Royal Caribbean Blog

Top executives from the Royal Caribbean Group hit on a number of topics with investors during the company's second quarter earnings call on Thursday.

Each quarter, Royal Caribbean Group hosts a conference call with Wall Street analysts to go over the financial results and share more insight beyond the earnings sheet.

During the course of these calls, the public gets insight into what the company sees and that provides more visibility into the cruise business.

Here are the important tidbits from the hour-long call that cruise fans should be aware of as it relates to how the company is doing.

Over 100% capacity in Caribbean itineraries

Demand is so strong for cruises to the Caribbean right now, that ships are sailing completely full.

Royal Caribbean Group President and CEO, Jason Liberty, highlighted this fact at the opening of the call, "Our North American itineraries are now sailing at over 100% load factors, and we are building on this momentum as we expect to reach load factors in the mid-nineties in Q3 and then return to triple digit load factors globally by year end."

In cruise industry speak, "load factors" refers to how many passengers are onboard as a percentage of capacity.

Royal Caribbean Group Chief Financial Officer, Naftali Holtz, broke down the capacity in the second quarter based on region:

• Overall: 82% load factors, with June just about 90%
• North America: About 100%
  • Caribbean: 103%, with some ships reaching 107%
  • Northeast and West Coast (including Alaska): 90%
• Europe: 75% in June

Why do so many people want to cruise? Mr. Liberty sees strong trends driving it, "The combination of consumers strong propensity to experience and travel, accelerating demographic trends which are pulling in more bucket list and multigenerational travel, a very compelling value proposition and a strong preference for our brand is translating into strengthening demand."

You might be wondering how a ship can sail over 100% capacity, and the answer comes down to how many people are in a stateroom.

A ship has a 100% capacity based on double occupancy, but if you add third or fourth passengers into a cabin, then you get capacity exceeding 100%.

Cruise vs land based vacation

Royal Caribbean has always compared itself to land vacations (and not other cruise lines) as their primary competition. To that point, executives talked about how a cruise compares to a land vacation.

Mr. Liberty talked up the benefits of a cruise, "Cruising has always been an attractive value proposition when compared to land based vacation alternatives, and that is truer today than ever before."

Specifically, he thinks there is a larger than ever gap of value between cruises and land vacations, "There is a very healthy gap, and a larger gap today, than there has been with land based vacations."

"Now that these protocols are falling off, and we're operating and our guests who are incredible advocates of ours, are sharing their experiences and telling them that, you know, cruise is just like what it was pre-Covid that all of that is is kind of manifesting into this opportunity where people look at cruising and say, wow, there's a really good value proposition."

Read more: Royal Caribbean will drop Covid-19 testing for vaccinated cruisers on shorter sailings

Spending trends

If you've noticed higher prices for cruise extras, there's plenty of people who are still buying them.

Mr. Liberty talked about guest spending in his opening remarks, "Overall, we continue to see a financially healthy, highly engaged consumer with a strong hunger to dream and seek experiences. And they are willing to spend more than ever with us to create those memories."

"The 100,000 plus guests that we have on our ship every day, including the 125,000 guests that are currently on our ships today, have been spending at least 30% more on board our ships across all categories when compared to 2019."

"Approximately 60% of our guests book their on board activities before they ever stepped foot on our ships."

What Mr. Liberty is saying is that not only are a lot of people booking cruises, but a majority are booking add-ons before their cruise at a pace never seen before the pandemic. 

It's critical for Royal Caribbean Group's bottom line that passengers buy things in advance, because it tends to translate into more profit than someone who books onboard, "Every dollar a guest spends before the voyage, translates into about $0.70 more on the dollar when they sail with us and double the overall spending compared to other guests."

To exemplify this trend, Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley pointed out the other day someone spent "over $4,000" for a single over the water cabana at Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Read more: Guide to CocoCay Cabanas

"There's just a lot of demand for these experiences, as Jason said. And we've also seen this in Alaska, for example, with the product that we have in Alaska, that people just seem to be more willing to open their wallets and purchase these experiences."

No plans to offer stock

Carnival Cruise Corporation was treated poorly by the stock market when they announced a new round of stock offerings to drum up cash, but Royal Caribbean Group has no such plans.

Mr. Liberty spelled out that things are going well for his company, "Our business is clearly ramping up. We're generating cash flow after OpEx, after CapEx."

"We have been very thoughtful and very methodical about capital raising, balancing liquidity and minimizing dilution, especially relative to others."

"I would note that issuing equity. One is obviously it's a board decision. The bar is at exceptionally high for us to be issuing equity. We don't have any plans to issue equity."

He added that the company has a different focus than cash on hand, "What the board is really focused on is how do we get back to pre-Covid levels as soon as possible. And by that meaning earnings, meaning ROIC and getting our balance sheet back and leverage back to what it was pre-Covid."

Inflation is peaking

Royal Caribbean seeks inflation numbers peaking, which could mean lower costs in the coming months.

Mr. Liberty pointed to a few indicators that tell him, "inflation levels are peaking and that we would start seeing some relief in the coming months."

The company has two primary categories that are most affected by inflation: food and fuel.

"There are some initial positive signs with respect to inflation trends and our food basket. Our more recent month over month FNB (food and beverage) inflation indicator has increased at the slowest pace thus far in 2022."

Mr. Liberty also alluded to conversations with suppliers that things are getting better.

Very soon, fully vaccinated guests won't have to bother with a Covid test on cruises less than six nights.

Included in Royal Caribbean Group's second quarter financial results was a mention of a policy change related to Covid-19 testing.

Starting Aug. 8, testing will be required for unvaccinated guests on all voyages and for vaccinated guests only on voyages that are six nights or longer. 

Up until now, all guests were required to get a Covid-19 test completed prior to their cruise, regardless of vaccination status.

The change in policy is a result of the the CDC ending its Covid-19 Program for Cruise Ships.

No further details on the policy change were part of the press release, but we should expect more information in the coming days.

A major change in policy

Covid-19 testing has been a cornerstone of Royal Caribbean's health protocols since cruises restarted in 2021.

Up until now, vaccinated guests had to get either a PCR or rapid antigen test up to 2 days before sailing. Unvaccinated children had to get a PCR test only up to 3 days before sailing.

Virgin Voyages was the first cruise line in the United States to drop testing. Norwegian Cruise Line has also eliminated testing for vaccinated travelers for all cruises sailing from any port except in the U.S., Canada, or Piraeus, Greece.

Eliminating testing for vaccinated passengers removes a major obstacle to pre-cruise stress, as many cruisers were concerned they weren't sure they would actually be able to sail until just a couple days before their cruise.

Mr. Liberty said the change is a move to be more like other forms of leisure travel, such as theme parks, casinos, or air travel. 

"We are continuing to adapt our protocols to align more closely with how the rest of society and other travel and leisure businesses are operating."

"This means that we're transitioning to the point where everyone will be able to vacation with us while always working with our destination partners to meet their regulations."

Testing expected to drop for longer sailings soon

If you'd like to see Covid testing drop also for longer sailings, it sounds like Royal Caribbean has a plan for it.

Speaking to investors during an earnings call on Thursday, Mr. Liberty said, "We also anticipate in the not too distant future that pre-embarkation testing for longer duration voyages will be reduced."

He later elaborated on changing testing requirements for longer sailings, "We're starting off here by doing the five days or less, and we're going to look at that."

"I think our our expectation here, call it in the next 45 days or so. And, of course, following local requirements, which will somewhat dictate in some of our destinations what those testing requirements will be, that the majority of the testing requirements will will be lifted, especially around the majority of our of our deployment."

Less testing should translate into more bookings

As soon as Royal Caribbean Group announced the change, the company expects bookings to spike as a result.

Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley spoke about the reaction in the marketplace to dropping testing for short cruises, "this kind of change I think will be seen very positively."

