Tag Archives: Royal Caribbean International

Cruise Critic Publishes UK Cruisers’ Choice Awards

If you are interested in taking to the high seas for a holiday on a cruise liner then you may find it of interest to visit the website of CruiseCritic.co.uk that has recently published details of the winning ships in their UK Cruisers’ Choice Awards for 2017.

CRUISE SHIPThe awards are based upon reviews carried out by a number of people going on cruises in 2016 and cover cruise liners that can accommodate 2,000 or more passengers (Large Ship), 1,200 to 1,999 passengers (Mid-Size Ship) and 1,199 passengers or less (Small Ship).

Below are some of the awards: –

In the Large Ship size, Celebrity Cruises vessel called Celebrity Reflection won the awards for Best Overall, Best for Value and Best for Cabins. Best for Public Rooms and Best for Service were won by Celebrity Silhouette.

In the Mid-Size Ship size, Oceania Cruises vessel called Riviera did particularly well winning six of the awards – Best Overall, Best for Service, Best for Dining, Best for Cabins, Best for Embarkation and Best for Public Rooms.

In the Small Ship size, Viking Ocean Cruises did well. Viking Star won the top awards for Best Overall, Best for Public Rooms, Best for Value, Best for Embarkation and Best for Service. Viking Sea won the top awards for Best for Fitness and Recreation, Best for Cabins and Best for Entertainment.CRUISE SHIP

The Best for First Timers award was won by Royal Caribbean’s Freedom of the Seas that is a large ship. The Best for Families award was won by Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas that is also a large ship.

As well as publishing reviews from holidaymakers about cruises they have gone on, Cruise Critic provides other information about cruises. So, as well as doing other research, you may find the website of assistance in helping select a cruise that you feel is suitable for you.

Of course, if you are considering a cruise, you will no doubt wish to make sure that you have suitable travel insurance in place. So, why not give us a call on 02380 268 351 and speak with a member of our friendly, knowledgeable team about such cover.

The Largest Cruise Ship In The World

There are certainly a number of extremely big cruise ships cruising around the world’s oceans docking at a variety of exotic locations but none larger than the MS Harmony of the Seas. So, let’s have a closer look at this vessel.

Well, it was built in a shipyard in France for Royal Caribbean International who own a number of large cruise liners. It cost over £700 million to build. It was launched in June 2015, started having sea trials in March of this year and made its maiden voyage on the 29th May 2016 from Southampton to Barcelona. The vessel will be cruising in numerous places including the Caribbean and the Mediterranean.Largest Cruise Ship

Yes – it is big! In fact, it is just over 1,188 feet in length – that it around four times the length of some football pitches. It is 215 feet wide and 210 feet tall that is equivalent to about seven double decker buses piled one on top of the other.

It weighs 227,000 tonnes yet is capable of cruising at a speed of 22 knots and can use as much as 1,147 gallons of fuel in just one hour so you wouldn’t want to pay the fuel bill. It has four propellers that are each 20 feet in diameter. There are 18 decks with 16 of them available to guests. The 2,747 staterooms, ranging from interior cabins to suites, are capable of accommodating over 6,000 guests. The guests are looked after by more than 2,000 members of crew. There are 15 restaurants that provide a wide selection of international cuisine as well as a variety of cafes and bars with one of the bars moving up and down between 3 decks

Largest Cruise ShipThere are numerous activities to keep people of all ages happy including a zip line, the tallest helter-skelter on the ocean, a rock wall, mini golf, ice rink, gaming arcade, fitness centre, spa and pools to name but a few. There is a theatre capable of seating 1,300 people. There are numerous places to shop in the promenade.

It will be interesting to see how long it will be before an even bigger cruise liner is built than the MS Harmony of the Seas.

If you are intending to take a cruise, or any holiday for that matter, why not get in touch with us here at AIB Insurance on 02380 268 351 and speak with a friendly member of our staff who will happily arrange a competitive quotation for travel insurance without any obligation.