Royal Caribbean offering Stansted cruise connection

Britons planning to embark on a cruise holiday this summer are being offered a new service from Royal Caribbean.

The company is set to launch its first direct cruise connection from London Stansted, featuring charter flights to Venice operated by British Airways.

From June 2011, travellers will be able to fly from Stansted to link up with Voyager of the Seas for a seven-night Adriatic sailing from the Italian port.

Jo Rzymowska, Royal Caribbean's general manager in the UK and Ireland, said the company has received feedback from travellers indicating that convenient flight connections are an important factor in their decision-making process.

She added: "Around 6.7 million people live in Stansted's main catchment area, putting our cruise connections onto the doorstep of millions of potential customers.

"Setting off on a great value cruise holiday from an iconic destination such as Venice is now easier than ever before, and the new service will deliver an efficient route for thousands of UK cruisers to begin their holiday immediately on the day of departure."

Travellers taking family cruises onboard Voyager of the Seas can enjoy features and amenities including an ice skating rink, rock climbing wall and an indoor 'street' that runs through the centre of the ship.