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Royal Caribbean Post Round-Up: March 6, 2022

In:
Royal Caribbean Post Round-Up
06 Mar 2022

Welcome to March! We hope you are having a great weekend and are ready to sit back, relax and catch up with all the latest Royal Caribbean news!

Wonder of the Seas is finally here and welcoming passengers onboard!

Wonder of the Seas at sea aerial

The biggest cruise ship in the world departed Fort Lauderdale, Florida on Friday to start a 7-night cruise, and the ship's inaugural season.

The ship is packed with new features and activities, such as a new southern American restaurant, shows across its venues, redesigned pool deck, expansive suite area and more.

Matt is live blogging from Wonder of the Seas this week!

Royal Caribbean News

New RCB Video: Cruise mistakes I've made!

Have you subscribed to the Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube Channel? We share some great videos there regularly, all about taking a Royal Caribbean cruise! This week, we are sharing our latest video — Cruise mistakes I've made! — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 444th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available with a preview of Matt's Wonder of the Seas cruise.

Matt is sailing on Wonder of the Seas' first two sailings, and provides an overview of what he has planned and what he's excited to try onboard.

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.

Best things to do in Nassau on a cruise

 

While many cruises visit Nassau, Bahamas, it remains a bit of a tough port to plan on what to do.

Many cruise passengers skip Nassau altogether and stay on the ship, believing that there is nothing worth seeing, but that couldn't further from the truth.

Whether you’re looking for a beach day, hoping to try local foods, or learn about Bahamian history and culture, there are plenty of exciting activities to choose from in Nassau.

Food on a Royal Caribbean cruise

 

Have you been wondering how food works on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship?

Buffets, restaurants, room service, and more await you on a cruise, so what's included and what costs extra? What is dinner like and what should you know about each of the types of restaurants?

Check out our in-depth guide to food on a Royal Caribbean cruise for insight into what to expect.

Royal Caribbean Post Round-Up: February 27, 2022

In:
Royal Caribbean Post Round-Up
27 Feb 2022

Happy Sunday, and I hope you had a great week. It was a busy week of Royal Caribbean fun, and I have a round-up of all of it in this hand-dandy blog post.

Royal Caribbean revised its health protocols to reflect the relaxed requirements by the U.S. government.

Miami-Dade officials slam CDC for slow response to cruise lines to restarting | Royal Caribbean Blog

Royal Caribbean issued new health protocols that apply to all cruises sailing from the U.S., Puerto Rico, and Barbados between February 25, 2022 and April 14, 2022

Changes include optional mask wearing for vaccinated guests, removal of vaccinated venues, and the elimination of vaccine wristbands.

Royal Caribbean News

New RCB Video: 7 things Royal Caribbean changed that I like!

Have you subscribed to the Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube Channel? We share some great videos there regularly, all about taking a Royal Caribbean cruise! This week, we are sharing our latest video — 7 things Royal Caribbean changed that I like! — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 443rd episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available with a review of Matt's Independence of the Seas cruise.

Matt sailed on a 3-night Independence of the Seas cruise and shared what it was like, and what stood out from his weekend sailing.

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.

Royal Caribbean will bring back some Crown and Anchor loyalty program benefits

More loyalty benefits are coming back to Royal Caribbean's repeat customers.

Beginning with sailings on March 15, Royal Caribbean announced a number of Crown and Anchor Society benefits that were temporarily removed due to Covid-19 will make a return.

The reason these were suspended was to promote social distancing and the result of other Covid-19 related protocols.

Wonder of the Seas arrives in U.S. for her first sailings

 

Wonder of the Seas has arrived in the United States!

The newest ship in Royal Caribbean's fleet sailed into Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida in advance of her first sailing scheduled for March 4, 2022.

Wonder of the Seas measures 1,188 feet and has a gross tonnage of 236,857.  At double occupancy, she can handle 5,734 passengers along with 2,300 crew members.

How to communicate with other friends and family on your cruise

 

Whether your kids, siblings, friends, or neighbors on the same cruise as you, there's going to be a need to send a message while on a ship. So what's the best way to do communicate with someone on a cruise ship?

We've got a list of common and useful ways of doing being able to easy contact someone, with each method coming with pros and cons. 

