Galveston ship replacing Liberty?

[BillB48]

3 hours ago, The Fun Researcher said:

I'm maybe one of the few who don't like the Oasis class.  To me, it's a downgrade to go from Freedom or Voyager class to a Oasis class in Galveston.  Hopefully the "smaller" option will still be a Freedom or Voyager class there.  I would love that as the prices may be lower than they are now due to having a bigger sister in port.

 

Dan

 Dan, you may be in the minority, but you are not alone!  Oasis class not any where near a favorite, in fact I avoid them. Voyager and Freedom are wonderful ships although the added cabins on 12 were not a welcomed addition, unless I happened to score one.

[RCCL Fan]

I'm just waiting to see the bulldozers!

[OSUZorba]

I really hope they keep a Freedom class on the 7-day rotation, but I really doubt that'll happen. Oasis class is okay, but I much prefer Freedom.

 

I still want to know where Oasis is going to go. Are they really going to do Cozumel, Costa Maya, Roatan 52 weeks a year? I know Cayman is talking about building a pier, but there is strong local resistance to it. With no pier in Caymen, where else can they go in 7-days? Key West, Nassau, and Coco?

[RCCL Fan]

1 hour ago, OSUZorba said:

I really hope they keep a Freedom class on the 7-day rotation, but I really doubt that'll happen. Oasis class is okay, but I much prefer Freedom.

 

I still want to know where Oasis is going to go. Are they really going to do Cozumel, Costa Maya, Roatan 52 weeks a year? I know Cayman is talking about building a pier, but there is strong local resistance to it. With no pier in Caymen, where else can they go in 7-days? Key West, Nassau, and Coco?

Wow I never thought of that...

 

Liberty does Jamaica, Grand Cayman, & Cozumel....  and Allure can't dock in Grand Cayman.    

 

My guess is...

 

Week 1  Roatan, Costa Maya, Cozumel

Week 2 Grand Bahama Island, Cococay, Nassau

 

Hmmm.....  

Edited August 15, 2019 by RCCL Fan

[JupiterTwo]

13 hours ago, CruisingJoe09 said:

Adventure is probably sticking around on the 4/5 night run.

 

I just got off the Liberty. Adventure was in Ft. Lauderdale, I was looking at its 8-night itinerary.

 

Instead, I booked a 4-5 B2B on the Enchantment out of Galveston in January.

 

Steve

[ginger123snaps]

Been on LOS twice now.  I like her size.  I am excited and anxious to find out which ship will be here.  I've been holding out on booking one of the oasis class ships to avoid airfare.  Love it when companies rotate ships around!

[ssb]

9 hours ago, OSUZorba said:

I really hope they keep a Freedom class on the 7-day rotation, but I really doubt that'll happen. Oasis class is okay, but I much prefer Freedom.

 

I still want to know where Oasis is going to go. Are they really going to do Cozumel, Costa Maya, Roatan 52 weeks a year? I know Cayman is talking about building a pier, but there is strong local resistance to it. With no pier in Caymen, where else can they go in 7-days? Key West, Nassau, and Coco?

From previous page 

 

 

Destination Ports have changes coming

and need ships coming. 

Royal will be in cooperative partnership for port improvements.

And Royal will be providing the ships !

 

Holistica will create an inclusive model for destination development that works holistically – thus the name – to meet the needs of coastal communities, local governments, and land, sea, and air travelers.

 

"The continuing growth and rising popularity of cruise vacations make it clear that the sustainable development of coastal destinations, including the thoughtful evolution of existing ones, is in the travel industry's best interest," said Michael Bayley of RCL. "We have spent five decades learning what works and what doesn't, and we know the potential of strategic development to deliver extraordinary guest experiences and meet the needs of local communities."

 

Mauricio Hamui of ITM Group said: "A well-designed destination brings economic benefits to communities and cultural enrichment to travelers, while creating the least possible disruption to the human and natural environment. There is a way to do these projects inclusively, collaboratively, and sustainably – and those are the characteristics this new partnership is meant to embody."

 

Holistica Destinations, Ltd. will be a 50-50 partnership between RCL and ITM Group. The partners have commenced a search for a CEO for the new company, which will be headquartered in Miami.

 

Holistica's first project: a $275 million development in Freeport, The Bahamas, was originated by RCL and ITM and is currently under review by the Bahamian government. Centered on the regeneration of the Grand Lucayan resort, the project includes ambitious plans for local ownership, employment, job training, community investment and sustainable construction practices.

 

In addition to the Freeport project, the companies said the new venture will own and operate destinations in Costa Maya, Mexico; Roatan, Honduras; and Kumamoto, Japan. These projects, among others, will serve 8 million visitors annually, and be accessible to all travelers, including land and air vacationers and guests of multiple cruise lines. Holistica is also engaged in discussions regarding multiple existing and proposed destinations around the world.

 

"The timing is right for a venture of this type," said Hamui. "A collaborative development approach, paired with meaningful private financial resources, gives local destinations the opportunity to grow the right way."

 

 

 

Added Bayley: "Having more destinations, and developing them in a responsible manner, gives travelers greater vacation quality, and expands the landscape of available travel options as the tourism industry grows."

