The implication with this change is that the opening of the new pier will now be pushed back to March 2019.
The pier completion date has slid a few times since the project was originally announced. Previously, it was expected that the pier would be complete in January 2019.
The 283rd episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available and this week, share our top tips for how to go on a Royal Caribbean cruise if money is tight.
On this episode, Matt talks about how to cruise if you are on a budget and what strategies you can use to keep the cost down.
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 Royal Caribbean Cruise Compasses
One of the best ways to learn about what sort of events a cruise ship offers is to consult a past Royal Caribbean Cruise Compass. Here is a look at recent Cruise Compasses we have added.
Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas has a lot to offer, including a number of staterooms. Today, we will look at the category 2J Central Park View Balcony Stateroom, which will take you through the cabin to provide an idea of what to expect if you book this category stateroom.
Central Park Balcony staterooms have two twin beds that convert to a Royal King, a Central Park view balcony, a sitting area, and a private bathroom. These rooms are designed to accommodate up to two guests.
A Central Park balcony offers 187 square feet of living space. The room also has a rather large sofa to sit on during the day.
Being a Central Park Balcony stateroom, you have a private balcony that offers views of the Central Park neighborhood on Symphony of the Seas.
Happy New Year! Welcome to the first edition of Friday Photos for 2019. Each week, we showcase our readers' favorite Royal Caribbean photos for everyone to enjoy!
Throw another log on the fire, put on an extra blanket, and let us jump into this week's batch of terrific cruise photos!
Our first photo this week is from Cassandra Ross and it is of Explorer of the Seas in Alaska.
David Epstein took this photo of Brilliance of the Seas tendered at Montenegro.
Vicky Nelson shared a photo from one of my favorite places, a hilltop cabana on Labadee with a view of Freedom of the Seas.
Next is a photo of Adventure of the Seas, taken by Corey Seeman. This photo is from the tender ride from Adventure to the piers in Bar Harbor.
David Donnelly took this photo on Independence of the Seas. Just shows that you do not have to be traditional to have style!
Next up is a photo by Jay Spiegel of the sunrise in the Bahamas.
Our final photo this week is of chef Ryan in Izumi on board Symphony of the Seas. Photo by Jorge C Toache Alcazar.
Beginning on January 4, 2019, Royal Caribbean will offer guests the option to Book Now Pay Later for Air2Sea reservations.
Air2Sea is Royal Caribbean's airfare option for guests to purchase flights in conjunction with their cruise.
Book Now Pay Later is available for refundable bookings only and guarantees no cancellation or change fees up to the cruise final payment date for the specified sailing. The cost of airfare will be added onto the cruise amount and payment will follow cruise payment guidelines (90 days prior to sailing).
Unfortunately, only new air bookings made on or after January 4, 2019 are eligible to participate in this program.
If the cancellation is made outside of 90 days to sailing, the fares are fully refundable. At 90 days to departure or less, a $200 per person penalty will apply.
Royal Caribbean is celebrating the start of the new year with bonus instant savings on top of 60% second guest and kids sail for less offers.
The New Year, New Thrills Sale offers up to $300 instant savings on cruises booked between January 3 – 8, 2019 on sailings departing on or after February 3, 2019.
It includes:
60% off cruise fare of second guest booked in the same stateroom as first full-fare paying guest
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
Sailing 6 nights or longer, $50 savings for Interior and Ocean View, $75 for Balconies and $150 for Suites
New Year New Thrills 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 New Year New Thrills 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. New Year New Thrills 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 has updated its website with a new timeline for when different phases of its transformation of private island CocoCay.
Perfect Day is a $200 million transformation of Royal Caribbean's private island in the Bahamas. Here is the new timeline posted today:
The new pier will begin welcoming guests to the island in March 2019.
Thrill Waterpark, the Zip Line, Splashaway Bay aqua park, Up, Up and Away helium balloon, Captain Jack’s Galleon, Skipper’s Grill dining, Captain Jack’s dining, Chill Island, Chill Grill dining, and Oasis Lagoon freshwater pool will open in May 2019.
South Beach, Coco Beach Club and the overwater cabanas will open in December 2019.
The primary change in the timeline is the pier completion date has been pushed back yet again. The pier completion date has slid a few times since the project was originally announced. Prior to today, it was expected that the pier would be complete in January 2019.
Our newest podcast episode is out to help give you a quick "audio escape" to a Royal Caribbean cruise!
Episode 283 is available for downloading, where Matt shares tips and tricks for being able to go on a Royal Caribbean cruise without breaking the bank.
