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Royal Caribbean Post Round-Up: August 9, 2015

In:
09 Aug 2015

Another week has come to an end and we've gone through and hand-picked some fun articles for you to take a look at in case you missed any of it.

The rumor mill was busy this week and the biggest news is that Liberty of the Seas will be adding three new water slides, including the first Boomerago at Sea.

Liberty of the Seas will undergo a multi-million dollar renovation in January 2016 and part of that refurbishment will add water slides.  

While Royal Caribbean has announced water slides for Harmony of the Seas and Majesty of the Seas already, Liberty of the Seas will be the first ship with the Boomerango raft ride, where guests will "plummet down a steep drop, then shoot up a nearly vertical wall, high into the air, for a moment of weightlessness".

Royal Caribbean News

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

This week Matt is reviewing his just completed cruise on Royal Caribbean's Freedom of the Seas!

In this podcast episode, Matt talks about his cruise experience on Freedom of the Seas, including what he liked, things that were new, restaurant reviews, descriptions of two weddings and lot more.

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

In The Loop Travel shared how John gained 25 pounds on a cruise.

Cruise Law News posted about a passenger was medevaced off Grandeur of the Seas.

The Orange County Register talked about how Quantum of the Seas is riding the technology wave.

Royal Caribbean Post Round-Up: July 26, 2015

In:
26 Jul 2015

Another week has come to an end and we've gone through and hand-picked some fun articles for you to take a look at in case you missed any of it.

Unfortunately this week's big news story focuses on a small fire that broke out on Freedom of the Seas near Falmouth, Jamaica.

The fire occured as the ship was pulling into port.  The fire looked worse than it really was, as there were no passenger injuries and just one crew member was injured with a first degree burn.

Freedom of the Seas was able to continue with her planned itinerary and there are no changes to any upcoming sailings.

Royal Caribbean News

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

This week Matt is previewing his upcoming cruise on Royal Caribbean's Freedom of the Seas!

In this podcast episode, Matt shares why he booked this cruise, discusses cruising with his young children and shares his plans for onboard Freedom of the Seas and the ports he will be visiting.

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

Digital Signage Connection looks at Royal Caribbean's partnerships to bring visual experiences to the Quantum class ships.

Deadspin shows you how to go on a fancy-ass cruise without going broke.

Royal Caribbean Post Round-Up: July 19, 2015

In:
19 Jul 2015

Another week has come to an end and we've gone through and hand-picked some fun articles for you to take a look at in case you missed any of it.

By far, the big Royal Caribbean news this week was Royal Caribbean's decision to cancel Dynamic Dining expansion to the rest of the fleet.

Royal Caribbean had expressed plans to add Dynamic Dining to the Oasis class of ships specifically, but delayed the action for many months and now decided to abandon the idea all together.

Guests who had booked Dynamic Dining on an Oasis class ship will select from two seating times in the main dining room or My Time Dining.

Royal Caribbean News

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 102nd episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, and this we're talking using social media to plan and share your Royal Caribbean cruise vacation.

In this episode, Matt and Joe Tolley talk about how folks can use social media to enhance their cruise as well as the ways in which Royal Caribbean is looking to get more and more guests using it too.

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 Radio has a review of Doug's recent cruise on Majesty of the Seas.

Beyondships.com has a look at the daily programs on Oasis of the Seas.

In The Loop Travel takes a look at the water slide news on Harmony of the Seas.

Cruize Cast is back with a new podcast episode!

Royal Caribbean Post Round-Up: July 12, 2015

In:
12 Jul 2015

Sit back and catch up on this week's Royal Caribbean news.  We've gone through and hand-picked some fun articles for you to take a look at in case you missed any of it.

This week, Royal Caribbean announced it decided to keep Majesty of the Seas in the fleet, rather than transfer her out as previously announced.  

In addition, Royal Caribbean will send Majesty of the Seas to a dry dock, where she will receive a number of major upgrades that will offer guests much more to see, do and eat onboard.  Following her upgrades, Majesty of the Seas will offer 3 and 4 night itineraries out of Port Canerval, Florida in 2016.

Reservations for the Majesty of the Seas’ inaugural Port Canaveral season are now available for sailings beginning May 27, 2016.

More Royal Caribbean News

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 101st episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, and we are reviewing a podcast listener's recent cruise aboard Liberty of the Seas.

Rob Chang took a 9-night cruise aboard Liberty of the Seas with his family and he joins Matt on the podcast to discuss his experiences onboard the ship as well as what he did onshore and what he would recommend to do for others going on her.

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 Post Round-Up: April 19, 2015

In:
19 Apr 2015

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

There's no doubt the big news this week is Royal Caribbean's Anthem of the Seas made her grand debut in Southampton, UK this week, marking the arrival of the cruise line's second Quantum-class cruise ship.

