The fall temperatures may be dropping, but the Royal Caribbean news from this week is as hot as ever, and we have it all summarized for you in this week's round up!

Sit back, and catch-up on all of the Royal Caribbean news and happenings form this week.

Many guests noticed a new option when booking a cruise via the Royal Caribbean website where a new monthly payment option was added.

In addition to the traditional billing method, Royal Caribbean now allows guests to make monthly payments towards a cruise via a third party service.

The montly payment option is financed through a third-party service known as UpLift, in which a first payment is due at booking and subsequent payments taken each month thereafter.  An annual percentage rate (APR) is also tacked onto the total cost for the financing service.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean posted 2019 drink package prices.
• Mariner of the Seas will be the first ship to call on Terminal A in PortMiami.
• Spectrum of the Seas had her two azipods delivered.
• Our next live blog kicks off this week on Adventure of the Seas.
• Our top five Mariner of the Seas must-do tips.
• Royal Caribbean is partnering with the GRAMMY Museum to offer students chance to perform at Symphony of the Seas naming ceremony.
• A new video that looks at the entertainment line up on Symphony of the Seas.
• Another video was shared about how Royal Caribbean is using wind power to offset its carbon footprint.
• Our full review of the Holiday Inn Club Vacations Cape Canaveral Beach Resort near Port Canaveral.
• New photos of the Terminal A construction progress in PortMiami.
• Royal Caribbean has scheduled its third quarter earnings call with investors.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

Packing for a Royal Caribbean cruise presents is own challenges, including deciding what to carry on the ship versus have delivered to your stateroom later.

In this week's Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast, Matt lists what he thinks are the most important items to carry-on the ship.

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

PR Week shared the news of Royal Caribbean UK & Ireland hiring a new head of PR & Social.

Eyewitness News reports 500 Royal Caribbean jobs are open to Bahamians.

Cruise Critic shared tips for sailing on a China based cruise ship.

Yahoo! posted the results of CN Traveler reader voting for best cruise lines in 2018.

USA Today listed 30 cruise ship attractions that will "blow your mind".

Cruise Habit recorded a podcast all about specialty dining on cruise ships.

We hope everyone reading this is having a wonderful Sunday and enjoying some time this weekend with friends, family and some good food too.  There was a lot of Royal Caribbean news this week, and we have summarized all up into one easy-to-read blog post for your convenience!

Royal Caribbean announced that Navigator of the Seas will be the first cruise ship to visit CocoCay following the transformation to Perfect Day in CocoCay.

Navigator of the Seas will sail a 3 night Bahamas sailing between May 3-6, 2019.

Perfect Day at CocoCay is a $200 million makeover of Royal Caribbean's private destination in the Bahamas.  CocoCay will offer guests plenty of ways to relax and enjoy beautiful beaches and pristine water, plus thrilling experiences like Thrill Water Park, ziplining and water sports.

Royal Caribbean News

• Here is when some of the 2020-2021 sailings will go on sale.
• Royal Caribbean plans to offset some of its emissions with wind power.
• Majesty of the Seas guests can now use the new smartphone app.
• Our list of must-try eats at Izumi.
• 10 free (and really fun) activities on Symphony of the Seas

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

Mariner of the Seas has a lot of people excited to go on a short cruise again, and on this week's podcast, we have a cruise review to share from a recent Mariner sailing.

Ric from CruiseHabit.com joins Matt to talk about his recent sailing on Mariner of the Seas. Ric talks about why he booked this cruise, what he did onboard, and what Ric thinks of the recent upgrades.

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

CruiseHabit tried out the Try Dive activity on a recent Royal Caribbean sailing.

Eat Sleep Cruise counted down their top ten favorite things to do on embarkation day.

Royal Caribbean shared a video on how the cruise line procures everything it needs for a sailing.

Happy Sunday! It has been a busy week of Royal Caribbean news, and we have it all summarized for you in this round up.

Royal Caribbean's CEO Michael Bayley commented on a lot of different topics during a question and answer session this week onboard Harmony of the Seas.

