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.

Royal Caribbean has added a new swim up bar at its private destination of CocoCay.

The popular island that is exclusive to Royal Caribbean guests now features a new bar that guests cans swim to and enjoy a drink, surrounded by the natural beauty of the ocean.

Royal Caribbean is in the midst of upgrading a number of experiences on the island, including new cabanas and even a dock for the island.

Royal Caribbean News

• Tropical Storm Earl forced Royal Caribbean to change itineraries for two cruise ships.
• Royal Caribbean has no plans to move ships away from China.
• Royal Caribbean added new Vision of the Seas sailings from Galveston through April 2018.
• A new Coca-Cola souvenir cup for the Olympics has been spotted on Royal Caribbean ships.
• How to get a table for two in the main dining room.
• How Spark Cooperative developed the Ultimate Abyss slide for Harmony of the Seas.
• A new specialty coffee beverage card was spotted on Serenade of the Seas.
• We compared and contrasted the Premium drink package versus the Ultimate drink package.
• 5 great local restaurants to try on your next Caribbean cruise.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 157th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where we have an exclusive interview with Anthem of the Seas' Godmother.

In this episode, Matt talks with Emma Wilby about her role as Godmother to Anthem of the Seas, as Emma shares her story of how she was chosen to become the Godmother along with Emma's favorite aspects of Anthem 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.

Royal Caribbean Around the Internet

Travel Weekly has a summary of their recent cruise on Empress of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean has a look at how they are fostering fuel efficiency.

CNBC interviewed Royal Caribbean Ltd CEO Richard Fain about the state of the company.

Man Travels World has a look at what it was like to be a crew member on Adventure of the Seas.

Bloomberg has a photo tour of Harmony of the Seas.

The National provides a look at the high-tech that Royal Caribbean is investing in.

It seems like it is heating up everywhere with summer upon on us, and we have the best reading material to enjoy while sitting by the air conditioning.

Royal Caribbean released new Empress of the Seas sailings through the end of October 2016.

Three itinerary options were released, comprising of 4 and 5 night sailings to the Bahamas and Western Caribbean.

The new itineraries are available for booking immediately.

Royal Caribbean News

• A Sabor at Sea option was spotted on Explorer of the Seas
• What you need to know about Junior Suites on a Royal Caribbean cruise
• Michael Poole is live blogging from Empress of the Seas this weekend
• How to choose a stateroom on a Royal Caribbean cruise
• A Zumba cruise is planned on a Royal Caribbean cruise
• Royal Caribbean Asia released a new marketing campaign
• What drinks are included in a Royal Caribbean cruise
• How to stay connected while on a cruise

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 156th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where we share how to choose the best time to take a Royal Caribbean cruise.

In this episode, Matt looks at the different factors when it comes to choosing the best time to take a Royal Caribbean cruise.  There are plenty of opportunities throughout the year, but figuring out the right time for your family is an important decision.

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 shared how it provides cleaner water to a village in Haiti.

YouTube has a new 360 video on Harmony of the Seas.

Eat Sleep Cruise has a review of Chic on Anthem of the Seas.

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

Royal Caribbean rolled out a new feature on its website, aimed at making it simpler for guests to know where their staterooms are on the ship.

The new feature allows guests to see staterooms in the aft, middle or forward of a ship and better understand the room's position, relative to the rest of the ship.

Through each step, guests can easily see which area of the ship their room is located and also understand the difference in pricing based on their stateroom location choice.

There is Royal Caribbean news to share, so check it out!

Royal Caribbean News

• Brilliance of the Seas skipped a stop in Turkey this week.
• Mariner of the Seas and Voyager of the Seas are ready for a new Pacific cruise season.
• Royal Caribbean won two awards at the AFTA National Travel Industry Awards 2016.
• There is a new video about the role of Chief Engineer on Anthem of the Seas.
• First time cruisers: How to book a Royal Caribbean cruise.
• Royal Caribbean scheduled its second quarter earnings call.
• 7 ways Royal Caribbean revolutionized the cruise industry.
• Royal Caribbean revamped its meetings and events website.
• New photos from all over Independence of the Seas.
• 7 tropical drinks you must try on a Royal Caribbean cruise.
• When can you book dining, excursions and shows on my Royal Caribbean cruise?

