Royal Caribbean to send Legend of the Seas to Santo Domingo

aegap

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Royal Caribbean to send its 2,064-passenger Legend of the Seas to Santo Domingo

Royal Caribbean to send Legend of the Seas to Santo Domingo
(Travelweekly.com, 06/08/2006)

Is this in anyway related to the planned Sans Souci port revitalization project?

Following an announcement in April that it will homeport a ship at an unspecified port in the Dominican Republic, Royal Caribbean International has revealed that it will sail its [2,064-passenger] Legend of the Seas out of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, beginning Dec. 16, 2007

The Legend will sail out of Santo Domingo through spring 2008, offering alternating eight-day itineraries that can be combined for a 16-day vacation. The ship will call in Philipsburg, St. Maarten; Roseau, Dominica; St. George?s, Grenada; Margarita Island, Venezuela; Oranjestad, Aruba; Basseterre, St. Kitts; Point A Pitre, Guadaloupe; Fort De France, Martinique; Bridgetown, Barbados; and Castries, St. Lucia...

related article,


A new homeport in the Dominican Republic ..

In a first for any major cruise line, Royal Caribbean will homeport a ship in the Dominican Republic. The Splendour of the Seas will operate seven-night itineraries in the southern Caribbean from December 2007 through March 2008.


Block said that homeporting in the Dominican Republic will be an advantage for passengers from Europe, Canada and Latin America, who have to obtain U.S. visas to sail out of Florida or Puerto Rico. She added that the Dominican Republic is already a popular destination with international travelers and has decent airlift.




 
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aegap

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More than just the homeport for one ship?

Dominican shorelines, Royal Caribbean Cruises new hub

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Santo Domingo.- The Dominican Republic will be the hub for Royal Caribbean Cruises Limited. The date by which the cruising company has scheduled initiating operations utilizing the country as its main port was slated to be December 16th, 2007, according to Maria Sastre, the line’s International and Sales Marketing vice-president for Latin America, Central America, the Caribbean and Asia.”...


Can any of the travel expert on this site confirm any of this?
 

aegap

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..

Samana to become a Royal Caribbean Port of Call

...



Legend of the Seas ship Highlights :


. Rock-climbing wall
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Glass-walled dining rooms
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Casino RoyaleSM
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Themed bars and lounges
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Indoor/outdoor pool in a Solarium with a sliding roof
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Stunning Centrum, an open atrium featuring shopping and more
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18-hole miniature golf course
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Outdoor pool
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4 whirlpools
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Adventure Ocean® youth facilities
.ShipShape® Day Spa and Fitness Center
 
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aegap

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DR1 Travel News on the Legend of the Seas

A Legend calls Santo Domingo "Home"[FONT=Verdana, Arial]
As from 16 December 2007, Royal Caribbean will have a homeport in the Dominican Republic for the first time. Legend of the Seas will sail out of Santo Domingo, through spring 2008, offering two alternating seven-night itineraries that can be combined for a 14-night vacation. The announcement comes on the heels of the remodeling of the Port of Santo Domingo. The Legend of the Seas will continue on for visits to the Southern Caribbean visiting Philipsburg, St. Maarten; Roseau, Dominica; St. George's, Grenada; Margarita Island, Venezuela; Oranjestaad, Aruba; and Basseterre, St. Kitts; Point A Pitre, Guadeloupe; Fort De France, Martinique; Bridgetown, Barbados and Castries, St. Lucia.
The ship does not make a stopover in a US port of call, and thus no US visa is required. This is likely to make the cruise popular with international travelers who do not have US visas.
Sailing since 1995, the Legend of the Seas can house up to 2,076 guests.
Royal Caribbean International will be running charter flights from the UK's Gatwick airport so that travelers can take the cruise from the DR. The prices for the eight-night fly-cruises start at ?1,199. The two itineraries can be combined into a back-to-back 15-night fly cruise.
[/FONT]

.....

This article indicates Royal Caribbean may be thinking of making Santo Domingo its main port of departure (home port) in the Caribbean. Currently, its main Carribean port is San Juan, Puerto Rico (~5 different ships).
 
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aegap

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dr1

Work advances on new port
Work is progressing on the construction of the modern Santo Domingo Port, which is preparing to receive cruise ships as of October 2006. The remodeling also includes the western side of the port, with that dock scheduled to enter into operation in September 2007, as reported in El Caribe. Port director Randolfo Rijo said that the eastern side extends from the Plaza Juan Baron to the floating bridge and the eastern dock covers the port of Sans Souci, the beach strip and part of the Navy facilities. The builders, Inversiones Turisticas Sans Souci were awarded a 40-year concession from the government, renewable every 10 years. They have announced an investment of US$400 million in the port, residential and tourist project. The project also includes the restoration of the Monumento a Montesinos that was donated by the Mexican government to commemorate the priest who was the first advocate of human rights in the Americas.


http://www.elcaribecdn.com/articulo_multimedios.aspx?id=90729&guid=8336BD223C734608BEAC4B94A993A73B&Seccion=63
 
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aegap

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...I'm not sure, ..I'm sure it would depend on the destinations. i.e. If any requires visas for Dominican citizens than they'll most likely do.
 