"We've got some distributors who have been anxiously awaiting changes as long as along with many of our customers."

"One of the calculations that we have is about 40% of all of the folks that are sitting on the byline. So people who've been waiting for the protocols to change."

"I think this easement and this change is going to be viewed very positively. So we're expecting to see an increase in bookings literally starting today."

Unvaccinated passengers too?

Depending on how much you want to dissect Mr. Liberty's words, it sounds like the company is looking to someday allow unvaccinated passengers of all ages onboard.

When Mr. Liberty said, "This means that we're transitioning to the point where everyone will be able to vacation with us while always working with our destination partners to meet their regulations," it sounds like it could point to allowing unvaccinated cruisers onboard.

Up until now, only unvaccinated guests under the age of 12 have been allowed on Royal Caribbean ships.

Time will tell.

Reader reactions

As soon as news came out of the change, many cruisers shared their thoughts on the policy shift.

Certainly anyone with a short cruise booked was happy to see the change. Cinthya Rod wrote on the Royal Caribbean Blog Facebook page, "Great news! For our next cruise will be awesome."

Beth Coddington likes where the policy is headed, "That's a step in the right direction."

A number of cruisers questioned the logic of picking 6 nights instead of 7 nights.

Mark Middleton wrote, "What’s the difference, for testing purposes, between a six and seven night sailing? Many are seven nights so would be easier for that!"

Greg Crouch added, "Seeing as most Royal Caribbean cruises are 7 nights it's not an enormous difference for most of us. Test the unvaccinated and not boosted by all means."

Kelly Lene-Tarman shared her thoughts, "Instead of complaining about it only being 6 nights or less, or why not unvaccinated, etc., let's look at the positive in this. They are are doing this in small steps to see how it goes and if all works well, everyone will be welcome to cruise again!"

Royal Caribbean Group reported its second quarter 2022 earnings on Thursday.

While the company still had a net loss of half a billion dollars, operating cash flow and EBITDA were positive for the quarter.

Royal Caribbean Group saw this quarter as "meaningfully ahead" of their projections, due to accelerating and strong close-in demand, further improvement in onboard revenue and better cost performance. 

Royal Caribbean Group President and CEO Jason Liberty saw two important takeaways from the fiscal disclosure, "We reached two important milestones in our recovery this quarter – returning our entire global fleet back to operations and delivering positive operating cash flow and EBITDA."

He also sees strong demand for cruises, "Consumers' propensity to travel and cruise remains strong. We continue to see a robust and accelerating demand environment for cruising and on-board spend. Cruising remains a very attractive value proposition for vacationers, and today we have an opportunity to further close the value gap to other land-based vacation offerings."

The second quarter loss of $0.5 billion is better than the $1.3 billion loss in the second quarter of 2021.

Second quarter by the numbers

Load factors (meaning how full were the cruise ships) in the second quarter were 82% overall. June sailings reached almost 90%, with Caribbean itineraries averaging over 100%.

Based on the continued strength in consumer demand, the company expects load factors will average approximately 95% in the third quarter and increase to triple digits by year-end.

Total revenues per passenger cruise day were at record levels and up 4% as reported and 5% in constant currency versus the second quarter of 2019.

Booking volumes received in the second quarter for the back half of 2022 sailings remained significantly higher than booking volumes received in the second quarter of 2019 for the back half of 2019.

The second half of 2022 is booked below historical ranges but at higher prices than 2019, with and without future cruise credits (FCCs).

For 2023, all quarters are currently booked within historical ranges at record pricing.

For the third quarter of 2022 and based on current currency exchange rates, fuel rates and interest rates, the company expects to generate approximately $2.9 billion - $3.0 billion in Total Revenues.

In terms of reducing costs, Royal Caribbean Group gave credit to the delivery of new, more efficient ships and past sales of less efficient ships, as well as actions taken to improve operating costs and margins that continue to materialize as operations ramp up.

Changing Covid protocols

Mr. Liberty mentioned an upcoming change in Royal Caribbean's Covid-19 protocols based on the CDC announcement  it would end its Covid-19 program for cruise ships.

As part of their earnings statement, Mr. Liberty said, "Last week, the CDC ended its COVID-19 Program for Cruise Ships. Based on this change, we are continuing to adapt our protocols to align more closely with how the rest of society and other travel and leisure businesses are operating.

This means that we're transitioning to the point where everyone will be able to vacation with us while always working with our destination partners to meet their regulations. Starting Aug. 8, testing will be required for unvaccinated guests on all voyages and for vaccinated guests only on voyages that are six nights or longer. "

A look at bookings

Second quarter 2022 bookings averaged 30% above 2019 booking volumes for 2019 sailings in the corresponding period in the second quarter with even greater strength in July. 

An interesting trend is that guests are still booking their cruises much closer to their sail date compared previous years. 

In addition, cancellation activity has now returned to pre-Covid levels.

Second half 2022 sailings are booked at higher prices than 2019, both including and excluding FCCs.

Europe has seen sluggish results due to Covid and the Russia-Ukraine war. Europe makes up about a third of the overall capacity.

As of June 30, 2022, the Group's customer deposit balance was $4.2 billion, a record high for the company. This represents an increase of about $600 million over the previous quarter despite the significant quarter-over-quarter increase in revenue recognition. 

Approximately 20% of the customer deposit balance as of the end of the second quarter is related to FCCs. Approximately 60% of the FCC balance accumulated since the start of the pandemic has been redeemed. 

Silversea's new ship comes with two years of no payments

Earlier this month, Silversea purchased the Crystal Endeavor for $275 million, but won't make any payments on it for two years.

The transaction is fully financed through a 15-year unsecured term loan, guaranteed by the German export credit agency, Euler Hermes, and has no amortization payments in the first two years.

Silver Endeavour is scheduled to begin service winter 2022, spending its inaugural season in Antarctica starting November 2022.

Are you someone that has never tried a cruise because you think cruise ships just aren't for you?

I have friends and family that have felt this way for years out of concern that ships are overcrowded, isolated in the ocean, or otherwise bored. Regardless of the reason, they haven't tried a cruise yet because they believe it would not be a fun vacation.

Royal Caribbean (and the entire cruise industry) has worked for years to undo those beliefs, and one of the best ways has been to design and build new cruise ships that defy the notion of what you can do on a ship.

When I hear from new cruisers, many are astounded by how much there was to do onboard. Any fear of not having enough to do or feeling "trapped" are almost always brushed aside after they get home.

If I had to pick a cruise ship for a non-cruiser to try, Wonder of the Seas is that ship because I think it has so many amenities onboard that they never expected.  If your idea of a great vacation is heading to a sandy beach, laying out by the pool, enjoying high-class entertainment, and plenty of food and drink options, then I think Wonder of the Seas may be the perfect first cruise ship for you.

The best suite experience in the fleet

If you elect to book a suite, you can look forward to the best end-to-end suite program on any Royal Caribbean ship.

When you book a Royal Caribbean suite, you're not just getting a large cruise ship cabin. You're also getting access to a number of services that other passengers do not have.

Suite guests have access to their own complimentary restaurant, suite lounge, and entire suite sun deck. 

Known as the Suite Neighborhood, this area is at the top of Wonder of the Seas and is where you'll find the suite lounge, Coastal Kitchen restaurant and pool area.

I think the sun deck is particularly compelling, because it is a sprawling space with loungers, bar, plunge pool and sweeping views.

Someone that hasn't cruised before may be drawn to booking a suite because they tend to stay in suites in hotels for bonuses that come with those rooms. Similarly, a cruise ship suite is about rewarding guests with added service that make the entire experience easier to enjoy.

Dining and food galore

Regardless if you're on a cruise ship or your hometown, everyone can enjoy a great meal.

