Royal Caribbean Blog

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.

Royal Caribbean's February offer begins today, with 60% off the second guest, kids sail free and instant savings available.

The February offer must be booked between February 1, 2020 – March 3, 2020 and applies to sailings departing on or after March 1, 2020.

It includes:

• 60% savings off the price of cruise fare of the second guest booked in the same stateroom as first, full-fare paying guest.
• 30% cruise fare savings for third guests and higher booked in the same stateroom as the first two qualifying guests. 
• Up to $150 instant savings per stateroom on select sailings.
  • Sailings 5 nights or less, $25 savings for Interior and Ocean View, $50 for Balconies and $75 for Suites
  • Sailings 6 nights or longer, $50 savings for Interior and Ocean View, $75 for Balconies and $150 for Suites.
  • Instant savings do not apply to China departures. 
• Alaska Kicker
  • Applies to new bookings made between February 1 – March 3, 2020.  
  • Alaska Kicker applies to select sailings departing between May 15, 2020 – September 11, 2020 on Ovation of the Seas, Radiance of the Seas and Serenade of the Seas.  
  • Instant savings amount is per stateroom and determined by category booked: $25 savings for Interior and Ocean View, $50 for Balconies and $100 for Suites.
• Kids Sail Free provides free cruise fare for 3rd guests and higher who are 12 years old or younger as of cruise departure date, booked in the same stateroom as the first two qualifying guests in a triple of quad-occupancy stateroom.
  • Kids Sail Free applies to select 4-night or longer Alaska, Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada, Caribbean, CaribNE, Coastal, Europe, Hawaii, Repositioning and all 2020 Serenade of the Seas sailings departing between March 1, 2020 – December 17, 2020 and January 8, 2021 – May 17, 2021.
  • Excludes 2020 President’s Day sailings (Sailings between February 14 – 17, 2020), 2020 Spring Break sailings (Sailings between March 14 – 23, 2020), 2020 Holy Week/Easter sailings (Sailings between April 3 – 17, 2020), Peak Summer (Sailings between May 15 – August 31, 2020), 2020 Thanksgiving sailings (Sailings between November 21 – 28, 2020), 2021 President’s Day Sailings (Sailings between February 12 – 15, 2021), and 2021 Spring Break and Easter sailings (Sailings between March 13 – April 4, 2021). 

BOGO60 is combinable with Kids Sail Free and Alaska Kicker, as well as promotional OBCs, NextCruise offers, instant savings, restricted discounts (for example, Seniors, Residents, Military), Promo Code driven offers, Free Upgrades, Crown and Anchor discounts and Shareholder Benefits.  Alaska Kicker is combinable with Kids Sail Free as well as well as with promotional OBCs, NextCruise offers, Instant Savings, restricted discounts (for example, Seniors, Residents, Military), Promo Code driven offers Free Upgrades, Crown and Anchor discounts and Shareholder Benefits. Offer are not combinable with any other offer or promotion, including, but not limited to, Standard Group, Interline, Travel Agent, Travel Agent Friends and Family, Weekly Sales Events, and Net Rates.  Promo Code driven offers are based on select ships and sail dates and must be applied at time of booking; limit one promo code per booking. 

Offer available to residents of United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, and select countries in the Caribbean. 

Royal Caribbean officially opened the Coco Beach Club at its private island in The Bahamas, Perfect Day at CocoCay.

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.

The centerpiece of the Coco Beach Club is the clubhouse, which features a bar serving specialty cocktails, including the Coco Cuvee signature drink, and a 2,600-square-foot, oceanfront infinity pool with in-pool loungers, daybeds and poolside service. 

The exclusive restaurant, complimentary and only for beach club guests, serves up an elevated menu that features fresh lobster, grouper and steak, plus a spread of salads, fruits and starters.

The Coco Beach Club features 20 floating cabanas. Each floating cabana features a private slide into the ocean, overwater hammock, dining area, freshwater shower, wet bar and an unbeatable ocean vista for a day of uninterrupted indulgence. 

Guests can also choose from 10 beach cabanas.

All cabanas in Coco Beach Club accommodate up to eight guests and feature loungers, a dining area, charging outlets, a minifridge, snorkel gear and a dedicated cabana attendant that will tend to a guest’s every need, from beachside drink to delicious bites.

Royal Caribbean has also revamped the South Beach area of Perfect Day at CocoCay, with volleyball and beachside basketball. A third Snack Shack location has been added, along with guest-favorite floating bar.

Royal Caribbean posted a new set of worldwide screening procedures for its cruise ships to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

The new policy has two checks that are conducted at check-in.

