Royal Caribbean to Offer Southern Caribbean Itineraries from Colon, Panama

MIAMI, July 31 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- From the bustling Colombian city streets to the pristine beaches of the ABC islands, Royal Caribbean International guests can now experience a perfect blend of Southern Caribbean life while cruising from Colon, Panama. Marking the first time that the cruise line has established a homeport at the mouth of the Panama Canal, Royal Caribbean today announced 17 sailings from December 2008 through April 2009 aboard Enchantment of the Seas. The seven-night voyages will visit spectacular ports-of-call in Colombia and the Dutch Antilles.
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"Colon is a spectacular Central American city and sailing from Panama not only offers our guests an exciting itinerary, but also allows more travelers more convenient opportunities to enjoy a Royal Caribbean cruise," said Adam Goldstein, president, Royal Caribbean International, at a press conference in Panama yesterday. "We are pleased to bring our signature style of cruising to Panama as we extend our brand globally, and we thank the government for their enthusiastic support."

Ports of call on Enchantment's Southern Caribbean cruises from Colon include Cartagena and Santa Marta, Colombia; Aruba; Bonaire and Curacao.

Travelers also can choose from two eight-night repositioning voyages aboard Enchantment sailing on November 29, 2008 and April 5, 2009. In addition to visiting Santa Marta and Cartagena, Colombia, guests will enjoy two more days in the Caribbean Sea and a call at Puerto Limon, Costa Rica, as the ship cruises to and from Colon and Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

"Our 2007-08 itineraries from Santo Domingo on Legend of the Seas and from Brazil on Splendour of the Seas have been exceptionally well-received and we are thrilled to further expand our offerings in Latin America with Enchantment's Southern Caribbean cruises," said Maria Sastre, vice president, international sales and marketing, Latin America, the Caribbean and Mexico. "Royal Caribbean's expansion into Panama further demonstrates our continued focus on developing our business in Latin America."

On Enchantment of the Seas, guests will enjoy non-stop entertainment and endless options for families and active travelers as they sail to some of the 'must-see' destinations in the Caribbean. At each port of call, a great variety of shore excursion opportunities -- including historical site visits, off-road adventures, shipwreck diving, zip lining through forest canopies and whitewater rafting -- are offered to further enhance the cruising experience.

Enchantment of the Seas features a solarium covered by a crystal canopy, a glass roof that retracts to take advantage of the tropical Caribbean weather. Guests can relax by three pools and in six whirlpools, while kids frolic in their own splash pool and interactive play area. The more active vacationers can try a bungee trampoline or work up a sweat at the rock-climbing wall or jogging track. The Enchantment Fitness Center and Day Spa features extensive fitness programs and a world-class spa menu. The line's award-winning Adventure Ocean youth program, with five age-tiered curricula, entertains and enlightens younger guests under the age of 18. Royal Caribbean is the only major cruise line with dedicated teen spaces aboard every ship in its fleet and on Enchantment, the Fuel teen-only hang-out and disco are perfect settings for teens to meet and relax with peers.

Guests can enjoy casual to fine dining in three restaurants, including Royal Caribbean's signature Chops Grille steakhouse. In the evenings, there is non-stop entertainment in eight lounges, including the Latin-themed Boleros, and there are top-rated Broadway-style performances in the Orpheum Theatre, or gaming action at the Casino Royale. Providing the line's signature Gold Anchor Service, Royal Caribbean's friendly and engaging staff and crew help make each guest's cruise vacation a unique and unforgettable experience.

[ 07-31-2007: Message edited by: joe at travelpage ]