Happy Sunday, everyone! Can you believe May is here already? Warmer temperatures and plenty of Royal Caribbean news and info to share with you from this week!

Many cruisers were happy to hear Royal Caribbean says a letter from a doctor for guests who are 70 years old or older, or have a pre-existing chronic medical condition, is no longer necessary.

Royal Caribbean Senior Vice President of Sales and Trade Support & Service Vicki Freed confirmed the news during a webinar with travel agents earlier this week.

"We found out that CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association) did actually change this requirement on April 3rd. So a health form is no longer required for those travelers ages 70 plus, nor are there restrictions for those guests with underlying health conditions."

Royal Caribbean News

• The new cruise terminal in Galveston is officially delayed by one year.
• Apology letters were sent to guests for how long refunds are taking.
• Royal Caribbean made it easier to redeem future cruise credits online.
• Royal Caribbean extended Future Cruise Credits dates of use.
• We asked our readers when they think cruises would resume again.
• We got updates on Odyssey of the Seas, the President's cruise, Alaska cruises, and more.
• The UK expects Anthem of the Seas to still be there later this year.
• Azipods were mounted on Odyssey of the Seas.
• Top 5 reasons to book flights now for your cruise vacation coming up later.
• Free Royal Caribbean backgrounds for your phone lock screen.
• Here are some funny videos on TikTok by Royal Caribbean crew members.
• Fun Royal Caribbean recipes to make at home
  • Love Connection cocktail
  • Traditional Caesar Salad
• Check out the new escape room fun on Oasis of the Seas.
• Royal Caribbean transformed guest photos into a private island portrait.
• Odyssey of the Seas construction photo was updated.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 352nd episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, that features Michael's story of an annual cruise tradition.

Michael shares how a cruise for a good cause has turned into his family's annual tradition that he looks forward to each and every year!

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.

The best Royal Caribbean vacation hacks pros swear by!

I love to share cruise tips, tricks, and advice, so that everyone can benefit from saving time or money (or both).

This week, I have some of my favorite expert-level Royal Caribbean cruise hacks that repeat cruisers swear by.

Lots happened this past week, and I do not want you to miss out on any of the news or helpful posts.  So here is a look back at everything posted here in just the last few days.

Royal Caribbean was busy filing trademarks this week, and perhaps these new applications shed light on what cruising will look like once it resumes.

Most notably, the cruise line filed a trademark for a face mask known as "SEAFACE", as well as another trademark for "EMUSTER".

Trademark applications do not have much information in them, but it stands to reason if Royal Caribbean took the time and money to file for a trademark, there is likely some seriousness to pursuing these concepts.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean's Crown and Anchor Society Member Ambassador was let go in the recent layoffs.
• Richard Fain spoke about the first steps Royal Caribbean will need to take in order to re-open.
• The one question everyone wants to know: when will Royal Caribbean resume sailings?
• Six big questions cruisers are asking about, that Royal Caribbean still has not answered.
• The ongoing debate: can you wear shorts in the main dining room?
• Here is an inside look at how Wall Street sees Royal Caribbean's future.
• The shipyard where Wonder of the Seas is being built is slowly reopening.
• The company that created Royal Caribbean's escape rooms has launched a virtual escape room.
• Royal Caribbean is reportedly working with Morgan Stanley to raise new financing.
• Here are 10 fun Royal Caribbean upgrades under $50.
• Here is how to make the Poke Bowl from Izumi at home.
• 10 Surprising things you didn't know the Royal Caribbean concierge can do for you.
• A new learn to play casino table games option has been added to the Cruise Planner.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 351st episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, that features Erin's story of a memorable sailing on Grandeur of the Seas.

Erin decided to go on a cruise with a sorority sister, along with their respective kids, and created quite a few memories in the process.

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.

How Royal Caribbean cut a cruise ship in half

One of the truly incredible engineering feats is when a cruise line cuts a cruise ship in half, adds a new section in the middle, and welds the halves back together. 

While not a common practice anymore, Royal Caribbean endeavored to lengthen its first cruise ship, Song of Norway, in 1977.

Here is the full story of how Royal Caribbean undertook this major (and dangerous) operation.

There was plenty of Royal Caribbean news and helpful posts shared this week, so here is a look at everything from the past few days so you do not miss any of it!

The big news was Royal Caribbean extending its cruise shutdown by cancelling all sailings through June 11.

