Happy December! We cannot believe that we are already one full week into the month – there is so much going on with holiday preparation and shopping and baking!

Royal Caribbean announced this week that it will end its parternship with DreamWorks.

Starting on all sailings departing on or after April 1, Royal Caribbean will cease to offer the DreamWorks experience on any of its ships.

All cruises that depart before April 1 will have the DreamWorks experience for the entirety of the cruise; programming will not cut off mid-cruise.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean has agreed to build a new cruise terminal in Galveston.
• Two more Royal Caribbean ships can now use the new smart phone app.
• We shared our top 10 Symphony of the Seas hidden secrets.
• Cruise Critic named Royal Caribbean the best cruise line for entertainment and suite offerings.
• 2020-2021 Short Caribbean sailings went on sale this week.
• Our full review of Royal Caribbean's new VIP guest experience, The Key.
• Royal Caribbean kicked off its December sales promotion this week, with 30% off all guests.
• Take a photo tour of a Grand Suite on Symphony of the Seas.
• Take a look at the Perfect Day at CocoCay map.
• Here's a look at the CocoCay pier progress.
• Royal Caribbean shared a new video of the family adventures available on Symphony of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 279th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available and this week, we share what you need to know before going on a cruise from Terminal A in PortMiami.

Royal Caribbean's brand new cruise terminal in Miami is open, and Matt shares a guide for going from curb to ship in Terminal A.

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.

Royal Caribbean Around The Internet

Orlando Sentinel shared how an astronaut helped Royal Caribbean develop a show on Symphony of the Seas.

Seatrade Cruise News reports Royal Caribbean named a new member to its Board of Directors.

TravelBiz reported Royal Caribbean has won the title of favorite cruise line in India.

Happy Sunday! November has arrived, and we hope you had a great week with friends, family, and plenty of food.  Each week we summarize all of this week's Royal Caribbean news, just in case you missed any of it.

The big news this week was Royal Caribbean's announcement of the major changes coming to Navigator of the Seas in 2019.

Navigator of the Seas will undergo a refurbishment in early 2019, and will feature a number of changes including an awe-inspiring Caribbean poolscape, waterslides, the first blow dry bar at sea, nightlife and dining, and thrilling activities for the whole family.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean held a grand opening ceremony for Terminal A in PortMiami.
• Kids Sail Free offer is back for the month of November.
• Check out these self-service merchandise machines found on Symphony of the Seas.
• Here's the latest look at the CocoCay pier progress being made.
• Navigator of the Seas had to divert to Vigo, Spain to conduct emergency repairs earlier this week.
• Royal Caribbean created a fun timelapse video of Symphony of the Seas' departure from Malaga.
• We tried to answer as many of the commonly asked Symphony of the Seas questions as we could.
• Royal Caribbean released a new version of its smart phone app.
• Royal Caribbean thinks Symphony of the Seas offers the best family vacation at sea.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

Have you ever dined at Izumi Japanese specialty restaurant?

In this week's podcast episode, Matt shares an overview of what Izumi offers, the various options across the fleet, and mentions which menu items are his favorite.

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 cruise money saving tips

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 cruise money saving tips — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Royal Caribbean Around the Internet

The Pinay Solo Backpacker Blog shared a guide for first timers to Ovation of the Seas.

Disney Tourist Blog shared their first impressions of Royal Caribbean from a Disney Cruise Line sucker loyalist.

CNBC quoted Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. Chairman Richard Fain talking about fuel costs and their effect on earnings.

Cruise Habit recorded a podcast about cruise line loyalty programs (including Crown and Anchor Society).

Happy Sunday! We are so happy that you stopped by and hope you are having a wonderful weekend. Grab a mug of your favorite hot beverage, sit back, and check out the latest in Royal Caribbean news.

Lots of our readers were talking about the confirmation that Anthem of the Seas will move to Southampton in 2020.

Royal Caribbean UK and Ireland managing director Ben Bouldin confimed the rumor after months of speculation that one of the Quantum Class ships would sail from the UK in 2020.

It remains to be seen which ship will replace Anthem of the Seas in Bayonne, New Jersey. 