Going on a Royal Caribbean cruise does not have to be an expensive vacation, and on this week's episode, Matt shares strategies for saving money on your cruise fare as well as onboard the sailing.
Royal Caribbean has big plans for 2019, with plenty of new additions and changes to the fleet. Perhaps no change is bigger than the anticipated arrival of a new cruise ship and refurbishment of quite a few others.
Each year, Royal Caribbean plans on changes to its fleet of ships and if you are considering a 2019 cruise, then you are certainly going to want to consider some of these ships that are getting new upgrades or are joining the fleet for the first time.
Here is what you need to know about the cruise ships joining Royal Caribbean's fleet and which ships will be upgraded this year.
New cruise ships in 2019
Royal Caribbean will add one new ship in 2019 to its fleet, which will be the first subclass of an existing class.
Spectrum of the Seas
The first Quantum Ultra Class ship joins Royal Caribbean's fleet in 2019 with the launch of Spectrum of the Seas.
Spectrum of the Seas is the first Quantum Ultra Class vessel. What separates Spectrum from previous Quantum Class vessels is the fact she will boast private enclave for suite guests, new stateroom categories, innovative dining concepts, and stunning features and experiences – many of which have never before been seen at sea.
Accommodating 4,246 guests at double occupancy and 1,551 international crew members, Spectrum will be the largest and most expensive ship in Asia when she sails from Shanghai starting in June 2019.
Spectrum will debut Royal Caribbean’s first exclusive suites-only area, which will feature the exquisite Golden and Silver suite accommodations in a private enclave at the forward end of the ship on decks 13 through 16. Vacationers booked in these luxury suites will have special keycard access, a private elevator and a dedicated restaurant and lounge. In addition to a range of exclusive amenities, guests will have access to The Balcony – a private outdoor space for sunbathing and relaxing – that offers the best views on board; and The Boutique, a shopping area where travelers can book private shopping experiences.
Another big change for Spectrum is the ship's take on dining, The three-level main dining room will serve a variety of Chinese and Western a la carte options rotating each day of the sailing. The Windjammer Marketplace – 20 percent larger than those on Quantum Class ships – will offer a wide buffet selection of Chinese and Western dishes, including noodles, pizza, Japanese teppanyaki and mini hot pot.
Spectrum will boast a number of specialty restaurants, including Wonderland’s Dadong (run by Chinese chef Dong Zhenxiang), Jamie's Italian, Izumi, Chops Grille and the new Leaf and Bean traditional tea room and café parlor.
Spectrum of the Seas will feature bold and unexpected experiences, including the iconic Sky Pad, a virtual reality, bungee trampoline experience located on the aft of the ship.
Cruise ship refurbishments in 2019
Royal Caribbean is always looking to add more value to their ships and in 2019, four Royal Caribbean ships are getting upgrades, refurbishments and some nice changes.
Here is a list of what you can expect to see changed in the coming year.
Navigator of the Seas
Refurbishment dates: January 3 – February 23, 2019
Royal Caribbean will start 2019 with a major refurbishment of Navigator of the Seas. Navigator will undergo a $115 million upgrade, as part of the fleet's Royal Amplified program.
Royal Caribbean will add all-new features and firsts, including a revamped Caribbean poolscape, two waterslides, the first blow dry bar at sea, nightlife and dining, and activities for the whole family.
Navigator of the Seas will return to service on February 24, 2019 and offering 3- and 4-night Caribbean cruises from Miami.
Empress of the Seas
Refurbishment dates: February 3, 2019 and March 3, 2019
Empress of the Seas will undergo a dry dock for maintenance work in February 2019.
There are no sailings scheduled between February 3, 2019 and March 3, 2019.
No word on what work will be done, but it is expected to be mostly a maintenance effort to keep the ship running in great condition.
Voyager of the Seas
Refurbishment dates: September 10 – October 14, 2019
Like Navigator of the Seas, Voyager of the Seas will also undergo a refurbishment in 2019 as part of the Royal Amplified program.
Royal Caribbean has not announced the exact changes that are coming to Voyager of the Seas, although it stands to reason the changes should be similar to recent changes made to Mariner of the Seas or the scheduled changes for Navigator of the Seas.
Oasis of the Seas
Refurbishment dates: September 22 – November 23, 2019
The Royal Amplified program continues with upgrades coming to Oasis of the Seas. Just like Voyager of the Seas, Royal Caribbean has not announced any specific details on what will be changed on Oasis quite yet.
