to closely monitor the movement of global fuel prices and recognize that an upturn in those prices could necessitate the reinstatement of a fuel supplement.

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. is a global cruise vacation company that operates Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Pullmantur, Azamara Cruises and CDF Croisieres de France. The company has a combined total of 38 ships in service and six under construction. It also offers unique land-tour vacations in Alaska, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Europe and South America.

Official Press Release Royal Caribbean dated 24th October 2008.

Azamara Tastes of Europe

From Italian “slow food” and Slovenian salt to the French vineyards of Sauternes and Graves, Azamara Cruises’ slate of culinary-themed shore excursions offer travelers the opportunity to immerse themselves in the richness of Europe’s culture. Azamara also has begun offering packaged shore excursions on certain itineraries.

This summer and fall, the 694-passenger Azamara ships, Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest, are sailing the Baltic and Mediterranean seas, respectively, for the first time. Onboard, guests enjoy complimentary meals in the ships’ restaurants, including two specialty restaurants, as well as various wine-themed workshops and activities. On land, the offerings are no less tantalizing. Examples of Azamara Cruises’ food- and wine-related Europe shore excursions include:

• “Slow food” tours in Livorno, Civitavecchia, and Venice, Italy; designed for those who love tastes that have endured through the ages, and who appreciate traditional ways of preparing and savoring meals, these tours feature wine tastings, olive oil tastings, cooking demonstrations and serene countryside walks.
• A sampling of Koper, Slovenia’s wine, olives and salt during a tour that begins with a drive through the Slovenian Mediterranean coast to the salt plants that date back more than 700 years; there, guests see the salt houses, where raw salt is processed and packaged, and continue their journey to a farmhouse known for its olive-oil production and its depiction of Istrian farm life, as well as to a Slovenian wine cellar for a tasting.
• A “Vineyards of Sauternes and Graves” tour in the Bordeaux region of France, where guests travel through acres of vineyards before visiting the underground winery at Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte, known for its red wines; the region of Sauternes, where the world-renowned dessert wine is vented; and chateaux Y’Quem and Suduiraut, which offer outstanding tastes as well.
• An exclusive cooking workshop at Amsterdam, Holland’s Michelin-2-star Ron Blaauw restaurant, where guests have the opportunity to learn from a culinary master before enjoying a gastronomic four-course lunch paired with select wines.
• A “pasta party” at Country Relais due Laghi in Civitavecchia, featuring a visit to the medieval village of Anguillara by the lake of Bracciano before a trip to Tuscia, where local chefs demonstrate the traditional art of pasta-making three ways: with water and flour, with eggs, and with potatoes, before inviting guests to try their hand at it before enjoying a five-course gourmet meal.
• A celebration of the colors, tastes and smells of Turkey in Kusadasi, during which guests experience a visit to Sirince, known for its incredibly fragrant and flavorful apricots and peaches; a trip to the mountainous area of Kirazl Koy, where guests can visit the local primary school, nap beneath a tree, or stroll through the village sipping Turkish coffee; a freshly prepared special lunch of gozleme, keskek and manti; and even a chance to help the locals pick seasonal fruits.
Azamara also has introduced select shore excursion packages during its European season, that make it easy for guests to enjoy an in-depth, immersive experience in the region in which they are cruising. “Capitals of the Baltic,” for example, offered on some of Azamara’s Scandinavia/Russia sailings, includes a slate of excursions such as “Berlin’s Cultural Splendors,” “Porvoo, Hirvihaara Manor and Helsinki Highlights,” “The Best of St. Petersburg,” “Hermitage Splendor,” “Moscow and the Mysterious Kremlin,” “Historic Stockholm and Sigtuna,” and ‘Drottingholm Palace, Residence of the Swedish.” The packages, which guests can book before sailing, are offered on 18 different sailings. Booking these tours as a package individually costs guests less than it would to book all of them separately.

Azamara also offers guests the opportunity to extend their European vacation with a cruisetour, exploring destinations inland that are not accessible by ship. Azamara’s cruisetours in Europe are offered pre-cruise; ranging from three to eight nights in length, they focus on the regions of Italy, Greece and Eastern Europe.

Official Press Release Azamara Cruises dated 5th June 2008.

Azamara Cruises set to Amaze in Asia

A popular song may have touted the allure of “one night in Bangkok,” but cruise enthusiasts who want more than one night in the region will delight in Azamara Cruises’ overnight-rich offerings for 2009-10. Azamara will offer a series of 14- to 18-night Southeast and Northeast Asian voyages and two 24-night repositioning cruises, each featuring two to six in-port overnight stays. Azamara also will offer guests the opportunity to spend seven nights in China on a cruisetour before or after their sailing. Azamara’s Asia bookings are open.

