Royal Caribbean owns Celebrity Cruises.  When sailing from New York, both cruise companies sail in and out of Cape Liberty, New Jersey. Located in Bayonne, it is a few miles from Newark Airport and easy to reach from New Jersey and surrounding states.  See information on Cape Liberty in the Ports area of this web site.

When it comes to designing ships everyone loves, Royal Caribbean leads the pack.  The Voyager- and Freedom-class vessels have ice-skating, rock climbing and roller blading on deck. But I personally think the showstopper is the ship's indoor promenade. Lined with stores, a pub, pizzeria and bookstore, it's a fantastic place to people watch or just hang out.  Each night a carnival-like parade with costumed entertainers winds its way through the promenade cheered on by passengers.

On the larger, newer ships like those found in the Voyager-class, cabins are a bit smaller than Carnival's but well-equipped with TV, individual climate control, private bathroom, hair dryers. Royal Caribbean even has family staterooms (two cabins that connect) so families can have privacy while staying together.

Royal Caribbean's cuisine is not on par with competitors (Celebrity, Princess, Carnival) which is surprising given the stunning ships.  If your priority is gourmet cuisine, it might be a good idea to pick another cruise line.

The Royal Caribbean Experience
A Royal Caribbean executive once used the phrase "mass with class" in describing his company's vessels, a fairly apt description.

Special Features & Programs
Two private resorts, CocoCay in the Bahamas and Labadee, Haiti. "ShipShape" onboard fitness program, including full jogging track, work-out classes, full gym, spa and solarium. "Golf Ahoy!" with
scheduled golfing in the Caribbean, Bahamas, Bermuda, Mexico and Hawaii. Climbing walls, popular on the voyager and radiance-class ships have been added to the entire fleet.

Fellow Passengers
Honeymooners, families and couples from their mid-30's to retired in the Caribbean, Bermuda, Bahamas, Mexico and Hawaii cruises. Couples in the 55+ age group in other cruising regions and on 10+ day sailings.

Shore Excursions
Moderately priced with plenty of water sports, golfing, sightseeing and programs for the active cruiser. See the line's web site for a complete listing and description of shore excursions. Can be booked online up to ten days before sailing.

Taking The Kids
Royal Caribbean's "Adventure Ocean" youth program has age-specific facilities and programs supervised by youth counselors for Aqaunauts (age 3-5, must be toilet trained), Explorers (age 6-8), Voyagers (age 9-11), Navigators (age 12-14) and Teens (age 15-17). A new program for infants and toddlers 6 months to 3 years, in partnership with toy maker Fisher-Price offers 45-minute playgroups for children accompanied by an adult, involving storytelling, creative arts, music and a variety of Fisher-Price learning toys and games.

Aqua Babies are six months to 18 months old while Aqua Tots are 18 months to three years old. Adventure Ocean runs year-round in the Caribbean, Bermuda, Bahamas, Mexico, Hawaii and Alaska. Parents can leave their children at Adventure Ocean while they take shore excursions. For this purpose, the facilities open 30 minutes ahead of morning shore excursion departures. Otherwise, organized activities are offered from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., with group babysitting from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. for a fee. Teen centers are now open past 2 a.m.

Private babysitting is offered from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m., provided sitters are available, for children from six months old. The rate is $8.00 per child per hour with a minimum of three hours and a $2.00 per hour charge for each additional child. Cash payment is made directly to the sitter. Royal Caribbean is the only cruise line offering terrific facilities for teens.  They'll find a private club-house to hang out in plus private discos just for them.

Past Passenger Program
Crown & Anchor Society members receive discounts at onboard shops and special discounts on select sailings; 4 program levels with added amenities; admission to Crown & Anchor clubs in select ports; onboard recognition; quarterly newsletter. For more information call 800/526-9723.

Tipping
Royal Caribbean suggests a per person per day gratuity of: $3.50 for the stateroom attendant ($5.75 if sailing in a suite); $3.50 for the waiter; $2.50 for the Assistant Waiter; .75 Head Waiter. These gratuities may be paid in cash or charged to your onboard account. For children sailing as third or fourth passenger in the stateroom, tipping is at the parents' discretion. A 15 percent gratuity is automatically added to all beverage tabs. Gratuities for room service, spa, casino and other staff are at your discretion.

Copyright Anne Campbell 2008.  All rights reserved

ROYAL CARIBBEAN 2008/09 ITINERARIES

EXPLORER OF THE SEAS

5-night Bermuda Cruises.  Round trip from Cape Liberty, New Jersey.  Ports of Call: Kings Wharf, Bermuda
Departure Dates:  April 11, 20; May 4, 17, 31; June 14, 28; July 12, 26, Aug 9, 23; Oct. 4, 18, 2008      

Departure Dates:  May 4, 9, 23; June 6, 20; July 4, 18, Aug 1, 15, Aug 29; Sept 12, 26, Oct. 10, 24, Nov 7, 2009

9-night Eastern Caribbean Cruise.  Round-trip from Cape Liberty, New Jersey.  Ports of Call: San Juan, St. Thomas, Dominican Republic, Labadee (RCI’s private island)
Departure Dates:  April 11, Nov. 21, Dec. 12, 2008
Jan. 2, 23, Feb. 13, March 6, 27, April 17, 2009

8-night Eastern Caribbean Cruise.  Round-trip from Cape Liberty, New Jersey.  Ports of Call: St. Thomas, San Juan, Labadee (RCI’s private island)
Departure Date: May 9, Nov 1, 2008

9-night Bermuda & Caribbean Cruise.   Round-trip from Cape Liberty, New Jersey.  Ports of Call: Bermuda, St. Maarten, St. Thomas, San Juan
Departure Dates:  April 25, June 5, 19; July 17; Aug 14, Oct. 23, 2008

Departure Dates:  May 14, 28, Jun 11, 25, July 9, 23 Aug 6, 20, Oct 29, 2009

9-night Canada/New England Cruise.  Round-trip from Cape Liberty, New Jersey.  Ports of Call: Sydney, Nova Scotia; Prince Edward Island, Quebec City, Halifax
Departure Dates:  July 3, 31; Aug. 28, Sept. 11, 25, Oct. 9, 2008

Departure Dates:  Sept 3, 17, Oct 1, 15, 2009

12-night Southern Caribbean Cruise.  Round-trip from Cape Liberty, New Jersey.  Ports of Call: St. Maarten, Dominica, Barbados, Antigua, Tortola, Labadee (RCI’s    Private island)
Departure Date:  Dec. 21, 2008

Departure Dates:  Jan 11, Feb 1, 22, Mar 15, Apr 5, 2009