Happy weekend before Valentine's Day! We hope you are having a fun and relaxing weekend. The perfect compliment to any Sunday is our round-up of all of this week's Royal Caribbean news.

Royal Caribbean announced, and then subsequently extended a new WOW Sale promotion, where guests can take advantage of a number of great offers.

The WOW Sale includes 60% off the second guest, up to $200 in onboard credit and 50% reduced deposit for bookings made through February 13.  This offer is open to residents of the United States and Canada.

The WOW Sale is combined with the February Wave Season offer that is going on, and we have heard from lots of readers who have been able to take advantage of this latest promotion.

Royal Caribbean News

• Enjoy this photo tour of the water slides on Adventure of the Seas.
• If you were wondering, here are the pros and cons to Royal Caribbean's drink packages.
• Our comprehensive guide to Royal Caribbean's Voom WiFi internet options.
• We' are counting down the top 5 Harmony of the Seas bars and lounges.
• We spotted new tiki mugs for sale on Labadee and on Royal Caribbean ships.
• The secrets to taking great photos on your Royal Caribbean cruise.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 184th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available and have an overview of the main dining room on Royal Caribbean ships.

In this episode, Matt discusses what the main dining room offers guests, and shares tips and strategies for a great time dining there 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! We’d appreciate it.

Royal Caribbean Around the Internet

The Miami Herald looks at how Ovation of the Seas caters to the Chinese guest.

Royal Caribbean has a look at the "where" and "when" of sailings.

One Boston Herald writer is enjoying cruising after years of avoiding it.

TimeOut London has a look at 10 awesome robots (including one on Royal Caribbean).

Condé Nast Traveler shares 10 amazing Caribbean gems that are sure to move higher up on your travel list.

Royal Caribbean has a list of the coolest new 2017 cruises.

Good news, we are all one week closer to our next Royal Caribbean cruise!  In case you missed any of the Royal Caribbean fun from this week, here is our weekly round up!

Guests looking to sail to Cuba had good news this week, when Royal Caribbean announced many more sailings to Havana for much of 2017.

Royal Caribbean announced its cruise schedule that will visit Cuba's capital city, including some itineraries that have an overnight stop. All the new sailings will be aboard Empress of the Seas out of Tampa, Florida.

There are new 4- and 5-night cruises with day and overnight visits to Havana, along with stops in Key West, FL. and Cozumel, Mexico.

Royal Caribbean News

• A new Cruise Planner sale on pre-cruise purchases runs through the end of Monday.
• Crown and Anchor Society is inviting guests to join them on Anthem of the Seas.
• Check out our first timer's guide to Oasis of the Seas.
• Here are the free outdoor activities anyone can do on a Royal Caribbean cruise.
• At some point, Royal Caribbean expanded the Central Park balcony benefits.
• New video overview of the water slides on Harmony of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 183rd episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available and this week, Matt shares how to make a Royal Caribbean cruise extra memorable.

In this episode, Matt looks at ways anyone can make their next Royal Caribbean cruise stand out with ideas for special events, upgrades and splurges.  

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 you can support Royal Caribbean Blog

So many of our readers have reached out to us to ask how they can help the blog and we are introducing the Royal Caribbean Blog Insiders for just that reason.

The Insiders group is a way readers can contribute to Royal Caribbean Blog and help fuel some of the really amazing ideas, projects and new content that we have lined up.

As a way of saying thank you for your contribution, there are some fun rewards for being a member of the Royal Caribbean Blog Insiders.

Becoming a member of the Royal Caribbean Blog Insiders is completely up to you and you can cancel at any time. No questions asked! 

As always, thank you for visiting Royal Caribbean Blog and being a part of our community!

Royal Caribbean Around the Internet

Cruise Hive shares tips how to keep your kids busy on a Royal Caribbean cruise.

The Washington Post shares the story of how two cruise families cut costs to cruise on Royal Caribbean more often.

Beyond Ships has a photo tour of Enchantment of the Seas.

ShermansCruise has their list of seven best places to eat on Royal Caribbean ships.

Hope you had a great week (maybe one week closer to your next Royal Caribbean cruise?) and you had a chance to keep up with what's new with Royal Caribbean this week. But if not, here's a roundup of this week's news.

The big news this week was Royal Caribbean's registering of three new cruise ship names, including the widely-rumored name for its fourth Oasis class cruise ship.

Earlier in the week, Royal Caribbean filed to trademark three ship names with the United States Patent and Trademark Office.  These names include Symphony of the Seas, Sunrise of the Seas and Valhalla of the Seas.

Symphony of the Seas is expected to be the name of the cruise line's next cruise ship that will debut, although Royal Caribbean has made no official announcement regarding that yet.  The other two names registered remain unknown as to which ship they will be registered to, if any.

