Happy Sunday! It has been a busy week of Royal Caribbean news, and we have it all summarized for you in this round up.

Royal Caribbean announced this week a new option for getting your pre-cruise Covid-19 test at the cruise terminal.

Guests can get a test done at the terminal, although Royal Caribbean considers it a last option if other testing options are unavailable.

The terminal tests are only available for fully vaccinated passengers and available by appointment only.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean pushes back final payment for cruises departing through January 2022
• Spotted: The Key will restart being offered on Symphony of the Seas
• Royal Caribbean Group CEO talks about getting back to full capacity
• Royal Caribbean's tech chief thinks cruise ship passengers will expect a better digital experience after pandemic life
• Royal Caribbean Group CEO doesn't see Virgin Voyages as competition
• Royal Caribbean announces new Singapore sailings on two cruise ships
• What you need to know about going on a cruise if you're Canadian
• Royal Caribbean signs deal to improve ports in US Virgin Islands
• Royal Caribbean signs deal for new contact tracing band

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 424th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where Matt answers some commonly asked questions about Royal Caribbean.

This week's episode is answering the top Google search questions about Royal Caribbean.

Please feel free to subscribe via iTunes or RSS, and head over to rate and review the podcast on iTunes if you can! We’d appreciate it.

New RCB Video: Perfect Day at CocoCay Tour 2021 Full Tour!

Have you subscribed to the Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube Channel? We share some great videos there regularly, all about taking a Royal Caribbean cruise! This week, we are sharing our latest video — Perfect Day at CocoCay Tour 2021 Full Tour! — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Royal Caribbean cruises in October 2021: What to expect

Have a cruise in October, or are you thinking of booking a cruise?

Between the end of the Alaska and European cruise seasons and the heating up of Caribbean itineraries, there are lots of ships back in service this month.

To help you get a sense of the most important things you should know about October cruises, here's what you need to know about taking a cruise this year in October.

Happy weekend! We have a look back at all the Royal Caribbean news from this week to share with all of you.

Royal Caribbean released its health protocols for sailings departing in the second half of October 2021.

These protocols apply to any Royal Caribbean cruise ship sailing from a U.S. homeport between October 16-31, 2021.

It includes rules on vaccinations, masks, shore excursions and more.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean Group CEO looks to 2022 for when cruise bookings to really take off
• Royal Caribbean now accepts cruise ship passengers with mixed series of mRNA vaccines
• Royal Caribbean surveys guests on possible ideas for Perfect Day at CocoCay expansion
• Less than one week left to get double points on a Royal Caribbean cruise booking
• New bill introduced to Congress so cruise ships can skip Canada on Alaska cruises
• Royal Caribbean Group will build new cruise terminal in Ravenna, Italy
• Royal Caribbean Group met or exceeded nearly all of its 2020 sustainability targets
• Cruise industry welcomes U.S. plan to welcome back international travelers
• Royal Caribbean starts new Cruise Planner sale with up to 35% off pre-cruise purchases
• Dan shares his experience of what it's like on a cruise right now
• How I reached the top of Royal Caribbean’s Loyalty Program
• 5 reasons cruising isn't just for older travelers

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 423rd episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where Josh shares how a cruise on Adventure of the Seas changed how he cruises forever.

With cruises back in service for a few months, what should you know about what it's like to go on a cruise ship right now?

Please feel free to subscribe via iTunes or RSS, and head over to rate and review the podcast on iTunes if you can! We’d appreciate it.

New RCB Video: I Just Went on Royal Caribbean and Here's What I Learned

Have you subscribed to the Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube Channel? We share some great videos there regularly, all about taking a Royal Caribbean cruise! This week, we are sharing our latest video —  I Just Went on Royal Caribbean and Here's What I Learned — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Guide to balcony staterooms on Royal Caribbean

Balcony staterooms are at the top of many cruiser's favorite type of cabins because of the private outdoor space for a reasonable price.

