Volcano Bay, Universal Orlando’s new innovative water theme park is set to open next Summer. Spanning 28 acres, it will be Universal Orlando’s third theme park, giving guests even more to enjoy on their vacation.
At Volcano Bay, guests will discover a one-of-a-kind park that will combine exhilarating experiences with hassle-free convenience so families can get the most out of their vacation together.
The park will have 18 attractions in 4 themed areas.Completely unique from any other theme park experience, Universal has said it is redefining the queue experience so guests can focus entirely on having fun and spending time together. If fact, they say guests won’t even have to carry their own rafts up the slides.
The four themed areas are:
Krakatau:
The 200-foot volcano, Krakatau, will lie at the heart of the park, inviting guests to venture through its hidden caverns and cascading waterfalls.
A state-of-the-art marquee attraction found only at Volcano Bay. More details will be announced later.
Three distinctive body slides found at the rear of the volcano, which start off with surprise doors that drop out from beneath guests:
Ko’okiri Body Plunge: A racing, 70-degree drop that will plummet 125-feet through the center of Krakatau. It will be the world’s first slide to travel through a pool filled with guests.
Kala and Ta Nui Serpentine Body Slides: Two intertwining slides where guests will fall freely along 124 twisting feet.
Punga Racers: A high-speed race through four different enclosed slides featuring manta-shaped mats.
Wave Village:
Located at the base of Krakatau, Wave Village will be home to:
Waturi Beach: A sparkling, multi-directional wave pool where guests can swim, relax on the sand or indulge in private, one- or two-story cabanas.
The Reef: An adjacent leisure pool will provide guests with calmer waters and exciting views of riders speeding through the Ko’okiri Body Plunge.
River Village:
Named for the peaceful river that snakes through it, River Village will feature unique attractions for the entire family, including:
Kopiko Wai Winding River: A gentle, winding river that will pass through the volcano’s hidden caves, featuring spontaneous water effects and special nighttime lighting.
Tot Tiki Reef: A whimsical toddler play area with spraying Maori fountains, slides and a kid-size volcano.
Runamukka Reef: A three-story water playground inspired by the coral reef overflowing with twisting slides, sprinklers and more.
Honu: An adventurous, multi-passenger raft ride that will soar across two giant, sloped walls
Ika Moana: A twisting, multi-passenger raft ride that will glide across bubbling geysers.
Rainforest Village:
Exhilarating thrills await guests in Rainforest Village, including:
Maku: North America’s first “saucer ride” – sending multi-passenger rafts speeding around three saucer-shaped curves.
Puihi: A breath-taking multi-passenger raft ride that will plunge guests into darkness before bursting into a funnel and launching into a zero-gravity drop.
Ohyah and Ohno Drop Slides: Two twisting, adrenaline-pumping slides that launch guests four- and six-feet above the water at the end.
TeAwa The Fearless River: An action-packed, racing torrent river where guests hang tight in their inner tubes amidst roaring, whitewater rapids.
Taniwha Tubes: Four unique Easter Island-inspired slides with rafts for single or double riders.
Puka Uli Lagoon: A tranquil pool where guests can swim and relax.
Volcano Bay will be located within Universal Orlando, adjacent to Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort. The water theme park is just a short walk or ride away from Universal Orlando’s two additional theme parks – Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure, on-site hotels and Universal CityWalk.
Each area of the park will offer its own easy-to-access, resort-like amenities, such as concierge locations and lockers, so guests won’t have to stroll out of their way to get what they need. There will also be highly-themed restaurants and bars located throughout the park offering signature food and beverage options and impressive volcano views. Even more unique features of the park will be announced later.
To make it easier to hop between each park, Universal Orlando will soon introduce a brand-new, 3-Park Explorer ticket for guests where they can plan to experience the highly-anticipated Volcano Bay for travel dates beginning June 1, 2017.
Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Dawn arrived in Boston this morning a new lady! Following a month-long dry dock, she received enhancements to every part of the onboard experience, from two brand new restaurants and three new bars and lounges, updated design and décor in all public spaces, to a refurbishment of all staterooms including a complete makeover of the ship’s signature Garden Villas, some of the largest suites at sea.
The ship’s extensive renovation is a part of The Norwegian Edge™ program, a $400 million investment that will add some of the new technologies and designs that are available on the new ships to existing vessels.
