Grand Ole Opry

OPRY NEWS

Eastern Caribbean Itinerary Announced for Opry Country Classics Cruise Sailing Jan. 30, 2011

Fans of the most treasured songs in country music history are in for a treat when the Opry Country Classics Cruise sails Jan. 30 - Feb. 6, 2011.  With a recently updated itinerary, the music-filled adventure will now take guests to the Eastern Caribbean aboard Royal Caribbean's Freedom of the Seas.  Grand Ole Opry stars Charley Pride, Jim Ed Brown and Jeannie Seely are set to entertain during the seven-night voyage.  Additionally, newcomer Chris Young, nominated for the Top New Solo Vocalist award by the Academy of Country Music, will be part of the line-up along with special guest Helen Cornelius. This marks the Opry's 14^th annual cruise and its first on Royal Caribbean International.

"We always have the time of our lives meeting the fans and enjoying our fellow artists' music on board the Opry Cruise," Pride said. "It looks like the 2011 cruise is going to be better than ever."

Fans of the classics will experience private shows by the artists performing their own hits in addition to all-time country favorites throughout the week. Additional musical fun onboard will include classic country karaoke with celebrity guests and an exclusive cocktail party with fellow Opry Country Classics Cruise guests. A full casino, deck activities including a FlowRider surf simulator, nine-hole miniature golf course, dancing, first-run movies, and gourmet dining also are included.  All meals in Freedom of the Seas' main dining room and Windjammer Café, including a special "Welcome Aboard" party with the Captain and a gala Bon Voyage Dinner are included.  Departing from Port Canaveral, guests will visit three ports of call: St. Thomas, St. Maarten, and CocoCay, Royal Caribbean's private island destination in the Bahamas.

"Royal Caribbean International looks forward to welcoming the stars of the Grand Ole Opry and guests aboard Freedom of the Seas," said Vicki Freed, senior vice president of Sales, Trade Support and Services, Royal Caribbean International. "In addition to the exciting Opry Country Classics line-up, guests will enjoy a cruise to the Eastern Caribbean aboard one of the world's most innovative cruise ships."

At 160,000 gross registered tons, Freedom of the Seas has a capacity of 3,634 guests at double occupancy. In addition to the exclusive Freedom-class amenities, the ship also features the cruise line's exclusive amenities such as the Studio B ice-skating rink; full-size basketball and sports court; iconic rock-climbing wall; and the Royal Promenade, a boulevard that runs nearly the length of the ship, lined with boutiques, restaurants, and bars and lounges.

For more information on each artist on the cruise, details about ports of call, on board activities, and more, visit oprycruise.com. Prices for the Opry Country Classics Cruise start at $1,158 per person, government taxes and fees are additional. To book this cruise and participate in all the private Opry functions, contact Corporate Travel Service Inc. at (866) 653-OPRY (6779). 

Travel agents will have the opportunity to receive commission on the Opry Country Classics Cruise by booking with Corporate Travel Service only.  Agents will receive 10 percent commission from Corporate Travel Service Inc. on this entire cruise package (taxes are non-commissionable).