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

• Guests can get their port taxes and fees paid for free through April 15.
• Royal Caribbean has named its giant giraffe art on Anthem of the Seas Gigi.
• Read our full review of Jamie's Italian specialty restaurant on Quantum of the Seas.
• Take a photo tour of a Category L stateroom on Quantum of the Seas.
• Royal Caribbean will expand its stops in St. Kitts in 2016.
• We found some photos of Explorer of the Seas in drydock.

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.

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 is adding a giant giraffe to Anthem of the Seas.
• We break down if Royal Caribbean's unlimited alcohol packages are worth it or not.
• Anthem of the Seas will offer a new escape room experience.
• California residents can take advantage of a bonus booking offer just for them.
• Royal Caribbean sued owners of two typo domain names.
• The new water slides on Harmony of the Seas will be manufactured by an Orlando based firm.

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.

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

• It looks like Royal Caribbean will send Ovation of the Seas to China when she debuts.
• Royal Caribbean announced its 2016 Europe and Alaska cruises.
• Royal Caribbean rolled out a new promotion, BOGO50.
• Harmony of the Seas will debut in Europe before coming to the United States.
• Harmony of the Seas bookings will be available on April 2nd.
• A tropical depression in the south Pacific altered two Royal Caribbean ship itineraries.

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.

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 will sell Splendour of the Seas.
• Anthem of the Seas will have her conveyance on March 11.
• We have new photos of Anthem of the Seas in the daytime.
• Ovation of the Seas keel laying and lucky coin ceremony was held this week.
• Royal Caribbean released a new website design.
• We posted a full review of Jamie's Italian specialty restaurant on Quantum of the Seas.
• We also have a review of a recent cruise on Enchantment of the Seas.

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.

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

• Liberty of the Seas experienced some propulsion problems that slowed her down.
• Royal Caribbean lead the pack in the 2015 Members Choice Awards.
• We featured some beautiful Anthem of the Seas float out photos.
• Heavy sea fog canceled the February 23 Brilliance of the Seas cruise.
• What first time cruisers to Royal Caribbean need to know.

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.

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 all about Anthem of the Seas' float out that took place yesterday.

After a few days delay due to poor weather, Anthem of the Seas finally made her way out of the Meyer Werft shipyard dry dock and is now one step closer to launching.

Anthem of the Seas will conduct a few last-minute changes while in the shipyard harbor before her conveyance on the River Ems in March.

Royal Caribbean News

• Speaking of Anthem of the Seas, her godmother will be a (singing) travel agent.
• Dates have emerged for Royal Caribbean's 2016-2017 deployment schedule.
• Royal Caribbean announced new shows that guests will enjoy onboard Anthem of the Seas.
• Royal Caribbean named a new Senior Vice President of Hotel Operations.
• Our tips for what you need to know before taking a solo Royal Caribbean cruise.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The eighty-first episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available and we've got an exclusive interview with an Anthem of the Seas' designer.

In this episode, Matt welcomes back to the podcast 5+Design designer Tim Magill to discuss the public spaces he and his team have worked on, on Anthem 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

In The Loop Travel shared seven things you'll enjoy on Quantum of the Seas.

Cruise Hangout shared a video by the brains behind Two70's shows on Quantum of the Seas.

Facebook group Anthem of the Seas is the perfect spot for tons of Anthem of the Seas information.

My San Antonio calls Quantum of the Seas "a billion dollar beauty".

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 announced the float out date for its newest cruise ship, Anthem of the Seas. 

On February 21, Anthem of the Seas will exit the building she's been constructed in and she will be one step closer to delivery.  Float outs are an important step for any new cruise ship and for the public, we get to see the ship on her own in the water.

Once floated out, the ship will begin functionality tests.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean launched its latest promotion yesterday, BOGO Wild.
• Considering a virtual balcony? Check out photos from 8 days of virtual balcony views on Quantum of the Seas.
• Royal Caribbean raised the gratuity amount on its unlimited alcohol packages.
• TechCrunch offered up an inside look at the IT behind Quantum of the Seas.
• Future cruise ship visits to New Zealand's South Island are in jeopardy.
• Our total Royal Caribbean cruise planning timeline.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The eightieth episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available and we're taking a look at Port Canaveral.

In this episode, Matt looks at the nuances of taking a Royal Caribbean cruise into and out of Port Canaveral, Florida.  This busy port offers a lot and Matt shares tips and tricks if you'll be visiting Port Canaveral as part of 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 has a review of Jamie Oliver's restaurant on Quantum of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean has a list of the coolest shore excursions on Oasis of the Seas.

