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.

The big Royal Caribbean news this week was the announcement of new Empress of the Seas sailings from Bayonne, New Jersey and Montreal, Canada in 2020-2021.

Empress will offer guests the opportunity to see "the seaside lights and historic sights" of Canada and New England with more to see from Montreal to Newport. In addition, she will offer longer stays in Bermuda with overnight stays in St. George’s Island and Hamilton. Plus 6, 7 and 8 night Caribbean itineraries from Miami.

Royal Caribbean News

• Fast Track priority boarding option is available for select guests.
• A new vegan menu is being added to the main dining room.
• New 50th Anniversary souvenir drink cup design.
• Our top picks for what to do in Cozumel.
• A week-long pre-cruise purchase sale began earlier this week.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 313th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where Sheri joins Matt to share how to shop for a cruise at a dollar store.

In this episode, Sheri talks about the sort of things you can buy at a dollar store to prepare for a cruise and save money at the same time.

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: Worst Royal Caribbean advice you will get

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 — Worst Royal Caribbean advice you will get — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Royal Caribbean Around the Internet

Cosmopolitan wrote how a Royal Caribbean cruise turned into their favorite vacation.

Cayman27 shared details on a proposed dock in Grand Cayman.

Hello Fashion listed five reasons to cruise with Royal Caribbean.

It seems like it is heating up everywhere with summer upon on us, and we have the best reading material to enjoy while sitting by the air conditioning.

Are you interested in hearing some of the best Royal Caribbean food secrets out there? Such as where you can enjoy breakfast at Johnny Rockets without an additonal cost, or how to get a discount on a specialty restaurant? Of course you are, and we have twenty-five dining secrets to share!

Royal Caribbean News

• We picked out some interesting tidbits from Royal Caribbean's earnings call with investors.
• Today is the last day for Royal Caribbean's WOW Sale, which has Kids Sail Free offer.
• Here are the top things Royal Caribbean pros never do, and neither should you!
• An updated Perfect Day at CocoCay cabana map has been released.
• Location tracking has been enabled at Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 312th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where Susan reviews her recent Radiance of the Seas cruise to Alaska.

In this episode, listener Susan shares her experiences in Alaska during her southbound Alasksa 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: 5 Royal Caribbean tips you will be surprised you need to know

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 Royal Caribbean tips you will be surprised you need to know — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Royal Caribbean Around the Internet

Cruise Fever reported Royal Caribbean ships had 4 of the 6 perfect health scores in 2019.

Fox 5 looked at how Royal Caribbean's Meteorologist tracks weather for its cruise ships.

Cara Loren shared some tips for anyone headed to Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Transportation Radio interviewed Radiance of the Seas' Captain.

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 of the week was when two Royal Caribbean ships skipped stops in San Juan, Puerto Rico due to concerns over protests in the area.

Empress of the Seas and Harmony of the Seas were re-routed due to political demonstrations in the island's capital. Harmony of the Seas was rerouted on Wednesday to its next port of St. Maarten, while Empress of the Seas visited Tortola instead.

The good news is by Thursday, Allure of the Seas was able to visit San Juan as scheduled.

Royal Caribbean News

• Meet Royal Caribbean's new Crown and Anchor Society Member Ambassador!
• Constructions will begin soon on Coco Beach Club.
• Royal Caribbean will begin charging for select signature attractions on Singapore sailings
• Royal Caribbean's second quarter earnings call with investors is scheduled for next week.
• Royal Caribbean has begun scheduling stops at Glacier Bay National Park.
• Cruise Critic named Royal Caribbean the Top Cruise Line in two regions of the world.
• The first blow-dry bar at sea opened on Navigator of the Seas recently.
• You can now book South Beach Cabanas at Perfect Day at CocoCay.
• Video: Top things you can skip on Royal Caribbean.

New RCB Video: Royal Caribbean's Allure of the Seas to get $165m makeover

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 — Allure of the Seas list of changes for 2020 — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Royal Caribbean Around the Internet

Venture Beat shows how Royal Caribbean is using computer vision to track buffet crowds.

Parents Magazine listed Perfect Day at CocoCay as one of its 20 Best Vacations for Kids.

Star2 shared what a cruise on a Royal Caribbean ship is like.

Happy Sunday! We hope you’re having a relaxing weekend and enjoying summer! It’s time to sit back, relax, and catch up on all the recent Royal Caribbean news!

Royal Caribbean revealed the upgrades and changes coming to Voyager of the Seas as part of a $97 million amplification.

Part of the Royal Amplified program, Voyager of the Seas will become the fourth ship reimagined as part of the Royal Amplified fleet modernization effort. She will receive a number of new first-to-market features. 

Among the changes coming are new water slides, family activities, stateroom upgrades and more.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean formed a new joint venture to develop ports around the world.
• Going on a cruise to Mexico? Here are some fun things to do in each port.
• Royal Caribbean updated the terms of its shareholder benefit.
• A new Kids Sail Free filter has been added to the Royal Caribbean website.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 308th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where Matt discusses the different balcony stateroom options.