Someone that has never cruised probably imagines a dining hall and buffet as what the cruise dining experience is like, similar in some regards to an all-inclusive hotel. While there is a buffet and main dining room on cruise ships, there is so much more than just that.

Royal Caribbean designed Wonder of the Seas so that there was a wide assortment of dining choices. First and foremost, they cannot have everyone onboard the ship eating at just a couple of restaurants. Moreover, Royal Caribbean knows they are competing against land resorts that have a variety of food.

On Wonder of the Seas, you have over 40 restaurants, bars and lounges to choose from, which means you can can visit six different places each day of the week.

There's Japanese hibachi, custom-made salads, New England style seafood, and a new Southern American restaurant that has barbecue pulled pork, fried chicken and crab beignets.

This isn't microwaved and/or pre-prepared food. Rather, chefs prepare all the food each day.

Fears that you will be stuck eating just at the buffet will quickly disappear once you discover all the choices on a ship like Wonder of the Seas.

If you enjoy a cocktail or two, Royal Caribbean offers over 400 different cocktails, wines, beers and zero-proof cocktails available. Of course, the bar staff can create almost any drink you like that isn't on the menu, so you just have to ask.

Teens will love the fact there are zero-proof cocktails available in their own teen club area of the ship. 

Known as Social100's Patio, teens can check out the bar there that includes jumbo-size games, a private whirlpool, loungers and nooks.

The places you'll visit

Another fear new cruisers have is that they will feel trapped. Friends usually say, "I'd hate to be stuck at sea" and the reality is a cruise on Wonder of the Seas will take you to some gorgeous places.

On a 7-night cruise, you can expect to visit at least three ports of call, if not more. That means on most days of your cruise, you'll have to opportunity to disembark for the day and explore ports of call in the Caribbean.

When I first started cruising, I loved days we were in port because you would wake up and be somewhere new each day. 

You could enjoy the sandy beaches of Cozumel, Mexico, or walk the streets of Old San Juan. You might be able to drive an ATV, snorkel with marine life all around you, or learn about the history and culture of the people that call the port you are visiting home.

In short, there are a lot of amazing things you can do during your cruise while in port. Having more than half the days of your cruise include a port visit substantially helps reduce the feeling that you're relegated to the ship only.

No cruise aboard Wonder of the Seas is complete without a visit to Royal Caribbean's private island of Perfect Day at CocoCay. Other cruise lines have private islands, but none compare to the amazing upgrades Royal Caribbean has invested at CocoCay.

Perfect Day at CocoCay is not just a beach reserved for cruise ship guests. There's a water park, upgraded beach club, giant freshwater pool, and island food you actually want to eat.

And after a day of fun ashore, you get to come back to the cruise ship (just like a hotel) and enjoy evening dining and entertainment.

All this fun onboard and on shore means the time will pass quickly, and you'll find the week-long cruise flying by.

The best selection of activities on any cruise ship

I'm going to make the bold statement that Wonder of the Seas has the best variety of entertainment and things to do of any cruise ship right now.

Royal Caribbean has a reputation for being the cruise line that packs their ships with the most "I can't believe you do that on a cruise ship" sort of activities.

Families can choose between water slides, an open-air play area for younger children, 10-story dry slide that has lights and sound effects, and aqua park.

At night, there's three different venues performing various shows that are included with your cruise fare. 

Studio B has professional ice skaters that perform 365: The Seasons on Ice.  Using projection technology, the cast tells the story of Earth’s changing seasons.

Moving to the AquaTheater on the back of the ship, you'll be able to see an all-female cast perform inTENse that includes acrobatics, slacklining, high diving, tumbling, and synchronized swimming. 

The Royal Theater has two shows that have Broadway-style performances to enjoy.

If that isn't enough, there are comedy shows, a piano bar, live musical performances around the ship, and even movies by the pool to watch.

The takeaway here is that there is so much to do onboard, and it's up to you how much (or little) you do. If you're worried a cruise ship means you'll be bored because the expectation is you alternate between sitting by the pool and eating, you'll be pleasantly surprised how much more there is to do.

Kids? No problem: Lots for adults

Royal Caribbean is the best cruise line for families, and whether you have kids or not, there is lots to enjoy for adults on Wonder of the Seas.

If you do have kids, there is supervised kids programming in Adventure Ocean that is available for children as young as six months old, all the way up to 17 years old.

The nursery is available for kids between 6 and 36 months old for an addition cost. As a parent that has used the nursery extensively, it's worth every penny.

Kids between 3 and 17 have their own supervised space, where they can play, dance, draw, and have fun with other kids their age. It's not just an enclave for children, it's an opportunity for them to do what they want, while you enjoy time alone to do what you want.

Besides the amazing restaurants you can choose from for date night, there's lots more you can do without any children on Wonder of the Seas.

First and foremost, there is an entire area of the pool deck reserved just for adults. The Solarium is an enclosed pool area with upgraded loungers. Because it's climate controlled, it's always the perfect temperature!

You'll also find arguably the best wine bar across any Royal Caribbean cruise ship with Giovanni's Wine Bar. Located in Central Park, Royal Caribbean revamped its wine bar experience with a new motif, and the added bonus of being able to enjoy many of the same foods you'd find in nearby Giovanni's Italian Kitchen without getting up from your seat.

You can visit the casino throughout the day or night, where you'll find plenty of slot machines, poker tables, blackjack, roulette, craps and more table games. For a lot of people, the casino fun is another way Royal Caribbean caters to parents while the kids are away.

If you prefer to pamper yourself, why not take a visit to the Vitality Spa, where you there are some truly amazing treatments to choose from, along with a full salon.

While not adults only, if you're cruising without kids, you might consider buying a pass to the Coco Beach Club at Perfect Day at CocoCay.

The Coco Beach Club is an upgraded beach day experience, complete with its own restaurant and infinity pool. Kids are allowed here, but most families end up elsewhere for the variety of things to do around the island. This means a great spot to spend your day and splurge a bit.

If an adults-only beach area sounds like heaven, don't worry, because Royal Caribbean has your back.

Scheduled to open in late 2023, Hideaway Beach will be a new expansion area that will only allow adults in and offer yet-to-be-announced things to do.

Convinced yet?

If you gravitate towards booking a beach vacation or prefer to stay in a new hotel, and have not tried a cruise yet, Wonder of the Seas might be the perfect cruise ship for you.

Wonder of the Seas has the latest and greatest innovations and things to do, which rival much of what you can find on a land vacation. Better yet, a cruise includes much more in your base cost than a land vacation.

You're going to find plenty for everyone in your family to do. Other lines tend to cater to either mostly kids or mostly adults, but Royal Caribbean is far more even keeled at a price families can afford.

If you are one of those people that never considered a cruise vacation, Wonder of the Seas is the ship that could change your mind.

More cruise advice

• What is the best room on a cruise ship?
• Picking a Cruise Line and Ship
• Avoid these mistakes when picking a cruise ship cabin
• 25 best Royal Caribbean tips, tricks & hidden secrets
• 5 Costly lessons learned on a cruise (and how to avoid them!)
• 15 really cool things to do that you can only find on Royal Caribbean cruise ships
• Ultimate Cruise Packing List

Anthem of the Seas is a Quantum Class Royal Caribbean cruise ship that launched in 2015. As one of the biggest and most modern cruise ships in Royal Caribbean’s fleet, Anthem of the Seas boasts excellent entertainment, dining, activities, and itineraries fit for any cruising style.

Whether you’re sailing to the Caribbean or Europe, it’s helpful to have an overview of what is offered on Anthem of the Seas to ensure your cruise vacation is off to a great start.

Let’s take an in-depth look at everything you can see and experience on Anthem of the Seas.

