CELEBRITY EDGE

A SHIP DESIGNED TO LEAVE THE FUTURE BEHIND.

Celebrity Edge SM changes everything. The way you experience the world; the way you connect with the ocean; the way you play, dine and unwind at sea. Revolutionary on every level, she’s the ship that’s setting a new standard of luxury and innovation at sea.

Through the latest 3-D technology, every detail of the ship has been fine-tuned like never before. From the incredible Magic Carpet – the world’s first cantilevered, floating platform that reaches heights of 13 storeys above sea level – to the private plunge pools in the new Edge Villas; the way you cruise will never be the same again.

IT'S NOT JUST REVOLUTIONARY. IT'S MAGICAL

      Breaking completely with tradition, Celebrity Edge has a unique outward-facing design. Indoors, world famous interious designer Kelly Hoppen MBE took the lead for the luxurious new accomodations featuring the latest technology. And when it came to creating innovative outdoor spaces that invite the destination right onboard, Celebrity turned to renowned architect Tom Wright (of WKK), desugner of Dubai's world famous Burj Al Arab. 

NEW INFINITE BALCONY STATEROOMS

      23% larger than the Solstice Class staterooms, a touch of a button transforms the entire living space into an open-air balcony, letting you walk right out to the water's edge.Touch-screen automation controls everything from lighting and shades to temperature and service, while the luxurious furnishings include a king-sized bed from Celebrity's new Cashmere Collection. 

EDGE VILLA

When it came to designing new Suites, Celebrity didn’t stop at just one. The six, two-storey luxury residences are the first of their kind in the fleet. 

Each offers a spacious 950 square feet of split-level, indoor-outdoor splendour. With one bedroom and two bathrooms, Edge Villas are perfect for up to four guests and families of four.

The unique design of the Edge Villas seamlessly blends indoor and outdoor living. With

two storeys of windows that look out over the terrace (featuring a three-feet-deep plunge

pool and inviting lounge furniture) to the incredible ocean views beyond, it’s an open and

airy environment that truly invites the outside in, and vice versa.

Edge Villas not only offer private outdoor terraces, but they also have direct access to

an exclusive area for Suite Class guests, The Retreat. Edge Villa guests step right out to

The Retreat Sun Deck and The Retreat Pool, complete with The Retreat Pool Bar. But, it’s

more than a luxurious outdoor area, The Retreat is the social epicenter for every Suite

Class guest on board and, beyond its outdoor spaces, it offers The Retreat Lounge, and

Luminae at The Retreat. All indulgent. All complimentary. All private and exclusive to all

Suite Class guests.

• New stunning split-level Suite category
• 6 Edge Villas
• Private balcony with plunge pool
• Direct access to the Suite Sun Deck
• 2 Bathrooms
• King bed featuring Celebrity’s Cashmere Bedding Collection
• Perfect for families
• Sleeps: 4
• Personal butler service provided in all Suites
• Exclusive access to:
– Suite restaurant, Luminae
– Suite lounge with a dedicated Concierge
– Suite Sun Deck, pool and pool bar

RESORT DECK

On the Resort Deck you’ll find one of the most popular spots on every Celebrity Ship — the adults-only Solarium. Celebrity EdgeSM continues the tradition of offering a covered pool area where adults can unwind in modern luxury style. They turned again to Tom Wright for the design, and he used the ocean itself as his inspiration.

The Solarium features a 3-dimensional art wall that represents the beautiful colours and movement of the ocean. It’s the perfect complement to the serene onboard atmosphere.

The Resort Deck includes the pool, Solarium, Jogging Track and the new Rooftop Garden.

Unlike any other outdoor space, there are endless ways to enjoy the outdoors and connect

with sea.

• Resort-style, outward-facing terraced pool deck

• Asymmetrical artful pool deck design

• Premium finishes, furniture and oversized art installations:

• 2 Martini glass shaped hot tubs

• Tree inspired sculptures

• Fractal Mirror art wall

• 23 metre pool (25 yards)

• 6 private Cabanas available

THE MAGIC CARPET 

Majestically situated on the starboard side of the ship, making Celebrity Edge’s sleek profile recognizable from miles away, The Magic Carpet is designed with comfortable seating, a full bar, and space for live music performances, so it truly is a destination itself.       This spectacular space opens to several decks and transforms into a new and exciting venue depending on which deck it’s positioned.