Despite Royal Caribbean not announced the name of its fourth Oasis class cruise ship, which debuts in Spring 2018, there have been a few different convincing rumors this month that seem to point to the name of the ship being Symphony of the Seas, including a construction site photo taken of the ship's name being prepared.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean released its 2018-2019 deployment opening schedule.
• Royal Caribbean is now the only cruise line to offer a full range of PADI scuba offerings.
• Earlier this week, Royal Caribbean updated its towel rental policy.
• We know a little bit more about Royal Caribbean's new smart phone app.
• Royal Caribbean reported a 25% earnings increase for the fourth quarter of 2016.
• We picked up on five interesting facts from Royal Caribbean's earnings call with investors.
• 15 important things to do on your first day on a Royal Caribbean cruise.
• Here is how to get closer to an all-inclusive Royal Caribbean cruise experience.
• Did you know about these seven things that are totally free on a Royal Caribbean cruise?

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 182nd episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available and we have a look at what happens when you get sick on a cruise.

In this episode, Halee joins Matt to discuss what it was like to be sick while on a cruise. Everyone hopes their cruise vacation will be the best time of their life, but getting sick can happen at sea just like on land.  Halee shares what she dealt with and shares some lessons for anyone else who might end up in a similar situation.

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 interviewed Royal Caribbean Chairman and CEO Richard Fain about the company's financial results.

Cruise1st takes a look at the best cruise lines for 20-something year olds.

ShermansCruise has 5 activities that are worth the splurge on a Royal Caribbean cruise.

Everything Pop Culture shared her experience on Allure of the Seas.

EatSleepCruise has some quick facts about the neighborhoods on Harmony of the Seas.

Each week we summarize all of this week's Royal Caribbean news in one post, just in case you missed any of it. Lots of things happen in your life during the week, so this is your opportunity to catch up on everything Royal Caribbean.

The big news this week came from the rumor mill, with some compelling indications of what Royal Caribbean's next cruise ship will named.

First, a blog post from the FlowRider company specifically referred to Oasis IV as Symphony of the Seas.  Then a few days later, a construction photo shows the same name being prepared on the ship's hull.

Royal Caribbean has made no official announcement regarding what its fourth Oasis class ship will be named, but many believe she will be named Symphony of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean News

• Here is how to get a discount on a Royal Caribbean drink package.
• Five things to love about Navigator of the Seas.
• All this week, we have been LIVE blogging from Majesty of the Seas.
• New photos of Ovation of the Seas in Sydney are quite beautiful.
• Want to do something besides sit at the beach in Labadee? Here are six ideas for fun activities.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 181st  episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, which provides an overview of what Labadee offers.

Royal Caribbean's private destination of Labadee is a highlight for any cruise, and on this episode, Matt looks at what there is to do in Labadee, what to expect on shore, and tips for a fun day.

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

Penn State University has a look at two Royal Caribbean crew members who graduated from Penn State.

Cruise Dudes Podcast interviewed a listener who recently sailed on Allure of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean shares how its cruise ships save energy.

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

Royal Caribbean highlighted what is new and notable for 2017, including new several new itineraries.

While there is no new cruise ship joining the fleet this year, Royal Caribbean fans will be delighted to see changes to offerings in many different markets.

Chief among the changes for 2017 are cruises to Cuba (finally!). Empress of the Seas will provide vacationers with the opportunity to discover the timeless sights, sounds and culture of this island nation. The newly revitalized Empress of the Seas will make history for the cruise line with its first visit to Cuba during a 5-night sailing departing Miami on April 19, 2017.

In addition, Royal Caribbean will operate the three largest cruise ships in the world out of the state of Florida.

Royal Caribbean News

• Guests can support the World Wildlife Fund while on their Royal Caribbean cruise.
• Royal Caribbean announced their top travel partners of 2016.
• We spotted a new drink menu design.
• 10 ways to save money on your 2017 Royal Caribbean vacation.
• Michael Poole is LIVE blogging from Majesty of the Seas this week (and next week too).
• How to eat healthy while on a Royal Caribbean cruise.
• 6 cool things for kids to do on your Royal Caribbean cruise.
• Our photo tour of the Grand Suite on Oasis of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 180th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where we take an in-depth look at going on a Royal Caribbean cruise with young children.

Bringing toddlers and babies on a Royal Caribbean cruise is something many families choose to do, but there can be some unique challenges associated with traveling with kids of that age.  This week, Matt and Christy discuss their strategies and share tips for parents looking to cruise with the very young.

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

Porthole Magazine has a full review of Harmony of the Seas in this month's edition.

Everything Zany shared a helpful list of cruise ship terms that you should know.

Cruise Critic shared their list of favorite drinks on Harmony of the Seas.

