Royal Caribbean comes back to New Orleans!
April 22, 2010 
4 Comments
Really big cruise news was announced today that has me excited for my friends in New Orleans!! Royal Caribbean announced today a new redeployment strategy for a few of their ships. It appears that the catalyst for the move is the struggling California economy not being able to support the price points that a ship of the calibre of the Mariner of the Seas should be commanding.
The Mariner of the Seas will be heading toward Europe on January 16th, 2011. On her way, she will make several South America voyages including one during Carnaval. July – September 2011 The Mariner of the Seas will be sailing roundtrip from Rome on 7 night Sailings. It is interesting to not that during the 2011 Summer, 50% of Royal Caribbean’s fleet will be in Europe.
Now for the News that got me excited, quoted directly from Royal Caribbean’s Nation of Why not Blog:
Voyager of the Seas to relocate to New Orleans and restart our New Orleans program that we stopped after Hurricane Katrina. The program will commence on November 12, 2011 and last until April of 2012. The weekly 7-night Western Caribbean itinerary will offer Falmouth, Jamaica; Cozumel, Mexico and George Town, Grand Cayman.
New Orleans has received a 6 month committment from Royal Caribbean on one of their huge Voyager Class Ships. This is great news for the city of New Orleans. It shows that Royal Caribbean has confidence in being able to fill a large ship every week for 6 months. This will be an incremental increase of 3800 new visitors to New Orleans on a weekly basis. A significant increase which should help support New Orleans remarkable story of rebuilding and growth. Congrats New Orleans!
Related New Orleans News: Social Fresh Cruise announces it will depart from New Orleans
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This is fantastic news for New Orleans! Thanks so much for sharing.
Linda,
Bad news for S. California…. great news for New Orleans. 50% of Royal Caribbean ships in Europe over the Summer will should make cruising Europe even more affordable.
Rich Tucker
Yes, but at least we still have Carnival Spirit, Splendor, and Paradise (the Splendor is fantastic).
I see what you mean about Europe cruising getting more affordable and can’t wait to try it myself. Now if we can just make flying to Europe a little cheaper
.
May I ask a personal question (I’m not sure if this is the right venue to ask, if not please disregard)? Which line do you think is best for families cruising to Alaska – Carnival, Royal, or Princess?
This move is definitely good news for Carnival. Less competition means they should be able to increase the rates for the Splendor. The Carnival Splendor and Mariner of the Seas are two of the nicest ships. And until the Mariner leaves they will be two of the best vacation values anywhere.
Rich Tucker