Royal Caribbean Blog

Royal Caribbean has announced it is teaming up with actress and traveler Shay Mitchell to be the cruise line's Adventurist, which is an adventure adviser and storyteller for the world’s most adventurous cruise line.

Known for her role in the TV drama, "Pretty Little Liars," Shay has made a name for herself visiting some incredible destinations around the world, from hot-air ballooning over Morocco to skydiving in Dubai.  In addition to embarkarking on trips with the cruise line and sharing her experiences as they happen, Shay will collaborate with Royal Caribbean experts to develop a series of destination experiences for the ultimate Caribbean cruise, to be revealed this fall.

Shay will personally set sail on board one of Royal Caribbean’s ships this month to begin shaping the new, Shay-recommended adventures.

“I’ve always had a love for travel, and am fortunate to have been able to explore some of the most amazing places around the world, learning quickly that the journey is as important as the destination,” said Shay. “I’m thrilled to take what I have learned from my own travels and dive in with Royal Caribbean to develop the ultimate Caribbean adventure for travelers like me, who are always seeking something new and craving deeper connections to the destinations they visit.”

You can follow Shay's adventure with Royal Caribbean this year on her Instagram, Snapchat (@officialshaym), Facebook and YouTube channel, and by following the hashtags #ComeSeek and #Shaycation.

Following a slew of itinerary updates for upcoming Allure of the Seas, Royal Caribbean has scheduled the ship to enter a dry dock in January 2018 to fix the issue(s) slowing the ship.

Royal Caribbean confirmed on Twitter that Allure of the Seas will enter dry dock on January 21, 2018.

Hi, Michael. Yes, Allure will enter dry dock on January 21, 2018. -Vero

— Royal Caribbean (@RoyalCaribbean) August 18, 2017

All this week, many guests have received email notifications from Royal Caribbean alerting them to a "speed restriction" that forced the cruise line to change scheduled port stops.

Royal Caribbean has not indicated the nature of the issue exactly. 

Royal Caribbean Blog reader Brian Davis shared the Captain of Allure of the Seas indicated a few weeks ago that there was damage to one of the three propellers.

Royal Caribbean is offering a new weekend sale, where guests can get extra money to spend during their cruise on top of the current promotion.

Cruise must be booked between August 18, 2017 through August 22, 2017 12:00 AM EST and applies to sailings departing on or after September 18, 2017. Offer excludes China departures.

The Caribbean Escape Sale offers

• 50% off cruise fare of second guest who must be booked in the same stateroom as a first guest who books at full fare
• 25% cruise fare savings for 3rd guests and higher booked in the same stateroom as the first two qualifying guests
• Kids Sail Free offer
  • Provides free cruise fare of third and higher guests who are 12 years or younger as of cruise departure date, booked in the same stateroom as the first two qualifying guests in a triple or quad occupancy stateroom
  • Kids Sail Free offer is valid on 4–night or longer Europe, Bahamas, and Caribbean Sailings departing September 18, 2017 – May 15, 2018 excluding holiday sailings departing November 17, 2017-November 27, 2017, December 17, 2017–January 8, 2018, February 15, 2018-February 20, 2018 and March 10, 2018 – April 1, 2018
• Deck the Holidays Deals offer
  • Provides savings for guests who book a holiday sailing departing from December 19, 2017 through December 31, 2017 and December 18, 2018 through December 31, 2018.
  • Includes an instant savings determined by category booked and sailing length:
    • $25 off per stateroom for interior and oceanview on sailings 5 nights or less
    • $50 off per stateroom for balconies and suites on sailings 5 nights and less
    • $50 off per stateroom for interior and oceanview on sailings 6 nights and longer
    • $75 off per stateroom for balconies and $100 off for suites on sailings 6 nights or longer

BOGO does not apply to third and higher occupancy guests. BOGO and Kids Sail Free Offers are combinable with NRDB OBC, promotional OBCs and instant savings, NextCruise offers, restricted discounts (for example, Senior, Resident, Military), Crown and Anchor discounts and Shareholder Benefits. Deck the Holidays sale and Caribbean Escape Sale are combinable with NextCruise offers, NRDB OBC, and restricted discounts (for example, Senior, Resident, Military) but are not combinable with Shareholder benefits and Crown and Anchor discounts. All 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.

Offer available to residents of United States and Canada.

Guests with sailings booked on Royal Caribbean's Allure of the Seas are receiving emails from the cruise line that their itinerary has changed due to a speed restriction.

Emails similar to this one that Royal Caribbean Blog reader scottvfl shared, were sent to guests informing them of the itinerary change.

