Royal Caribbean International has made significant enhancements to its award-winning Gold Anchor Service by introducing new procedures fleet wide to further ease the departure process on all ships, as well as provide seamless transition for consecutive cruisers – guests who are immediately continuing on the following voyage aboard the same ship. Guests can take advantage of the cruise line’s revamped departure program, while those staying over multiple sailings can enjoy new special programming.
“We listened to our guests’ feedback regarding the opportunity to transform the departure experience and responded with the launch of a refreshed process fleet wide,” said Lisa Bauer, senior vice president, Hotel Operations, Royal Caribbean International. “Early testing aboard Freedom of the Seas has yielded very positive guest feedback, with the enhanced communications cited as one of the most helpful tools for our guests on departure day. We also continue to see an increase in guests sailing with us for multiple cruises and our focus on special communications and programming for these guests will also greatly enhance their overall cruise experience.”
On departure day, guests will have extended access to their staterooms, as well as continued in-stateroom TV entertainment. Guests also will receive an “As You Depart” notice, which communicates the new enhancements and the location of departure lounges offering refreshments and light entertainment. Among the departure lounges will be a dedicated Family Zone, which will include refreshments, toys and games geared toward younger cruisers. Guests in suite category staterooms will be treated to an exclusive continental breakfast hosted by guest services or the concierge. Additionally, there will be a minimal amount of ship-wide public announcements all morning to maintain a relaxing atmosphere, with nearly all departure updates limited to the departure lounges and through the in-stateroom TV programming.
Guests may also take advantage of Royal Caribbean’s Express Departure option, a window of time when guests can elect to hand carry their own luggage. Express Departure allows guests to disembark the ship first and as soon as the gangway is opened and cleared by local authorities.
Guests sailing with Royal Caribbean over multiple consecutive cruises will receive a “sneak peek” Compass, a variation of the popular daily Cruise Compass program schedule. The special Compass will offer an overview that includes the following sailing’s itinerary highlights – such as entertainment and dining events throughout the guests’ stay – as well as special events exclusively for consecutive cruises guests. Consecutive cruises guests will receive special attention, activities, and dining options, such as personalized services, a letter from the Hotel Director, calls from Guest Services, and assistance to ensure main dining room seating requests are made in advance of the following cruise.
