Royal Caribbean Blog

Royal Caribbean's Freedom of the Seas completed her $116 million amplification, and is back in service offering cruises to the Southern Caribbean.

The ship underwent a bow to stern makeover, with new features being added including water slides, a new Caribbean pool deck look, the cruise line’s first Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen and new, dedicated spaces for kids and teens. 

Here is a look at the new changes:

Thrills & Chills

Perfect Storm Waterslides:  Cyclone & Typhoon slides.

A resort-style Caribbean poolscape – Featuring a whole new look, signature poolside bar The Lime & Coconut, live music and a wider variety of seating and shade with the addition of casitas, in-pool loungers and daybeds, the reimagined pool deck is where pool days become an all-day affair.

Splashaway Bay kids aqua park.

Renewed adults-only Solarium.

Dining

Photo by Linken DSouza

Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen: Freedom of the Seas is the first to receive this refresh of Royal Caribbean's Italian specialty restaurant, it serves up a reimagined menu of fresh pastas, custom pizzas, and more. It also features a wide selection of wines and limoncello.

Photo by Linken DSouza

El Loco Fresh: Complimentary Mexican serviced poolside including tacos, burritos and quesadillas. The venue is the first El Loco Fresh that includes a full-service bar with a wide selection of tequilas.

Izumi Hibachi & Sushi: From sushi to sashimi and hibachi, Izumi a variety of hot and cold appetizers, entrees and desserts.

Photo by Travis Kamiyama

Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade: Catch live games on more than 100 TVs, play arcade classic and enjoy classic bar fare and ice-cold brews.

Things to do

Clash for the Crystal City Laser Tag : Two clans, the Yetis and Snowshifters, collide in this glow-in-the-dark laser tag adventure for control of a mystical frozen city.

Adventure Ocean: Royal Caribbean has revamped its youth program on Freedom with a new layout that encourages kids to choose their own immersive adventures across several rooms:

• Play Place, the whimsical space with climbable creations
• Arena, where there’s friendly competition
• Hangout, a space to chill and call their own.

Three- and 5-year-olds and toddlers (6-36 months old) each have dedicated spaces with AO Juniors and AO Babies, respectively.

Social033: Teens will rejoice in their exclusive hangout, entirely redesigned to feature the latest in movies, gaming and music, plus a new, private outdoor deck.

Tech

Royal Caribbean has also added Freedom of the Seas to its new app. Guests can check-in for their cruise and take advantage of Expedited Arrival.

Onboard the ship, the app can plan activities for each day, view onboard expenses, and make reservations for dining, shore excursions as well as shows, and the in-app TV remote available for each stateroom.

Freedom offers 7-night Southern Caribbean cruises from San Juan, Puerto Rico.  Itineraries from Barbados and Antigua, to the ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao) are available to enjoy.

Getting from Orlando to Port Canaveral for your Royal Caribbean cruise is a lot easier than it may seem. Despite the 45 miles from Orlando International Airport to Port Canaveral, there are a variety of cheap ways to get to the port on time and without much hassle.

The drive from Orlando to Port Canaveral is primarily across SR 528 (Beachline Expressway).  This is a toll highway that runs east to west.

Royal Caribbean operates its cruises from Terminal 1 in Port Canaveral, which is is located at 9050 Discovery Road Cape Canaveral, Florida 32920.

One-way rental car

Many families prefer to rent a car from the Orlando International Airport and drive the less than one hour ride to Port Canaveral.

All the major car rental companies offer car rentals at the airport, as well as in the area surrounding Port Canaveral.

Renting a car allows the greatest flexibility of any option to get to the port. Having a rental car means you can stop for meals, souvenirs or even a tourist attraction.

You will need a one-way rental, which means you pick up the car in one location and drop it off at another location.

Uber or Lyft

My favorite way to get to the port is to leverage ride sharing apps, such as Lyft or Uber.

Rideshare services are simple and easy, and provide a great deal of options. They are available when you are ready, and the vehicles tend to be in much better condition than any taxi.

Moreover, you can take advantage of competitive pricing between the services.

Speaking of prices, it is important to know that rideshare pricing will vary depending on demand at the time. You can refer to the Uber price estimator or the Lyft fare estimator to get a ballpark idea of how much each ride will cost.

