Jmccaffrey

I think the "hype" about the bionic bar is purely about marketing.  In short, the bionic bar fits really well for quick 30 second commercials. 
Because it looks different (and is different), it's an attention grabber. 

It's great for socially awkward people.. I'll walk half the ship to start up a conversation with Bionic Barman! 
 
Also he doesn't give you dirty looks for ordering 2 drinks in 5 mins.
 

The one redeeming quality of BBar is I do not feel any pressure to leave any extra gratuity other than the included. 

They still hype North Star and bionic bar , I think think they are the biggest waste of space I’ve ever seen.

Does this mean she will be an all weather ship? 
On the main page it was also mentioned that Royal is working of some type of event in New York as well after her UK sailing.  It isn't particularly warm in either the UK or New York in the later months of the year so I find it interesting they would launch her from Southampton and are trying to get her into New York possibly after her UK sailings.
Could ICON replace Anthem in New York or be an addition to Anthem in New York?  

As of right now, US Government has no plans of opening up Cuba to the US pubic.

Wow....Great info. Thanks MLH

This is a crew member that post great info 
 

He posts quite a few RCLBlog articles. Matt must have pictures of him doing something deviant like sailing Carnival.

Alternate title: Thousands do exactly as millions do every day on airplanes and travel, albeit with better protocols

This week has been a good reminder for everyone that is going on a cruise until further notice to expect the unexpected.
We were lucky that most of the summer and fall was largely uninterrupted, but those of us who went on cruises back in June and July anticipated more changes regularly.
So if you have a cruise booked at all going forward, until Covid is akin to Zika now (in terms of a non-issue), assume something like this could happen on your sailing. 

Aruba has shut to cruises. Odyssey on way back to FLL.... Reportedly: 50% FCC + Refundable On board Credit of 2 nights costs....

a cruise is a cruise is a cruise.
if you study it Royal Caribbean has had the best record of the major 3 in both telling passenger what going on and taking care of them if the come down with the big C.
all this is the result of the new more transmissible variant.
I have a personal opinion on how we should be handling those that are asymptomatic or with minor symptoms, but then that is only my opinion.
You will never have NO cases of the big C on a cruise and should not expect to.
BTW i sail tomorrow, so ask me in 8 days if it was worth it or if my opinion had changed?

That logic makes sense.
Generally speaking, Royal likes the public focused on one new thing at a time. It is/was Odyssey, and Wonder is next.  
They don't want someone saying, "Oh Icon of the Seas is coming? I'll wait to book my cruise until then." They want you booking now and then later on, book again.

My guess would be Q2 2022, after Wonder as debuted. 

Add me to the list, I was SURE it would come out today. I'm like a little kid on Christmas eve.

They are reported to be released sometime this week, the week of the 13th. I am thinking tomorrow will be the day, the last batch I believe were released on Wednesday of that release. I am waiting also, can't wait to see what 2023 brings.....

I mean 27 days seems reasonable. But 28? That's nuts.

Think my joke got lost somewhere lol like the one about french army vehicles only having 1 gear....reverse and the dutch always being stoned and chilling out 🙂

I am pretty sure if it is real, then Royal IT is at it again.
I personally think it is odd to give away free cruises but not bring back all the perks for C&A, The Key and Suites members. I can't buy this as a way to bring in new people for RCG, as the only people who will possibly know about this is the people who already frequent RCG. If that is the case, just send targeted info to those loyal already. I hope that is the case, people who are already booked with RCG will have one of their cruises paid off.

FINALLY!!  The PROOF that this is RCI.  😂

Maybe this website wasn't supposed to go live yet?

This is like triple worlds collide!

L
His twin was working on the Esplanade earlier.  

Look who I found on the Odyssey!