Royal Caribbean is working on revamping its customer's mobile experience with a new mobile app.

Skift is reporting Royal Caribbean is working on a new mobile app that will launch by "mid year" that enables passengers to, "better control their cruise before and during the trip." Speaking with Royal Caribbean CIO Michael Giresi, Skift reports later in 2017, the app is expected to include more features for e-commerce, itinerary planning, conflict management and other options.

Royal Caribbean developed a smartphone app, Royal iQ,  in conjunction with the launch of Quantum of the Seas back in 2014, and has since expanded to a handful of other Royal Caribbean ships.

We reached out to Royal Caribbean for further information on which ships will receive the new app, and if the new app is truly new or an extension of the Royal iQ app that already exists. They declined to provide any details at this time.

Royal Caribbean's smart phone app, Royal iQ, has been updated to provide the cruise ship's daily newspaper in digital form.

Guests using the latest version of the Royal iQ app can now view their daily Cruise Compass right from on their smart devices.

Royal Caribbean released the new version of the app, 1.3.99 to the iTunes App Store (Android version still appears to be on the older version) and the update description reads, "Royal iQ now includes the daily Cruise Compass. See everything happening onboard from your personal device and add the daily activities directly to your calendar to make the most out of your vacation."

Royal iQ already let guests track their luggage delivery status on embarkation day, manage a personal calendar of reservations and events, communicate with other guests onboard, book shore excursions and modify existing reservations.

Royal iQ only works when onboard Quantum of the Seas, Anthem of the Seas, Ovation of the Seas and Harmony of the Seas.  Royal Caribbean advertises that Royal iQ will be available on Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas in 2015.

Royal iQ is available for iPads, iPhones, and Android phones, and available at freestanding iQ stations around the ship.

Royal Caribbean also indicates future Royal iQ updates will allow guests to reserve spa treatments, schedule fitness classes, purchase Beverage Packages, and sign your electronic waivers for all of the activities such as the Rock Climbing Walls and the FlowRider.

Thanks to Rich Freudenberg for alerting us to this update!

After many weeks of waiting, Royal Caribbean has released its Royal iQ app for Android devices on the Google Play store.

Royal iQ is the brand new smartphone app that was created for the launch of the Quantum-class cruise ships but until now was available only on iOS devices.

Royal iQ's current functionality allows passengers to see their plans via a calendar, book dining reservations as well as text and call other guests onboard their ship for a nominal fee.  There's also an option to make ship-to-shore and shore-to-ship calls billed at a per-minute rate.

Royal iQ is currently only compatible on Quantum of the Seas, but Royal Caribbean will roll the app out to sister ships Anthem of the Seas and Ovation of the Seas when they debut in 2015 and 2016, respectively.  Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas will get access to Royal iQ in 2015.

Royal Caribbean's new smartphone app, Royal iQ, is barely out but already they are looking at upgrading it to add more functionality.

Speaking with a few of the Royal iQ app developers while on Quantum of the Seas, they are eyeing adding new functionality, including the ability to view your Cruise Compass via the app and add the activities you like to your personal calender.

In addition, guests will be able to book more onboard services, such as spa treatments and beverage packages, directly through the app.

These new features are being targeted for a "spring" 2015 launch.

The Royal iQ app is currently only available for iOS devices but an Android compatible version will be coming "in a few weeks", according to the developers we spoke with.

In addition to using the app on your smartphone, passengers can take advantage of freestanding iQ stations around the ship.

Royal iQ's current functionality allows passengers to see their plans via a calendar, book dining reservations as well as text and call other guests onboard their ship for a nominal fee.  There's also an option to make ship-to-shore and shore-to-ship calls billed at a per-minute rate.

Royal iQ is currently available onboard Quantum of the Seas, but Royal Caribbean will roll the app out to sister ships Anthem of the Seas and Ovation of the Seas when they debut in 2015 and 2016, respectively.  Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas will get access to Royal iQ in 2015.