Expedia CruiseShipCenters® Invited to Experience a Quantum Leap in Cruising

New York City , November 14, 2014 (Newswire.com) - Expedia® CruiseShipCenters® – part of Expedia® Inc., is gearing up for the highly anticipated 2-night inaugural cruise of the Royal Caribbean Quantum of the Seas sailing from Bayonne, New Jersey from November 16-18. As valued travel partners, all Expedia CruiseShipCenters corporate leadership staff and franchise partners have been exclusively invited aboard to celebrate and experience the debut of the new ship.

With its virtual balconies, robotic bartenders and radio frequency ID wristbands to enable passengers to make cashless payments, the Quantum of the Seas has been touted as the smartest ship at sea. The Quantum Class spans 18 decks, encompasses 167,800 gross registered tons, carries 4,180 guests at double occupancy and features 2,090 staterooms. As the third largest cruise ship in the world, it is packed with industry firsts including key features in dining, technology and entertainment that set it apart from the rest.

This ship will truly change the way consumers experience cruise travel.

Matthew Eichhorst, President of Expedia CruiseShipCenters.

“It is a true honor to have been extended a system-wide invitation to be a part of this inaugural sailing,” said Matthew Eichhorst, President of Expedia CruiseShipCenters. “This ship will truly change the way consumers experience cruise travel and will enable us to target new customer segments for cruising. Royal Caribbean continues to be a key partner as we aim to be best-in-class navigators of spectacular vacation experiences.”

Expedia CruiseShipCenters’ leadership team and franchise partners will board the Quantum of the Seas directly following the company’s annual week-long national conference which took place aboard the Norwegian Breakaway®. The theme for the annual event was “Bigger, Better, Stronger, Together,” emphasizing the power in numbers that comes with continued, system-wide growth as the company approaches 200 retail locations across North America. The theme is especially relevant after a record growth year with 22 new franchises signed so far in 2014 alone, and plans to add another 150 locations over the next three years.

As the cruising industry continues to thrive with nearly 22 million people worldwide expected to cruise in 2014 and 29 new ships set to enter the market by 2016, the company continues to rapidly expand its network to meet the growing demand.

To research cruise vacations and find a qualified Vacation Consultant, visit www.cruiseshipcenters.com. For more information about joining the Expedia CruiseShipCenters team, visit www.expediafranchise.com.

ABOUT EXPEDIA CRUISESHIPCENTERS

Named a fast-growing franchise by MSN Money, Expedia CruiseShipCenters provides exceptional value and expert advice for travelers booking cruises and vacations through its network of 180 franchise locations. As part of Expedia, Inc., the company’s 4,000 Vacation Consultants have been navigating spectacular vacation experiences for customers across North America for more than 25 years. For more information on joining the Expedia CruiseShipCenters team, visit www.expediafranchise.com.

Expedia is either a registered trademark or trademark of Expedia, Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries. Other logos or product and company names mentioned herein may be the property of their respective owners. © 2014 Expedia, Inc. All rights reserved. CST # 2029030-50 and CST # 20893-43