Thank you for joining us for this a look at all the Royal Caribbean news from this week. We had plenty to share, so let us jump right in!

Royal Caribbean announced this week when they resume cruises, its mobile app will be at the heart of many new approaches and policies.

The Royal Caribbean app will be leveraged even more than before by adding new features and capabilities, with more coming in the future.

Features such as the new Muster 2.0, scheduled arrival times, digital key and more are going to be included in the app.

Royal Caribbean expects more advancements to be added to the app, including some changes that will take place "behind the scenes".

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean Group hired a new government relations expert.
• Two new Odyssey of the Seas construction photo updates were released this week.
• Spotted: Later check-in times for Royal Caribbean cruises.
• Royal Caribbean CEO Michael Bayley is part of task force to safe return of tourism to the Caribbean.
• Miami-Dade officials slammed the CDC for slow response to cruise lines to restarting.
• New drone photos of Wonder of the Seas.
• The 3 most important upcoming dates for Royal Caribbean.
• Why you shouldn't fly to your cruise the same day it begins.
• Is the Royal Caribbean credit card worth it?
• A new brighter design for Royal Caribbean deck plans on at least one ship.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 371st episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where Jose shared the story of how he did not like his first Royal Caribbean cruise but that did not stop him.

Jose's first cruise was not to his liking, but he gave it another try, and it exemplifies an important lesson for any first-time cruiser.

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 Group CEO: "We may be within sight of the end"

Royal Caribbean Group Chairman and CEO Richard Fain offered optimism and insight during the continued cruise shutdown.

In a new video update, Mr. Fain said he feels "more positive" that the end of this period of no cruises may finally be coming to an end.

In addition, he touched upon the work the Healthy Sail Panel is doing, and commented on how impressed he is with their progress.

Happy weekend! It has been a busy week of Royal Caribbean news and events, and we have a look back at everything that happened this week.

It was nice to have a change of pace this week when Wonder of the Seas was floated out at her shipyard.

Royal Caribbean's next Oasis Class cruise ship was successfully floated out at 7am on Saturday morning in just about one hour.

Wonder of the Seas is under construction at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France. The fifth Oasis Class ship will debut in 2022.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean will not release its new health protocols until at least the end of September.
• Australia extended its ban on cruise ships until December.
• The Port of Galveston says Royal Caribbean is still committed to begin construction of a new terminal in April 2021.
• Some Adventure of the Seas sailings in 2021 have been shortened due to Galveston pier construction delays.
• A new Odyssey of the Seas construction photo was released this week.
• You can still save money on pre-cruise add-ons with the latest Cruise Planner sale.
• Royal Caribbean stock was up again this week, thanks to positive cruise industry news.
• Why you shouldn't book the cheapest cruise you can find.
• What food or drinks you're allowed to bring on a Royal Caribbean cruise.
• Our readers shared the best piece of cruise advice they have ever received.
• Top 10 best ways to spend $100 on a Royal Caribbean cruise.
• How to contact Royal Caribbean for help with a cruise cancellation or refund.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 370th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where Jeff reviews two Grandeur of the Seas cruises.

This week's cruise story is a "two-fer", where Jeff contrasts his first Grandeur of the Seas cruise to his latest one.

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.

8 cruise ship tips from a former employee

Royal Caribbean crew members live on their ships for months at a time, and they see guests doing a lot of things during this time, including mistakes.

Former crew member Pippa Madden worked on cruise ships for 8 years and shared helpful do's and don'ts based on what she saw onboard.

Here are eight things to do, avoid, or simply be aware of, for your cruise vacation.

Welcome to this week's edition of the Royal Caribbean post round-up, where we summarize all of the Royal Caribbean news and information from this week into one handy-dandy post! There is plenty of great content to enjoy, so sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's round-up!

Royal Caribbean fans were relieved to hear that Grandeur of the Seas will remain in the fleet after all.

Plans to transfer Grandeur to Pullmantur Cruises has been cancelled due to Pullmantur's dire financial situation.

