Our newest podcast episode is out to help give you a quick "audio escape" to a Royal Caribbean cruise!

Episode 59 is available for downloading and this week we have an exclusive interview with the man that headed up the design for Two70, Tim Magill.

Tim and his team at 5+design are responsible for making Two70 look like the next generation cruise ship hot spot that it's been billed as.  Tim takes us behind-the-scenes of how a place like Two70 is built and what kind of work went into it.

Here’s the podcast page for Episode 59. And don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast via RSS, Stitcher or on iTunes!

Take a listen and as always, let us know what you think! Please rate and review the podcast on iTunes and leave your comments below!

Royal Caribbean's unnamed third Quantum-class cruise ship will have its navigation, lighting and communication systems provided by L-3 MSI.

This ship will be the sister ship to Quantum of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas, both of which were previously equipped by L-3 MSI as well.

The third Quantum-class ship will receive a SAM Electronics NACOS Platinum navigation system comprising five X- and S-band radars serially linked to ten Multipilot workstations for combined display of ARPA, radar, ECDIS and conning functions in addition to those for automatic steering control and voyage planning.

Part of the specialty cruise ship software package also provides modes to support station-keeping with reduced fuel consumption and machinery wear.

To countdown the launch of Royal Caribbean's newest cruise ship, Quantum of the Seas, we're blogging about one aspect of the ship each day for 99 days. Check back each day for something exciting to read about this new ship.

Sustainability

Everyone is trying to do their part to help the enviroment and Royal Caribbean is going to make Quantum of the Seas one of the "greenest" cruise ships to ever sail.

Royal Caribbean has heavily invested in technology to help reduce Quantum of the Seas' footprint.  

Sophisticated computer modeling was used to reduce the vessel’s energy consumption with efficient hull configuration, engine design and energy saving devices.  The ship has eliminated the use of incandescent bulbs; all lighting will be provided by low-energy LED or fluorescents.  Motion sensors even dim hallway lighting when no one is present.  

The cruise ship has been designed to consume less energy and keep Quantum of the Seas cleaner and greener.

Quantum of the Seas will be armed with brand new "scrubbers" that will remove pollutants from engine exhaust as a kind of filter.

Stay tuned for tomorrow's post as we celebrate 99 days of Quantum!

At the Seatrade Med 2014 trade event, Royal Caribbean's COO Adam Goldstein was named the Seatrade Mediterranean Personality of the Year 2014.

Goldstein was presented the award at the event during the opening conference session of Seatrade Med 2014, which is being held this year at the Fira de Barcelona.

Seatrade chairman Chris Hayman spoke about why Adam Goldstein deserved the award, "He was one of the first North American executives to identify Europe as a second source market from an industry standpoint and set about tapping into that potential by spearheading deploying of vessels into the region, and in particular the Med, to ignite local demand."

On receiving the award, Adam Goldstein said, "I would like to say thank you to Seatrade, UBM and V.Ships Leisure for this award. The success of any enterprise is that it is a team effort. I am thoroughly grateful to be the recipient of the Seatrade Mediterranean Cruise Personality of the Year."

With Royal Caribbean's newest cruise ship, Quantum of the Seas, launching very soon, we're counting down each day with a brand new blog post all about this amazing cruise ship.

Starwater

A brand new production show by Royal Caribbean will be Starwater, which is located in Two70°, and will be among one of many new shows to grace Quantum of the Seas

Starwater features, "A beautiful and highly visual production featuring Dancers and Singers all under the spell of our Muse who transports the audience as she orchestrates an eternal fusion the universe and sea to her will."

Royal Caribbean is making Starwater into a highly visual production that combines video mapping, groundbreaking robotic technology and live performance artistry. Human emotions are explored as our muse brings together the magic of the stars and the mysteries of the seas for this awe-inspiring theatrical experience.

Like the other tech-heavy shows in Two70°, Starwater will take advantage of the innovations found only in Two70°.

Stay tuned for tomorrow's post as we celebrate 99 days of Quantum!

To celebrate the launch of Royal Caribbean's Quantum of the Seas in less than 100 days, we're counting down each day with some really cool about the ship.  Check out our blog each day for a brand new post all about Quantum of the Seas.

Two70°

Perhaps one of the most innovative places on Royal Caribbean's newest cruise ship is Two70°.  This unique spot on Quantum of the Seas will offer entertainment, technology and an experience never before seen at sea.

As its name implies, Two70° offers a two hundred and seventy degree view from the aft of the ship.  An expansive ocean view that is two decks high allows you to see an amazing view during the day.

At night, Two70° transforms to offer a seamless video projection, robotics and human artistry.

