Royal Caribbean Blog

Has it been a few years since your last Royal Caribbean cruise?

If so, welcome back! This video is all about sharing some of the big changes Royal Caribbean has made in the last couple years that ought to get you up to speed on where things stand today.

And if you love this video, there’s plenty more for you to enjoy over on our Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube Channel!

By the way, have you subscribed yet? Be sure to subscribe to our channel and never miss a single video!

So check out the video and then let us know: What's the most exciting change to happen on Royal Caribbean in the last few years?

Royal Caribbean is quietly testing a brand new family activity that could be coming to a cruise ship near you soon.

The Steel Pan Family Jam is being tested on select ships, that allows families to learn how to play the steel drums while on their cruise.

Royal Caribbean's Senior Vice President of Entertainment, Nick Weir, shared a video of one of these lessons and mentioned it is in pilot mode, but "will go fleetwide soon."

A new activity we are working on, (& quietly piloting on select ships). This will go fleetwide soon. It’s the perfect family activity, and a great addition to our award winning #AdventureOcean programming. The #SteelPanFamilyJam combines #LiveMusic, #TheCaribbean and our #Guests! pic.twitter.com/39Ucq9yZT4

— Nick Weir (@NickWeirShowbiz) February 12, 2020

In addition, the cruise line filed a trademark for the "Steel Pan Family Jam" name with the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

Royal Caribbean added a mini steel drum set to the bar area of the Lime & Coconut on Oasis of the Seas, with example sheet music. This was offered without musical instruction.

Is this an activity you want to try on a Royal Caribbean cruise?

Happy Sunday and we hope you had a great week. It was a busy week of Royal Caribbean fun, and we have a round-up of all of it in this hand-dandy blog post.

After weeks of news related to the coronavirus and its impact on canceled cruises, lower revenue, and fear among guests, we got a positive out of it when Royal Caribbean announced it will move Spectrum of the Seas to Australia and offer free cruises to first responders there.

The free cruises are a gesture to thank the humanitarian efforts put forth to combat the wildfires.

Spectrum of the Seas will travel to Australia and be deployed on complimentary cruises sailing from Sydney in support of Australia's first responder community, who worked tirelessly over many weeks of the bush fire crisis.

Royal Caribbean News

• The first Royal Beach Club in Antigua is officially go for construction.
• Royal Caribbean lifted the ban on Chinese passport holders due to coronavirus.
• Royal Caribbean issued earnings guidance on how coronavirus is impacting its bottom line.
• Eight things you should know about the Coco Beach Club.
• Our newest video shares 12 things you can only find on Royal Caribbean.
• In case you are wondering, how early can I board my Royal Caribbean cruise?
• Our list of the things you should book before they sell out later.
• 8 tips for your first Royal Caribbean cruise.
• You can now book a NextCruise certificate from Royal Caribbean's app.
• Here is a list of Royal Caribbean's travel partners of the year in 2019.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 341st episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available and this week, Matt answers emails our listeners have sent in.

This week's podcast episode is dedicated to you, as Matt doubles down on listener emails to answer as many as he can on this week's episode.

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: 10 Things People Don't Realize About Royal Caribbean's Alcohol Package

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 — 10 Things People Don't Realize About Royal Caribbean's Alcohol Package — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

In light of the ongoing Coronavirus issues in China, Royal Caribbean has announced it will move Spectrum of the Seas to Australia as a gesture to thank the humanitarian efforts put forth to combat the wildfires.

Spectrum of the Seas will travel to Australia and be deployed on complimentary cruises sailing from Sydney in support of Australia's first responder community, who worked tirelessly over many weeks of the bush fire crisis.

"We are in a fortunate position to offer these brave and selfless members of the Australian community the opportunity to join us for a few days and let them relax and unwind in the company of other volunteers and first responders," said Michael Bayley, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International. "By welcoming and accommodating them aboard Spectrum of the Seas, we hope to recognize their contribution and offer them our hospitality."

Bayley made it clear Spectrum of the Seas has not been in China for more than two weeks, which makes the ship safe from possibly transporting Coronavirus.

Royal Caribbean intends to also thank those that are currently combating the spread of Coronavirus. When the situation in China improves, as it relates to Coronavirus, Royal Caribbean International will dedicate a ship in China to a series of complimentary sailings to thank first responders and medical personnel for their heroic efforts to defeat the virus.

Further details of the cruises will be shared as final itineraries are developed.

Happy Valentine's Day! We are showing the love by sharing our readers' favorite Royal Caribbean cruise photos with all of you.

Our first photo this week is by Jarrod Quantrelle, and it is of Voyager of the Seas docked in Sydney, Australia.

Michael Kho shared this photo of just another lovely sunset at sea.

Here is another photo from Australia, this one of Ovation of the Seas in Sydney. Photo by Don L.