No new sailings have been announced yet, but more details are expected to be announced soon.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean canceled all Australia & New Zealand cruises until November.
• Royal Caribbean Group Chairman: "We are closer to the other side of this crisis every day".
• CDC dropped 14-day quarantine requirement after international travel.
• Royal Caribbean Group Chief Medical Officer talks vaccines, testing and cruise ship safety.
• Royal Caribbean's stock rallied this week after positive testing news.
• Important restrictions on how you cannot use your future cruise credits.
• How to plan a cruise vacation with maximum flexibility.
• Is it better to take a short or long cruise?
• Avoid these cruise ship cabin booking mistakes.
• 5 giant suites you can book on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship.
• Should I book a guarantee stateroom on a cruise?
• Top signs a Royal Caribbean drink package will probably save you money.
• What's the difference between a balcony and a suite cabin on a cruise?
• Top 5 things to do on Royal Caribbean for adults.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 369th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where Sharla talks about her first cruise to Alaska.

This week's cruise story features Sharla recalling her first visit to Alaska on Explorer of the Seas, and which memories stand out from her first time visiting this area.

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.

Harmony of the Seas Captain's message to guests: ready to welcome guests back

The Captain of Harmony of the Seas took to Twitter this week to share a short message to guests that he and the crew cannot wait to welcome back guests onboard.

In the short video, Captain Johnny Faevelen drove around the Central Park neighborhood on his scooter while showing off the ship.

While Captain Johnny's message contains no new information on when or how Royal Caribbean might start cruising again, the sentiment has resonated with cruise fans who are equally eager to get back onboard.

Thanks for joining us for another weekly look at all of the Royal Caribbean news from this week.  The late-summer heat is still on, and we have plenty of Royal Caribbean news to share from this week.

Anthem of the Seas sailed back to Southampton, England, following a short drydock refurbishment.

Along with Allure of the Seas, Anthem of the Seas was spotted off the South Coast of England.

A few Royal Caribbean ships have been positioned off the southern coast of England, and make periodic stops in Southampton for resupply.

Royal Caribbean News

• MSC Cruises new health policy refused a family on its ship that broke the rules.
• St. Kitts has allowed two Royal Caribbean ships to harbor there, although their arrival has been delayed.
• Royal Caribbean looking to restructure Freeport port deal.
• Wall Street thinks Royal Caribbean will not return to pre-Covid levels until 2024-2026.
• Why you shouldn't cancel your upcoming Royal Caribbean cruise.
• What does it mean when a cruise ship goes into cold lay-up?
• What is the worst Royal Caribbean ship?
• Should you prepay gratuities for a Royal Caribbean cruise?
• Where can I eat on the first day of my Royal Caribbean cruise?
• The things Matt hasn't done yet on Royal Caribbean.
• What's the difference between cruise lines?

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 368th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where Matt shares an overview of the Cruise with Confidence program.

Something so many of us are now dealing with are future cruise credits, and how to deal with getting them, redeeming them, and of course waiting for them.  This week’s podcast will talk about FCCs and what to expect when you’re expecting. 

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.

Despite rumors online, Royal Caribbean hasn't sold Empress of the Seas

There was a lot of speculation on the internet this week that Empress of the Seas had been sold, but the cruise line insists that is not true.

Rumors began swirling again this week following an unnamed source claiming Empress was sold. 

A Royal Caribbean spokesperson confirmed that Empress has not been sold. Rather, she is in Greek waters for an extended "stay for a few months".

Welcome to this week's edition of the Royal Caribbean post round-up, where we summarize all of the Royal Caribbean news and information from this week into one handy-dandy post! There is plenty of great content to enjoy, so sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's round-up!

Royal Caribbean provided a business update this week in conjunction with announcing its second quarter 2020 financial results.

The cruise giant reported a $1.6 billion loss for the quarter, compared to a $472.8 million income last year at the same time.

Royal Caribbean's estimated monthly cash burn is about $250 million to $290 million per month during a prolonged suspension of operations. 