“As with each of the ship refurbishments in the Norwegian Edge program, this was not your average dry dock,” said Andy Stuart, Norwegian Cruise Line president and chief operating officer. “Norwegian Dawn was brought down to the steel in many spaces and rebuilt to evoke the look and feel of the newest Norwegian ships, allowing guests sailing on her to enjoy all of the freedom and flexibility that only Norwegian offers, along with a more premium experience from bow to stern.”
A new concept for the Norwegian fleet, Los Lobos Cantina is an upscale Mexican restaurant that offers a modern take on traditional favorites like guacamole prepared tableside, al pastor tacos, enchiladas de mole and hand crafted margaritas, all available à la carte. Los Lobos Cantina will open on July 1. O’Sheehan’s Bar & Grill is making its debut on Norwegian Dawn today, and features signature sports bar décor while offering favorite pub fare and beers on tap. The former Pearly King Pub has been completely transformed into The Cellars, a Michael Mondavi Family Wine Bar. Guests can choose from more than 15 varieties of Mojitos at the Sugarcane Mojito Bar or enjoy a cocktail at the Bliss Lounge.
The Venetian and Aqua Restaurants both feature a completely new look, with enhancements including new wall coverings, carpet and hardwood flooring, entry signage, artwork, ceiling finishes, reupholstered furniture, lighting, and window treatments. The Dawn’s Bamboo Asian Restaurant also has undergone a complete refurbishment with fresh carpet and hardwood flooring, new furniture including tables, barstools and chairs, updated artwork throughout the space, new decorative and architectural lighting, along with window treatments and wall finishes. The Garden Café has undergone a redesign with new layout for smoother service that features upgraded flooring, artwork, decorative lighting, wall finishes, signage and furniture.
Le Bistro and La Cucina have exchanged locations, with each space presenting a premium dining experience that is brought to life with new décor including updated carpet, furniture, decorative lighting and signage. Moderno Churrascaria has been moved to Deck 13 adjacent to Sugarcane Mojito Bar and features all new décor, furniture, window treatments, wall coverings and artwork that evokes the restaurant’s Brazilian theme. Teppanyaki restaurant was completely renovated and doubled in size with two additional tables, new flooring and décor and the addition of a divider between Bamboo and Teppanyaki for a more private experience. Cagney’s Steakhouse now has a modern look with new décor, furniture, updated artwork, new carpet, wall finishes, decorative lighting and modified, more open layout where guests can enjoy Certified Angus Beef® steaks and delectable truffle fries
Every stateroom on the ship received new carpets, bedding, drapery, artwork and furniture. Additionally, the ship’s two Garden Villas, now featuring a more clean and modern look with brand new flooring and furniture inside and out, new ceilings, lighting, bedding, décor and flat screen TVs.
Garden Villa suite on the Norwegian Dawn
Not to be left out, the Norwegian Dawn’s public spaces, elevators and restrooms were refreshed from top to bottom to receive an updated look with new contemporary design, as well as new lighting, flooring, wall coverings and wall sconces to give the full ship that “new ship” look and feel.
The ship’s Atrium features a new modern and clean look with plush carpet and new lighting, chic furniture and a new lounge seating area, as well as enhancements to the Guest Services reception desks.
The ship’s pool deck was completely refurbished to create a brighter and livelier atmosphere for sun-seekers with new decking and new awnings to give the open deck a sleek, yacht-like feel. Additionally, the main pool deck received new exterior showers, upgraded pool loungers, and a fresh look to all exterior corridors. The Bimini Bar overlooking the main pool deck was completely refurbished and now features a completely new design and look. Kids and kids at heart sailing aboard Norwegian Dawn can now enjoy an upgraded Entourage teen space and video arcade with built-in entertainment areas, new carpeting and wall finishes and new modern furniture.
The Mandara Spa received a new look and layout– elevating the spa experience with refreshed sleek décor, updated treatment rooms and newly added spaces including a barber shop, nail salon, spa pool and eight heated loungers in the luxurious thermal suite.
Norwegian Dawn will sail from Boston to Bermuda each week through October, spending three nights in port, and from New Orleans to the Western Caribbean — including a call at Harvest Caye, Belize, the Caribbean’s premier resort-style port of call — during the winter season, beginning in November.
