Actually, we’ve narrowed down the top four reasons planning pros like you choose Royal Caribbean International ships for meetings, conferences, executive retreats, incentive programs, and other special events:

• Incredible value
• Ease of planning
• Unique experience for everyone in the group
• Most innovative cruise ships in the industry!

We know what you’re thinking: But millions…really? Keep on reading to discover how a $300 million investment can transform your next group program to make it your best event ever. (Relax, Royal Caribbean International is picking up the tab!)

Here are the three best ways to give your event “The Royal Advantage”

1. Choose the Best Ship for Guaranteed “Wow’s”

Wondering which of Royal Caribbean’s 22 ships is the best? All of them! The cruise line is investing $300 million to upgrade their entire fleet with popular “best in class” innovations introduced on Oasis of the Seas. Thanks to the Royal Advantage makeovers, Royal Caribbean’s Best Ship is Every Ship!

On enhanced Royal Caribbean ships, your group will enjoy more amazing onboard experiences with a variety of new dining venues, unique entertainment options, and innovative technology. This means more “WOW” moments for them; more kudos for you. A few of the upgrades include:

New Technology

• More Wi-Fi access, increased bandwidth
• Digital Wayfinding Systems (LCD touch screen signs)
• Outdoor jumbo LED Video Walls on the pool decks
• On Vision-class ships: iPads in all cabins

Additional Dining Options

• Chef’s Table: Exclusive dinner and wine pairing experience co-hosted by the Executive Chef and Sommelier
• Izumi: Pan-Asian cuisine featuring a sushi bar with hot-rock cooking
• Samba Grill: Brazilian steakhouse experience with meats carved tableside
• Giovanni’s Table: Traditional, family-style  Italian trattoria
• Chops Grille: RoyalCaribbean’s signature premium steakhouse
• Park Café:  Casual dining venue with light and healthy fare
• Rita’s Cantina:  Casual Mexican restaurant with live evening entertainment

Awesome Entertainment

• 3D Theater with first-run movies and sporting events
• Broadway Shows - Now playing: Saturday Night Fever: The Musical (Liberty of the Seas), Hairspray (Oasis of the Seas), Chicago (Allure of the Seas). And more sensational Broadway shows opening in the future!
• Outdoor, poolside movie screen
• The DreamWorks Experience – character meet & greet, ice shows, parades & shows

Centrum Wow – a Spellbinding Experience
The Centrum on Vision-class ships is being transformed into a new chic and sophisticated venue featuring enriching daytime activities, dazzling evening entertainment and jaw-dropping aerial spectacles. Using the latest in sound and light technology, the soaring five-deck high space will come alive at night, offering your participants an up-close, multi-sensory experience unlike anything at sea!

The Royal Advantage Makeover Schedule

Five ships have already received the Royal Advantage revitalizations:
Freedom of the Seas, Liberty of the Seas, Radiance of the Seas, Splendour of the Seas, and Rhapsody of the Seas.

Next up are Vision-class Grandeur of the Seas (May 2012) and Radiance-class Serenade of the Seas (November 2012).  In 2013 and 2014, additional Royal Advantage revitalizations will take place on Vision-class ships, including Legend of the Seas and Vision of the Seas, four Voyager-class ships – Navigator of the Seas, Voyager of the Seas,  Explorer of the Seas and Adventure of the Seas - and the Radiance-class Brilliance of the Seas. The Jewel of the Seas will receive the Royal Advantage enhancements in 2015.

Each ship will enter dry dock for about a month and re-emerge as better versions of the ships planners and guests already love.

2. Simplify Planning, Amp Up Excitement – Meet in Europe on a Royal Caribbean Ship

According to industry reports, Europe is expected to remain the top international destination for U.S. groups through 2013. So now’s the time to discover the magnificent history, fascinating culture and timeless beauty of Europe! And what better way than by booking an amenity-packed “floating hotel” that will carry your attendees safely and effortlessly from one must-see destination to another – at guaranteed USD rates!

Royal Caribbean is adding more ships to their fleet across the pond, including Liberty of the Seas and Navigator of the Seas. Let’s take a look at a few best of the best options for planners:

Liberty of the Seas - 5-night Western Mediterranean cruises roundtrip from Barcelona, sailing to France and Italy and 7-night Western Mediterranean – visit more alluring ports along the French and Italian Rivieras

What’s amazing about Liberty of the Seas: This is the only ship in Europe to offer the DreamWorks Experience. Other new entertainment options include a 3D theater with first-run movies and the Broadway hit “Saturday Night: The Musical”. Technology upgrades include digital wayfinder system (touch screen signage), and expanded bow-to-stern WiFi bandwidth.  

Navigator of the Seas – 7-night Eastern Mediterranean cruises roundtrip from Rome (Civitavecchia), with visits to ports in Sicily, Turkey and Greece

What’s Special about Navigator of the Seas: This Voyager class ship was the first in Europe to introduce innovative facilities for onboard adventure, including the Royal Promenade, a rock climbing wall overlooking the sea, an ice-skating rink, and mini-golf course. With 16 bars and lounges, your group will also have plenty of evening entertainment choices.

Splendour of the Seas - 7 night Exotic Eastern Mediterranean cruises roundtrip from Venice, with visits to Turkey, Greece, Black Sea ports

Why you’ll love Splendour of the Seas: Recently revitalized with Royal Advantage enhancements, this ship features new five-star dining experiences, iPads in every stateroom; an outdoor poolside movie screen; and Centrum Wow, featuring dazzling nightly entertainment and spectacular aerial performances.

3. Spark Motivation! Sail to a Hot Destination on a Very Cool Ship

According to the M&C 2012 Global Planner, more than 80% of polled planners who hold motivational events will do so outside the U.S. in 2012 and 2013. Caribbean/Bermuda still holds the top spot for the most desirable incentive destination.

Here are the most sought-after RCI ships offering short Caribbean and Bermuda itineraries:

4 and 5 night Western Caribbean on Liberty of the Seas, sailing from Fort Lauderdale

4 and 5 night Western Caribbean on Jewel of the Seas, sailing from Tampa

5-night Bermuda (April – August) on Explorer of the Seas, sailing from Cape Liberty (Bayonne), NJ

Why Planners Love This: Cape Liberty is within convenient driving distance to three major international airports: La Guardia, JFK, and Newark. The five-night Bermuda itinerary includes an overnight in King’s Wharf plus two full days at sea on an amazing ship – perfect for meetings!

Learn More:
For more information about planning a Royal Caribbean meeting or group event, visit Seasite.com or call 305-403-3002. To find your perfect Royal Caribbean International ship and itinerary (along with printable Ship Planner Guides), click on About Royal Caribbean Ships.

Filed under: Cruise News, Meeting & Incentive News, Miscellaneous