The Port Everglades webcam posted this neat video of Oasis of the Seas leaving Port Everglades earlier today.
I love these drone videos and this is a great perspective. Enjoy!
Royal Caribbean is inviting its Crown and Anchor Society members to sail aboard an annual traditon of a member cruise. This year the member cruise is a 12-night fall foliage cruise from Quebec City on Serenade of the Seas on September 25, 2015.
The Crown and Anchor member cruise offers members-only events and activities, surprise parties exclusive benefits, and the opportunity to socialize with other Crown & Anchor Society members.
The 2014 members cruise sailed to the Baltics and North Sea recently and for those that like to sail with other Royal Caribbean fans, the member cruise can be a popular choice.
We love to share your Royal Caribbean photos every Friday and give everyone a quick "mental escape" to look at some stunning photos. We want your photos too, so send us your best Royal Caribbean photos to share with the world.
Leading things off this week is a photo by Michael Poole of Enchantment of the Seas as seen from CocoCay. Not sure if I wish I was on Enchantment or CocoCay more right now!
Next we have this photo by Greta looking out at her balcony as the sun is rising on Freedom fo the Seas. If I ever woke up early enough to see sunrise, this would be something great to see.
Here's a photo from Marie Coschigano in St. Maarten of my good friend Leo Brown. Leo has driven me a few times in St. Maarten and I'm so happy to see others have enjoyed his services too!
Garrett Keating sent me this photo from Explorer of the Seas on his way to Bermuda and because it's well established that I am a sucker for sunset photos, you will understand why I am including this one. Absolutely beautiful photo!
Mike from Autism on the Seas sent in this photo from Freedom of the Seas this week as it was on its way to Jamaica. Autism on the Seas is such a wonderful organization and this photo is a great shot!
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.
If you're going to Royal Caribbean's private island of Labadee and intersted in renting a cabana, here's a guide to what you need to know about renting your own cabana.
The cabanas at Labadee are perfect for someone who is planning on spending the whole day on Labadee and wants to have a a private beach experience.
Cabanas may be rented online prior to your cruise through Royal Caribbean's Cruise Planner section.
Suite guests get first access to the cabanas but we have seen access for non-suite guests to book cabanas online. Suite guests may also email their concierge prior to your cruise to reserve one.
You may also go to the Explorations (shore excursions) desk onboard your Royal Caribbean ship and put your name down on a list. It's best to put your name down as soon as possible for the best chance at getting a cabana.
In regards to the online system, make sure you are only selecting one person in your party when making the reservation online. Don't worry, the rest of your group will be allowed in as the reservation is good for up to 6 people.
Barefoot beach is reserved for suite guests only, where as Nellies is open to everyone. As a result, the beach is far more crowded (relatively speaking) at Nellie's Beach.
In addition, those at Nellie's Beach will be escorted over to Barefoot Beach for the private lunch buffet. Your cabin attendant will inform you when it is time and walk you over.
Blog reader Tony mentioned a new policy for those that have cabanas at Nellie's Beach. Nellie's Beach cabana rentals do not have access to the private lunch buffet at Bearfoot Beach. If you booked before October of last year you were eligible after that Nellie's Beach cabanas use the regular buffet areas.
Royal Caribbean reported its 2014 second quarter financial results today, and higher European deamand helped second-quarter profit beat estimates and the company raised its outlook for the full year.
Royal Caribbean said it earned $137.7 million, or 62 cents a share, in the quarter, up from $24.7 million, or 11 cents a share, in the same period a year ago.
Royal Caribbean Chief Financial Officer Jason T. Liberty said in a statement, "higher pricing for close-in European sailings propelled us above the top end of our guidance for the quarter. While the environment in the Caribbean remains promotional, our European itineraries continue to resonate well with strong demand from all markets."
Onboard revenue initiatives continue to deliver positive results with a 3% increase for the quarter. This is the tenth consecutive quarter of onboard revenue growth.
Liberty also commented, "overall business has been solid and our equity investments continue to outperform, allowing us to deliver even better returns to our shareholders."
Hey everyone! Episode 51 of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available for your listening pleasure.
This week, Matt discusses where and when tipping is expected and suggested on a Royal Caribbean cruise. There's been some changes recently in how Royal Caribbean handles tips as well as more "gray areas" of when it may be expected.
Matt discusses who is most likely to get a tip as well as how automatic tipping has been instituted in certain areas of the cruise experience.
Here’s the podcast page for Episode 51. And don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast via RSS 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!
Go behind the scenes at Meyer Werft's cabin factory where Quantum of the Seas staterooms are constructed using a production line. From carpeting to art on the wall, this manufacturing process ensures the highest quality standards throughout.
Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose L. Cuisia Jr. issued a statement today about his meeting with officials from three cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean, to provide feedback on how the Philippines could become a cruise destination.
“The cruise giants were open to working with the Philippines in destination development while they discussed infrastructure requirements, “ Cuisia said after a recent economic diplomacy mission to the US state of Florida, where he met with cruise-company officials.
During the meeting, Cuisia took the opportunity to emphasize to the cruise-line executives the notable destination possibilities in the Philippines, particularly Vigan City in Ilocos Sur province, which is now vying to be one of the Seven New Wonders of the World.
The Royal Caribbean officials who met with the Embassy team were Guillermo Villa, Vice President for Human Resources; Maria del Busto, Chief Human Resources Officer; and Sonia Diaz-Del Oro, Associate Vice President for Global Learning and Organizational Development. Royal Caribbean currently employs about 16,000 Filipinos, which is second to Carnival.
Thanks to Steve Ritter for submitting this Cruise Compass
One of our blog readers, Shawn Wallace, is beginning his cruise this week on Freedom of the Seas and took some time to share photos of areas around the ship. Enjoy!
The Royal Promenade
KIds pool area, H2O Zone
Mini golf
Enjoying a drink to celebrate the beginning of a Royal Caribbean cruise
Adventure Ocean Explorers Room
Little People poster in Nursery