Chris Cruises shares an ode to sunsets at sea.

Eat Sleep Cruise has a list of the best hotels near Port Everglades.

Happy Sunday! We hope you are having a great weekend and staying warm! Brew yourself a cup of tea or cocoa and get ready to check out this week’s summary of Royal Caribbean news!

If you happen to be a resident of the United Kingdom or Ireland, there is a job opening at Royal Caribbean that you definitely want to check out.

Royal Caribbean UK is looking to hire a summer "intern" to showcase all the fun of a Royal Caribbean cruise on a daily basis.

Royal Caribbean describes this "intern-ship" as a hybrid between being a photographer, documentary maker and a storyteller. A typical day will see the successful candidate immerse themselves in the extraordinary moments, experiences and stories that take place on land and at sea, and share them with the world via Instagram.

Royal Caribbean News

• Some drink prices have increased beyond being included in the drink package.
• Royal Caribbean is working on a new mobile app.
• Royal Caribbean began a new WAVE season sales promotion this month.
• Our photo tour of a category CV Central Park view stateroom.
• Here is what to do when there is a new Royal Caribbean promotion announced.
• Our in-depth comparison of Harmony of the Seas versus Anthem of the Seas.
• Six ways to make the most of a Royal Caribbean cruise as a family.
• Answers to five questions about what to wear on a Royal Caribbean cruise.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 179th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where our podcast listeners share which Royal Caribbean ship is their favorite.

In this episode, listeners call into the podcast to talk with Matt about which Royal Caribbean ship is their favorite and why.

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 showcases the career of its SVP of Global Marine Ops.

This Time Tomorrow shares a look at a day in Santorini while aboard Jewel of the Seas.

Eat Sleep Cruise shares why they are excited to cruise on Harmony of the Seas.

E-deliciou-S has a tour of Explorer of the Seas.

Disney Cruise Line Blog has a full review of the 2017 Unofficial Guide to Disney Cruise Line.

Happy New Year! We wish everyone a very happy new year, and a year filled with plenty of Royal Caribbean fun.

It was a quiet week overall, but we heard from plenty of our readers about new sunbeds that are available for rent on Anthem of the Seas.

These sunbeds are located near North Star, and are available to rent for $150 each (plus 18% gratuity).  The sunbeds come with a bottle of Moët Chandon Ice Imperial, and offer a dedicated spot to enjoy near the pool throughout the day.

Many of our readers voiced their opinion of value of these sunbeds, so be sure to share your thoughts too.

Royal Caribbean News

• Our list of the top 10 Royal Caribbean stories of 2016.
• 25 must-read Royal Caribbean dining secrets.
• We shared the best Friday Photos of 2016.
• Photos of the Christmas decorations around Anthem of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 178th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where we list ideas of things you might not consider packing for a Royal Caribbean cruise.

In this episode, Matt talks about the various events onboard that may necessitate packing other items you have not considered.  Also, Matt discusses the items on Royal Caribbean's prohibited items list.

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 counted down the top cruise stories of 2016 (Harmony of the Seas made the list).

Royal Caribbean has packing tips for a cruise by style expert, Sydne Summer.

Totally Tourists has an interview with Oasis of the Seas' Food & Beverage director.

Cruise Hive named Harmony of the Seas the best new cruise ship of 2016.

The Street looks at a partnership between Royal Caribbean and Mattel to target kids and teens through online content.

The Wall Street Journal highlights Royal Caribbean's work with AwesomenessTV to target teens.

Cruise Habit answers the question if using a travel agent is a good idea for booking a cruise.

Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah! The holidays are here, and so is our weekly round up of this week's Royal Caribbean news.

The gifts came a little early for Royal Caribbean this week, with Royal Caribbean being named Best Cruise Line Overall by Travel Weekly for 14th consecutive year.

Royal Caribbean also claimed the top spot in a few other categories including Best Cruise Line in the Caribbean, Best Cruise Line Sales & Service, Best Overall Individual Cruise Ship (Allure of the Seas), and Best New Cruise Ship (Harmony of the Seas).

Travel Weekly honored the winners of its Readers Choice Awards at a gala dinner and ceremony on December 15 at the Conrad Hotel in New York. Winners were selected in 78 categories, ranging from hotels to tours to airlines to GDSs to cruise lines, represent the best of the best in travel.

Royal Caribbean News

• Unfortunately a passenger jumped off a Royal Caribbean cruise ship.
• Royal Caribbean is offering bonus instant savings on cruises booked through the end of the year.
• Our 2017 Royal Caribbean cruise planning guide.
• Royal Caribbean released its sustainability report for the year.
• 5 things to know before buying a Royal Caribbean drink package.
• Check out a video of The Fine Line on Harmony of the Seas.
• A review of Escape the Rubicon on Harmony of the Seas.
• Everything about the Bionic Bar on Harmony of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 177th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available and this week, we are sharing three wishes for Royal Caribbean.

