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.

Happy July 4th and Canada Day to everyone out in blog land! Many of you are enjoying a relaxing and long weekend, and I hope this week's round up of all the Royal Caribbean news makes it even better!

Royal Caribbean announced this week it has cancelled all of the inaugural Odyssey of the Seas sailings between November 2020 and April 2021.

Odyssey's sailings were cancelled as a result of the current health crisis, issues at the shipyard, as well as Royal Caribbean's supply chain.

In addition to the cancelled sailings, Royal Caribbean also announced two other changes to Odyssey of the Seas.

First, the trapeze school will no longer be a feature of the SeaPlex.

Second, the age restrictions for the Sky Pad virtual trampoline experience will change: guests must be at least 7 years old to jump, and at least 13 years old to jump with a virtual reality headset.

Royal Caribbean News

• A shipyard fire on Odyssey of the Seas occurred recently.
• It looks like Royal Caribbean will have reduced capacity when cruises start again.
• The European Union published a set of health recommendations for cruise lines once cruising resumes.
• Royal Caribbean has repatriated 95% of its crew members.
• Liberty of the Seas will resume sailings from Galveston in 2021 earlier than scheduled.
• How to make "fall off the bone" BBQ ribs at home, just like the ones from Portside BBQ.
• A look at how Royal Caribbean celebrates July 4th on its ships.
• Five projects that did not go the way Royal Caribbean planned.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 361st episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, which debates if you should take your kids out of school to go on a cruise.

Lisa and Matt talk about the important considerations families should consider before pulling kids out of school for a cruise, and what steps they can take to make the process as easy on everyone as possible.

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

There will be a buffet on Royal Caribbean ships when cruises resume

Among the many chances Royal Caribbean could take once cruises resume, one of them is if the buffet onboard will still be available.

Royal Caribbean's head of food and beverage has confirmed that there will indeed be a buffet option onboard, but with a few tweaks.

Linken D'Souza spoke to travel agents about what will happen to the Windjammer, and was very clear that the buffet will be available onboard.

"We will absolutely have a Windjammer with all of your favorites in a very similar fashion to what you've had previously and maybe some different service steps to ensure healthy service."

Happy Sunday! Hope you are having a relaxing weekend and enjoying summer! It is time to sit back, relax, and catch up on all the recent Royal Caribbean news!

Royal Caribbean announced this week it cancelled more cruises, extending its cruise suspension through September 15, 2020.

The cruise line's announcement comes a few days after Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) trade group announced its member cruise lines will cancel all cruises from U.S. ports until September 15, 2020.

Exceptions to this timeline include China sailings paused through July onboard Spectrum of the Seas and Quantum of the Seas, as well as the further suspension of the 2020 Bermuda season onboard Grandeur of the Seas and Adventure of the Seas through October 31, 2020.  Voyager of the Seas sailings through September 30th, 2020 have also been cancelled.

Royal Caribbean plans to resume sailings on September 16, 2020 for the majority of its fleet.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean subsidiary Pullmantur Cruises to be reorganized.
• Water bottles have been replaced by water cans.
• You should expect cruise prices to go up soon.
• New Odyssey of the Seas construction photo update.
• Up to 45% off pre-cruise purchases during Royal Caribbean's Summer Sale.
• If your cruise was cancelled, here is what you should do now.
• It looks like cruise bookings for 2021 are being booked by a lot of people.
• Royal Caribbean has added a way to combine Future Cruise Credits instead of them being reissued.
• The worst cruise mistakes our readers have made on a ship.
• The do's and don'ts of Symphony of the Seas.
• 15 really cool things to do that you can only find on Royal Caribbean cruise ships.
• Check out these expert-level cruise tips that all the cruise pros use.
• Five times Royal Caribbean changed its mind after announcing something

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 360th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, featuring how Ryan proposed to his girlfriend while on a Royal Caribbean cruise.

Ryan took his girlfriend on Oasis of the Seas, and shares what steps he took to plan the perfect proposal.

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

Five costly lessons learned on a cruise

We all make mistakes, including some that cost a lot in the long run, so I wanted to share how to avoid making five really costly lessons-learned on a cruise.

Going on vacation means spending money to splurge and enjoy yourself, but it does not have to mean wasting money. There are plenty of first-time cruise mistakes to avoid, and a few of them could really cost you in the long run.

The proverb, "Experience is The Best Teacher" holds true even on cruises, because there are a few mistakes that could cost you a lot of money.

Happy Sunday! I would like to wish all the dads out there a very Happy Father’s Day! Hope you get to have a relaxing and fun-filled day with your family!

Now it’s time to sit back, relax, and catch up on all the latest Royal Caribbean news!

