Royal Caribbean Blog

As you are likely aware, Royal Caribbean has shutdown all of its ships until at least mid-May due to the current health crisis.

In fact, all cruise lines have taken similar measures that aim to keep people safe, but the global voluntary suspension has disheartened plenty of vacations.

There are no cruises right now

For a month, Royal Caribbean has voluntarily shutdown its cruise ships around the world. 

Initially cruises were cancelled until mid-April, and then Royal Caribbean extended its suspension of cruises until May 12 (with Canada, New England and Alaska cruises cancelled through June 30, 2020.

On top of that, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention extended its “No Sail Order” for all cruise ships by 100 days. As of the writing of this blog post post, it is not crystal clear what impact that will have, but clearly there are no cruises to be offered in the short term.

How long could the shutdown last?

The short answer is, no one knows.

The new No Sail Order by the CDC sets a possible timeline for how long cruise ships could be out of service. Of course, that order only applies to US sailings and it is possible cruises could resume in other parts of the world sooner.

Royal Caribbean has not made any changes yet as a result of the no-sail order, simply stating they are aware of the order, "and are studying how best to respond to its provisions."

If the Health and Human Services Secretary  declares that there is no longer a public health emergency, then the order could get lifted immediately. Alternatively, the director of the CDC could decide to rescind or modify the order in response to new data on public health or other factors. If neither of those things happens, then the order would expire of its own accord 100 days after it's officially published in the Federal Register. 

 If all of this sounds vague, that is because it is and there is not any definite time when ships will certainly sail again.

 If July comes around and we are still in the midst of these issues, it is possible the CDC could extend the no-sail order once again.  However, if things improve quicker than that, the order can be lifted immediately. 

When should I reschedule my cruise?

The general consensus seems to be the later you schedule your cruise, the better your chances that your cruise will not be impacted by another round of cancellations.

I will be certain to share any news of cruises resuming on RoyalCaribbeanBlog. Conditions seem to be changing on a daily basis, and I believe it is important to consider things could improve drastically just as much as they could deteriorate.

The good news is there is little risk in booking another cruise in the sense Royal Caribbean provides the Cruise with Confidence program to allow you to cancel up to 48 hours before your cruise. This program is currently valid on sailings through September 1, but I imagine it would be extended out if necessary.

The later you book your cruise, the less likely daily life will still be impacted by the current crisis in the same way it is today. I would recommend putting a refundable deposit down to cover your bases, and if nothing else, give yourself something to do during this social standstill: you can start planning a cruise and provide a goal to look forward to at the end of all of this.  

If you do put a deposit down, be sure to book with a travel agent, as the travel agent community is truly struggling right now and could greatly benefit from your business.

When are you planning to go on a Royal Caribbean cruise again? Share your plans in the comments!

It is hard to believe, but it has been over a year since the last Royal Caribbean ship departed for a cruise, and like so many others, I am missing the experience of being onboard.  

With this "extended dry dock" that we are all stuck in, here are 11 things I miss when I am not on a Royal Caribbean cruise.

Embarkation day lunch

In my mind, the cruise truly begins when we get onboard the first day and head up to the Windjammer for our first meal onboard.

There is something about being in the Windjammer, seeing the smiling faces of the staff welcoming us (and of course washing our hands), that makes it feel like we are "home".

Perhaps it has to do with the fact the morning of the cruise is filled with anticipation, energy and excitement, so sitting down in the Windjammer is the first opportunity to soak it all in.

The excellent housekeeping service

Every time I go on a cruise, I think I found the best stateroom attendant ever, and then I meet my new attendant who does such a great job too.

The housekeeping staff works incredibly hard to not only keep your room and hallways clean, but they have a smile and love to chat with us.

Some staff make it a personal mission to create a rapport with my two daughters, who are usually shy around people they do not know.  I enjoy seeing if each morning our stateroom attendant can crack a smile from them.  

Of course, the towel animals they leave on select nights in our room are always a hit with the kids.