Kyle

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Jun 2, 2006
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i would think they will require dominican citizens to have visas or passports to travel on the cruise lines. it really wouldn't make any sense to travel and then can't disembark at a port....
 

Honeymooners

New member
Jul 3, 2007
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Need assistance for up-coming trip

Hi,
We are going to be on the Legend of the Seas on December 16th on our honeymoon. We are going to fly in on the 14th to SDQ. I need help with a nice but not too expensive hotel for 2 nights, some reasonable places to eat, transportation, and perhaps a private guided tour to get all of the sights in on the Saturday before the cruise takes off. I know this is a lot to ask and I've been searching the boards but because no other cruise has originated in this port before, all of this info is tough to find. I realize the airport is like a 30 min commute to the general area of the cruise port and that a taxi should run about $30USD. Other than that, I'm pretty clueless :)
I thank you all in advance!

Jill (and soon to be husband James)

P.S. should we be real concerned with safety? We're from NY and generally wouldn't worry about some stuff but another thread on here has now made me a little nervous. thanks!
 

knicole

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Jul 13, 2007
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Hello All,

I too will be traveling to Santo Domingo for the Legend of the Seas cruise. I'm a travel agent and would like to get a better idea of where the cruise port is located (Royal Caribbean has been very vague). However, I will be staying at the Renaissance Jaguar (which I have been told is one of the nicest hotels in Santo Domingo). Additionally, I believe that there was a question posted regarding Visa requirements for Dominican citizens and it is my understanding that they would be required ---I believe that is based upon the ship's registry. And as the previous post is there a tour service that anyone can recommend for my clients traveling with me. Thanks in advance
 

DAKRA

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Feb 21, 2007
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Lots of nice hotels to choose from

In Santo Domingo, there are lots of nice hotels to choose from, but you must remember that if you are getting off a luxurious cruise ship and you are looking for an inexpensive hotel, you may be disappointed.

The hotels in Santo Domingo are very nice. Some are pricy: Jaragua, Intercontinental, Melia, etc... (These are like $100 USD per day and up)

There are nice quaint hotels in Santo Domingo that you can get for $40 USD per day and up. They are located all over the place to include in the Colonial Zone (CZ) where you should be able to enjoy yourself.

My suggestion is to read many of the posts in this section and you will find some good names of hotels, websites, prices and reviews/comments on them.

Good Luck!

:cheeky:
 

aegap

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Mar 19, 2005
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Royal Carribbean Launches New Cruise Brand, First Ship to be Homeported at La Romana, DR.

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. : Investor Relations : Press Releases

MIAMI, Sept. 13 -- Continuing its expansion in Europe, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. announced today it is launching a new cruise brand, CDF Croisieres de France, committed to the French market. The new brand will begin sailing its first ship, Bleu de France, in May, 2008, after the ship has completed extensive renovations and undergone a cultural transformation wholly adapting the brand experience to French tastes.
The new line will operate one ship initially when it begins operations. The 376-cabin ship was the former luxury liner Europa when it was owned by Hapag Lloyd. Currently, it is Pullmantur's Holiday Dream. As the flagship of the new brand, Bleu de France will benefit from a euro 30-million overhaul, significantly altering many of the ship's public spaces, guest accommodations, entertainment venues and dining options.
The onboard experience of Bleu de France's guests will be totally French, from cuisine to entertainment to decor. French will be the language used on the ship as well.
The ship will sail a Mediterranean itinerary, departing from Marseille, France, starting in Spring, 2008. It will shift to a Caribbean routing, sailing out of La Romana, Dominican Republic, beginning in Winter, 2008-2009.
"We are thrilled with this opportunity to enter the French cruise market with a custom-tailored brand for French cruisers," said CDF Croisieres de France Managing Director Brigitte Tissier. "Our start-up efforts will clearly benefit from the global success and experience of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.'s family of brands, and we look forward to launching another stellar brand into that circle of excellence."
Equally enthusiastic about the new brand, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. Chairman and CEO Richard Fain, added, "We are very excited about bringing French cruising to the French market. We have a high demand for the product, a ship tailor-made for the market, and a highly talented team to lead the effort. I couldn't be more pleased."
Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. is a global cruise vacation company that operates Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Pullmantur, Azamara Cruises, and, now, CDF Croisieres de France. The company has a combined total of 35 ships in service and seven under construction. It also offers unique land-tour vacations in Alaska, Asia, Australia, Canada, Europe, Latin and South America and New Zealand. Additional information can be found on www.royalcaribbean.com, www.celebrity.com. Documento sin t?tulo, Azamara Cruises or Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. : Investor Relations : Investor Relations Overview.
SOURCE Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.
CONTACT: France, Anne Lederer, 011-33-1 40 09 12 92
or U.S., Lynn Martenstein, +1-305-539-6570
both of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.
Web site: http://www.royalcaribbean.com
http://www.celebrity.com
Documento sin t?tulo
Azamara Cruises
Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. : Investor Relations : Investor Relations Overview
(RCL)
 

chiquittabanana

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Feb 11, 2004
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Sad post

We were on the Legend for New Years eve and I am so sad to write about it.