        Let’s start at the very top (there isn’t a deck here, which makes it even more thrilling). When positioned here, The Magic Carpet becomes an extraordinary venue high in the sky where we host mouthwatering experiences such as Dinner on the Edge. Get ready for a unique, al fresco culinary journey that satisfies your taste buds, your eyes, and your sense of wonder all at the same time.

        Down to Deck 14, The Magic Carpet becomes an extension of the relaxing main pool area,the perfect place for breathtaking views, tantalising drinks, and live music. When on Deck 5, The Magic Carpet serves as an extension of one of our exciting new speciality restaurants. Here it creates an intimate, open air dining experience that makes

the fresh ocean fare taste even fresher.

        At the bottom on Deck 2, The Magic Carpet becomes an extension of the Destination Gateway, a new area that becomes a luxury embarkation station where guests will be whisked away aboard our newly reimagined Edge LaunchesSM that offer bucket seats, air

conditioning, large windows for stunning sea-level views, and more space—all designed to

get you to your destination in modern luxury style.

Highlights

• A innovative and transformative floating platform

• Majestically situated along the starboard side of the ship

• Magic Carpet travels 13 storeys high and rests on decks 2, 5, 14, 16

• A spectacular place to take in breathtaking views

• Magic Carpet is close to 110 feet long, 20 ft. wide, the size of a tennis court

• Operated without guests by the bridge officer from the bridge wing

MEET THE DESIGN TEAM 

Multi-award-winning Kelly Hoppen MBE.

With 40 years of experience at the forefront of the design industry, Kelly Hoppen MBE is one of the most celebrated and sought after interior designers in the world. Her globally renowned and ever-evolving style is underpinned by a subtle coordinated fusion of East meets West; clean lines and neutral tones, blended with charming warmth and sumptuous

opulence. We knew that working with her and her style was exactly what we needed to make a bold, modern luxury statement.

Internationally acclaimed architect Tom Wright of WKK.

Tom Wright has over 30 years experience in design, and in 2013 set up WKK– an architectural practice dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in design from sketch to reality. With Tom’s vision, we transformed outdoor spaces into serene outward-facing sanctuaries that showcase endless ocean views and the extraordinary places we visit. Each space

is designed to inspire you and make you feel more connected to the sea and the world around you.

Design Ambassador Nate Berkus.

  Since Nate established his award winning interior design firm at the age of 24, his approachable and elevated philosophy has transformed countless homes around the world through his design work, home collections, books, television shows and media appearances. 

    Nate’s work has been featured in publications including Architectural Digest, House Beautiful, VOGUE, InStyle, O Magazine, People and ELLE DÉCOR, which included him on their “A-List” of the world’s top designers. Nate believes in the same things as Celebrity Cruises: Beautiful design, modern luxury and opening the world through travel.

PASSPORT TO VANCOUVER

Vancouver is consistently named one of the top five cities in the world for quality of life. We couldn't agree more and here's why...

FIVE REASONS WE LOVE VANCOUVER 

1. Park life

Stanley Park is set in 1,001 acres of beautiful gardens, coastline and forests and is home to some of the most stunning beaches in Canada. Highlights include Vancouver's famous seawall, spectacular nature trails, a miniature railway that is always a favorite with children, and some breathtaking views at the Prospect Point. 

2. Food For Thought 

Vancouver's night street markets serve up an amazing selection of food each Friday, Saturday and Sunday night during the summer. It's been voted one of the top four nightmarkets in the world by Travel & Leisure Magazine. Sample local favourites, including Rotatos, Takoyaki and Dragon's Beard Candy. 

3. Water Babies

If you're an animal lover make sure you visit Vancouver Aquarium, dedicated to conserving and researching aquatic life. More than 35 million people have visited since it opened in 1956, and today it is one of the world's top five aquariums.

