Yesterday Royal Caribbean officially announced its brand new dining concept for its Quantum-class of cruise ships and Royal Caribbean fans near and far started voicing their opinions, with many concerned about the change and some downright angry.

I'd like to at this point recall what the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy prominently (and famously) writes on the cover of the book: don't panic.

When we posted the first leaked elements of dynamic dining based on deck plans and some screenshots that were found, I have to admit I was concerned.  

I love traditional dining and I love having the same wait staff each night in the main dining room to remember that I like to have two savory bites each night along with a glass of wine.  Heck, I like formal nights too because when else do I get to dress up?

So the information I was reading prior to the announcement did not sit well with me.  It seemed like Royal Caribbean was completely changing the entire premise of dining that I had come to enjoy.

Then I went to the announcement event where I got some context with the information.  I got to see what dynamic dining was about and how it would work.  With more of the details being filled in, I started to get it and what dynamic dining is really about is choice and variety.

As passengers, the more choices we have leads to a better experience in my opinion.  

When I sailed on Navigator of the Seas and had five specialty restaurants thanks to the refurbishment instead of the original three, it made a huge difference in the sense of having options to pick from.  Likewise, on Oasis of the Seas the staggering amount of restaurants there made deciding on dinner more liberating because I had so much to choose from.

What I'm getting from dynamic dining is that this will offer us more food, a greater variety of food and more choice in when we get to eat.

The four complimentary restaurants replacing the main dining room (I'm omitting the suite only restaurant since it's too exclusive to really count) expand the menu options from just the dozen or so items on the main dining room menu to dozens of items to choose from now.

On top of that there's a number of specialty restaurants to choose from and prior to dynamic dining we always ate at least one specialty restaurant, if not more, so again more choice here.  

The "My Time Dining style" of booking reservations for dining is going to take some getting used to but this new system will benefit those that are online and like to plan their cruises in advance (which is basically anyone reading this blog more than likely).  If you book ahead, there's no reason why you can't eat at 6:30pm every night just like you did before with traditional dining.  And we, the people who track everything Royal Caribbean online were always "ahead of the game" to begin with, so we will be the ones to reap the rewards of planning ahead.

What dynamic dining is all about is moving ahead.  Royal Caribbean has built itself on pushing the envelope in the last dozen or so years. From new ship designs to new onboard amenities to now dining.  

I hate to say it but traditional dining is a relic of the old style of cruising from way back when.  I knew that even before dynamic dining and while I happened to enjoy it, the fact is the majority of cruisers today do not.  And while big changes are never easy, focusing on the benefits and improvements of change helps make it easier.

I think what you have to understand is dynamic dining is about giving more choices and to me that is liberating.  If you have wished every night was lobster night, then you can make it happen.  If on day three of your cruise you're having a great time by the pool and figure you can eat later, why not wait until 8 or 9pm and stop by American Icon Grill after you're done and then on day four go back to eating closer to 6pm.

The more I saw the concept, the more I started to "get it" and, well, like it.  The entire dining premise on Quantum-class is changing, from the bottom up.  Even the Windjammer is getting a complete makeover that sounds exciting, including 24 hour service (finally!). As I look at dynamic dining now, I see the benefits outweighing the drawbacks.  

My advice to anyone who is against the change to dynamic dining is don't look at it like an attack on traditional dining or what you enjoy.  Rather, look at is something completely new and just a different way to have your meals on a Royal Caribbean ship.  Just like it's hard to imagine going on a cruise without a rock wall or FlowRider, dynamic dining will become a Royal Caribbean staple that the cruise line defines as its own.

It behooves us all to wait until Quantum of the Seas debuts and we get to really see how dynamic dining works "in the wild" but in the last 12 hours or so, I've come around to embracing the change and looking forward to seeing what it brings us.

Royal Caribbean announced on Wednesday a brand new dining innovation coming to its newest class of cruise ships, the concept of dynamic dining.

Brand new for Quantum of the Seas, Anthem of the Seas and the yet-to-be-named third Quantum-class ship, the main dining room is being replaced with five complimentary restaurants that offer distinct flavors, cuisines and tastes to choose from.

In fact, there will be 18 restaurants aboard these new ships, with the aim to offer its guests the most variety and choice they've ever had at sea.

The new complimentary restaurants include

• American Icon Grill, a take on the classic American road trip, pulling together best-loved regional favorites into one comfort-style menu

• Chic, where the height of contemporary cuisine is realized and the freshest ingredients, such as proteins that pack a punch and sauces made from scratch, are evolved for a modern palate

• Silk, a vibrant and exotic destination where the spices of the Far East bring new flavor to adventurous palates through a Pan-Asian menu

• The Grande, a luxuriant nod to a bygone era of classic European ocean liners when dining was a time honored ritual, featuring timeless dishes, and where every night is formal night.

• Coastal Kitchen, a concept created exclusively for suite guests, fusing Mediterranean influences with the unmatched riches of California’s bountiful farmlands.

In addition, Royal Caribbean is adding several new specialty resurants that offer more choice for an additional cost.