Shanna took this photo from her day at Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Jim Bonaventura sent in this photo of Symphony of the Seas sailing into the sunset near Cozumel.

Check out this photo from Perfect Day at CocoCay by Nicole Waite.

Our final photo this week is by Matthew Carr, and it is of Mariner of the Seas pool deck during sunset.

Thank you to everyone for sharing photos.  You can submit your own questions by using this handy dandy form.

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. officially commented on the Coronavirus situation, and how it is impacting the company's bottom line.

Thus far, a total of 18 sailings have been canceled, along with several other modified itineraries.

Taken together, these measures have an estimated impact on the company's financial performance for 2020 of approximately $0.65 per share.  

Royal Caribbean also provided a financial performance forecast if they were to cancel all of its remaining sailings in Asia through the end of April, which would impact 2020 financial performance by an additional $0.55 per share.  Canceling the remaining sailings in Asia through the end of April is not currently planned.

"It is important that every organization acts responsibly, and we have already taken aggressive steps to minimize risk through boarding restrictions and itinerary changes," said Richard D. Fain, chairman and CEO.  "Our shipboard and shoreside teams have been working tirelessly through these circumstances and I want to thank them for all of their extraordinary efforts. We appreciate our responsibility to our guests and to each other, and our focus on public health is unwavering."

Mr. Fain also mentioned that while the early impact due to concerns about the Coronavirus is mainly related to Asia, recent bookings for our broader business have also been softer.

If the travel restrictions and concerns over the outbreak continue for an extended period of time, they could materially impact the company's overall financial performance. 

I have a brand new video today that shows off 12 things you can only find on a Royal Caribbean cruise!

From the FlowRider to full Broadway shows to robot bartenders, I've got a look at the things you can only find on Royal Caribbean. Check out all twelve things in our latest RCBlog YouTube Video!

And if you love this video, there’s plenty more for you to enjoy over on our Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube Channel!

By the way, have you subscribed yet? Be sure to subscribe to our channel and never miss a single video!

So check out the video and then let us know: What is your favorite activity on a Royal Caribbean cruise?

Royal Caribbean has signed a deal with the government of Antigua and Barbuda to construct the cruise line's first Royal Beach Club.

After signing a memorandum of understanding in October 2019, this deal marks the start of the planning and development for the Royal Beach Club. The club should break ground later this year.

The Royal Beach Club at Antigua will sit along more than a half-mile of pristine beachfront and combine the island’s striking beaches with the cruise line’s signature service and amenities. The ultimate beach club experience will offer guests exceptional views from private cabanas and a stunning pool with a swim-up bar, complemented by locally inspired experiences. Featuring regional fare, island-style BBQs, live music, along with thrills such as jet skis, paddle boarding, snorkeling, and a family splash pad, the beach club will make for an unforgettable day at the beach.

The Royal beach Club at Antigua is scheduled to open in 2021.

“The Royal Beach Club will deliver a memorable beach day to our guests,” said Michael Bayley, President and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. “Together with the government of Antigua and Barbuda, we will bring to life an experience that will bring more visitors to these idyllic islands and create significant economic benefits and opportunities. In addition, we are looking at ways for the local community to also enjoy the beach club on days our ships are in other destinations.”

The deal also commits Royal Caribbean to bringing Symphony of the Seas, beginning with a call to the island on November 3, 2020. Docking at a new port at the capital of St. John’s, Symphony will be the first Oasis Class ship to visit the island.

Royal Caribbean announced its 2019 Travel Partners of the Year Awards of North America and Puerto Rico. 

The list includes 18 travel advisors, which represent the biggest sellers of the year for Royal Caribbean.

The winners recognized include 2018’s Chairman’s Award recipient, Cruise Planners – an American Express Travel Representative, securing the high honor once again; Dream Vacations, a Cruise One Company, with the President’s Award; Travel Leaders Network as Marketing Partner of the Year, and first-time honorees including: International Voyager for Northeast Partner of the Year and 3D Cruise Partners, Charter Partner of the Year.            

• Chairman's Award for Overall Achievement: Cruise Planners – an American Express Travel Representative
• President's Award for Overall Achievement: Dream Vacations – a Cruise One Company
• Southeast Partner of the Year: WMPH
• Northeast Partner of the Year: International Voyager*
• Central Partner of the Year: KHM Travel Group
• West Partner of the Year: Automobile Club of Southern California
• Canada Partner of the Year: Flight Center Travel Group*
• Home-based Partner of the Year: Travel Planners International
• Online Partner of the Year: Vacations To Go
• Consortia Partner of the Year: Ensemble Travel Group
• Corporate Incentive Partner of the Year: Buy the Sea
• Host Agency Partner of the Year: Nexion Travel Group
• Marketing Partner of the Year: Travel Leaders Network
• Top Overall Producer– Puerto Rico: A & A Tours Network
• Top Independent Producer– Puerto Rico: Travel Planners Inc/Expedia Centro de Cruceros
• Automation Partner of the Year: The Cruise Web
• New-to-Cruise Partner of the Year: Expedia Group
• Charter Partner of the Year: 3D Cruise Partners*

