Royal Caribbean Blog

Two crew members from Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas were evacuated off Oasis of the Seas in Port Everglades on Sunday evening.

The Miami Herald reports the two crew members were "showing COVID-19 symptoms."  The evacuations were made possible with the assistance of the U.S. Coast Guard.

Oasis of the Seas is not conducting cruises with guests onboard.  Royal Caribbean has been shutdown since mid-March, but their ships remain sailing until the industry is ready to resume service.

At least 14 crew members on board have tested positive for COVID-19 on Oasis of the Seas.

On March 30, one Oasis of the Seas crew member and one Symphony of the Seas crew member were evacuated with respiratory problems. On April 2, two more Oasis crew members were evacuated to Broward Health hospitals.

Royal Caribbean launched RCL Cares to support the travel agent community, and the response so far has been excellent.

Royal Caribbean Cruises Chairman and CEO Richard Fain conceived the idea for Royal Caribbean to step up and provide resources for travel professionals who are trying to navigate the new CARES Act legislation that earmarks much needed financial assistance.

In the week or so since RCL Cares began, over 3,000 people have reached out to take advantage of the program.

RCL Cares follows in the footsteps of other initiatives that Royal Caribbean Cruises Group has launched over the years to make a difference, such as helping people affected by the devastation of a hurricane. Travel professionals can find the confidence and reassurance they need to take advantage of every option available to them.

Royal Caribbean International Senior Vice President Sales & Trade Support and Service Vicki Freed characterized RCL Cares as indicative of being part of their corporate DNA to "assist and help people."

The CARES Act bill was passed on a Friday, and by Monday, Royal Caribbean's sales team was on a conference call training and learning how they could assist the travel partners that Royal Caribbean so greatly depends on, in receiving maximum benefits.

"Why we take a keen interest in wanting to support our travel partners is because they heed the help right now. We want to be the corporation that truly steps up to the plate and helps them, not just in words, but in actions."

Celebrity Cruises Senior Vice President of Sales, Trade Support & Service, Dondra Ritzenthaler, characterizes the program as existing in three phases, with the first phase being the initial contact, followed phase two where travel professionals reached out for that support and were partnered with someone from the sales team. Phase three is escalation of solutions for travel advisors from a dedicated team.

"We're putting that human connection with our sales reps and their travel advisor."

RCL Cares aims to support travel agents so they can stay afloat during this tumultuous time and be ready to book travel when the world is ready for it after the current crisis has passed.

"I can already tell you anecdotally that the day we launched this, " Ritzenthaler recalled, "we were overwhelmed and joyful of how many emails we got just saying 'thank you guys so much, you once again are putting your money where your mouth is, and you're walking the walk, and you're doing this to help us and we won't forget it'."

Vicki Freed believes an email from an independent contractor perfectly exemplifies the sentiment among travel agents that have been so hard hit, and appreciate what RCL Cares is all about, "As an independent contractor, my wages amount to pennies this month. Next month, I'll be walking backwards as not all companies or airlines have taken the RCCL stand. Thank you for all you're doing."

In short, Freed believes Royal Caribbean is offering a lifeline to travel professionals who are grasping for any and all assistance right now.

"We just want to stay in touch with them, because at the end of the day, people remember the people that were there for them."

Perhaps few accolades garner as much attention as the Guinness World Records, and Royal Caribbean is no stranger to these prestigious feats.

Over the years, Royal Caribbean has won its fair share of these awards, and you might be wondering which distinctions are held by the cruise line.

Guinness World Records serve a role in providing media attention to Royal Caribbean for new innovations and offerings. 

1. Largest pasta tasting event

Photo by Guinness World Records

On Brilliance of the Seas, Royal Caribbean set the world record by having 468 people take part in a pasta tasting event.

It took place during a transatlantic crossing on November 15, 2019.

2. Longest duration performing a headstand on a flowboard

Photo by Guinness World Records

While onboard Quantum of the Seas, Zhang Liang from China, set the new world record for longest duration performing a headstand on a flowboard (FlowRider) by doing it for 15.874 seconds.

