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!

The United States Virgin Islands and Royal Caribbean teamed up to help re-build Magens Bay beach, which re-opened this week.

Royal Caribbean International partnered with the Department of Tourism, the Department of Planning and Natural Resources, the Magens Bay Authority and other government agencies and businesses to restore the world-renowned beach.

Cleanup crews have been working daily since the hurricanes to remove fallen trees and debris, repair buildings, and replant hundreds of native plants and trees.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean kicked off its monthly sales promotion this week with 30% off all guests and kids sail free on select dates.
• Royal Caribbean is testing a new "intelligent elevator" on Harmony of the Seas.
• Royal Caribbean released 2019-2020 Bemuda, Canada, & New England itineraries.
• The Human Rights Campaign named Royal Caribbean a Best Place to Work for LGBTQ Equality.
• Royal Caribbean added new stateroom categories for 2019 Alaska sailings on Radiance of the Seas.
• Check out our 2018 Royal Caribbean Cruise Planning Guide.
• Royal Caribbean introduced $100 per person deposits on non-refundable NextCruise bookings.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 227th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available and this week, which talks debates interior versus balcony staterooms.

It is a debate every cruiser has, and it boils down to considering the merits of price, space, itinerary and more. This week, we share the considerations you ought to look at before booking the right room for you.

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.

Come cruise with us on Royal Caribbean!

We recently announced some new Royal Caribbean sailings that we have booked and are inviting you to join us for a RoyalCaribbeanBlog.com group cruise! This is an opportunity to join Matt, and other Royal Caribbean fans on some exciting cruises!

Choose from any of these great options!

• March 2019: Back-to-Back Double Dip on Mariner of the Seas
• July 2019: Anthem of the Seas to Bermuda and the Caribbean
• New Years Eve 2019: Freedom of the Seas to the ABC Islands from San Juan

For more details on booking the cruise, the itinerary and prices, check out our Events page and if you have any questions, email me!

Royal Caribbean Around the Internet

Forbes wrote about Royal Caribbean using technology to improve the guest experience.

Beyond Ships interviewed Cruise Director Abe Hughes.

SecureIDNews looked at facial recognition on cruise ships.

Another week has gone by and that means we are all one week closer to our next Royal Caribbean cruise!

Royal Caribbean announced earlier this week it will expand sailings to Cuba, as well as add two new ports to visit.

Majesty of the Seas will begin offering sailings to Cuba in 2018, becoming the second Royal Caribbean ship to sail to Cuba after Empress of the Seas. The new Cuba ports will of Santiago de Cuba and Cienfuegos on the southeast coast, will be visited by Royal Caribbean and add a new dimension to an array of 4- to 8-night Caribbean adventures on Empress of the Seas.

All sailings to Cuba will offer shore excursions designed for guests to experience the destination and to comply with the people-to-people educational exchange activities requirement as set forth in the U.S. regulations.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean published new Symphony of the Seas construction photos.
• Ovation of the Seas is set to return to her homeport of Sydney, Australia.
• Royal Caribbean released a new video about the best way to visit Cuba (hint: it's on a cruise ship).
• We reviewed Nachi Cocom in Cozumel, Mexico.
• Check out a photo tour of a balcony stateroom on Independence of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 226th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available and this week, Matt shares his review of Independence of the Seas.

In this episode, Matt returns from a 4-night Western Caribbean sailing on Independence of the Seas, and shares his thoughts on the ship and what he did onboard and onshore.

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

The Miami Herald interviewed various CEOs about what consumers really want.

The Real Deal reported Royal Caribbean's CEO sold his waterfront Miami home.

Asia Food Journal wrote about how Royal Caribbean does food preparation while at sea.

The Street shares how Royal Caribbean uses cruise bookings to predict the economy.

We wrapped up a busy week of Royal Caribbean fun, but if you missed any of it, we have it all wrapped up nicely for you in this weekly news round-up!

Royal Caribbean began releasing its 2019-2020 itineraries, starting with the 7-night Caribbean sailings across six ships.