1. Regardless of nationality, we will deny boarding to any individual who has travelled from, to or through mainland China or Hong Kong in the past 15 days. These guests will receive full refunds.
2. There will be mandatory specialized health screenings performed on:
   1. Guests who have been in contact with individuals who have traveled from, to or through mainland China or Hong Kong in the past 15 days;
   2. All holders of China or Hong Kong passports – regardless of when they were last in China or Hong Kong;
   3. Guests who report feeling unwell or demonstrate any flu-like symptoms;
   4. Any guest presenting with fever or low blood oximetry in the specialized health screening will be denied boarding.
3. These standards also apply to all employees, crew members and contractors of RCL.
4. We have cancelled all China and Hong Kong sailings through mid-February. Guests on cancelled cruises will also receive full refunds.

In addition, Royal Caribbean has emphasized their rigorous medical protocols that in place to help passengers and crew members who feel unwell while sailing.

Protocols include professional medical treatment; quarantine of unwell individuals from the general ship population; and intensified ship cleaning, air filtration, and sanitization procedures.

Royal Caribbean will be assessing developments constantly and will update these measures, as needed.

The new screening procedure come on the heels of Royal Caribbean cancelling three cruises due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Today is the official opening of the Coco Beach Club at Perfect Day at CocoCay, and we have the first look at what this exclusive space finally looks like.

Royal Caribbean opened up the Coco Beach Club to guests on Symphony of the Seas, and photos of the new area have started appearing on social media.  

Entrance to Coco Beach Club. Photo by Igor Benkovic

The Coco Beach Club is a exclusive area of Perfect Day at CocoCay that offers an oceanfront infinity pool, upgraded cuisine and the only floating cabanas in the Bahamas. Plus, there is a complimentary restaurant at Coco Beach Club featuring lobster, snapper, and steak— plus a buffet of soups, salads, and starters. 

Entry to the Coco Beach Club requires an additional cost. Guests can choose between a day pass to the Coco Beach Club, as well as the option to reserve a cabana or floating cabana.

Exact prices will vary from sailing to sailing. Check your Cruise Planner for exact options and pricing.

Coco Beach Club Pool & Bar

The freshwater infinity pool spans 2,600 square feet, and the exclusive dining venue serves up freshly made Mediterranean fare.

Photo by Linken DSouza

Photo by ‎Karen Morris

Photo by Linken DSouza

Photo by ‎Karen Morris

Photo by Igor Benkovic

Photo by Igor Benkovic

Photo by Igor Benkovic

Floating cabanas

The Coco Beach Club is home to the first and only floating cabanas in The Bahamas.  It offers guests an additional level of luxury when relaxing.

Photo by Linken DSouza

Photo by Igor Benkovic

Photo by Amanda L.

Photo by Igor Benkovic

Photo by Igor Benkovic

Photo by ‎Karen Morris

Beach

Photo by ‎Karen Morris

Photo by ‎Karen Morris

Beach Cabana

Photo by ‎Karen Morris

Lunch menu

Photo by George Oeth

Check out even more photos of the Coco Beach Club!

Are you excited to try the Coco Beach Club? Let us know in the comments which areas look the most appealing to you!

Happy Friday and welcome to our weekly showcase of our readers' favorite Royal Caribbean photos. Each week, we invite our readers to send in their favorite Royal Caribbean photos so that we may show it off to the world.

Our first photo this week is by Justin Dudek from entering Nassau.

Nicholas Hadjiyiannacou took a photo of a large bottle of champagne on Jewel of the Seas near the Champagne Bar.

Cindy McWilliams took a photo of her young adult son while enjoying the sunset.

Here is a look at Symphony of the Seas from the shore of Perfect Day at CocoCay by Bob Carpenter.

Here is a look at Serenade of the Seas in Barbados, taken by mojomannny.

Our next photo is of Explorer of the Seas, taken by Dan Palmieri while spending another beautiful day in Labadee.

Our last photo this week is by Michael Sword, and it is the view from his Aqua Theater suite on Symphony of the Seas while departing Miami.

Thank you to everyone who sent in photos this week.  If you would like your Royal Caribbean photo included in a future Friday Photos post, be sure to send them to us with this form. Have a great weekend!

Liberty of the Seas has become a favorite cruise ship of so many cruisers, especially those who live close to the ship's homeport of Galveston, Texas.

There is so much to like about this ship, and I have a look at some of the most frequently asked questions about Liberty of the Seas.

Is Liberty of the Seas a good ship?

A very common question from people new to cruising is if they have selected a "good ship" for their vacation. 

Liberty of the Seas is a fantastic cruise ship for families that are looking to not only visit some lovely ports in the Caribbean, but also offer fun onboard activities.

The ship is one of the larger ships in Royal Caribbean's fleet, and offers plenty of activities and things to do. Water slides, specialty dining, pools, ice skating, a Broadway show and more await you on this ship.

When was the Liberty of the Seas refurbished?