In this episode, Matt and Billy make wishes for changes we would make if we had access to a genie (and opted not to wish for wealth and a long 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.

How you can support Royal Caribbean Blog

So many of our readers have reached out to us to ask how they can help the blog and we are introducing the Royal Caribbean Blog Insiders for just that reason.

The Insiders group is a way readers can contribute to Royal Caribbean Blog and help fuel some of the really amazing ideas, projects and new content that we have lined up.

As a way of saying thank you for your contribution, there are some fun rewards for being a member of the Royal Caribbean Blog Insiders.

Becoming a member of the Royal Caribbean Blog Insiders is completely up to you and you can cancel at any time. No questions asked! 

As always, thank you for visiting Royal Caribbean Blog and being a part of our community!

Royal Caribbean Around the Internet

CIO shows how CIOs eye new initiatives in 2017, including Royal Caribbean's CIO.

Cruise Fever has the pros and cons of a Boardwalk balcony stateroom on Allure of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean shares tips on how to pick your first cruise.

In The Loop Travel has tips on how to eat like a local in Cancun, Mexico.

Good news, we are all one week closer to our next Royal Caribbean cruise!  In case you missed any of the Royal Caribbean fun from this week, here is our weekly round up!

A small nugget of information regarding Royal Caribbean's next cruise ship to be delivered was revealed this week, shedding light on where the ship will call home.

Royal Caribbean CEO Michael Bayley mentioned in an interview that the fourth Oasis class cruise ship will be coming to the United States, following a brief European summer season.

This plan mirrors the plan for sister ship, Harmony of the Seas, which also did a summer season in Europe prior to her arrival in the United States.

Royal Caribbean News

• Ovation of the Seas arrived in her new home of Sydney, Australia.
• A look at the six shore excursions in Cuba that Royal Caribbean will provide.
• CNN will provide a live broadcast from Harmony of the Seas during New Years Eve.
• Two new bottled alcohol packages are available on most sailings.
• 15 amazing things you can eat on a Royal Caribbean cruise.
• What you need to know before taking a Royal Caribbean cruise to Cuba.
• How to pack for a Royal Caribbean cruise in the winter.
• A video look at the Hibachi chefs delighting guests at Izumi.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 176th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available and this week, Matt countsdown his top five favorite experiences on Harmony of the Seas.

In this episode, Matt considers everything there is to see and do on Harmony of the Seas, and lists his favorite spots, entertainment and of course, food.

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

Wall Street Journal has a look at how Royal Caribbean's CIO deploys containers to modernize an old system.

Cruise News UK has an interview with the Captain of Allure of the Seas.

Eat Sleep Cruise has a list of 10 ways to save money on cruise drinks.

Hello His recaps their cruise on Harmony of the Seas.

Cruise Critic has a list of 7 things not to do on an Oasis class ship.

Travel Weekly sees more sailings to Cuba, but at what price?

Happy December! We cannot believe that we are already one full week into the month – there is so much going on with holiday preparation and shopping and baking!

It was a busy Royal Caribbean news week, with Royal Caribbean finally getting permission to offer cruises to Cuba.

On Thursday, Royal Caribbean revealed it had received permission from the Cuban government to offer cruises, which resulted in the company promising cruises would become available soon.

The very next day, Royal Caribbean posted its first batch of Cuba cruises available for booking.  As expected, Empress of the Seas was the ship to take Royal Caribbean guests to Cuba, although Royal Caribbean added bonus news, when it was revealed Empress of the Seas will spend the 2017 summer season in Tampa, Florida.

Empress of the Seas will homeport in Tampa for the 2017 summer season offering a series of 4- and 5-night sailings, including port calls to destinations in Cuba.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean received a perfect score as workplace for LGBT equality.
• Royal Caribbean promoted a new head of Europe, Middle East and Africa.
• A look at the new menu at 150 Central Park.
• Our list of the top six Royal Caribbean changes coming in 2017.
• Royal Caribbean is offering a special Green Monday promotion.
• New Christmas Coca-Cola souvenir cups have been spotted on Royal Caribbean ships.
• Our top 5 best Harmony of the Seas tips.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 175th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available and this week, Matt and Billy discuss the last day of a Royal Caribbean cruise.

The final hours of a cruise can be busy with a lot going on, so this week, we go through what is involved on disembarkation day.

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 has a guest blogger review of their first cruise.

Cruise Habit looks at if the new Mobile Passport app will save you time.

WLRN interviewed Royal Caribbean CEO Michael Bayley.

Cruise Critic has 9 reasons to pack duct tape for your upcoming cruise.