Royal Caribbean offers more balcony rooms on its ships than ever before, with its newest cruise ships offering the most balcony rooms. 

If you are thinking about booking a balcony stateroom on your Royal Caribbean cruise, check out this guide to balcony rooms for everything you need to know.

Welcome to this week's edition of the Royal Caribbean post round-up, where we summarize all of the Royal Caribbean news and information from this week into one handy-dandy post! There is plenty of great content to enjoy, so sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's round-up!

Royal Caribbean surprised a lot of people this week when they announced Wonder of the Seas would sail from the United States and Europe, instead of China.

The new plan is for Wonder of the Seas to debut from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, with sailings beginning on March 4, 2022.

Wonder of the Seas will sail from Fort Lauderdale just in time for spring break in 2022 and in Europe, sail from Barcelona for summer vacations in the Western Mediterranean in May.

Caribbean sailings are available to book immediately. European sailings will open for booking on September 22.

Read more: Wonder of the Seas: Itinerary, features, and more

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean will now allow kids under the vaccine eligibility age to go on back-to-back cruises
• Alaska Senator introduces bill to permanently allow cruise ships to sail to Alaska without stopping in Canada
• Royal Caribbean releases cruise ship health protocols for U.S. sailings October 1-15, 2021
• Royal Caribbean pushes back final payment date and will allow kids to take antigen tests
• Royal Caribbean extends window of time to use future cruise credits through end of 2022
• Spotted: Royal Caribbean adds new way to add Covid-19 vaccine card in its app
• Here's a list of everything I ate on Odyssey of the Seas
• Royal Caribbean celebrates largest cruise ship to sail from New York area for the first time
• Is food included on a Royal Caribbean cruise?
• Royal Caribbean still hasn't returned to Labadee since cruise ships began sailing again
• Excursion Focus: Chacchoben Ruins in Costa Maya
• Nachi Cocom 2021 Cozumel excursion review

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 422nd episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where Matt and Billy review their Odyssey of the Seas cruise.

After sailing on a 6-night cruise aboard Royal Caribbean's newest cruise ship, this week's episode looks at what stood out about Odyssey of the Seas.

Please feel free to subscribe via iTunes or RSS, and head over to rate and review the podcast on iTunes if you can! We’d appreciate it.

Video: 8 Things I learned on my first Royal Caribbean cruise

Have you subscribed to the Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube Channel? We share some great videos there regularly, all about taking a Royal Caribbean cruise! This week, we are sharing our latest video — 8 Things I learned on my first Royal Caribbean cruise — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

The questions everyone is still asking about going on a cruise in 2021

Cruising may be back, but there are still some very commonly asked questions out there about what it's like to go on a cruise ship right now.

More than half of Royal Caribbean's fleet is back in operation, and Royal Caribbean is welcoming back more and more guests.  So if you have questions about the experience, there's a comprehensive look at the top questions people want to know about being on a ship in 2021.

You will find answers to concerns about wearing masks onboard, testing requirements, limited capacity issues and a lot more.

Thank you for joining us for this a look at all the Royal Caribbean news from this week. We had plenty to share, so let us jump right in!

As promised, Royal Caribbean began selling at-home Covid-19 tests this week.

You can purchase a two-pack or three-pack of the tests so that getting the pre-cruise Covid test is easier than trying to get an appointment elsewhere.

Offering the at-home tests coincides with a new change in policy where vaccinated guests must provide a negative Covid-19 test result no more than two days before the cruise departs.