Harvest Caye
In recent months Pride of America and Norwegian Sun have been refreshed. Next Spring 4 of their ships, Sky, Spirit, Pearl and Jade will go into drydock to be revitalized.
Just in time for the winter cruising season, one of our favorite Royal Caribbean ships, Adventure of the Seas, is getting some incredible upgrades!
Image via Matt Wade
The 3,114-passenger ship is Royal Caribbean’s fifth ship to undergo revitalization, and at $61 million this will be the brand’s largest investment yet.
Guests(and my kids!) will love that the new Adventure of the Seas will have the new dual racer waterslides, Cyclone and Typhoon, the popular FlowRider surf simulator, and a children’s aquapark, Splashaway Bay.
Harmony of the Seas Splashaway Bay
In addition, Royal has planned a new lineup of culinary and entertainment venues with Izumi Japanese Cuisine, the brand’s signature steakhouse, Chops Grille and Boleros Latin Lounge. The ship also will receive more than 100 new staterooms, a refresh of all existing staterooms and a brand new Suites Lounge for the luxury traveler.
“We’re thrilled to debut an array of new enhancements to one of our guest’s most beloved ships,” said Michael Bayley, President and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. “The name Adventure says it all; this ship is packed with action, featuring a mix of signature features and innovations, including thrilling new waterslides and VOOM, the fastest internet at sea.”
Adventure of the Seas offers some of our favorite itineraries and that won’t change after the revitalization. Vacationers who love to explore the Southern Caribbean will have the opportunity to sail from San Juan, Puerto Rico to the most sought-after spots in the Caribbean, including Bridgetown, Barbados; Castries, St. Lucia; St. Johns, Antigua; Basseterre, St. Kitts; and Philipsburg, St. Maarten.
In 2016, Royal Caribbean will revitalize six ships in its fleet: Liberty of the Seas, Empress of the Seas, Jewel of the Seas, Majesty of the Seas, Adventure of the Seas, and Radiance of the Seas. As the brand introduces new ships, they introduce new designs and concepts. Revitalizing their older ships, gives them the ability to add these innovations to their current fleet so that more passengers can experience all of the newest advancements in cruising.
Fans looking to visit Disneyland will be excited to learn that the theme park is planning to add a fourth hotel to their property!
The first hotel to be build in 20 years, the new Resort will be a AAA four-diamond rated hotel, with plans for 700 rooms adjacent to Downtown Disney.
The new property will join the California theme park’s current resorts; Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, the Disneyland Hotel and Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel.
The Telegraph reports that the average nightly rate will be rumored to be around $450, making it the most expensive of the park hotels. Construction will begin in 2018 with an estimated opening date in 2021.
While the theme of the hotel has not be revealed, it has been confirmed, that the hotel will have a rooftop restaurant – from which you’ll be able to see views of Sleeping Beauty’s Castle and have front-row seats to the fireworks show.
Guests can also look forward to a huge outdoor ‘interactive’ swimming area.
Last Summer Disney announced they would invest $2 billion into the property over the next decade to improve and expand the park. The expansion includes the new Star Wars-themed land at Disneyland Park, which is under construction.
Each cruise line has their own private island, which serves as a quick destination where travelers can swim, snorkel and even get a massage on the beach. Often located in the Bahamas or close to Florida, these secluded havens are great because there isn’t normally a charge for chairs, food or some of the activities, which is nice for vacationers looking to stay on budget.
Looking to step up their game, Norwegian Cruise Line announced this week that they would be creating new luxury spaces on Great Stirrup Cay for their cruise passengers.
Guests looking for some excitement will be excited to hear that there will be a new zip line course that features more than 1,000 feet of zip line, gives guests a bird’s eye view of the island and the sea as they soar through the air. The island’s two parallel zip lines offer the chance for some friendly competition and high-flying races. Guests will also be able to snorkel through the island’s new mystical underwater sculpture garden using a waterproof map as a guide.
All dining and bar venues will be updated island-wide, adding new resort-style decking, shaded areas, high-top seating at all bars and family-style seating that will add 50 percent more seating capacity at all dining outlets.
A new complimentary taco bar, Abaco Taco, will be added near the island’s entertainment hub, where guests can create their own favorite tacos. The island’s 8,500-square foot buffet will be redesigned to provide faster and more efficient service for guests, and the deck surrounding the buffet will be expanded so guests can enjoy their lunch at new seating areas. The center of the island will feature a shaded lounge area with modern chic furniture and bar service, for guests who want to enjoy paradise in style.