Bookings opened up earlier this week for Allure, Freedom, Harmony, Liberty, Oasis, and Symphony of the Seas.  Bookings will open next week for short Caribbean summer 2019 sailings.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean announced four cruise ships will be redeployed in 2018-2019.
• U.S. News and World Reports named Royal Caribbean the Best Cruise Line for the Money.
• Our step-by-step instructions for how to book specialty restaurant reservations.
• Royal Caribbean has completed some of the beach enhancements on Labadee.
• Adventurist Shay Mitchell shared a number of videos from Oasis of the Seas.
• Six cool features we really like in Royal Caribbean's new smartphone app.
• Check out our Anthem of the Seas Grand Loft Suite photo tour.
• Spark Cooperative is looking to disrupt the cruise industry with its new guest experience planning software.
• ABB is ready to deliver its first fuel cell system for Royal Caribbean.

Royal Caribbean Podcast

The 224th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, which features Matt's take on Royal Caribbean's recent tech announcement.

In this episode, Matt reviews what was announced by Royal Caribbean in its Project Excalibur reveal.  Matt talks about why each of these new innovations represent a major shift in the guest experience.

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

Travel Agent Central talks with a Royal Genie, to get a sense of what to expect from Star Class.

The Cruisington Times shared what they saw at Royal Caribbean's tech announcement.

Eat Sleep Cruise has a list of 10 foods you must try on Harmony of the Seas.

Happy Sunday! Temperatures may be dropping, but there is plenty of Royal Caribbean news to share.  This is your weekly summary of all the Royal Caribbean news from this past week, perfectly fitted for your consumption.

It was a busy news week for Royal Caribbean, beginning with a major announcement early in the week with 2019-2020 deployments.

Royal Caribbean teased for a few days its big announcement, and then revealed a number of deployment changes coming.  This includes Ovation of the Seas offering cruises to Alaska, moving of Harmony of the Seas to Port Canaveral, and short cruises on a pair of Voyager class ships.

The newly announced itineraries will go on sale over the next few weeks, with the remaining 2019-2020 sailings to be announced sometime next year.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean announced new fleetwide technology innovations coming soon.
• Construction formally began this week on Spectrum of the Seas.
• Royal Caribbean released a new video of Spectrum of the Seas' keel laying ceremony.
• Royal Caribbean reported record third quarter earnings.
• We shared some interesting anecdotes from Royal Caribbean's leadership.
• We shared a list of the five most exciting Royal Caribbean cruises of 2018.

Royal Caribbean Podcast

The 223rd episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, which talks about cruising from Port Everglades.

In this episode, Matt talks about how to get to the terminal, parking, and everything you should know if you are cruising from Fort Lauderdale.

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 Radio released a new podcast that talks about Royal Caribbean's tech announcement.

Cruise Critic reported the new Port Tampa Bay terminal is open and ready to accomodate Royal Caribbean ships.

Cruise and Ferry has a look at the cruise line bartenders competing in Bacardi's cocktail competition.

TheStreet has Jim Cramer's takeaways from Royal Caribbean's third quarter earnings.

Cruise Habit covered Royal Caribbean's tech announcement.

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 tease for a big announcement next week.

Royal Caribbean is promising to reveal something next Tuesday, with simply the tag line of, "Mark your calendars and tune in on November 7, 2017! The Thrills are about to get even bigger."

This has prompted a number of guesses from our readers, including enhancements to CocoCay, new itineraries, and other speculative ideas.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean provided answers to some commonly asked questions about cruises sailing out of San Juan.
• Royal Caribbean has scheduled its third quarter earnings call with investors for next week.
• Here are eight tips for first-time Royal Caribbean cruisers.
• A Cruise Planner sale ends at the end of today.
• Royal Caribbean UK is sponsoring the Chorley Football club.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

On this week's episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast, Matt talks all about cruise sales and what they entail.

These days, there seem to be new Royal Caribbean sales promotions every week, and this episode is discussion of what the sales are all about, how lucrative the deals can be, and if you ought to wait for a sale.

