Another week has gone by and that means we are all one week closer to our next Royal Caribbean cruise!

This week, Royal Caribbean entered the record books when North Star was recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records.

The Guinness Book of World Records named North Star the “Highest Viewing Deck on a Cruise Ship". 

The North Star is a one-of-a-kind and intimate experience that takes guests on an exhilarating journey high above the sea. This glass observation capsule gently rises more than 300 feet in the air and rotates upwards and over the sides of the ship to provide the most breathtaking, 360-degree views imaginable.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean Australia will now include gratuities in the cruise fare.
• Royal Caribbean released a variety of new discounts for the month of December.
• A photo tour of a balcony stateroom on Harmony of the Seas.
• Is a Royal Caribbean drink package right for you?
• We spotted a new specialty coffee card option guests can prepurchase.
• A guide to breakfast options on Harmony of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 174th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available and this week, Matt shares itinerary recommendations for first-time cruisers.

In this episode, Matt offers advice for someone new to Royal Caribbean and wanting to try their first 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

Royal Caribbean wrote about its dedication to offering cruises to guests with special needs.

Cruise & Ferry interviewed the people that created the Ultimate Abyss slide on Harmony of the Seas.

Travelzoo takes a look at Harmony of the Seas.

Happy Thanksgiving! As you are enjoying turkey, pumpkin and cranberry leftovers, check out this week's round-up of all of this week's Royal Caribbean news.

Royal Caribbean rolled out a new combo offer that packages Royal Caribbean's high speed Voom internet with the deluxe internet package.

The "Sip and Stream" package is now available via Royal Caribbean's Cruise Planner and discounts the total price of trying to purchase the same options individually. For one low price, guests that pre-purchase this combo package can save money on their total cruise price.

There was more Royal Caribbean news from this week, so read on to see it all!

Royal Caribbean News

• Tropical Storm Otto forced Royal Caribbean to change Empress of the Seas' itinerary.
• Our list of 10 free activities on Harmony of the Seas.
• Royal Caribbean kicked off its Cyber Monday sale, which runs through Monday.
• Royal Caribbean is offering discounts on select pre-cruise purchases through Monday.
• Read our live blog from Independence of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 173rd episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, which features a behind-the-scenes look at how Royal Caribbean created the entertainment for Harmony of the Seas.

Matt had the exclusive opportunity to interview Royal Caribbean Managing Producer Alex Marchant to discuss how shows like Columbus, The Musical! were created.

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

OpenJaw reviewed their time onboard Harmony of the Seas, particularly the entertainment.

Royal Caribbean offers an inside look at what it is like to perform on a cruise ship.

CruiseHabit offers insight into how to pack for a 4-night cruise.

Happy Sunday! Temperartures may be dropping, but there is plenty of Royal Caribbean news to share.  This is your weekly summary of all the Royal Caribbean news from this past week, perfectly fitted for your consumption.

Harmony of the Seas is still dominating the news cycles this week, and Royal Caribbean announced one of its signature restaurants is getting a brand new menu.

150 Central Park on all Oasis class ships is getting a new multi-course menu, which highlights artisinal ingredients.

The new menu is aimed at encouraging guests to return again and again to experience something new each time. Selections include lobster gnocchi with carrot butter sauce, herb salad or Bittersweet Chocolate Bourbon Tart with salted caramel, spiced pecans, cranberry chutney and chantilly cream.

Set in the Central Park neighborhood, 150 Central Park has a $45 cover charge, and includes from a variety of appetizers, entrées and dessert including a tableside cheese cart. 150 Central Park is the creation of James Beard Award-winning chef Michael Schwartz.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean is offering inexpensive shore excursions in Nassau and Key West.
• Crown and Anchor Society members can save an extra 5% on cruises this month.
• Top 10 Harmony of the Seas hidden secrets.
• Our full review of Wonderland on Harmony of the Seas.
• Top water slide tips for anyone trying them on Harmony of the Seas.
• A one-minute hyperlapse tour of Harmony of the Seas.
• Photos of Oasis of the Seas inaugural sailaway from Port Canaveral.
• Five odd facts about Royal Caribbean that you might not have known about.
• A photo tour of a Boardwalk Balcony stateroom on Harmony of the Seas.
• We found two new Coca-Cola souvenir cup designs on Harmony of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean Podcast

The 172nd episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, which features a review of Matt's recent cruises on Harmony of the Seas.