Royal Caribbean Group indicated 2021 cruise bookings are trending well and is within historical ranges.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean is considering extending Future Cruise Credits.
• Here's a look at where Royal Caribbean cruising is right now, and what's to come next.
• The CDC has begun posting comments from the public on cruises resuming.
• Here's all the health policies Royal Caribbean has confirmed or hinted once cruises resumes.
• Here are the crew members to find if you have a problem onboard your cruise.
• Bahamas wants cruises to return to Nassau, not just private islands
• Check out our Royal Caribbean FAQ.
• Odyssey of the Seas lifeboats have been delivered to shipyard.
• Royal Caribbean Group announced it has gotten a loan facility for $700 million.
• Royal Caribbean is planning its future without any federal assistance for a bailout.
• Royal Caribbean thinks a lot of people want to go on a cruise next year.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 367th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where Pacale talks about a memorable cruise on Jewel of the Seas.

Pascale sailed on Jewel of the Seas in 2004 during a hurricane, and shares how the storm did not ruin what ended up being a really fun cruise vacation.

Please subscribe via iTunes or RSS, and head over to rate and review the podcast on iTunes if you can! 

You might have to take a COVID-19 test to go on a Royal Caribbean cruise in the future

Royal Caribbean's CEO said the cruise line is thinking about using rapid testing for guests in order to go on a cruise.

Royal Caribbean International CEO Michael Bayley indicated testing of guests is "very likely" to occur.

Mr. Bailey said that while the recommendations of the  Healthy Sail Panel of health experts are not available yet, he did say testing will be part of their recommendations.

Happy Sunday! We hope you are having a great weekend! Now it is time to sit back, relax, and catch up on all the Royal Caribbean news from the week!

Earlier this week, Royal Caribbean announced it would once again extend the cancellation of most of its cruises through October 31, 2020 due to the current health crisis.

The extra month of cancelled cruises affects North American and European sailings, although Australian sailings are not affected by this announcement.

Royal Caribbean also added an an additional pause to their China itineraries through September 13, 2020.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean CEO Michael Bayley answered some frequently asked cruise questions this week.
• Wonder of the Seas now looks like it will debut sometime in 2022.
• Who is maintaining Perfect Day at CocoCay while there are no cruises?
• 4 interesting facts from Norwegian Cruise Line's second quarters earnings
• Why you should send your comments to the CDC so cruises can restart.
• The big questions for Royal Caribbean's earnings call next week
• Should you take your kids out of school for a cruise vacation?
• Those sites claiming to list cruise ships for sale aren't legit.
• How to avoid the most irritating lines on a Royal Caribbean cruise.
• Royal Caribbean's CEO explained why overnight stays at Perfect Day at CocoCay did not happen.
• Top 5 things to look for in a good travel agent for your cruise vacation.
• Do all Royal Caribbean cruises qualify for Cruise with Confidence?
• Royal Caribbean Group amended some of its loans for more flexibility.
• MSC Cruises released new onboard policies and procedures to keep guests safe.
• Royal Caribbean ships headed back to Bahamas after Tropical Storm Isaias passed.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 366th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where Matt & Billy debate if the cruise lines are being treated fairly by the CDC.

Ever since the cruise industry effectively shut down, there have been some people who believe cruise lines are being held to a different standard than the rest of the travel industry.

Please subscribe via iTunes or RSS, and head over to rate and review the podcast on iTunes if you can! 

New RCB Video: 5 lessons I've learned from all these cancelled cruises

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 — 5 lessons I've learned from all these cancelled cruises — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Top 10 cruise questions first time cruisers are too shy to ask

When you are new to something, there may be a hesitation to ask questions out of fear of looking foolish.

Cruises are a very welcoming type of vacation, but there are definitely some traditions and unwritten rules that you should be aware of before you step foot onboard.

If you are among the many people going on your first cruise, here are the top questions newbies have but are too shy to ask (so I will answer them for you).

Can you believe August is already here? It is the middle of Summer and there is a lot of Royal Caribbean news to catch up from during this week.

Royal Caribbean announced this week it has hired Dr. Calvin Johnson to serve as the cruise line's first ever Chief Medical Officer.