As the home of more than 50,000 different animals belonging to 734 different species, this is a great place to become acquainted with local animals as well as exotic creatures. 

4. Gardening Leave

VanDusen Botanical Garden contains plants from all round the world and provides a spectacular backdrop from which to view the mountains north of Vancouver. The gardens are famed for majestic redwood plantations, collection of carved totem poles, rock sculptures a Kirean Pavilion and an extensive Asian plant collection. 

5. Skylarking

Vancouver's sky train offers a practical way to travel around the city and provides great views high above street level.Day passes are available so you can hop on and off as often as you like. 

SUMMER 2018

Air Canada increases the frequency of flights from Dublin to Vancouver. Up to 5 flights a week. Operated by Air Canada Rouge the B767 aircraft offers Economy & Premium Rouge class cabins. 

50 FAST FACTS -MSC MERAVIGLIA

Meet MSC Meraviglia-the ultimate ship for the ultimate holiday!

       This weekend we had a chance to stroll on board of, and be amazed by, the wonderful Meraviglia from MSC. As we were discovering and marveling at all that it had to offer we also received very interesting facts about how the ship was made and why it is different from other ships in the MSC' feet. We made up a list of 50 fast facts which we tough would be interesting to know about this particular ship.  

ABOUT THE SHIP

1. Meraviglia means 'a wonder' in Italian

2. All decks of the ship are named after the wonders of the world

3. Guests have access to 33,000 square meters of public space across 15 public decks

4. Th ship has 3 home ports: Genoa, Barcelona and Marseille

5. The ship is 315 m long

6. At full capacity, the ship can accommodate 5,714 guests

7. The ship is 65 m high

8. The ship has a gross tonnage of 167,000 GRT

9. The top speed of the ship is 22.7 knots

10. There are a total of 32 lifts on board ( 19 for guests)

11. An average of 1,540 crew members will serve guests onboard.

 

DESIGN FEATURES

12. The ship is the 5th ship in MSC Cruises' fleet to feature a Swarovski staircase

13. The ship has a 96m Mediterranean-style promenade with multiple bars, restaurants and shops

14. The longest LED Sky Screen at sea will broadcast atmospheric images and entertainment 24-hours a day

CONSTRUCTION

15. Around 35,000 tons of steel makes up the ship

16. Over 1,800 people worked on the ship's hull alone

17. The interior of the ship took over 1 year to complete

18. There are over 300,000 parts to the ship's hull

19. The ship was assembled by joining together 50 mega-blocks

20. From the 1st cutting of steel to the final delivery, construction took 26 months

21. There were 2 sea trials where every part of the may systems, machinery, engines and pumps were tested

 

ENTERTAINMENT

22. There are 7 different kids clubs including a technology lab and a TV studio for the first time on a MSC Cruises' ship
23. There is a Bay Club designed in partnership with baby experts Chicco
24. Teens will have their own area which serves as a cinema, gaming room, live stage and disco
25. There are 2 kids' clubs developed in collaboration with the LEGO Group with a total area 123 square meters
26. Cirque du Soleil have created 2 shows exclusively for MSC Cruises' guests
27. There will be 12 Cirque du Soleil at Sea performances each week
28. The Broadway Theater is able to seat 985 guests, with entertainment every evening
29. The ship has 10 different areas for dancing
30. The Sport Bar has a full-size bowling alley with 2 lanes
31. The ship offers more than 20 hours of daily entertainment 
32. The promenade hosts three major parades each week
33. More than 24 musicians will perform 40 hours of live music each day
34. Live music will be performed by 11 different nationalities, giving a taste of music from all around the world
35. 6 Bands and 3 Soloists will be among the live music performed on board
36. A high-tech, multi-purpose TV and radio suite broadcasts games, quizzes and talent contests live across the ship 
37. The ship features a full size indoor basketball court which turns into a party venue at night
38. The onboard casino (Casino Imperiale) can seat up to 600 guests
39. The ship has a 35 square meters library
40. The Broadway theater, at 1,000 square meters is bigger than 2 and a half basketball courts
41. The ship has 2 F1 simulators immersing guests in races based on real F1 tracks
42. The ship has a Star Wars pod and a flight simulator

