Royal Caribbean Blog

Four days from now, I will be boarding Ovation of the Seas ready to take on my most anticipated sailing yet: a 7-night Alaska glacier cruise leaving from Seattle. This particular sailing is Royal Caribbean’s final Alaska sailing of the 2021 season.

Each day, I will be live blogging here to share with you what it is like to go on an Alaskan cruise on a Royal Caribbean ship. Whether sailing through the Alaska inside passage, hopping onboard a train through the mountains, or enjoying the views from onboard, it is certainly going to be one epic adventure.

The Cruise

I am expecting a totally different experience on an Alaskan cruise compared to my Caribbean sailings in August and September. From sand and sunshine to glaciers and snow, the landscape and ports of call in Alaska are, of course, much different than the Caribbean.

Our seven-night sailing departs from Seattle on Friday, October 8th and brings us to three ports. We will dock in Juneau, Skagway, and Sitka, Alaska.

In addition, we will spend a morning sailing around the Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier. While we don’t get off the ship that day, I am excited to hopefully catch some stunning views of the glacier.

Read more: Top 10 tips for planning your Alaska cruise

This will be my first time on Ovation of the Seas, a Quantum-class ship built in 2016. If Ovation of the Seas is anything like the Odyssey of the Seas, which I was on last month, there should be a plethora of both indoor and outdoor locations onboard to view Alaska’s scenery.

Weather-wise, October is not necessarily the most ideal time to go on an Alaskan cruise. I am fully prepared to be flexible in case of any itinerary changes and unpredictable weather. That being said, the snow capped peaks and the possibility of seeing the northern lights are two benefits of sailing to Alaska later in the season.

Read more: What is the best time to cruise to Alaska?

Stateroom

I will be staying in an interior room with a virtual balcony. This is my first time having a virtual balcony, so I am looking forward to comparing Ovation's interior cabin experience with the interior cabin I stayed in on Odyssey of the Seas last month.

When I booked this cruise one month ago, Royal Caribbean was not charging a single supplement fee. As I am bringing my dad along for this Alaskan adventure, this worked in our favor. We were able to book two separate interior cabins for around the same price of staying in the same cabin together.

This is one of the benefits of booking a cruise with a travel agent or at Next Cruise onboard. I did not see any advertisements or notices on Royal Caribbean’s website stating that the single supplement fee was waived. If I had booked it myself, I likely would have just booked one room for the two of us without knowing about this great deal.

The Itinerary

With three ports, one half-day sailing to the Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier, and two seas days, the itinerary has a good mix of time on land and at sea.

Alaskan cruises offer really unique shore excursions and activities, so I spent quite some time researching what I wanted to do in port. As I have never been to Alaska before, I wanted to experience a good mix of historical, cultural, and outdoors activities.

I decided to book Royal Caribbean shore excursions in both Skagway and Sitka. In Skagway, we booked the “White Pass Scenic Railway,” a two and a half hour journey on the White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad in a vintage train car. The tour also includes a guide that will share stories of the Klondike Gold Rush.

In Sitka, we booked the “Best of Sitka” tour. This is a three and a half hour tour that visits the Fortress of the Bear, Sitka National Historic Park, and the Alaska Raptor Center.

The days in Skagway and Sitka are fairly long, which should allow for plenty of time to explore the towns independently after the shore excursions end.

I do not have anything booked in Juneau, but plan to get a taxi to visit Mendenhall Glacier and do some hiking, weather permitting. 

Read more: How to choose the right Alaska cruise itinerary

What’s Next

When my Ovation of the Seas sailing begins on Friday, October 8th, I’ll be sharing updates on the blog. Be sure to follow the Royal Caribbean Blog Facebook page so you can receive updates when a new live blog is posted.

In addition, I will be filming an extensive full ship tour of Ovation of the Seas and videos highlighting the ports of call. Make sure you are subscribed to the Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube Channel to be notified when we premiere these videos.

I am interested to hear your thoughts, tips, and experiences cruising in Alaska! Feel free to comment or ask questions on this blog post and our Facebook page.

Stay tuned for exciting updates from Alaska; I can’t wait to set sail!

Happy Sunday! It has been a busy week of Royal Caribbean news, and we have it all summarized for you in this round up.

Royal Caribbean announced this week a new option for getting your pre-cruise Covid-19 test at the cruise terminal.

Guests can get a test done at the terminal, although Royal Caribbean considers it a last option if other testing options are unavailable.