In this guide:

• Pool Deck
• Dining
• Bars & Lounges
• Things to do
• Adventure Ocean
• Entertainment
• Wellness & Relaxation
• Staterooms
• Itineraries

Anthem of the Seas Pool Deck

The Anthem of the Seas pool deck has a total of three pools and one children’s play area. As a Quantum Class ship, Anthem of the Seas was designed to sail in all climates. Therefore, she offers a mix of both outdoor and indoor pool areas.

Related: All about Quantum Class ships

Anthem of the Seas has one main pool outside along with two whirlpools. On sunny days, this is where you’ll find the most guests swimming and sunbathing. You’ll find two bars outside, live music, and plenty of seating. This is also where pool games are held, such as the bellyflop and sexiest man competitions.

Also located outside is the H20 zone, a colorful kids splash park with a large shallow pool, kids “lazy river”, and a baby splash pad for children still in diapers.

Anthem of the Seas also has an indoor pool available to all guests, which can make a great option for rainy or chilly days. The roof in the indoor pool is technically retractable, although it generally remains closed. There’s also a smaller, shallow pool in the indoor area perfect for kids, as well as two whirlpools.

The Solarium on Anthem of the Seas is the adults-only pool area for guests aged 16 and up. It’s fully enclosed and climate controlled. Located in the Solarium is a canopied pool, whirlpools, and padded pool chairs and loungers.

You can also find the Solarium Bridge wings in the Solarium, which are small outdoor decks that jet off the side of the ship, offering views of the ship sailing through the ocean.

Anthem of the Seas Dining

You won’t go hungry on Anthem of the Seas, with plenty of complimentary and specialty dining venues available. It’s easy to go an entire cruise only eating at complimentary dining venues, as there is a wide range of cuisines and cooking styles available.

Complimentary dining venues on Anthem of the Seas:

• Main Dining Room, the main sit-down dining hall open for breakfast and dinner as well as lunch on sea days
• Windjammer Marketplace, a buffet with a wide selection of cuisines and dishes open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner
• Cafe Promenade, a grab and go spot for coffees, teas, and small snacks
• Sorrento’s, a pizza and antipasti venue
• Cafe @ Two70, a casual grab and go venue with sandwiches, salads, soups, and pastries
• SeaPlex Dog House, a hot dog stand with a variety of toppings
• Solarium Bistro, a Mediterranean-inspired hybrid buffet and sit-down restaurant

Related: Food on a Royal Caribbean cruise

Some guests may prefer to try Royal Caribbean’s specialty dining venues, however, especially if they’re looking for an upgraded dining experience. Specialty restaurants often have a more intimate ambiance and wider range of cuisines not found elsewhere onboard. They can be a nice option for a special occasion or enjoyed as part of a dining package.

Specialty dining venues on Anthem of the Seas:

• Chops Grille, Royal Caribbean’s classic steakhouse
• Jamie’s Italian, modern Italian cuisine
• Izumi Sushi, offering a variety of sushi and hot dishes like ramen and fried rice
• Johnny Rockets, Americana fare including hamburgers and milkshakes
• Wonderland, an imaginative cuisine restaurant inspired by the tales of Alice and Wonderland
• Chef’s Table, a multi-course meal in which each course is paired with wine
• Cafe Patisserie, a French-style bakery with patisserie and specialty coffees and teas

Related: Top 10 Royal Caribbean dining tips

Anthem of the Seas Bars & Lounges

Outside of the extensive number of dining venues onboard Anthem of the Seas are a variety of lounges, each of which comes with its own drink offerings and vibe.

Some bars, such as Vintages Wine Bar, offer a relaxing environment perfect for sipping a glass of wine and reading a book. Others, like Boleros, offer a high-energy ambiance where you can enjoy live Latin music while drinking a fresh mojito.

The following bars and lounges can be found on Anthem of the Seas:

• Schooner Bar
• Music Hall
• Boleros
• Pool bar
• North Star bar
• Solarium Bar
• Casino bar
• Bionic Bar
• Two70 Bar
• Vintages
• Brass & Bock Pub
• Diamond Club
• Suite Lounge

If you plan on spending a lot of time on your cruise enjoying drinks, it may be worth it to pre-purchase a Deluxe Beverage Package. By purchasing a beverage package, you can have an unlimited amount of drinks throughout the cruise without worrying about the individual cost of each beverage.

Additionally, if your Anthem of the Seas cruise visits Perfect Day at CocoCay, your drink package benefits will work on the island.

For more information about beverage packages and whether or not you should book one for your cruise, check out the following articles:

• Royal Caribbean Drink Package Info, Tips, Pros & Cons
• Royal Caribbean drink package rules overview
• Is a cruise drink package worth it?

Things to do on Anthem of the Seas

Anthem of the Seas is packed with amazing activities for guests of all ages, most of which are included in your cruise fare. Some activities are available throughout the entire cruise, whereas others will have set times allocated for the activity, which can be found in the Cruise Planner or Royal Caribbean app.

Here are some of the activities available on Anthem of the Seas:

RipCord by iFLY

RipCord by iFLY is an indoor skydiving simulator found only on Quantum Class ships, where passengers can feel like they’re “skydiving” in an indoor wind machine.

To participate in RipCord by iFly, first you must watch an instructional video on indoor skydiving safety and body positioning. Next you’ll head to the skydiving chamber to put your flying skills to the test!

RipCord by iFLY has both complimentary and extra-cost options. Both will be available to book in the Royal Caribbean app once onboard Anthem of the Seas.

North Star

Another unique activity found only on Quantum Class ships is the North Star, a 360 degree observation pod that reaches a height of 300 feet above sea level. Guests board the North Star from the pool deck and are rewarded with panoramic views of the ship and surrounding scenery.

The North Star, like RipCord by iFLY, also has complimentary and extra-cost options. Complimentary rides are available while the ship is in port, whereas extra-cost options can be booked on sea days.

Related: 15 really cool things to do that you can only find on Royal Caribbean cruise ships

SeaPlex activities

Whereas many Royal Caribbean ships have an outdoor sports court, Anthem of the Seas has the SeaPlex, an indoor sports court and gaming area. Onboard activities are offered in the SeaPlex throughout the cruise, and include the following:

• Bumper cars
• Ping pong
• Xbox gaming arena
• Pickleball
• Soccer
• Volleyball

Challenger’s Arcade is also located near the SeaPlex, although this comes at an additional cost.

FlowRider

Like many Royal Caribbean ships, Anthem of the Seas has a FlowRider surfing simulator onboard. This activity comes at no extra cost, and passengers can try their best at boogie boarding or surfing on the simulator’s high speed waves.

Miscellaneous onboard activities

Outside of the main signature activities found on Anthem of the Seas are a variety of other fun things to do offered throughout the cruise. Miscellaneous onboard activities may include:

• Trivia
• Game shows
• Dance classes
• Morning stretch classes
• Scrapbooking
• Guest lectures
• Outdoor and indoor movies
• Theme nights
• Towel folding demonstrations
• Jewelry making
• Art auctions
• Wine tasting

Adventure Ocean on Anthem of the Seas

Anthem of the Seas has childcare for kids aged 3-17, which is complimentary during the day but has an hourly cost after 10PM. A nursery is also available for ages 6-36 months, although this comes at an additional hourly cost.

Adventure Ocean is split into age groups:

• Royal Babies & Tots: 6-36 months
• Aquanauts: 3-5 years
• Explorers: 6-8 years
• Voyagers: 9-11 years
• Teens: 12-17 years

Related: Six things to know about Royal Caribbean’s Adventure Ocean

Each age group has their own Adventure Ocean area on Anthem of the Seas. In addition, there is a Science Lab onboard where kids can participate in fun, hands-on science experiments.

Teens have two exclusive areas: The Living Room and Fuel Teen Disco. The Living Room is a hangout area during the day for teens, whereas Fuel Teen Disco is a teen “nightclub” open in the evenings.