Oasis of the Seas will undergo the refurbishment work after wrapping up her summer cruise season in Europe. Following the bow-to-stern revitalization, Oasis of the Seas will change her homeport to Terminal A at PortMiami for the fall and winter seasons.
Royal Caribbean describes the goal of the Royal Amplified program as something that will, "innovative attractions, pools, bars, and dining." Royal Amplified targets three key areas: pool deck & attractions, bars & nightlife, and onboard dining.
If you are wondering what work will be done on Quantum of the Seas, so are we. Royal Caribbean has not announced yet the scope of changes coming to Quantum of the Seas.
Which ship addition or refurbishment are you most excited about? Tell us in the comments!
Whether New Year's Eve, July 4th, Arbor Day, or really any celebration, we have some cocktail recipes to share that you can sample between Royal Caribbean cruises from the comfort of your own home.
LIME MARGARITA
1/2 oz House Tequila
1/2 oz Triple Sec
Margarita Mix
Salt Rim
Shake and strain over fresh ice for On the Rocks or Blend
ROYAL GOLD RITA — ROCKS
1/2 oz Patron Anejo
3/4 oz Cointreau
1/2 oz Grand Marnier
Margarita Mix
Shake and strain over fresh ice for On the Rocks and float Grand Marnier or Blend and float Grand Marnier
TEQUILA SUNRISE
1 1/2 oz House Tequila
Orange Juice
1/2 oz Grenadine
Shake and strain over fresh ice
GREEN MEXICAN
3/4 oz House Gold Tequila
1/4 oz Peach Schnapps
1/4 oz Banana Liqueur
1/4 oz Blue Curacao
3 oz Pineapple Juice
1/4 oz Sugar Syrup
Shake and strain over fresh ice
CUBA LIBRA
1 1/2 oz House White Rum Top with Coke
Fresh Lime Wedge
PINA COLADA
1 1/2 oz House White Rum
Pina Colada Mix Blend
Pineapple & Cherry
ULTIMATE MAI TAI
3/4 oz Pyrat XO Rum
1/2 oz Amaretto Disaronno
1 oz Orange Juice
1 oz Pineapple Juice
1 oz Sweet & Sour
1/2 oz Grenadine
3/4 oz Myer's Rum
Shake, strain, and pour over fresh ice.
Float Myer's Rum
STRAWBERRY DAIQUIRI
1 1/2 oz House White Rum
Strawberry Mix
Blend
ULTIMATE BLOODY MARY
1 1/2 oz Stoli Elite
Spices to taste
Top with tomato juice
Lime
2 Olives
Shake and pour over fresh ice
CARIBBEAN COOLER
1 oz Grey Goose
1/2 oz Peach Schnapps
3 1/2 oz Orange Juice
1/2 oz Grenadine
Top with Sprite
Pineapple
Shake and strain over fresh ice
MADRAS
1 1/2oz Vodka
1 1/2 oz Orange Juice
Top with Cranberry Juice
Lime Wedge
CAPE COD
1 1/2 oz House Vodka
Top with Cranberry Juice
Lime Wedge
GIN COOLER
1/2 oz House Gin
1/2 oz Peach Schnapps
1/2 oz Blue Curacao
1/2 oz of Pineapple Juice
Pineapple & Cherry
Shake and strain over fresh ice
ROYAL SINGAPORE SLING
1 1/2 oz Aviation Gin
1/2 oz Blackberry Brandy
1/2 oz Grenadine
2oz Sweet & Sour
Soda Water
Shake and strain over fresh ice and top with soda pour Grenadine on top to float down
TOM COLLINS
1 oz House Gin
2 1/2 oz Sweet & Sour
Soda Water
Shake until frothy, strain over fresh ice, and top with soda
RASPBERRY COLLINS
2 oz New Amsterdam Gin
3/4 oz Raspberry Mix
1 1/2 oz Sweet & Sour
Soda Water
Shake and strain over fresh ice and top with soda
WHISKEY SOUR
1 1/2 oz House Whiskey
3 oz Citus Mix Shake until frothy, strain over fresh ice
Lemon & Cherry
OLD FASHIONED - ROCKS
1 1/2 oz House Whiskey
1 x Orange Slice
1 x Cherry
1 x Sugar Sachet
3 Dashes Angostura Bitters
1 oz Soda
Muddle orange, cherry, sugar & bitters. Add liquor, stir, add ice, and top with soda
LYNCHBURG LEMONADE
1 oz Jack Daniels
1/2 oz Triple Sec
3 oz Sweet & Sour
Sprite
Shake until frothy and strain over fresh ice. Top with Sprite
RUSTY NAIL - ROCKS
1 oz House Whiskey
1/2 oz Drambuie
STRAWBERRY LEMONADE
2oz Strawberry Mix
2oz Lemonade Mix
Top with Soda
Shake and strain over fresh ice and top with soda. Stir as required.