Royal Caribbean News

• We shared the photos from inside Royal Caribbean's new cruise terminal in PortMiami.
• Here is what the new chat feature looks like on Royal Caribbean's smartphone app.
• Royal Caribbean provided guidance on its new smartphone app roll out schedule.
• We posted a new video of the azipod installation on Spectrum of the Seas.
• Royal Caribbean entered the TTG Travel Awards' Hall of Fame.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

First time cruisers on Royal Caribbean might be wondering what pitfalls to avoid, and so we shared some good advice on this week's podcast.

In this week's podcast episode, Matt invited podcast listeners to call in and share their own experiences of making mistakes onboard, as well as other miscalculations they may have seen.

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: Why book an inside room on a 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 — Why you should book an inside stateroom on a cruise — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Royal Caribbean Around the Internet

CNBC shared a talk with Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. Chairman and CEO Richard Fain.

Travel Weekly profiled Richard Fain and shared how the cruise line is using wind power.

The Jersey Momma posted reviews, tips and advice for an Anthem of the Seas cruise.

The fall temperatures may be dropping, but the Royal Caribbean news from this week is as hot as ever, and we have it all summarized for you in this week's round up!

Sit back, and catch-up on all of the Royal Caribbean news and happenings form this week.

Many guests noticed a new option when booking a cruise via the Royal Caribbean website where a new monthly payment option was added.

In addition to the traditional billing method, Royal Caribbean now allows guests to make monthly payments towards a cruise via a third party service.

The montly payment option is financed through a third-party service known as UpLift, in which a first payment is due at booking and subsequent payments taken each month thereafter.  An annual percentage rate (APR) is also tacked onto the total cost for the financing service.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean posted 2019 drink package prices.
• Mariner of the Seas will be the first ship to call on Terminal A in PortMiami.
• Spectrum of the Seas had her two azipods delivered.
• Our next live blog kicks off this week on Adventure of the Seas.
• Our top five Mariner of the Seas must-do tips.
• Royal Caribbean is partnering with the GRAMMY Museum to offer students chance to perform at Symphony of the Seas naming ceremony.
• A new video that looks at the entertainment line up on Symphony of the Seas.
• Another video was shared about how Royal Caribbean is using wind power to offset its carbon footprint.
• Our full review of the Holiday Inn Club Vacations Cape Canaveral Beach Resort near Port Canaveral.
• New photos of the Terminal A construction progress in PortMiami.
• Royal Caribbean has scheduled its third quarter earnings call with investors.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

Packing for a Royal Caribbean cruise presents is own challenges, including deciding what to carry on the ship versus have delivered to your stateroom later.

In this week's Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast, Matt lists what he thinks are the most important items to carry-on the ship.

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.

Royal Caribbean Around the Internet

PR Week shared the news of Royal Caribbean UK & Ireland hiring a new head of PR & Social.

Eyewitness News reports 500 Royal Caribbean jobs are open to Bahamians.

Cruise Critic shared tips for sailing on a China based cruise ship.

Yahoo! posted the results of CN Traveler reader voting for best cruise lines in 2018.

USA Today listed 30 cruise ship attractions that will "blow your mind".

Cruise Habit recorded a podcast all about specialty dining on cruise ships.

We hope everyone reading this is having a wonderful Sunday and enjoying some time this weekend with friends, family and some good food too.  There was a lot of Royal Caribbean news this week, and we have summarized all up into one easy-to-read blog post for your convenience!

Royal Caribbean announced that Navigator of the Seas will be the first cruise ship to visit CocoCay following the transformation to Perfect Day in CocoCay.

Navigator of the Seas will sail a 3 night Bahamas sailing between May 3-6, 2019.

Perfect Day at CocoCay is a $200 million makeover of Royal Caribbean's private destination in the Bahamas.  CocoCay will offer guests plenty of ways to relax and enjoy beautiful beaches and pristine water, plus thrilling experiences like Thrill Water Park, ziplining and water sports.

