Well known for being one of the top cruise lines, Royal Caribbean International just celebrated a very important milestone. On August 12, they welcomed their 50 millionth guest onboard. Founded in 1969 and since the debut of their very first ship, Song of Norway, Royal Caribbean International has led the way when it comes to cruise industry innovation, and along with that, has grown to a fleet of 21 ships. For those of us who’ve been fortunate to see Royal Caribbean International evolve and grow over the years, it’s not only amazing but continually exciting.
A Year Long Celebration
Each of Royal Caribbean’s ships will recognize this very special milestone with ongoing shipboard festivities, and these onboard events will mark the beginning of a year-long campaign. Guests are encouraged to share their favorite Royal Caribbean “WOW moments” that they’ve had over the years using a wide range of social media. People can post and share their photos, memorable stories and videos on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter using the hashtag #RoyalWOW .
Some Fun History about Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean International has been a cruise line known for creating industry “firsts” and those continue. For instance, when Quantum of the Seas debuts fall 2014, she’ll continue with that tradition. One of the latest details includes the innovative North Star, where guests can enjoy views in a jewel-shaped glass capsule, transporting them more than 300 feet above sea level. And that’s just one.
Going through the history of Royal Caribbean International’s ship designs, they’ve always created innovation and fun touches. When Sovereign of the Seas, the first of their “Sovereign-class” ships debuted with her first sailing January 16, 1988, she was the largest cruise ship in the world. Sovereign of the Seas also included one of their signature elements , the Viking Crown Lounge which wrapped around the funnel of the ship. It quickly became the “ultimate observation deck” for cruise guests.
Then in 1999, Royal Caribbean introduced their much awaited Voyager of the Seas. At 137,276 Gross Registered Tons and carrying 3,114 guests, Voyager of the Seas took on the title of being the largest cruise ship in the world. And with it, she included experiences that were previously thought impossible to be offered on a cruise ship – introducing a rock climbing wall, an indoor ice-skating rink, and in-line skating, which are now iconic.
Royal Caribbean continued to top their previous benchmarks by introducing Freedom of the Seas in 2006. New never-seen-before features included the FlowRider surf simulator, and the H2O interactive water park, along with cantilevered whirlpools and a boxing rink.
And with the debut of their “Oasis-class” ships, first with Oasis of the Seas in 2009, and then Allure of the Seas, which entered service in December 2010, they took innovation to new levels. Considered “an architectural marvel at sea” when she debuted in 2009, Oasis of the Seas introduced the cruise line’s neighborhood concept of seven different themed areas, including Central Park, the Royal Promenade, the Pool and Sports Zone, Entertainment Place and Youth Zone, along with Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center. And those have included more extraordinary firsts including a thrilling zip line that races diagonally nine decks above an open-air atrium, along with an amphitheater style space serving as a pool by day, and then turning into a dazzling ocean front theater at night, with synchronized swimming performances.
Details about their next “Quantum class” of ships with debut of Quantum of the Seas in 2014 are just being revealed. But Royal Caribbean International is also dedicated to continually upgrading all the ships in their fleet.
One of the 50 million guests shares their memories
Yes, I’m one of the 50 million guests who’s sailed on Royal Caribbean International over the years and the “WOW” moments were even there back in the 1990’s and before. My first Royal Caribbean International cruise was actually on their Nordic Prince, and I have to confess – I felt I was in “cruise heaven” at the time. And it just continues to get better.
If your group members have experienced Royal Caribbean International over the past 45 years, now it’s time to share those “WOW moments.” And don’t forget with this new year- long fun campaign you and your group might want to consider creating new “WOW moments.” With 21 ships to choose from along with the 270 ports in 77 countries on 6 continents that Royal Caribbean will visit in 2013, the options are endless.