Royal Caribbean recommends purchasing two tests per person just in case you lose or contaminate a part of the test, or have an error during the testing process.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean held a 9/11 tribute on its ships
• Matt was on Odyssey of the Seas this week and live blogged everything he did on this brand new ship
• 10 must have Royal Caribbean tips & tricks for cruising with friends
• Top things I ate on Mariner of the Seas
• Top 10 Odyssey of the Seas hidden secrets

Video: Mariner of the Seas 2021 Cruise Ship Tour

Have you subscribed to the Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube Channel? We share some great videos there regularly, all about taking a Royal Caribbean cruise! This week, we are sharing our latest video: Mariner of the Seas 2021 Cruise Ship Tour

What I wish I did differently on my first cruise

Jenna is back from her first Royal Caribbean cruise and shared some things she would have done differently.

No matter how much you plan for any cruise, there are always going to be a things in retrospect during the course of a cruise that you wish you could change.

Jenna found a few things she later thought she wished she had done instead, so here is what she would have done differently on her first Royal Caribbean cruise.

The most important advice I give my family after they book a cruise

If you are the big cruise fan in your family, no doubt loved ones turn to you for what they should do after booking a cruise.

Every so often, I get a message from a cousin, uncle, or in-law that wants to know what advice I would give them for their sailing.

Here are the important tips and pieces of advice I give my family after they book a cruise.

Happy weekend! It has been a busy week of Royal Caribbean news and events, and we have a look back at everything that happened this week.

Royal Caribbean changed its policy regarding how soon before a cruise you have to get a negative Covid-19 test result.

As a result of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) change in requirements, Royal Caribbean posted new rules about when vaccinated and unvaccinated passengers need to get their pre-cruise tests done.

Vaccinated guests can get either a PCR or antigen test, and must get the test done no more than 2 days prior to sailing (it had previously been 3 days).

Unvaccinated kids must get a PCR test done no more than 3 days before the cruise (antigen tests are no longer allowed for kids).

Here is my recommendation on the best approach to getting your pre-cruise test.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean will expand Perfect Day at CocoCay with Hideaway Beach
• Oasis of the Seas gets CDC approval to sail
• Royal Caribbean could finish Nassau Beach Club by May 2023
• Royal Caribbean Group CEO thinks crew will serve guests at the buffet permanently
• Royal Caribbean CEO gives updates on return to service, loyalty benefits and more
• Royal Caribbean steps up again to support travel agents with new booking incentive
• How to request your favorite foods be prepared in the main dining room on your Royal Caribbean cruise
• Save up to 35% off pre-cruise add-ons with Royal Caribbean's new sale
• 10 Tips to save you time on a Royal Caribbean cruise

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 421st episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where Jeff reviews two Grandeur of the Seas cruises.

This week's podcast is a review of Jenna's first cruise ever. Jenna shares her thoughts on how the cruise went compared her expectations.

Please feel free to subscribe via iTunes or RSS, and head over to rate and review the podcast on iTunes if you can! We’d appreciate it.

Video: The BEST reasons to get a Royal Caribbean drink package!

Have you subscribed to the Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube Channel? We share some great videos there regularly, all about taking a Royal Caribbean cruise! This week, we are sharing our latest video: The BEST reasons to get a Royal Caribbean drink package!

8 Things I learned on my first Royal Caribbean cruise

What lessons can your first cruise teach you?

Jenna took her first Royal Caribbean cruise on Mariner of the Seas and came up with a list of eight things she learned about going on a cruise after finally sailing on a ship.

These are things that she was not aware of before the cruise, but quickly figured out were important takeaways.

Welcome to this week's edition of the Royal Caribbean post round-up, where we summarize all of the Royal Caribbean news and information from this week into one handy-dandy post! There is plenty of great content to enjoy, so sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's round-up!

This week, Royal Caribbean extended its popular Cruise with Confidence program by an extra month.

Cruise with Confidence is now valid for any cruises booked on or before October 31, 2021 for cruises sailing through April 30, 2022.

Thanks to Cruise with Confidence, you can cancel your cruise up to 48 hours before you sail without any penalty, and get a 100% future cruise credit.