This is the third time Royal Caribbean has cancelled sailings due to the health crisis, with the first set of cancelled sailings through April 10, then they cancelled all cruises through May 11.

Royal Caribbean had already cancelled all Canada, New England, and Alaska sailings through June 30, due to Canada closing all of its cruise ports.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean laid off 26% of its employees this week.
• Richard Fain was named to the President's economic revival group.
• Take a 360 look at the shipyard where Odyssey of the Seas is being built.
• How to request a refund for your cancelled Royal Caribbean cruise.
• There is a new sale that offers bonus instant savings for Crown and Anchor members.
• Florida's governor has re-opened some beaches and parks.
• Check out these fun virtual cruise bingo cards!
• Richard Fain shared a reassuring message this week on the outlook of cruises returning.
• A new virtual cruise begins today.
• Check out these Royal Caribbean recipes!
  • flourless chocolate cake from the main dining room
  • Kahlua Creme Brulee from the main dining room
• Have you ever wondered why is there formal night on a cruise?
• Arne Wilhelmsen passed away, who had a major impact in the formation of Royal Caribbean.
• A look at who owns Royal Caribbean.
• Should you reschedule your Royal Caribbean cruise in 2020 or 2021?

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 350th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, which I think will bring a smile to your face with this week's fun cruise story.

Paul shares his story of a very memorable day in St. Thomas while on Freedom of the Seas a number of years ago.  

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.

How did Royal Caribbean get its name?

Did you ever wonder why Royal Caribbean was the name picked for the cruise line? After all, it is not named after the founder of the company or the country or town it is based in, so why was this name chosen?

The story of which names the cruise line founders considered, as well as why they chose Royal Caribbean (and the Crown and Anchor logo) can be discovered on the blog this week!

Despite the fact there are no cruises happening, plenty is happening and I have a wrap-up of everything that occured this past week!

Royal Caribbean announced earlier this week it is extending the ability to cancel a cruise up to 48 hours before it sails.

The Cruise with Confidence program will now include sailings through September 1, 2020.

Under this policy, Royal Caribbean is providing guests with the flexibility to cancel a cruise for any reason up to 48 hours before a sailing is scheduled to depart.  

Royal Caribbean News

• RCL Cares was launched to support the travel agent community.
• Royal Caribbean's top executives have taken a pay cut.
• Royal Caribbean has bolstered its financial situation with $3.48 billion in backup financing.
• Majesty of the Seas was forced out of Gulfport, Mississippi due to a port closure.
• Richard Fain shared his outlook on the cruise industry right now.
• Will there be cruises to Alaska in 2020?
• A poll shows Americans will be slow to want to cruise again.
• Applying or renewing a passport is quite difficult for the foreseeable future.
• Should I buy Royal Caribbean stock right now?
• An inaccurate report of Royal Caribbean cancelling its cruises until September made the rounds online.
• We shared some Royal Caribbean drink recipes!
  • Lava Flow
  • Coco Loco
• A list of differences between each of the Oasis Class ships.
• Take a retro-look back to Soveriegn of the Seas in 1998!
• A new Virtual of the Seas cruise departs today to Alaska.
• Here is what life is like on empty cruise ships.
• Free printable Royal Caribean coloring pages for adults!
• What you should know about cruising during hurricane season.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 348th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, with the story of how cruising changed Kat's life.

The world has changed, and so has this podcast. Given the state of affairs, we have a new concept for the podcast to share that provides a glimpse into our listener's past cruises and highlight memorable sailings.

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: Latest Royal Caribbean News

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 — Latest Royal Caribbean News — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Welcome to March! We hope you are having a great weekend and are ready to sit back, relax and catch up with all the latest Royal Caribbean news!

Coronavirus dominated the news this week (and last week, and the week before...) and Royal Caribbean announced it will allow cancellations up to 48 hours before sailing due to Coronavirus outbreak.

Guests will receive a full credit for their fare, usable on any future sailing of the guest's choice in 2020 or 2021. The policy applies to both new and existing cruise bookings.

The policy applies to all cruises with a sailing date on or before July 31, 2020, and will be offered by the company's global brands: Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Azamara and Silversea. 