The ship was docked in Shanghai at the time, and took place on November 13, 2017.

The waves surpassed the minimum speed needed of 20 mph and reached 30 mph during the attempt as confirmed by the engineer.

3. Most nationalities in a hot tub

Brilliance of the Seas helped set this record as well, this time during a Backstreet Boys fan cruise on May 13, 2016.

Thirty people from thirty countries set the record when they all stuffed themselves in a hot tub, while the ship was in Italy.

Here is a list of the nationalities:

1. Argentina
2. Australia
3. Belgium
4. Chile
5. Costa Rica
6. Denmark
7. France
8. Germany
9. Guatemala
10. Holland/The Netherlands
11. Hungary
12. Israel
13. Ireland
14. Italy
15. Japan
16. Latvia
17. Mexico
18. New Zealand
19. Norway
20. Pakistan
21. Peru
22. Poland
23. Romania
24. Switzerland
25. The Philippines
26. USA
27. Uraguay
28. Uzbekistan
29. Venezuela
30. Cuba

4. Largest passenger liner (cruise ship)

Nearly any Royal Caribbean fan should already know that Wonder of the Seas is the largest cruise ship in the world.

Wonder measures  362.04 m long and 65.6 m (215.5 ft) wide, and has a gross tonnage of 236,857 across 18 decks. Wonder of the Seas can accommodate a maximum of 6,988 passengers, as well as a 2,200-strong crew.

Wonder of the Seas’ official maiden voyage departed on March 4, 2022.

5. Largest weight loss lesson

Photo by Guinness World Records

The largest weight loss lesson consisted of 1,874 people on a Royal Caribbean sailing between Vietnam and China in July 13, 2018.

The record does not list which ship, but based on the photo from the record setting event, it is certainly Voyager of the Seas.

6. Most standing front somersaults in a wind tunnel in one minute

Another record set on Quantum of the Seas was set by Zhang Shuang from China, with a total of 30 standing front somersault in Ripcord by iFly on November 13, 2017.

Wind speeds in iFly were above 40mph during the attempt.

7. Tightrope walking (unsupported) – greatest distance

The greatest distance for an unsupported tightrope walk is 130 metres (429 feet) and was achieved by Bello Nock from the USA, when Belo walked across a wire attached to poles onboard Majesty of the Seas on November 10, 2010.

Bello achieved this walk in approximately 15 minutes. He completed one length of the rope-a total of 429 feet. 

The ship was at sea at the time, 1/2 mile from the nearest land mass and 20 miles from any large land mass. He used a balancing pole and had a whole cruise ship full of holiday makers as spectators.

8. Most layers in a cocktail

Photo by Guinness World Records

Zheng Wen of China holds the record for the most layers in a cocktail with ten, when she performed the feat on Quantum of the Seas on November 13, 2017.

The attempt last over one hour and the beverage consisted of 3 fruit sugar syrup mixers and 7 types of alcohol.

9. Tallest observation deck on a cruise ship

Ovation of the Seas has the tallest observation deck on a cruise liner, with the North Star reaching a height of 88.6 m (290 ft 8 in).

The record was set while Ovation was in Hong Kong on October 29, 2016.

It should be noted the record was set by Ovation of the Seas, but there are other Quantum Class ships that also have North Star onboard.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated its recommendations for cruise ship travelers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

These new recommendations were released over the weekend, and are aimed at ensuring cruisers get home as quickly and safely as possible.

The CDC is coordinating these efforts with the Coast Guard, Customs and Border Protection, port authorities, local and state health departments, and Department of State.

Most notably, the CDC recommends that cruise lines get passengers who have no symptoms or mild symptoms off the ship as quickly and safely as possible in the United States, and ensure they get home directly via chartered or private transportation.

The CDC specifically says commercial flights and public transportation should not be used.

Prior to this recommendation, the CDC said it was acceptable for passengers who exhibited no symptoms and passed a temperature check to travel on on commercial flights or public transportation, assuming they wore a face mask and self-isolated for 14 days once home.