Not having to think about making meals

My wife's favorite part of the cruise is not having to plan meals for the week, do food shopping, or preparing anything in terms of what we are going to eat.

Going on a cruise is an escape from many things, including some responsibilities and not having to cook, clean or prep is such a relief for parents.

My family really enjoys being able to get food from a variety of places, and I welcome the toughest decision being which restaurant to eat dinner at on any given evening.

Waking up and immediately going to the pool

To me, nothing says "vacation" like waking up and immediately getting ready to spend the day by the pool.

Sea days are a quintessential cruise experience, and I especially relish the second day of the cruise when it is a sea day, and we head to the pool to spend a few hours (or more) while onboard.

Rather than getting the kids ready for school, or thinking about what errands and work needs to be done, the only concern is who needs to apply sunscreen.

Getting dressed up each evening

Call me old fashioned, but I really enjoy getting dressed up each evening.

There is something about the pomp and circumstance of dressing to impress, and taking photos around the ship, that I really enjoy about being on a cruise.

Just like eating in the Windjammer on embarkation day, I think getting dressed up every evening is something that screams to me, "cruise mode" and is a good reminder I am somewhere very fun.

Plus, the photos we get from on a cruise are what adorns most of the walls of our home.

The amazing Adventure Ocean staff

As a parent, there is no sweeter sound than when Adventure Ocean opens its door to my children.

I love my kids, but the opportunity to drop my kids off at an incredibly well-run and supervised area is such a treat for both parents and kids.

My kids love it, because it is a few hours to play, make new friends, and see which counselors are their favorites.

As a parent, I relish the time alone with my wife to enjoy dinner and a show with just the two of us. 

In these days of shelter in place, I have found a brand new appreciation for the talent and patience the Adventure Ocean staff fosters.

Disconnecting from the world news

Even though I always buy an internet package onboard, I really like not being as connected with the daily news from at home.

When you are at home, the 24/7 news cycle is part of your day.  I try to balance the need to be informed with my own desire to not let it make me crazy, but on a cruise ship, I feel I really get to escape the daily grind of who said what, what might happen, and more.

In light of the current situation, an escape from the latest breaking news (that supersedes the breaking news from an hour ago) sounds like a dream to me.

Meeting new people

The fun people on a cruise is part of what makes cruising so fun, and I really enjoy being at a bar, pool or excursion and making a new acquaintance and sharing a laugh.

Everyone on a cruise is metaphorically "in the same boat," and we are all meeting a bunch of strangers that are sharing the same vacation. I think this notion fosters a sense of comradery among cruisers, and it usually leads to more open conversations at a bar or restaurant.

While I do not actively walk around saying hello to people like I am running for public office, I do enjoy the occasional chat in an elevator, or off-hand remark somewhere onboard.

Perfect Day at CocoCay

I have plenty of favorite ports of call, but the big changes Royal Caribbean made to its private island in the Bahamas has cemented Perfect Day at CocoCay as something I really miss more than ever right now.

Royal Caribbean sought out to create paradise and a private island destination second-to-none, and they succeeded with flying colors.

Whether I am in Oasis Lagoon, going down a water slide with my kids in Thrill Waterpark, or exploring Coco Beach Club with my wife, I miss any and all of what CocoCay offers and it is somewhere I would not mind going back over and over again to enjoy.

The shows

Royal Caribbean is known as one of the best cruise lines for entertainment. Production shows, comedians, live music and more are just part of the repertoire that Royal Caribbean puts out on its ships.

I miss being able to see a full-length Broadway show, catch the pub singer or laugh at the adult comedy show.  I miss being at the pool and hearing a steel drum band play classic reggae tunes, or spot the stowaway piano player in an elevator.  I even miss going to the club experience and remembering that I am not in my 20's anymore and questioning why the music has to be so darn loud.

The Wash Your Hands song

I guess being stuck at home this long has truly effected me, because I actually miss the "Wash Your Hands" song that is played continuously on embarkation day in your stateroom.

I also miss the clever Windjammer greeters who have created their own renditions of reminding guests to wash their hands sung to famous songs.

