News from Buy The Sea for January '10
Happy 2010! What a year it’s been! We’ve never been so excited to say Happy NEW Year!
As you’ve probably heard, the news has been all about the Oasis of the Seas – RCCL’s colossal new ship, carrying 5400 passengers in double occupancy accommodations. She will sail year ‘round on seven night Caribbean itineraries from Fort Lauderdale –the ports however, take a second seat to the real destination – the ship herself!
Before you even board the ship, you will know that the entire experience is different. The new terminal in Port Everglades has 90 stations to serve passengers. There will be little if any waiting in line. Once through the check in process, passengers are escorted to an upstairs lounge with suite guests in their own area receiving priority embarkation privileges. Well done!
How to describe the Oasis of the Seas? In a word…WOW! You’ve never seen anything like it before. A ship with distinct “districts” or neighborhoods as RCCL calls them:
There’s an Atlantic City-style Boardwalk – complete with a carousel, Johnny Rockets, Seafood Shack, ice cream store, donut shop, merchandise outlets and the unbelievable Aqua Theater. Watch high dive, water ballet and Cirque de Soleil-type swimming shows (like “O”) as well as synchronized water “fountain” displays to music. One-of-a-kind!
Move on to Central Park, where you can stroll through the gardens of thousands of plants, flowers and trees while enjoying several dining venues: 150 Central Park for the most gourmet meal onboard, Giovanni’s table for family-style Italian cuisine, Park Café for casual soups, salads and sandwiches, Vintages for fine wine and snacks and a local bar. Here you will also find an art and photography gallery and lots of places to sit and chat.
Looking for excitement and nightlife? Head on over to Entertainment Place for the 1350-seat Opal Theater with headliners and Broadway-style shows nightly. The ship features a full-length version of the Broadway show Hairspray which is absolutely fantastic! Enjoy an adult comedy shop, a jazz club and a hopping night club, Blazes. Top it off with Studio B for beautifully choreographed ice shows, ice skating lessons and time to free skate. Studio B can also host private events by means of a floor that completely covers the ice when not in use.
Spend time on the Grand Promenade, complete with bars, pubs, shops and sports and karaoke lounge, the first cupcake shop at sea, a pizzeria, a sandwich and snack café. Throughout the day and evening a variety of entertainment breaks out on the Promenade. From parades and dance parties to “random acts of entertainment” the promenade is always happening! At the aft end, you will find the ground floor of the Rising Tide Bar. This “elevator bar” rises three decks all the way up to Central Park. As the bar rises, water shoots up and underneath to create a series of pretty and colorful fountains. Definitely a gimmick – but most will want a ride on the world’s first levitating bar at sea!
Don’t miss the Solarium, complete with spa cuisine, hot tubs and comfortable seating. Visit Dazzles, the most lovely lounge onboard – reminiscent of the Waldorf Astoria. Elegant and truly “dazzling”. Check out the expansive spa and fitness center. Dine in the sushi bar. Enjoy the gorgeous tri-level Opus dining room. And don’t forget the outrageous and out-of-the-box Adventure Ocean kid’s program – complete with teen lounges and a children’s theater featuring a 3-D black light puppet show called ImagineOcean. Ingenious! And remember, this ship has dedicated conference space for clients who have time to do business too!
Did I forget to tell you about the staterooms? There are 37 categories of them…but don’t let that scare you. Maybe of them are identical. For incentive groups, you will want to know about the (balcony) oceanview, (balcony) Central Park view, (balcony) Boardwalk view and the many levels of suites ranging from spacious junior suites to aqua suites (my favorite since you get an unobstructed, up close and personal view of the Aqua Shows) to Grand Suites, Owner’s Suites, Loft Suites (which are two story) and Presidential Suites. So much to choose from…and something for every taste!
Way too much to tell! Something that needs to be seen to be fully appreciated.
And please don’t forget the arrival of the Carnival Dream (3000 pax) – doing seven-night year ‘round cruises from Port Canaveral, the Seabourn Odyssey (450 pax) sailing in the Caribbean and Europe and the Celebrity Equinox, sister ship to the Solstice. Arriving to a sea near you will be the new Silversea ship – the Silver Spirit (540 pax). Speaking of Silversea….here is something you might be able to use:
- Vessel: Silver Wind
- Suites: 147 (private full ship charter)
- Dates: 16 - 19, April 2010
- Itinerary: Venice, Italy (round trip)
- Rate: $348,000.00 (net)
Let us know if this interests you!
We wish all of our clients and friends a very healthy, happy and prosperous new year. We look forward to seeing you this year at FICP, DSA, ITME, IncentiveWorks and in a city near you! We thank you for your support as we enter our eighth year of business! We couldn’t do it without you!
Shari, Caryn, Sandy, Lina and Jaci