Royal Caribbean Post Round-Up: February 20, 2022

In:
Royal Caribbean Post Round-Up
20 Feb 2022

Hope you are having a great weekend.  Here is all of this week's Royal Caribbean cruise news.

The big cruise news this week was Royal Caribbean's announcement it will begin requiring at least 95% of the ship be fully vaccinated and make face masks optional onboard.

Royal Caribbean confirmed it has opted into the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) voluntary Covid-19 reporting program.

As a result of opting into the, "highly vaccinated program", at least 95% of passengers and 95% of crew will be fully vaccinated on Royal Caribbean ships.

Royal Caribbean News

New RCB Video: 22 Tips for Royal Caribbean cruise in 2022

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Have you subscribed to the Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube Channel? We share some great videos there regularly, all about taking a Royal Caribbean cruise! This week, we are sharing our latest video — 22 Tips for Royal Caribbean cruise in 2022 — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 442nd episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available featuring a review of Matt's Brilliance of the Seas cruise.

In this episode, Matt reviews his 4-night Western Caribbean sailing on Brilliance of the Seas.

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.

Guide to pre-cruise Covid test

Before you cruise, you'll need a negative Covid-19 test result and the rules and requirements can be a little confusing.

To simplify things, we've written a complete guide to testing policies and requirements as of February 2022.

With this article, you should have an easy understanding of how to get a test done before you sail.

Harmony of the Seas vs. Anthem of the Seas

Trying to decide between Harmony of the Seas or Anthem of the Seas?

The Quantum and Oasis Class ships are among the biggest in the world and come with seemingly endless dining venues, entertainment choices, and activities.

Take an in-depth look at how each of these ships compares to the other.

All about Quantum Class ships

Ovation of the Seas enters dry dock for routine five year maintenance | Royal Caribbean Blog

Royal Caribbean's Quantum Class cruise ships are packed with signature activities, diverse dining options, and technology integrated throughout the ships.

Here's a look at everything the Quantum Class has to offer, and how the ships within the class differ from each other.

Royal Caribbean Post Round-Up: February 13, 2022

In:
Royal Caribbean Post Round-Up
13 Feb 2022

Happy early Valentine's Day! Hope the holiday is filled with chocolate, flowers and a Royal Caribbean cruise! I'm spreading the Royal Caribbean love with our look at all the Royal Caribbean news from this week.

Royal Caribbean plans to roll back the Omicron mask protocols on its cruise ships.

Beginning February 15, 2022, the stricter mask rules will go away and that means guests will not have to wear face masks at venues designated for vaccinated guests only, such as select bars, lounges, restaurants, shows and Casino Royale. 

In addition, smoking will be allowed again in the casino.

Royal Caribbean News

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 441st episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available and we're previewing Wonder of the Seas.

In this episode, Matt lists what he's most excited to see, try, and eat on Wonder of the Seas next month.

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 RCB Video: Boarding day tips you need in 2022

Have you subscribed to the Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube Channel? We share some great videos there regularly, all about taking a Royal Caribbean cruise! This week, we are sharing our latest video — Boarding day tips you need in 2022 — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Will cruises to Alaska happen in 2022?

 

 

What should we expect for cruises to Alaska this year, given the challenges with Canada.

Four Royal Caribbean ships are sailing to Alaska in 2022, and the cruise line is set for a big season.

If everything stays the same as it is now, it appears the ship will be able to operate.

Cruise industry slams CDC for "discriminatory" view of Covid on ships

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated its guidance to the public for going on a cruise, and the cruise industry wants none of it.

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) issued a statement blasting the CDC for being "unnecessarily discriminatory against
cruise".

CLIA points to the strong protocols and falling cases on ships as proof cruise ships are a safe manner of travel during the pandemic.

What to wear on a cruise formal night

 

Formal night conjures up many images, but what exactly should you wear on formal night?

Despite the name, formal night is not nearly as regal or proper as you might think.

Jenna shared advice and tips for what to wear on formal night. Fear not, ball gowns not required.

Royal Caribbean Post Round-Up: February 6, 2022

In:
Royal Caribbean Post Round-Up
06 Feb 2022

Happy weekend! We hope you are in the midst of a wonderful weekend full of things to do to pass the time between cruises.  We have a summary of all of this week's Royal Caribbean news in case you missed any of it!