When you hear about a balcony stateroom, you may think it is one type of room, but Royal Caribbean has a variety of balcony room offerings.  In this episode, Matt goes over each type of balcony stateroom.

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: Top 5 cruise tips for all cruisers

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 — Top 5 cruise tips  — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Royal Caribbean Around the Internet

The Travel Women shared 11 things you did not know about Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Cruise Habit wrote about cruising during hurricane season.

Afar listed Royal Caribbean as the best cruise line for all ages.

Happy Sunday! We hope you’re having a relaxing weekend and enjoying summer! It’s time to sit back, relax, and catch up on all the recent Royal Caribbean news!

Is a suite worth the extra cost? We broke down the important information of what a suite gets you and if it is worth it.

Staying in a suite will get you the most expansive and luxurious accommodations Royal Caribbean, but it also comes with the highest price tag.  

Check out our breakdown for all the benefits and advantage a suite provides to help you decide if you should try one yourself.

Royal Caribbean News

• Spectrum of the Seas will offer overnight sailings in Tokyo in 2020.
• We spotted a 5 drink card on Majesty of the Seas.
• Royal Caribbean is looking for thril seekers with its new water park.
• Should you book refundable or non-refundable cruise fare?
• There is still a couple days left to save up to 30% on pre-cruise purchases.
• Is a balcony stateroom worth it?

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 307th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where Matt shares a review of his recent Mariner of the Seas cruise

In this episode, Matt shares how his 3-night cruise on Mariner of the Seas was, and how poor weather did not stop him from having a great time.

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 secrets

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 secrets  — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Royal Caribbean Around the Internet

The Travel Women posted an Instagram guide to Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Royal Caribbean reported that Barron’s listed Richard Fain as one of the World’s Best CEOs. 

Skift shared how Royal Caribbean is utilizing a data-driven cruising model.

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

The big news this week came when the U.S. government announced it would no longer allow cruise ships to travel between the U.S. and Cuba. As a result of this policy change, Royal Caribbean cancelled all scheduled visits to Cuba.

The two ships that were offering cruises to Cuba, Majesty of the Seas and Empress of the Seas, have had alternative ports secured.

In addition, Royal Caribbean is offering the option of guests on affected sailings remaining on the cruise and receiving a 50% refund, or they can cancel their cruise and receive a full refund.

Royal Caribbean News

• Spectrum of the Seas made her debut in China.
• Royal Caribbean provided a look at the financial impact of the Cuba travel policy change.
• Independence of the Seas summer 2020 sailings are now available to book.
• We shared our top ten Royal Caribbean dining tips.
• What to know before booking a Royal Caribbean cruise.
• The best waterproof cases for your phone to use at Perfect Day at CocoCay.
• Kids Sail Free is back with Royal Caribbean's June sales promotion.
• There is still some time to take advantage of the pre-cruise purchase sale.
• How to check-in online for your Royal Caribbean cruise.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 305th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, and we are sharing our best tips for first time cruisers.

In this episode, Matt interviews Claudia Diaz-Gonzalez about her work in making the Perfect Day at CocoCay transformation into a reality. Claudia provides a behind-the-scenes look at the hard work she and her team engaged in to bring Perfect Day to CocoCay to life.

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: Royal Caribbean cruise mistakes that are not really a mistake

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 — Royal Caribbean cruise mistakes that are not really a mistake  — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Royal Caribbean Around the Internet

Readers Digest listed the cruise lines that have a private island.

Shack News provided the history and evolution of CocoCay.

Travel Pulse looked at the culinary delights on Oasis of the Seas,

diginomica reported on Royal Caribbean's digital tools that aim to enhance the customer experience.

Cruise Habit shared information on cruising during hurricane season.

Happy Sunday! It is getting hot outside these days, and the Royal Caribbean news this week is equally heated.  

Spectrum of the Seas arrived in Hong Kong earlier this week, marking her entry into the Asian cruise market.

Spectrum of the Seas docked at the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal in Hong Kong on Thursday, making her inaugural call to the city.

Spectrum of the Seas will spend the summer season out of her homeport of Shanghai, and will sail from Chinese homeports year-round.  The ship was designed with the Chinese cruise market in mind.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean signed an agreement with Antigua to increase visits.
• Royal Caribbean's CEO hinted at what the cruise line will do with its recent resort purchase in Freeport, Bahamas.
• Here is how to check instantly for Royal Caribbean stateroom upgrades.
• We posted a new video with a list of the 8 things people do on Royal Caribbean that make absolutely zero sense!

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 304th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where Matt features a listener's recent review of his Freedom of the Seas cruise.

In this episode, Derek shares his experiences on Freedom of the Seas to the Southern Caribbean and talks about why he booked this sailing and everything he did onboard and onshore.

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: Things I wish I knew before visiting Perfect Day at CocoCay

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 – Things I wish I knew before visiting Perfect Day at CocoCay  — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Royal Caribbean Around the Internet

Two Drifters listed their favorite activities for couples.

