Royal Caribbean Blog

We are back with another RoyalCaribbeanBlog Video today, and we are letting you in on the cruise line jargon that you might hear or read while planning a Royal Caribbean cruise.

In the cruise industry, there is a lot of words and phrases thrown around that have roots in the sailing industry as well as on cruise ships.  We have a breakdown of the most important words you should know prior to going on a cruise so that you know exactly what people are talking about.

And if you love this video, we have lots of other great cruise videos to watch 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 episode!

When you decide to book a Royal Caribbean cruise, you have to decide between a refundable cruise fare or a non-refundable cruise fare. The decision to opt for one or the other largely has to do with your risk tolerance, personal preferences and how you vacation.

Here is a quick breakdown of what to consider before booking a cruise.

What is a refundable cruise fare?

A refundable cruise fare is a booking made in which if the sailing is canceled prior to the final payment date, Royal Caribbean will issue a full refund of any deposit/money paid towards that reservation.

Historically, refundable cruise fares were the norm and they offer greater flexibility especially if vacation plans are not firm. Booking a cruise vacation months or years in advance can be difficult when trying to account for time off of work and other personal responsibilities.

Provided the reservation is before final payment date, refundable cruise fares are eligible for repricing, as well as changing to a different sail date or ship without penalty.

What is a non-refundable cruise fare?

Non-refundable cruise fares are bookings for a Royal Caribbean cruise in which if the guest opts to cancel a non-refundable booking prior to the final payment due date, Royal Caribbean will issue a future cruise credit in the amount of the deposit paid minus a $100USD per person service fee to the guest named on the canceled booking. Such Future Cruise Certificates can be applied towards your future.

The reason to book a non-refundable cruise fare is because the price is lower than a refundable cruise fare and they have become popular with cruisers who are interested in the lowest possible price for their cruise vacation.

Change fees are only incurred should an adjustment to the ship and/or sail date occur; therefore, no change fee will be assessed upon swapping between category types on the same ship and sail date (such as in the case of a price drop).

It is worth noting you can change from refundable to non-refundable fare at any time (but not back).

What to consider before choosing the cruise fare

Price: We would be remiss if we ignored the most compelling reason to book a non-refundable cruise fare and that is the price.  Often non-refundable cruise fares are hundreds of dollars cheaper than refundable cruise fare.  Multiplied by many people in a group and the savings can be substantial.

Flexibility: How flexible do you need to be with your sail date?  Are you dead set on the sailing and ship you are on? Or is this a placeholder reservation that you are not too certain you will sail on? These sort of questions are at the heart of deciding between a refundable and non-refundable fare. The more doubt you have about your plans, the less compelling a choice non-refundable cruise fare becomes.

Stateroom type: If you are staying in an upper suite, the decision has been made for you. Royal Caribbean made the change to enforce only non-refundable fare options for its suite inventory. This also holds true for guarantee categories, including W/WS, X/XB, XN, Y/YO, and Z/ZI.

Still unsure which to pick?

When in doubt, go for refundable cruise fare for the flexibility it provides. It may cost more money, but if you are still "on the fence" about your plans, the knowledge of being able to cancel and get a full refund before final payment date is a great choice to have.

Moreover, we recommend talking over the decision with a good travel agent.  Travel agents are a wealth of knowledge and have seen pretty much every booking scenario (and nightmare) you could imagine.  Their years of experience can be invaluable in choosing the right cruise fare and the best part is their services and consultation should cost you absolutely nothing extra.

Which cruise fare do you typically book? Do you still have a question about cruise fares? Let us know in the comments below!

Happy 2019! We are celebrating the new year with a new Royal Caribbean Blog video, previewing what will be new in 2019 on Royal Caribbean.

There are a lot of big changes coming to Royal Caribbean this year and there is bound to be a lot of excitement about a new ship, big upgrades to the fleet, CocoCay's opening and more.  Take a look ahead with us in our latest YouTube video!

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 episode!

Royal Caribbean has released a "soft update" to its new smart phone app that allows guests sailing on Vision of the Seas to start using the app.

The new version does not list Vision as a supported ship in the app store, but opening the app shows both ships on the list.  

The new app is being actively developed, which means not all features area available on the app yet.  Moreover, the cruise line is slowly rolling out support for more ships.

The app is available on the iTunes App Store and Google Play Store.

Happy weekend! We hope you are enjoying a wonderful and relaxing weekend and managing to stay warm. Now it is time to sit back with a cuppa tea or java, and check out the latest in Royal Caribbean cruise news.

It now appears Royal Caribbean's second Quantum Ultra Class cruise ship will visit the UK after it launches next year.

Royal Caribbean President and CEO Michael Bayley hinted at the fact Royal Caribbean will offer sailings to the United Kingdom in October 2020.