What do you miss the most?

While you are sitting at home and reading this post, what places, experiences or things to do onboard do you miss the most? Share what you are yearning for the most in our comments!

Royal Caribbean announced one of the men responsible for the founding of the cruiose line died on Saturday, April 11, 2020, in Palma, Spain. He was 90 years old.

Arne Wilhelmsen, with sons Preben and Alex as Song of Norway pull away from Oslo

Wilhelmsen worked closely with Royal Caribbean's first CEO, Edwin Stephan, to help bring Royal Caribbean into the cruise industry and establish itself as a major player.

Born on June 15, 1929, in Oslo, Norway, Wilhelmsen earned his MBA at Harvard Business School and worked as a chartering assistant for Norway’s EB Lund & Co. and later as a shipbroker in New York. After joining the family business in 1954, he became its president in 1961.   The scion of a leading Norwegian shipping concern – Anders Wilhelmsen & Co AS – he spent most of his life in the family business, including an early stint as a deckhand.

1970: Harry Irgens Larsen, Mortis Skaugen, Gjert Wilhelmsen, Brynjulf Skaugen, Sigurd Skaugen, Arne Wilhelmsen

Wilhelmsen saw the potential for cruising to become the fastest growing segment in a growing vacation industry. 

Wilhelmsen's primary contribution was building new ships uniquely designed for cruising in warm weather. He saw potential in offering cruises from Miami, instead of New York, where Royal Caribbean could offer a completely different kind of vacation for its guests.

Arne Wilhelmsen, Miami's Port Director Admiral Irwin Stephens and Ed Stephan inspecting Dodge Island passenger terminal

In a statement, Royal Caribbean said it, "extends its heartfelt condolences to the Wilhelmsen family."

Usually I like to share classic Royal Caribbean cruise cocktail recipes that you can make at home, but with the weekend here, perhaps a treat for the kids is in order.

If your kids are anything like mine, they love to get colorful drinks that look as good as they taste, and the watermelon lemonade fits that bill.

So if you need a tasty distraction for the kids, whip up a pitcher of this for them and let them pretend they are on a cruise (virtual Adventure Ocean staff not included).

Watermelon Lemonade Ingredients

• 1 ounce kiwi syrup
• 1.5 ounces fresh lemonade
• 4 ounces fresh watermelon juice
• Fresh watermelon for garnish

Suggested music while preparing

• Baby Shark
• Jimmy Buffett - Grapefruit

Watermelon Lemonade Instructions

1. In a cocktail glass, add ice cubes
2. Add kiwi syrup
3. Add lemonade
4. Top with fresh watermelon juice
5. Garnish with a small wedge of fresh watermelon

Plans for a new cruise ship terminal are delayed for 18 months due to the current COVID-19 crisis.

The Sydney Morning Herald reports the impact the cruise industry has felt as a result of the worldwide shutdown has created cause for concern about the project.

The plan was to build a new cruise terminal at Yarra Bay, but that has been "put on hold with all industry and community engagement suspended".

"[The terminal is] not a priority for government or industry at this time. We're still in the middle of a COVID crisis," he said.

Maroubra MP and former state Labor leader Michael Daley indicated Royal Caribbean believes the cruise industry in Australia needs a cruise terminal east of the Sydney Harbour Bridge in order to grow.

Daley added Royal Caribbean was willing to work with the government on such a project, but did not mention in what capacity or with any funding.

In light of the global health crisis, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. has altered the loans it took out to finance Anthem of the Seas and Spectrum of the Seas in order to take advantage of a 12-month debt holiday.

The deal was made between Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd and Euler Hermes Aktiengesellschaft on April 8, and it essentially means Royal Caribbean to skip a few payments without accruing additional interest. Moreover, it provides the cruise line with $200 million of incremental liquidity through April 2021.

The deferral period is between April 1, 2020 and March 31, 2021. The deferred money will be repayable in eight equal semi-annual installments between April 2021 and October 2024.

