The Gulf Coast is going to get a little bit busier come 2018 when two Royal Caribbean ships - Vision of the Seas and Enchantment of the Seas - reposition to New Orleans and Galveston, Texas, respectively, making it even easier for residents of the Gulf Coast and Central regions of the country to set sail on adventures to some of the Caribbean's most popular destinations.
The two new offerings bring more options and easy access from the Gulf Coast for adventure-seekers in the region to embark on journeys to world-renowned dive destinations, explore ancient ruins of past civilizations, and discover the natural beauty of rainforests.
The 915-foot Vision of the Seas will begin sailing 7-night itineraries out of New Orleans to points throughout the Bahamas and Yucatan Peninsula on Dec. 15, 2018. This will mark the first time in three years that Royal Caribbean has set sail from this legendary port city at the mouth of the Mississippi.
Before doing so, however, the Vision of the Seas will embark on two 16-night sailings through the Panama Canal, from Miami to Los Angeles, and from Los Angeles to New Orleans, the first time in three years that Royal Caribbean has crossed through the Canal.
Enchantment of the Seas will move from Miami to Galveston where, on June 23, 2018, she will join the Liberty of the Seas. The 989-foot vessel will offer 4- and 5-night Caribbean cruises that complement the Liberty's 7-night sailings.
The Mariner of the Seas, meanwhile, will take over the Enchantment's home port of Miami, making it the first Voyager-class ship to offer the short Caribbean sailings that have become popular among first-time cruisers and those looking for a brief but relaxing time at sea. Voyager-class ships became known for introducing such industry innovations as the rock-climbing wall, ice-skating rink and Royal Promenade.
As a long-time resident of Asia-Pacific, the Mariner of the Seas will embark on the previously announced "Global Odyssey," consisting of three 13- to 15-night sailings from Singapore to Dubai; Dubai to Barcelona; and Barcelona to Miami before going into drydock for an extensive 32-day revitalization. Once it emerges on June 21, 2018, the Mariner will begin offering 3- and 4-night sailings from Miami to the Bahamas.
Guests currently booked on Enchantment for sailings departing Miami after June 23 will be contacted individually to transition the original booking to the freshly revitalized Mariner of the Seas from her new homeport in Miami.
[READMORE]READ MORE: How Much Larger Can Cruise Ships Get? [/READMORE]
Sailings onboard Mariner of the Seas, Enchantment of the Seas and Vision of the Seas are available now to book.
Royal Caribbean International sails 24 ships to the most popular destinations in Bermuda and the Caribbean, Europe, Canada and New England, Alaska, South America, Asia, and Australia and New Zealand. The cruise line features an expansive and unmatched array of features and amenities only found on Royal Caribbean, including Broadway-style entertainment and industry-acclaimed programming that appeals to families and adventurous vacationers alike.
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