 

 

 

•  

Edited August 15, 2019 by ssb

[OSUZorba]

52 minutes ago, ssb said:

From previous page 

 

 

Destination Ports have changes coming

and need ships coming. 

Royal will be in cooperative partnership for port improvements.

And Royal will be providing the ships !

 

Holistica will create an inclusive model for destination development that works holistically – thus the name – to meet the needs of coastal communities, local governments, and land, sea, and air travelers.

 

"The continuing growth and rising popularity of cruise vacations make it clear that the sustainable development of coastal destinations, including the thoughtful evolution of existing ones, is in the travel industry's best interest," said Michael Bayley of RCL. "We have spent five decades learning what works and what doesn't, and we know the potential of strategic development to deliver extraordinary guest experiences and meet the needs of local communities."

 

Mauricio Hamui of ITM Group said: "A well-designed destination brings economic benefits to communities and cultural enrichment to travelers, while creating the least possible disruption to the human and natural environment. There is a way to do these projects inclusively, collaboratively, and sustainably – and those are the characteristics this new partnership is meant to embody."

 

Holistica Destinations, Ltd. will be a 50-50 partnership between RCL and ITM Group. The partners have commenced a search for a CEO for the new company, which will be headquartered in Miami.

 

Holistica's first project: a $275 million development in Freeport, The Bahamas, was originated by RCL and ITM and is currently under review by the Bahamian government. Centered on the regeneration of the Grand Lucayan resort, the project includes ambitious plans for local ownership, employment, job training, community investment and sustainable construction practices.

 

In addition to the Freeport project, the companies said the new venture will own and operate destinations in Costa Maya, Mexico; Roatan, Honduras; and Kumamoto, Japan. These projects, among others, will serve 8 million visitors annually, and be accessible to all travelers, including land and air vacationers and guests of multiple cruise lines. Holistica is also engaged in discussions regarding multiple existing and proposed destinations around the world.

 

"The timing is right for a venture of this type," said Hamui. "A collaborative development approach, paired with meaningful private financial resources, gives local destinations the opportunity to grow the right way."

 

 

 

Added Bayley: "Having more destinations, and developing them in a responsible manner, gives travelers greater vacation quality, and expands the landscape of available travel options as the tourism industry grows."

 

 

 

•  

I already said Roatan and Costa Maya. Seems like they'll have a problem getting repeaters if they just go to those two places plus Cozumel 52 weeks a year.

[ssb]

1 hour ago, OSUZorba said:

I already said Roatan and Costa Maya. Seems like they'll have a problem getting repeaters if they just go to those two places plus Cozumel 52 weeks a year.

Beside ships  from Galveston going to Eastern destinations  to Bahamas , Key west and others , Royal is improving Western port destinations for greater experiences and the larger ships . 

 

Remember less than 5 % of potential  cruisers  marketplace has been tapped. All of these destinations are still new to first timers . And all of us continue to go back for various reasons . 

 

 

Edited August 15, 2019 by ssb

[HBE4]

On 6/19/2019 at 4:15 PM, ssb said:

Heck they want a terminal # 4 . 

How many ships can two new state of art terminals handle ? 

 

At least 3.  Two ships (Allure & Liberty) doing alternating 7-day itineraries on Sat/Sun and the smaller ship for shorter excursions that are timed for weekdays.

 

Or have Liberty run 9 or 10 day cruises to avoid port congestion if the shorter cruises leave on the weekend. I say Liberty as Royal seems adverse to having Oasis-class do anything longer than 7 days.

Edited August 15, 2019 by HBE4

[theotherchad]

Several have suggested that upgrading to an Oasis class might be pushing the limits of demand, but honestly, every single cruise out of Galveston has been filled to capacity and I see no reason to think that won't continue. Suites and balconies mostly sell out well in advance. Someone else also mentioned limited destinations, but that is a red herring. 
Galveston ported 7 day cruises have gone and can go to:

1) Cozumel (obviously)

2) Costa Maya, MX

3) Progresso, MX

4) Roatan, Honduras

5) Belize

6) Falmouth, Jamaica

7) Ocho Rios, Jamaica

8. Montego Bay, Jamaica

9) Grand Cayman

10) Key West

11) CoCo Cay

 

That's just the destinations I know of for sure and I have personally been to all those destinations except Belize and CoCo Cay. I have no doubt that an Oasis class ship sailing out of Galveston will fill up just fine, along with at least two other ships doing shorter itineraries. 

Edited August 15, 2019 by theotherchad

[theotherchad]

On 6/15/2019 at 5:45 PM, Merion_Mom said:

 

Liberty of the Seas is a Freedom class ship, originally called Ultra-Voyager class - they are just stretched Voyager class ships. 

 

 

Actually, that's not correct. The Freedom class ships are about 60' wider and significantly taller than the Voyager class ships. It is the Radiance Class ships that are stretched Voyager class ships. 

[Biker19]

Just now, theotherchad said:

 

Actually, that's not correct. The Freedom class ships are about 60' wider and significantly taller than the Voyager class ships. It is the Radiance Class ships that are stretched Voyager class ships. 