Building on the brand’s exclusive partnership with Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville, Great Stirrup Cay will also feature a LandShark Bar & Grill. Inspired by the traditional beach bars of the Atlantic Coast, LandShark Bar & Grill offers the perfect mix of casual dining, free-flowing drinks and fun with panoramic ocean views and indoor and outdoor seating. Menu items will be available à la carte.
Guests seeking the ultimate island luxury will experience a retreat like no other at Great Stirrup Cay’s exclusive lagoon enclave, beginning in Summer 2017. This private area of Great Stirrup Cay features a secluded, pristine beach; oceanview restaurant; a posh Mandara Spa; sheltered family area; and 22 air-conditioned private villas available for reservations, ranging in size from studios to two-bedrooms. The lagoon will be available on a complimentary basis to The Haven and Suite guests, along with guests who purchase an on-island Mandara Spa service. In addition, a limited amount of passes to the Lagoon will available for purchase on each sailing.
The Lagoon experience begins as guests are welcomed by staff at a modern, air-conditioned reception area complete with beach chic décor that features floor to ceiling windows overlooking the area’s expansive private beaches. From the reception building, guests can reserve activities, rent equipment, or relax in the shade on the outdoor terrace or an additional shaded seating area nearby that can be accessed by the lagoon bridge. The center of the lagoon will feature a floating swim up bar for guests to enjoy their favorite cocktails without ever having to leave the water. Both children and parents will enjoy a shallow, partitioned family beach area along with grassy areas with swing sets, and picnic tables. Those guests celebrating a special occasion or traveling in a large group can reserve an expansive, well-appointed private room for private functions of up to 75 guests, with food and beverage service available. Guests looking to refresh and recharge during their private island getaway can indulge in the full range of treatments offered at the lagoon’s luxurious Mandara Spa, with four treatment rooms offering signature spa services.
Guests who purchase a reservation for one of Great Stirrup Cay’s luxury beach villas will enjoy a completely pampered experience from ship to shore, as they will be whisked away by one of several air-conditioned shuttles running from the tender marina to the lagoon reception area. Studio villas feature an outdoor terrace, private bathroom and living/dining area, and can accommodate two to four guests. One bedroom villas accommodate four to six guests and feature a bedroom, private bathroom, living and dining areas and outdoor terrace with a hot tub. The ultimate island escape, Great Stirrup Cay’s two bedroom villas can accommodate up to 10 guests and feature two bedrooms, two private bathrooms, living and dining areas, and an expansive outdoor terrace with a dining area and hot tub.
Exclusively for guests of the lagoon retreat, the two-story Silver Palm restaurant will offer complimentary dining in a stunning setting, with both indoor and outdoor seating, as well as a rooftop terrace overlooking the area’s expansive ocean views. All luxury beach villas will also include food and beverage service for guests who wish to enjoy refreshments in the privacy of their villa.
Al of these new spaces and experiences are expected to opening in the Spring 2017, except for the cabanas, which will open in the summer.
This Fall the Disney Wonder will go into drydock for 6 weeks. But when she returns, she will have a whole host of new experiences and enhancements for families looking to cruise!
Disney Cruise Lines has announced that the Wonder will be out of service between September 9 to October 23, 2016, while she is transformed in Cadiz, Spain.
So what can you expect for the updated Disney Wonder? More superheros, princesses, play spaces and a re-designed water park!
In Disney’s Oceaneer Club, Marvel Super Hero Academy will offer extraordinary adventures in which kids play an integral role. With the mentorship of some of Marvel’s greatest Super Heroes, young trainees will learn the value of teamwork, bravery and problem solving through hands-on play and programs.
Spider-Man will appear in person to help children hone their spider senses by perfecting their skills of reflex, speed and sharp minds. Other Marvel Super Heroes will interact with children via a large digital display. In one program, kids can control the movement of a character on screen to practice super skills like repulsor blasting.
Tiana’s Place restaurant will transport you to an era of southern charm, spirited jazz and street party celebrations. Here you’ll be treated to New Orleans dining and entertainment, with live music creating a French Quarter supper club atmosphere.
Chefs will cook up Tiana’s recipes, drawing inspiration from the flavors and ingredients of the Louisiana bayou. Tiana’s personal touch will be evident in the menu, the entertainment and throughout every detail in the restaurant.