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 155th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where we are answering your Royal Caribbean emails

In this episode, a podcast listener joins Matt to talk about his first Royal Caribbean cruise.  Chris talks why he decided to try Royal Caribbean and what his experience on Freedom of the Seas was like.

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 has a look at how it built the azipods for its Oasis-class ships.

Cruise Hive shared a video of a man failing to ride the waves made by Oasis of the Seas...on a bike.

Happy Sunday! We hope you’re having a wonderful weekend and are ready to catch up on all the Royal Caribbean news from this week!

Royal Caribbean added new Empress of the Seas sailings, offering cruises through the end of September 2016.

The new sailings visit destinations in the Bahamas and Caribbean.

The new sailings are available for booking immediately and are 4- and 5-night itineraries.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean cancelled a scheduled stop in Nice, France because of the recent terrorist attack.
• Royal Caribbean's next sales promotion is a BOGO deal plus more.
• New video of the 1887 ice skating show on Harmony of the Seas.
• Here are 4 dining hacks to try on your next Royal Caribbean cruise.
• Restaurant review: La Sucrière in St. Martin
• A look at the Royal Caribbean shore excursions to Walt Disney World.
• Everything you need to know about Dynamic Dining Classic.
• The differences between the balcony stateroom categories.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 154th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where we are answering your Royal Caribbean emails

In this episode, Matt and Michael read the emails our listeners sent in about lots of Royal Caribbean topics and share the answers to them.

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

Skift interviewed Royal Caribbean's CIO about the direction of the company.

Business.com interviewed Royal Caribbean's Vicki Freed.

Cruise Fever reports on which Royal Caribbean ship got a perfect score from the CDC.

The weekend is here and that means we have finished up another week with plenty of Royal Caribbean news to share.  If you missed any of it, here is your neatly tied wrap-up of it all!

The Miami-Dade County Commission approved Royal Caribbean's proposal to build a new cruise terminal at PortMiami earlier this week.

The $247 million terminal was unanimously approved by the Board of County Commissioners. 

The new terminal, Terminal A, will be able to handle even Oasis-class cruise ships and open in Late 2018.

Terminal A would house an angular glass center and a parking garage with about 1,000 parking spaces at the northeastern side of the port, designed by England-based global architecture firm Broadway Malyan.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean rewarded a cab driver that returned $187K in cash with a free cruise.
• New video of the 11,000-piece art collection on Ovation of the Seas.
• A new main dining room menu was spotted on Oasis of the Seas.
• Celebrating something special on a cruise? Our top tips for celebrating onboard.
• Our list of the top 5 quintessential Royal Caribbean foods.
• 5 Royal Caribbean drink recipes perfect for any summer party.
• Check out this photo tour of Empress of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

This week's podcast episode is all about what it is like to cruise on Explorer of the Seas to Alaska.

Our good friend, Beci Mahnken, joins us to discuss her recent cruise on Explorer of the Seas and shares how a Voyager-class ship fares with an intimate experience like an Alaska cruise.

You can listen to the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast for free and hear all our tips, advice and suggestions for a better Royal Caribbean cruise experience.

Royal Caribbean Around the Internet

Cruise Critic has a virtual tour of Harmony of the Seas' Royal Promenade.

Royal Caribbean UK has a list of 10 things you will love about the Boardwalk.

Moms of the Seas answers the question of does her husband have to wear a suit on formal night.

Happy July 4th and Canada Day Weekend to everyone out in blog land!  Many of you are enjoying a relaxing and long weekend, and I hope this week's round up of all the Royal Caribbean news makes it even better!

Royal Caribbean made a lot of folks smile this week, when they announced they would be building a brand new cruise terminal in Miami, Florida.

The new terminal, Terminal A, will be able to handle even Oasis-class cruise ships and open in Late 2018.

Terminal A would house an angular glass center and a parking garage with about 1,000 parking spaces at the northeastern side of the port, designed by England-based global architecture firm Broadway Malyan.

In addition, Royal Caribbean has promised an Oasis-class cruise ship will be based at the new terminal when it opens.

