With a dramatic smash of the champagne bottle against its brand new hull, Royal Caribbean International`s cruise ship, Liberty of the Seas, was officially named by travel agent godmother Donnalea Madeley at…
With a dramatic smash of the champagne bottle against its brand new hull, Royal Caribbean International`s cruise ship, Liberty of the Seas, was officially named by travel agent godmother Donnalea Madeley at the Port of Miami. The naming ceremony included performances by the Miami Children`s Chorus, blessings by Rabbi Terry Bookman and Pastor Sverre Tofte, as well as remarks and a tribute by Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. Chairman and CEO, Richard Fain.
Performing the prestigious role often reserved for dignitaries and celebrities, Donnalea Madeley is the first travel agent to be the godmother of a Royal Caribbean ship. Ms. Madeley, of Ontario-based Marlin Travel, was selected from among nearly 2,500 nominations of exemplary women travel agents who have demonstrated dedication to philanthropy and service in their communities.
We have listened to guest feedback and with the launch of Liberty of the Seas, we are proud to introduce new and enhanced onboard programs to give vacationers even more choices when cruising on our ships, said Adam Goldstein, president, Royal Caribbean International. Our new programming will be rolled out fleet-wide this year, giving people even more reasons to book a Royal Caribbean cruise vacation.
At 160,000 gross registered tons, and a capacity of 3,634 guests (double- occupancy), Liberty of the Seas was built by Aker Yards, Finland, over the course of two years. Having just completed preview sailings from Southampton, England, Cape Liberty Cruise Port in Bayonne, New Jersey, and the Port of Miami, she set sail on her maiden Caribbean voyage from Miami, and will continue to depart on Saturdays, with her sister ship, Freedom of the Seas, departing on Sundays.
The two sister ships will alternate between 7- night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries. Both itineraries include a call at Royal Caribbean`s private destination Labadee, Haiti. Liberty`s Western Caribbean itinerary calls in Cozumel, Mexico; George Town, Cayman Islands; and Montego Bay, Jamaica. The Eastern Caribbean itinerary calls in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Philipsburg, St. Maarten.
The two Freedom-class ships will be joined by a third, Independence of the Seas, when she debuts in Europe in May 2008. She will sail from the United Kingdom during her premier season and will be the largest ship home-ported in Europe.
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