The terminal tests are only available for fully vaccinated passengers and available by appointment only.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean pushes back final payment for cruises departing through January 2022
• Spotted: The Key will restart being offered on Symphony of the Seas
• Royal Caribbean Group CEO talks about getting back to full capacity
• Royal Caribbean's tech chief thinks cruise ship passengers will expect a better digital experience after pandemic life
• Royal Caribbean Group CEO doesn't see Virgin Voyages as competition
• Royal Caribbean announces new Singapore sailings on two cruise ships
• What you need to know about going on a cruise if you're Canadian
• Royal Caribbean signs deal to improve ports in US Virgin Islands
• Royal Caribbean signs deal for new contact tracing band

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 424th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where Matt answers some commonly asked questions about Royal Caribbean.

This week's episode is answering the top Google search questions about Royal Caribbean.

Please feel free to subscribe via iTunes or RSS, and head over to rate and review the podcast on iTunes if you can! We’d appreciate it.

New RCB Video: Perfect Day at CocoCay Tour 2021 Full Tour!

Have you subscribed to the Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube Channel? We share some great videos there regularly, all about taking a Royal Caribbean cruise! This week, we are sharing our latest video — Perfect Day at CocoCay Tour 2021 Full Tour! — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Royal Caribbean cruises in October 2021: What to expect

Have a cruise in October, or are you thinking of booking a cruise?

Between the end of the Alaska and European cruise seasons and the heating up of Caribbean itineraries, there are lots of ships back in service this month.

To help you get a sense of the most important things you should know about October cruises, here's what you need to know about taking a cruise this year in October.

While cruising is a wonderful vacation all on its own, who wouldn’t like some extra perks to enjoy? 

As you cruise more frequently, you’ll earn discounts and gifts along the way through the loyalty program.  Today I’m going to focus on the top tiers of the Crown and Anchor Society and which ones I love the most.

These are just a few of the many perks offered to Crown and Anchor members. While they have changed over the years, it’s still a great program!

Diamond (80 points to 174 points)

Suite and Balcony Discounts

I like to have a balcony to enjoy watching the sunrise, so saving money on a balcony is always nice. 

Once you become Diamond, you can get those rooms for less, thanks to a balcony discount. 

For example, on a seven day sailing, Diamond members receive $225 off of their cruise fare.  The discount applies one per cabin, not per person but every little bit helps!

One free photo

I have gotten some amazing photos over the years from the ships photographers, but paying $20 or more for those 8x10’s gets pretty pricey. 

We use this discount on every one of our cruises. Since it’s per person, my husband and I can both get a free photo.

One free day of Voom internet

Many people like to unplug on their cruises, but we need to stay connected so having a free day of internet is convenient. 

Diamond members get one free day of internet access, which doubles when you reach Diamond Plus.

If one day just won’t be enough, you could instead get a discount off of a package that is equal to the cost of one day of internet.  That way you can keep in touch with home and upload those cruise pictures to social media!

Crystal blocks

Once you reach 140 points, you will receive a beautiful crystal block that is etched with the name and outline of your ship.  You will then receive one every 70 points thereafter. 

I have mine in a display case that has current and former ships represented. 

Access to the Diamond Lounge

This was, and still is, one of my favorites perks. 

I am always looking for a quiet place onboard during the day and that can be found in the lounge.  They offer continental breakfast in the morning as well as specialty coffee throughout the day.  There is a light lunch option with small sandwiches, fruit and desserts. 

The evening happy hour features appetizers and bar service. Royal Caribbean changed the drink benefit, where you get four free drinks per person per day that can be used at any bar at any time.

Diamond Plus (175-699)

You receive all the same discounts as you did when you were Diamond, except now your balcony/suite discount is $250, the internet is for 2 days, and you get five drinks per day added to your SeaPass card. 

Buy one get one free specialty restaurants

A BOGO offer for specialty restaurant means you can dine at any specialty restaurant and pay the cover charge for one person, but get the second person's cover charge for free.

It cannot be used for Izumi Hibachi or Chef’s Table. 

Since each Diamond Plus person gets one, I can use a BOGO for the first night and my husband can use it the second night.  It’s a great deal!

Backstage tours

This is a pre-pandemic perk that I hope comes back soon. 

On cruises at least seven nights, you will receive a card in your cabin on embarkation day that lists complimentary tours you could take. 