You may want to check your facts........

 

Biker, who is waiting for the @Merion_Mom reply.

[theotherchad]

5 minutes ago, Biker19 said:

You may want to check your facts........

 

Biker, who is waiting for the @Merion_Mom reply.

 

I did. Voyager Class is 121' wide and Freedom Class is 184' wide. 

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liberty_of_the_Seas

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Voyager_of_the_Seas

 

Also, I've sailed both classes and the difference (in more than just length) is quite obvious. I'm not trying to be contentious or make Merion Mom feel bad, just correcting a factual error. Lots of new cruisers come to this site looking for information from more experienced cruisers, and it doesn't feel right to let them be misinformed. 

Edited August 15, 2019 by theotherchad

[Clarea]

4 minutes ago, theotherchad said:

 

I did. Voyager Class is 121; wide and Freedom Class is 184' wide. 

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liberty_of_the_Seas

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Voyager_of_the_Seas

 

Also, I've sailed both classes and the difference (in more than just length) is quite obvious. I'm not trying to be contentious or make Merion Mom feel bad, just correcting a factual error. Lots of new cruisers come to this site looking for information from more experienced cruisers, and it doesn't feel right to let them be misinformed. 

 

Voyager and Freedom class are the same width.  The only possible difference is if the width is measured at the bridge wings.  But as far as hull width (beam), they are the same.

 

Some websites show differing figures because they are not comparing apples to apples.  Some measure the beam (ship width) at the waterline, some measure at the extent of the bridge wings.

 

The main difference in ship dimension between Voyager and Freedom class is 92 feet in length.

[Biker19]

1 minute ago, theotherchad said:

Voyager Class is 121; wide and Freedom Class is 184' wide. 

Reading Wiki entries may not be obvious - look at the waterline beam width - exactly the same between those ships.

 

Radiance class has very little to do with Voyager class other than both of them being operated by RCI.

[The Fun Researcher]

The added width of the Freedom class ships is simply due to the fact that they included the cantelevered hot tubs or the bridge in the width.

 

They are the same width.  The Freedom class is longer however, which adds the spash area on the pool deck and makes the Promenade longer separating the Cafe Promenade and Sorrento's.  On Vovager class, Sorrento's and Cafe Promenade are combined into one.  Also Freedom has more space on Deck 4 for other venues.  

 

Dan

[theotherchad]

Wikipedia sucks. I stand corrected. 

[The Fun Researcher]

Having sailed both Voyager and Freedom class quite a few times, they feel nearly identical.  WAAAAY more similar than different.  Voyager is a little easier to traverse simply because it's shorter.  Having the two promenade food venues combined is very convenient.  No more going from one end of the promenade to the other simply to get both a slice of pizza and a finger sandwich. 

 

The amped ships are wonderful, and I'm so glad that Royal is giving that treatment to both of those classes!!!

 

Dan

[ssb]

What does size have to do with it ? 

[wolfganghowell]

I had a survey last week that was very specific in its intent.  It was targeting a 4 day itinerary for Key West and Nassau with a large emphasis on Royal building a beach club in Nassau.  Now I'm not sure if that's viable from Galveston or it might be for a Florida or New Orleans option.

I too prefer Freedom class over Oasis but already accepting the inevitable.  There are some things on Oasis I like better for suites - Coastal Kitchen and the suite sundeck come to mind.  But the pools were insanely crowded and forget about Windjammer.

[John&LaLa]

1 hour ago, ssb said:

What does size have to do with it ? 

 

Limits the available ports for one.

[John&LaLa]

9 minutes ago, wolfganghowell said:

I had a survey last week that was very specific in its intent.  It was targeting a 4 day itinerary for Key West and Nassau with a large emphasis on Royal building a beach club in Nassau.  Now I'm not sure if that's viable from Galveston or it might be for a Florida or New Orleans option.

I too prefer Freedom class over Oasis but already accepting the inevitable.  There are some things on Oasis I like better for suites - Coastal Kitchen and the suite sundeck come to mind.  But the pools were insanely crowded and forget about Windjammer.

 

I honestly had no issues with pools on Harmony last week. Love the adults only sports pool and hot tub.

[HBE4]

1 hour ago, theotherchad said:

Someone else also mentioned limited destinations, but that is a red herring. 
Galveston ported 7 day cruises have gone and can go to:

1) Cozumel (obviously)

2) Costa Maya, MX

3) Progresso, MX

4) Roatan, Honduras

5) Belize

6) Falmouth, Jamaica

7) Ocho Rios, Jamaica

8. Montego Bay, Jamaica

9) Grand Cayman

10) Key West

11) CoCo Cay

 

I think the "limited" destinations refers to the ports Oasis can go to.  That's always been the negative drawback to Oasis.

 

Not sure they can go to some of the ports on your list.

 

 

 

[John&LaLa]

3 minutes ago, HBE4 said:

 

I think the "limited" destinations refers to the ports Oasis can go to.  That's always been the negative drawback to Oasis.

 

Not sure they can go to some of the ports on your list.

 

Upwards of half is my guess