In this episode, Matt returns from two quick Harmony of the Seas sailings and shares his thoughts on how this brand new ship stacks up, and what resonated with him during his time onboard.

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

Onboard has 30 tips you must know before sailing on Harmony of the Seas.

Cruise Critic has 6 Royal Caribbean cruise hacks you need in your life.

OpenJaw wrote about their experiences on Harmony of the Seas.

ShermansCruise has a list of 10 things they love about Harmony of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean has a 360 degree view of Harmony of the Seas inaugural departure from the United States.

Happy Sunday! November has arrived, and so has Royal Caribbean's newest cruise ship to her homeport of Port Everglades.  Each week we summarize all of this week's Royal Caribbean news, just in case you missed any of it.

This week's news was dominated by Harmony of the Seas, with the meeting of the three Oasis class ships on Friday marking an historic event.

Allure of the Seas, Oasis of the Seas and Harmony of the Seas converged off the coast of Florida for the first, and perhaps only, time ever.  To see all three ships in the class in one spot was quite exciting, and it also marked the arrival of Harmony of the Seas to the United States.

Here is a look at the rest of the Royal Caribbean news from this week.

Royal Caribbean News

• Adventure of the Seas refurbishment is delayed due to to the impact of Hurricane Matthew.
• Royal Caribbean is now the official cruise line of the New York Knicks and New York Rangers.
• The band DNCE will perform live on Harmony of the Seas.
• Royal Caribbean made its first-ever call to Wollongong, Australia.
• Our guide to single staterooms on Royal Caribbean's ships.
• Harmony of the Seas is here and why you should be excited about it.
• A video look at the culinary experience in Wonderland on Harmony of the Seas.
• Royal Caribbean released an infographic that details all the family fun on Harmony of the Seas.
• A behind-the-scenes look at the Ultimate Abyss slide.
• Our readers shared photos of the Halloween fun on Harmony of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

On this week's episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast, Matt is previewing his cruise on Royal Caribbean's newest cruise ship, Harmony of the Seas.

Matt is sailing on two short Harmony of the Seas cruises this week, and in this episode, he shares a look at what he has planned onboard (and how he convinced his wife to let him cruise solo).

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 answers the question of how it hires the thousands of crew members that it needs.

Cruise Habit reviewed the first sailaway for Harmony of the Seas from Port Everglades.

Eat Sleep Cruise posted a full review of Sabor on Oasis of the Seas.

The Enterprisers Project has an interview with Royal Caribbean's CIO.

Cruise and Ferry wrote about the end of the 2016 cruise season for Royal Caribbean in Nova Scotia.

Forbes has a look at what it's like to work on the world's largest cruise ship.

Happy Sunday! We are so happy that you stopped by and hope you are having a wonderful weekend. Grab a mug of your favorite hot beverage, sit back, and check out the latest in Royal Caribbean news.

Perhaps the last question about Royal Caribbean's Harmony of the Seas was answered this week, when Royal Caribbean revealed the Godmother to the new ship.

After winning the final vote, Brittany Affolter was named Godmother to Harmony of the Seas, edging out two other women who were competing for the spot.

Brittany’s work with Teach for America in Miami-Dade County has supported and inspired a number of high-needs schools in Royal Caribbean’s hometown. 

We have a lot more Royal Caribbean news to share from this week, so let's jump right in...

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean released an infographic about Harmony of the Seas transatlantic crossing.
• Royal Caribbean released the financial results of its third quarter.
• Check out these fun facts about Harmony of the Seas.
• 5 perfect times to enjoy the pool without a big crowd.
• Third and fourth guests can sail free on Empress of the Seas with a new promotion.
• How to cancel and rebook something on the Cruise Planner.
• Here is our photo tour of a Grand Suite on Anthem of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

Royal Caribbean offers sailings to many destinations around the world, including the beautiful Mediterranean and on this week's podcast, we have a review of a recent sailing to this beautiful area.

In this week's podcast episode, Matt talks with Dirk about Dirk's recent 13-night Navigator of the Seas cruise to the Western Mediterranean. This is a great look at Navigator and the many ports in the Western Mediterranean.

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 Cruise Dudes interviewed Matt about the Icon class cruise ship announcement.

ShermansCruise has a list of 9 awesome free things to do on Royal Caribbean.