Cruise Fever reported on Royal Caribbean's top cruiser reaching 8,000 points.

We3Travel shared their list of 11 must-dos on Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Orlando Sentinel reported on a day at Port Canaveral where six cruise ships were docked.'

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.

This big Royal Caribbean news this week was the cruise line's announcement of all the changes coming to Oasis of the Seas for her upcoming amplification.

Oasis of the Seas will undergo a $165 million refurbishment later this year, which will add new dining venues, activities, waterslides and more.

The 63-day modernization will add several new venues, including a few options new to the fleet. Oasis will become the first Oasis Class ship to be modernized as part of the Royal Amplified fleet modernization effort.

Royal Caribbean News

• Our list of top 10 Perfect Day at CocoCay secrets & tips.
• Read a review of the North Star Alaska Experience on Ovation of the Seas.
• Check out the first photos of Ovation of the Seas in Alaska.
• You can print out this cruise ticket template to share with family and friends.
• There is still time to save up to 30% off pre-cruise purchases.
• We reviewed the Holiday Inn Express Miami Airport East for anyone that needs a good pre-cruise hotel.
• Royal Caribbean opened up Voyager of the Seas 2020 sailings from Singapore.
• Quantum of the Seas will have an expanded Singapore season in 2021.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 303rd episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, in which Matt shares his experience visiting Perfect Day at CocoCay.

In this episode, Matt talks about what his first visit to the officially opened Perfect Day at CocoCay was like and what he did, saw and ate.

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: Oasis of the Seas new changes for 2019

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 –  Oasis of the Seas new changes for 2019 — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Royal Caribbean Around the Internet

Microsoft wrote about its collaboration with Royal Caribbean's head of innovation.

New York Times interviewed Royal Caribbean Chief Meteorologist James Van Fleet about how he works to keep guests away from bad weather.

TouringPlans listed top six reasons to cruise on Royal Caribbean.

Cruise Fever reviewed their recent sailing on Harmony of the Seas.

Her wrote about 8 things she learned about herself on her first cruise.

The Points Guy shared 7 things to know about Navigator of the Seas.

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

Royal Caribbean officially opened Perfect Day at CocoCay this week.

The newly opened destination welcomes guests following a $250 million transformation of the cruise line's existing private destination in The Bahamas.

Guests sailing on Navigator of the Seas were welcomed to Perfect Day at CocoCay, where a number of new venues, activities and offerings were officially open for guest use.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean cancelled all the Independence of the Seas UK sailings in 2020.
• Booking connecting staterooms is now a lot easier on Royal Caribbean's website.
• Spectrum of the Seas arrived in her first Asian port this week.
• Royal Caribbean opened 2020 China sailings for sale.
• Royal Caribbean received approval to expand its corportate headquarters in Miami.
• We shared a new infographic about all the additions to Perfect Day at CocoCay.
• There is still time to save up to 30% off pre-cruise purchases.
• Check out a new video about Perfect Day at CocoCay officially opening.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 301st episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available,where Matt answers some questions about him.

To celebrate reaching 300 podcast episodes, Matt has the tables flipped on this week's podcast episode and answers questions about himself and the blog.

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 Around the Internet

Skift reported on Royal Caribbean seeing a payoff by expanding its fleet.

Alanna Zingano posted a video of her ride on the Up, Up and Away helium baloon.

Happy weekend! In case you missed any Royal Caribbean news, here is a look at everything that happened this week!

Royal Caribbean celebrated the grand opening of Perfect Day at CocoCay with its private island transformation completing its first major phase.

Guests sailing on Navigator of the Seas were welcomed to Perfect Day at CocoCay, where a number of new venues, activities and offerings were officially open for guest use.

Chief among the new offerings is the opening of Thrill Waterpark. At Thrill Waterpark, you can find Daredevil’s Tower, where guests can try a number ofsingle-rider waterslides of various heights, including the 135-foot-tall Daredevil’s Peak – the tallest waterslide in North America.

Royal Caribbean News

• Allure of the Seas has suffered a propulsion issue, which means some itinerary changes on select sailings.
• The keel for Odyssey of the Seas was layed earlier this week, making the beginning of construction.
• Here is everything you need to know about Perfect Day at CocoCay.
• We scoured Royal Caribbean's financial results for interesting anecdotes.
• Voyager of the Seas visited an island in Indonesia for her maiden call.
• Oasis of the Seas will return to service on May 5, on schedule.
• Up, Up and Away helium balloon is operational on Perfect Day at CocoCay.
• The Royal Caribbean app can open your stateroom door on Spectrum of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 300th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where we begin a mini-series of episodes focusing on cruises to Alaska.

Call us crazy, but we think you should ignore online reviews of cruise ships. Matt explains why concerns people have about a particular ship due to something they read is nothing to actually worry about.

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 Around the Internet

Houston Chronicle detailed how Royal Caribbean now rivals Broadway in terms of its show productions.

Cruise Fever wrote about how 12 Royal Caribbeans are moving to new homeports this week.