Royal Caribbean released its fourth quarter 2021 earnings this week.

Not surprisingly, it was another billion dollar loss, but things look more promising as the year progresses.

Notwithstanding the impact from Omicron, the expectation is to be operating cash flow positive in late spring. 

They expect a Net Loss for the first half of 2022 and a return to profitability in the second half of 2022.

Royal Caribbean News

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 440th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available and this week, Matt lists the things he thinks is worth spending extra on during a cruise.

What's really worth your money and which extras aren't? Matt has a list of his picks for this week's episode.

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 RCB Video: Harmony of the Seas full ship tour

Have you subscribed to the Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube Channel? We share some great videos there regularly, all about taking a Royal Caribbean cruise! This week, we are sharing our latest video — Harmony of the Seas 2022 Cruise Ship Tour — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

February 2022 cruises: what to expect

Friday Photos - February 8, 2019 | Royal Caribbean Blog

Have a February cruise booked? Here is what to expect onboard.

This article looks at the weather, health protocols, and special events anyone with a February cruise should know about.

Royal Caribbean removes future cruise credit "book by" deadline

Royal Caribbean hopes a new change to future cruise credits will be a positive change for guests.

Royal Caribbean has removed the "book/redeem by" deadline, and FCCs can now be redeemed anytime up until the expiration date listed on the certificate.

Royal Caribbean said the decision was made due to limited options for guests in light of the current global situation.

Health expert shares advice for going on a cruise ship amid Omicron

Navigator of the Seas Live Blog - Day 2 - Sea Day | Royal Caribbean Blog

What should you or shouldn't you do to keep yourself healthy on a cruise right now?

I reached out to Dr. Anthony Harris to share recommendations for best health practices. 

Dr. Harris has a lot of experience with travel recommendations, and shared his thoughts for anyone going on a cruise.

Royal Caribbean Post Round-Up: January 30, 2022

In:
Royal Caribbean Post Round-Up
30 Jan 2022

Happy weekend! We hope you are enjoying a wonderful and relaxing weekend and managing to stay warm. Now it is time to sit back with a cuppa tea or java, and check out the latest in Royal Caribbean cruise news.

Royal Caribbean's newest cruise ship joined the fleet this week when Wonder of the Seas was delivered.

The new ship was delivered to Royal Caribbean by ship builder Chantiers de l’Atlantique at a small ceremony in Marseille, France.

This is the fifth Oasis Class cruise ship, and Wonder will begin sailing with her inaugural voyage March 4, 2022 from Fort Lauderdale, Florida.  

Royal Caribbean News

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 439th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where Jenna shares a review of her cruises on Independence and Harmony of the Seas.

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 RCB Video: When you'll have to quarantine if you get Covid on Royal Caribbean cruise

Have you subscribed to the Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube Channel? We share some great videos there regularly, all about taking a Royal Caribbean cruise! This week, we are sharing our latest video — When you'll have to quarantine if you get Covid on Royal Caribbean cruise — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

The last original Royal Caribbean cruise ship has been scrapped

The ship formerly known as the Sun Viking has been scrapped.

One of the original three Royal Caribbean cruise ships, she was beached this week in Pakistan to be broken up and recycled.

The ship had mostly recently been operating as the Oriental Dragon, where she operated as a a gambling ship in Hong Kong and Penang, Malaysia.

I tried The Key on an Oasis Class ship to see if it's worth it

Should you buy The Key?

Jenna recently sailed on Harmony of the Seas to get a sense if The Key is worth it on an Oasis Class cruise ship.

Crown and Anchor Society loyalty program info, tips & secrets

Royal Caribbean's customer loyalty program offers ways to get some great rewards the more you sail.

Earning points for your cruise vacation enables you to move up in the loyalty program, giving you exclusive access to pre-cruise discounts as well as onboard benefits and events.

Check out our comprehensive overview of the program’s benefits and offers.

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 Post Round-Up: January 23, 2021

In:
Royal Caribbean Post Round-Up
23 Jan 2022

Hope you had a great week and are staying safe out there. Hopefully you had a chance to keep up with what's new with Royal Caribbean this week. But if not, here's a roundup of this week's news.

Royal Caribbean announced it has extended its stricter mask rules once again.