This new role will tackle the needs of the global health and wellness policy, manage its public health and clinical practice, and determine the strategic plans and operations of its global healthcare organization.

In addition, Dr. Johnson will  collaborate with the Healthy Sail Panel to ensure the company establishes and implements its protocols and recommendations. 

Royal Caribbean News

• Despite rumors online, Royal Caribbean has not sold Empress of the Seas.
• Royal Caribbean's parent company has renamed itself (and dropped the word cruise from the name).
• Artist renderings for a new sports deck design appeared online.
• Royal Caribbean is working on a new main dining room menu.
• Royal Caribbean ships moved west to avoid path of Hurricane Isaias.
• I asked Royal Caribbean fans if they would feel safe going back on a cruise.
• While NCL cancelled more cruises this week, Royal Caribbean has not done the same.
• An inside look at how Royal Caribbean transformed an onboard game to a mobile game to download at home.
• Top 10 health concerns on a cruise ship Royal Caribbean's Healthy Sail Panel will address.
• Anthem of the Seas is underoing maintenance work at a French shipyard.
• Royal Caribbean Group has scheduled its second quarter earnings call with analysts.
• 6 really interesting facts about Royal Caribbean's new cruise safety drill.
• A new Cruise Planner sale on excursions, drink packages and more began this week.
• Check out these common myths about a Royal Caribbean cruise that are not true.
• Here is how to avoid being seated with people you don't know during dinner.
• How much is the drink package on Royal Caribbean?
• Is Royal Caribbean's WiFi worth it?
• A German cruise line started back up, which could be a preview of what to expect on Royal Caribbean.

New RCB Video: 10 Things Every Cruiser Needs Before You Go On A 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 — 10 Things Every Cruiser Needs Before You Go On A Cruise — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Royal Caribbean CEO updates what the cruise line is doing during shutdown

Earlier this week, Royal Caribbean International CEO Michael Bayley emailed its customer loyalty program members to provide an update on what the cruise line is doing during the shutdown.

The lengthy email touch on a number of topics that have been frequently asked by guests during Royal Caribbean's global cruise shutdown, including repatriating crew members, where the ships are, and more.

Mr. Bailey also touched on the work being done to get cruises back operating again, which falls under the cruise line's Healthy Return to Service program.

Happy Sunday! We hope you are having a great weekend! Now it’s time to sit back, relax, and catch up on all the Royal Caribbean news from the week!

Cruisers were happy to hear this week that Royal Caribbean has reimagined the muster drill with a new electronic version.

Dubbed "Muster 2.0", this new safety drill approach will not only promote social distancing, but will also make the safety drill process a heck of a lot more convenient for guests.

Instead of standing in line at the muster station to listen for instructions, guests will be able to do much of the drill from their mobile device or stateroom television, and then simply report to their muster station to complete the process.

Royal Caribbean News

• The ability to cancel cruises with no penalty, as well as Lift & Shift, has been extended.
• Richard Fain commented the situation in the United States is "embarassing" compared to the rest of the world.
• The CDC wants feedback from the public on how cruises should restart.
• Top 10 questions about the new Muster 2.0 process.
• CLIA wants cruise lines to work closer with CDC to resume cruises.
• The Bahamas announced it has closed its borders to cruise ships.
• Refunds are flowing quite quickly now for guests with cancelled cruises.
• We looked back on the significant role Sovereign of the Seas played in changing the cruise industry.
• Here are some top things that are totally worth paying extra for on a cruise.
• Families can play a video game at home, directly ported from Adventure Ocean.
• Which is the best Royal Caribbean cruise ship?
• Ever wondered why the CDC regulates cruise ships?

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 364th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where Steve shares a story about his big win(s) in Casino Royale.

Anytime you go to the casino, you dream of winning it big, but it rarely happens. This week, Steve shares how he won three different jackpots on one cruise!

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: 50 Royal Caribbean tips you should know in 10 minutes

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 — 50 Royal Caribbean tips you should know in 10 minutes — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

What needs to happen before cruises can start again

The big question on everyone's mind is when will cruises actually start again, but first a few things need to happen first.