Mr. Bayley held a question and answer session with cruisers to address questions and concerns.  In the nearly two hour event, a number of intriguing changes were announced, along with updates to topics of interest to many cruisers.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean announced a 50th birthday cruise celebration in 2019.
• The October 60% off second guest cruise promotion began earlier this week.
• A new video preview of some guests spaces on Spectrum of the Seas was released.
• Royal Caribbean also released a new batch of Spectrum of the Seas construction photos.
• Royal Caribbean trademarked its Oasis Class stern design.
• Metropolis of the Seas was trademarked, which may potentially be used as a ship name.
• Royal Caribbean extended its service agreement with Wärtsilä.
• Matt live blogged from Brilliance of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 270th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where Matt reviewed his recent cruise on Brilliance of the Seas.

Matt is back from a 4-night cruise on Brilliance of the Seas to the Western Caribbean, and he talks about what he did onboard the ship, as well as in Cozumel.  Matt also talked about trying out the ultimate dining package and deluxe beverage package.

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

USA Today compared Symphony of the Seas to the Disney Fantasy.

Traveling Dad shared what he packs for the the first day on Symphony of the Seas.

Tampa Bay Times reported on Port Tampa Bay reaching 1 million cruise passengers for the first time ever.

Cruise Trade News reported Jo Vaughton has been promoted at Royal Caribbean UK.

Happy Sunday! We are celebrating the first weekend of fall/autumn/leave changing season with our pumpkin-flavored coffee and sharing all of the Royal Caribbean news from this week!

Sit back, and enjoy this week's round-up.

Royal Caribbean announced this week it would be eliminating its in-room babysitting option as of September 30, 2018.

The Sitters at Sea program is being discontinued because the cruise line was not able to consistently guarantee this service on every sailing.

For sailings departing prior to September 30, 2018, Royal Caribbean will happily accommodate your request if sitters are available. Royal Caribbean's Adventure Ocean and Royal Babies & Tots programs remain unchanged.

Royal Caribbean News

• The new Royal Caribbean smartphone app is testing a chat feature on Allure of the Seas.
• It appears Ocean View Panoramic Suite staterooms now receive full suite benefits.
• Royal Caribbean trademarked a crown-shaped smokestack design.
• We shared an update on the Perfect Day at CocoCay construction progress.
• Seven ways Symphony of the Seas is different from the other Oasis Class ships.
• A carry-on luggage storage service was spotted on Mariner of the Seas.
• We posted a PortMiami cruise terminal photo construction report, plus a look at the new gangways that were added.
• DId you know Royal Caribbean is the only cruise line to offer a full Open Water Diving course with PADI?

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 268th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where we share what you need to know about using the internet on a Royal Caribbean ship.

In this episode, Matt discusses Royal Caribbean's onboard internet service and goves over the options available, provides pricing options and shares how to get a discount.

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

Cruise Habit shared some great last minute deals on October cruises.

Eat Sleep Cruise posted a bar guide to Mariner of the Seas.

Cruise Fever updated its Royal Caribbean ship drydock schedule.

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 trademarked three new ship names this week, which gave rise to much discussion on opinions of these names.

The ship names were registered with the United States Patent and Trademark office and could possibly be used as the names of new ships.

While trademarking a ship name is a significant step forward in the eventual naming of a new ship, not all trademarked names end up being used by Royal Caribbean.

Royal Caribbean News

• Hurricane Florence delayed Grandeur of the Seas return to Baltimore.
• Guests can now make pre-cruise purchases up to one day prior to sailing on select ships.
• A video update on the construction progress being made on Spectrum of the Seas.
• Helpful information hurricane season for cruises.
• Have you been wondering how to get cheap cruise deals?

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 267th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where we share a listener's review of Adventure of the Seas to Canada and New England.

In this episode, James talks about his first Royal Caribbean cruise and what he experienced on Adventure of the Seas.  James also discusses the ports he visited in Canada and New England.

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

Royal Caribbean profiled its Chief Information Officer, Martha Poulter.

Travel Weekly reported on Royal Caribbean joining Tipto.

Travel Pulse named Royal Caribbean its Contemporary Cruise Line Partner of the Year.

Project: Wanderlust shared five ways for kids to spend the day on Independence of the Seas.

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!