Anthem of the Seas also has an open play area onboard where parents can bring their children to use playground equipment, toys, and books. This area is unsupervised, so parents must remain with their children at all times.

Anthem of the Seas Entertainment

There are two main entertainment venues on Anthem of the Seas: the Royal Theater and Two70.

All Royal Caribbean ships have a multi-level theater used for musicals, plays, comedians, musicians, vocalists, and miscellaneous events during the cruise.

Two70, on the other hand, is an entertainment venue found only on Quantum Class cruise ships. Located in the aft of Anthem of the Seas, Two70 has floor-to-ceiling windows that span 270 degrees, offering incredible views of the ocean. 

We Will Rock You

The Royal Theater’s signature production show on Anthem of the Seas is We Will Rock You, a full-length Broadway musical telling the story of a futuristic society in which rock ‘n’ roll, or any music for that matter, has been banned.

A group of Bohemians rally up against the powerful Globalsoft company, who is doing everything in their power to make sure music, and the emergence of rock ‘n’ roll, does not return to society.

The musical features a score of music from Queen as the Bohemians try to save rock 'n' roll from the corporate, cold society in which they live.

The Gift

Another Royal Caribbean original production found in the Royal Theater is The Gift, which tells the story of a family that has been disengaged with each other due to the passing of their mother. The family’s mother, located in the spirit world, sees the struggles of her family and decides to send her family a magical gift.

The family received this gift on a stormy night, leading the family members to be guided on a journey to find themselves and bond with each other once again.

Spectra’s Cabaret

Spectra’s Cabaret is the signature production show found in Two70. Spectra, the maestro of the show, and his Agents of Rhythm take the audience through a colorful, upbeat, electric cabaret that combines live music and dancing with the advanced technological effects found in Two70.

Miscellaneous entertainment

Outside of the main production shows found on Anthem of the Seas are a variety of live music and other entertainment options:

• Live acoustic guitar music in the Bull & Bock pub
• Live Latin and Caribbean music at Boleros
• Live jazz orchestra music
• Live piano tunes at Schooner Bar
• Comedians
• Musicians
• Virtual symphonies and concerts at Two70

Anthem of the Seas Wellness & Relaxation

If you’re looking for rest and relaxation on your cruise, you’ll want to check out the spa on Anthem of the Seas. A variety of treatments are available, from Swedish massages to couples treatments and aromatherapy. A salon is also located within the spa, offering hair and nail services.

Anthem of the Seas also has a thermal suite available, which has saunas, steam rooms, a rainforest shower, and hot stone loungers. You can access the thermal spa with a thermal spa pass, which has no limit on the amount of times you can visit the spa, so you can enjoy the facilities throughout the entire cruise.

In addition to the spa is the Vitality Fitness Center, which is a large gym on the top floor of the ship. Located in the fitness center are cardio machines, free weights, weight machines, and exercise mats.

Fitness classes and consultations are also available, although these come at an extra cost.

Related: Five ways to find fitness on a Royal Caribbean cruise

Anthem of the Seas Staterooms

Anthem of the Seas has a stateroom option for any budget, from small studio cabins for solo travelers to lavish loft suites. Certain room categories, such as studios and suites, can fill up quickly, so booking your cruise as far in advance as possible is recommended to ensure you can book the stateroom of your choice.

The following staterooms are available to book on Anthem of the Seas:

• Interior with virtual balcony
• Ocean view
• Interior studio cabin
• Studio cabin with balcony
• Balcony
• Junior Suite
• Junior Suite with spacious balcony
• 1 Bedroom Grand Suite
• 1 Bedroom Grand Suite with spacious balcony
• 2 Bedroom Grand Suite
• 1 Bedroom Owner’s Suite
• Sky Loft Suite
• Grand Loft Suite
• Owner’s Loft Suite
• Royal Loft Suite

For more information and tips on booking the best stateroom for your cruise on Anthem of the Seas, check out the following articles:

• What’s the best cruise ship cabin for my family?
• Guide to balcony staterooms on Royal Caribbean
• Royal Caribbean suites guide & review

Anthem of the Seas itineraries

Anthem of the Seas splits her time between the US and UK, offering cruises from Cape Liberty, New Jersey and Southampton, England.

Cruises from Cape Liberty

When departing from Cape Liberty, Anthem of the Seas primarily offers 7 or 8-night Bahamas cruises, visiting Orlando, Perfect Day at CocoCay, and Nassau, with Miami offered as a port stop on 8-night itineraries.

She also offers a few 11-night Southern Caribbean cruises, visiting ports in St. Maarten, St. Thomas, Puerto Plata, St. Kitts, Antigua, San Juan, and St. Lucia, depending on the itinerary.

Transatlantic cruises are also available as Anthem of the Seas makes her way to and from Southampton, England.

Read more: Guide to cruises from New York

Cruises from Southampton, England

Itineraries departing Southampton, England may visit the following destinations:

• Norwegian fjords
• Northern Spain and western France
• Canary Islands, Spain, and Portugal
• Mediterranean

Cruises to Northern Spain, western France, and Norway are typically 7-night itineraries. Visiting the Canary Islands is offered on 12-night itineraries, and Mediterranean cruises from Southampton are usually 14 nights.

Are you considering booking a cruise on Anthem of the Seas? Check out our FULL ship tour to discover all that Anthem of the Seas has to offer:

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Royal Caribbean Group has scheduled an earnings call with investors later this week, which means we might get answers to a few hot button topics.

Royal Caribbean Group will release its second quarter 2022 earnings on Thursday, July 28, 2022. They'll subsequently hold a conference call with Wall Street analysts to discuss the results in greater detail.

On Thursday, there will be a lot of data shared, including information helpful to not just investors.

It's common for policy shifts, direction, and even new projects to get further detail during these calls. With so much change right now in the cruise industry, these calls are some of the best opportunities to get answers.

It's impossible to know in advance which questions will get answers, but here is a wish list of questions cruise fans are eager to hear about during this week's earnings call.

Did Royal Caribbean become profitable again this quarter?

Whether you own stock or not, Royal Caribbean making money instead of losing money is important for the financial well-being of the company.

Since 2020, Royal Caribbean has been losing billions of dollars, but this might be the quarter where they turn the corner.

In the first quarter of this year, Royal Caribbean still lost a billion dollars, but operating cash flow turned positive in April 2022. Moreover, they said at that time they expected to return a net profit for the second half of 2022.

Of course, there are going to be any number of negative factors that could offset profitability, including inflation, oil prices, supply chain issues, and weaker demand for cruises.

A profitable quarter is an important step towards shedding all the debt they accrued over the last two years.

What does the end of the CDC cruise ship program mean for testing and vaccine requirements?

If we took a poll of possible questions to be answered, I think Covid-19 protocols would win in a landslide.

Ever since the U.S. government announced it would end its Covid-19 program for cruise ships, many cruise fans have wanted to know what this means for the current rules and requirements.

Specifically, what, if anything, will change as it pertains to pre-cruise Covid-19 testing and/or vaccination requirements.

Currently, Royal Caribbean requires all guests, regardless of vaccination status, to get a Covid test done up to 2 days before sailing. Not only does this add stress of trying to find a testing site and living in limbo until the test results come back, but getting a negative test to travel is not required of any other form of leisure travel.

Likewise, the requirement all passengers must be fully vaccinated if over the age of 12 is another big question. 

Some cruise lines have dropped testing requirements, such as Virgin Voyages and Margaritaville at Sea, but Royal Caribbean hasn't announced any changes.

In June, Royal Caribbean International CEO Michael Bayley said he expected pre-cruise testing, "is going to be around for another couple of months."

Read more: Royal Caribbean CEO talks when pre-cruise Covid testing and vaccine mandate will last

Any Icon of the Seas hints?