POOLS AND AQUA PARK

43. Guests have access to 4 pools, including 1 indoor with a magrodome
44. There is a total of 4,360 square meters of pool space onboard 
45. 9 public whirlpool baths grace the ship
46. The Polar Aquapark has 3 exhilarating waterslides
47. The 'Himalayan Bridge' which spans the ship will allow guests to climb 82 m above sea level
48. The ship has more than 1,300 sun loungers for guests to use free of charge
49. The aqua park features a high-speed champagne flute waterslide
50. The ship has the most poolside space per guest on any ship at sea

NEW ADDITIONS TO THE INDEPENDENCE OF THE SEAS

The UK's favorite ship is back refreshed and with exciting new features!

Big, bold and now better than ever-Independence of the Seas will blow you away with all her extraordinary new features.Let loose with extra thrills and spoil yourself with extra chills. Here is a full run down of exactly what they are:

1.SkyPad

Strap in, put on your virtual reality headset and soar high into the sky for gravity-defying fun. Bounce over craters or compete in zero-gravity games-this brand-new bungee trampoline experience opens up a universe of possibility. 

2. The Perfect Storm

Three stories high with wet and wild thrills, The perfect Storm waterslide duo takes excitement off the charts. Grab a buddy and race through twists, turns and translucent panels offering unforgettable views, to the bottom of the Typhoon and Cyclone slides. 

3. Splashaway Bay

This bigger and better interactive aqua park features wild waterslides, water cannons, fountains, pools and the infamous drench bucket. Don't miss it when it tips!

                           

                                      

4.Laser Tag

In a far-flung galaxy in a distant future, two forces are set to collide in Battle for Planet Z. It's a glow-in-the-dark face off for control of the last planet for light years around - and there can only be one winner. Choose your side, grab your laser blaster, and gear up for a stellar time in Studio B.

5.Escape Room

Explore our new exhilarating Escape Room where teams will solve mind bending challenges in the Observatorium by Puzzle Break.

6. Izumi Sushi and Hibachi

Sample the gastronomic delights of our exotic Asian-inspired dining experience where chefs cook tableside on real Teppanyaki grills.Embark on a culinary journey like no other. Explore a world of exotic flavours with a menu of extra zingy Japanese cuisine. Continue the sensory adventure with a table side showcase of teriyaki skills from our world class hibachi chefs. 

7. Fish & Ships

Enjoy a classic seaside treat at our hot new snack spot right next to SplshwayBay waterpark. From cod to calamari, chip butties to deep fried mini chocolate bars, this poolside cafe has a selection of extra tasty treats that will have your mouth watering in no time.

        

8.Sugar Beach Candy store

Satisfy that craving and dive into a wondrous world of delicious delights, along with a few exciting surprises. Sugar Beach is a dreamland filled with all your favorite sweets and confectionary. You won't believe your eyes when you discover the rainbow of confectionary delights. Packed full of eye-popping colors and mouth-watering flavors, this medley of extra treats are sure to keep your day sweet. 

9. Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade

Watch your team dominate the pitch or make your own legendary plays in the arcade. When it's time to refuel, you'll find wings, popcorn, shrimp, mini-burgers, fries and our Playmaker burger, along with ice cold beer on tap.

Hope we got you all excited! This ship has been given a makeover from stern to bow to make mini-breaks and short holidays in Europe even more unforgettable. Chat with our cruise team and see when you can book your next adventure on Independence of the Seas. 

Call 014081999

www.e-travel.ie 

 

SHORTEST ROUTE BETWEEN EUROPE & ASIA

FINNAIR MAKES TRAVEL TO ASIA EASIER

Good news from the Airline Sector. Connections are getting shorter and dream destinations closer. Flying from Dublin Airport via Helsinki with Finnair offers  the geographically shortest route, smooth and uncongested transits, and straighter flights that generate fewer emissions between more than 100 European destinations and 18 Asian megacities including 7 destinations in China, 4 in Japan, 3 in Thailand and also offer excellent connections  to  Singapore, South Korea and India. 