Liberty of the Seas was last refurbished in 2016.  Like all Royal Caribbean ships, they receive upgrades about every 5 years.

During the drydock, Royal Caribbean added:

• Perfect Storm water slides
• Tidal Wave, first Boomerang style slide at sea
• Splashaway Bay aqua park for kids
• Sabor Modern Mexican
• Giovanni's Table
• R-Bar
• 26 new Panoramic Ocean View staterooms
• Additional 53 staterooms throughout the ship

Liberty of the Seas is scheduled for another refurbishment in 2021 as part of the Royal Amplified program.

How big is Liberty of the Seas?

Liberty of the Seas is a 15-deck ship that can accommodate 3,634 passengers, and is served by 1,360 crew.

It is 1,112 feet long and weighs 155,889 GT.

What class ship is the Liberty of the Seas?

Liberty of the Seas is a Freedom Class cruise ship.

Other Freedom Class ships include Freedom of the Seas & Independence of the Seas.

Where is Royal Caribbean Liberty of the Seas?

Liberty of the Seas sails 7-night Western Caribbean itineraries from Galveston, Texas.

She sails year-round from Galveston and visits destinations in Belize, Falmouth, Grand Cayman, Roatan and Cozumel.

What is included in Liberty of the Seas?

Royal Caribbean cruise fare includes quite a lot of activities, dining and things to do.  Here is an overview of what you get included with your cruise fare on Liberty of the Seas.

Dining

• Windjammer
• Main Dining Room
• Cafe Promenade
• Sorrento's Pizza
• Sprinkle's Ice Cream

Activities

• FlowRider surf simulator
• Miniature golf
• Rock Climbing Wall
• Perfect Storm water slides
• Tidal Wave slide
• Splashaway Bay
• Pools and hot tubs
• Library
• Entertainment in Royal Theater & Studio B
  • Saturday Night Fever Broadway show
• Live music around the ship
• Ice skating
• Outdoor movie screen
• Sports court
• Adventure Ocean kids programming

Is Johnny Rockets free on Liberty of the Seas?

No, Johnny Rockets has a cover charge for admission to the restaurant.

It costs $9.95 per guest to enjoy unlimited food from the Johnny Rockets menu.  Beverages cost extra.

Is there a movie theater on Liberty of the Seas?

There is not a movie theater on the ship, but there is an outdoor movie screen by the main pool.

Royal Caribbean plays films throughout the day and evening by the pool, including recent releases and classic films.

There is no additional cost to watch movies at the pool.

How many pools does Liberty of the Seas have?

There are 4 swimming pools on Liberty of the Seas, along with 7 Jacuzzis (2 are cantilevered).

Does Liberty of the Seas have a water slide?

Liberty of the Seas features two water slide options.

The Perfect Storm water slides a duo of racing water slides that twist and turn on their way to a final splash down.

Liberty of the Seas is the only Royal Caribbean ship to offer the Tidal Wave slide, which is the first boomerang style slide at sea.

Both the Perfect Storm and Tidal Wave slides are complimentary and open every day of the sailing.

Does Liberty of the Seas have Starbucks?

There is no Starbucks kiosk on Liberty of the Seas, however, the same style of beverages are available to purchase at Cafe Promenade.

Cafe Promenade serves lattes, espresso, macchiatos and more every day.  These premium coffees are included with a Deluxe Beverage Package or a Royal Refreshment package.

What is there to do on Liberty of the Seas?

Liberty of the Seas is best known for offering a wide variety of activities onboard.

There are many events, entertainment and options onboard, but here are the most notable and highly-desired things to do on Liberty of the Seas:

• Water slides: Liberty of the Seas not only offers the Perfect Storm water slides, but also the only ship to have the Tidal Wave boomerang style slide.
• FlowRider: Grab your board and try to surf with the surf simulator.
• Rock climbing wall: Another great challenge, the rock climbing wall allows families to see if they can get all the way to the top.
• Saturday Night Fever: The hit Broadway show is included with your cruise fare, and performed only on Liberty of the Seas.
• Splashaway Bay: This kids aqua park includes a giant drench bucket, slides, geysers and more.
• Specialty restaurants: Beyond the great food included with your cruise fare, you can opt to enjoy Chops Grille, Giovanni's Table, Johnny Rockets or Sabor.
• Ice skating at sea: Free skate time, along with a production ice skating show, are available to experience.

Does Liberty of the Seas have an ice skating rink? 

Studio B is home to the ice rink on Liberty of the Seas. 

Encore! An Ice Spectacular is performed onboard the ship, and features incredibly talented skaters.  Many of the performers are former Olympic and professional skaters.

In addition, free skate time is available for guests to put on a pair of blades and hit the ice for a few laps around the rink.

Does Liberty of the Seas have bumper cars?

Bumper cars are not available on Liberty of the Seas. They are a feature only available on Quantum Class Royal Caribbean ships.