We're half way through 2022 and still have no idea what Royal Caribbean's next new cruise ship will even look like.

Not only is the design of Icon of the Seas still under wraps, but there's no sense of when sailings might go on sale or other key details.

Royal Caribbean might be tempted to tip their hat at some details if it helps assuage analysts that a new ship will bring in lots of new business. Earnings calls are partially historical and forward looking.

While the past quarter's numbers are inflexible, Royal Caribbean Group executives can play up the future as rosy as possible in order to paint as positive a light as they can for better days ahead.

What has inflation's impact been on Royal Caribbean?

Something every company is dealing with is the rate of inflation on business.

From fuel to food to salaries, there's an impact to be felt on anyone's bottom line.

In the first quarter, Royal Caribbean said fuel and food costs were the primary inflationary problems they were dealing with.

In the short term, Royal Caribbean has 50% of its fuel hedged for this year and a smaller percentage for next year.

How to listen to the call

There will be full coverage of anything intriguing that comes out of Royal Caribbean Group's second quarter 2022 earnings call right here on RoyalCaribbeanBlog, but if you would like to listen on your own, here's how.

The call will be available on-line at the company's investor relations website, www.rclinvestor.com.  The call begins at 10am Eastern Time on Thursday, July 28, 2022.

You will be able to listen via the link provided close to the start of the call.

Royal Caribbean sails to over 200 destinations around the world, from common ports like Cozumel to off-the-beaten-path destinations like Mo'orea, French Polynesia and Alexandria, Egypt.

While there’s no “best” cruise port in the world, there are several ports that should be high on anyone’s bucket list. Whether you’re interested in exploring medieval history or are looking for a picturesque beach day, here’s our list of the top 10 Royal Caribbean cruise destinations that can’t be missed.

Kotor, Montenegro

If you’re looking for a port that transports you back in time 1000 years, look no further than Kotor, Montenegro.

Kotor is a small, medieval town located in the Bay of Kotor, which is often called a “fjord” due to its winding waterway surrounded by steep mountains. The sail into Kotor is arguably one of the most scenic in Europe, where you’ll pass charming mountain villages dwarfed by the rocky cliffs above.

Once you arrive in Old Town Kotor, you’ll find yourself walking through one of the best-preserved medieval cities in the Mediterranean, lined with narrow streets of traditional stone buildings, cathedrals, and public squares.

If you’re up for a challenge, consider hiking to the Castle of San Giovanni for the most impressive views of Kotor and the bay. While the 1300 steps and 70 switchbacks may have you struggling in the moment, it will be well worth it when you reach the top.

Related: A day spent in Kotor, Montenegro

St. Maarten

St. Maarten is one of the more common cruise ports in the Caribbean, and you’ll often find the port on Eastern Caribbean itineraries.

St. Maarten is unique in the fact that the island is owned by two countries. On one side of the island is Sint Maarten, a Dutch territory, and on the other is Saint Martin, a French territory. Because the island is quite small, it’s possible to visit both sides of the island in one day.

One of the most touristy spots on the island is Maho Beach, where you’ll witness planes flying directly overhead as they take off from St. Maarten’s international airport, located directly adjacent to the beach.

Related: Top things to do in St. Maarten on your Royal Caribbean cruise

A more tranquil beach day can be found at Orient Beach, located on the French side of the island, with pristine waters and soft white sand.

Most visitors to St. Maarten will opt for a beach day, although more adrenaline-filled activities are available, including kayaking, snorkeling, cycling, and 4-wheeling.

Phuket, Thailand

When you think of Thailand, you’ll likely picture crystal clear beaches, green mountains, colorful temples, and spicy street food. Phuket, the largest island in Thailand, offers all of those attractions and more.

If a beach day is up your alley, consider a full-day boat tour of the world famous Phi Phi Island (Koh Phi Phi). You’ll sail past steep green cliffs emerging from turquoise waters on your way to some of the world’s best beaches, where you’ll have the opportunity to snorkel in paradise.

Be sure to visit a Wat (Buddhist temple) while in Phuket to gain more insights into Thailand’s fascinating culture. You may also want to visit The Great Buddha of Phuket, a 150 foot seated Maravija Buddha statue set atop a hill with views of the sea.

Make sure to try local Thai cuisine, too, which is often regarded as one of the best cuisines in the world. Spicy curries, fried noodle dishes, papaya salads, and noodle soups can be found at countless street food stalls or restaurants on the island.

Some itineraries may offer overnight stops in Phuket, meaning you’ll have more time to explore the city’s nearby attractions.

San Juan, Puerto Rico

San Juan is another favorite destination among many cruisers for its historical landmarks, natural beauty, and alluring old town. Cruise ships dock adjacent to Old San Juan, the colorful, colonial area of San Juan lined by the old city walls.

San Juan is a port that is easy to explore without prior planning. Because the ships dock right in town, you can simply walk off the ship and spend a few hours wandering around Old San Juan. History buffs may want to visit the Castillo San Felipe del Morro, a citadel built between the 16th and 18th centuries to protect the city.

Related: Things to do in Old San Juan

If you’re interested in exploring Puerto Rico’s natural beauty, consider an excursion to El Yunque National Forest, the only tropical rainforest in the United States National Forest Service. Excursions to the rainforest often include hiking and visits to waterfalls.

Many itineraries dock in San Juan until 10 or 11PM, meaning you can enjoy a relaxing evening in port, taking in sunset views and sampling cuisine at local restaurants.

Lisbon, Portugal

While Portugal has been on the travel radar for decades, it has recently been rising in popularity. Boasting world-class beaches, a sunny climate, affordability, and diverse landscapes, it’s no wonder that Portugal has become one of the most up-and-coming destinations in Europe.

A major benefit when cruising to Lisbon is that cruise ships dock right in the historic city center, just a 5-minute walk from Praça do Comércio, the city’s main square. From the square you have immediate access to Lisbon’s Alfama neighborhood, the oldest neighborhood in the city known for its narrow, hilly, and colorful streets.

While in Lisbon, be sure to try the country’s famous pastel de nata, an egg custard tart with a crispy crust. You’ll find these delightful treats all over the city. You’ll also want to find the best “miradouros” in the city, which are viewpoints atop hills offering the best views of Lisbon (and the best place to take a selfie).

Because Lisbon is located on the Atlantic coast as opposed to the Mediterranean, you’ll typically only find port stops to Lisbon on longer (9 to 12-night) cruises departing from Southampton, England.

Perfect Day at CocoCay

Royal Caribbean’s premiere private destination in the Caribbean, Perfect Day at CocoCay, offers a stress-free beach day experience with activities for every cruising style and budget.

The majority of the island is complimentary, with beaches, pool chairs, umbrellas, locker storage, trams, and food included in your cruise fare.

Other activities, such as kayaks, snorkeling, ziplining, and a helium balloon ride come at an extra cost. You can also opt to rent a cabana for the day or visit the Coco Beach Club, offering a slice of tranquility and your own private place to relax.

Related: 40 Perfect Day at CocoCay tips, tricks and secrets

Passengers traveling with kids will be amazed by the variety of kid-friendly activities on the island, too. From Thrill Waterpark, home to the tallest waterslide in North America, to Splashaway Bay, it won’t be hard to keep kids busy at Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Another plus of visiting Perfect Day at CocoCay is that your drink packages will work on the island, extending the value of your beverage package.

Juneau, Alaska

Juneau is the most popular port on Alaska cruise itineraries, and the city offers everything you could want in a quintessential Alaskan experience, from glaciers to wildlife and culture.

Mendenhall Glacier is one of the most popular places to visit while in Juneau, which is located in a recreation area with hiking trails and the 377ft. Nugget Falls waterfall. Kayaking tours are also common here, where you’ll have the chance to get up and personal with the massive glacier.

