The difference is the service
About the article
This is a digitised version of an article from The Cayman Compass's print archive. Occasionally, the digitisation process introduces transcription errors, or other problems.
See the article in its original context from December 1987.
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"In the world of travel where the concept of personal service seems as rare as whooping cranes, it might be wise to select a cruise on the basis of its reputation for service," said Jim Kissel, Royal Caribbean's senior vice president sales and marketing. "If more than 20 ships sail to St. Thomas, why not be on the one that pampers you?"
Royal Caribbean says it enjoys one of the highest rates of repeat passengers in the cruise industry. The reason, they believe, is the Line's commitment to satisfying each passenger's every need and wish. On Royal Caribbean ships service is more than a mint on the pillow. From cabin stewards to dining room waiters to the experienced officers responsible for the safety and well being of each passenger, pride in a job well done translates into excellent service gladly and cheerfully given.
Royal Caribbean's little touches add up to impeccable style. Room service, fresh fruit and flowers in the cabin, a nightgown laid out in nautical designs every evening — these are the services that give passengers a sense of being cared for. Even something as simple as different table settings each evening reflects a determination to make every guest feel comfortable and welcome. 'Sovereign of the Seas', Royal Caribbean's newest vessel, will extend the limits of little touches by offering a concierge deck featuring mini-bars in each room, ala carte room service and other personalized services for guests looking for something special. Every cabin will be equipped with a passenger-controllable interactive video system - a specially designed remote control device that enables passengers to review daily menus and activity schedules, arrange wakeup calls, order room service, book shore excursions, check bar bills and much more. More than a dozen international cuisines, theme dinners and tempting buffets meet the demands of passengers, regardless of taste, dietary restrictions or whim. An extensive wine list of more than 50 selections satisfies even the exotic taste. The Line's standards are high enough for it to be a member of several prestigious culinary societies, including Chaine des Rotisseurs and Les Amis d'Escoffier. While every guest on Royal Caribbean is pampered, there are specially developed programmes and activities for honeymooners, sports enthusiasts, singles, families, and even kids, designed to complement their own individual needs.
A full programme of shore excursions and pre- or post-cruise packages in San Juan, New York and Miami, the ports of embarkation, extend Royal Caribbean's philosophy of service to activities onshore. Repeatedly, the Line's ships rank among the best in surveys by frequent cruise passengers. In addition to being voted the number one cruise line in the world for the past five years by 'Travel/Holiday's' readers, in 1986 all four ships in its current fleet were ranked in the top ten list of cruise ships by members of the World Ocean & Cruise Liner Society, taking the top three places.
"We may like to boast a bit about the level of service that makes our ships distinctive," said Kissel, "but it's always nice to know that others, including passengers, rate us number one."
Royal Caribbean operates a variety of seven-, eight- and ten-day cruises throughout the Caribbean and to Mexico's Yucatan on the Song of Norway, Sun Viking, Nordic Prince, Song of America and starting January 1988 on Sovereign of the Seas, plus a summer programme of seven-day New York to Bermuda cruises onboard the Nordic Prince and Song of Norway.