The big news this week is the apparent extension of cruise cancellations from U.S. ports through September 15, 2020.

The Cruise Lines International Association made the announcement that its member lines will voluntarily extend the suspension of U.S. cruise passenger operations until September 15, 2020.

Royal Caribbean has not announced the change on their end, but the cruise line has already taken down those likely cancelled sailings from its website.

Royal Caribbean posted on their website it will share more details about this announcement with guests early next week.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean will shift its cruises from Venice to Ravenna in 2021.
• The CDC is not sure when it will be safe for cruises to resume.
• One Wall Street analyst thinks the CDC is to blame for cruises not starting back up sooner.
• The new Allure of the Seas sailings from Port Everglades in winter 2021 are available to book.
• New Odyssey of the Seas construction photo update was posted this week.
• A look at what was added to each ship during its Royal Amplification refurbishment.
• What is the best Royal Caribbean specialty restaurant? Our readers weighed on which one they like the most.
• The top things you didn't know travel agents can do for your cruise vacation.
• Royal Caribbean trademarked video game characters.
• How do I pick the perfect first cruise?

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 359th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, featuring Pippa's story of taking her kids on their first cruise

The transition from cruising as adults to cruising with kids is always significant, and Pippa shares the story of when she took her kids on their first cruise and what her experience was like.

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

Richard Fain speaks out on racism & cruises starting up

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. Chairman & CEO Richard Fain posted a new video this week, talking about what his cruise line is doing behind-the-scenes to ensure cruise ships are safe, as well as comment on the George Floyd death.

From his home in South Florida, Mr. Fain started out talking about Royal Caribbean's commitment to working with government authorities in crafting a safe and balanced approach to returning to service. 

In addition, Mr. Fain took time to address the issue of racism, and how important it is for everyone to start conversations on this topic and address the challenges, with the hope it leads to real change.

Happy Sunday! We hope you are having a great weekend and ready to talk a little Royal Caribbean.

The big cruise news this week was Royal Caribbean's announcement that it has postponed indefinitely its upcoming Royal Amplification projects.

Four ships had upgrades scheduled this year and next year, but those are now on hold until further notice.

While technical dry docks may still occur (where the propulsion and necessary maintenance upgrades take place), new features, activities and amenities will not be added as scheduled for Allure of the Seas, Explorer of the Seas, Liberty of the Seas and Adventure of the Seas.

Despite the news, Royal Caribbean says they still plan to complete the delayed cruise ship makeovers at a later date.

Royal Caribbean News

• Allure of the Seas will not sail from Galveston in winter 2021-2022.
• Three ships will sail from Australia in 2021-2022.
• Could this be the eMuster functionality we think is coming to cruise ships?
• Royal Caribbean pushes back China sailings return & cancels Denmark cruises.
• You can now use a Future Cruise Credit to pay for a Royal Caribbean cruise deposit.
• Royal Caribbean provided an update on how many crew members it has repatriated.
• The top ten Royal Caribbean questions people are searching for on Google.
• Five lessons I've learned from all of these cancelled cruises.
• Latest Odyssey of the Seas construction photo update.
• Navigator of the Seas tips & best things to do.
• How do you get free drink packages on Royal Caribbean?
• US Passport service is starting to resume again.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 358th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, featuring the story of Donna's attempt to add some family fun to their cruise.

In this episode, Donna tells us about her family Olympics idea that she incorporated into a Radiance of the Seas cruise as an ongoing activity the family was able to enjoy throughout the cruise.

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

What I wish I'd known before I went on a Royal Caribbean cruise

There are so many times in life that we wish we could go back in time and change what we did based on what we know now, including avoiding mistakes on a cruise ship.

Looking back on the cruises I have taken, I compiled the top things I wish I knew before I ever got onboard any Royal Caribbean ship.

Learn from what I have learned over the past few years, and check out these tips for avoiding common cruise mistakes.

Happy Sunday! We hope you are having a great weekend and ready to talk a little Royal Caribbean.

Earlier this week, Royal Caribbean pulled the plug on its 2020 Alaska, Hawaii and Canada cruises, following a decision by Canada to ban cruise ships through the end of October.

Royal Caribbean indicated itineraries touching on a Canadian port through October 2020 are suspended.

Without the ability to visit Canadian ports, Royal Caribbean cruises cannot legally offer sailings because of U.S. cabotage laws that require foreign-flagged vessels leaving from a U.S. port of call to first call on a "distant foreign port" before returning to the United States.