EatSleepCruise tested out all the new technology on Quantum of the Seas.

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 we confirmed a strong rumor that had surfaced that Anthem of the Seas will offer a new dining option in addition to Dynamic Dining.

Dubbed "Dynamic Dining Classic", this new option for passengers will allow them to rotate among the complimentary restaurants each evening of their cruise while retaining the same waiters and tablemates each evening.  

This is a response to Royal Caribbean fans that prefer a more traditional dining experience and will be available for pre-booking in early March.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean began construction on the fourth Oasis-class cruise ship.
• A norovirus outbreak on Grandeur of the Seas forced the ship home a day early.
• We shared the secret behind some art on Oasis of the Seas.
• Royal Caribbean is offering free unlimited alcohol packages to UK residents.
• Royal Caribbean announced a dividend for shareholders.
• A quick tip to increase the chances you will get a stateroom upgrade on your next Royal Caribbean cruise.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The seventy-ninth episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available and we've got an in-depth review of the changes Royal Caribbean has made to Freedom of the Seas.

After a 24-day dry dock refurbishment, Freedom of the Seas has new public spaces, restaurants, staterooms and more to explore and I've invited Beci Mahnken to help us learn all about what's new and different onboard this popular cruise 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 Interet

Cruise Radio posted a detailed audio review of Quantum of the Seas with friend of the blog Don Bucolo.

A Great Europe Trip Planner shared a review of a recent visit to Royal Caribbean's private island of Labadee.

MEI Travel shared why you should use a travel agent when you book a cruise (or anything else).

Mouse Fan Cafe shared their experience making cupcakes on Freedom of the Seas.

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.

There's a new boss at Royal Caribbean this week.  Michael Bayley was formally introduced as the new CEO of Royal Caribbean International by Royal Caribbean Ltd Chairman Richard Fain.  

Bayley takes over for Adam Goldstein and began his duties immediately.

Cruise fans may recognize Bayley as the CEO of sister company Celebrity Cruises.  Bayley is now in charge of Royal Caribbean International and will begin his reign as head of the cruise company.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean ended Brilliance of the Seas' lease this week.
• A propulsion problem is slowing down Freedom of the Seas.
• Video of Quantum of the Seas' naming ceremony.
• Don't miss our full review of The Grande on Quantum of the Seas.
• Have you seen these color changing mugs for sale on your Royal Caribbean cruise?

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The seventy-first episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available and we're previewing a podcast listener's upcoming cruise on Allure of the Seas.

In this episode, Matt shares tips and strategies for getting a deal on your Royal Caribbean cruise.  From when to book, who to book with and what to look for, there's a few ways you can help save a few dollars on your next cruise vacation.

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 Dudes Podcast intereviewed Matt (yea, this guy) about his experience on Quantum of the Seas.

NewsOK interviewed Royal Caribbean CIO Bill Martin about the technology on Quantum of the Seas.

The Financial featured a story about how Royal Caribbean and Intel brought a lot of tablets to sea.

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.

Royal Caribbean announced this week that its oldest ship in the fleet, Majesty of the Seas, will be transferred out by April 2016.

Majesty of the Seas' final voyage will be on April 29, 2016 and afterwards, will undergo a dry dock session before heading to join Pullmantur cruises.

Here's the other Royal Caribbean news you might have missed this week

• Royal Caribbean was named best cruise line for the money.
• Quantum of the Seas was named best new cruise ship of 2014.
• We posted a full review of Wonderland restaurant.
• Royal Caribbean kicked off a new cruise deal, with discount on the second guest, onboard credit and reduced deposit.
• What you need to know about WOWbands.
• Here are the best places to party on Quantum of the Seas.
• Our review of American Icon Grill restaurant.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The sixty-eighth episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available and we've got a roundtable review of Quantum of the Seas to share with you.

In this episode, Matt and a few friends that recently sailed on Quantum of the Seas share their collective thoughts on this brand new ship and review what Quantum of the Seas offers and if Royal Caribbean hit a home run with 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 Around the Internet

Conde Nast Treveler reviewed Quantum of the Seas, focusing on the tech.

The Verge declared Quantum of the Seas is the ship of tomorrow.

Cruise Critic posted their full Quantum of the Seas review.

In The Loop Travel wrote about seven things you'll enjoy on Quantum of the Seas.

From the Deck Chair has their full Quantum of the Seas recap.