Royal Caribbean News

• Here is when some of the 2020-2021 sailings will go on sale.
• Royal Caribbean plans to offset some of its emissions with wind power.
• Majesty of the Seas guests can now use the new smartphone app.
• Our list of must-try eats at Izumi.
• 10 free (and really fun) activities on Symphony of the Seas

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

Mariner of the Seas has a lot of people excited to go on a short cruise again, and on this week's podcast, we have a cruise review to share from a recent Mariner sailing.

Ric from CruiseHabit.com joins Matt to talk about his recent sailing on Mariner of the Seas. Ric talks about why he booked this cruise, what he did onboard, and what Ric thinks of the recent upgrades.

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

Royal Caribbean Around the Internet

CruiseHabit tried out the Try Dive activity on a recent Royal Caribbean sailing.

Eat Sleep Cruise counted down their top ten favorite things to do on embarkation day.

Royal Caribbean shared a video on how the cruise line procures everything it needs for a sailing.

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's CEO Michael Bayley commented on a lot of different topics during a question and answer session this week onboard Harmony of the Seas.

Mr. Bayley held a question and answer session with cruisers to address questions and concerns.  In the nearly two hour event, a number of intriguing changes were announced, along with updates to topics of interest to many cruisers.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean announced a 50th birthday cruise celebration in 2019.
• The October 60% off second guest cruise promotion began earlier this week.
• A new video preview of some guests spaces on Spectrum of the Seas was released.
• Royal Caribbean also released a new batch of Spectrum of the Seas construction photos.
• Royal Caribbean trademarked its Oasis Class stern design.
• Metropolis of the Seas was trademarked, which may potentially be used as a ship name.
• Royal Caribbean extended its service agreement with Wärtsilä.
• Matt live blogged from Brilliance of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 270th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where Matt reviewed his recent cruise on Brilliance of the Seas.

Matt is back from a 4-night cruise on Brilliance of the Seas to the Western Caribbean, and he talks about what he did onboard the ship, as well as in Cozumel.  Matt also talked about trying out the ultimate dining package and deluxe beverage package.

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.

Royal Caribbean Around the Internet

USA Today compared Symphony of the Seas to the Disney Fantasy.

Traveling Dad shared what he packs for the the first day on Symphony of the Seas.

Tampa Bay Times reported on Port Tampa Bay reaching 1 million cruise passengers for the first time ever.

Cruise Trade News reported Jo Vaughton has been promoted at Royal Caribbean UK.

Happy Sunday! We are celebrating the first weekend of fall/autumn/leave changing season with our pumpkin-flavored coffee and sharing all of the Royal Caribbean news from this week!

Sit back, and enjoy this week's round-up.

Royal Caribbean announced this week it would be eliminating its in-room babysitting option as of September 30, 2018.

The Sitters at Sea program is being discontinued because the cruise line was not able to consistently guarantee this service on every sailing.

For sailings departing prior to September 30, 2018, Royal Caribbean will happily accommodate your request if sitters are available. Royal Caribbean's Adventure Ocean and Royal Babies & Tots programs remain unchanged.

Royal Caribbean News

• The new Royal Caribbean smartphone app is testing a chat feature on Allure of the Seas.
• It appears Ocean View Panoramic Suite staterooms now receive full suite benefits.
• Royal Caribbean trademarked a crown-shaped smokestack design.
• We shared an update on the Perfect Day at CocoCay construction progress.
• Seven ways Symphony of the Seas is different from the other Oasis Class ships.
• A carry-on luggage storage service was spotted on Mariner of the Seas.
• We posted a PortMiami cruise terminal photo construction report, plus a look at the new gangways that were added.
• DId you know Royal Caribbean is the only cruise line to offer a full Open Water Diving course with PADI?

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 268th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where we share what you need to know about using the internet on a Royal Caribbean ship.

In this episode, Matt discusses Royal Caribbean's onboard internet service and goves over the options available, provides pricing options and shares how to get a discount.

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.

Royal Caribbean Around The Internet

Cruise Habit shared some great last minute deals on October cruises.

Eat Sleep Cruise posted a bar guide to Mariner of the Seas.

Cruise Fever updated its Royal Caribbean ship drydock schedule.

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!

Royal Caribbean trademarked three new ship names this week, which gave rise to much discussion on opinions of these names.

