Universal Orlando and Royal Caribbean International are teaming up to offer vacation packages that combine a theme park visit with a cruise out of Port Canaveral.

The “Way More Than a Cruise” packages will pair three- or four-night stays at Universal with a three- or four-night Bahamian cruise aboard Royal Caribbean’s Monarch of the Seas or a seven-night Caribbean sailing aboard the Freedom of the Seas. The packages include hotel and shipboard accommodations, multi-day passes to both Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure, admission to some CityWalk venues and ground transfers between airport, hotel, theme parks and Port Canaveral.

Bookings are open for travel beginning March 31. Universal and Royal Caribbean will be competing directly with Walt Disney World and Disney Cruise Line, which have carved out a lucrative niche combining land-and-sea vacations.

“Universal Orlando Resort is thrilled to enter this partnership, bringing together two incredible experiences to create one memorable vacation,” Bill Davis, president and chief operating officer for Universal Orlando Resort, said in a written statement. “Our guests will not only enjoy some of the most entertaining theme-park attractions ever created, but also the world-class experiences and service Royal Caribbean is known for delivering.”

Source: http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/bus...vacations.html

All I have to say is, It's about time they paired up!

I wonder which Universal hotel will be used? I would love to try staying at the Hard Rock sometime!

I was really excited to hear about this - I'm hoping to one day take a Disney cruise but my sons now want to try this new adventure instead. Can't wait to see the prices (does anybody know when they will launch the first cruise or if they have already? Would like to find out the price differences between Disney and Universal (for my sons' sake, not mine - I still am in love with Disney!)