Royal Caribbean has not indicated the nature of the issue exactly.  Based on emails sent to guests, it appears the changes mostly affect Eastern Caribbean itineraries, with St. Thomas often being replaced with San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Propulsion problems are not uncommon among cruise ships, resulting in slower speeds until the issue can be addressed in port. Anthem of the Seas had a similar issue in March 2017, Liberty of the Seas in 2015, Freedom of the Seas in 2014, and even Allure of the Seas back in 2013.

There is no indication yet as to how soon the issue will be resolved.

Royal Caribbean's Chief Meteorologist shared a forecast for what eight cruise ships can expect to see when the Great American Eclipse occurs later this week.

James Van Fleet provided an update on when guests on eight Royal Caribbean ships can witness the eclipse. Not all eight ships will be able to see the full eclipse, but at the very least a partial view is possible.

In addition, Van Fleet shared on his Facebook page a weather forecast for August 21, which has Oasis of the Seas placed in a clear-skied position.

Royal Caribbean has been planning for Oasis of the Seas to follow the eclipse route and provide a perfect viewing angle of the meteorological phenomenon.  In fact, the Oasis of the Seas sailing has been themed around the event, with special events and performances by Bonnie Tyler and DNCE.

With this latest forecast, guests can plan on when they can be on deck to view the eclipse when it happens.

This week's podcast episode is ready to go, as we present episode 211 of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast for your downloading pleasure.

This week, Matt walks new cruisers through what to expect when it comes to the food they can enjoy on a Royal Caribbean cruise.  From what is included, to the specialty dining options available, this is the perfect primer for a (hungry) first time cruiser.

Here’s the podcast page for Episode 211. And don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast via RSS 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!

Guests aboard Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas Total Eclipse Cruise will be able to have a very meta experience, with pop singer Bonnie Tyler singing her hit song during an actual eclipse.

Time is reporting Tyler, who sang the 1983 hit song, "Total Eclipse of the Heart," will be featured aboard Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas special sailing centered around the upcoming Total Eclipse Cruise.

Tyler is a special guest on the Oasis of the Seas for a few days of the week-long cruise, which departs from Port Canaveral on Aug. 20. Her performance is in addition to pop-rock band DNCE.

In addition to these performances, guests on Oasis of the Seas will be treated to other eclipse-themed activities, including dance parties, trivia, interactive science fun for kids and their families, and tasty cocktails and dishes.

UPDATE: Royal Caribbean will stream Bonnie Tyler's performance on Instagram on Monday 8/21, 1pm EST.

Turn your bright eyes to our IG Live to witness Bonnie in all her Eclipse glory. Monday 8/21, 1pm EST. https://t.co/ZVFZL4vzfH

— Royal Caribbean (@RoyalCaribbean) August 16, 2017

Royal Caribbean has a new pre-cruise purchase option on select sailings that combines the deluxe beverage package and the ultimate dining package in one.

The Deluxe Beverage and Ultimate Dining Package offers a bundle of the Deluxe Beverage Package and Ultimate Dining Package for one price.  With this package, you will enjoy

• Unlimited beverages
  • coffee
  • juices
  • sodas
  • bottled water
  • beer, wine
  • spirits
• Discount of 40% off bottles of wine under $100 and 20% off bottles above $100 while dining in specialty restaurants
• Dine at specialty restaurants every night and
• Dine at specialty restaurants at lunchtime on sea days

For restaurants with a la carte pricing, you will receive a $50 food credit.

Thus far, we have spotted this option on Oasis class ships.

Thanks to Royal Caribbean Blog reader Andrew Punch for alerting us to this new offering.

After months of speculation, Royal Caribbean revealed the name of its newest cruise ship for China and celebrated the occasion with a steel cutting ceremony.

At the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany, Royal Caribbean announced its new Quantum Ultra class ship will be named Spectrum of the Seas and marked the official start of construction by cutting the first piece of steel.

Spectrum of the Seas is set to debut in 2019 and will be the first Quantum Ultra ship that will specifically be designed for guests in China and the Asia-Pacific region, and will feature cutting-edge and unprecedented experiences and amenities.

“Today is a very special day in the development of our new Quantum Ultra ship, Spectrum of the Seas. We are now one step closer to delighting our guests in Asia Pacific with this remarkable ship,” said Michael Bayley, President and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. “Spectrum will be another giant leap forward in vessel design and guest experiences that will provide travelers with ample opportunities to create unforgettable memories.”

Royal Caribbean had trademarked the name Spectrum of the Seas in June, but had not commented on the trademark registration until now.

