Has it been a few years since your last Royal Caribbean cruise?
If so, welcome back! This video is all about sharing some of the big changes Royal Caribbean has made in the last couple years that ought to get you up to speed on where things stand today.
Royal Caribbean is quietly testing a brand new family activity that could be coming to a cruise ship near you soon.
The Steel Pan Family Jam is being tested on select ships, that allows families to learn how to play the steel drums while on their cruise.
Royal Caribbean's Senior Vice President of Entertainment, Nick Weir, shared a video of one of these lessons and mentioned it is in pilot mode, but "will go fleetwide soon."
In addition, the cruise line filed a trademark for the "Steel Pan Family Jam" name with the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
Royal Caribbean added a mini steel drum set to the bar area of the Lime & Coconut on Oasis of the Seas, with example sheet music. This was offered without musical instruction.
Is this an activity you want to try on a Royal Caribbean cruise?
Happy Sunday and we hope you had a great week. It was a busy week of Royal Caribbean fun, and we have a round-up of all of it in this hand-dandy blog post.
The free cruises are a gesture to thank the humanitarian efforts put forth to combat the wildfires.
Spectrum of the Seas will travel to Australia and be deployed on complimentary cruises sailing from Sydney in support of Australia's first responder community, who worked tirelessly over many weeks of the bush fire crisis.
One of the best ways to learn about what sort of events a cruise ship offers is to consult a past Royal Caribbean Cruise Compass. Here is a look at recent Cruise Compasses we have added.
In light of the ongoing Coronavirus issues in China, Royal Caribbean has announced it will move Spectrum of the Seas to Australia as a gesture to thank the humanitarian efforts put forth to combat the wildfires.
Spectrum of the Seas will travel to Australia and be deployed on complimentary cruises sailing from Sydney in support of Australia's first responder community, who worked tirelessly over many weeks of the bush fire crisis.
"We are in a fortunate position to offer these brave and selfless members of the Australian community the opportunity to join us for a few days and let them relax and unwind in the company of other volunteers and first responders," said Michael Bayley, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International. "By welcoming and accommodating them aboard Spectrum of the Seas, we hope to recognize their contribution and offer them our hospitality."
Bayley made it clear Spectrum of the Seas has not been in China for more than two weeks, which makes the ship safe from possibly transporting Coronavirus.
Royal Caribbean intends to also thank those that are currently combating the spread of Coronavirus. When the situation in China improves, as it relates to Coronavirus, Royal Caribbean International will dedicate a ship in China to a series of complimentary sailings to thank first responders and medical personnel for their heroic efforts to defeat the virus.
Further details of the cruises will be shared as final itineraries are developed.
Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. officially commented on the Coronavirus situation, and how it is impacting the company's bottom line.
Thus far, a total of 18 sailings have been canceled, along with several other modified itineraries.
Taken together, these measures have an estimated impact on the company's financial performance for 2020 of approximately $0.65 per share.
Royal Caribbean also provided a financial performance forecast if they were to cancel all of its remaining sailings in Asia through the end of April, which would impact 2020 financial performance by an additional $0.55 per share. Canceling the remaining sailings in Asia through the end of April is not currently planned.
"It is important that every organization acts responsibly, and we have already taken aggressive steps to minimize risk through boarding restrictions and itinerary changes," said Richard D. Fain, chairman and CEO. "Our shipboard and shoreside teams have been working tirelessly through these circumstances and I want to thank them for all of their extraordinary efforts. We appreciate our responsibility to our guests and to each other, and our focus on public health is unwavering."
Mr. Fain also mentioned that while the early impact due to concerns about the Coronavirus is mainly related to Asia, recent bookings for our broader business have also been softer.
If the travel restrictions and concerns over the outbreak continue for an extended period of time, they could materially impact the company's overall financial performance.
I have a brand new video today that shows off 12 things you can only find on a Royal Caribbean cruise!
From the FlowRider to full Broadway shows to robot bartenders, I've got a look at the things you can only find on Royal Caribbean. Check out all twelve things in our latest RCBlog YouTube Video!
