The Norway based shipping company Royal Caribbean International was founded in the year 1969. Royal Caribbean International (then called Royal Caribbean Cruise Line) was the result of collaboration between Anders Wilhelmsen & Company, I.M. Skaugen & Company, and Gotaas Larsen (all Norwegian). Today, Royal Caribbean International is a multi-billion dollar company which reported a net income of $633.9 million in the year 2006. Royal Caribbean International put its first ship Song of Norway into service in the year 1970. By 1972 Royal Caribbean International had added 2 more ships to its fleet (Nordic Prince in 1971 and Sun Viking in 1972). The Song of Norway was so popular, that it holds the distinction of being the first ever passenger ship to be lengthened to increase its capacity. The Nordic Prince was also ?stretched? in the year 1980 to increase its capacity. Royal Caribbean International received widespread recognition by adding the Song of America to its fleet in 1982. By 1988, the cruise liner Sovereign of the Seas was also added to Royal Caribbean International's fleet. Sovereign of the Seas is the oldest operational ship in Royal Caribbean International's fleet. The purchase of Viking Serenade in 1990 signalled the beginning of a new era for Royal Caribbean International's. Starting 1990, Royal Caribbean International has added new ships to its fleet on a yearly basis; Royal Caribbean International currently has 21 operational ships in service. Royal Caribbean International is currently one of the largest cruise line operators in the world and is also the leading provider of cruise liner based holiday packages to Caribbean destinations. Known for their innovation, Royal Caribbean International has purchased two coastal properties; one in Haiti and one in Bahamas both can be accessed only by guests on board a Royal Caribbean International cruise liner. Royal Caribbean International was listed on the NYSE (New York Stock Exchange) in 1993 and by 1995 Royal Caribbean International had established its US headquarters in Miami, Florida. The Song of Norway was sold and replaced by Rhapsody of the Seas and Enchantment of the Seas in 1997. The company merged with the Greek cruise line Celebrity Cruises, and changed its name from "Royal Caribbean Cruise Line" to "Royal Caribbean International". After the merger, Royal Caribbean International rapidly expanded and has added 12 ships in 8 years starting 1997. The latest addition to Royal Caribbean International's fleet is Liberty of the Seas an 18 deck ship with a passenger capacity of 3,634.. At over 154,000 gross tons, Liberty of the Seas is the largest cruise ship and passenger vessels ever built. Royal Caribbean International operates cruise liners to various destinations all over the world. Each Royal Caribbean ship includes a top-of-ship lounge called the Viking Crown Lounge. In addition each ship offers sweeping panoramic views, onboard rock climbing walls, bars, lounges, spas, gyms, a main dining room and alternative dining venues. Some of the destinations covered by Royal Caribbean International's cruise ships are Panama, Hawaii, Alaska, Bahamas, Bermuda, Europe, the Caribbean, South America and popular destinations in Asia. Interesting Facts about Royal Caribbean International ? The name of every operational Royal Caribbean International ship ends in ?of the seas?. ? Royal Caribbean International owns Freedom of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas; both are the largest cruise liners in the world. ? Royal Caribbean International was the first company to ?stretch? a ship, and has stretched 3 ships (Enchantment of the Seas, Song of Norway and Nordic Prince) ? Royal Caribbean International ships are divided into Freedom Class, Voyager Class, Radiance Class, Vision Class and Sovereign Class. The Empress of the Seas is the only ship that does not belong to any class. The next line of ships will belong to the Genesis Class. ? Royal Caribbean International's privately owned resorts are called Labadee and Coco Cay.
Royal Caribbean cruises to ports of call all around the world. Their ships range in size from the (relatively) small Empress of the Seas that carries just over 2,000 passengers, to the incredibly large Freedom family of ships, each of which can carry 3,634 voyagers. An as-yet-unnamed ship is currently being built that will carry an incredible 5,400 guests out to sea.
So where do all these people go? Well, that depends on the time of year. In the summer, many people want to cruise north. Alaska is one of the most popular destinations, and Royal Caribbean serves that area with four ships: the Radiance of the Seas, the Vision of the Seas, the Serenade of the Seas, and the Rhapsody of the Seas.
Departing from San Francisco, Seattle, or Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, these cruises are typically 7 nights, although Royal Caribbean offers 13- and 14-night cruises, as well. Ports of call include Hubbard Glacier, Skagway, Icy Strait, Ketchikan, and the Inside Passage.
Three time zones away, the summer cruise north to New England and Canada is also popular. Departing from several destinations along the east coast, this cruise takes voyagers into and past Boston, Bar Harbor, Halifax, and New Brunswick before returning home.
Looking for something a little more exotic? Try leaving from Sydney, Australia on the Rhapsody of the Seas for a cruise that will take you around Australia and over to New Zealand before returning to Australia. These cruises sail during the northern hemisphere's fall and winter seasons, which means it's a glorious spring and summer "down under". Now that's how you shake off those winter blues!
But some people say cruising is about kicking back and watching the water go by. If that's your style, consider Royal Caribbean's transatlantic crossings. These typically take 12 to 15 nights and you'll sail on one of several ships. In the shoulder seasons (spring and fall), you can find great bargains on these cruises by booking a "repositioning" cruise.
Many cruise ships sail northern routes in the summer and southern routes in the winter. In between they must be moved from one locale to another. This is called "repositioning" and it may involve big savings for you.
The sailing is one-way, of course. Once the ship gets to its new destination, it won't be returning to the old locale for about six months. You need to be prepared to return home on your own, but the savings on these cruises can make buying a plane ticket a no-brainer.
Winter cruises are most popular to warmer climates, like Bermuda, Hawaii, and South America. Royal Caribbean sails its Splendour of the Seas to Sao Paulo, Brazil in winter and spring. These cruises last from 3 to 8 nights, although there is a longer, 14-night cruise that includes Brazil and the Panama Canal. All of these depart from Sao Paulo, Brazil, except for the 14-night cruise, which departs from Ft. Lauderdale.
Check travel web sites or contact a cruise specialist to stay on top of bargains being offered on Royal Caribbean cruises. There are often specials offered on short cruises, underbooked sailings, or off-season routes.
If you're interested in shore excursions, package deals that include airfare (if required), cruise, transfers and several excursions may turn out to be cheaper than purchasing each thing separately. A Royal Caribbean cruise can include as much or as little as you like, so you can design the vacation that's just right for you.
Both Jessica Edbrooke & Denise Walker are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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