The adult district includes a brand-new pub that invites you to take a jaunt to an authentic English tavern. The space is adorned with dark woods, plush leather furniture and brass accents, and subtle nods to classic Disney films set in London can be found in artwork and props. British and specialty beers create the perfect pub atmosphere, where adults can sip a pint, or sample a brew made especially for the pub.
Some of the other new and enhanced areas include:
After Hours – a new adult district featuring the English pub, an all-new night club and a shiny new model of the popular Cadillac Lounge
A reimagined and relaxing Senses Spa & Salon and a new Chill Teen Spa
Animator’s Palate main dining restaurant updated to introduce the popular “Drawn to Magic” and “Animation Magic” dinner shows
Cabanas casual dining location
Palo specialty restaurant makeover with Venetian-inspired décor
D Lounge for family games and entertainment
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique providing magical makeovers for children
Edge club for tweens
“it’s a small world” Nursery for the youngest cruisers
The ship’s upper decks also will be redesigned for waterful fun:
Twist ‘n’ Spout water slide provides splashtacular fun
Dory’s Reef is a splash zone that offers fanciful water play for toddlers
AquaLab is a pool and interactive water play area for kids and families
In addition, there will be new play spaces and more character interactions for children in Disney’s Oceaneer Club:
Frozen Adventures is where fun takes the form of imaginative play and hands-on activities. On the digital screen, Olaf leads summery games with a wintery twist and a sing-a-long of “In Summer.”
In another festive activity, young guests prepare for a coronation and receive a truly royal and in-person visit by Anna and Elsa.
Club Disney Junior features favorite Disney Junior characters, storytelling and games. During one activity, Doc McStuffins pays a visit to the club to help children diagnose and treat the stuffed animals.
Andy’s Room where kids feel toy-sized in the multi-level play space themed to the Disney•Pixar “Toy Story” trilogy. As a special treat, Woody appears in person to join youngsters in a hoedown and Jessie stops by to join in a scavenger hunt.
The new Disney Wonder will debut on sailings starting November 10 from Galveston, Texas. She will continue to sail from Galveston to the Bahamas and Caribbean, until the ship sails to San Juan, Puerto Rico on January 20, 2017. On January 26, 2017, a three-night cruise takes guests from San Juan to Port Canaveral, Fla., where the ship will homeport for the spring.
Shocking CCTV video that was released last week showed two little boys touching and pulling a wall-mounted exhibit at the Shanghai Museum of Glass.
The video shows the kids behind the cordoned off area, laughing and dancing as they break off pieces of the glass sculpture. But what is even more horrifying is that the parents don’t discourage their kids from breaking the unique piece – instead they filmed the whole incident.
It wasn’t until the boys pull the artwork off the wall and smashed a huge piece of the left wing on the floor, that the two women frantically waved their hands and gestured for them to move away.
Hyperallergic notes that the sculpture, “Angel Is Waiting” by artist and pioneer of China’s studio glass movement Shelly Xue, has been on view since 2014. It depicts a pair of angel’s wings constructed of glass fragments.
According to Arte Magazine, Xue spent about 27 months making it and dedicated it to her newborn daughter. Rather than fixing the work after the boys’ rough handling of it, she has decided to leave it as is. She has simply retitled it “Broken.”
The museum has not revealed whether the children or their parents received any form of punishment, but it has installed a screen playing the surveillance footage on loop next to the piece — possibly as a way to shame the delinquents.
The number one question I get asked by parents who are about to go on a vacation is what is the best stroller for travel. Because you don’t want to be saddled with a huge buggy for your travels, it needs to be compact and convenient, but still offer many of the features of a full sized stroller. Over the years we have tested many strollers out while traveling to the Caribbean and through national parks.
Here are our favorites!
At just 13lbs, and just 22 x 12.2 x 20″ when folded, the Mountain Buggy Nano stroller is the ultimate on-the-go stroller! It can hold an infant seat for newborns, and the seat is perfect for babies 6 months+. This stroller has a rugged 2 panel canopy with a flip out mesh visor for sunny days and a medium shopping basket underneath for storage. The big feature on this stroller, however, is the fold. The Nano is so compact when it’s folded that it can fit in the overhead bin on an airplane. It also comes with its own travel bag! Weighs 17.6lbs.