The Enterprisers Project answers what digital transformation means at Royal Caribbean.

Yin&Yang share their adventures exploring Labadee and Jamaica while on a Royal Caribbean cruise.

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.

Late in the week, Royal Caribbean filed a trademark application with the United States Patent and Trademark office for a new cruise ship name.

On October 17, Royal Caribbean registered, "Icon of the Seas" to presumably use for its first Project Icon class of cruise ships that were announced last week.

Assuming Icon of the Seas is in fact the name of the first Icon class ships, that ship will debut sometime in 2022 and be powered by liquefied natural gas and fuel cell technology.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean has become the first cruise line to be named Gay Travel Approved.
• Our photo report of CocoCay, following Hurricane Matthew.
• Samsung Galaxy Note 7 phones are now banned on all Royal Caribbean ships.
• Royal Caribbean scheduled its third quarter earnings call for late next week.
• Our in-depth look at the deluxe drink package.
• What you need to know about the neighborhood balcony staterooms.
• A video overview of Harmony of the Seas, by the numbers.
• Royal Caribbean has extended its Singapore cruise season until next June.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

It seems like everyone is discussing the big news of Royal Caribbean's Project Icon ship announcement, including us on this week's podcast episode.

In this week's Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast, Matt and Michael discuss what we know about Project Icon ships and speculate on the long-term and short-term impact this news has for Royal Caribbean fans.

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

Reuters has a look at how big brands (like Royal Caribbean) use Periscope.

Royal Caribbean shared top picks for what to do in the Caribbean from a crew member.

Eat Sleep Cruise has a review of Chops Grille on Oasis of the Seas.

ShermansCruise has a look at what it is really like on board a mega ship.

Canada.com thinks the Radiance class ships still can dazzle guests.

The Kitchy Kitchen offers a list of their favorite things on Harmony of the Seas.

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 made headlines this week when it announced plans for its next class of cruise ships that will be powered by liquefied natural gas and fuel cell technology.

Dubbed "Project Icon," Royal Caribbean has ordered two ships so far from shipbuilder Meyer Turku and will likely accommodate approximately 5,000 passengers, but details are still being worked out.

According to Royal Caribbean, the use of LNG and the introduction of fuel cell technology will usher in a new era of shipbuilding that will dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Royal Caribbean News

• Everyone can vote to pick the Godmother for Harmony of the Seas.
• Take a photo tour Empress of the Seas' bars and lounges.
• Answers to many Harmony of the Seas frequently asked questions.
• Here is how to purchase Royal Caribbean's unlimited drink packages.
• Here is how to enjoy Sabor guacamole on Freedom of the Seas without paying the cover charge.
• Our review of the Peat Taylor Tours in Falmouth, Jamaica.
• Grandeur of the Seas was diverted earlier this week to avoid a storm.
• Have you seen Tony the Gnome yet on Harmony of the Seas?
• Royal Caribbean won two awards in this year's Cruise Critic Editor's Picks.
• The Asia Cosplay Festival will return to Mariner of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

Have you ever considered trying out the Royal Suite Class? In this week's Royal Caribbean Blog podcast, we discuss what this new program offers with a first-hand experience.

Laurel Stewart and Len Testa join Matt to talk about their recent cruise on Anthem of the Seas, where the couple tried out the Star Class offerings and report back on what this kind of experience offers.

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 asked veteran cruisers what they wish they had known when they first started cruising.

Not Another Mummy Blog shows how Royal Caribbean changed their family's mind about being a cruise type.

The Daily Mail shares what a recent Serenade of the Seas family cruise around Norway was like.

Seatrade Cruise News says Royal Caribbean is investing heavily to improve its China distribution.

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

The big news this week was all about the impact of Hurricane Matthew on Royal Caribbean's operations. A number of sailings were impacted, including one Majesty of the Seas cruise that was canceled.

At first, Royal Caribbean delayed the sailing by a day but then decided to cancel the October 8th cruise because of the path of the storm.