Finnair flies to four cities in Japan several times a week. You can easily connect to Fukuoka, Nagoya, Osaka and Tokyo via transfer-friendly Helsinki Airport. The travel time with Finnair from Dublin Airport to Fukuoka is 13hrs 35mins, Nagoya 14hrs 25min, Osaka 14hrs 30mins and Tokyo 14hrs 30 mins.

   

On May 13 2018 they introduced Nanjing, the seventh destination in Greater China . Finnair is fast becoming one of the biggest and most preferred European carriers operating between Europe and China. 

Next year will also mark a very important milestone in their history as we will celebrate the thirtieth anniversary of Finnair’s inaugural flight to Beijing. Over the past decade, Finnair has placed a strong strategic focus on the Chinese market, opening direct routes to Chongqing, Xian and Guangzhou while enhancing the passenger experience with Chinese signature meals and mobile payment solutions onboard such as Alipay. The travel time with Finnair from Dublin Airport to Beijing is 13hrs 30 mins saving passengers between four to five hours on other airline’s connections from Dublin Airport.

Check our website www.e-travel.ie for great flights offers!

ROYAL CARIBBEAN RETURNS TO DUBAI

Exciting new seven-night Arabian Gulf itineraries onboard Jewel of the Seas will feature three new destinations in 2019.

24 April 2018 – Royal Caribbean International has announced that Dubai will be the new home of Jewel of the Seas from December 2019 to March 2020.  Returning to the region, after a two year break, Royal Caribbean will offer extraordinary holiday experiences across the Middle East, with two different seven-night Arabian Gulf itineraries to choose from.

The two new itineraries, which will be available to book from 24th April for Crown and Anchor members and from 25th April for the general public, will include maiden calls to Sir Bani Yas, Doha, and Bahrain. Jewel of the Seas will be repositioning from Rome, her Mediterranean home of ten years, to Dubai on a 16-night Suez Canal cruise from 30th November to 16th December. Once in the Middle East, the new ‘butterfly’ itineraries will give guests the perfect chance to soak up the sights of the Middle East. The first of the sailings will call at Khasab (Oman), Muscat (Oman), Sir Bani Yas (UAE) and Abu Dhabi, and the second at Bahrain, Doha (Qatar), Sir Bani Yas (UAE) and Abu Dhabi.

Jewel of the Seas is one of Royal Caribbean’s most contemporary, intimately-sized ships, having recently undergone a stunning $30million makeover in 2016. She boasts an array of exciting family features including a poolside movie screen, rock climbing and West End style entertainment. Dining options onboard include the rustic Italian cuisine at Giovanni's Table and zesty Mexican flavours at Sabor.

Managing Director, Royal Caribbean International UK and Ireland, Ben Bouldin said “We have seen a surge in interest in Middle Eastern holidays from this market so we are excited to announce that we are positioning a ship back in the region next year.

“The enticing new destinations, enhanced by a suite of exciting shore excursions and complemented by our extraordinary ship will be the talk of the town for agents across the country.”

Royal Week is back!

            E-travel & Royal Caribbean are excited to present the second edition of Royal Week! During an entire week  (between 23rd April and 27th April) we are offering our customers that book a Royal Caribbean cruise with us the choice between One4All voucher worth €50 or two vouchers to the Teeling Whiskey Distillery Tour.  We love giving little extras to our customers to make them feel special. Explore the world like never before in 2018 and 2019* and keep an eye on our social media accounts for amazing offers.

                           

Only a Royal Caribbean holiday can blow the doors off ordinary and take cruising to new heights. Regardless if you are a new cruiser or an expert, on Royal Caribbean Cruises you’ll find everything you need to make the most of your vacation. With 25 ships visiting 5 continents, 71 countries and every major sea, it can be hard to choose, so we’ve put together a summary of the many options that you can enjoy. 

