Royal Caribbean International has three of its ships sailing to the Caribbean from convenient Gulf Coast ports.

Today, Galveston, Texas welcomes Mariner of the Seas, and on Nov. 12, 2011, Voyager of the Seas arrives into New Orleans, La. and Jewel of the Seas into Tampa, Fla. The arrival of these ships gives Gulf Coast-area residents more opportunities than ever before to enjoy a hassle-free cruise vacation to the Caribbean and Mexico.

“Royal Caribbean is thrilled to be back in the Gulf Coast to offer exciting and convenient winter getaways at an incredible value,” said Betsy O’Rourke, senior vice president of Marketing, Royal Caribbean International. “We are particularly delighted to have Martina McBride help us celebrate our return to New Orleans with an exclusive concert aboard Voyager of the Seas. No matter which itinerary to the beautiful Caribbean vacationers choose, they can expect to be wowed by our innovative ships and Gold Anchor Service, which together delivers the Royal Advantage.”

Royal Caribbean’s Voyager of the Seas is the largest cruise ship ever to homeport in the Crescent City. To celebrate the occasion, the cruise line is teaming up with Republic Nashville to treat Royal Caribbean’s loyal and valued Crown & Anchor Society members to a special, live performance by one of country music’s most beloved artists, Martina McBride. Following the debut of her new album, ELEVEN, which hit stores on Oct. 11, 2011, the four-time CMA Female Vocalist of the Year is scheduled to perform aboard Voyager of the Seas on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011.

Now through April 2012, Royal Caribbean is offering vacationers, from families to couples, a wide variety of options to choose from:

New Orleans – Voyager of the Seas sails seven-night Western Caribbean itineraries, visiting Cozumel, Mexico; George Town, Grand Cayman; and Falmouth, Jamaica.

Galveston – Royal Caribbean’s Mariner of the Seas also offers seven-night Western Caribbean itineraries starting at $549 per guest, double occupancy, visiting Cozumel, Mexico; George Town, Grand Cayman; and Falmouth, Jamaica. Mariner of the Seas’ guests sailing from Galveston also will enjoy the same innovative onboard amenities as Voyager of the Seas.

Tampa – Vacationers have a wide selection of short vacation options with Jewel of the Seas, which offers four and five-night Western Caribbean itineraries to Cozumel and Costa Maya, Mexico, starting at $329 per guest, double occupancy.