Have you been struggling to decide between My Time Dining and Traditional?  Royal Caribbean offers two dinner options in the Main Dining Room and this week we broke down the pros and cons of both.

Each dinner option offers guests a style of dining and time of evening to match an individual cruiser's preference.  If you are wondering if traditional dining or My Time Dining is a better choice for you, then we have a comprehensive look at what each choice offers.

Royal Caribbean News

• Grandeur of the Seas had her itinerary changed to avoid the path of Hurricane Florence.
• Royal Caribbean signed a joint venture to expand a cruise terminal in Malaysia.
• Royal Caribbean expanded its new smartphone app to work on Independence of the Seas and Adventure of the Seas.
• Here is a photo report of the progress being made at Royal Caribbean's new terminal in PortMiami.
• What you need to know about the Tampa cruise port.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 266th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where we share a podcast listener's review of Freedom of the Seas.

In this episode, Jose talks about his Freedom of the Seas cruise to the Southern Caribbean.  Jose shared his experiences on Freedom of the Seas, as well as what he did on shore.

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

Cruise Industry News reports that Royal Caribbean is now the largest player in Canada/New England.

Cruise Habit posted a hurricane status board to keep track of storm-related itinerary changes.

Cruiseline.com wrote about 6 cruise ship innovations that sounded better on paper.

Happy Labor Day weekend! We hope you are having a wonderful weekend and we cannot wait to share with you all the exciting Royal Caribbean news from this week!

Royal Caribbean updated its beverage policy to allow all guests to bring non-alcoholic beverages on a cruise.

The cruise line announced that guests will be able to bring small quantities of non-alcoholic beverages in a carry-on or hand luggage onboard only on boarding day. Checking in non-alcoholic beverages will no longer be permitted.

Specifically, non-alcoholic beverages brought onboard may not exceed 12 standard (17 oz) cans, bottles or cartons per stateroom. Distilled water or specialized beverages such as, milk for medical purposes, dietary or infant use, are permitted.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean drink package info and planning tips.
• Everything you need to know about Royal Caribbean's Kids Sail Free offer.
• Royal Caribbean shared a new video about the Bamboo Room bar on Mariner of the Seas.
• Check out our first timer's guide to Harmony of the Seas.
• A list of Royal Caribbean's top 10 family friendly shore excursions.
• We spotted a new Coca-Cola souvenir cup design.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 265th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where we share first time cruise tips.

In this episode, Matt gives tips and advice for anyone going on their first Royal Caribbean cruise (or cruise in general).

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

Seatrade Cruise News reports of a new sales director appointment for RCL Cruises Australasia.

Cruise Critic looked at San Juan one year after Hurricane Maria.

Cruise Radio shared advice on how to convince an anti-cruiser to go on a cruise.

KVAL shared an update on the status of Royal Caribbean's call center in Oregon, following a Cruise Law News report.

Frommers does not like the plans for Perfect Day at CocoCay.

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.

Earlier this week, one Royal Caribbean crew member was lucky enough to be picked as having the Best Job at Sea.

Cassandra, a 26-year old originally from Mexico, has been exploring the world with Royal Caribbean as a Cruise Director’s Staff since 2016. Beginning in November, she will kick off her 6-month journey as Royal Caribbean’s first Traveling Content Creator onboard the all-new Symphony of the Seas.

 “This makes me feel fulfilled and complete,” said Cassandra. Dancing is one of her passions and as a Cruise Director’s Staff, she can share her energy and help people have a great time. “I truly love what I do,” Cassandra included. On her time off, she always like to get off the ship with her camera in hand, immerse in the culture, and portrait the best of our ports of call. 

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean is looking to replace its phone tree with a virtual assistant.
• Our picks for the best cruises for kids.
• Royal Caribbean is looking for the best Bionic Bar drink recipes.
• Here is the answer to the question of do you need a passport for a cruise.
• Here is a list of the newest Royal Caribbean ships in the fleet.
• Royal Caribbean released a new video all about its glow-in-the-dark laser tag.
• Thinking of taking a cruise to Cuba? Here is what you need to know about Royal Caribbean cruises to Cuba.
• Our full review of the Craigdarroch Castle and Butchart Garden shore excursion in Victoria, Canada.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 264th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where we compare and contrast Royal Caribbean to Norwegian Cruise Line.