Royal Caribbean News

• Richard Fain suggested "new normal" is what the cruise industry has always done.
• Royal Caribbean's headquarters in Miami will begin reopening next week.
• Norwegian Cruise Line announced their new onboard health policies for crew and guests onboard its ships.
• A new cruise planner sale kicked off this week.
• Royal Caribbean announced up to $2 billion in bonds and announced pricing for them.
• Photos of Majesty and Jewel of the Seas in Southampton helping repatriate crew members.
• The CDC will use a color-coded system to classify cruise ships during the shutdown.
• 10 weird things about Royal Caribbean cruises that no one tells you about.
• Why you should book an inside room.
• Top 10 things to do before going on a cruise.
• What is the best time to cruise to the Caribbean?
• Wall Street thinks it will take years for Royal Caribbean's revenue to recover.
• What happens if you want to cancel your Royal Caribbean cruise this year?
• Here is a list of what you can not bring on a cruise.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 357th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, featuring the story of two brothers who cruise annually together.

In this episode, Joe shares how he and his brother take a "bro cruise" every year as an opportunity to catch up with family, as well as enjoy their favorite way to vacation.

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

Do's & Don'ts of Perfect Day at CocoCay

Perfect Day at CocoCay is packed with so many activities for families to enjoy, and it has quickly become a must-visit destination for lots of cruisers.

If you are looking to make the most of your visit to this private island, I have compiled a list of thirteen do's and don'ts of Perfect Day at CocoCay to ensure your next visit is flawless.

Stay up-to-date with all the Royal Caribbean news from this week with our roundup of all this week's news.

Bad news came down from north of the border this week, when Canada announced it would extend its ban on cruise ships through October 31, 2020.

The ban of cruise ships in Canadian waters makes operating cruises to Alaska or New England effectively impossible because U.S. cabotage laws require foreign-flagged vessels leaving from a U.S. port of call to first call on a "distant foreign port" before returning to the United States.

Royal Caribbean has promised an update on affected sailings by Tuesday.

Royal Caribbean News

• There will not be overnight stays at Perfect Day at CocoCay.
• Changes made once cruising resumes may not be permanent changes.
• Royal Caribbean hired back over 100 laid off workers to help answer phones.
• Richard Fain published a new video about new protocols and procedures.
• Royal Caribbean's stock price has seen a resurgence recently.
• Is a cruise drink package worth buying?
• Here are the ways to get a cheap cruise.
• Ever thought about trying a repositioning cruise?
• Learn all about solo cruises on Royal Caribbean.
• Here is what you need to know to decide between the passport book vs card.
• Top 9 bad mistakes made when planning a Royal Caribbean cruise.
• Haines, Alaska wants more Royal Caribbean ships to visit.
• Test your knowledge with our Royal Caribbean brain teaser trivia.
• Here is how to have cruise ship fun at home while there are no sailings.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 356th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, that shares the story of Bryan's family cruise on Allure of the Seas.

Bryan took this family on Allure of the Seas for a family vacation that redefined what the new standard of family fun was for his clan.

Please feel free to subscribe via iTunes or RSS, and head over to rate and review the podcast on iTunes if you can! I would appreciate it.

Would you cruise if wearing a mask is mandatory?

Many tourist businesses opening back up now are requiring guests to wear masks, and the question is if Royal Caribbean will do the same.

I polled over two thousand people who typically go on Royal Caribbean if they would cruise again assuming wearing a mask was mandatory, and it was clear how readers felt about wearing a mask.

Royal Caribbean has not divulged any specifics of the plans and protocols in intends to introduce once cruising resume, but many believe wearing a mask onboard the ship might be included as part of the new rules.

Happy Sunday and happy unofficial start to summer, as the Memorial Day weekend here in the United States marks the start of the season for many.

Royal Caribbean cancelled all of its sailings through July 31, 2020, pushing back the date it may restart sailings.

The announcement came at the end of the company's earnings call with investors, with a new target date to resume on August 1, 2020.

The only exception to the suspension is China sailings, which will be suspended through the end of June.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean reported over $1 billion losses during the first quarter.
• Allure of the Seas arrived in Spain to begin some dry dock work.
• Richard Fain told CNBC "We're not sure when we're coming back"
• Here is Royal Caribbean's explanation on why refunds are taking so long.
• Royal Caribbean's newer ships reach a break-even point quicker than older ships.
• Demand by repeat cruises has surprised the cruise line.
• Corporate partner Universal Studios Orlando will reopen on June 5.
• Australia extended its ban on cruise ships until September.
• Royal Caribbean ends option for travel agents to complete online check-in for guests.
• United States and Canada extend non-essential travel border shutdown an additional 30 days.
• 7 family games that bring a Royal Caribbean cruise to your house.
• How to postpone your Royal Caribbean cruise until later due to coronavirus
• Many cruisers willing to go back on cruise ships before a vaccine exists.
• Here is the latest Odyssey of the Seas cruise construction photo.
• Italy is going to reopen its borders in June.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 355th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, that features Brent's first Royal Caribbean cruise.