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

Travel Market Report talked with Royal Caribbean's CEO about facial recognition and non-refundable cruise deposits.

Cruise Critic reviewed a recent sailing on what used to be Royal Caribbean's Song of America.

Mesophere shared how they collaborated with Royal Caribbean to bring microservices to cruise ships.

Eat Sleep Cruise reviewed Johnny Rockets on Majesty of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean tried to answer the question of which room to book for a cruise.

Travel Agent Central shared remarks by Royal Caribbean's CEO about hurricanes, travel agents, and more.

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.

Royal Caribbean shared some great news this week, with dates of when it will return to some hurricane-ravaged islands in the Eastern Caribbean.

Royal Caribbean will return to San Juan, Puerto Rico and Philipsburg, St. Maarten, which will be a, "major milestone towards the revival of these Caribbean gems which were impacted by recent hurricanes."

Royal Caribbean has been working closely with the governments of Puerto Rico and St. Maarten, and local businesses, and plans to offer destination experiences that will allow guests to enjoy the natural beauty, historic landmarks and culture of these idyllic islands.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean released new Symphony of the Seas construction photos.
• We interviewed Royal Caribbean's top cruiser, who has over 7000 Crown and Anchor Society points.
• What you need to know about self-disembarkation on Royal Caribbean cruises.
• Eight awesome reasons to buy an unlimited alcohol package.
• Here is a list of free beaches in the Caribbean to visit.
• Royal Caribbean won two awards at the Travel Weekly Asia awards.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

Royal Caribbean announced some of the activities, restaurants, and amenities coming to Symphony of the Seas, and we discussed every inch of the big announcement.

In this week's podcast episode, Matt and Michael share their thoughts on what was revealed.  It is an in-depth look at some of the exciting features coming to Royal Caribbean's next cruise 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

Cruise Habit shared 11 tips for staying connected while on a cruise ship.

Moms of the Seas talked about how safe the child care is on a Royal Caribbean ship.

Seatrade Cruise News posted the departure of Royal Caribbean's Chief Human Resources Officer.

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.

Royal Caribbean announced it will resume calls to three Caribbean islands devastated by recent hurricanes, St. Thomas, Puerto Rico, and St. Maarten.

By December 1, all scheduled calls to the three islands will operate as planned.

In partnership with the government of the U.S. Virgin Islands, Royal Caribbean also has committed to undertaking the complete restoration of Magens Bay, one of St. Thomas’ most popular tourist attractions.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean added three new Symphony of the Seas sailings for guests to book.
• All scheduled stops to Turkey have been cancelled for 2018.
• Royal Caribbean released new Symphony of the Seas construction photos this week.
• What first time cruisers should know if it the forecast calls for rain every day.
• Our advice on how to convince someone to take a Royal Caribbean cruise.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

Royal Caribbean packed so many great things to do on Harmony of the Seas, so this week we are picking our top favorites.

In this week's Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast, Matt and Billy share their list of the top five favorite things from a recent Harmony of the Seas sailing.

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

Eat Sleep Cruise has a guide to the cabanas on CocoCay.

TradeWinds shares details on Royal Caribbean financing $5.9bn for new ships.

Cruise Radio shares the truth about cruise itinerary changes.

AdWeek highlights the original short films Royal Caribbean has produced.

Cruise Critic compares Celebrity Cruises vs. Royal Caribbean International.

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!

By far the big news this week was the much anticipated reveal of activities, restaurants, and entertainment on Symphony of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean pulled back the curtains a bit, and showed off what guests can look forward to seeing, doing, and eating on what will be the world's largest cruise ship.

Among the newly announced features, the new Ultimate Family Suite, Hooked seafood restaurant, and Playmakers Sports Bar garnered a lot of the attention.

Royal Caribbean News

• Grandeur of the Seas will be the first cruise ship to return to St. Maarten since Hurricane Irma.
• Royal Caribbean launched a new video series that focuses on the local peoples and culture.
• Michael Poole is live blogging on Empress of the Seas this weekend.
• We shined the light on four Royal Caribbean drink package mistakes to avoid.
• Here is a comparative look at damage to Labadee cabanas from Hurricane Irma.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

Did you hear the news about the recent unlimited alcohol package rule change? On this week's Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast, we talk about the new change and what it means to you.

