Galveston Welcomes ‘Voyager’!
by Jeff Grieder

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Several events were planned on Jan. 13, 2008, to welcome “Voyager” to Galveston. RCI executives welcomed travel agents for a wonderful breakfast at the Tremont House Hotel. During breakfast, they took the opportunity to update the travel agents on Royal Caribbean and all of the exciting things that are in store for 2008 and beyond. After breakfast, the travel agents were treated by a wonderful surprise. They were boarded onto four completed Mardi Gras floats and paraded through the streets before arriving at the Port of Galveston alongside “Voyager.”

Once on board, the travel agents joined local dignitaries, RCI executives, and the media for a special welcome ceremony on the helipad of the ship’s bow. Nestled on top of the ship’s bridge were a pair of Texas Longhorns, 140 feet long and weighing in at 600 pounds! Also displayed forward and aft of the ship were four huge Texas state flags. After the event, Royal Caribbean started a weeklong auction on eBay for the pair of longhorns and the flags, with the auction proceeds benefiting the Starlight Starbright Children’s Foundation of Galveston.

For more information on Royal Caribbean International and the “Voyager of the Seas,” please visit www.cruisingpower.com. And, to find out more about the beautiful port city of Galveston, Texas, please visit www.galveston.com.

Royal Caribbean executives treat travel agents to breakfast at
the Tremont House Hotel in Galveston, Texas.

Travel agents board four completed Mardi Gras floats as they transfer from
the hotel to the Port of Galveston.

Jeff Grieder (OSSN’s Midwest Regional Manager) and
Brenda O'Leary (director of the OSSN San Antonio Chapter) join other travel agents
in a Mardi Gras parade to join the “Voyager of the Seas.”

This pair of longhorns framed the top of the bridge on “Voyager.”

Brenda O'Leary, Melody Smith (director of tourism for the city of Galveston),
and Jeff Grieder (l to r) enjoying the welcome ceremony.

Royal Caribbean executives and local Galveston dignitaries observe
the ship’s ribbon cutting ceremony.

Captain Gary and Galveston Mayor Lyda Ann Thomas cut the ribbon to welcome
the “Voyager of the Seas” to the port in Galveston.

Jeff Grieder talks with Lisa Bauer, Senior Vice President of
Hotel Operations at Royal Caribbean.

Kenneth Muskat (RCI’s Vice President of Sales), Jeff Grieder, and Galen Mathews
(RCI’s Midwest Director of Sales) (l to r) take in the views from the ship’s deck.

(Credits: Jeff Grieder)