Read more: Everything you need to know about Royal Caribbean cabins and suites

Juneau is one of the best whale watching destinations on an Alaska cruise, too, as it's known for the abundance of humpback whales calling the area home in the summer months. Helicopter tours, dog sledding excursions, and the Goldbelt Tramway are other fantastic ways to spend the day in Juneau.

Related: Top 10 things to do in Juneau, Alaska

Bermuda

Often mistaken for being a Caribbean island due to its tropical beaches and landscapes, Bermuda is actually located in the north Atlantic, 650 miles east of North Carolina.

Something unique about a cruise to Bermuda is that ships often dock overnight (sometimes with two overnights). With so much time in port, you won’t have to pick and choose one activity over another as you’ll have time to experience many different areas of the island.

Related: Why you should take a cruise to Bermuda

There are around 34 beaches and coves to discover in Bermuda, although the most famous is Horseshoe Bay, known for its clear waters and pink sand. The island also boasts excellent snorkeling and diving opportunities including underwater visits to shipwrecks.

Bermuda has an efficient public transportation system that makes exploring the island a breeze. You’ll enjoy taking a stroll around the colorful, colonial buildings in Bermuda’s capital of Hamilton, visiting Bermuda’s crystal caves, or touring the Royal Naval Dockyard.

Simply put, there’s no shortage of ways to keep busy in Bermuda despite the island’s small size.

You’ll find most Bermuda itineraries departing from Cape Liberty, New Jersey or Baltimore, Maryland, making visiting this Atlantic paradise convenient for those living in the northeast.

Canary Islands

Spain’s Canary Islands are located off the coast of Africa and more than 600 miles from mainland Spain. There are eight main islands in the Canaries.

You’ll typically find a few itineraries per year to the Canary Islands. These cruises generally depart from Southampton, England on Anthem of the Seas and visit three ports in the Canary Islands in addition to several ports on mainland Spain and Portugal. Visits to the Canary Islands can also be found on select transatlantic itineraries.

Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands, offers black sand beaches, cliffside towns, and diverse landscapes–from volcanic to dense forests. Consider an excursion to Teide National Park, where you’ll find Mount Teide, the highest mountain in Spain.

Lanzarote, another island in the Canaries, has plenty of otherworldly landscapes to discover. Some parts of the island may make you feel like you’re on Mars, with desolate volcanic landscapes, whereas others will transport you to a palm tree-lined paradise.

Each Canary Island has its own distinct charm that will surely leave you wanting to discover more of this unique archipelago.

Airlie Beach (Queensland), Australia

Let’s head down under for our last destination not to be missed: Airlie Beach, Australia. Located on the coast of Queensland, Airlie Beach is a gateway to Australia’s Whitsunday Islands and Great Barrier Reef.

Cruises tender near the town of Airlie Beach, with a walkable main street and several attractions in the town itself, such as the Airlie Beach Lagoon, white sand beaches, and cafes, shopping, and restaurants.

Most visitors to Airlie Beach will opt for an excursion to discover the area’s natural beauty. Catamaran tours to the Whitsunday Islands, for example, give the opportunity to swim, snorkel, and sunbathe on the archipelago of 74 small islands floating off the coast.

If you’re looking for a unique experience, consider a flightseeing tour over the Great Barrier Reef, where you can spot the massive reef and nearby Whitsunday Islands from above.

Regardless of what you choose to do in port, Airlie Beach is sure to exceed your expectations for a gorgeous beach day.

Read more cruise destination inspiration:

• 4 great itineraries (and 1 to avoid) for a first cruise vacation
• 15 countries you didn't know you could cruise to on Royal Caribbean

Today is our last day on the Mariner, but what better way to end the cruise than in CocoCay?

Patty and I woke up at 10 a.m. this morning and headed to the Windjammer for breakfast. We were able to get a great table that overlooked the colorful entrance of CocoCay.

Also visiting CocoCay today was Allure of the Seas. We had a feeling the island was going to be busy, so we got off the ship as soon as we were done eating.

Our first stop during our (perfect) day at CocoCay was Chill Island, which you can get to quickly by taking a left once you get on the island. Here you can find tons of seats and umbrellas for sunbathing and relaxing by the sea. There are also daybeds here you can rent for a fee if that is more your style.

It was a very hot day (85 degrees but felt like 95), so I wanted to stop and get a drink at The Wacky Seagull. Someone ahead of me ordered a Miami Vice (also known as a Lava Flow); it looked so good that I had to get one too. Patty and I sat down and enjoyed the views while I savored my drink.

We started going towards the Oasis Lagoon so we could cool off in the water. There were multiple shops along the way for those that enjoy shopping. The Chill Grill is also near Chill Island. We decided to check out the food they offered, and boy were we surprised to see how much food they had!

The Chill Grill had burgers, tacos, hotdogs, sandwiches, fruit and various desserts. It was a much larger selection than Royal Caribbean’s other private island, Labadee. Patty and I decided to split a cuban sandwich and ribeye cheesesteak sandwich.

I could hear the music bopping from the Oasis Lagoon, so I knew we were close! The lagoon was busy when we first got there, and it stayed that way most of the afternoon.

All the beach chairs were claimed by towels so it was hard to find an empty one to put our stuff down. Luckily, Patty didn’t have to wait too long, as a couple decided to leave when she was near them. The seats were right by the lagoon and had the perfect view of the swim-up bar.

Celebrating the fact that we found chairs, I visited the swim-up bar and got myself a Bahama Mama. It helped me stay cool in the heat for sure. A lot of the group cruisers were hanging out here so it was fun to see them and chat. This was my first Royal Caribbean Blog group cruise, and I met lots of friendly people that have made my first experience memorable.

I love jamming to the music at the lagoon, so that makes this place my favorite spot on the island. The DJ does an excellent job of playing current and older pop songs to get people hyped and excited.

As I mentioned, we were worried the island was going to be busy since there were two cruise ships. This was not the case because the island is larger than it looks. There are many places to go and spend your day, almost like a resort. This was my third time at CocoCay, and every time I visit, I find new spots or things to do!

The heat was catching up to us, so we chose to head back to the ship and give ourselves plenty of time to shower and get ready for dinner.

I had heard from an employee that I can get a Johnny Rockets shake as part of my Diamond Plus status, so I wanted to go see if this was true. Johnny Rockets is only open from noon to 5 p.m., so I had to go before dinner. Turns out the employee was right, and I got an Oreo shake for free! I wish I would’ve known about this sooner.

We didn’t want to forget to look at all of our professional pictures and buy some, so we did that since we were close to the dining room. We decided on our welcome aboard picture and another from a photoshoot.

Matt was sitting with his daughters at a table of eight, so he invited my mom and me to join them. It was a lovely dinner with great company!

Patty ordered the crispy coconut shrimp as an appetizer. We both got the cheese tortelloni as the main dish. I thought this was super good and different than how it has looked in the past. As I was eating it, it occurred to me that it tasted like mac n cheese, in a good way!

Dinner had two of my favorite desserts - the summer fruit pavlova and dark chocolate brownie. Both were a-ma-zing and I so wish I could bring home some leftovers (but there were none to be had).

The Farewell Variety Showtime featured both Adam Kario, the juggler and comedian from last night, and Jeffrey Allen, who had performed towards the beginning of this sailing.

Adam put on a great show and brought someone up to help him with an act, and that was fun to watch. The crowd even gave him a standing ovation. Jeffrey is an Elton John impersonator. While I did not know any of the songs he played, I could still appreciate his musical talent.

After the show, it was approaching 8 p.m., and it was time for the sunset. We made our way to the helicopter pad at the front of the ship. There were about 20 other people up there taking pictures of the sunset as well. It was beautiful for our last night at sea.