Matt discusses what the new rule change is, why it changed, and what impact it may have on getting the drink package going forward.

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 news that Celebrity Cruises now offers legal same-sex marriages at sea.

Cruise Cirtic has a new video about the craziest top-deck activities on cruise ships.

The Voyage Report interviewed Royal Caribbean's Chief Meteorologist on their podcast.

TTG reported that Royal Caribbean is attracting younger families to UK cruises.

Ship Monk reported on the passing of a cruise journalism industry legend, John Honeywell.

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

A lot of Royal Caribbean fans had an opinion on the change this week to the rules for purchasing an unlimited alcohol package on future Royal Caribbean cruises.

Royal Caribbean now requires if one adult purchases an unlimited alcohol package, for all adults in the same stateroom to purchase an unlimited alcohol package too.

This policy change matches what other cruise lines have required for years. The change appears to apply to many sailings beginning in late 2017.

There are, however, a number of exemptions to this rule, which simply requires a phone call to get the restriction removed.

Royal Caribbean News

• We posted a new Symphony of the Seas construction photo update.
• Royal Caribbean kicked off its 10th season in Australia.
• Royal Caribbean issued an update on which ports in the Caribbean are still closed, due to hurricane damage.
• A new Cruise Planner sale runs through this weekend.
• We shared a photo tour of a Crown Loft Suite on Harmony of the Seas.
• Michael is live blogging from Empress of the Seas this weekend.
• Here are 7 things you might not know about Oasis of the Seas.
• We shared 10 things to know about Sky Class suites on Royal Caribbean.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 218th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where we talked about some "new to me" experiences on Royal Caribbean.

In this episode, Justin and Wendy talked about some things they tried for the first time on a recent Oasis of the Seas 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.

Royal Caribbean Around the Internet

Curb free with Cory Lee interviewed Royal Caribbean's Director of Disability Inclusion.

Cruise & Ferry talked to Richard Fain about why Royal Caribbean is such a true pioneer.

Cruise Habit wrote about Celebrity Cruises' $400 million fleet revitalization.

Happy Sunday and welcome to October, which means there is plenty of pumpkin flavored everything, changing colors of the leaves and plenty of Royal Caribbean news!

We finally got some new Symphony of the Seas news this week, with word of the Broadway musical Royal Caribbean will feature on its fourth Oasis Class ship.

In a short tweet, Royal Caribbean announced Hairspray will return to Royal Caribbean as the Broadway show on Symphony of the Seas.

Hairspray was originally performed on Oasis of the Seas for a few years before being replaced by Cats.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean shared photos of the help it provided to those impacted by recent hurricanes in the Caribbean.
• Royal Caribbean announced new features coming to Independence of the Seas.
• TTG Travel awards named Royal Caribbean the Best Cruise Operator for the 10th consecutive year.
• Here is our list of the five coolest things about Harmony of the Seas.
• Read our full review of Izumi Hibachi on Harmony of the Seas.
• Six things to know about Adventure Ocean before you get on your cruise.
• We came up with a fun list of things you realize after a week on Harmony of the Seas.
• Royal Caribbean Australia debuted a new marketing campaign.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 217th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where we reviewed the Royal Caribbean Blog Group Cruise on Harmony of the Seas.

In this episode, Matt and everyone on the group cruise discussed their experiences on Harmony of the Seas and shared tips and advice for someone considering cruising on Harmony.

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

Eat Sleep Cruise shared 10 reasons to cruise on Rhapsody of the Seas.

Michael Poole shared a cabin tour of his stateroom on Harmony of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean UK discussed what life is like onboard Independence of the Seas for the crew.

USA Today had a look at Key West with the first cruise ship to dock there since Hurricane Irma.

Do you Cruise? wrote about why she blogs about cruising.

Cruise Habit wrote about why cruising today is the best.