Ships:

Symphony of the Seas-The Sound of Adventure

If you need inspiration to choose a ship, we can definitely recommend the best. We’ve recently been on the world’s largest and most innovative cruise ship, the newest member of the Royal Caribbean family #SymphonyoftheSeas and we were blown away! We explored all seven of her spectacular neighborhoods, including Central Park, which was packed with over 12,000 tropical plants and trees. Our favorite part was when we plummeted 10 stores on the Ultimate Abyss, which happens to be the tallest dry slide at sea. Had robots mix our cocktail at the incredible Bionic Bar and delight our taste buds with their amazing dining experience (Jamie’s Italian, Izumi, Hooked, and Wonderland). Symphony showcases the very best of what Royal Caribbean has to offer. 

 

Some quick facts that we have learned about the ship: Standing upright at 362 meters, she is twice as high as Washington monument, has 2775 rooms, 18 decks, 6780 guest capacity & 20 restaurants with over 300 menu options, more works of art than the Louvre has paintings. Was Constructed out of 500,000 individual pieces( 27 times the parts used to assemble the Eiffel Tower), she weighs more than 17,000 African Elephants. Central Park has more plants than there are great pavilion exhibits at the Chelsea flower show. Pretty impressive we would say! So much to do and see, that we won’t blame you if you will not choose to get off of it during your holidays. 

It is part of the Oasis Class together with Harmony, Allure and Oasis.

Independence of the Seas

Other great news is also the fact that the beloved Independence of the Seas got a brand new look. Regarded as the UK’s favourite ship, it is back refreshed and with exciting new features for the 2018 summer season. The ship has been given a makeover from stern to bow to make mini-breaks and short holidays in Europe even more unforgettable. Together with Freedom and Liberty of the Seas they belong to the Freedom Class, which is known for blissful moments of relaxation and ultimate exhilaration. 

Quantum Class Ships (Anthem, Ovation & Quantum of the Seas) feature ground breaking technology and spectacular features that can only be experienced with Royal Caribbean. Voyager Class Ships (Adventure, Explorer, Mariner, Navigator and Voyager of the Seas) are the places where you can skate, climb, shop, rock, wine and dine. No day the same on Voyager Class Ships. Radiance Class Ships( Brilliance, Jewel, Radiance, Serenade of the Seas) with all the onboard action and indulgences will make your holiday shine. Vision Class Ships ( Enchantment, Grandur, Rhapsody, Vision of the Seas) are designed to offer only the most breathing of vistas. Last but not least Empress & Majesty of the Seas where there is something for everyone. 

Itinerary’s :

Another tough decision is which corner of the world do you want to see? 

You can explore Europe like never before. Sink your teeth into St Petersburg’s cultural delights and drink down the sun, sea and sights in the glorious Mediterranean.  In the Caribbean you have acres of white sandy beaches and cool blue oceans to explore at your leisure. Whether you’re soaking up the sun or strolling the streets of Havana, every day is a laid-back adventure. With Transatlantic cruise you’ll have plenty of time to make the most of life at sea. What better way to retreat from the stress of life on land and take in the vast expanses of ocean, beautiful sunsets and horizons. 

If you are the adventurer type then feel on top of the world on the Sydney Harbour Bridge climb, have the hairs on the back of your neck rise while watching a haka in New Zealand, or discover exciting Asian cuisine where every day is spellbinding. 

And for unforgettable scenery, just picture this: deep fjords, icy blue glaciers and untamed snow-caps. This kind of natural wildness is exhilarating in the extreme. Whether you’re experiencing the icy tundra first hand or sailing past waterfalls from the comfort of your stateroom, every moment will take your breath away if you choose to cruise Alaska & Canada.

If we managed to spark your imagination and raised your curiosity and want to find out more about Royal Week and Royal Caribbean Cruises have a chat with our dedicated cruise team and they will help you pick the right vacation for you! They can be reached at 01 4081999 for more details or check go to our website www.e-travel.ie

*ON SELECTED 2018 & 2019 SAILINGS, ELIGIBLE STATEROOMS ONLY, PRICES MAY VARY DURING PROMOTION. FULL T&C'S APPLY.

Sources:https://www.royalcaribbean.com/connecticid=hpnvbr_pagehe_rbl_hm_awaren_951