Royal Caribbean has signed a deal with the government of Antigua and Barbuda to construct the cruise line's first Royal Beach Club.
After signing a memorandum of understanding in October 2019, this deal marks the start of the planning and development for the Royal Beach Club. The club should break ground later this year.
The Royal Beach Club at Antigua will sit along more than a half-mile of pristine beachfront and combine the island’s striking beaches with the cruise line’s signature service and amenities. The ultimate beach club experience will offer guests exceptional views from private cabanas and a stunning pool with a swim-up bar, complemented by locally inspired experiences. Featuring regional fare, island-style BBQs, live music, along with thrills such as jet skis, paddle boarding, snorkeling, and a family splash pad, the beach club will make for an unforgettable day at the beach.
The Royal beach Club at Antigua is scheduled to open in 2021.
“The Royal Beach Club will deliver a memorable beach day to our guests,” said Michael Bayley, President and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. “Together with the government of Antigua and Barbuda, we will bring to life an experience that will bring more visitors to these idyllic islands and create significant economic benefits and opportunities. In addition, we are looking at ways for the local community to also enjoy the beach club on days our ships are in other destinations.”
The deal also commits Royal Caribbean to bringing Symphony of the Seas, beginning with a call to the island on November 3, 2020. Docking at a new port at the capital of St. John’s, Symphony will be the first Oasis Class ship to visit the island.
Royal Caribbean announced its 2019 Travel Partners of the Year Awards of North America and Puerto Rico.
The list includes 18 travel advisors, which represent the biggest sellers of the year for Royal Caribbean.
The winners recognized include 2018’s Chairman’s Award recipient, Cruise Planners – an American Express Travel Representative, securing the high honor once again; Dream Vacations, a Cruise One Company, with the President’s Award; Travel Leaders Network as Marketing Partner of the Year, and first-time honorees including: International Voyager for Northeast Partner of the Year and 3D Cruise Partners, Charter Partner of the Year.
Chairman's Award for Overall Achievement: Cruise Planners – an American Express Travel Representative
President's Award for Overall Achievement: Dream Vacations – a Cruise One Company
Southeast Partner of the Year: WMPH
Northeast Partner of the Year: International Voyager*
Central Partner of the Year: KHM Travel Group
West Partner of the Year: Automobile Club of Southern California
Canada Partner of the Year: Flight Center Travel Group*
Home-based Partner of the Year: Travel Planners International
Online Partner of the Year: Vacations To Go
Consortia Partner of the Year: Ensemble Travel Group
Corporate Incentive Partner of the Year: Buy the Sea
Host Agency Partner of the Year: Nexion Travel Group
Marketing Partner of the Year: Travel Leaders Network
Top Overall Producer– Puerto Rico: A & A Tours Network
Top Independent Producer–Puerto Rico: Travel Planners Inc/Expedia Centro de Cruceros
Automation Partner of the Year: The Cruise Web
New-to-Cruise Partner of the Year: Expedia Group
Charter Partner of the Year: 3D Cruise Partners*
“The Travel Partner of the Year Awards are by far my favorite way to start every year by recognizing the strength in our partnerships and the incredible work and accomplishments we have achieved together,” said Vicki Freed, senior vice president, Sales, Trade Support and Service, Royal Caribbean International. “Our 2019 winners have shown they have great skill, in-depth knowledge and passion for Royal Caribbean – characteristics that make for the most effective ‘value interpreters’ for any client. As we embark on 2020 with the November launch of our new ship Odyssey of the Seas in sight, we’re excited to reach new heights the entire travel advisor community. Thank you for your support, and congratulations to our winners.”
Matt is doubling down on answering the emails that listeners have sent in this week, including answers to reputable third party shore excursion options, gift cards, and more.
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Royal Caribbean Blog is an unofficial fan blog written for other fans of Royal Caribbean International. The Royal Caribbean Blog is not affiliated with Royal Caribbean International
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