Royal Caribbean News

• A brand new cruise port destination is coming to Freeport, Bahamas.
• Former CEO Adam Goldstein has left the company.
• First look at the Giovanni's Italian Kitchen menu on Freedom of the Seas.
• Casino tournaments are now prebookable on the Cruise Planner site.
• Mandatory temperature screenings have been added to the cruise check-in procedure.
• Richard Fain shared a reassuring message about the Coronavirus.
• Royal Caribbean has added an option to add extra guests to cabanas.
• Using a cell phone onboard a Royal Caribbean cruise.
• Check out the new Coca-Cola souvenir cup design.
• Wondering what is the biggest Royal Caribbean ship?

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 344th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, which has Matt's top ten dining tips.

In this episode, Matt goes over ten ways to enhance your cruise and save money when it comes to eating on a Royal Caribbean cruise.

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: 10 Rookie mistakes you shouldn't be making on Royal Caribbean in 2020!

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 Rookie mistakes you shouldn't be making on Royal Caribbean in 2020 — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Royal Caribbean Around the Internet

Cruise Critic is giving away 7-night cruise on Oasis of the Seas.

Cruise Tips TV shared money saving Royal Caribbean tips.

Welcome to March! We hope you are having a great weekend and are ready to sit back, relax and catch up with all the latest Royal Caribbean news!

Interesting news came out this week, when it was reported Royal Caribbean purchased land on the western end of Paradise Island in The Bahamas.

No word from the cruise line confirming the news, nor what the land will be used for in the future.

According to Tribune Business, the land could be used for, "a beach-centred entertainment destination for the passengers it brings to Nassau."

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean expanded Coronavirus travel restrictions to Iran, Italy and South Korea.
• Some of the 2021-2022 deployment schedule has been postponed.
• Royal Caribbean scheduled new port stops in St. Maarten in 2020.
• Freedom of the Seas now works with Royal Caribbean's app.
• Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd was named one of the most ethical companies in the world.
• Photos of Spectrum of the Seas arriving in Sydney.
• Here are 10 ways to save money on your Royal Caribbean cruise.
• How to know if you need a drink package.
• How much should I budget for a cruise?
• Comparing the Royal Caribbean ships sailing in Alaska.
• The top 10 celebrity musicians that performed on Royal Caribbean .
• Is it better to book excursions through the cruise ship?

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 343rd episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, which is a look back at the Coronavirus scare on Anthem of the Seas from a few weeks ago.

In this episode, Kurt shares what his experience was like when a false rumor of Coronavirus on Anthem of the Seas delayed his sailing by multiple 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.

New RCB Video: 10 things you didn't know about Perfect Day at CocoCay

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 things you didn't know about Perfect Day at CocoCay — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Hope you are having a great weekend.  Here is all of this week's Royal Caribbean cruise news.

Royal Caribbean released a new map of the Perfect Day at CocoCay cabana map.

The new map lists locations in the newly opened areas of South Beach and the Coco Beach Club.

Royal Caribbean News

• An updated deployment schedule shows 2021-2022 sailing releases pushed back a couple weeks.
• Royal Caribbean is testing a new family steel drum lesson activity.
• Frequently asked questions about Oasis of the Seas.
• Wondering if last minute cruises are really cheaper?
• The 25 best Royal Caribbean tips, tricks & hidden tricks.
• Everything you should know about the Royal Caribbean app.
• What is the best room on a cruise ship?

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 342nd episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, all about what to pack for a Royal Caribbean cruise.

In this episode, Matt breaks down what you need to know about packing for a cruise and how to manage it so it is not overwhelming.

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: Top 10 Biggest Royal Caribbean Cruise Ships in the World!

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 — Top 10 Biggest Royal Caribbean Cruise Ships in the World! — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Royal Caribbean Around the Internet

Washington Post wrote about the increased popularity of overwater bungalows.

Cruise Radio shared a first time Royal Caribbean cruise guide.

Royal Caribbean showcased the top 10 bucket-list worthy Mediterranean beaches.

Happy Sunday and we hope you had a great week. It was a busy week of Royal Caribbean fun, and we have a round-up of all of it in this hand-dandy blog post.

After weeks of news related to the coronavirus and its impact on canceled cruises, lower revenue, and fear among guests, we got a positive out of it when Royal Caribbean announced it will move Spectrum of the Seas to Australia and offer free cruises to first responders there.

The free cruises are a gesture to thank the humanitarian efforts put forth to combat the wildfires.

Spectrum of the Seas will travel to Australia and be deployed on complimentary cruises sailing from Sydney in support of Australia's first responder community, who worked tirelessly over many weeks of the bush fire crisis.