Some common options were behind the scenes of the ice show, the main theater and the bridge.  You could choose one or all of them, you just need to drop the card off at the Loyalty Ambassador’s desk and take the tours usually the last sea day of your sailing.

While Diamond members also had access to the theater tours, the bridge was exclusive to Diamond Plus and Pinnacle.

Lunch with an officer

Lunch with an officer is available once you reach 340 points for sailings seven days and longer. 

Lunch is offered in the main dining room on a different floor than the regular sea day lunch, with a special menu that includes wine.

Pre-pandemic an officer would sit at your table, and it was nice to get to know their jobs and ask questions about cruising in general.

It is now being offered as a “toast with an officer.”  You still get lunch but now the officers come around the tables and chat for a minute or two and do a champagne toast.  It usually takes place on the last sea day. 

Extra amenities

At 340 and 525 points, you receive extra bonus gifts.  There is a list to choose from that includes towels and tote bags, but we choose the wine. 

On a seven day sailing we received three bottles, which we bring to the restaurants for dinner.

The Top Tier Event

When I started cruising, this would have been known as the repeaters party.  Now though, only Diamond Plus and Pinnacle are invited to the event. 

I’ve always liked them because they recognize the top cruisers and tell you a little bit about the new ships being built. 

Pinnacle Club (700 points and beyond)

Your balcony discount increases to $275, there are 6 free drinks added to your SeaPass card and you now get free internet!

The Pinnacle Kit

Once you reach Pinnacle Club status, Royal Caribbean shops you a kit after your 700 point sailing.

It includes your stratum (a tall “crystal block” that has your name, the ship and date of your Pinnacle cruise engraved on it), luggage tags, passport cover and your lapel pins. 

Free cruise certificate

At 700 and 1050 points, you get a certificate for a free 7 night Caribbean cruise in a balcony stateroom. 

At 1400 points and every 350 thereafter you qualify for a complimentary Junior Suite!

Daily breakfast

Chops is usually the location of your Pinnacle breakfast.  Its hours vary but will match the main dining room.

The Pinnacle Club

Pre-pandemic, Pinnacle members had access to the suite lounges.  To promote social distancing, there is now a separate lounge for Pinnacle members.

Just like the Diamond Lounge, there are appetizers and bar service during happy hour.

Access to Coastal Kitchen

Since the restart, this benefit depends on the ship.  Some allow access for all meals while others only allow you to make dinner reservations. 

Royal Caribbean has returned to sailing, and many Canadians are now planning their winter getaways. In preparation for a cruise from a U.S. port, there are a few key requirements to plan ahead of time.  

The cruise line’s Healthy Sail Centre outlines new Covid related protocols. Requirements for vaccines, mask usage, and excursions are all listed by port of departure.  

Canadians travelling to U.S. ports for their Royal Caribbean sailings need to be aware that flying and cruising testing requirements differ slightly in terms of timelines and the types of tests that are accepted.

There is also new Covid related documentation for entering the U.S. and returning home to Canada.

Pre-Cruise

Insurance

Royal Caribbean’s Cruise with Confidence Program provides guests will the ability to cancel a cruise up to 48 hours before their sailing, some added peace of mind for travellers. Beyond this, it is beneficial to purchase out of country travel and medical insurance.

Policies should have enhanced coverage for Covid related costs such as quarantine or hospitalization abroad. Benefits should also include trip interruption or cancellation within 48 hours of sailing.

Vaccinations

Last week, Royal Caribbean updated vaccination rules based on new guidance from the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Important points:  

• For sailings departing from the U.S., the CDC now recognizes a mixed series of mRNA vaccines (e.g., 1 shot of Pfizer with 1 shot of Moderna, in any order) as fully vaccinated.
• The doses must be administered a minimum of 28 days apart.
• Guests will be considered fully vaccinated 14 days after the final dose. 
• AstraZeneca is not yet authorized by the CDC. For those Canadians who received AstraZeneca and a second dose of Pfizer or Moderna, they are not considered fully vaccinated at this time. 

Dr. Teresa Tam, Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer, recently announced she has been in discussions with U.S. counterparts to provide support for the approval of AstraZeneca. No time frame for approval has been announced.

Cruisers should carefully review vaccination records provided by the provincial health authority (or approved pharmacy) to ensure all of the criteria have been met. Names and date of birth need to match passports, flights, and cruise bookings and must specify dates of immunization.

Testing

As Canadians travel to U.S. ports for their Royal Caribbean sailings, they need to be aware that flying and cruising testing requirements differ slightly.

