World's Three Largest Cruise Ships Meet For The First Time At Sea

Royal Caribbean International’s Oasis-class ships, Oasis of the Seas, Allure of the Seas and the new Harmony of the Seas, struck a chord today, greeting each other at sea for the first and possibly only time. In a meeting of unprecedented proportions, the three record-breaking sisters came together to celebrate the U.S. arrival of Harmony of the Seas on the eve of the ship’s debut in her new permanent homeport of Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.   The Oasis-class ships are architectural and engineering marvels, boasting industry-changing and unexpected onboard experiences. Each ship features seven themed neighborhoods – a distinctive feature of the Oasis-class ships – and a number of spectacular features, adventures and thrills, including the lush and tranquil Central Park with nearly 12,000 plants and trees, FlowRider surf simulators; a thrilling zip line 82 foot long that races guests nine-decks in the air, luxurious multi-level loft suites with expansive floor-to-ceiling windows, the outdoor AquaTheater that hosts dazzling high-diving, aquatic and acrobatic performances, a Boardwalk with a hand-carved carousel, and The Rising Tide Bar, the first moving bar at sea.   The newest and youngest of the three ships, Harmony of the Seas, officially claimed the title of world’s largest cruise ship, beating her sisters by a mere foot in length and nearly 1,700 gross registered tons. The ship features a bold lineup of new thrilling experiences, imaginative dining, unparalleled entertainment and the latest technology, including VOOM, the fastest internet at sea. Harmony combines the iconic seven neighborhood concept with some of the most modern and groundbreaking amenities and offerings that will appeal to guests of all ages. From The Ultimate Abyss, a dramatic 10-story tall slide, to unparalleled entertainment including Broadway’s hit musical Grease, sophisticated dining in venues ranging from Jamie’s Italian Cuisine by celebrity chef Jamie Oliver to Royal Caribbean’s whimsical restaurant Wonderland, which is a unique culinary adventure for the senses, and robot bartenders, there is an adventure for everyone onboard Harmony of the Seas.      For additional information or to make reservations, vacationers should call their travel agent; visit RoyalCaribbean.com; or call (800) ROYAL-CARIBBEAN.

Travelore News: Puerto Rico To Welcome World’s Largest Cruise Ships In 2016

Oasis of the Seas

Next year Puerto Rico will welcome the largest cruise ships in the world, Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas, both from the Royal Caribbean line, as announced today by Puerto Rico Tourism Company’s Executive Director, Ingrid Rivera Rocafort and Port Authority Executive Director, Colberg Ingrid Rodríguez.

This announcement is part of the commitment made under the administration of Gov. Alejandro Garcia Padilla to attract mega-cruise ships to the island, once the renovation of the Pier 3 is completed. During the summer of 2016, the mega-cruise ships will complete a combined total of 10 trips, which will generate 60,000 additional passengers to the Port of San Juan.

"The arrival of the two ships represent an economic impact for Puerto Rico of approximately $6.4 million, only in this first season," said Rivera Rocafort. “With an average capacity of 6,000 passengers and 2,400 crew members, the ships will set sail from ports in Florida with seven-night itineraries, visiting several Caribbean destinations.”

Meanwhile, the Port Authority Executive Director reaffirmed the government's commitment to continue to modernize and adapt the Port of San Juan docks to the demands of the tourism market and attract more mega-cruise ships.

"The port entrances of the cruises, Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas is evidence that we have recovered the strength and confidence of the cruise industry in the region,” said Colberg Rodriguez. “The arrival of both cruises is an achievement made possible thanks to the expansion of Pier 3, that included an investment of $9.3 million to place the Port of San Juan at a level that it deserves, and provide incentives to attract cruise ships. The demonstrated effort and interagency support between the port and Puerto Rico Tourism Company have been key in the record number of cruise passenger arrivals to the country."

Michael Bayley, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean International, agreed that the recent enhancements made to Pier 3 have been key to making the upcoming inaugural trip a reality.

"It is with great pride that Royal Caribbean announced that the two largest and most innovative ships in the world, Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas, will be coming to Puerto Rico for the first time in the summer of 2016,” Bayley said.

Some Of The World’s Most Extravagant Luxury Cruise Suites

Cruising has become increasingly popular over recent years, and today ordinary holiday makers now take to cruising in search of an alternative to the endless pool-side resorts. However, for those looking to relive the exclusive and luxurious charm from the golden days of cruising, this post looks at the very best that money can buy on a luxury cruise, from duplex Royal Suites to round the clock private butler service.

Royal Loft Suite, Allure of the Seas

Holder of the world title for Largest Passenger Ship, the $1.5 billion vessel Allure of the Seas is just less than 1200ft in length and can accommodate 6,300 passengers in utmost luxury. This grandiose luxury cruise ship features a central garden park, literally a living garden at sea with over 12,000 plants and 60 trees. Guests can also enjoy the two-deck dance hall, a theater, an ice skating rink, pools, spas, gyms, rock climbing wall; to name but a few of the on board extravagances.

But the Jewel in the Crown of this luxury ship is The Royal Loft Suite – a luxury 1600 sq-ft penthouse apartment. As a duplex suite, its saloon features breath-taking 20ft high ceilings and towering glass doors with panoramic views out onto the 900 sq-ft private terrace. An open feature staircase leads up the Master bedroom with luxury spa bathroom. On the ground floor the expansive salon has it all; a mini grand piano, a library, bar, a sumptuous lounging area, and private dining. There is also a second bedroom and second bathroom.

Out on the private terrace you have dual aspect views, a sumptuous day bed, a family size Jacuzzi, and al fresco dinning. All this exclusive luxury comes at a price of course….expect to pay up to £20,000 per week for the privilege.

Queens Grill Suites, Queen Mary 2

QM2 is fondly known as “The Grandest of Them All” in the cruise industry – and the term is well deserved. This classically styled ship is the most magnificent ocean liner ever built (at a cost of $800 million) and features 10 extravagant dining rooms, 5 swimming pools, a casino, ballrooms, theaters, lounges…and boasts the only Planetarium at sea!

When money is no object the QM2 offers five duplex apartments which are two decks high and over 1650 sq-ft. Each apartment features its own gymnasium, fully stocked bar, private balcony, private butler, and concierge service. In case this is still not enough, the apartment can be connected to a penthouse to create a stunning 2,300 sq-ft floating palace – now that’s luxury! Whilst the styling is classic, the prices are very contemporary…with the additional penthouse on the duplex apartment you can pay up to £50,000 per week.

Royal Suite, Silver Whisper

Six Star Cruises have come up with possibly the most expensive luxury cruise suite ever… a cool £1 million to be pampered in the Royal Suite aboard the Silver Whisper on a four month cruise.

If you have the odd £1 million kicking about the place doing nothing, then you will certainly be well rewarded on this cruise. A Rolls-Royce Phantom will whisk you to the airport, where you board a private jet followed by a helicopter to transfer you directly to the ship. Awaiting your arrival on board, a team of private staff will be preparing Dom Perignon and the finest caviar in your own private dining room.

The Silver Whisper itself is an all-suite high luxury vessel, with maximum capacity of only 380 guests. But you might choose never to leave the Royal Suite, given its two extravagant bedrooms (each with private verandas), two marble whirlpool bathrooms, and capacious lounge leading out onto another luxury teak veranda.

Contributed by Daniel Barber, Director of AquaCruise Yacht Charter.  www.aluxuryblog.com

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