Anthem of the Seas will have her official inaugural ceremony tomorrow but already she's offering a pre-inaugural 2-night cruise as we speak and that means we have a lot of photos from onboard Anthem of the Seas to share.

Check out our photos from all over Anthem of the Seas, as well as a video of her arrival into Southampton.

Royal Caribbean News

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The eighty-ninth episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available and this week we are reviewing Royal Caribbean's Dynamic Dining program.

In this episode, Matt and Don discuss what Dynamic Dining is, as well as how well it works and what they like about it and don't like about this new take on cruise ship dining.

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.

Join us aboard the largest cruise ship in the world!

We're so excited to announce the next group cruise for readers and staff of RoyalCaribbeanBlog.com aboard Allure of the Seas!  This is an exclusive group where we are inviting you, our readers, to join us on a fantastic Allure of the Seas sailing on an 7-night cruise to the Western Caribbean.

This Royal Caribbean Blog group cruise is all about enjoying a fun Royal Caribbean cruise along with other fans who are big fans of Royal Caribbean.  Don't miss this opportunity to check out the amazing ship as well as be a part of exclusive events for those that book with our group!

For more details on booking the cruise, the itinerary and prices, check out the Royal Caribbean Blog group cruise page and if you have any questions, email me!

Royal Caribbean Around the Internet

Forbes interviewed Royal Caribbean COO Adam Goldstein about the growth and popularity of Royal Caribbean.

World of Cruising discussed life on board Anthem of the Seas with cruise director Joff Eaton.

The Motley Fool has a look at how Royal Caribbean plans to get U.S. and European cruisers to China.

Mirror reports when Thomson's acquires Splendour of the Seas, she will be renamed Thomson Discovery.

Royal Caribbean Post Round-Up: April 12, 2015

In:
12 Apr 2015

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.

Earlier this week Royal Caribbean took delivery of its newest cruise ship, Anthem of the Seas at a ceremony in Bremerhaven, Germany.

Ship builder Meyer Werft handed over the second Quantum-class cruise ship to Royal Caribbean.  

Anthem of the Seas will have her inaugrual ceremony in Southampton, U.K., on April 20, 2015..

Anthem of the Seas will sail its inaugural season from Southampton before the ship repositions in November to Cape Liberty, New Jersey.

Royal Caribbean News

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The eighty-eighth episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available and this week we are previewing a listener's upcoming transatlantic cruise on Serenade of the Seas.

In this episode, Matt welcomes Beth to the podcast to discuss her 15-night cruise that will take her across the Atlantic ocean and then tour Northern Europe.  We will explore why Beth chose this particular cruise and her plans for onboard 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.

Join us aboard the largest cruise ship in the world!

We're so excited to announce the next group cruise for readers and staff of RoyalCaribbeanBlog.com aboard Allure of the Seas!  This is an exclusive group where we are inviting you, our readers, to join us on a fantastic Allure of the Seas sailing on an 7-night cruise to the Western Caribbean.

This Royal Caribbean Blog group cruise is all about enjoying a fun Royal Caribbean cruise along with other fans who are big fans of Royal Caribbean.  Don't miss this opportunity to check out the amazing ship as well as be a part of exclusive events for those that book with our group!

For more details on booking the cruise, the itinerary and prices, check out the Royal Caribbean Blog group cruise page and if you have any questions, email me!

Royal Caribbean Around the Internet

Royal Caribbean posted a blog post all about Gigi the Giraffe on Anthem of the Seas.

The Orlando Sentinel notes cruise ships don't get older, they just get face lifts.

Campaign reports TBWA\London will be Royal Caribbean UK's agency for marketing in the UK.

Royal Caribbean Post Round-Up: April 5, 2015

In:
05 Apr 2015

Sit back and catch up on this week's Royal Caribbean news.  We've gone through and hand-picked some fun articles for you to take a look at in case you missed any of it.

Earlier this week Royal Caribbean announced who the godmother will be for Anthem of the Seas.

Emma Wilby, a 27-year-old travel agent from the United Kingdom was selected to be the new ship's godmother.  To help her prepare for inaugural day, Craig Yates, Team Captain from British choir group Only Boys Aloud will be Ms. Wilby’s vocal coach, and Royal Caribbean is treating her to a full makeover.

Wilby will perform a special song at the ship's inaugural ceremony in Southampton, UK on April 20, 2015.

Royal Caribbean News

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The eighty-seventh episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available and we've got a live recording from Quantum of the Seas.

Matt is back from Quantum of the Seas and recorded a live review of Quantum of the Seas with other RoyalCaribbeanBlog readers during their 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.

Join us aboard the largest cruise ship in the world!

