Universal Orlando Puts Caribbean Vacations on Cruise Control

With the economy sinking faster than the Titanic and the travel industry not exactly cruising along at full sail, it may seem like an odd time to begin offering 7-, 10-, and 11-night land and sea vacation packages. But that's exactly what Universal Orlando and Royal Caribbean International are doing. Calling their combined package "Way More Than a Cruise," the itineraries will include a 3- or 4-night stay in Orlando with a 3-, 4-, or 7-night Caribbean cruise aboard either Monarch of the Seas or Freedom of the Seas (the latter of which is among the world's largest cruise ships).

Unlike Disney, which operates its own cruise line and also sails to the Caribbean (and other destinations) out of Port Canaveral, it doesn't appear that Royal Caribbean will incorporate any of the Universal characters or extend the Universal brand and theme park experience aboard the ships. The family-friendly ships will include plenty of activities for children, however. The enormous Freedom of the Seas even offers an H20 Zone water park, complete with water slides and a FlowRider surfing attraction. For the land part of the trip, guests have the option of staying off-property or at one of Universal Orlando's three hotels. The packages, which are available for travel dates starting March 31, include ground transportation to and from the airport and all legs of the trip.

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