• Wonderland, an elaborate feast for the senses in a setting where Royal Caribbean chefs twist their culinary kaleidoscopes to invent a dreamscape of never-before-seen fare

• Jamie’s Italian, featuring rustic Italian favorites, handmade - using seasonal ingredients and Jamie’s tried-and-tested crowd pleasers

• Michael’s Genuine Pub, the first American gastropub at sea and the next evolution of Royal Caribbean’s relationship with James Beard Award-winning chef Michael Schwartz, offering simply-prepared food and drinks made with quality ingredients from the best artisanal producers

• Devinly Decadence at Solarium Bistro, Royal Caribbean’s fittest dining destination, serving the foods you love all under five-hundred calories, designed by Devin Alexander, media personality, New York Times bestselling author and chef of highly-rated television show, “The Biggest Loser”

​Royal Caribbean will also offer well known specialty restaurants on the Quantum-class of ships, such as Chops Grille, Izumi, Johnny Rockets and Chef's Table.

There will also be more complimentary restaurants that Royal Caribbean fans will recognize in the Windjammer Marketplace, The Cafe @ Two70 and SeaPlex Dog House.

To make the dining experience easier and simpler, Royal Caribbean is offering dining reservations well in advance with lots of options to book. Using a special new online booking tool, guests can make reservations starting May 15, 2014 and compare restaurants and book reservations.  Guests will still have the option of booking restaurants onboard the ship or opting for a walk-up table.

We're hosting LIVE coverage of Royal Caribbean's Quantum of the Seas dining announcement event that will begin on Wednesday, March 26 at 6pm eastern. We will post live blog coverage in this post.

A member from Cruise Critic posted a screenshot of what could be Royal Caribbean's strategy for dining aboard its Quantum-class cruise ships, Quantum of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas, called Dynamic Dining.

Here's the description from Royal Caribbean: 

Dynamic Dining, a new world of culinary exploration onboard Quantum of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas has been selected for this reservation.  It's dining at sea reimagined - to give you more distinct options plus total flexibility to shape your own delectable journey.  There are no set dining times, no assigned seats, no required formal nights.  Instead, let your appetite be the guide, as 18 tantalizing possibilities lay before you.  Daily reservations can be made for select restaurants on-line up to 4 days prior to departure at www.RoyalCaribbean.com/PreCruisePlanner.  Reservations can also be made or amended onboard.  Pre-cruise reservations are strong recommended to confirm your desired dining time at your restaurant of choice and ensure reduced wait times.  Dynamic Dining does not guarantee multiple tables together for parties of over 16 guests.  

Dynamic Dining also seems to confirm the earlier list of new restaurants on Anthem of the Seas that was leaked online as well.  

This change will eliminate the main dining room all together and offer a number of restaurants for passengers to choose and further reduce the formality of set dining times as well as relax dress codes.

Royal Caribbean is expected to make the formal announcement about Dynamic Dining and other dining options onboard its Quantum-class cruise ships later tonight.  Royal Caribbean Blog will provide live coverage of the event.

Royal Caribbean announced it will offer a full refund to all passengers on the March 23rd sailing of Adventure of the Seas and 50% off a future cruise after mechanical problems crippled the ship and forced it to remain in San Juan since Sunday.

Royal Caribbean did indicate Adventure of the Seas is planning on sailing as soon as possible, with stops in Antigua, St. Lucia and St. Croix as soon as possible.

Adventure of the Seas first reported a problem last week, when oil started leaking from one of its fixipods which required a signifigant decrease in propulsion.  The ship limped back to San Juan, where it has been ever since.

Passengers on last week's sailing and this week's sailing have been upset with Royal Caribbean over inconsistent communication.

Update: Due to delays on the 3/23 Adventure of the Seas sailing, guests onboard will receive a full refund & a 50% future cruise certificate

— Royal Caribbean (@RoyalCaribbean) March 26, 2014

The ship will continue on from San Juan to Antigua, St. Lucia and St. Croix as soon as possible.

— Royal Caribbean (@RoyalCaribbean) March 26, 2014

Great news, Episode 34 of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available for your listening pleasure.

This week, Matt explains what Royal Caribbean's Crown and Anchor Society is and why you might want to join.  Royal Caribbean's customer loyalty program offers guests a lot of rewards and opportunities and this week's episode is an introduction into what Crown and Anchor Society is all about.

We also have a lot of your emails, voicemails and messages to share with everyone.

Here’s the podcast page for Episode 34. 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!

Earlier this week Royal Caribbean cancelled this week's Navigator of the Seas cruise because of an oil spill in Houston harbor but has decided to go ahead with a shortened 4-night cruise for anyone on the original sailing that wants to go.

Navigator of the Seas will leave this morning on a cruise to Cozumel and then return to Galveston to resume normal operations.  Those on the original sailing can still get a full refund and 25% towards a future sailing even if they choose to go on the 4-night sailing as well.

Royal Caribbean notified passengers late Tuesday evening of the decision after the United States Coast Guard opened Galveston harbor back up to operations.