Royal Caribbean News

• CDC wants cruise lines to reconsider mask policies on cruise ships
• Royal Caribbean Group CEO talks how cruise industry can overcome Delta variant threat
• Royal Caribbean did not change their back-to-back cruise policy
• Matt went on Mariner of the Seas this week and live blogged it!
• Want to get on your cruise ship as fast as possible? Here's what you should do
• 6 ways to tame the worst cruise ship problems
• Royal Caribbean announces it will add new lounge for its top tier cruisers
• Royal Caribbean cruises in September 2021: What to expect
• Photos: Oasis of the Seas departs New York Harbor for first time

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 420th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where Matt lists mistakes people are doing right now.

There will always be mistakes cruisers will make, but this week's episode focuses on the worst ones happening these days.

Please feel free to subscribe via iTunes or RSS, and head over to rate and review the podcast on iTunes if you can! We’d appreciate it.

Video: The Strangest Things We've Seen On A Cruise Ship

Have you subscribed to the Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube Channel? We share some great videos there regularly, all about taking a Royal Caribbean cruise! This week, we are sharing our latest video: The Strangest Things We've Seen On A Cruise Ship

How Royal Caribbean reimagined its signature Italian restaurant

Italian cuisine is among the most popular kind of cuisines on land or sea, and Royal Caribbean has relaunched one of its most popular specialty restaurants with an all-new menu that features fresh new choices.

Two of Royal Caribbean's cruise ships now offer Giovanni's Italian Kitchen, which is a refresh of Royal Caribbean's Italian specialty restaurant.

Royal Caribbean Vice President Food & Beverage, Linken D'Souza, shared an inside look at how the cruise line worked on updating this fan-favorite specialty restaurant.

Thanks for joining us for another weekly look at all of the Royal Caribbean news from this week.  The late-summer heat is still on, and we have plenty of Royal Caribbean news to share from this week.

The Bahamas issued an emergency order on Thursday that says cruise ships will not be allowed to enter ports in the Bahamas if there are unvaccinated passengers on board aged 12 and older without a medical excuse.

Royal Caribbean subsequently said it will now require all passengers 12 and older to vaccinated because of the new Bahamian policy.

Royal Caribbean's new policy says any ship departing from any U.S. port and visiting The Bahamas on and after Sept. 3, guests who are 12 and older must provide proof of vaccination in order to sail. This also applies to itineraries that include Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Royal Caribbean News

• Wonder of the Seas began her sea trials
• Royal Caribbean CEO gives update on cruise ship restart, Covid on ships, limiting capacity and more
• CDC warns high risk people not to go on a cruise ship
• Spotted: Royal Caribbean charging to reserve pool deck casitas on Odyssey of the Seas
• I tried the at-home Covid-19 test that Royal Caribbean accepts
• First Oasis Class cruise ship restarts sailings in Europe
• Royal Caribbean gets CDC approval for Mariner of the Seas to sail
• Oasis of the Seas test cruise from Bayonne to begin this weekend
• Royal Caribbean added a weather station to Perfect Day at CocoCay
• Royal Caribbean breaks ground on new cruise terminal in Galveston
• I’m going on my first cruise: Here’s what I think I should do
• Royal Caribbean could be first cruise line to restart cruises in Tampa by October
• Best things to do on Royal Caribbean while there is limited capacity onboard
• What changes has Royal Caribbean made to eating on a cruise since restarting?
• The 7 most important links on Royal Caribbean's website
• Royal Caribbean offering up to 35% off Cruise Planner purchases with Soak up the Savings sale

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 419th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where Matt gives answers to questions people are searching the internet for.

Something a little different this week, as Matt looks at some commonly searched internet searches related to Royal Caribbean and shares his answer.

Please feel free to subscribe via iTunes or RSS, and head over to rate and review the podcast on iTunes if you can! We’d appreciate it.

Video: When should you get a Covid test before your Royal Caribbean cruise?

Have you subscribed to the Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube Channel? We share some great videos there regularly, all about taking a Royal Caribbean cruise! This week, we are sharing our latest video: When should you get a Covid test before your Royal Caribbean cruise?