What it's like to go on a cruise with Royal Caribbean's stricter mask rules | Royal Caribbean Blog

Due to the Omicron variant, anyone sailing on a Royal Caribbean cruise between now and February 14, 2022 can expect to wear their face mask while indoors, even in vaccinated-only areas of the ship.

In addition to the stricter mask rules, smoking in the casino will also remain prohibited through February 14, 2022.

Royal Caribbean News

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 438th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where Matt dedicates this episode to answering as many cruise questions as he can.

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 RCB Video: Rookie cruise mistakes you should not be making in 2022!

Have you subscribed to the Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube Channel? We share some great videos there regularly, all about taking a Royal Caribbean cruise! This week, we are sharing our latest video — Rookie cruise mistakes you should not be making in 2022! — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

A new Southern restaurant is coming to Wonder of the Seas

Are y'all ready for a new kind of specialty restaurant?

The Mason Jar is the name of a new Southern American food restaurant that will be launched on Wonder of the Seas.

The menu will feature Low Country classics, Bayou staples, and BBQ. Not only that, but there will be a brunch menu available.

What are you most concerned about going on a cruise right now?

Why do cruise ships float? | Royal Caribbean Blog

Going on a cruise ship definitely has some changes to the experience, and I wanted to know what our readers are thinking about the most before they get onboard.

I polled Royal Caribbean cruisers on Facebook to see which issues cruise fans thought about, and which concerns were less important.

In less than 24 hours, 2,893 people participated in this unscientific poll and the results were a bit surprising in some cases.

My first impressions of an Oasis-class ship

 

Jenna sailed on her first Oasis Class cruise ship, and shared her thoughts on how one of the biggest cruise ship's in the world compares to her previous sailings.

She sailed on a 7-night Harmony of the Seas cruise this past week, and got to experience an Oasis Class ship after trying out Quantum, Voyager and Freedom Class ships.

Jenna wanted to see how going on a big ship stacks up compared to (relatively) smaller ships.

Royal Caribbean Post Round-Up: January 16, 2022

In:
Royal Caribbean Post Round-Up
16 Jan 2022

Happy weekend! We hope you are enjoying a wonderful and relaxing weekend and managing to stay warm. Now it is time to sit back with a cuppa tea or java, and check out the latest in Royal Caribbean cruise news.

The cruise industry and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have had their ups and downs over the last two years, but the CDC Director was pleased with the work done by the lines.

At a U.S. Senate Hearing on Tuesday, CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky told Congress it will let the Conditional Sailing Order transition to a voluntary program. She also complimented the work done by cruise lines.

"I think the Conditional Sailing Order and the fact that the industry has stepped up and is now interested in doing and exceeding, as you know, the the compliance with the sail order without the order even necessarily needing to be in place, as is a real testimony to how well that has worked and how we've worked collaboratively with the industry."

Royal Caribbean News

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 437th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where Matt talks about what the cruise industry is doing in response to Omicron.

Bari Golin-Blaugrund from Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) shares insight into what cruise lines are doing despite all the negative press, as well as discuss recent changes from the CDC.

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 RCB Video: How to get the cheapest cruise ship suite

Have you subscribed to the Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube Channel? We share some great videos there regularly, all about taking a Royal Caribbean cruise! This week, we are sharing our latest video — How to get the cheapest cruise ship suite — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

22 Do's and Don'ts for your Royal Caribbean cruise in 2022

 

 

I love sharing cruise tips, but this year there's a few things that you should really focus on when planning a cruise.

Cruise ships are sailing, and despite some hiccups,  there are a few important things you can do during this time to prepare for a 2022 spring, summer, winter or fall cruise.

Appropriately, I've come up with a list of 22 things you should know when planning a cruise in 2022.

What it's like on 4 cruises in a row during Omicron

You might not know it by reading the news, but lots of people are cruising and loving it. So much so, some people are going on multiple cruises in a row.

RoyalCaribbeanBlog reader Greg is sailing on Freedom of the Seas for 5 consecutive cruises, and has completed the first four legs.

Greg shared what it's like to stay onboard a cruise ship right now after all those sailings.

Live blog from Independence of the Seas

Our editor just completed a 4-night cruise on Independence of the Seas, and shared what her cruise experience was like onboard.

Jenna's sailing visited Nassau and Perfect Day at CocoCay, along with plenty of fun onboard.