Royal Caribbean News

• The first Royal Beach Club in Antigua is officially go for construction.
• Royal Caribbean lifted the ban on Chinese passport holders due to coronavirus.
• Royal Caribbean issued earnings guidance on how coronavirus is impacting its bottom line.
• Eight things you should know about the Coco Beach Club.
• Our newest video shares 12 things you can only find on Royal Caribbean.
• In case you are wondering, how early can I board my Royal Caribbean cruise?
• Our list of the things you should book before they sell out later.
• 8 tips for your first Royal Caribbean cruise.
• You can now book a NextCruise certificate from Royal Caribbean's app.
• Here is a list of Royal Caribbean's travel partners of the year in 2019.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 341st episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available and this week, Matt answers emails our listeners have sent in.

This week's podcast episode is dedicated to you, as Matt doubles down on listener emails to answer as many as he can on this week's episode.

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: 10 Things People Don't Realize About Royal Caribbean's Alcohol 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 — 10 Things People Don't Realize About Royal Caribbean's Alcohol Package — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Happy weekend! We hope you are having a wonderful weekend, now it’s time to kick back, relax, and catch up on another week of Royal Caribbean news!

We had a chance this week to check out the brand new Coco Beach Club at Perfect Day at CocoCay.

The exclusive beach area on Royal Caribbean's private island offers a secluded area where guests that wish to pay extra for upgraded food and service.

Coco Beach Club represents the completion of the original Perfect Day at CocoCay plans.

Royal Caribbean News

• Anthem of the Seas was delayed in leaving due to the media reporting on speculative rumors of coronavirus onboard.
• Check out our Coco Beach Club floating cabanas photo tour.
• Chinese passport holders are banned from Royal Caribbean due to coronavirus fears.
• Is the drink package worth it on Royal Caribbean?
• New photos of the Crown and Anchor logo being prepared for Odyssey of the Seas.
• We reviewed Chef's Table dinner on Mariner of the Seas.
• Royal Caribbean updated its coronavirus screening procedures.
• Our full review of the VIP Blue Lagoon Island Beach Day in Nassau, Bahamas.
• There is still time to take advantage of a pre-cruise sale on drink packages, internet and more.
• Photo tour of the category 6V interior stateroom on Mariner of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 340th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available and this week, Matt shares a live review of the Coco Beach Club.

Matt visited the brand new exclusive area of Perfect Day at CocoCay to share his thoughts on why you might want to go there.

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: Royal Caribbean dining questions I get asked all the time!

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 — Royal Caribbean dining questions I get asked all the time! — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Happy weekend! We hope you are in the midst of a wonderful weekend full of friends, fun, and plenty of things to do to pass the time between cruises.  We have a summary of all of this week's Royal Caribbean news in case you missed any of it!

Royal Caribbean opened the Coco Beach Club, marking the completion of the Perfect Day at CocoCay makeover of the private island.

The exclusive beach club touts the first floating cabanas in The Bahamas, an oceanfront infinity pool, beach cabanas, a dedicated restaurant with upscale dining and an exclusive bar.

Rounding out Perfect Day at CocoCay is the opening of two refreshed beaches – Breezy Bay at Chill Island and South Beach – open to all guests on the island.

Royal Caribbean News

• Three sailings have been canceled due to the coronoavirus outbreak.
• Royal Caribbean added new coronavirus screening procedures across the fleet.
• The Diamond Happy Hour menu has been updated to include virgin frozen drinks.
• We shared the new Perfect Day at CocoCay 2020 map.
• The February offer provides 60% off second guest, kids sail free, and more.
• What is an Alaska inside passage cruise?
• Here is everything you wanted to know about Liberty of the Seas.
• What to pack for a cruise to Alaska.
• Our full review of El Cozumeleno day pass in Cozumel.
• Royal Caribbean provided a look at its first barbecue restaurant.
• Rhapsody of the Seas had been added to the Royal Caribbean app.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 339th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available and we take an in-depth review of Brilliance of the Seas.

The first day on a cruise is a busy and exciting day, so Matt walks you through what to expect.

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: Best Royal Caribbean tips repeat cruisers always use

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 — Best Royal Caribbean tips repeat cruises always use — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Royal Caribbean Around the Internet

South Florida Business Journal reported on Richard Fain receiving a lifetime achievement award.

CruiseHabit provided the advantages and disadvantages of carry-on versus checked luggage for a cruise.

CruiseHive shared 9 reasons to cruise on Anthem of the Seas.