I will try to be very careful with what I say,,, however,,,there are no nice words to describe what happened.

We had a wonderful embarkation (we waited until 4:30) so we were the last to board the ship,,,, that was great, by the time the Muster drill took place, my cases where alredy in our room,,, not the case of the guys next door who went for dinner without them as they were confiscated (alcohol in the cases) can't imagine what would it be if they got their booze as they had a boom box in their bedroom that drove us crazy.

To see where this is going 90 % of the passengers were Dominicans, with spoiled little brats that spent their nights doing a knock-and-run on the hallways. (P.S.: I have 3 children) so I don't hate kids.

I joined a forum before the cruise and I was embarresd to admit I was Dominican to my new found English friends..... go ahead kill my comment, but it is the truth.

We were supposed to be at sea 2 days, and those days were HELL, the Solarium was invaded by those creeeppppppppy creatures called children, they are not children, they are uneducated monsters with NOOO manners!!!! The pool crew was tired of telling them to get out,,,but the parents,,, they are the worse,,,, they dropped the kids by the outside pool and left, there the monsters ruled, running, screaming and keeping everybody very uncomfortable.

Thank God we were at port every morning and never came back until the last minute, even after our land excursions were over, we stayed by the pier. I am also thankful we were assigned our dinner table to a Dominican family of Jewish background, they were a gift from God and we were able to have wonderful conversations for dinner.

You had to see this,,, it was a ZOO,,, people rushing for the elevators as if there were no more, the same for the ice-cream, lemonade and BBQ so children do as their parents.

In my opinion unless RCI is marketing the Legend for Dominican passengers,, that route wont last.

There were other Dominican families with "educted" children who felt the same as we did, those eat at the dinning room for Breakfast and lunch instead of the Windjamer which was another section of the zoo madness.

Even Colombians and Venezuelans on the ship commented about the whole rude situation,,,, so it is NOT a culture thing,,,,, is lack of education.

If you check the reports at Cruise Critic - Cruises, Cruise Ship Reviews, Ratings, Cruise Deals, Cruise Forums,,,, you will be able to see others opinions on-line. A real shame.

On a better note,, service impecable, the Legend is an older ship, but in great shape, the food was not 5 stars but it was good,,, some dishes were pretty good and they had a great selection even lobster (small tails but lobster) you could order more than one.

Fantastic smoke salmon for breakfast, (that I miss with the fresh-still-warm-bagels) the dinning room for dinner was great, our waiter and assistant were fantastic, I ordered a wine package and every night my selected wine of the night was waiting for me on an ice bucket.

The duty free stores had great prices on Grey Goose at 23 bucks and a flavoured rum from St. Croix 7 bucks,, Absolute was 2 x 19.00

The shows were good, but some not meant for Spanish speaking,,,,, few people got the jokes from the stand-up comedian. But there were other shows that spanish speaking audience enjoyed.

One thing I wanted to ask here maybe AZB can give me an answer....... on the ship there were a lot of guys wearing lots of designer clothes and watches,,,the type you can't miss because the label in "your face",,,,,but we noticed that the tables were not filled with martinis or lots of drinks,,,,you can walk by the Centrum and you can tell the Dominican tables by the lack of drinks,,,,,, my husband thinks is because they are cheap since drinks are not included and a regular martini was 9 bucks. But I don't agree with that,,,, if you have the money to pay for the cruise and wear expensive labels,,,,why cheat yourself of the drinks?

In any case,,good cruise without the Dominicans, St. Lucia, with the Pitons, Martinique with FANTASTIC creole cuisine and CHEAAAAAP French wine, Barbados wih such beautiful beaches and service oriented people makes me forget about the days at sea.

CB

Sorry about the long post!!!! I am still mad:eek:gre:
 

49erman

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Sep 3, 2006
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chiquitta,

I was wondering- what is the itinerary for this cruise? Originally, the idea for the cruise originating in the DR was the European market, so they could bypass the US and all the BS homeland Security visa/ baggage rechecks just for transiting the US.
Sorry you had a miserable time. From your descripitions of the typical selfish, ghetto, inconsiderate, obnoxious nature of some Dominicans, I can totally picture this cruise as being one step above a one trip on the Titanic. As for the Domincans, not drinking, that is pretty rare. I am now having second thoughts of taking this cruise.