Introducing Royal Caribbean’s Fabulous New Ship-Symphony of the Seas

By: Mike Franks Owner-Operator, Cruise Planners-Orange Park, FL

Royal Caribbean International just launched the newest and best ship of its fleet Symphony of the Seas. Since I have clients planning to cruise on her over the next few months, I decided to take a closer look at what makes this ship so special. In doing so, I intentionally stayed away from RCI’s web site and press releases and relied on various cruise line critics for their opinions on this ship. After three years of construction, the world's largest cruise ship just set sail from Barcelona, Spain, on its inaugural cruise around the Mediterranean.  But the ship's record-breaking size isn't its only claim to fame.

New Cruise Ships for 2018

By: Mike Franks, Owner-Operator, Cruise Planners-Orange Park, FL

Veteran cruisers live in anticipation of their favorite cruise lines launching new ocean liners. 2018 offers over a dozen new ships. Listed below are the newest fleet additions from four popular lines.

Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas 

RCB.com

This spring, Royal Caribbean launches it newest Oasis class of ships that include the Allure of the Seas, Oasis of the Seas and Harmony of the Seas. RCB’s Symphony of the Seas will pass it’s sister ship Harmony as the world’s biggest cruise ship. At 230,000 tons, Symphony out weighs Horizon by 3, 000 tons.

So Many Cruise Lines; How Do I Choose? Part 1 - The “Popular” Cruise Lines

By: Mike Franks, Owner-Operator, Cruise Planners-Orange Park, FL

The cruise industry offers a wide selection of carriers to choose from for your cruising experience. Generally, cruise lines are grouped into three main categories, popular, luxury and specialty.

There is no one size fits all in the cruise industry. Choosing a favorite cruise line is like choosing a favorite restaurant; it depends on personal taste.

In this article, I will be looking at the popular category of cruise lines and describing each brand using their own advertising, guest feedback and personal experience. I’m listing them in alphabetical order to avoid the appearance of favoring any cruise line over another. 

How to Choose the Perfect Cruise

By: Mike Franks, Owner-Operator, Cruise Planners-Orange Park, FL

By: Mike Franks, Owner-Operator, Cruise Planners-Orange Park, FL

So, you’ve decided to take a cruise for your family vacation next year. Great! Did you know there are literally thousands of cruises to choose from? Choosing the right cruise depends on a number of factors requiring you to answer some basic questions to get started.

Holiday Cruising

Courtesy flylady.net

By: Mike Franks, Owner-Operator, Cruise Planners-Orange Park, FL

The holidays can be a stressful time for all of us. With the hustle and bustle of shopping, decorating, parties to attend and family get together to enjoy, the joy can sometimes be too much to handle! That’s why many people turn to ocean cruises as a fun alternative to the craziness of the holidays.

Cruise lines make every trip a celebration, but they go all out for the holidays. You can enjoy all the normal amenities on board ship such as maid/butler service, fabulous meals that you don’t have to cook and of course entertainment and shopping.