The collision between a barge and another vessel Saturday near the Texas City Dike spilled 160,000 gallons of heavy oil into Galveston Bay and has forced the U.S. Coast Guard to close the Houston Ship Channel.

Royal Caribbean sees India as an emerging cruise market that they want to target for increasing the amount of people who cruise with them.

Royal Caribbean Regional vice president Gavin Smith said, "Cruising is now popular in the metro cities and spreading to the mini-metros... Most of the major cruise liners are present in India today. Cruising is now a part of the consideration set of the affluent and well travelled.

Tirun Travel Marketing, which represents Royal Caribbean in India, is expanding its network in India. At present it has a network of seven offices and plans more.

The numbers look good so far for India with over 1,00,000 Indians taking a cruise vacation in 2013. Year-to-year growth is at about 8 percent and locals expect that rate to continue again this year.

Royal Caribbean is holding a big event on Wednesday to announce dining options on its brand new Quantum of the Seas cruise ship but we've got an advanced look at what we can expect to be announced.

A leaked document listing all the floor plans for Anthem of the Seas was accidently posted and lists the public areas, including all the restaurants onboard. The big news is there is no more main dining room and instead quite a number of restaurants for guests choose from.

Below is a list of all the restaurants onboard Anthem of the Seas, complimentary and specialty.  We do not know how much of a difference there will be with Quantum of the Seas, if any.

The Grande - Deck 3

From beef Wellington to chicken a l’orange, the world’s classic dishes come together for formal night, every night.

Chic - Deck 3

Where the freshest ingredients of the wild are evolved to the height of contemporary cuisine.

Michael’s Genuine Pub - Deck 4

James Beard Award-winner Michael Schwartz brings you delicious yet uncomplicated pub fare, plus his namesake craft beer.

Sorrento’s - Deck 4

For an authentic New York pizzeria experience, head to Sorrento’s for fully-loaded pies right out of the oven. Sample rotating creations from chorizo to Hawaiian to Pizza Florentine – with classic cheese and pepperoni always on call. For an authentic New York pizzeria experience, head to Sorrento’s for fully-loaded pies right out of the oven. Sample rotating creations from chorizo to Hawaiian to Pizza Florentine – with classic cheese and pepperoni always on call.

American Icon Grill - Deck 4

America’s favorite comfort foods, homespun in our kitchen with a few creative twists.

Silk - Deck 4

Weave your way through a vibrant tapestry of Chinese, Japanese, Thai, Vietnamese and Indian cooking. 

Wonderland Imaginative Cuisine - Deck 5

Our chefs twist the kaleidoscope to invent fantasy gourmet dishes, magical elixirs, and more never-before-seen fare. 

Jamie’s Italian by Jamie Oliver - Deck 5

Chef Jamie Oliver presents a menu of rustic Italian favorites, handmade with fresh, seasonal ingredients.

Coastal Kitchen - Deck 14

Exclusively for suite guests, a fresh new fusion of California cool and Med-inspired taste.

SeaPlex Dog House - Deck 15

The first food truck at sea, serving up traditional hot dogs, brats, and sausages, plus a variety of toppings to split a long bun.

Windjammer Marketplace - Deck 14

A global culinary pavilion that invites you to explore the world, dish by dish. Enticing food islands weave throughout, showcasing international fare while mapping your way between new, interactive stations with pressed paninis, fresh juices, and desserts at the on-site bakery. Plus a new 24-hour station, The Grill, with all-day breakfast and more on a menu that changes daily.

Chops Grille - Deck 5

Our hallmark restaurant now features a revamped menu that brings contemporary flair to traditional steakhouse offerings.

Chef’s Table - Deck 5

A once-in-a-lifetime culinary experience. In this exclusive space, 14 guests will enjoy a five-course menu of gourmet selections specially prepared and personally presented by the Chef de Cuisine. Every course is accompanied by wine pairings chosen to enhance your enjoyment of each dish.

Izumi Japanese Cuisine - Deck 5

The traditional Japanese dishes at Izumi will impress you with their pure, delicate flavors, freshness of ingredients and impeccable presentation. Diners can choose from popular sushi rolls, sashimi, our Hot Rock (Ishiyaki) Plates, sukiyaki and more.

Johnny Rockets - Deck 14

All the style of a classic ‘50s diner, now serving poolside — burgers, fries and the best old-fashioned malted milk shakes.

Solarium Bistro - Deck 14

During the day enjoy a classic bistro plate with a loved one or bring the family to this delicious dining experience that has something for everyone.

Royal Caribbean has cancelled the maligned Navigator of the Seas cruise that was delayed embarking due to an oil spill in Houston harbor and has since been stuck in Galveston harbor.

Passengers on the cancelled cruise will get a full refund and 25% in future cruise credit. Royal Caribbean is also allowing guests to stay onboard Navigator of the Seas until March 30.

The collision between a barge and another vessel Saturday near the Texas City Dike spilled 160,000 gallons of heavy oil into Galveston Bay and has forced the U.S. Coast Guard to close the Houston Ship Channel.

@RoyalCaribbean Cruise canceled. RC offering full refund.

— Shawn Pilkington (@ShawnPilkington) March 25, 2014