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Royal Caribbean calls on passengers to tip staff nearly 20% more

Royal Caribbean today sharply hiked the amount of gratuity it suggests passengers give to the staff on its ships..

The line says that, effective for voyages booked this week that depart on or after July 1, it is calling on passengers to give out tips of $11.65 per day while on its vessels. That's up nearly 20% from the $9.75 it has recommended as a gratuity in recent years.

While Royal Caribbean says gratuities on its ships are voluntary, passengers who elect to prepay gratuities at the time of booking (a majority, according to a spokesperson) and those who select the line's "My Time Dining" flexible dining program automatically will be levied the higher rate starting with new bookings taken after 12:01 am ET on Dec. 11 for sailings on or after July 1.

In a statement, Royal Caribbean notes the increase in its suggested gratuity is its first in 13 years and puts its rates in line with competitors.

The new gratuity suggestion is per passenger and applies to cruisers of all ages. A family of four sailing on a week-long cruise who follows Royal Caribbean's newly suggested rates will now pay $326.20 in gratuities during the voyage -- $53.20 more than in the past.

A Nickelodeon All Access Cruise is a once-in-a-lifetime vacation where families will have the SLIME of their lives.

• Meet Jennette McCurdy from Nickelodeon's #1 live action show iCarly aboard Norwegian Jewel's February 20th sailing.
• Or, you can meet Jennette McCurdy and Nathan Kress aboard Norwegian Epic's July 24th sailing!* Dates may change.
• Watch never-before-seen episodes of hit TV shows like iCarly, Victorious, SpongeBob SquarePants and more.
• Meet all your favorite Nickelodeon characters!
• Everyone in your family can get SLIMED! The ultimate Nickelodeon honor.
• Have Breakfast with Nickelodeon characters everyday of your cruise.

For information on the Nickelodeon All Access Cruise, email us @ This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call (202)656-7576.
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7-Day Roundtrip New York on Norwegian Jewel | 02/20/11 Bahamas & Florida

The whole family will love this Bahamas vacation. With ports-of-call near Orlando's theme parks, NASA's Port Canaveral, and Atlantis Casino's Lost World water park; there's fun to be had by everyone. Plus you'll experience three fun days at sea with your favorite cast and shows on Nickelodeon!

 

Cruise Coincides With Opening Of Disney Aulani Resort

For the first time, Disney Cruise Line will sail through the breathtaking beauty of the Hawaiian Islands, with a special 15-night cruise departing the Port of Los Angeles on April 29, 2012. The cruise will call on Hilo, Hawai‘i; Kahului, Maui; Honolulu, O‘ahu; Nāwailiwili, Kaua‘i; and Ensenada, Mexico.

The Hawaiian voyage is one of several unique sailings being offered by Disney Cruise Line. In 2012, Disney Cruise Line guests will have more itinerary choices than ever before, including cruises from New York, Galveston, Seattle, Los Angeles, and Port Canaveral.

“We are launching the most extensive lineup of cruise itineraries in Disney history, and I am especially excited about our first cruise to Hawai‘i,” said Karl Holz, president of Disney Cruise Line and New Vacation Operations, “With the Disney Wonder conveniently sailing from Los Angeles, and given our plans to open Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, Ko Olina, Hawai‘i this summer, the timing couldn’t be better for our guests to enjoy a cruise through the awe-inspiring islands of Hawai‘i.”

Disney’s first cruise in Hawai‘i will allow guests to experience the famous beaches of Waikīkī on O‘ahu, see the views from high atop the summit of Haleakalā Crater on Maui, take in the lush tropical gardens and waterfalls of Kaua‘i and on the Big Island, explore the natural wonders of the world’s most active volcano. With a capacity of 2,700 guests, the Disney Wonder will bring a new set of visitors to the entire state, allowing for Disney to continue expanding its economic impact on the state of Hawai‘i.

Disney Wonder – 2012
15-night Hawaiian Itinerary
April 29–May 14, 2012

- April 29: Los Angeles, California
- May 1: At Sea
- May 2: At Sea
- May 3: At Sea
- May 4: Hilo, Hawai‘i
- May 5: Kahului, Maui
- May 6: Honolulu, O‘ahu
- May 7: Nāwailiwili, Kaua‘i
- May 8: At Sea
- May 9: At Sea
- May 10: At Sea
- May 11: At Sea
- May 12: At Sea
- May 13: Ensenada, Mexico
- May 14: Los Angeles, California

For Booking information Call a CruiseYou agent at (913)526-5578 or email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for everything Disney.

Royal Caribbean Brilliance of the Seas battered in Mediterranean storm

A violent storm over the weekend lashed a Royal Caribbean ship trying to get to port in Alexandria, Egypt, injuring nearly 30 passengers, shattering glass and overturning furniture.

The ship, Brilliance of the Seas, was rocked by 70-knot winds early Sunday morning. The winds were nearly twice as strong as was forecast, Royal Caribbean said in a statement.

Some guest injuries were reported, the most serious of which were two guests with fractures. The medical facility on-board is fully operational and our medical team is diligently caring for guests," the statement said. The ship is carrying more than 2,000 passengers.

Damage has forced the closure of the ship's beauty salon, video arcade, and disco for the remainder of the sailing. The ship's operating systems and engines were unharmed in the storm.

The rough weather prompted the captain to bypass Alexandria and continue on to Malta, the cruise's next scheduled destination. The ship will return to Barcelona, Spain, on Friday as scheduled. The ship's next sailing will not be affected, Royal Caribbean said.

The cruise line has provided guests with an on-board credit as well as a full refund for the sailing.

On shore, strong winds and heavy rains caused damage to buildings and numerous deaths and injuries, according to Egyptian officials.