Check out all the daily posts from Independence:

Royal Caribbean Post Round-Up: January 9, 2022

In:
Royal Caribbean Post Round-Up
09 Jan 2022

Welcome to this week's round-up of all the Royal Caribbean news and happenings.  Hope you are staying warm and are ready to cozy up to the cruise happenings this week.

Unfortunately Royal Caribbean had to cancel sailings on four cruise ships this week, marking the first mass cancellations since last summer.

Symphony of the Seas 2021 cruise recap | Royal Caribbean Blog

Sailings on Symphony, Serenade and Jewel of the Seas were cancelled for at least a few weeks. Vision of the Seas had her return to service pushed back.

The cruise line did not specify the exact reason why these ships were taken offline, only saying the decision was, "a result of the ongoing COVID-related circumstances around the world, and in an abundance of caution."

Many cruise fans think perhaps the decision was due to Covid cases among crew members impacting operations.

Royal Caribbean News

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 436th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where Matt reviews his cruise on Navigator of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean returned to the Mexican Riviera recently, and Matt got to experience a 7-night sailing to Mexico.

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 RCB Video: 6 things cruise pros hate

Have you subscribed to the Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube Channel? We share some great videos there regularly, all about taking a Royal Caribbean cruise! This week, we are sharing our latest video — 6 things cruise pros hate! — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

What happens if you test positive for Covid on a cruise ship

 

 

A lot of cruisers are curious what happens if you test positive for Covid-19 during your cruise.

Brandon Smith sailed on Freedom of the Seas recently and had to quarantine due to testing positive for Covid, and shared his experience.

Brandon shared what happened when he tested positive for Covid on a ship, and what steps and changes you might expect to encounter should it happen to you.

My best advice for going on a cruise ship in early 2022 during Omicron

 

It seems everyone is thinking twice about traveling during the Omicron variant spike in Covid cases, but thanks to Royal Caribbean's strict health protocols, going on a cruise can still be an enjoyable and relatively safe cruise experience.

There's risk with everything, but there are a few easy things any traveler can do to protect themselves while getting back to sea.

If you decide to go ahead with your cruise, I shared important recommendations for how to cruise during the early part of 2022.

Top untrue myths about Omicron variant and going on a cruise ship right now

While there's been lots of announcements in the cruise industry, there's also been a few rumors that simply aren't true about going on a cruise.

Between the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warning vaccinated passengers to not go on a cruise ship, and news reports about missed port calls making the rounds on social media, a lot of misconceptions about where cruising is right now have emerged.

Here are three really important untrue myths about going on a cruise right now that are totally untrue.

Royal Caribbean Post Round-Up: January 2, 2022

In:
Royal Caribbean Post Round-Up
02 Jan 2022

Welcome to the first week of 2022, and here is your look at all of the Royal Caribbean news you might have missed in the past week.

Unfortunately, this past week was dominated by Covid-19 related news and the impact of the Omicron variant on the industry.

The major headline came from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) raising the warning level for going on a cruise ship back up to its highest level.

Based on the increase in Covid cases due to the Omicron variant, the CDC made a recommendation against going on any cruise ship, regardless of vaccination status.

According to the CDC, the virus that causes Covid-19 spreads easily between people in close quarters on board ships, and the chance of getting Covid-19 on cruise ships is very high, even if you are fully vaccinated and have received a Covid-19 vaccine booster dose.

Royal Caribbean News

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 435th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, featuring a look ahead to what Billy and Matt want to see happen in 2022 for the cruise industry.

Matt and Billy try their best to make predictions at a few things that they want if they could wish for it in the coming year.

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 RCB Video: How to do the at-home Covid-19 test Royal Caribbean accepts!

Have you subscribed to the Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube Channel? We share some great videos there regularly, all about taking a Royal Caribbean cruise! This week, we are sharing our latest video — How to do the at-home Covid-19 test Royal Caribbean accepts! — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Navigator of the Seas Live Blog

 

In case you missed it, Matt was live on Navigator of the Seas for a 7-night Mexican Riviera cruise.

Everyday of the cruise, Matt shared a look at what happened onboard and onshore.  This was also the first full sailing with Royal Caribbean's stricter new protocols.

You can catch up on what it's like to be on a cruise ship with all of the updates:

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