Royal Caribbean's first Quantum Ultra Class, Spectrum of the Seas, will launch in April and head to Shanghai to begin sailing from June. However, the second Quantum Ultra ship will "definitely not" be going to China.

Royal Caribbean News

• The new cruise terminal in Galveston will feature facial recognition technology.
• Royal Caribbean added a new flight simulator shore excursion.
• Check out our top 10 Alaska cruise planning tips.
• We listed one must-eat place on every Royal Caribbean ship.
• Here are the Royal Caribbean bars you can also grab a bite to eat in addition to a drink.
• Enjoy these tips and tricks for the Boardwalk neighborhood.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 285th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where we have a review of a multi-port Cuba itinerary.

Royal Caribbean recently expanded its sailings to Cuba to include even more stops on the island. This week, Bryan shares his review of an Empress of the Seas cruise that visited three different ports in Cuba.

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

Simply Emma shared her wheelchair accessible experience on a Royal Caribbean cruise.

Eyewitness News posted news that Royal Caribbean gave scholarships to two maritime students in the Bahamas.

Travel Weekly interviewed Ben Bouldin, Royal Caribbean International’s associate vice-president and UK managing director.

The weekend is here and to celebrate the start of the best time of the week, we are sharing some of our readers' best Royal Caribbean cruise photos!

We begin with this photo by Lisa and Marc Sandhaus from the Atlantis Hotel in Nassau.

Michael shared this photo of Radiance of the Seas and Explorer of the Seas while returning from a glacier excursion via helicopter.

Speaking of Explorer of the Seas, here is a photo of Explorer of the Seas off the coast of Mystery Island, Vanuatu.  Photo by Barry Rupp.

Next up is a great sunset shot from Anthem of the Seas by Jenn Ullram.

Firegal2539 sent in this photo of Tracy Arm Fjord Glacier.

Laura Paton shared this photo of her daughter dancing at sunrise while on Allure of the Seas. I wish I had that kind of energy....ever.

We wrap up this week's photos with a shot of Navigator and Freedom of the Seas in Cozumel. Photo by Jeff L.

If you want us to include your Royal Caribbean photo in an upcoming post, be sure to use this form to share it with us!

Guests booking a cruise this weekend can enjoy 60% off the second guest, kids sail for less and bonus instant savings up to $300 off.

The Super Splash Sale is valid on cruises booked between January 18 – 21, 2019 on sailings departing on or after February 18, 2019.

It includes:

• 60% off cruise fare of second guest booked in the same stateroom as first full-fare paying guest, and 30% off cruise fare for third guests and higher booked in the same stateroom as the first two qualified guests. 
• BOGO also offers up to $150 instant savings per stateroom determined by category booked and sailing length:
  • 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. 
• Super Slash Sale offers up to $150 instant savings per stateroom (up to $300 instant savings when combined with BOGO instant savings) determined by category booked and sailing length:
  • 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.

BOGO is combinable with Super Slash sale, 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. Super Slash Sale is combinable with promotional OBCs, NextCruise offers, Instant Savings, restricted discounts (for example, Seniors, Residents, Military), Promo Code driven offers and Free Upgrades but not combinable with Crown and Anchor discounts and Shareholder Benefits. Offers 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, 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 is offering guests a new shore excursion that allows them the chance to (virtually) fly a Boeing 737 airliner!

The Fly A Jet Experience Jetline Simulation Bahamas shore excursion is available for guests with a stop in Nassau, Bahamas.  It allows guests to feel what it is like to pilot a B737-800NG aircraft.

"Upon your arrival, you will be greeted by a professional pilot whom will then brief you on the flights controls. After which, you will be escorted on to the flight deck where you will then settle into the captain's seat. Fasten your seat belt as you prepare for takeoff. Once in cruise, enjoy a moment to admire the view as simulated vibrations and sounds deliver an authentic experience as to what it's really like to fly a modern jet airliner. Depart from your hometown airport or if looking for a challenge trying

Royal Caribbean's new cruise terminal that it is building at the Port of Galveston will include facial recognition technology that is aimed at speeding up the process of getting guests in and out of the terminal.

At a meeting of the Port Directors for the Port of Galveston in December 2018, it was mentioned that Royal Caribbean's new cruise terminal will feature facial recognition technology.

"If you see what many made remarks made about Galveston, it is the traffic coming in, and then it is waiting in line to go through terminals... With the new cruise terminal that Royal Caribbean is building, it will be facial recognition software there so when you come into that terminal, you are going to have software recognition. The computers will see your face and recognize who you are, and they are going to know you are a paid customer on the cruise line, and then they are going to shuttle you right on through. And I think Michael Bayley said it was an hour less."

Royal Caribbean and the Port of Galveston have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the development and operation of a new cruise terminal. The new state-of-the-art facility is anticipated to open in Fall 2021.