Since this is the last night of the cruise, we had to pack to leave. Patty and I are not light packers, so we had to dedicate a chunk of time to getting ready for tomorrow's long day back home.

There was still one more event I wanted to attend at 9:45 p.m. - The Battle of the Sexes game show. The host asked for five women and five men to come up on stage to represent each team. They then had to compete in certain challenges, like making a paper airplane and seeing who could throw theirs the farthest and choreographing a synchronized dance with a handkerchief. It was a fun show, but I had to leave early to finish up my packing.

That’s a wrap on our Mariner of the Seas group cruise. Thank you for following along with us! Our next group cruise is in December on Wonder of the Seas. In the meantime, happy cruising!

Happy Sunday! We hope you are having a great weekend! Now it’s time to sit back, relax, and catch up on all the Royal Caribbean news from the week!

The big news in the cruise world this week came when the CDC ended its voluntary Covid-19 program for cruise ships.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced it will no longer report Covid cases on cruise ships, which includes the color-coded program that provided case numbers on individual ships.

In lieu of the program, the CDC will continue to publish recommendations, but it will ultimately be up to the cruise lines to implement their own protocols.

Royal Caribbean News

• CDC posts new Covid-19 recommendations for cruise ships
• 7 ways to have a great time in port without a cruise ship shore excursion
• UK vs. US cruising: What are the main differences?

Video: 10 Tips To Save Anyone Time on a Cruise Ship!

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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 Tips To Save Anyone Time on a Cruise Ship! — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Read our Mariner of the Seas live blog

We've been sailing on Mariner of the Seas this past week and sharing a daily look at what it's like onboard.

Matt and Angie are on an 8-night eastern Caribbean cruise that departed from Port Canaveral.

Guide to cruises to Greece

Have you dreamed of sailing to the Greek isles some day?

Whether you’re interested in touring the birthplace of the Olympics, swimming at world-renowned beaches, or strolling charming villages, visiting Greece is sure to impress.

Check out our Greek Isles cruise guide for everything you need to know for this type of sailing.

What's the difference between big and small Royal Caribbean cruise ships?

Does it really matter if you book a big cruise ship or a small cruise ship?

There are advantages and drawbacks to each size of ship, and it's important to know the differences between each one.

Before booking a cruise, you should know if you should choose a big ship or a small ship.

Although it was a day at sea, my mom and I had a busy day!

We both have slept in every day of this sailing, and today was no different. Patty has been wanting to try breakfast in the main dining room, so she hurried down to deck three before it closed at 9:30 a.m. I on the other hand went to the Windjammer because I needed to eat quickly.

Patty told me she was very impressed with how fast the service was in the main dining room because she arrived, ordered, and ate in only 25 minutes. She started off with a bran muffin and a fruit plate. For the main course, she got Eggs Your Way with sides of bacon and cheese grits. She was shocked by how big of a bowl the cheese grits were. The food was all very good, she said. Patty enjoyed being waited on and would do it again even if she had limited time to eat breakfast.

At 10 a.m., the group cruisers gathered in the conference room to hear Matt record a podcast for his channel. He described what he did at each port and his overall experience on the group cruise thus far. After that, he answered a few cruise questions people emailed him. It was fun to be a part of his episode.

I had been eyeing the frappuccino drinks at the Cafe Promenade, so I ordered a caramel one to try. I didn’t know if there would be coffee in it so I wasn’t sure what to expect. It did have coffee in it, but it wasn’t too strong of a taste so I was happy about that.

While I was getting my drink, the Veteran's Gathering was taking place. It was a special event, and I could tell many felt the same way. 

Next up on my agenda was the Ladies Pamper Party in the salon. I have been to this event multiple times on past cruises because I like to feel a little pampered every now and then! The event was busy, as all the seats were taken when my mom and I arrived.

The employees sampled various cleansers, toners, moisturizers, etc., and described to us how to apply them to our face and neck. I have the same old skincare routine, so I enjoyed switching it up and experimenting with new products.

One of the products they used was the sunglow bronzer, which I have been using for at least 10 years when I purchased it on a previous cruise. The employees applied it to those that wanted to try it, so Patty and I had that done.

At 1 p.m., the group cruise had a private ice skating event in Studio B. After signing a waiver and getting geared up, we were able to hit the ice. I was very rusty at first and had to get used to the skates before I was comfortable to slowly maneuver myself around the rink.

Even Matt came on the ice for a short while!

Love & Marriage was at 2 p.m., which I thought was an odd time because it’s usually at night during production showtime. Nonetheless, we attended the event with a strawberry daiquiri and lava flow in hand.

This show is one of my favorites, so I was excited. I have seen the show so many times that I can predict almost every question they ask the couples! The newlyweds won this time around.

We had some time to spare before afternoon trivia, so Patty and I relaxed on deck four and watched the waves. Deck four has become one of our favorite quiet spots on the Mariner.

Patty likes to walk laps, and she said she prefers walking on deck four rather than deck 12. Deck 12 is busy with sunbathers and group gatherings that prohibit her from a constant walk.

Deck four is far less busy; even without a walking path, she gets a good workout in. Another plus is that for at least half of the time, she is in the shade versus in the sun on deck 12.

Patty and I had not been to general knowledge trivia yet on this cruise, so we were intrigued to see how we would do. We actually did not do too bad (I thought) and scored 9/20. We knew we did not win, so we left before they announced the winners (who got a perfect score).

Since we were right by the casino, I wanted to test my luck. My family says I am the lucky one of the group, but that was not the case today. I did not bet much, but I lost it all and was left with a measly 0.24 cents. I left the casino with nothing to brag about, but I still had fun.

By this time, we needed to get ready for dinner. Tonight was “dress your best” night which is the equivalent of the old formal night. I find it interesting how they changed the terminology, but I can see why since people may not want to get dressed to the nines for dinner. I would estimate that only 25% of guests dressed in formal attire while most of us were business casual.

Upon seating at the table, you are expected to scan a QR code and use your phone to look at the dinner menu. My phone wasn’t easily accessible, so I asked for a physical menu which I appreciated. On this cruise, I realized I miss getting the physical menu every night, but I understand their reasoning to limit germs.

I started with the roasted tomato soup while Patty got the Asian-style pork tacos. The main course was chicken cordon bleu for me and tagliatelle pasta for Patty.

She told me she missed having meat during her dinner, so she also later ordered the grilled lamb chops. I helped her finish her pasta.

Dessert consisted of tres leches, crème brûlée and the apple blossom à la mode. They have the apple blossom every night, but I just had to order it because I know how good it is. It was a great choice!

By the time we finished dinner, it was already time for the 7 p.m. headliner show “Center Stage.” I thought it was just the singers and dancers, but there was also a juggling & comedian act in the middle - The singers and dancers opened and closed the show. It was nice that we got to see a variety of entertainment that everyone could enjoy.

Right after the show, there was an 80’s party happening in the Royal Promenade. Similar to the 70’s disco inferno, there was music and dancing to all things 80’s. Patty and I watched the show for a little while, then we went to the Bamboo Room to share a mojito. The mojito in the Bamboo Room is excellent in my opinion.

I had some time before the 10 p.m. game show, so Patty and I went up to the Solarium to relax in one of the daybeds. These are always occupied during the day, so we were happy to finally enjoy one tonight. We couldn’t even feel that we were moving and it was peaceful to hear the rhythm of the waves.

The game show was Adult Majority Rules. They had a regular Majority Rules earlier this cruise that I attended. The one tonight was a completely different version. It was so funny; I think I laughed the most I ever have during a game show.

Immediately after, there was adult karaoke. I listened to a few singers - some were great and others not so much. I can’t judge though because I cannot sing myself!

Tomorrow we will be visiting one of Royal Caribbean’s private islands, CocoCay.