In addition, Royal Caribbean amended the export-credit backed loan facility incurred to finance Celebrity Reflection in order to incorporate the benefits of the Debt Holiday. Across these three facilities, the Debt Holiday initiative will generate $200 million of incremental liquidity through April 2021.

Royal Caribbean is also looking into taking advantage of the debt holiday initiative across the remainder of their Hermes-backed facilities.

The loan amendment has a few stipulations, including Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. may not take certain actions including:

• Payment of dividends
• Repurchase of stock
• Issuance of debt or equity other than for liquidity

With the news of the CDC announcing measures to prohibit cruises from the United States until the COVID-19 pandemic passes, many have been wondering what Royal Caribbean will do as a result.

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. issued a brief statement that they are aware of the order, "and are studying how best to respond to its provisions."

The cruise line reiterated its current plan, which has all cruises suspended around the world through May 11, 2020. Royal Caribbean has already cancelled sailings for Canada, New England and Alaska until July 1, 2020.

It stands to reason that Royal Caribbean is evaluating options based on this new order, as well as the daily changing events related to the spread and containment of COVID-19.

Late on Thursday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention extended its “No Sail Order” for all cruise ships by 100 days, or if certain other conditions are met.

There are three conditions the CDC set forth as means to end the current provision:

1. The expiration of the Secretary of Health and Human Services’ declaration that COVID-19 constitutes a public health emergency
2. The CDC Director rescinds or modifies the order based on specific public health or other considerations
3. 100 days from the date of publication in the Federal Register

Royal Caribbean has not had any cruises in operation since they ended them in mid-March. Since then, they have extended their suspension an additional 30 days, with a plan to resume sailings on May 12, 2020.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention extended its “No Sail Order” for all cruise ships by 100 days.

The No Sail Order aims to combat the spread of COVID-19 in the United States by ceasing operations of cruise ships in US waters. It requires that cruise lines develop a comprehensive, detailed operational plan approved by CDC and the USCG to address the COVID-19 pandemic through maritime focused solutions, including a fully implementable response plan with limited reliance on state, local, and federal government support. 

The order will remain in operation until the earliest of these three situations:

1. The expiration of the Secretary of Health and Human Services’ declaration that COVID-19 constitutes a public health emergency
2. The CDC Director rescinds or modifies the order based on specific public health or other considerations
3. 100 days from the date of publication in the Federal Register

In the meantime, cruise ship operators are not allowed to disembark travelers (passengers or crew) at ports or stations, except as directed by the USCG, in consultation with HHS/CDC personnel, and as appropriate, as coordinated with federal, state, and local authorities.

Additionally, cruise ship operators should not embark or re-embark any crew member, except as approved by the USCG, in consultation with HHS/CDC personnel, until further notice.

“We are working with the cruise line industry to address the health and safety of crew at sea as well as communities surrounding U.S. cruise ship points of entry,” said CDC Director Robert Redfield.  “The measures we are taking today to stop the spread of COVID-19 are necessary to protect Americans, and we will continue to provide critical public health guidance to the industry to limit the impacts of COVID-19 on its workforce throughout the remainder of this pandemic.”

Currently, there are approximately 100 cruise ships remaining at sea off the East Coast, West Coast, and Gulf Coast, with nearly 80,000 crew onboard.

The CDC is aware of 20 cruise ships at port or anchorage in the United States with known or suspected COVID-19 infection among the crew who remain onboard.

Mount Rushmore is one of America's most well-known and distinguished sites that honors presidents that have reached a pinnacle of excellence. The four presidents immortalized in granite are a testament to their legacy, and it has me wondering which Royal Caribbean ships are worthy of being called the best of the best.

The idea behind this exercise is determining which Royal Caribbean cruise ships paved the way for not just the cruise line, but the industry as a whole.

When considering which ships make the cut, I think it is important to consider the ship's significance in its own time (especially when it debuted), what made it different, and of course its legacy today.

Over the 50 years of Royal Caribbean's history, there are many ships that might considered for this list, but here are my top picks.

Song of Norway

Just like George Washington's significance as the first president, Song of Norway was Royal Caribbean's first ship and she brought with her a new distinction.

