Making new friends from across the country and around the world has long been one of the most enjoyable parts of a cruise. Now, vacationers on Royal Caribbean International
cruises can meet other like-minded explorers before they even set foot on the ship, thanks to a new partnership with Cruise Critic, an online cruising community.
The Royal Caribbean/ Cruise Critic Party
program lets cruisers meet their soon-to-be shipmates online, in advance, on Cruise Critic`s message boards, and then in person during their vacation at an informal gathering arranged by Royal Caribbean. The parties are available on any seven-night or longer cruise vacation.

“Meeting new people and sharing experiences and adventures is an integral part of a cruise vacation,” said Daniel Hanrahan, senior vice president, Marketing and Sales, Royal Caribbean International. “Our new program with Cruise Critic is an industry first and responds to a growing trend among cruisers who have been using online message boards to connect with people going on the same cruise, share tips and advice, and then meet in person during the trip.

To date, more than 4,500 people already have registered to participate in Royal Caribbean/Cruise Critic Parties, with as many as 200 guests signed up on one cruise. According to Cruise Critic, its message boards are filled with cruisers sharing travel tips and counting down the days until they get to meet their new online friends in person.

“More and more cruisers are using the Internet as a resource for ideas and advice, and our message board section is one of the first places they go to get the scoop on everything from the best ships and itineraries to the most exciting shore excursions,” said Kathleen Tucker, president of Cruise Critic. “With the Cruise Critic Parties, Royal Caribbean is offering travelers a way to close the loop on the friendships they`ve made online by helping these `old` friends meet face to face for the first time.”

 

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