Travel Agent - September 15, 2008 - (Page 86)

NEWS IMPACT Royal Caribbean’s Latest “Wow” during an online virtual event jointly hosted by Royal Caribroyalcaribbean.com) provided bean, AAA Travel and the Caanother dose of “wow” for nadian Automobile Association. the trade in late August, as it By surfing around the event site, revealed more razzle-dazzle web visitors toured two new features for the 220,000-ton onboard neighborhoods—The Oasis of the Seas, scheduled Pool and Sports Zone, which to launch in late 2009 as the stretches the full length of one world’s largest ship. From the deck, and the Vitality at Sea Spa first zipline at sea to a twoand Fitness Center. SUSAN J. YOUNG level glass Solarium with four “The reveal created trecantilevered whirlpools, from a mendous hype with our AAA new spa for children and teens to an octocustomer base throughout Florida, Georgia and pus-themed H2O Zone with water-spouting Tennessee,” noted Jim Sweat, managing director, tentacles, the 5,400-passenger vessel will boast travel agency services, AAA Travel, Tampa, FL. a new level of guest amenities and activities. “This [virtual event] created a great deal of sales More than 16,000 consumers, media and travand future interest.” AAA Travel has always been el agents learned about the latest “reveal” elements strong on the brick-and-mortar side, but Sweat said it’s becoming more adept at marketing and dealing with Internet-savvy members who prefer M ARKETPL ACE to book with AAA via a home computer. In an online video, Richard Fain, Royal For Marketplace Advertising Information Caribbean Cruises Ltd.’s chairman and CEO, contact one of these account representatives: told web visitors that “one of the things that Royal Caribbean was always famous for—going CHRISTINA RASMUSSEN back 30 years—was its pools, and it’s kept that (East Coast, Caribbean and Latin America) tradition.” The Pool and Sport Zone boasts Phone: (212) 895-8215 four pools and 10 whirlpools. Beyond the new Email: crasmussen@questex.com zipline experience and H2O Zone, guests will BRADLEY LEVINE discover a new zero-entry Beach pool, ringed (West Coast, including AK and HI and Western Canada) by colorful chairs and umbrellas; private caPhone: (216) 706-3796 banas with attendants; a pair of FlowRider surf ROYAL CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL (www. simulators flanking the Wipe Out Bar; a sports court; and a nine-hole miniature golf course. Created as a soothing adult oasis, a glasspaneled, two-deck Solarium will boast six whirlpools including the four cantilevered ones 136 feet above the water, “islands” of seating areas, a relaxation area and a pool. The Solarium’s bistro will serve healthy fare from the Vitality spa menu during the day, but by night, will transform into Club 20 for casual dining and dancing. In addition, “we felt that there could be more of a spa and fitness district, so that when you go there, you’re going to be enveloped by it,” says Adam Goldstein, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. Thus, the new Asianinspired Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center neighborhood will boast a spa for children and teens; new Kinesis group classes; and a thermal suite with three couples’ massage suites and seven treatment rooms. The fitness center will offer the latest cardio and resistance equipment and classes in spinning, kickboxing, Pilates and yoga. Guests will enjoy healthy snacks, light meals and juices at a Vitality Café. The line has now unveiled plans for five of seven onboard neighborhoods. General bookings open September 3. Visit www.oasisofthe seas.com and www.cruisingpower.com. —SUSAN J. YOUNG Email: bradley.levine@questex.com A rendering of Oasis of the Seas’ Solarium lounge CONNECTING YOU For the latest happenings in the cruise industry, visit www.travelagentcentral.com/cruises Marketplace Advertising requires prepayment. Payment must be received by the classiﬁed closing date. VISA, MASTERCARD, AMERICAN EXPRESS accepted. TOUR OPERATORS 86 | TravelAgent September 15, 2008 http://www.royalcaribbean.com http://www.royalcaribbean.com http://www.oasisoftheseas.com http://www.oasisoftheseas.com http://www.cruisingpower.com http://www.travelagentcentral.com/cruises http://www.russianconsulting.com http://www.russianconsulting.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Travel Agent - September 15, 2008

Travel Agent - September 15, 2008 Online Now Contents Agent Insider From the Editor Hawaii Europe Pacific/Asia Las Vegas US Airways Vacations - Atlantis, Paradise Island Specialist Central & South America Mexico Caribbean Cruises Cover Story: Merge Mania France by Rail Weddings & Honeymoons Gay & Lesbian Travel Tours Agent Profile Triptailor Vacations Agenda: Fam Trips, Deals & Incentives, Calendar Vegas Week Insights on Singapore Travel Leaders Builds New Alliances The Latest from the Caribbean A Sneak Peek at a New Ship Classified Marketplace In the Spotlight Editorial Index Advertising Index Trendwatch Special Supplement: Thailand Travel Planner

Travel Agent - September 15, 2008

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