Two of the world’s most innovative vacation providers, Royal Caribbean International and Universal Orlando Resort, are joining forces to introduce the Way More Than a Cruise ultimate vacation package. With a wide variety of options, families will be able to experience the best of land and sea while enjoying unparalleled savings. Bookings for Way More Than a Cruise are open for travel starting March 31, 2009.
The land and sea vacation packages combine a three- or four-night stay at Universal Orlando Resort with a three- or four-night Bahamas cruise aboard Royal Caribbean’s Monarch of the Seas, or a seven-night Caribbean cruise aboard Freedom of the Seas. Way More Than a Cruise includes hotel and shipboard accommodations, multi-day passes to both Universal theme parks, Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure, complimentary admission to select live entertainment venues at Universal’s CityWalk and ground transfers between airport, hotel, theme parks and the ship at Port Canaveral.
“Royal Caribbean is delighted to partner with Universal Orlando Resort to create this special package for vacationers seeking a unique and truly memorable experience,” said Adam Goldstein, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. “The Way More Than a Cruise package seamlessly combines the best of land and sea to deliver an exciting family vacation. Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy these premier Orlando attractions along with two of Port Canaveral’s newest ships, Monarch of the Seas and Freedom of the Seas.”
Home to two world-class theme parks, a nighttime entertainment complex and three magnificently themed on-site hotels, Universal Orlando Resort is a one-of-a-kind family vacation destination that brings blockbusters to life. At Universal Studios, guests can jump into the action with award-winning attractions based on some of pop culture’s best-known movies and TV shows – attractions like The Simpsons Ride, Shrek 4-D and Revenge of the Mummy. Also coming soon to Universal Studios is Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, the most individually unique and customizable coaster in the world. The coaster combines first-ever maneuvers with personalized features allowing riders to choose the soundtrack for their ride and purchase a one-of-a-kind video of their experience. Next door, Universal’s Islands of Adventure features the most cutting-edge rides and attractions on five uniquely themed islands – Marvel Super Hero Island, Toon Lagoon, Jurassic Park, The Lost Continent and Seuss Landing.
“Universal Orlando Resort is thrilled to enter this partnership, bringing together two incredible experiences to create one memorable vacation,” said Bill Davis, President and COO for Universal Orlando Resort. “Our guests will not only enjoy some of the most entertaining theme-park attractions ever created, but also the world-class experiences and service Royal Caribbean is known for delivering.”
For the cruise portion of the vacation, guests will sail roundtrip to the Bahamas aboard Monarch of the Seas and call at Nassau, Bahamas, and CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s private island paradise in the Bahamas. Guests aboard Monarch of the Seas will exclusively enjoy a day at CocoCay, featuring a myriad of water sports options, an Aqua-Park for children, halcyon beaches and shaded hammocks, beachfront barbeque, and a straw market. Onboard, guests will enjoy spectacular Broadway-style musical revues from the award-winning Royal Caribbean Productions; exciting Vegas-style gaming in Casino Royale; and rejuvenating and invigorating rituals in the onboard Day Spa. Younger guests can hang out with their peers in the cruise line’s award-winning Adventure Ocean youth program, where teens have their own dedicated space. New features in the complimentary onboard youth program, such as extended hours in the Adventure Ocean and teen spaces and pre-cruise ordering of baby supplies, will help provide a stress-free experience for parents. Throughout their stay aboard every Royal Caribbean ship, all guests receive the cruise line’s signature friendly and engaging Gold Anchor Service from staff and crew.
The ultimate way to experience Universal Orlando Resort is by staying at one of three themed, AAA Four Diamond Award-winning on-site hotels: Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Loews Royal Pacific Resort and Hard Rock Hotel. Best of all, on-site hotel guests enjoy a variety of special theme park privileges, including free Universal Express ride access. Just by showing their valid hotel room key card, on-site hotel guests can bypass the regular ride and attraction lines. The on-site hotels are connected to the resort by a scenic waterway. Complimentary water taxis provide quick and convenient access to Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure and CityWalk. Additional Orlando area hotels located within minutes of Universal Orlando are also available.
Beginning in May, vacationers also will be able to choose a 10- or 11-night extended Universal Orlando Resort and Royal Caribbean vacation by combining a three- or four-night stay at Universal with a seven-night Eastern or Western Caribbean cruise aboard the world-renowned Freedom of the Seas. On the Eastern Caribbean itinerary, guests will enjoy three days at sea and call at St. Thomas, St. Maarten, and CocoCay. On the Western Caribbean itinerary, guests will enjoy two days at sea and call at Ocho Rios, Jamaica; George Town, Grand Cayman; Cozumel, Mexico; and Labadee, Royal Caribbean’s private beach paradise located on the north coast of Haiti.
At 160,000 gross registered tons (GRT) and a capacity of 3,634 guests, double occupancy, Freedom of the Seas shares the title of the world’s largest and most innovative cruise ship with sister-ships Liberty of the Seas and Independence of the Seas. Freedom features the cruise line’s exclusive onboard amenities such as the FlowRider surf simulator; the H20 Zone water park; Studio B ice-skating rink; a full-size boxing ring; cantilevered whirlpools suspended 112 ft. above the ocean; and the four-bedroom, four-bath Presidential Family Suite, which accommodates up to 14 guests. Guests also have a choice of eight onboard restaurants, including Royal Caribbean’s signature specialty restaurants Chops Grille steakhouse and Portofino Italian restaurant.