Testing for flights

Canadians, aged 2 and over, flying to the U.S. must provide a negative Covid test within 3 days of their flight. More specifically, the test must be performed no more than 3 days before the first scheduled departure time in the flight itinerary.

For example, if a traveler’s flight is at 1 pm on a Friday, the traveller could board with a negative test that was taken any time on the prior Tuesday or after.

For flights to the U.S., either an Antigen or PCR test is accepted.

Testing for the cruise  

For Royal Caribbean, testing is 2 days before the sail date. The day a passenger sets sail is not included as one of the days you count back from. If sailing on a Saturday, the test can be taken on Thursday or Friday.

Vaccination requirements apply to guests 12 and older.

For Royal Caribbean cruises out of the U.S., either an antigen or PCR test is accepted.

Where to test

Several airports in Canada offer on-site testing. Toronto’s Pearson Airport offers a Rapid Antigen Test with results in 30 minutes. Tests can be booked weeks in advance.

Another option is to arrange testing locally. Shoppers Drug Mart and Costco offer testing in many locations.

Air Canada, the nation’s largest domestic airline, has a robust “Travel Ready hub” on its website, which contains detailed information on flying and current protocols. A list of testing locations by province, along with discount codes is provided on the hub.

For those spending some extra pre-cruise time in the U.S and need to test nearby, there are numerous options. Popular chains such as Walgreens and CVS offer vaccine testing close to the ports and can be booked up to two weeks in advance.

Unfortunately, the take-home Covid test available for purchase through Royal Caribbean does not ship to Canada.

Required Documentation

Canadian travellers must complete a “Travel Attestation” form before arrival in the U.S. This is a brief form that will be provided by the airline

Embarkation Day

Along with the SetSail paperwork, cruisers should have proof of vaccinations readily available.  Ensure this includes full name (as listed on the cruise booking), birthdate, and dates of vaccinations.

It is recommended to have hard copies in addition to electronic records.

Disembarkation Testing

A major benefit to sailing with Royal Caribbean is that they currently provide PCR testing onboard. This can be arranged through Guest Services during the cruise.

To return to Canada, results of a negative PCR test must be presented.  Antigen tests are not accepted for return flights.

Required Documentation

Travellers must complete the required documents on the ArriveCAN app, 72 hours before their arrival in Canada.  It would be best to download this pre-cruise from the app store (Apple, Google Play).

Passengers will be required to provide travel and vaccination details along with proof of a negative Covid test. Once complete, a receipt will be emailed to the applicant for presentation upon re-entry to Canada. Families travelling together may submit one application.

Future Requirements 

Policies and protocols can change daily so it is best to monitor cruise and flight updates regularly.

The Canadian government announced in August, that passengers (of eligible age) must be fully vaccinated to fly.

Similarly, the U.S. government has released plans to only admit international travellers with proof of full vaccination starting in November.

Implementation details have yet to be announced for both policy changes.

It looks like Royal Caribbean may start offering guests the opportunity to use The Key priority access program again.

The Key is an optional add-on guests can purchase to get them select VIP benefits.

An email sent to guests who have The Key booked on Symphony of the Seas next week have an update that lists some of the changes to expect to the program, at least in the interim.

RoyalCaribbeanBlog reader DanielB shared the email that lists the changes Royal Caribbean has planned for someone who purchases The Key on their ship.

• Enjoy priority access at the terminal within your arrival time. 
• Drop off your carry-on luggage in the Main Dining Room on Deck 3 by 2:00 PM - your carry-on luggage will be hand delivered to your stateroom. 
• Instead of a complimentary embarkation lunch, we'll provide you with complimentary room service for your entire cruise, along with 25% off all onboard dining purchases! 
• Enjoy exclusive time at some of our onboard activities such as rock climbing, FlowRider, etc. 
• Priority departure from ship-to-shore at tender ports. 
• Take advantage of early access at shows in the Main Theater, however a reservation is needed so don't forget to book in advance! 
• Enjoy our VOOM Surf & Stream package, now including high speed internet, for one device (1 package per guest). 
• On debarkation day, along with choice departure, you'll now have a special "grab and go" bag that includes goodies to enjoy as you may your way back home. 

It sounds as though guests who purchased The Key will still have to adhere to their check-in time selected via the Royal Caribbean app, but will have the chance to board quicker than others in that same time slot.

Read more: Here’s what ‘The Key’ is (and why some cruisers like it)

It is not clear if this arrangement of benefits will be offered on other ships yet.