Every Royal Caribbean ship seems to have at least one place that veteran cruisers will tell you is a must-eat spot.  Perhaps it is because of a special dish, or the value the restaurant offers, or maybe it just is the only ship with that kind of restaurant.  

Regardless of why, here is our list of the number one must-eat spot on every Royal Caribbean ship. As you might imagine there is some carryover between the ships, but if you can refer to this post before going on your next sailing.

Adventure of the Seas

Izumi: Adventure of the Seas features the only Royal Caribbean ship to have an Izumi location on the Royal Promenade

Allure of the Seas

Park Cafe: Kummelweck sandwiches are a must-eat snack. 

You might also like Sabor in the Boardwalk neighborhood.  Try the guacamole.

Anthem of the Seas

Wonderland: A signature Royal Caribbean specialty restaurant that combines a fun experience with creative foods.

You might also like Cafe @ Two70 where you can find the exquisite roast beef sandwiches.

Brilliance of the Seas

Park Cafe: Kummelweck sandwiches are a must-eat snack. 

Empress of the Seas

Windjammer: Free brunch mimosas and Bloody Marys are available at the Windjammer on sea days.

Enchantment of the Seas

Chops Grille: Royal Caribbean's signature steak house is never a mistake. 

Explorer of the Seas

Izumi: Hot rock (Ishiyaki) plates are rocks that are heated to 575 degrees °F, where guests take raw meat and vegetables and cook them on the rock, right at your table. 

Freedom of the Seas

Sabor Modern Mexican: The guacamole alone is worth the price of admission.

Grandeur of the Seas

Park Cafe: Kummelweck sandwiches are a must-eat snack. 

Harmony of the Seas

Wonderland: Harmony introduced the first two-story Wonderland location and in addition to the creative decor, Wonderland is an experience and a fantastic meal.

You might also like Izumi Hibachi for a fun and creative experience, where your chef cooks your food in front of you with a splash of entertainment thrown in.

Independence of the Seas

 Izumi Hibachi and Sushi: Exotic Asian-inspired dining experience gives guests the chance to enjoy fresh sushi and experience skilled chefs cooking tableside on teppanyaki grills.

Jewel of the Seas

Izumi: Hot rock is essentially a rock slab heated up to 575°F and served with raw meat and vegetables that you can cook at your table.  

Liberty of the Seas

Sabor: The guacamole and handcrafted margaritas (made with reposado tequila) are definitely tasty.

Majesty of the Seas

Compass Deli: A complimentary venue that serves up hand-pressed paninis and wraps made to order, along with a small side-salad bar and an array of hot soups and cookies. 

Mariner of the Seas

Jamie's Italian: Family-style appetizers and freshly made pasta combine for a terrific meal. Try the Antipasti Plank.

Navigator of the Seas

El Loco Fresh: Complimentary and tasty Mexican street fare that is great for a midday snack or casual meal.

Oasis of the Seas

Park Cafe: Kummelweck sandwiches are a must-eat snack. 

You might also like Sabor in the Boardwalk neighborhood.  Try the guacamole.

Ovation of the Seas

Jamie's Italian: British Chef Jamie Oliver offers a pleasingly rustic Italian decor and the menu include his trademark "planks" -- boards filled with meats, cheeses or vegetarian bites that are designed to be shared as starter. 

You might also like Wonderland. Whimsical specialty restaurant inspired by Alice in Wonderland. Eating at Wonderland is as much about the food as it is the experience.

Quantum of the Seas

Wonderland: A signature Royal Caribbean specialty restaurant that combines a fun experience with creative foods.

You might also like Cafe @ Two70 where you can find the exquisite roast beef sandwiches.

Radiance of the Seas

Park Cafe: Quick grab and go that serves up breakfast, salads, panini sandwiches, soups. Also offers late-night snacks.

Rhapsody of the Seas

Park Cafe: Kummelweck roast beef sandwiches are a must-eat snack. 

Serenade of the Seas

Park Cafe: Kummelweck roast beef sandwiches are a must-eat snack. 

Spectrum of the Seas

Wonderland’s Dadong: a new outpost of Chinese chef Dong Zhenxiang, renowned for his much-coveted roast duck dish.

Symphony of the Seas

El Loco Fresh: Complimentary outdoor Mexican eatery that features a terrific salsa station, where you can take your pick from homemade guacamole, fire-roasted tomatoes, pico de gallo and many more toppings. 

You might also like Park Cafe for the roast beef kummelweck sandwiches.

Vision of the Seas

Park Cafe: Kummelweck roast beef sandwiches are a must-eat snack. 

Voyager of the Seas

Izumi: Hot rock (Ishiyaki) plates are rocks that are heated to 575 degrees °F, where guests take raw meat and vegetables and cook them on the rock, right at your table.