Inside Two70° you will find Vistarama, a floor-to-ceiling sea view that will take you anywhere in the world in seconds thanks to some amazing projection technology.  There's also ROBOSHOW, where six Roboscreens take the stage to offer surprise performances throughout your vacation.   And then there's Starwater, a brand new Royal Caribbean production that combines technology and actors.

Want more entertainment?  You will find Virtual Concert and Gatsby shows here as well.

Two70° will offer quite a variety of entertainment as this space was designed to always be a hub of activity.  Royal Caribbean designed Two70° to be a place that always has something going on and the ability of the entire room to transform in seconds is what makes Two70° really impressive.

Stay tuned for tomorrow's post as we celebrate 99 days of Quantum!

Royal Caribbean's Quantum of the Seas debuts in less than 100 days so we're counting down all the great things about Quantum of the Seas. Each day we will post something about Quantum of the Seas to share with you.

The Grande Restaurant

One of the new restaurants coming to Royal Caribbean's Dynamic Dining is a throwback to the golden era of cruising when dining was a social ritual and getting dressed up was a big part of the experience.

The Grande Restaurant encompasses all the glitz and glamour of classic cruise dining with great food too.

Every night at the Grande is formal night and Royal Caribbean is celebrating each evening like it's a special occasion. For fans of getting dressed up for dinner, the Grande is your restaurant and you can get dressed up as many nights as you want when you dine here.

There's more to the Grande than just what you wear, after all, you're going to the Grande to eat.  You'll find Beef Wellington, Chicken a l’Orange, Roasted Scallops, Sole Almondine and more.  The Grande will feature the world’s favorite classic dishes all at Quantum of the Seas’ most elegant restaurant.

Inside the restaurant you will find a beautiful, plush dining environment with crystal chandeliers, Venetian mirrors and over-scaled chairs printed with classic recipes.

The Grande is a complimentary restaurant and will be included in your cruise fare.  It will be open for dinner.

Stay tuned for tomorrow's post as we celebrate 99 days of Quantum!

Royal Caribbean is kicking off a Weekend WOW deal that offers a deal on cruises booked this weekend.

Royal Caribbean is offering

• Book an Interior or Ocean View stateroom and receive $25 Onboard Credit
• Book a Balcony or Suite and receive $50 Onboard Credit

The deal is valid on all sailings between September 14 – December 31, 2014, excluding Quantum of the Seas.  Bookings must be made on September 13-14.

Offer is combinable with current standard/full fare rates and restricted rates (for example, Seniors, Residents, Military, BOGO, Kids Sail Free). Offer is not combinable with any other offer or promotion, including, but not limited to, Interline, Travel Agent, Travel Agent Friends and Family, weekly Sales Events, Net Rates, Crown & Anchor Discounts, Shareholder Benefits or Next Cruise offers, promotions, or benefits.

Royal Caribbean is counting down the days until its brand new Quantum of the Seas debuts and as of today, there are 99 days until that happens, so for the next 99 days we will be posting something every day about this amazing new ship.

Dreamworks Experience

Ever since Royal Caribbean partnered with DreamWorks to bring their characters onboard Royal Caribbean's cruise ships, it's been a big hit.  Not surprisingly, the DreamWorks Experience will be coming to Quantum of the Seas too.

Onboard Quantum of the Seas you will be able to meet DreamWorks characters such as Shrek, Fiona and the Penguins from Madagascar.  

In addition to character meets, you will find the DreamWorks characters in shows, 3D movies, parades, character meals and more.

Kids also get the chance to play with their favorite DreamWorks Animation characters at Adventure Ocean.

Of course, you will be abloe to watch DreamWorks films in your stateroom.

Stay tuned for tomorrow's post as we celebrate 99 days of Quantum!

We love sharing Royal Caribbean photos that our readers send in because they are so much fun to look at.  We want your photos too, so send us your best Royal Caribbean photos to share with the world.

Let's begin this week's photos with a photo by Karen Green of a beautiful evening poolside last October on our Eastern Caribbean cruise on the Allure of the Seas. Looks perfect!

I love this photo's perspective by Crenn Tive of Monarch of the Seas while in Nassau.  Monarch may no longer be in Royal Caribbean's fleet but this is a great way to remember her.

It looks like another day in paradise with this photo by Paul Westbrook.  Great shot!

John Siegmund sent this photo of the sunset off the bow of Majesty of the Seas while sailing to CocoCay.  I feel like I should be seeing this right before heading into the ship to enjoy dinner.

We will wrap things up with this photo of Bryce Griffler's bar crawl.  Bryce says they gained some people along the way, and lost others, too. It was a BLAST. They visited another bar every 30-45 minutes, and were out until past 2am.

If we didn't include your photo this week, then that means you need to send it in to us for use on a future Friday Photos post.  We want to see your favorite Royal Caribbean cruise photos and you can use this form to send them to us.