Who is the captain of the Liberty of the Seas?

At the time of this post, Captain James MacDonald is the Master of the vessel for Liberty of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean rotates its Captains around the fleet regularly, so this can change.

Going on a cruise to Alaska means seeing incredible scenery, spotting wildlife, and trying to pack for three seasons in one vacation.

Many first time cruisers to Alaska struggle with what to bring on their cruise, so here are the important things to bring along for a cruise to Alaska.

And if you love this video, there’s plenty more for you to enjoy over on our Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube Channel!

By the way, have you subscribed yet? Be sure to subscribe to our channel and never miss a single video!

So check out the video and then let us know: What is on your must-pack list for an Alaskan cruise?

Our newest podcast episode is out to help give you a quick "audio escape" to a Royal Caribbean cruise!

Episode 339 is available for downloading, where Matt goes over the do's and dont's of your first day on a Royal Caribbean ship.

Embarkation day is what we all dream of when it comes to a cruise finally coming around, and there is plenty of things to keep you busy.  Matt takes you through the first day onboard and what he recommends checking out.

Here’s the podcast page for Episode 339. And don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast via RSS, Stitcher or on iTunes!

Take a listen and as always, let us know what you think! Please rate and review the podcast on iTunes and leave your comments below!

Cozumel is known for a great many fun ways to spend your day, including time relaxing at the beach or pool with a drink in hand.  The El Cozumeleño resort is one such offering, and it has quickly risen to the top of my favorite places in Cozumel for a beach break.

After first visiting over a year ago, I wanted to check back in to see how well it stacks up these days.

Overview

El Cozumeleño sells day passes [link contains affiliate link, which costs you nothing extra!] to its resort that can be purchased online, and it offers guests unlimited access to the resort grounds, food, drink and activities.

The hotel is located on the north end of Cozumel, and is about a 10-15 minute taxi ride from where Royal Caribbean docks its cruise ships at the International Pier. The posted price for 1-4 people to get to El Cozumeleño is $16.

Once you arrive at the resort, you will check-in and receive a welcome drink.  It should be noted that a form of payment and identification will be kept at the front desk during your stay.

Towels are available to rent for an additional charge ($5 per towel).

The resort itself is sprawling, with two pool areas, a long beach, and multiple dining venues to enjoy.

One of my favorite features of the resort are the hammocks near the beach, which are not only extremely comfortable, but a prime napping spot.

During our visit, a storm had passed through the area the night before, so the ocean was a bit more stirred up that on my previous visit. The result was the surf was quite strong and the beach a bit worse for wear.  Throughout the day, the resort staff worked to clean and reticulate the beach.

By far, the pool area is the primary focus of the resort.  While many visitors enjoy time at the beach, the resort's pools are as massive as they are lovely to see.

The pool has a variety of depths, and the north end pools are much shallower and welcoming for younger children.

Your day pass is good from morning through the afternoon and into the early evening, so breakfast and lunch are part of the admission fee.

Your day pass includes:

• Beach access
• Pool access, with swim-up bar
• Chairs & Lounge Chairs
• Unlimited food
• Unlimited drinks (alcohol & non alcohol)
• Non-motorized water sports including snorkeling equipment & Kayaking
• Children ́s activities center
• Children’s wading pool
• Complimentary Wi-Fi service in lobby

There is a large buffet dining venue between the two pool areas that serves meals and snacks throughout the day. 

In the morning, the buffet features typical breakfast fare, along with an omelet station.

At lunch, the offerings change to a traditional Mexican lunch with grilled meats and vegetables available on demand. 

In addition to the sit down options, waiters are happy to bring food and drink to your chair by the pool or beach as you need it. The wait staff roam the grounds and regularly check if you need anything else.

The food menu is a mix of Mexican favorites and American food.  Ceviche, pizza, salsa, guacamole, quesadillas and more are available and unlimited too.

Likewise, there is a good assortment of beverages to enjoy. The selection of beer and liquors is limited in terms of brands (Dos Equis beer, and typically one type of liquor).

Comments

When I visited El Cozumeleño in 2018, I loved the balance of price, offerings and service, and it seems like the resort maintains that equilibrium quite well.

There are no shortage of great day pass resorts in Cozumel, so what makes El Cozumeleño stand out is the ample space, good food and drink, along with attentive service.

The resort looks great, and it feels like a step above your average resort.  It is no Ritz Carlton by any means, but the staff do a great job maintaining it.

Some of our readers have reported during busier times of the year (popular holidays), chairs go quickly and are often claimed by resort guests earlier in the day.  While I have not experienced this in my two visits, it is worth noting if you plan a visit over a holiday season.

At the time of our visit, the price was $69.00 per adult and $40.00 for children aged 3-11 years old (2 and under are free).