As Royal Caribbean ships are shutdown for at least the next six weeks or so, I wanted to take a peek at what cruise ships looked like years ago.

Cruising has evolved over the years, and Royal Caribbean has changed with the times.  Looking back on the first few decades of Royal Caribbean's existence shows some interesting choices and amusing contrasts to today.

All these photos are from the out of print book "Under Crown and Anchor: Royal Caribbean Cruise Line, the first twenty-five years".

We begin with this look at the Song of America's expanded sun bowl, featuring for the first time on any Royal Caribbean ship, two swimming pools.

This is an interesting contrast with Oslo's sail-training ship Christian Radich side by side in the Caribbean with the newly lengthened Song of Norway.

Here is a look at the compact, but complete standard cabins on Song of Norway.  These were tailor-made in 1970 for passengers comfort and convenience.

Thorough maintenance has always been an important aspect of Royal Caribbean's dedication to its craft.  The chair colors bring back memories.

Check out the shaping of Royal Caribbean's logos.  These are examples of Royal Caribbean's Crown and Anchor in various stages of design development.

Speaking of designs, here is a look at some early ideas for the configuration of the Viking Crown Lounge.

How can you not enjoy interior decorating in the 1970s? Here is the embarkation lobby in 1970 on Song of Norway.

Speaking of interior design, here is a look at Song of Norway's The King and I Dining Room.  

Interiors were "perhaps a little loud in the matter of color, but this was necessary to make an impression," said Gjert Wilhelmsen, a member of one of the original families that helped form Royal Caribbean.

"Sail a Skyscraper" was the call to action in this promotional poster that advertised the Viking Crown Lounge as a major reason to cruise.

Here is a look at Song of Norway after being stretched.

Despite the fact there are no cruises happening, plenty is happening and I have a wrap-up of everything that occured this past week!

Royal Caribbean announced earlier this week it is extending the ability to cancel a cruise up to 48 hours before it sails.

The Cruise with Confidence program will now include sailings through September 1, 2020.

Under this policy, Royal Caribbean is providing guests with the flexibility to cancel a cruise for any reason up to 48 hours before a sailing is scheduled to depart.  

Royal Caribbean News

• RCL Cares was launched to support the travel agent community.
• Royal Caribbean's top executives have taken a pay cut.
• Royal Caribbean has bolstered its financial situation with $3.48 billion in backup financing.
• Majesty of the Seas was forced out of Gulfport, Mississippi due to a port closure.
• Richard Fain shared his outlook on the cruise industry right now.
• Will there be cruises to Alaska in 2020?
• A poll shows Americans will be slow to want to cruise again.
• Applying or renewing a passport is quite difficult for the foreseeable future.
• Should I buy Royal Caribbean stock right now?
• An inaccurate report of Royal Caribbean cancelling its cruises until September made the rounds online.
• We shared some Royal Caribbean drink recipes!
  • Lava Flow
  • Coco Loco
• A list of differences between each of the Oasis Class ships.
• Take a retro-look back to Soveriegn of the Seas in 1998!
• A new Virtual of the Seas cruise departs today to Alaska.
• Here is what life is like on empty cruise ships.
• Free printable Royal Caribean coloring pages for adults!
• What you should know about cruising during hurricane season.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 348th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, with the story of how cruising changed Kat's life.

The world has changed, and so has this podcast. Given the state of affairs, we have a new concept for the podcast to share that provides a glimpse into our listener's past cruises and highlight memorable sailings.

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: Latest Royal Caribbean News

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 — Latest Royal Caribbean News — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

With there being no Royal Caribbean cruises for many weeks (if not months), that also means there are no visits to Perfect Day at CocoCay.

If you want to get that private island feel back at home, you might consider putting on your sunglasses, turning up the reggae music and making yourself the official concoction of CocoCay: the Coco Loco.

The Coco Loco is the kind of frozen concoction that is sure to put a smile on just about anyone's face, and ever since I had my very first one, I was hooked.

While at home, it is easy enough to make a batch yourself so that you can feel like you are sitting on Chill Island.

