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10 Things to know about a DRA Dude Ranch

When I first entered into the travel industry, after recieving a "travel agent" certificate, 21+ years ago, I first went to work as an "outside travel agent" for a local agency, here in LYH (My time here was short lived, and I soon discovered I wanted to be a cruise only specialist, and discovered Cruises Inc). Anyway, while there, my first customer, who is still one of my "Top" cruise clients today (Linwood A, Lynchburg, VA), called me for a Dude Ranch. Just seeing this article, brought back memories.

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Five-Week Bow-to-Stern Revitalization on Royal Caribbean Ship - Splendour of the Seas

Also bringing, 124 New Balcony Staterooms

Royal Caribbean International will mark another industry first with the introduction of iPad mobile digital devices in every stateroom onboard the newly revitalized Splendour of the Seas. The hottest tablet on the market empowers guests with an additional medium by which to receive, retrieve and use information on their cruise vacation. With a touch of the screen, guests will be able to access the daily Cruise Compass of events and activities; personal daily itineraries, including shore excursions; monitor their onboard account; order room service; view restaurant menus; access the internet; and watch movies. The iPads will be available beginning mid-February 2012 on Splendour of the Seas before being extended to all Vision-class ships when each undergoes revitalization in the following two years.

"Based on consumer research, Royal Caribbean is adding the iPads to greatly enhance guest communication, interactivity and to continue to offer industry leading technology that helps enhance the guest experience," said Lisa Bauer, senior vice president, Hotel Operations, Royal Caribbean International. "This is just one of the many exciting ways that Royal Caribbean continues to provide our guests with the ultimate cruise experience."

The iPads, which will feature English and Portuguese when they debut on Splendour of the Seas, will offer guests the opportunity to access all of their information not only from the comfort of their staterooms, but through the pervasive WIFI also being installed throughout the ship, which will enable guests to enjoy the iPads wherever they go onboard.

In addition to the iPads, Splendour of the Seas, which emerges from dry dock on Nov. 25, 2011, also will have an array of new stateroom amenities such as flat screen televisions, new bathrooms, and completely remodeled interiors, including luxurious new linens and furniture, as well as an additional 124 balconies. The ship also will be outfitted with the award-winning digital wayfinding technology that can be found on the line's acclaimed Oasis-class ships.

The newly revitalized Splendour also will debut new dining options including the Asian Izumi restaurant; the line's signature steakhouse, Chops Grille; the Boardwalk Dog House hotdog counter; the Park Café deli-style restaurant; and the exclusive Chef's Table dining experience. Royal Caribbean also will introduce a new à la carte menu in the Viking Crown Lounge that will offer guests the opportunity to enjoy bite sized portions of their favorite classics. Additional Royal Caribbean signature innovations debuting on the ship will be the Royal Babies and Tots Nursery, a Diamond lounge, a Concierge Lounge, a Britto Gallery featuring works from Brazilian pop-artist Romero Britto, the new R-Bar as well as a reinvented Centrum experience.

Upon completion of the refurbishments, Splendour of the Seas will sail a trans-Atlantic voyage on November 25 from Lisbon, Portugal to her seasonal homeport of Sao Paulo (Santos), Brazil. From there, she will offer a variety of South American itineraries that take advantage of the summer season in Brazil.

Royal Caribbean International is a global cruise brand with 22 innovative ships, calling on more than 270 destinations in 72 countries across six continents. The line also offers unique cruise tour land packages in Alaska, Canada, Dubai, Europe, and Australia and New Zealand.

Royal Caribbean provides a world-class vacation experience with a wide range of signature onboard amenities, entertainment, and award-winning family programming. The cruise line has a 40-year history of giving guests the Royal Advantage - the most innovative cruise ships, exciting itineraries to popular destinations, and world-renowned friendly and engaging Gold Anchor Service.

Royal Caribbean has been voted "Best Cruise Line Overall" for eight consecutive years in the Travel Weekly Readers' Choice Awards.

WOW, all this sounds exciting and I know I can't wait to sail on her again. Please share your thought on all these new amenities aboard the Splendour.