The ship names were registered with the United States Patent and Trademark office and could possibly be used as the names of new ships.

While trademarking a ship name is a significant step forward in the eventual naming of a new ship, not all trademarked names end up being used by Royal Caribbean.

Royal Caribbean News

• Hurricane Florence delayed Grandeur of the Seas return to Baltimore.
• Guests can now make pre-cruise purchases up to one day prior to sailing on select ships.
• A video update on the construction progress being made on Spectrum of the Seas.
• Helpful information hurricane season for cruises.
• Have you been wondering how to get cheap cruise deals?

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 267th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where we share a listener's review of Adventure of the Seas to Canada and New England.

In this episode, James talks about his first Royal Caribbean cruise and what he experienced on Adventure of the Seas.  James also discusses the ports he visited in Canada and New England.

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.

Royal Caribbean Around the Internet

Royal Caribbean profiled its Chief Information Officer, Martha Poulter.

Travel Weekly reported on Royal Caribbean joining Tipto.

Travel Pulse named Royal Caribbean its Contemporary Cruise Line Partner of the Year.

Project: Wanderlust shared five ways for kids to spend the day on Independence of the Seas.

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!

Have you been struggling to decide between My Time Dining and Traditional?  Royal Caribbean offers two dinner options in the Main Dining Room and this week we broke down the pros and cons of both.

Each dinner option offers guests a style of dining and time of evening to match an individual cruiser's preference.  If you are wondering if traditional dining or My Time Dining is a better choice for you, then we have a comprehensive look at what each choice offers.

Royal Caribbean News

• Grandeur of the Seas had her itinerary changed to avoid the path of Hurricane Florence.
• Royal Caribbean signed a joint venture to expand a cruise terminal in Malaysia.
• Royal Caribbean expanded its new smartphone app to work on Independence of the Seas and Adventure of the Seas.
• Here is a photo report of the progress being made at Royal Caribbean's new terminal in PortMiami.
• What you need to know about the Tampa cruise port.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 266th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where we share a podcast listener's review of Freedom of the Seas.

In this episode, Jose talks about his Freedom of the Seas cruise to the Southern Caribbean.  Jose shared his experiences on Freedom of the Seas, as well as what he did on shore.

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.

Royal Caribbean Around the Internet

Cruise Industry News reports that Royal Caribbean is now the largest player in Canada/New England.

Cruise Habit posted a hurricane status board to keep track of storm-related itinerary changes.

Cruiseline.com wrote about 6 cruise ship innovations that sounded better on paper.

Happy Labor Day weekend! We hope you are having a wonderful weekend and we cannot wait to share with you all the exciting Royal Caribbean news from this week!

Royal Caribbean updated its beverage policy to allow all guests to bring non-alcoholic beverages on a cruise.

The cruise line announced that guests will be able to bring small quantities of non-alcoholic beverages in a carry-on or hand luggage onboard only on boarding day. Checking in non-alcoholic beverages will no longer be permitted.

Specifically, non-alcoholic beverages brought onboard may not exceed 12 standard (17 oz) cans, bottles or cartons per stateroom. Distilled water or specialized beverages such as, milk for medical purposes, dietary or infant use, are permitted.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean drink package info and planning tips.
• Everything you need to know about Royal Caribbean's Kids Sail Free offer.
• Royal Caribbean shared a new video about the Bamboo Room bar on Mariner of the Seas.
• Check out our first timer's guide to Harmony of the Seas.
• A list of Royal Caribbean's top 10 family friendly shore excursions.
• We spotted a new Coca-Cola souvenir cup design.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 265th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where we share first time cruise tips.

In this episode, Matt gives tips and advice for anyone going on their first Royal Caribbean cruise (or cruise in general).

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.

Royal Caribbean Around the Internet

Seatrade Cruise News reports of a new sales director appointment for RCL Cruises Australasia.

Cruise Critic looked at San Juan one year after Hurricane Maria.

Cruise Radio shared advice on how to convince an anti-cruiser to go on a cruise.

KVAL shared an update on the status of Royal Caribbean's call center in Oregon, following a Cruise Law News report.

Frommers does not like the plans for Perfect Day at CocoCay.