While the answer is nobody knows when it may happen, there are some important steps that need to occur first in order for Royal Caribbean and other lines to start up again.

The general public is not privy to every single step that may need to occur, but there are some big tasks remaining in the way of cruise ships welcoming guests back onboard.

Happy Sunday! We hope you are having a great weekend! Now it’s time to sit back, relax, and catch up on all the Royal Caribbean news from the week!

The big news this week was when the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announcement it has extended the "No Sail Order" until September 30.

 As a result, Royal Caribbean extended its voluntary cruise suspension through the same time period.

Royal Caribbean confirmed its new target date to resume operations is October 1, 2020.

Royal Caribbean News

• Wonder of the Seas will be delayed from her 2021 arrival.
• Richard Fain talked about social distancing, corporate name change and more this week.
• Two former Royal Caribbean ships will be sold from Pullmantur's fleet.
• Meyer Werft shipyard will shut down for six weeks due to financial difficulties.
• The delay in refunds is now under a month for cancelled cruises.
• Royal Caribbean updated the look of its booking engine on its website.
• Here are some of the best Royal Caribbean dining hacks to try.
• What are the differences between Royal Caribbean's 1D, 2D, 4D, etc balcony rooms?
• A list of do's and don'ts when visiting Labadee.
• Here is a look at where all of Royal Caribbean's cruise ships are around the world.
• Top 5 things you can buy for a cruise that are totally not worth it.
• There is still time to take advantage of a sale on pre-cruise purchases.
• Four ports that probably wont get bigger cruise ships in the future.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 363rd episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where Donal shares the story of how cruising formed new friendships.

This week's cruise story is about the power of cruises, and how Donal booked a cruise and met some people onboard who ended up becoming great friends.

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.

No, nobody knows if the cruise you have booked will actually sail

If there is one question everyone wants to know, it is if their Royal Caribbean cruise booked for later this year or in 2021 will be actually sail, and the truth is no one really knows.

Simply put, there is not enough information and too many variables to come up with odds or wager a guess at what may or may not happen.

While it stands to reason the further out your cruise is, the more time you have for the global health situation to improve, it is impossible to quantify or wager a guess as to which sailings may or may not occur.

Happy Sunday! I hope you are having a wonderful weekend and are ready to catch up on all the Royal Caribbean news from this week!

Royal Caribbean revealed this week its blue ribbon panel of health experts that will create a set of enhanced cruise line health and safety protocols.

The Healthy Sail Panel is comprised of top experts in public health, infectious disease, biosecurity, hospitality and maritime operations in response to the current global health crisis.

Royal Caribbean Group Chairman and CEO Richard Fain spoke with one of the Healthy Sail Panel's co-chairmen, Governor Mike Leavitt, that shed more light onto how this panel was created, where it is going, and what its goals are in order to get cruise ships sailing again.

The Healthy Sail Panel has been working for almost a month, and should have its initial recommendations by the end of August.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean's parent company changed its name.
• A look at where Royal Caribbean is now, and what's next for cruises.
• Odyssey of the Seas has reached a new construction milestone this week.
• Royal Caribbean expects new health protocols to be announced by the end of August.
• How to avoid the most common cruise drink package mistakes.
• Answers to the most commonly asked Lift & Shift questions.
• Tips for getting the most value from staying in a suite.
• How to make the most of your time on a Royal Caribbean cruise.
• The top 10 extra costs not included in a cruise.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 362nd episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where Kelly shares how a few setbacks did not ruin a great cruise vacation.

This week's cruise story is about how cancelled cruises (plural) can eventually result in a great cruise vacation.

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 add social distancing on its cruise ships

One of the new health protocols you can expect to find on Royal Caribbean will be social distancing onboard when its resumes cruises.

Royal Caribbean expects initially to reduce the overall guest capacity on board its fleets to allow for easier social distancing.

As of right now, reducing guest capacity is not expected to be permanent.

In addition, other forms of social distancing are being explored, including reduced capacity at dining and other public venues, staggered embarkation and check-in and the addition of more options for entertainment such as additional show times to allow for social distancing.