Weighing 14lbs, the GB Qbit stroller offers parents a lightweight stroller that can also be used as a travel system with GB’s Asana Infant seat. Because the seat only has a slight recline, the stroller itself can only be used for babies 6 months+. The Qbit has a 3 panel canopy, bright contrasting frame and fabrics and a medium shopping basket underneath. The stroller folds down with just one hand, and the whole package fits in the included travel bag. Weighs 14lbs.
The Britax B-Agile has long been one of our favorite travel strollers. It weighs 16.5 lbs, is suitable from birth to 55lbs and it features an easy, one handed quick fold design. It comes with adapters so that it can be converted into a travel system for travel with newborns. The shopping basket underneath is both spacious and study, as is the canopy, which provides almost full protection against the elements. Weighs 19lbs.
New to the market last year, Nuna’s Tavo stroller can be used from birth to 50lbs. It also offers parents the ability to connect a car seat to create a travel system for little ones. Traveling kids will love that the roomy seat has 4 recline positions, and a dream drape that covers almost the whole front of the stroller at naptime. Parents will be happy that it can be folded with one hand and a large shopping basket for trips out to the market! Weighs 24.3lbs
Summer’s Infant’s 3D Flip is one of the most unique strollers on the market because it allows parents to stroll with their baby in the forward-facing and Rear facing positions without having to remove the seat. This stroller also has a good sized canopy and can be folded up for easy storage with a strap for effortless transportation. Weighs 14lbs.
Joovy is well known for their awesome travel gear and the Groove is one of our favorites for a day out at the park, the airport or the streets of Florence. One of our editors used this stroller for 4 years with her second son and swears by it as the best option for travel. This lightweight umbrella stroller strikes a balance by offering parents a sturdy and comfortable buggy with a supportive seat that holds a children weighing up to 55 lbs. The Groove also has an extra-large canopy for sunny days and a zippered pocket at the back for your keys, phone and wallet. Weighs 13.9lbs.
This lightweight stroller will conveniently convert from a toddler stroller to a travel system when you add your Chicco KeyFit 30 infant car seat. The stroller seat features 5 recline positions for comfort, a large canopy and a covered shopping basket underneath for purchases. We have used Chicco’s original Liteway as our go-to stroller for many cruises over the years. It pushes nicely, has a good roomy seat and folds up nicely for easy storage. Weighs 17.3lbs.
Quinny’s Zapp Xtra Stroller is a great stroller for travel because it has a very compact fold, it’s car seat compatible and its one of the few lightweight strollers on the market to offer 3 forward and 2 rear facing recline positions for kids. Weighing in at 19.2lbs, the Zapp Xtra folds up to be just when 9.8″W x 25.6″L x 8.6″H when it’s time to store it. It also has a medium shopping basket underneath, a large canopy and a 4 wheel configuration for easy manoeuvering through busy areas!
Since it was announced in October of last year, The GB Pockit has created buzz like no other stroller we have seen. Weighing a mere 9.5lbs, this tiny stroller folds up to just 12″ x 14″. Take it on an airplane, stash it in your purse of keep it in your suitcase, this stroller is small enough – when it’s folded – to be stored anywhere! It doesn’t have a recline and the canopy is small, but if you are looking for a good A – B stroller that won’t weigh you down the Pockit it your guy!
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Just a week after it took delivery of the largest cruise ship in the world, Royal Caribbean has announced there are more coming!
Today Royal revealed that French Shipbuilder STX France will build a fifth Oasis-class ship for delivery in the Spring of 2021, and two additional Edge-class ships for Celebrity Cruises, which are scheduled for delivery in the Fall of each of 2021 and 2022.
“The response to the arrival of Harmony of the Seas is staggering, eliciting excitement from eager cruisers from markets on both sides of the Atlantic,” said Richard D. Fain, Chairman and CEO, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. “And Edge-class is one of the most highly anticipated new projects, following the high bar of Modern Luxury design set by its predecessor, the Solstice-class.”
“The Oasis-class ships have delivered beyond expectations each time,” said Michael Bayley, President and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. “Harmony of the Seas’ warm reception is evidence that growing this class of ship will continue to drive exceptional performance for the brand.”
