Ready to catch up on what's happening with Royal Caribbean cruises?
With a fleet of 28 ships, there are always going to be things happening and in an effort to keep everyone up to date, here's a quick run through of the latest news from this week.
Think of these as quick hits of changes and news that you should be aware of that changed in the last few days.
Royal Caribbean backs new Seward cruise port purchase agreement
Image courtesy of The Seward Company
Plans were approved this week for a new $137 million cruise ship port in Seward, Alaska that should be ready for the 2026 cruise season.
The Alaska Railroad board voted to approve the purchase of the soon-to-be-built dock that can handle larger ships.
Royal Caribbean's role is to act as the anchor tenant, which gives Royal Caribbean preferential docking rights. Other cruise lines can still use the port.
Image courtesy of The Seward Company
Plans are for a 68,000 square foot terminal building, which includes a 150-foot transfer span to connect cruisers to an Alaska Railroad train and other ground transportation.
The 750-foot, two-berth floating dock will be the largest floating pier in the state.
The deal is for 30 years and the vote allows the railroad to enter into agreements with the project developer.
Construction on the terminal is scheduled to begin this autumn after Seward’s cruise season ends.
New environmental director named for Royal Beach Club Paradise Island
Royal Caribbean appointed Stacy Lubin as director of environment and sustainability for its new beach club project in Nassau, Bahamas.
Royal Beach Club Paradise Island will open next year to offer a 17-acre beachfront experience in Nassau.
Ms. Lubin brings her 20 years of experience to oversee all environmental initiatives for the beach club.
Royal Caribbean has been adamant since the inception of the project for its commitment to protecting the environment, as well as supporting the people of the Bahamas by employing Bahamians.
The company outlined six key environmental pillars for the Royal Beach Club at Paradise Island:
- Zero waste to landfill
- 100% renewable energy by 2030
- No dredging and no overwater cabanas
- Best-in-class wastewater treatment
- Protecting the island's natural habitat
- Local environmental monitoring
Ms. Lubin will work with The Bahamas’ Department of Environmental Planning and Protection to ensure the club’s environmental practices meet both Royal Caribbean standards and local regulations.
Once completed, the Royal Beach Club at Paradise Island will have a public-private partnership, meaning that Bahamians will be able to own up to 49% equity and local businesses can take part in managing the majority of the experience.
More Royal Railway reservations available
If you have a cruise in fall 2024, there's a good chance you can now book Royal Caribbean's hottest new restaurant.
Royal Railway on Utopia of the Seas appears to have more reservations available to book in September, October and November. Guests booked on sailings in these months reported being able to reserve a time.
Something else guests noticed is the price has gone up from $79.99 per adult to $119.99 per adult. Royal Caribbean employs dynamic pricing for its restaurants, and it also typically uses prices to help manage demand.
Royal Railway is arguably the most popular restaurant in the fleet right now, as the hype surrounding its launch on the new cruise ship has garnered a lot of demand to book it.
This is the first immersive dining experience Royal Caribbean has developed, and it's a dining experience that simulates a train journey.
There are to full size rail cars guests enter that has booths on both side of the car. Each booth has a large digital display that acts as a virtual window.
Read more: Trying out Royal Railway on Utopia of the Seas
Port of Tampa monitoring Tropical Storm Debby
While Tropical Storm Debby isn't expected to be a major storm, it is still a concern for the Port of Tampa Bay and the cruise ships that sail from there.
A hurricane watch has been issued for parts of Florida because future Tropical Storm Debby has a chance of further development prior to making landfall this weekend.
In a public statement, the Port of Tampa Bay said they are monitoring the track of the storm for any impact to operations.
"Port Tampa Bay is coordinating closely with federal, state, and local agencies, as well as the maritime community to prepare for and respond to potential impacts of Tropical Depression #4."
According to the port, the United States Coast Guard has set Port Condition YANKEE, indicating the possibility of gale force winds (34-47 knots) entering the Bay in the next 24 hours.
So far the only change to schedule is for Margaritaville at Sea's Islander ship. Instead of returning to Tampa on Sunday, the ship will be delayed and come back on Monday, Aug. 5, 2024. Additionally, the Islander's Aug. 4 departure was rescheduled to Aug. 5.
There are two Royal Caribbean ships that operate out of Tampa currently.
Grandeur of the Seas will depart Tampa on Saturday, August 3 to begin a 5-night Western Caribbean sailing.
Enchantment of the Seas will also embark on a 7-night Western Caribbean sailing on Saturday as well.
