Universal, Royal Caribbean team up for theme park-cruise packages

[Wendy]

Universal Orlando and Royal Caribbean International are teaming up to offer vacation packages that combine a theme park visit with a cruise out of Port Canaveral.

The "Way More Than a Cruise" packages will pair three- or four-night stays at Universal with a three- or four-night Bahamian cruise aboard Royal Caribbean's Monarch of the Seas or a seven-night Caribbean sailing aboard the Freedom of the Seas. The packages include hotel and shipboard accommodations, multi-day passes to both Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure, admission to some CityWalk venues and ground transfers between airport, hotel, theme parks and Port Canaveral.

Bookings are open for travel beginning March 31. Universal and Royal Caribbean will be competing directly with Walt Disney World and Disney Cruise Line, which have carved out a lucrative niche combing land-and-sea vacations.

" Universal Orlando Resort is thrilled to enter this partnership, bringing together two incredible experiences to create one memorable vacation," Bill Davis, president and chief operating officer for Universal Orlando Resort, said in a written statement. "Our guests will not only enjoy some of the most entertaining theme-park attractions ever created, but also the world-class experiences and service Royal Caribbean is known for delivering."

[Skywatcher]

interesting but one wonders in the current economic climate how viable a new cruise would be

[Tink]

Kind of reminds me of the "Big Red Boat" days...

It is a sketchy climate to launch a new venture, but I suppose entering the competition for land and sea packages is a good thing in the long run?

I do think DCL fares are wicked high. We'll be doing one this year, but it's only because it is a long time wish of Herself's Mother. We'd not be doing one otherwise.

[daveann]

interesting but one wonders in the current economic climate how viable a new cruise would be

having just come back from a royal carribean cruise which has had all the luxury corners cut i dont know how they will make this work