We're so excited to announce the next group cruise for readers and staff of RoyalCaribbeanBlog.com aboard Allure of the Seas!  This is an exclusive group where we are inviting you, our readers, to join us on a fantastic Allure of the Seas sailing on an 7-night cruise to the Western Caribbean.

This Royal Caribbean Blog group cruise is all about enjoying a fun Royal Caribbean cruise along with other fans who are big fans of Royal Caribbean.  Don't miss this opportunity to check out the amazing ship as well as be a part of exclusive events for those that book with our group!

For more details on booking the cruise, the itinerary and prices, check out the Royal Caribbean Blog group cruise page and if you have any questions, email me!

Royal Caribbean Around the Internet

The Motley Fool has an interesting post about what sending Ovation of the Seas to China says about the Chinese cruise market.

Seattle Times documents how Royal Caribbean prepares Oasis of the Seas between Caribbean cruises.

Miami Herald reports Royal Caribbean board member Bernard Aronson will not stay on the Board of Directors.

Royal Caribbean Post Round-Up: March 15, 2015

In:
15 Mar 2015

Another week has come to an end and we've gone through and hand-picked some fun articles for you to take a look at in case you missed any of it.

The big Royal Caribbean news this week was Anthem of the Seas had her conveyance up the River Ems and is poised now to begin her sea trials.

Anthem of the Seas' conveyance was an impressive operation, requiring her to go backwards up a narrow river with the aid of tug boats at about 2-3 knotts.  It also produced some great photos and videos that we shared on the blog this week.

Anthem of the Seas is scheduled to be handed over to Royal Caribbean in mid-April.

Royal Caribbean News

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The eighty-fourth episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available and this we're talking about WOWbands.

In this episode, Matt looks at why these new silicone bracelets represent a big step forward for guests.  From convenience of use to the technology behind them, Matt shows why WOWbands help make everything onboard easier and what the future may hold for them.

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 Currents has a list of 8 reasons an interior stateroom can be perfect for any cruiser.

Travel Weekly reports Royal Caribbean will require passenger emails from now on.

CNN reviewed Quantum of the Seas and all she offers.

Royal Caribbean Post Round-Up: March 8, 2014

In:
08 Mar 2015

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.

Earlier this week, Royal Caribbean released its 2016-2017 Caribbean deployment plans and it let loose a slew of big changes coming to Royal Caribbean's "back yard" of operations.

There were quite a number of old faces in new places.  Oasis of the Seas is moving to Port Canaveral, Freedom of the Seas is moving to Fort Lauderdale, Enchantment of the Seas is moving to Miami and Rhapsody of the Seas is going to Port Canaveral.  Also, Anthem of the Seas is staying put in Cape Liberty.

The soon-to-be biggest cruise ship in the world, Harmony of the Seas, is coming to Fort Lauderdale, althought it's not yet clear where she will be in the weeks around her launch.  

You can read the entire deployment changes for 2016-2017 here.

Royal Caribbean News

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The eighty-third episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available and this we're talking about Giovanni's Table restaurant.

In this episode, Matt talks about why he thinks Giovanni's Table specialty restaurant is an under-appreciated dining choice and looks over the menu to discuss the good choices available and why you might want to make a reservation for your next 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

Beyondships.com has a new photo feature on Allure of the Seas.

EatSleepCruise.com has a review of Michael's Genuine Pub on Quantum of the Seas.

In The Loop Travel has tips to avoid hidden costs on your cruise.

Royal Caribbean Post Round-Up: March 1, 2015

In:
01 Mar 2015

Another week has come to an end and we've gone through and hand-picked some fun articles for you to take a look at in case you missed any of it.

By far, the big Royal Caribbean news this week was details emerged all about the third Oasis-class cruise ship, Harmony of the Seas.

First, Royal Caribbean announced her name after a couple of weeks of rumors floating around that it would be Harmony of the Seas.

Then just a few days later, Royal Caribbean announced many details about Harmony of the Seas, including restaurants, entertainment and onboard activities.

Royal Caribbean News

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The eighty-second episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available and this we're talking about the strategy of staying onboard your ship in port.

In this episode, Matt discusses why you might want to stay onboard your Royal Caribbean ship while it's in port.  There are some distinct advantages to not leaving the ship, including being able to enjoy the feeling of having the ship to yourself.

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 Critic Managing Editor Colleen McDaniel spoke to Fox Business about the best cruise ships of 2015.

Live Design has an in-depth look at the theater tech behind the Royal Theatre on Quantum of the Seas.

CBS Sports noted Royal Caribbean's witty tweet to Ohio State football coach Urban Meyer after he was stuck on Brilliance of the Seas.

Cruise Hangout has a visual recap of Anthem of the Seas' float out.

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