Azamara Quest, the 694-guest ship that underwent a $19-million makeover before its 2007 launch, will stay overnight in 10 ports during its Asia season: Bangkok, Thailand; Danang, Vietnam; Dubai, United Arab Emirates; Ha Long Bay, Vietnam, Vietnam; Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; Hong Kong, China; Mumbai, India; Shanghai, China; Singapore; and Tianjin, China. Azamara Quest also will make day visits to 11 other ports, bringing the season’s total ports to 21, in a total of 13 countries. Three ports will be new to the brand: Nagasaki, Japan; Phuket, Thailand; and Taipei, Taiwan.

Additional highlights of the season include:

• Cruises from three homeports: Hong Kong, Shanghai and Singapore.
• A special 18-night Christmas and New Year’s voyage from December 22, 2009, to January 9, 2010, which overnights in six different ports, including two nights in Bangkok.
• An alternating pattern of 14-night Southeast Asia sailings between Hong Kong and Singapore in January and February 2010; these feature a day call in Danang and three overnights on every voyage, plus additional overnights in Bangkok and Ha Long Bay on the northbound itinerary, and an additional day call at Sihanoukville, Cambodia and a three-day call at Bangkok on the southbound itinerary.
• A one-time Northeast Asia sailing from Hong Kong to Shanghai on March 6, featuring overnights in Hong kong, Shanghai and Beijing, as well as visits to Taipei and Nagasaki.
• The opportunity to experience Azamara Quest for 24 nights on two repositioning cruises between Athens, Greece, and Singapore, each featuring overnight stays in Dubai and Mumbai as well as a visit to Phuket.
• New dock locations in Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City and Ha Long Bay, bringing guests closer to the cities via docks that are inaccessible to larger ships.
• “Essence of Cambodia” – A three-day shore excursion in Sihanoukville featuring intensive visits to the famed Angkor Wat.
• “Cu Chi Tunnels” – A day visit to Ho Chi Minh City’s extensive underground network of tunnels that were used by Vietnamese soldiers to remain unseen by their enemies.
• “Shanghai Classic Tour” – An in-depth city tour featuring visits to the Jade Buddha Temple, the Bund (Shanghai’s most famous thoroughfare), the Yu Garden and Old Town.
• “Kyoto Experience” – A day tour to the former capital of Japan, featuring stops at shrines and temples preserved through World War II.
• “Morning Refresh in Lumpini Park” – An opportunity to join the locals in Bangkok for some early-morning Tai Chi in a popular park.
• “Asian Cooking Experience” – Multiple excursions offering firsthand instruction and experience in preparing highly intriguing cuisines such as those of Korea, Thailand and Vietnam.
Guests who wish to extend their Azamara experience in Asia can do so by adding a seven-night land-based cruisetour in China, either before or after their cruise.

The package includes the following:

• Three nights in Beijing, accompanied by tours of the Great Wall, Tiananmen Square, and the Forbidden City, as well as a Peking Duck dinner.
• Two nights in Xian, featuring visits to the Terracotta Warriors Museum and the Shaanxi Provincial Museum.
• One night in Guilin, including an outing to the Sound and Lights show and a cruise on the River Li.
• One night in Hong Kong, featuring a sightseeing tour.
• Deluxe hotel accommodations in every city.
• Complete accompaniment by a tour guide.
• All transfers and intra-tour flights.
• Daily breakfast and several other meals.

Travel enthusiasts are encouraged to visit Azamara Cruises website for more information.

Official Press Release Azamara Cruises dated 28th May 2008.

Azamara Cruises Marks First Anniversary

The traditional symbol for a first anniversary is paper, and Azamara Cruises today is tempted to paper the walls of its Miami offices with the accolades the deluxe brand has received since setting sail for the first time just one year ago today.

“We’re thrilled with how far we’ve come in just one year, and honored by the recognition our deluxe brand has received from our guests, our travel agent partners, and the press,” said Azamara Cruises President and CEO Dan Hanrahan. “The extraordinary staff on both Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest has worked tirelessly to ensure that every guest receives the vacation experience we’ve promised since the brand’s launch.”

That launch officially began when Azamara Journey set sail last year, promising a more intimate onboard experience – with a capacity of just 694 guests – and access to the less-traveled ports of call experienced travelers want to visit.

Azamara also inspired a new category in the cruise business – the deluxe category – serving a niche market between premium and luxury.

“Azamara Cruises was expressly designed for travel enthusiasts who appreciate what a cruise vacation has to offer, but are looking for something a little different, and a little more special,” said Hanrahan. “And what’s special about Azamara is its distinctive combination of impeccable service, exceptional cuisine, and off-the-beaten-path destinations, with immersive shore excursions.” Azamara expanded to a two-ship fleet just five months after the brand’s launch, when Azamara Quest entered service in October 2007. Both ships previously sailed with Madrid-based cruise and tour operator Pullmantur S.A., and were acquired when Azamara’s parent company, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., purchased the company in 2006.