Many cruisers are curious to know the differences between Royal Caribbean and Norwegian, so this week, we invited a couple of friends to share their experiences on both cruise lines.

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

Cruiseable posted a list of the new activities on Mariner of the Seas.

Travel Weekly reported on Mariner of the Seas' big makeover.

Cruise Critic has a list of 20 movies that will leave you wanting to take a cruise.

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!

The big news this week was Royal Caribbean's announcement that it is banning emotional support animals from its cruise ships.

The cruise said they were updating its policy to differentiate emotional support animals from service animals that are trained to perform a function for a person with a disability.  

Moving forward, emotional support animals cannot be added to existing or new reservations.  Confirmed guests who already have emotional support animals noted in their reservation will be permitted to bring the animal.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean is rolling out a new crew member name tag design.
• The shipyard building Spectrum of the Seas issued a construction photo update.
• We shared a Perfect Day at CocoCay construction progress photo report.
• Royal Caribbean provided a smart phone app and online check-in feature update.
• The answer to if a Royal Caribbean drink package right for you.
• The top reasons to be excited about Symphony of the Seas' arrival in the United States.
• Check out this video of how the world's largest cruise ship sails into St. Thomas.
• Nine things you should know about Royal Caribbean suites.
• New photos of the PortMiami cruise terminal progress.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 263rd episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where we take an in-depth look at wheelchair accessibility on Royal Caribbean cruises.

If you or someone you know is going on a Royal Caribbean cruise and is in need of a wheelchair, this week's episode is full of tips and advice for having a hassle-free cruise experience.  

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

Cruise 1st wrote all about cruise line dress codes.

Riviera Maya News reports that new security x-ray machines will be installed at Cozumel.

Eat Sleep Cruise reviewed their recent sailing on Mariner of the Seas.

Binny's Food & Travel Diaries reviewed their day on Independence of the Seas.

Los Angeles Times wrote about Royal Caribbean's video-making tool that uses AI.

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 Royal Caribbean news that made the biggest splash this week with our readers was the change that appears Royal Caribbean's drink packages now include milkshakes at Johnny Rockets as part of the package benefits.

Recently we heard reports that guests were being informed that their drink package benefits included milkshakes at Johnny Rockets, and now we see Royal Caribbean's website has been updated to indicate that milkshakes are indeed included.

With this drink package policy change, guests with the Deluxe Beverage Package have the opportunity to enjoy milkshakes that are included with the cost of their beverage package.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean announced it will remove onboard credit offer from non-refundable cruise fares.
• Royal Caribbean's leadership talked about how well Symphony and Mariner are doing, the new app progress and more during an earnings call.
• It looks like 3-night sailings from the United Kingdom will no longer offer alcohol packages.
• The August cruise promotion was released this week by Royal Caribbean.
• Here is a new kind of zip line excursion you can try in Labadee.
• We shared an inside look at the construction progress being made at Royal Caribbean's new terminal in PortMiami.
• Australian comedian Celeste Barber took Royal Caribbean's social media thrill-seeking challenge.
• Royal Caribbean added a new Deals link to its Cruise Planner site.
• A new Netflix movie debuted that features Harmony of the Seas, and Royal Caribbean hosted the largest movie premiere at sea.
• A look at the construction work being done at CocoCay.
• Royal Caribbean Asia opened a contest for youths in Singapore.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 261st episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where we interview someone who just reached the Pinnacle Club level of Crown and Anchor Society.

In this episode, Matt talks with Nick about what it took to reach the top of Crown and Anchor Society and what the distinction means to him.  Nick also shares his review of the newly refurbished Mariner 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.

Royal Caribbean Around the Internet

CNBC spoke to Royal Caribbean's Chairman and CEO about the impact of a trade war on cruising.

Explore with Ed shared must-eat recommendations by cruise bloggers.

Eat Sleep Cruise scored the changes and additions to Mariner of the Seas.

Seatrade Cruise News reported that Susan Bonner has been appointed to oversea the Australasian market.