This was a true trailblazing ship.  When she was introduced in 1970, Song of Norway was the industry's first ship built for warm-weather cruising. Later, Song of Norway became the first ever passenger ship to be lengthened.

Prior to the launch of Song of Norway, cruise ships were built for point-to-point ocean transportation with significantly less open space.

Song of Norway introduced the Viking Crown Lounge concept, which was branded in some quarters as a "crazy idea," later softened to "that funny-looking stack."

The Song of Norway was also notable for its open pool and lounging area, which since has become an industry standard.

In short, Song of Norway ushered in a new epoch in Caribbean cruising her success is what paved the way for every other Royal Caribbean ship since.

Sovereign of the Seas

When we look at cruise ships today and are amazed by the features onboard, as well as their sheer size, every single megaship's legacy can be traced back to the original "megaship," Sovereign of the Seas.

At 73,192 tons, the ship featured a five-deck Centrum, glass elevators, fountains in marble pools, and sweeping staircases. She was almost twice the size of Song of America and completely dwarfed every competitor of her time. A ship that large, with those kind of features was unheard of at the time.

Sovereign also has the distinction of introducing the now well-known naming convention for every Royal Caribbean ship.

Sovereign of the Seas demonstrated that it is possible for a modern cruise ship to offer a balance of beauty and function and be something more than a container carrier or a ferry. 

Voyager of the Seas

With Sovereign of the Seas' launch in 1988, the cruise industry changed and for about a decade, Sovereign was the defacto standard all other ships were held to, until Voyager of the Seas.

Historically, cruise ships were built following the model set forth by ocean liners of the classic period of transportation.  These ships were designed to be a floating hotel that offered rest, relaxation and a great view.  But as times changed, guests wanted to do more onboard and have a greater variety of choices with it.

Voyager of the Seas launched in 1999, and introduced the first ice-skating rink at sea, the first rock climbing wall at sea, and indoor promenade.These were onboard activities that was previously not available on a cruise ship.  More importantly, it introduced the concept of guests being able to do physically activities onboard that were never considered previously.

Like Song of Norway and Sovereign before her, Voyager of the Seas would innovate ship design for decades and become the new standard going forward.

Oasis of the Seas

If there is a common theme among the Royal Caribbean ships that have made my Mount Rushmore, it has been about redefining what a cruise ship is, incredible innovations, and a new legacy for the cruise line.  You cannot talk about these three categories without instantly thinking about Oasis of the Seas.

There is big, and then there is Oasis of the Seas big. 

In late 2009, Oasis of the Seas became the world's largest cruise ship by a factor previously unseen.

Oasis was more than 40 percent larger than the previous largest ships in the world (Freedom Class), coming in at 225,282-tons and accommodating 5,400 passengers.

Beyond her size, Oasis of the Seas introduced the crowd-control concept of "neighborhoods", with seven in total.  Oasis also was the first ship to have a split-back design that opened the back of the ship up (Boardwalk), as well as an open-air park featuring 12,000 plants in the middle (Central Park).

Then there's the first AquaTheater at sea, the first zip line at sea and much more.

In short, Oasis of the Seas continued Royal Caribbean's legacy of revolutionary cruise ship design.  Any new mass-market cruise ship built since has had to compare itself to the game-changing Oasis of the Seas.

Which ships make your list?

These four ships changed the world, and that's why I put it on my Mount Rushmore, but which ships stand out to you as the "best of the best"? Share with everyone your top four Royal Caribbean ships of all time, and why, in the comments below!

It's BYOB, because Royal Caribbean is inviting you to a virtual happy hour this evening!

In an email to Crown and Anchor Society guests, Royal Caribbean announced it is holding a virtual happy hour on the Crown & Anchor Society Facebook page t‌h‌i‌s Th‌ur‌sd‌a‌y
Ap‌ri‌l 9th, a‌t 5‌:‌0‌0 E‌S‌T. 

Royal Caribbean says we can expect to engage in trivia games & chat with others.