Preview: RCI Genesis Class

The announcement of Royal Caribbean’s new Genesis class of ships has caused many to speculate “what will they come up with this time?” Rock climbing walls, an ice skating rink, surfing and a boxing ring were all cutting edge features of their Freedom class ship. So what’s in store? Royal Caribbean gives us a preview!
In its latest evolution in cruise ship design, Royal Caribbean International's Project Genesis will bring the best of the land to sea with Central Park, a revolutionary design in which the center of the ship opens to the sky and features lush, tropical grounds spanning the length of a football field. An exquisite public gathering place featuring serene pathways, seasonal flower gardens and canopy trees, Central Park will provide cruisers with more choices in a unique outdoor space. The area will be lined with balcony staterooms and restaurants. Dining options will include elegant dinner at the new 150 Central Park or a picnic lunch from the more casual Central Park Café, where they can sit outdoors and people-watch. Other dining choices will include: Giovanni's Table, an Italian restaurant; Vintages wine bar; and Royal Caribbean's signature Chops Grille steakhouse. Several bars will be scattered throughout the Park, including the Canopy Bar, located at one of two impressive glass-domed canopies, and the unique Rising Tide bar - the first moving bar at sea. Truly an engineering feat, Rising Tide will span three decks and allow cruisers to enjoy a cocktail as they slowly ascend into Central Park and then descend back into the public spaces below. Central Park also will have stylish boutique shops, showcasing a selection of upscale merchandise.

Spring Preview

Hey cruisers! Coming soon is a brand new destinations section on all your favorite caribbean ports! Here's a preview of what you can expect. Enjoy!

Ocho Rios once relied on fishing and banana boats to fuel its economy. But now it is the daily arrival of cruise ship passengers and the all-inclusive hotels that keep the coffers full all along the northeast coast of Jamaica. Although Kingston is the capital and the largest city in Jamaica, cruise ships no longer call there and hence it doesn't attract the visitors that Ocho Rios does. There is plenty to see and do in between bathing and sun-worshipping on the magnificent beaches. Climbing up waterfalls, horseback riding through sugar cane plantations, or taking afternoon tea at the former home of British playwright/songwriter, Noel Coward are just a few diversions that await.
Ocho Rios is home to many exciting attractions. Reggae lovers can visit the Bob Marley Mausoleum, the famed singer/songwriters grave site. Adventure seekers can climb the world famous Dunn’s River Falls. The waterfall cascades down 600ft (183m) forming cool pools among slippery rocks, and a favorite tourist pursuit is to clamber to the top of the falls with a guide, and enjoying being splashed by cold, clear mountain water en route. There’s a restaurant on the beach below to rejuvenate weary climbers.

Another big draw is Jamaica’s most prominent natural attraction, the caves on the island’s north coast, between Ocho Rios and Montego Bay. Just a few kilometers from Discovery Bay and Runaway Bay, the huge labyrinthine limestone major cave located here is 5,003ft (1,525m) long and characterized by stalactites, stalagmites, overhead ceiling pockets, numerous chambers, light holes, and a deep subterranean lake.

Increased Security at Port Canaveral

Sailing out of Port Canaveral this year? Due to the higher security measures at this port, you may want to leave extra time for boarding. The Transportation Security Administration has announced that they plan to increase the screening at the port. As reported in the Orlando Sentinel, TSA has assembled a team of security specialists from federal and local agencies who will be randomly deployed at the port to more heavily screen passengers and their bags.
"One day we might have on-site an expert on fraudulent documents and another expert on behavior," a TSA official told the paper. "The next, we might have none or we might have 10 other experts. The idea is to keep things random and unpredictable."
Currently, Port Canaveral is the third busiest cruise port in the US. These security measures may translate into longer check-in lines at the port, so plan accordingly