| Journal: TWUK | Section: |
| Title: | Issue Date: 12/06/00 |
| Author: | Page Number: 28 |
| Copyright: Other |
Step out and experience a cruise into history
Royal Caribbean International has completed its first Royal Journeys cruise. Paul Norris sailed on its final leg, from Aqaba to Athens, for an exhaustive look at some of the world’s most famous historical attractions
STOUT walking boots, an interest in history and loads of stamina are three of the requirements for passengers on a Royal Journeys cruise.Legend of the Seas, Royal Caribbean’s 2,076-passenger ship, spends six months each northern winter sailing from Athens to New Zealand and back.
It stops at some of the world’s most famous ports and gives passengers the chance to visit once-in-a-lifetime sites such as ancient Israel, the pyramids, the Taj Mahal and the Great Barrier Reef.
The schedule is split into 12 separately packaged journeys of an average 16-day sail each. Passengers can sail on the entire cruise – for a small fortune – but generally pick a single journey.
For winter 2000/01, Royal Caribbean is changing the itinerary on the final leg – the one I sampled – to incorporate Mombasa instead of Dubai.
Excursions offered for the coming season include a Kenyan safari, Jordan’s stunning ruins at Petra, Egypt’s treasures at Luxor, a night and two days around Israel and a tour of classic Athens.
Royal Journeys cruises attract a high proportion of retired passengers due to the cost and itinerary. For a single 16-day journey, an average interior cabin sets you back $4,000 and a luxury cabin with balcony up to $12,000.
Many of the excursions, especially Petra and the pyramids, mean a 2-3hr coach ride followed by a brisk walk in scorching temperatures.
Agents should make customers aware that signing up for excursions can mean demanding treks to hot attractions. Coaches are fairly basic supplying only water and somewhere like the pyramids will be packed with tourists.
I went to Petra and the walk to the Nabataean ruins took half an hour along a stony track in temperatures exceeding 30C. While this is no problem for young reporters, elderly passengers may find it a struggle.
The two-day tour of Israel which includes Jerusalem, Bethlehem, the Sea of Galilee and Nazareth, is a great way to see the country but is an exhausting coach tour.
Passengers can skip the trips and enjoy facilities on board Legend of the Seas. But who would pass up the opportunity to visit the pyramids, the Sinai desert, Cairo or the reputed place of Jesus’ birth?
Royal Caribbean does a great job selling the excursions, which cost extra on top of the initial cruise price. The two-day tour around Israel is priced from $399.
In-cabin video presentations give a good overview of what to expect during the excursions.
Guides are experienced and help with enquiries on the trips and any historical tit-bits troubling passengers.
The cruiseline organises tours, dividing passengers into groups of about 20 people, so the coaches are not overcrowded. Customers should be forewarned that 20 coaches descending on one site can make for big queues, especially at the toilets.
Royal Journeys is a must for those who want to combine a luxury cruise with visits to breath-taking ancient sites. And once back on board you can always book a full body massage to recover from a gruelling trek over the hot Middle East desert.
Egypt: included in the cruise itinerary
Legend of the Seas: spends six months sailing from Athens to New Zealand and back
factfile
LEGEND of the seas
Passenger capacity:2,076.
Food and drink: two dining areas, plus a 24hr snackfacility; three bars; room service; and themed dining evenings.
Other facilities: fitness centre and spa; jogging track;shopping arcade; library; Internet cafe; games room; medical room; and photo shop.
Special touches: gleamingcentral atrium with glass lifts from deck four to 11; and 360 degree panoramic view from deck 11.