RED DELIGHT
2oz Strawberry Mix
1 1/2 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
Top with Red Bull (Regular)
Shake and strain over fresh ice, top with soda. Stir as required.
ISLAND FUSION
1 1/4 oz Pina Colada Mix
1 1/4 oz Passion Fruit Mix
2 1/2 oz Orange juice
Slice of pineapple and Cherry
Shake and strain over fresh ice
SLUSHY COCO LOCO
4oz Red Bull Yellow Edition
2 oz Pineapple juice
1 oz coconut cream/Pina colada mix
Slice of pineapple
Blend
APPLETINI
2oz Tito's Vodka
1oz Sour Apple Pucker
Cherry
Shake and strain into a Martini glass or on the rocks
MANHATTAN
2 oz Buffalo Trace
3/4 oz Sweet Vermouth
Dash Angostura Bitters
Bar Spoon of Cherry Juice
Cherry
Guest preference: stir, shake, and strain
ZACAPA DREAM
1 1/4 oz Ron Zacapa
1/2 oz Baileys
1/2 oz Kahula
1/2 oz Amaretto
1/2 oz Heavy Cream
1/4 oz Sugar Syrup
Shake and strain
ULTIMATE COSMOPOLITAN
2oz Grey Goose Vodka
1/2 oz Cointreau
1/2 oz Cranberry Juice
1 Lime Wedge Squeezed
Lime Twist
Shake and strain
MELON MOJITO COSMO
1 1/4 oz White Rum
3/4 oz Midori
1 oz Mojito Syrup
4 oz Soda
Mint Sprig & Lime
Build ingredients and stir through, top with soda
STARBOARD MADRAS COSMO
2 oz House Vodka
3 oz Orange Juice
2 oz Cranberry Juice
1 oz Sprite
Orange Wedge
Shake all ingredients except Sprite. Strain over fresh ice and finish with Sprite
CARIBBEAN SLING COSMO
1 1/4 oz Spice Rum
3/4 oz Blackberry Brandy
1/2 oz Simple Syrup
3 oz Pineapple Juice
1 oz Orange Juice
Pineapple Wedge
Shake all ingredients and strain over fresh ice
MAI TAI
1 1/4 oz House Dark Rum
3/4 oz Disaronno
3 oz Pineapple Juice
1 oz Orange Juice
1/4 oz Grenadine
Slice of pineapple & cherry
Shake all ingredients except grenadine. Strain over fresh ice
PORT SIDE PUNCH
1oz House White Rum
1/2 oz Malibu
1/2 oz Peach Schnapps
1/2 oz Simple Syrup
3 oz Pineapple Juice
1 oz Cranberry
Pineapple Cherry
Shake all ingredients except cranberry juice. Strain over fresh ice and finish with soda
CITRUS COOLER
1 1/4 oz House Vodka
3/4 oz Triple Sec
4 oz Orange Juice
1 oz Sprite
Orange Wedge
Shake all (except Sprite) and strain over fresh ice. Then top with Sprite
MARGARITA AZUL PILSNER
1 oz House tequila
1/2 oz Triple sec
1/2 oz Blue Curacao
2 oz Margarita Mix
2 oz Sprite
Lemon wedge / Half Salt Rim
Shake and strain over fresh ice. Filled pilsner glass top with Sprite
ROYAL LEMONADE
2 oz House Vodka
2 oz Lemonade mix
4 oz Sprite
Lemon wedge
Build ingredients in glass over fresh ice and stir
WOO WOO
1 1/4 oz House Vodka
3/4 oz Peach Schnapps
1 oz Sour mix
4 oz Cranberry Juice
Lime Wedge
Build all ingredients in a glass
CAPTAINS COLLINS
2 oz House gin
1 1/2 oz Sour mix
1/2 oz Simple syrup
4 oz Soda
Lemon & Cherry
Shake gin with sour mix, strain over fresh ice, and finish with soda
Royal Caribbean Blog is an unofficial fan blog written for other fans of Royal Caribbean International. The Royal Caribbean Blog is not affiliated with Royal Caribbean International
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