The price of The Key varies, and starts at $25.99 per day, per person, although there can be discounts available to bring that price down.

All guests over the age of 6 in the same room must purchase The Key.

Royal Caribbean has pushed back its final payment date for more cruises.

The cruise line informed guests that it has decided to push the final payment date for all sailings departing in January 2022.

Guests on sailings departing between January 1, 2022 through January 31, 2022, will now have until 30 days prior to their sail date to make their final payment. 

Royal Caribbean hopes this flexibility of having more time to make final payment date will keep guests from cancelling their cruises, "Our hope is that this gives you a little extra flexibility when making the best decision for you and those in your party."

"Rest assured, no action is needed on your part, and no cancellations will occur until the new final payment date."

This comes just a few weeks after Royal Caribbean pushed back final payment due date on sailings departing between October 1, 2021, through December 31, 2021 to 30 days prior to sailing.

No action is required on the part of guests or travel agents, and no cancellations will occur until the new final payment date.

This change means guests have more time to cancel their cruise and get a 100% cash refund. 

Ordinarily, final payment date for a cruise is 90 days before sailing. 

Even with the pushed back final payment date, guests could still cancel their cruise without penalty, up to 48 hours before sailing and qualify for a 100% future cruise credit.

Royal Caribbean's Cruise with Confidence program offers future cruise credits for cancellations past final payment date.

One major shift coming out of the pandemic for Royal Caribbean is the world is going to expect something different.

Royal Caribbean's Senior Vice President and Chief Product Innovation Officer Jay Schneider spoke at Seatrade Cruise Global on Wednesday about his company's efforts, and believes digital is now the expectation, and not just an enhancement.

"I think we're going to come out of this pandemic where digital is now just the norm and most people's expectation shot through the roof," Mr. Schneider stated after answering a question about digital transformation.

"It's going to be the world is going to expect something very different coming out of the pandemic than they did going into it."

According to Schneider, that expectation is already taking place with the cruise line app.

Prior to the pandemic, Royal Caribbean saw about 70% adoption rate of the cruise line app on a ship that had the app available. Since the restart of operations this year, the adoption rate jumped to the mid to upper 90s.

"As we've turned back on ships, our focus hasn't been go to market communication to tell you to use an app. It's been all of the other health and safety information that we have to tell you."

Something else that has shifted a lot has been the desire by guests to complete online check-in.

"Right before the pandemic, we had gotten our check in numbers like 90 percent, and I was really curious what was that last 10 percent."

Mr. Scheider wanted to dig into who that last 10% was that was not doing check-in, and many stereotypically assumed it was the older generation that was hesitant to adopt tech as part of their vacation experience.

His research showed this breakdown of guests who checked in via the Royal Caribbean app before embarkation day in the days before the pandemic:

• People over 65: 99.5%
• Gen X: 98.5%
• Millenials: 82%

"It was millennials that were dragging down our digital engagement."

One change Royal Caribbean made since cruises restarted this year was to allow guests to check-in via the app up to one hour before boarding.

"As we implemented one hour check in, we saw all of our numbers go up. Boomers stayed the same, Gen X went up a little bit, and then millennials are the one that brought the percentage up."

Mr. Schneider believes this data shows that age isn't a factor in preventing technology adoption, but rather, how the technology is implemented to reach all guests' needs.

Disconnect moments

While technology is a fascinating new tool for Royal Caribbean, some passengers want to take a break from it.

Mr. Schneider admitted that there is a percentage of guests who want "disconnect moments" during their vacation, and that means Royal Caribbean must integrate technology into the cruise ship life without making it a full-time experience.

"What you do see and hear from people is people do want to find these disconnect moments. And so our job is to build technology and experiences that allow them to connect or disconnect as much as they want."

Royal Caribbean Group announced it has reached a memorandum of understanding with the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The deal will further enhance Crown Bay in St. Thomas, as well as a significant redevelopment of Frederiksted, St Croix in the future.

The agreement is the first step in a longer process of expanding the cruise line's visits to the islands, as well as looking at ways to expand the port facilities and guest experience at both islands.

Royal Caribbean Group will expand its presence in St Thomas and St Croix. The new deal will have specific targets for bringing guests to each island.

The MOU is a recommitment from Royal Caribbean Group to extend its existing 10-year, pier-use agreement for preferential berthing at VIPA’s cruise facilities in Crown Bay, St. Thomas and Frederiksted, St. Croix.