25 things you need to know for your first day on a cruise ship

Have a cruise coming up and wondering what to expect once you get onboard?

The first day of the cruise is a busy and exciting time, so to make it as smooth as possible, I've got a list of the most important things you need to know about embarkation day.

This list has the most important things you should (and should not) do to ensure you have a great first day onboard!

Welcome to this week's edition of the Royal Caribbean post round-up, where we summarize all of the Royal Caribbean news and information from this week into one handy-dandy post! There is plenty of great content to enjoy, so sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's round-up!

The cruise industry took notice this week when a United States District Judge sided with Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH) against the State of Florida in the question of can a company ask for proof of a Covid-19 vaccination.

NCLH was granted a preliminary injunction which would allow a cruise line to require passengers to prove they are vaccinated against Covid-19 if sailing from Florida.

Judge Kathleen M. Williams said in the docket that the combination of trying to restore consumer confidence and the Delta variant contributed to NCLH's win.

Royal Caribbean News

• CDC rule prohibits cruise ships based outside of United States from returning for 14 days
• Norwegian Cruise wins lawsuit against Florida over Covid-19 vaccine passport ban
• Royal Caribbean gets CDC approval for Independence of the Seas to sail
• Royal Caribbean now accepts CDC-approved at-home COVID-19 tests
• How to have the best experience for cheap on Royal Caribbean
• Royal Caribbean brings back WOW Sale with up to $300 onboard credit
• Spotted: Royal Caribbean cruise expected check-in date added to app

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 418th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where Matt looks at new rules Royal Caribbean recently announced.

There has been plenty of rule changes lately, but this week, Matt breaks down the three biggest changes announced over the last few weeks.

Please subscribe via iTunes or RSS, and head over to rate and review the podcast on iTunes if you can! 

Video: 10 Truths of going on a Royal Caribbean cruise right now

Have you subscribed to the Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube Channel? We share some great videos there regularly, all about taking a Royal Caribbean cruise! This week, we are sharing our latest video: 10 Truths of going on a Royal Caribbean cruise right now

What it's like on the Mariner of the Seas test cruise

What happens on a test cruise? 

Mariner of the Seas is the latest cruise ship to sail on a test cruise, and these simulated voyages are an opportunity to demonstrate new protocols to federal regulators, as well as give the crew a chance to prepare for the real thing.

Matt just sailed on Mariner of the Seas for her 2-night test cruise, and shared everything he did onboard.

Happy Sunday! We hope you are having a great weekend! Now it is time to sit back, relax, and catch up on all the Royal Caribbean news from the week!

Royal Caribbean announced this week when exactly the rest of the ships in the fleet will restart sailings.

The cruise line laid out a plan for which ships will restart between September 2021 and early spring 2022.

Under the newly announce plan, 13 ships will be able to restart operations slowly with the date of when each vessel will have its first sailing announced.

Royal Caribbean also announced cancellations to correlate with the new restart dates.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean will require pre-cruise Covid test for 3 & 4 night cruises
• Royal Caribbean Group reports $1.3 billion loss second quarter 2021 amid fast restart plans
• Royal Caribbean expands mask requirement to Adventure of the Seas sailings
• Royal Caribbean Group CEO: People are eager to cruise again
• Royal Caribbean extends Anthem of the Seas season in the UK
• How Royal Caribbean's free drink vouchers for Diamond and higher members works
• Allure of the Seas gets CDC approval to sail
• Carnival joins Royal Caribbean in requiring pre-cruise Covid tests and masks for vaccinated passengers
• Royal Caribbean sees strong demand for cruises despite temporary Delta variant concerns
• Hearing held in Norwegian Cruise lawsuit against Florida in vaccine passport ban
• Royal Caribbean offering up to 35% off Cruise Planner purchases with Sun's Out Sale's On
• U.S. Virgin Islands requires all cruise ship passengers 12 and older to be fully vaccinated
• CDC updates guidance to Royal Caribbean on banning mixed vaccines
• Two Royal Caribbean cruise ships begin simulated cruises
• Royal Caribbean is flying passengers home on a private jet if they have Covid-19

Video: Things I wish Royal Caribbean would change now that cruises are back!