Vania shares how finding other cruise fans online helped fuel her love of going on a cruise, and shares how it compelled her to book an Anthem of the Seas 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.

What changes will Royal Caribbean make to keep guests healthy once cruises resume?

Many cruisers are wondering what the cruise experience will be like in first few months once cruises resume.

Without a doubt, Royal Caribbean will implement a wide variety of policy changes to the onboard experience, but it remains to be seen exactly what these changes will look like until a formal announcement is made.

Check out our list of changes we know about, and unconfirmed changes that are still considered rumors.

Stay up-to-date with all the Royal Caribbean news from this week with our roundup of all this week's news.

Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley spoke on a variety of topics this week related to the cruise line's return to service.

Among the many questions, Mr. Bayley indicated he believes there may not be a Windjammer buffet in the beginning.

"I think in the beginning, there will not be a buffet in the beginning, that's how I see it. It depends again upon the timing. We will utilize the space, we will utilize the Windjammer, but in all probability it won't be a classical buffet. It will be something more akin to a restaurant."

Royal Caribbean News

• Allure of the Seas will begin her delayed refurbishment this weekend.
• A Wall Street analyst estimated how long Royal Caribbean can last without any revenue.
• Everything you need to know about Lift & Shift.
• How to take advantage of Royal Caribbean's Best Price Guarantee option to reprice cruises.
• A new set of photo packages is available to pre-purchase.
• The port project in Freeport, Bahamas is still a go.
• Royal Caribbean hired new Washington DC lobbyists.
• Did you know Royal Caribbean used to distribute passenger lists?
• Eight lessons I learned by cruising with kids.
• This is now the longest we have gone without Royal Caribbean canceling more cruises.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 354th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, that features Brent's first Royal Caribbean cruise.

Brent had cruised with Celebrity Cruises for a while, but decided to give Royal Caribbean a try in order to take advantage of all the great family activities. He shares what coming to Royal Caribbean was like, and how the sister brands compare.

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 Cancellations

Do you have questions about if Royal Caribbean will cancel more cruises and what happens if their cruise is included?

There is plenty of concern out there, and I have a breakdown of everything you need to know about what happens (and has happened) when Royal Caribbean cancels more cruises.

There is plenty of doubt about the future of cruising, and what to expect if your Royal Caribbean cruise is cancelled, but this guide will explain everything that happens should it happen to you.

Happy Mother's Day! All the moms out there deserve a big hug, thank you, and hopefully a cruise booking too.

Royal Caribbean unveiled an expanded ability to cancel and rebook cruises earlier this week.

The "enhanced & extended Cruise with Confidence policy" offers guests the ability to cancel up to 48-hours prior to sailing in exchange for a 100% Future Cruise Credit on sailings through April 2022 for bookings made on-or-before August 1, 2020.

In addition, a new "Lift & Shift" program was announced to move a cruise to a similar sailing one year away. 

On top of all of that, Royal Caribbean relaxed its Best Price Guarantee up to 48-hours prior to their cruise vacation start date, ensuring the best rate and/or promotion.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean issued a business update on how its business is doing given the major impact of no cruises.
• Royal Caribbean has cancelled plans to introduce a Spa stateroom category on its ships.
• Carnival Cruises announced its plans for resuming cruises.
• Grand Cayman announced it will close its borders to cruise ships until September.
• Five important facts from Royal Caribbean's business update.
• Two sailings were cancelled so that the ships could repatriate crew members.
• Richard Fain spoke on the work to get crew home and resume cruises.
• Get Kids Sail Free & 30% off all guests on cruises booked in May.
• Royal Caribbean is working on a plan to get its crew members home.
• Have you gotten your refund yet? I asked readers if they have gotten theirs yet.
• Have you seen this uplifting video made by Royal Caribbean's entertainment team?
• One year ago this week, Perfect Day at CocoCay officially opened.
• I shared some really captivating Royal Caribbean cruise photos.
• Here is the full recipe on how to make the Grand Sabor Margarita at home.
• The Royal Caribbean shareholder meeting is scheduled for the end of May.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 353rd episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, that features Ron's story of how he rescheduled a cruise to work around family obligations

Our love of cruising can sometimes take a back seat to our loved ones, and Ron tells us about how he changed sailings to work around family plans and ended up with a fantastic 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.

How to get ready for your next cruise (whenever it happens)

While there are no Royal Caribbean cruises to go on currently, the day when they will sail again is coming, and now is a great opportunity to prepare for that vacation.

One of the best ways to ensure you have a fantastic vacation is to plan ahead, as I see too many cruisers that do little to no research into their vacation.

Make the most of your cruise with these top tips!