Photo by Lori Barrett

Coco Loco Ingredients

Makes one cocktail

• 1/2 oz Orange Juice Concentrate
• 1/2 oz Pineapple Juice Concentrate
• 1/2 oz Papaya Juice Concentrate
• 1/2 oz Coconut Cream
• 3/4 oz Dark Rum (Or make it a virgin Coco Loco without the rum)
• 3/4 oz Coconut Rum
• 1/4 oz Grenadine
• Crushed ice

Suggested music while preparing

• Kenny Chesney - No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problems

Coco Loco Instructions

1. Toss all the ingredients into a blender, and blend until smooth.
2. Pour the potion into a cocktail glass.
3. Dress it up with a fresh wedge of pineapple.

Royal Caribbean fans enjoyed a pair of "virtual cruises", and there is a brand new one that is visiting Alaska this weekend.

Curated by former Cruise Director Abe Hughes, the Virtual of the Seas is headed to Alaska.

Beginning on Sunday, cruise fans can expect a week long visit to Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, Icy Straight Point and Hubbard Glacier.

You can follow Abe Hughes on his Facebook page and join in on the third sailing of Virtual of the Seas!

There have been two sailings thus far, a 7-nighter to the Western Caribbean and a 4-night Perfect Day at CocoCay itinerary.

These pretend sailings have been a huge hit with cruise fans that are looking for something to do in the midst of cruise withdrawal.

Royal Caribbean's Majesty of the Seas had been waiting out the coronavirus shutdown in the Port of Gulfport, Mississippi, but the ship has been instructed to depart on Friday.

Fox10 reports the Port of Gulfport has ordered all cruise ships docked there to leave after Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves’ ordered a shelter-in-place order that will go in effect at 5 p.m. on Friday and last until 8 a.m. on April 20. 

Majesty of the Seas is one of four cruise ships docked in Gulfport, along with Carnival Glory, Carnival Valor, and Carnival Freedom.

Until the threat of Coronavirus is gone, the Port of Gulfport will continue to support the efforts in limiting the spread of the virus while also maintaining essential operations, the news release states. 

Summer cruises to Alaska are one of the highlights of Royal Caribbean's offerings, but the 2020 Alaska cruise season seems in doubt with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

If you have a cruise booked for Alaska this year, here is a look at all the information we know that impacts sailings to The Last Frontier.

No cruises until at least July

Royal Caribbean has already taken a step to cancel all Alaska cruises until July 1, 2020.

On March 24, Royal Caribbean extended its suspension of cruises until May 12, however, they also decided to cancel all Alaska cruises through June 30, 2020.

The decision was based on two primary factors: the ongoing spread of Coronavirus, as well as American and Canadian port closures.

Canadian port closures

A major factor prohibiting any Alaska cruise is the decision of the Canadian government to close its ports to cruise traffic, which means Royal Caribbean's ships cannot enter these ports.

On March 13, Transport Canada announced it would defer the start of the cruise ship season in Canada from April 2, 2020 to July 1, 2020, at the earliest.  This deferral will apply to cruise ships capable of carrying more than 500 passengers and crew members.

There are two primary ports Royal Caribbean relies on for its Canadian cruises: Vancouver and Victoria.

Vancouver is where Radiance of the Seas and Serenade of the Seas homeport during the season, while Victoria is a port of call for cruises out of Seattle.

Without access to Canadian ports, it is impossible for Royal Caribbean to operate any cruises, since even sailings beginning in the United States require a foreign port stop at some point in order to be in compliance with U.S. laws.

Port of Seattle delays

In addition to Canadian port closures, the Port of Seattle has delayed its start to the 2020 cruise season.

The Port now expects the launch of the cruise season will be delayed until the resolution of the public health emergency.

As a result of COVID-19, the start of Seattle’s cruise season will depend on the status of the public health emergency and the advice of local, state and federal public health officials.

The CDC has issued a nonessential travel warning and a temporary no sail order for cruise ships, and the State and King County have imposed a number of strict limitations to limit the spread of COVID-19.