Have you subscribed to the Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube Channel? We share some great videos there regularly, all about taking a Royal Caribbean cruise! This week, we are sharing our latest video: Things I wish Royal Caribbean would change now that cruises are back!

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 417th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where Matt interviews Royal Caribbean Group Chief Product Innovation Officer, Jay Schneider.

Mr. Schneider shares a peek behind the proverbial curtain to talk about what his group has been doing during the cruise industry shutdown.

Please subscribe via iTunes or RSS, and head over to rate and review the podcast on iTunes if you can! 

When do you have to take a Covid test before your Royal Caribbean cruise?

If you have a cruise coming up, you are going to need to get a Covid test result, so when should you actually make an appointment for a test?

Many cruisers are confused as to when they should plan to get a test to ensure the results come back in time, but not take the test too early either.

The logistics of when and where to get a test before your cruise is somewhat confusing, so here is what you need to know about getting a Covid-19 test before your cruise so you can get onboard without any issues.

How Royal Caribbean invested in new port projects and tech during the cruise industry shutdown

Royal Caribbean may have been shutdown for 15 months, but that does not mean there has not been any progress made behind the scenes.

Royal Caribbean Group Chief Product Innovation Officer, Jay Schneider, shared a look at the product development and private destination innovations his group has been busy working on since the shutdown began.

Mr. Schneider talks about updates to Royal Caribbean's app, its private beach destinations, and even new ship upgrades.

Can you believe August is already here? It is the middle of Summer and there is a lot of Royal Caribbean news to catch up from during this week.

This week, Royal Caribbean added a testing requirement for cruises that are at least 5 nights.

Guests sailing on cruises beginning July 31 that are 5-nights or longer will have to provide proof of a negative Covid-19 test at check-in.

The new test result is for all passengers, regardles of if they are vaccinated or not.

Tests must be administered no more than three days prior to sailing, and either antigen or PCR tests are acceptable.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean CEO addresses mixed vaccines and vaccine requirements
• Royal Caribbean extends ability to cancel cruise for a credit until August 31, 2021
• Odyssey of the Seas began her first sailing with paying passengers
• Royal Caribbean Group CEO: We should worry about Delta variant but we shouldn't panic
• Royal Caribbean will continue to follow CDC cruise ship recommendations
• Ovation of the Seas began her test cruise
• Allure of the Seas Test Cruise Live Blog
• Royal Caribbean releases which venues on its newest cruise ship will be open to vaccinated passengers only

New RCB Video: U.S. appeals court lifts CDC cruise ship restrictions

Have you subscribed to the Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube Channel? We share some great videos there regularly, all about taking a Royal Caribbean cruise! This week, we are sharing our latest video — U.S. appeals court lifts CDC cruise ship restrictions — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 416th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where Aaron talks about the first Royal Caribbean cruise ship to sail to Alaska.

Aaron went on the first big ship to visit Alaska since 2019, and reports on what it was like to sail again to Alaska, as well as the significance of cruising's return.

Please feel free to subscribe via iTunes or RSS, and head over to rate and review the podcast on iTunes if you can! We’d appreciate it.

What it's like on a test cruise

What happens on one of the CDC's simulated voyages?

I had the chance to sail on a 2-night test cruise aboard Allure of the Seas, which is required by the U.S. government in order to offer a cruise with paying passengers.

It's the first of a series of test cruises in the next few weeks that the line is opening up to its most loyal passengers, as well as travel agents, as it seeks to fulfill the requirements of the CDC's Conditional Sail Order.