Royal Caribbean News

• The World Wildlife Fund and Royal Caribbean teamed up for new environmental goals in 2020.
• Empress of the Seas had some engine trouble earlier this week.
• A boy almost drowned on a Royal Caribbean cruise.
• The next Royal Caribbean sale will be a BOGO deal.
• Top 8 things you must do after booking a Royal Caribbean cruise.
• Royal Caribbean is helping test a new Federal program in Port Evergaldes to speed up returns.
• Royal Caribbean added new Vision of the Seas sailings from Galveston.
• How you can use your cell phone on a Royal Caribbean cruise without the big bill later.
• Photos from the first showing of Columbus, The Musical! on Harmony of the Seas.
• We debate the virtues of an inside vs balcony stateroom.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 152nd episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where countdown our favorite bars and lounges across the fleet.

In this episode, Matt and Michael talk about their favorite spots on a Royal Caribbean cruise to enjoy an adult beverage and why they stand out from the rest.

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

Thrillist thinks Harmony of the Seas will, "blow your mind."

Royal Caribbean has a look at its new tech boss.

Cruise Hive has a list of 3 Royal Caribbean ships you should try.

Harper's Bazaar has 10 reasons cruising is chic again.

Happy Sunday! We hope you’re having a relaxing weekend and enjoying summer! It’s time to sit back, relax, and catch up on all the recent Royal Caribbean news!

Royal Caribbean's Ovation of the Seas arrived in her new home of Tianjin, China, where she then held her official naming ceremony.

Earlier in the week, Ovation of the Seas made a quick stop in Hong Kong prior to her home this cruise season in Tianjin.

Upon arrival, Royal Caribbean celebrated with her official naming ceremony, featuring the first Chinese Godmother, world famous actress Fan Bingbing.

Bingbing presided over the celebrations which culminated with the maritime tradition of the breaking of a champagne bottle on the hull of the ship to wish good fortune to the ship and all who sail on her.

Royal Caribbean News

• Brand new Harmony of the Seas aerial photos have been released.
• 16 great tips for taking an Alaska Royal Caribbean cruise.
• An in-depth look at Royal Caribbean's beverage packages.
• Our top things to do in St. Thomas while on a cruise.
• Have you heard about the drink cards available on some cruises?
• A new season of Royal Crush has begun on YouTube.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 151st episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where we take an in-depth look at the Junior Suite stateroom category.

In this episode, Matt discusses what a Junior Suite stateroom offers and how it differs from other stateroom categories and why you might want to book one.

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

PortNews has information on Navigator of the Seas' maiden call in St. Petersburg, Russia.

Beyond Ships has an interview with Anthem of the Seas' Captain.

The Glass House explains why a cruise is not for just old people.

Happy Sunday! We’d like to wish all the dads out there a very Happy Father’s Day! We hope you get to have a relaxing and fun-filled day with your family!

Now it’s time to sit back, relax, and catch up on all the latest Royal Caribbean news!

It might be June, but it is never too early to talk about Christmas, and Royal Caribbean announced its plans for holiday events on its ships.

Throughout December, Royal Caribbean’s Deck the Holidays will offer new events that will be celebrated on Royal Caribbean's ships.

Royal Caribbean ships will offer a number of events on many ships, including snow days on deck, tree lighting, caroling, letters to santa and a whole lot more.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean announced Ovation of the Seas will homeport in Singapore in 2017.
• Royal Caribbean added new Empress of the Seas sailings through August 2016.
• All Royal Caribbean ships will offer takeout sushi by July 1st.
• Ten ways to save money on your next Royal Caribbean cruise.
• What you need to know about the slides on Harmony of the Seas.
• Our complete guide to Labadee.
• Here is why you should use a travel agent when booking a Royal Caribbean cruise.
• Read our review of dinner at Giovanni's Table on Navigator of the Seas.
• We spotted an Asian breakfast buffet option on Explorer of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 150th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where we talk with someone who just cruised on the newly refurbished, Liberty of the Seas.

In this episode, our friend Rob just returned from a Liberty of the Seas cruise and shared his experience onboard and talked about the changes to 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

Royal Caribbean UK has an interview with Izumi's head chef, Travis Kamiyama.

Travel Pulse has 7 off-the-beaten-path Harmony of the Seas tips.

Makr Shakr has a 360 degree video tour of Bionic Bar on Harmony of the Seas.

Fuss free flavors has a review of their Harmony of the Seas cruise.

Royal Caribbean has a look at how easy it is to plan a wedding on a Royal Caribbean ship.

