Royal Caribbean is stopping the practice of sending its passengers luggage tags in the mail prior to its cruises, effecting August 8, 2012.

The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) said more than half of travel agents they polled are claiming to be selling more cruises this year, compared to last year.  Moreover, 25% said by midyear the numbers were similar to 2011.

This is good news for the cruise industry after the Costa Concordia shipwreck hurt bookings, but the industry sees that as an "isolated event".

A proposed cruise ship terminal in Montevideo, Uruguay that would be for Royal Caribbean has run into some trouble.

According to reports, port executives evaluated the $40 million cruise terminal proposal but could not commit to the idea, because the port is "multipurpose".  Meaning, they could not guarantee a space for cruise operations.

Royal Caribbean has announced a memorial service to remember Mike Semler, who recently passed away suddenly last month.  Semler was Royal Caribbean's Wichita call center director.

Royal Caribbean said the public service will take place at 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 7, at the Beech Activity Center, 9710 E. Central in Wichita, Kansas.

Royal Caribbean will be part of the conference line up at Cruise Shipping Asia-Pacific conference and trade show later this year on September 17-18, 2012.  The second annual event will take place in Singapore is set to bring the cruise industry together to look at the emerging Asia-Pacific cruise market.

Royal Caribbean chairman Richard Fain released a statement about the death of Mikel Semler, who was the Director, Trade Support and Services for Royal Caribbean Cruises.

Royal Caribbean's Enchantment of the Seas rescued a sailor racing in the Newport Bermuda Race after he became dehydrated.

The chairman of the 2012 Newport Bermuda Race, John Osmond, said at 3:00 am on Monday Nathan C. Owen reported to be suffering the effects of dehydration.  

In connection with the release of "Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted",  Royal Caribbean is offering a content to sail with Alex, Gloria, King Julien and the Penguins on select ships featuring the DreamWorks Experience offered exclusively on Royal Caribbean.

Royal Caribbean is welcoming 90 students from colleges across the United States to begin Royal Caribbean's annual summer internship program called, "Emerging Leaders".  The program considered 1,300 applicants and ultimately chose a few of them to participate in the program through July 27.  Emerging Leaders allows students the opportunity to apply key concepts learned in the classroom within a fast-paced, invigorating corporate environment.

Royal Caribbean's performance of Hairspray will be performed live at the Tony Awards this year.  The cast aboard Oasis of the Seas will take place in the ship's Opal Theater and broadcast live to the show.