Royal Caribbean just released information on many of the new features that will be on the Odyssey of the Seas cruise ship, the newest Royal Caribbean ship coming out in November 2020.
- At SeaPlex, fire up a friendly rivalry with bumper cars, glow in the dark laser tag and an arcade offering from classic games to VR experiences. Ride the Flow Rider, surf simulator and try the Sky Pad bungee trampoline. The top deck offers panoramic views of the world from 300 feet above sea level in the North Star. Get your Island vibes from the pool deck with two resort-style pools, shady casitas and hammocks and the two story Lime and Coconut Bar.
- In addition to the skydiving simulator, RipCord, the FlowRider surf simulator, a 40 ft. rock climbing wall and the North Star capsule, they are adding a SkyPad, which is a bungee trampoline.
- The pool deck with take up two levels with 4 whirlpools, casitas & hammocks. A new signature 2 deck pool bar, The Lime & Coconut will be added as well.
A historic event is taking place in St. Lucia with both Carnival Cruises 2020 and Royal Caribbean Cruise 2020 teaming up to develop and operate a new cruise port on the island’s south side and to manage the existing cruise pier and terminal facilities in Castries. Prime Minister Allen Chastanet announced a memorandum of understanding with the government of St. Lucia at the opening of the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association’s annual conference in Puerto Rico. The Prime Minister described the agreement as a major step towards enhancing St. Lucia’s tourism product.
Windstar Cruises 2020 has announced their $250 Million Star Plus Initiative which will stretch and re-engine its three Star-class vessels. The “initiative not only creates beautiful new suites and public spaces, but will take the opportunity to re-engine the ships with a more fuel efficient and environmentally responsible propulsion system. Guest accommodations will be expanded increasing capacity from 21 passengers to 312 per ship and will take place between October of 2019 and November of 2020 in the Fincantieri Shipyard in Palermo, Sicily.
The creation of new spaces, including two new dining locations with an alternative restaurant and a casual BBQ space adjacent to the top deck Star Bar, new shop and retail space and a much larger fitness center and spa is included. A new modern look will be created by designer Ray Chung of the Johnson Studi at Cooper Carry in New York. Among the suite additions, will be two larger owner’s suites and for existing suites there will be all new bathrooms and installations of sliding doors for suites with balconies. Other changes include a new tender loading area located mid-ship and two 90-passenger tenders that will ferry guests to port when ships are at anchor. Additional crew will be hired to maintain the line’s 1.5:1 guest to hotel staff ratio.
American Cruise Lines announces the “American Jazz” will begin its inaugural season on the Lower Mississippi in August of 2020. Like her sister ships, she has the contemporary styling and modern amenities that make river cruising more attractive than ever before. She will feature a five-story glass atrium, private balconies and spectacular views from everywhere on the ship. She will be slightly larger than her sister ships with the same advanced opening bow and retractable gangway seen on American Song and American Harmony. Ranging from 250 to 800 square feet, the staterooms aboard American Jazz offer ample living space, full-size bathrooms and plush amenities. The Grand Suites include two glass walls and a wraparound private balcony with plenty of space to host private parties and dinner events. American Cruise Lines provides each guest with a highly personalized cruise experience.
The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in South Florida will attract music lovers wit their $1.5 billion expansion featuring a giant guitar hotel that’s impossible to miss. It can even be spotted from the air for passengers flying into Fort Lauderdale International Airport. This will soon become the most iconic hospitality, gaming and entertainment destination in the United States. The flagship casino resort owned by the Seminole Tribe of Florida is known globally for its superior hospitality and expansive gaming offerings including high-stakes table games, a premier poker room and an extensive roster of slot titles. A new spa, 13.5 acres of recreational waterscape, meeting and convention space, state-of-the art entertainment, retail shops offers guests and gamers a rock-star worthy destination unlike any other. It’s aqua – glass tomes reflect Florida’s sunlight during the day. Once inside, view Hard Rock’s signature rock n roll memorabilia on display such as Elvis Presley’s motorcycle and Neil Diamond’s car plus outfits worn by Madonna and Rihanna and one of Jimmy Page’s guitars. They have also added a new 6,500 seat concert venue.
Washington has announced a ban of all flights into Cuban cities except for Havana. Flights into Santa Clara, Varadero, Santiago, Holguin & Camaguey will be banned beginning in December. Flights to Havana, which account for the great majority of U.S. flights to Cuba, will remain legal.
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, a leading global cruise company which operates Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas is very excited to announce the launch of its newest ship, Norwegian Encore by ringing the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange. This milestone will be shared by the president and executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. and the entire team around the world, from ship to shore. On November 12, 2019, several members of Norwegian’s management team will ring the opening bell at 930am. Photos and video of the NTSE Bell Ringing Ceremony will be available, courtesy of the NYSE, on Facebook (NYSE), Twitter(@NYSE) and YouTube (nysetvl).