Prior to both ships’ launch, the line invested nearly $40 million between the two to incorporate two specialty restaurants and 32 new suites on each ship, and entirely new bedding, decking, flooring, carpeting, art collection and design schemes, within a variety of updated, stylish lounges, including a Martini Bar, Mosaic Café, Sushi Café, Drawing Room jazz/piano bar, casino, Boutique C, AstralSpa by Elemis, Acupuncture at Sea and an Internet café.

The guest experience on both ships is decidedly more exclusive, with Azamara butler service in every stateroom and suite, as well as concierge-style amenities, including fresh-cut flowers, fresh fruit, Elemis toiletries, complimentary use of Frette cotton robes, two complimentary pairs of slippers, plasma TVs and plush European bedding.

The two specialty restaurants – the Mediterranean-influenced “Aqualina” and the steak and seafood restaurant, “Prime C,” each complimentary for guests – were created to rival some of the finest restaurants on land, and guest response indicates the line is meeting that goal, with ratings steadily rising from the brand’s launch to all-time highs that remain today. The main dining room, “Discoveries,” is open seating, as is the casual dining area, comprised of “Breeza” and “Windows Café.” There are no formal nights; instead, country-club casual apparel is welcome day and night.

Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest are currently plying the waters of the Mediterranean, on exotic itineraries such as a 16-night Western Europe cruise featuring four destinations in Spain, the Channel Islands, a cruise through Germany’s Kiel Canal, and a two-night stay in London near the Tower Bridge – a vivid illustration of Azamara cruise ships’ ability to visit locations larger ships can’t reach. Azamara Journey also sails in the Baltic this summer, with several overnight stays in captivating ports of call.

Beginning this fall, following its first European season, Azamara Journey will present two new, 16-night Panama Canal sailings, followed by a series of 12-night exotic Caribbean cruises through March 2009, when the ship will relocate to Europe.

Meanwhile, Azamara Quest will set sail in exotic Asia with a 24-night voyage from Athens (Lavrion), Greece to Singapore departing November 22, 2008, followed by an 18-night Southeast Asia voyage from Singapore to Hong Kong, China; two 14-night Southeast Asia cruises between Hong Kong and Singapore, and four 14-night Northeast Asia cruises between Hong Kong and Beijing (Tianjin), China. Seven-night escorted cruisetour packages are available for guests interested in optimizing their Asian experience, through in-depth land-based tours in Hong Kong, Beijing, Xian and Guilin, and visits to the Great Wall and Terracotta Warriors. Azamara Quest will return to Europe on April 7, 2009, from Singapore to Athens (Lavrion), Greece, for its second season in Europe. All sailings on both ships – including those in 2009 – are open for booking.

Azamara Cruises is marking its anniversary with a complimentary champagne toast at sailaway today for all guests on both ships, capped with a special sweet treat with turndown service, and an internal celebration at the company’s Miami, Miramar and Wichita locations.

Azamara Cruises unlocks the hidden corners of the world for those who desire to immerse themselves in the rich details of every voyage. The deluxe ships – Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest – offer an intimate experience, while allowing access to exotic destinations experienced travelers long to reach. For the 694 guests on each Azamara Cruises ship, every moment at sea embodies the pinnacle of comfort, and each footstep on shore accentuates the difference between visiting a place and getting a true sense of place. This year, Azamara Cruises presents the best of enchanting Europe, elite Asia, and the most captivating Caribbean and the Panama Canal. The line also offers unique cruisetours in Europe. For more information, travel agents are encouraged to call 1-877-222-2526. Guests are invited to call 1-877-999-9553. Or, visit Azamara Cruises website.

Official Press Release Azamara Cruises dated 6th May 2008.

Azamara’s South American Journey Ends

Although other cruise lines are moving stock to South America as it becomes the new area to cruise, Azamara are moving Azamara Journey from South America to the Caribbean and Panama Canal.

Azamara Cruises have also announced they are to no longer run a world cruise after their first and probably only one, proved to be not as good a seller as they had hoped for.

Celebrity Cruises creates deluxe cruise brand Azamara Cruises

Celebrity Cruises has created a new deluxe cruise brand called Azamara Cruises. The cruise line will feature the two previous Renaissance ships that were to join Celebrity Xpedition as Celebrity Journey and Quest. These 30,277 ton ships are very popular among both cruise lines and guests.

Azamara Cruises will operate the two 710 passenger ships in Bermuda, Panama Canal/South America this year, Asia, the Caribbean, South America and Europe in 2008. In 2010 they aim to call at 200 ports in more than 70 countries.

Azamara Journey has just undergone a $19M refit including cabin upgrades and an expanded spa along with two new restaurants.

Richard Fain, chairman and CEO of parent company Royal Caribbean Cruises, said: “This new line falls into what we consider the deluxe category – a category between premium and luxury.”