CRUISE CONTROL CENTER - GREATER FORT LAUDERDALE READIES FOR ROYAL CARIBBEAN'S OASIS OF THE SEAS
GREATER FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - November 6, 2009 - The only thing bigger than Royal Caribbean International's record-setting Oasis of the Seas is the greeting Greater Fort Lauderdale and Port Everglades plan to give the world's largest cruise ship . From grand welcomes to the debut of a new cruise terminal, Greater Fort Lauderdale and its hospitality partners will showcase why the destination is a premier vacation hot spot for pre-and post-cruise visitors.
"We are ecstatic to be serving as the year-round home port for the Oasis of the Seas," said Nicki E. Grossman, president of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau. "From conveniences such as the new Terminal 18 and central port location to our rich collection of hotels, restaurants and attractions, Greater Fort Lauderdale looks forward to welcoming these seafaring visitors and invites them to extend their stay."
Kicking off the festivities will be a "Welcome Flotilla" organized by the Winterfest Boat Parade committee, with watercraft of all sizes meeting up and escorting the ship to its new home at Port Everglades. En route, the ship will pass a 1,500 sq. ft. custom-designed "Welcome to Fort Lauderdale, Oasis of the Seas" sand painting on the shores of the inlet to the port. Cruise enthusiasts will have the opportunity to celebrate and watch the ship approach nearby at a public welcome party at the Jetty Pavilion at John U. Lloyd State Park, including complimentary park admission, refreshments and giveaways.
Upon arrival, the new $75 million, 240,000 square foot Terminal 18 at Port Everglades, the world's largest single-ship cruise terminal, will receive the vessel. Built specifically for Royal Caribbean's new Oasis series, the terminal will serve as the home port for both the Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas (debuting in late 2010), which expect to generate more than 500,000 cruise passengers annually for Port Everglades.
For those who want to linger a little longer, there are lodging choices from the area's Lauderdale Luxe Collection to its Superior Small Lodgings. Cultural institutions such as the Museum of Art, Fort Lauderdale, Museum of Discovery and Science and Broward Center for the Performing Arts are a stone's throw away, and shopping on nearby Las Olas Boulevard or The Galleria is just as easy. And of course, no trip would be complete without a walk along Fort Lauderdale Beach, home to new hotels and restaurants.
In anticipation of significant interest in Greater Fort Lauderdale by cruise passengers, the area's hotels, attractions and restaurants are offering enticing pre- and post-cruise packages which can be found at www.sunny.org/cruiseandplay. An example of a few hotel offerings follows:
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The Ritz Carlton, Fort Lauderdale - Starting at $329 a night, the "Bon Voyage" package includes overnight Intracoastal view king accommodations, daily American breakfast for two, and complimentary transfers to the airport and cruise port. The Ritz Carlton, Fort Lauderdale is the destination's most luxurious property, offering elegantly appointed accommodations, an 8,500 sq. ft. spa, tropical zero-entry pool overlooking the Atlantic and delectable cuisine at the hotel's signature restaurant, Cero. For more information or to book this package visit www.ritzcarlton.com/fortlauderdale.
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Pelican Grand Beach Resort - Starting at $159, the "Ship to Shore" package includes an upgrade to an oceanfront suite with a private balcony, and complimentary breakfast for two and two welcome cocktails. The oceanfront Pelican Grand Beach Resort is ideal for families as the property boasts a variety of family friendly amenities including the destination's only lazy river pool ride, its own private beach, an old-fashioned ice cream parlor and veranda overlooking the Atlantic with rocking chair. For more information or to book this package visit www.pelicanbeach.com.
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The Pillars at New River Sound - A member of Greater Fort Lauderdale's Superior Small Lodgings, The Pillars pre/post cruise package offers visitors their choice of accommodations, private town car transfer to/from the airport and Port Everglades and complimentary breakfast for two. Recognized as one of America's 10 most romantic inns, The Pillars features 22 guestrooms, dining at the private Secret Garden and spa services in a beautiful setting along the Intracoastal waterway. For more information or to book this package visit www.pillarshotel.com.
For more information about cruise related offers in Greater Fort Lauderdale and sightseeing itineraries for cruise passengers, visit www.sunny.org/cruiseandplay.com.
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11/2009