Royal Caribbean has designed Allure of the Seas with the word, "fun" in mind.  In short, there is a ton of activities and things to do on Allure of the Seas. From the spectacle of the AquaTheater shows to the challenge of the mini golf course, you will find no shortage of things to each day of the cruise.

We combed the list of things to do on Allure of the Seas, and came up with our list of nine cannot miss favorite things to try on Allure of the Seas.

Zip lining at sea

Allure of the Seas features its own zip line that is 9 decks above the Boardwalk neighborhood of the ship, and stretches 82 feet from start to finish.  Going for a ride on the zip line means not only a terrific vantage point all around you, but a great family-friendly thrill experience.

Passengers must be at least 52" tall to participate and weigh a maximum of 275 pound, also must at least weigh 75 pounds.

Guacamole from Sabor

The Sabor restaurant on Allure of the Seas serves up a lot of tasty Mexican cuisine, but at the top of the list has to be a bowl of custom ordered and freshly made guacamole.

The handmade guacamole put Sabor on the map when the first Sabor restaurant debuted on Navigator of the Seas in 2014. Since then, legions of Sabor fans have made reservations at Sabor specifically to enjoy this heavenly dish.

See Mamma Mia! Broadway musical

One of the most successful and beloved Broadway musicals, Mamma Mia!, is available for guests to see onboard Allure of the Seas.  Did we mention there is no additional cost to see the show?

Mamma Mia! features the songs of 70's band ABBA, and is featured on every Allure of the Seas sailing.  Mamma Mia! is the story of a girl getting married and wanting to meet her estranged father. Mamma Mia! played on Broadway for over 10 years.

Guests can pre-book reservations online prior to their cruise, or get tickets once onboard.  Ideally, try to get tickets before your cruise to ensure a smooth and effortless show experience onboard.

Hear the singer in the English Pub

Almost every evening, the English pub on Allure of the Seas is home to a talented singer who plays the kind of bar songs we have all come to enjoy over the years.

Located in the Royal Promenade, you should make an effort to stop by at least one evening to take in a set and sing along to songs you probably know the words to, while enjoying a beer or cocktail.  In fact, the pub is where you will find the widest selection of beers and liquors to choose from.

See the Aquatheater Show

OceanAria is the breathtaking show performed in the AquaTheater on Allure of the Seas and it is a must-see while onboard.

Embark on a mystical adventure under the sea as the ancient underwater civilization of Oceanaria comes to life at the AquaTheater in this original Royal Caribbean production. Aerialists and acrobats spring into action with fountains dipping and playing along to a mesmerizing soundtrack.

Be sure to avoid the first three rows of the theater if you do not want to get wet.

Take a behind-the-scenes tour

Royal Caribbean offers an all access tour for guests to join, where they can peek behind the proverbial curtain and see how a ship as massive and impressive as Allure of the Seas functions.

Guests are escorted through a number of critical areas of the ship, including the galley, bridge and engine room.  It is a fun way to take a glimpse of what it takes to keep Allure of the Seas functioning, and even get those nagging questions you have always wondered about finally answered.

The All Access Tour is available to purchase through the Cruise Planner prior to the cruise.

Be sure to also look out for a complimentary tour of Central Park. The tour offers an interesting look at what it takes to have keep all of those plants and trees be so beautiful. The exact day and time will be listed in the Cruise Compass, onboard Allure of the Seas.

Enjoy a drink on the Rising Tide bar

There is something undeniably cool about a bar that moves between decks, and Allure of the Seas has a bar that does just that.

The Rising Tide Bar continuously moves between the Royal Promenade and Central Park, offering some great views while you enjoy your favorite cocktail. There's just something very cool about being on a bar that moves through the air and with a drink in hand, it's a great place to watch all those people that are watching you.

Have a Kummelweck sandwich

There is a lot of great food on Allure of the Seas, but a hidden gem has to be the roast beef sandwiches from Park Cafe.

These sandwiches are just amazing and no trip to Central Park is complete without one of these tasty (and complimentary) treats.

Go for a ride on the carousel

No cruise aboard Allure of the Seas is complete without a ride (or three) on the Carousel.  Regardless of age, guests of all ages can enjoy the classic nature of this attraction.

Located in the Boardwalk neighborhood, you will find a full-sized, traditional hand-crafted carousel that was specially designed for Royal Caribbean.

Be sure to bring your camera, because there are bound to be terrific photo opportunities and ride during the evening and day to get completely different experiences. Also, check out the carousel at night because like the fairs of the past, nighttime is when these rides really shine when they are all lit up.

Your thoughts

Have you been on Allure of the Seas?  What do you think is something that everyone should try onboard? Share your thoughts in the comments for the blog post!