Royal Caribbean International announces 47 additional Europe cruises in 2011-12 aboard Splendour of the Seas and Mariner of the Seas, totaling 27 unique itineraries with calls at 30 unique ports in 12 countries. Sailing roundtrip from Venice, Splendour of the Seas will offer a new series of 10- and 11-night Greek Isles and Turkey itineraries. Mariner of the Seas willhomeport in Rome (Civitavecchia) and offer a variety of Western Mediterranean, Egypt and Holy Land itineraries ranging from six to 13 nights. Additionally, vacationers can choose a Royal Caribbean Europe cruisetour land package, which combines a voyage aboard either ship with an escorted land tour to explore inland cities and attractions. Bookings for these 2011 Europe cruises and cruisetours are now open.
“Royal Caribbean’s eleven in ’11 offer vacationers 11 ships sailing from 11 popular and historic European port cities in 2011,” said Betsy O’Rourke, senior vice president of Marketing, Royal Caribbean International. “If you’ve been waiting for the right time to cruise in Europe, it’s arrived. With so many great itineraries and ships, Royal Caribbean cruises and cruisetour land packages offer the best value for family vacationers to experience vibrant cultures and compelling destinations throughout Europe. Get onboard, unpack once and enjoy the Royal treatment.”
Royal Caribbean cruisetour land packages offer even more depth and breadth to a memorable Europe vacation. Vacationers can opt for an Italian Lakes and Venice cruisetour, which combines a sailing aboard Splendour of the Seas with a three-night itinerary that explores Italy’s Stresa, situated along the west shore of the spectacular Lake Maggiore in Northern Italy. The cruisetour includes an excursion to chic Lake Como for a private boat tour, a walking tour of Piazza San Marco and the grand, gothic Doge’s Palace, and an overnight in Venice. Vacationers also can choose the Venice, Florence and Rome cruisetour, which combine a sailing aboard Mariner of the Seas with a five-night land tour including the three cities. All Royal Caribbean cruisetours are escorted by a Tour Director, and ground transfers, hotel reservations, city tours and some meals are included.
Guestsalso have an expansive array of shore excursion options to enhance their Europe vacation, for an additional charge. On Mariner of the Seas’ Holy Land cruises, guests can choose “Grand Overland” and visit some of the most sacred sites in Israel, including Bethlehem, Nazareth, the Wailing Wall, and the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, on this most comprehensive overview of this fascinating region that features an overnight stay in Jerusalem. “Grand Egypt Tour” includes Cairo, where the Pyramids and Sphinx are located, and Luxor and the Valley of the Kings, while the “Best of Ephesus” highlights this fascinating Turkish city, featuring the largest collection of Roman ruins in the Eastern Mediterranean, including the iconic Library of Celsius. Splendour of the Seas’ guests can sample local wines while taking in amazing vistas from the quaint village of Oia on “Village of Oia and Santorini Island,” or spend the day at the beautiful beach resort of Dassia Chandris Hotel in Corfu, Greece on “Dassia Beach Hotel Package.”
In Venice, Splendour of the Seas will join Voyager of the Seas – the first Voyager-class ship ever to sail from the port – from April through November 2011. Vacationers can choose from alternating 10-night Greek Isles and 11-night Greek Isles and Turkey itineraries, the latter featuring an overnight in Venice at the start of the cruise. Splendour of the Seas will kick off the season with an eight-night Western Europe itinerary from Lisbon to Venice, departing on April 14. A seven-night Mediterranean cruise from Venice to Barcelona, departing November 18, will conclude Splendour of the Seas’ Europe season, followed by a 15-night trans-Atlantic voyage to Sao Paulo (Santos), Brazil.
From Rome (Civitavecchia), Mariner of the Seas will alternate 11- to 13-night Mediterranean Egypt and Mediterranean Holy Land itineraries, calling at several Greek and Italian ports. The Egypt cruises feature two full-day calls at Alexandria and the Holy Land cruises offers a full-day call each at both Ashdod and Haifa, Israel. Mariner of the Seas also will offer six consecutive sailings of a seven-night Western Mediterranean itinerary, beginning July 22, followed by a one-time six-night Western Mediterranean cruise, departing September 2.
In addition to Voyager of the Seas, Splendour of the Seas and Mariner of the Seas will be joined by Liberty of the Seas and Grandeur of the Seas, whichwill sail their maiden Europe seasons from Barcelona and Palma de Mallorca, Spain,, respectively. Independence of the Seas will continue its year-round service from Southampton, U.K. and, with Liberty of the Seas, make two Freedom-class ships to sail European waters as the region’s largest and most innovative cruise ships. Navigator of the Seas, Adventure of the Seas and Brilliance of the Seas will sail a variety of Mediterranean itineraries, while Jewel of the Seas and Vision of the Seas will ply the Baltic and North seas.