The massive hurricane presented too large of a problem for the sailing to operate, and thus, Royal Caribbean took the rare action of actually cancelling the entire cruise.  Royal Caribbean gave guests the choice of a full refund for the cruise fare paid or future cruise credit of 150% of the cruise fare paid.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean's CEO provided an update on damage to its private destinations.
• Guests can save up to 30% off their drink packages before the end of this weekend.
• Hurricane Matthew delayed three ships sailaway times to give guests ample time to arrive.
• Our blogger, Michael Poole, is live blogging from Enchantment of the Seas.
• Top 16 things everyone needs to try at least once on a Royal Caribbean cruise.
• Our full review of Chops Grille on Freedom of the Seas.
• Ovation of the Seas will host professional FlowRider lessons on one sailing.
• Shore excursion review of the Cozumel Food Tour.
• Our picks for the best spots on Allure of the Seas throughout the day.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 166th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where we discuss what you need to know about choosing a stateroom for your Royal Caribbean cruise.

In this episode, Matt looks at the different stateroom categories available and provides information and tips on choosing the right stateroom for you.

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

Beyond Ships shared a photo feature of Navigator of the Seas in Europe.

Cruise Critic has a look at why following a hurricane matters.

Eat Sleep Cruise reports on the Royal Suite Class.

Happy Sunday and welcome to October, which means there is plenty of pumpkin flavored everything, changing colors of the leaves and plenty of Royal Caribbean news!

Hurricane Matthew is brewing in the Caribbean as we speak, and it has already lead to four Royal Caribbean itineraries being changed.

Due to the path of the storm, Royal Caribbean had to change the itinerary for Adventure of the Seas, Enchantment of the Seas and twice for Allure of the Seas.

The storm has taken a path across the Caribbean and is headed to the Bahamas with potentially more cruise changes on the way.  If there are anymore changes, we will be sure to report it here.

Royal Caribbean News

• A new Royal Caribbean deal began for October, with 60% off second guest plus other discounts.
• Royal Caribbean built an Ultimate Abyss in a Miami-area mall.
• Adventure of the Seas is getting a new two story mini golf course.
• Royal Caribbean won the Best Cruise Operator award for the 9th time in a row.
• Clarification on Royal Caribbean's drink package premium coffee benefit.
• A new video of the Harmony of the Seas art reveal.
• Where to get coffee on a Royal Caribbean cruise.
• 8 ways Harmony of the Seas is different from other Oasis-class cruise ships.
• The amenities for the beach loungers on CocoCay have changed.
• Royal Caribbean will make the first call to the Kingdom of Tonga.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 165th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where we list the top 5 experiences on Liberty of the Seas.

In this episode, Matt and Justin discuss what aspects of Liberty of the Seas stand out as their favorite in another edition of our Top 5 series.

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 Ltd looks at the impressive robot technology in Two70.

Wherever I May Roam takes a look at what there is to do in Labadee.

The Wanderer has a look at the epic adventures on Harmony of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean has a look at the top spots in the Mediterranean that Royal Caribbean can take you to.

Cruise Critic has a list of 10 things to know before going on Empress of the Seas.

Happy Sunday! We are celebrating the first full weekend of fall 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.

The big Royal Caribbean news this week is the announcement that all three Oasis class ships will meet in early November for an epic photo opportunity.

Royal Caribbean President and CEO Michael Bayley made the announcement onboard Allure of the Seas that Oasis of the Seas, Allure of the Seas and Harmony of the Seas will appear together on November 4, 2016.

Royal Caribbean will have a helicopter ready to shoot photos and videos of the event, which is sure to be an incredible sight.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean has rescinded the inclusion of Starbucks in its beverage packages.
• Royal Caribbean is ready to go to Cuba, but is waiting on government approvals.
• Patti LaBelle performed for guests onboard Allure of the Seas.
• The next President's Cruise has been announced for 2017.
• Royal Caribbean's CEO met with the Governor General of the Bahamas.
• Our photo tour of the beach cabanas at Nellie's Beach in Labadee.
• Read our review of the Chef's Table experience on Freedom of the Seas.
• A look at the margaritas at Sabor Modern Mexican.
• Our reasons to be excited for the arrival of Harmony of the Seas in the United States.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 164th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where we review the changes to Royal Caribbean's beverage packages.

In this episode, Matt provides an update on the revamped drink packages that debuted the other week.  Royal Caribbean has simplified the offerings and Matt breaks down what the changes are and if a drink package is something you should purchase.

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 UK shares their ideas for what to wear onboard.

Express interviewed a surfing champion, who says everyone should learn to surf on a Royal Caribbean cruise.

International Travel Report reports Grandeur of the Seas received a perfect health score from the CDC.

In Africa and Beyond shares the magic of cruising, as experienced on Splendour of the Seas.