“The Travel Partner of the Year Awards are by far my favorite way to start every year by recognizing the strength in our partnerships and the incredible work and accomplishments we have achieved together,” said Vicki Freed, senior vice president, Sales, Trade Support and Service, Royal Caribbean International. “Our 2019 winners have shown they have great skill, in-depth knowledge and passion for Royal Caribbean – characteristics that make for the most effective ‘value interpreters’ for any client. As we embark on 2020 with the November launch of our new ship Odyssey of the Seas in sight, we’re excited to reach new heights the entire travel advisor community. Thank you for your support, and congratulations to our winners.”

The excitement of a cruise vacation is palpable, and I get asked all the time, "how early can I board my Royal Caribbean cruise?"

There's a lot to be excited about, and naturally, you'll want to get an early boarding time so you can be among the first to get onboard.

The process of getting on a Royal Caribbean ship is pretty easy, and while it's changed a bit over the years, I think you'll find it quick and easy (especially if you know what to expect and are prepared).

I've cruised on Royal Caribbean in countries around the world, and the key to an early boarding is completing the check-in process and knowing when you can start doing it.

Cruise check-in times

Check-in for cruise opens exactly 45 days before your cruise is set to depart, which means that is when you'll want to complete online check-in.

Online check-in is a very simple process, and requires just a few bits of information to complete.

You can get a check-in time via the Royal Caribbean app or the website, but the app is much easier.

Depending on when you go to select a time, there will be variety of 30 minute windows for you to choose from. 

Typically, the earliest check-in time will be 10:30am, although sometimes it could be 11am. Remember, these are the times to arrive at the terminal for check-in and should not be confused with what time you will board the ship.

The check-in time you select is not the time you actually board the ship. However, the earlier your arrival time, the sooner you are usually able to embark on the ship.

Tip: If you select a time in the app, you can select a check-in time and return later to fill in other information.

You'll want to do this as early as you can in order to get an early check-in time and avoid wasting time in the cruise terminal.

Royal Caribbean opens up the check-in at midnight (or 5-10 minutes after) based on the ship's home port time.

If you do not complete check-in online, you will be required to complete this process at the pier at least two hours prior to the published sailing time. 

When you complete online check-in, you will be assigned a check-in time.  Since 2021, Royal Caribbean has mostly been enforcing check-in times, so it's important to get a good time as early as you can.

Can I show up earlier than my check-in time?

Royal Caribbean asks its guests to arrive within their check-in window to avoid crowding in the terminal.

Most cruise terminals enforce the boarding times, but occasionally you find situations where a particular pier agent doesn't pay attention to the check-in time or say anything about it.

While frustrating to not have the rules enforced across the board, we still recommend adhering to the check-in time window to avoid any possible denial of boarding until later.

What if I'm late and miss my check-in time?

While showing up early can be a problem, coming in later is not as much of a concern.

Try your best to adhere to the check-in time, but they will still admit you for check-in if you were to arrive later. Royal Caribbean warns there could be a delay in beginning the check-in procedure if you're late, but you will still be able to get to the cruise.

I only see check-in times later than I want. Will earlier times be added?

Possibly, but not likely.

If someone cancels their cruise, their check-in time goes back into the system for someone else to grab. There's no way to know that's happened without checking manually.

As for Royal Caribbean opening up additional earlier times, it's not usually the case.

Should I get The Key for an earlier check-in?

The Key is an optional add-on you can purchase to get VIP benefits, including an early check-in time.

Usually, guests who book The Key are allowed to check-in with the first group (an exact time will be emailed later).

There are two problems with buying The Key for an early check-in.

First, if you miss The Key check-in window, you have to fall back to whatever time you had before. 

Second, you're spending extra money for a benefit that is not cheap. You'll need to buy The Key for every guest in the cabin (age 6 and above) for every night of the cruise. That seems like a lot to save an hour or two on embarkation day.

I don't recommend getting The Key because I think the benefits sound better than they really are. Plus, you can get an early check-in time simply by doing your online check-in exactly when it opens up.

What time can I check-in for my cruise if I'm staying in a suite?

Suite guests still need to get a check-in time for their sailing, but usually they will be give more flexibility in their times.

About a week before the cruise, the Suite Concierge will email suite guests with an introduction and outline basic suite policies, including a flexible arrival policy, where suite guests can arrive one hour before or after their check-in time.

When you get the terminal, be sure to tell the pier agent you are staying in a suite so you can be directed to the right place.