In addition to guaranteed minimum revenues to the Virgin Islands and increased cruise visits to both St. Thomas and St. Croix, Royal Caribbean Group has expressed an interest in developing enhancements to the cruise facility in Crown Bay and making landside improvements in the Crown Bay District and St. Croix to enhance the island’s tourism products.

In the short term, Royal Caribbean will bring more passengers to St. Thomas and St. Croix, but down the line, enhancing the piers is a big part of the deal.

A third pier will be added to Crown Bay in St. Thomas, which will mean there will be three berths there. Two of these berths will be capable of handling an Icon Class cruise ship.

In addition, Royal Caribbean will look to expand Frederiksted, St. Croix. This will include work on dredging the pier to accommodate larger ships.  Currently, the pier in St. Croix can only handle ships as large as a Voyager Class ship.

Jayne Halcomb, Royal Caribbean Group Director of the Caribbean/Americas, said they will focus on creating more opportunities for guests to explore.

Ms. Halcomb said community integration will be a big part of the project to ensure local businesses can prosper and grow due to new traffic. All of this work will have an eye on sustainable development.

Royal Caribbean announced a new a wearable technology partnership.

The cruise line signed a two year technology partnership with TraceSafe.

TraceSafe and Royal Caribbean developed the Tracelet contact tracing wearable bands, which can be used on cruise ships to easily identify close contacts in the case a passenger or crew member tests positive for Covid-19.

Both companies worked closely together to design and manufacture the wearable that can meet both Royal Caribbean's high standards for comfort and the cruise line's commitment to sustainability.

TraceSafe's bands rely on a location-aware Internet of Things (IoT) platform, which have been scaled for large-scale enterprise operations such as across a fleet of cruise ships.

Royal Caribbean Group Chief Product Innovation Officer, Jay Schneider, talked about the new agreement, "It was the willingness of the TraceSafe team to develop a custom Tracelet device that met our requirements for style and design that propelled the partnership forward

"We look forward to continuing this engagement with TraceSafe as we explore the many new opportunities for IoT Technology onboard our ships."

What is a Tracelet?

Royal Caribbean started working on the technology behind Tracelets even before the pandemic, but pivoted the technology for contact tracing in 2020 when the cruise industry shutdown.

Royal Caribbean trademarked the name in October 2020, and the first Tracelets began appearing on Quantum of the Seas sailings that restarted from Singapore in December 2020.

The Tracelet is a comfortable, water-resistant, hypoallergenic wearable worn by all guests and crew on some Royal Caribbean sailings.  

When offered onboard, all guests regardless of age, needs to wear it.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) actually went as far as to ask Royal Caribbean to share with them details on the Tracelet because of how intriguing an option it was.

Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley told investors in February 2021 that the CDC asked the line to share the technology behind the Tracelet on early sailings from Singapore.

When will cruise ships get back to one hundred percent capacity is a hot question, and it could be as early as the end of this year.

While speaking at the Seatrade Global 2021 conference earlier today, Royal Caribbean Group Chairman Richard Fain was asked his thoughts on getting back to full capacity as early as next year.

"In terms of numbers next year, I definitely think so," Mr. Fain responded.

"In our core markets, we expect to be essentially there by the end of this year."

Mr. Fain did not elaborate what "core markets" exactly means.  

Royal Caribbean International ships have been sailing at reduced capacity since they restarted operations, and there have been no public announcements as to how full any ship or sailing would be going forward.

Mr. Fain said he believes misinformation about the restart process has been an issue for customers, travel agents, and industry professionals.

"I think a key issue here is there's so much misinformation out there on so many topics."

"It's been a difficult year for all of our partners here in the audience who have also had to deal with this and our travel advisory partners. But one of the things that's caused a lot of confusion is we've canceled cruises. Do you get your rebate? You take a future cruise credit. That's very confusing."

Mr. Fain echoed sentiments he shared last week in a video update that the upcoming booking season in early 2021 will be an important time to step up and show the public cruise ships are ready to sail.

"What we really want to do is make sure that when we start that key booking period, our ships are operating."

"They can see they're operating, they can see the protocols are working, they can see people are taking cruises, they're not going to worry about cancellations and this or that. So we really need to get back to a period of stability."

Last week, Mr. Fain said he wanted nearly all ships back in operation, "By the end of this year, we want virtually all of our ships to be operating and operating seamlessly in our core markets."