Happy Sunday! We hope you are having a great weekend and ready to talk a little Royal Caribbean.

Royal Caribbean made a big announcement this week, when it released details on the Adventure of the Seas refurbishment.

Adventure of the Seas will undergo a $61 million refurbishment in October-November 2016.

The ship will receive all-new thrills and enhancements, including new dual racer waterslides, Cyclone and Typhoon, the popular FlowRider surf simulator, and a children’s aquapark, Splashaway Bay. In addition, guests will enjoy a new lineup of culinary and entertainment venues with Izumi Japanese Cuisine, the brand’s signature steakhouse, Chops Grille and Boleros Latin Lounge. The ship also will receive more than 100 new staterooms, a refresh of all existing staterooms and a brand new Suites Lounge for the luxury traveler.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean began a new Kids Sail Free promotion.
• Harmony of the Seas began her summer season in Barcelona.
• Tidal Wave water slide opened on Liberty of the Seas.
• Should first time cruisers choose the Oasis-class or Quantum-class?
• Photos of restuarants and bars on Harmony of the Seas.
• Aerial photos of Harmony of the Seas.
• Our top 4 places to use WOWbands on a Royal Caribbean cruise.
• Our review of Le Galion beach in St. Martin.
• Izumi sushi has been spotted in LIberty of the Seas 'Windjammer.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 149th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where try to answer the question of how much does a Royal Caribbean cruise really cost?

In this episode, we look at the various aspects of a cruise vacation and how to come up with a ballpark-budget of what your Royal Caribbean cruise will cost.

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

Yahoo! Business has a look at Royal Caribbean's ships in Asia.

Eat Sleep Cruise has the top 6 reasons to visit the SeaPlex.

icelolly has a list of the best restaurants on Harmony of the Seas.

Cruise Critic takes a look at new cruise ships that can still have work being done.

It is Sunday and with June here, temperatures and Royal Caribbean news are starting to heat up!

The big Royal Caribbean news this week is Royal Caribbean's announcement that it will sell Legend of the Seas to Thomson Cruises in the spring of 2017.

Legend of the Seas' final sailing will be on March 13, 2017 and all scheduled sailings from February 20, 2017 onward will be canceled. This includes the summer season cruises from Venice, Italy as well as the balance of the Brisbane itineraries.

Legend of the Seas first entered service with Royal Caribbean in 1995. The 69,130-gross-registered-tons ship carries 1,832 guests (double occupancy) and 726 crew.

There was plenty more Royal Caribbean news to read this week, check out these stories too.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean is giving cruise credits to guests on pre-inaugural Harmony of the Seas cruises.
• Royal Caribbean's next promotion will offer free cruise nights and kids sail free.
• Vision of the Seas will replace Rhapsody of the Seas in Cape Liberty.
• Starbucks opened on Harmony of the Seas.
• Photo tour of the fitness center on Harmony of the Seas.
• An overview of Sabor restaurants across Royal Caribbean.
• Our full review of Izumi on Navigator of the Seas.
• A look at WOWbands on Harmony of the Seas.
• Harmony of the Seas made her maiden call to Vigo, Spain.
• 5 things we think are totally worth the extra cost.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 148th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where we are talking about the ships, ports and stateroom choices for a Royal Caribbean cruise.

In this episode, we are continuing our mini-series of episodes that focus on an Alaska cruise, as we look at the Royal Caribbean ships that go to Alaska, as well as must-do activities in the ports and which stateroom choices make sense.

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 you can support Royal Caribbean Blog

So many of our readers have reached out to us to ask how they can help the blog and we are introducing the Royal Caribbean Blog Insiders for just that reason.

The Insiders group is a way readers can contribute to Royal Caribbean Blog and help fuel some of the really amazing ideas, projects and new content that we have lined up.

As a way of saying thank you for your contribution, there are some fun rewards for being a member of the Royal Caribbean Blog Insiders.

Becoming a member of the Royal Caribbean Blog Insiders is completely up to you and you can cancel at any time. No questions asked! 

As always, thank you for visiting Royal Caribbean Blog and being a part of our community!

Royal Caribbean Around the Internet

Eat Sleep Cruise has a list of the top 25 Anthem of the Seas secrets.

In The Loop Travel has a list of 25 awesome little things on Harmony of the Seas.