“Although our first Edge-class vessel is still over two years away from delivery, there has been a tremendous amount of interest around the new standard of style Edge-class will introduce,” said Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, President and CEO, Celebrity Cruises. “Solstice-class ushered in a new era of design for modern cruise ships, and Edge-class will not disappoint as the new generation of high style and design.”
“We are extremely pleased with the recent success of Harmony of the Seas and take great pride in our partnership with Royal Caribbean,” said Laurent Castaing, Managing Director of STX France. “It is especially exciting to collaborate on such diverse projects from Oasis to Edge, both marvels in their own space.”
Royal’s 4th Oasis class ship is currently under construction at the STX ship yard in France and will debut in mid-2018. It has yet to be named, but my guess is Symphony. Royal also has 2 new Quantum class ships on order. They will be built at Meyer Werft in Northwestern Germany and are expected to join the line in 2019 and 2020.
In total, Celebrity has now ordered 4 Edge-Class ships with the first one expected to be delivered in 2018. The Celebrity Reflection was the last new ship the line introduced and it was delivered in 2012.
At 984 feet long, 123 feet wide and 190 feet high, the Edge-Class ships will deliver small ship itineraries with large ship amenities. “Our new class of ship will set the standard for premium world travel and deliver the next generation of modern luxury experiences that our guests know and love,” said Michael Bayley, president and chief executive officer of Celebrity Cruises.
While at Walt Disney World for Disney’s Social Media Moms Conference a couple weeks ago, I was able to preview the new Tree of Life Awakens at night show.
Beginning Memorial Day weekend, guests will be able to experience the park at night with some incredible new evening experiences.
The Imagineers at Walt Disney World have created two three shows that we are very excited about – Rivers of Light, The Jungle Book and The Tree of Life Awakens At Night!
Below are two videos from the preview we were given at the event.
Rivers of Light is an incredibly technical water show that will offer visitors the ability to view it from Asia, just in front of Everest Expedition, Dinoland in front of the Nemo Theater or while standing in any of the areas around Discovery River.
The designers have also created it to give visitors different elements of the show based on where they may be sitting as well.
The show itself is comprised of 5 acts where Disney has also incorporated 3 water screens, live performers, music, floating elements and projection technology to bring the story to life.
Discovery River will also the stage for a limited-engagement show inspired by Disney’s hit live-action film The Jungle Book. Premiering May 28, The Jungle Book: Alive with Magic is a live show filled with music and special effects that celebrates the new film and the classic songs, now infused with an Indian influence.
After the show guests can choose to ride Everest Expedition in the dark or embark on a nighttime Kilimanjaro Safari where guests can encounter the behavior of the wildlife after dark and better tune in to the unique vocalization of the animals.
Visitors will also love that the popular Village of Harambe at Disney’s Animal Kingdom will become a hot spot with the new Harambe Wildlife Parti. Here, “party animals” can dance alongside a variety of entertainers and local street musicians, and enjoy the lively rhythms of African music. Guests can also partake in exotic foods and drinks, and explore the diverse wares of village artisans and merchants in the vibrant marketplace.
Getting wet on Kali Rapids is fun in the daytime, but the night will reveal more mysterious twists and turns throughout the rainforest with dramatic and drenching fun.
The colorful midway games at Chester & Hester’s Dino-Rama will also make DinoLand U.S.A feel like a carnival at night!
At Volcano Bay, guests will discover a one-of-a-kind park that will combine exhilarating experiences with hassle-free convenience so families can get the most out of their vacation together.
The park will have 18 attractions in 4 themed areas. Completely unique from any other theme park experience, Universal has said it is redefining the queue experience so guests can focus entirely on having fun and spending time together. If fact, they say guests won’t even have to carry their own rafts up the slides.
The four themed areas are:
Volcano Bay will be located within Universal Orlando, adjacent to Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort. The water theme park is just a short walk or ride away from Universal Orlando’s two additional theme parks – Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure, on-site hotels and Universal CityWalk.
Each area of the park will offer its own easy-to-access, resort-like amenities, such as concierge locations and lockers, so guests won’t have to stroll out of their way to get what they need. There will also be highly-themed restaurants and bars located throughout the park offering signature food and beverage options and impressive volcano views. Even more unique features of the park will be announced later.
To make it easier to hop between each park, Universal Orlando will soon introduce a brand-new, 3-Park Explorer ticket for guests where they can plan to experience the highly-anticipated Volcano Bay for travel dates beginning June 1, 2017.