Shuttle Services

If you are looking for the cheapest way to get from Orlando to Port Canaveral, it is almost always a shuttle bus service.

There are a variety of companies that offer one way bus rides from the airport to the cruise terminals or area hotels.  

Be sure to confirm with any shuttle service their hours of operations, as some cease operations after a certain hour of the evening.

While I have never used any of these, here are a few our readers recommend:

• Cortran's Shuttle
• Smart-Two
• GoPortCanaveral

Royal Caribbean Transfers

Royal Caribbean offers guest transfer services to and from Orlando International Airport for an additional fee.

Transfer vouchers can be purchased directly from the cruise line, as well as an add-on option for guests who purchase airline tickets with ChoiceAir.

To purchase a Royal Caribbean Guest Transfer or for additional information consult your travel agent or the Royal Caribbean reservations department at 1-800-327-6700.

Taxi

You can always grab a yellow taxi from Orlando International Airport to get to Port Canaveral.

At the publishing of this article, a one way ride from the airport to Port Canaveral will cost $115.

Royal Caribbean is offering insider fares on quick Caribbean getaways starting from $249. Or longer 7-night Caribbean adventures starting from just $449. All on sailings from April 10th through June 10th, 2020.

The Friends & Family Spring Sale is valid for new individual bookings made between March 9 - 13, 2020.  Offer applies to select sailings departing between April 10, 2020 through June 10, 2020 across Interior, Ocean View, Balcony and Suite accommodations.

Offer applies to first two guests in the stateroom.  Offer is not combinable with any other promotional offers.

The United States State Department issued a travel warning to US citizens against going on a cruise ship because of Coronavirus fears.

The "fluid situation" prompted the warning on Sunday evening and noted an, "increased risk of infection of COVID-19 in a cruise ship environment" by the CDC.

The State Department emphasized this warning is particularly important to travelers with underlying health conditions, who may be more susceptible to the effects of COVID-19.

Moreover, the State Department cited recent issues with some passengers being subject to local quarantines, as well as the issue of some countries implementing strict screening procedures that have denied port entry rights to ships and prevented passengers from disembarking.

The full warning is as follows:

U.S. citizens, particularly travelers with underlying health conditions, should not travel by cruise ship.  CDC notes increased risk of infection of COVID-19 in a cruise ship environment. In order to curb the spread of COVID-19, many countries have implemented strict screening procedures that have denied port entry rights to ships and prevented passengers from disembarking.  In some cases, local authorities have permitted disembarkation but subjected passengers to local quarantine procedures.  While the U.S. government has evacuated some cruise ship passengers in recent weeks, repatriation flights should not be relied upon as an option for U.S. citizens under the potential risk of quarantine by local authorities.  

This is a fluid situation.  CDC notes that older adults and travelers with underlying health issues should avoid situations that put them at increased risk for more severe disease.  This entails avoiding crowded places, avoiding non-essential travel such as long plane trips, and especially avoiding embarking on cruise ships.  Passengers with plans to travel by cruise ship should contact their cruise line companies directly for further information and continue to monitor the Travel.state.gov website and see the latest information from the CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/quarantine/cruise/index.html. 

This new warning is one in a series of events that have dominated the cruise industry over the last few weeks. The worldwide spread of coronavirus has prompted Royal Caribbean to allow cancellations up to 48 hours before sailing, as well as implement mandatory temperature screenings to the cruise check-in procedure.

Royal Caribbean has also taken additional steps onboard its ships and in the cruise terminals to stem the spread of Coronavirus by thoroughly sanitizing the cruise ship terminal before and after every sailing. They have also added extra medical staff on each sailing, special sanitizing of high traffic areas onboard the ship, and  complimentary consultations with medical experts for all guests & crew.

The warning comes on the heels of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. Chairman and CEO Richard Fain speaking last week on the issue, and reminding the public that the current situation is far from ideal, but will eventually get better again.

"We're all spending time worrying, and that's natural, because we're in a storm, and when you're in the middle of a storm, it certainly feels like it'll never end. But as with most storms, it gets worse before it gets better, but it's hard to remember that this too shall pass."

Will this warning affect your decision to cruise? Let us know in our comments!

Welcome to March! We hope you are having a great weekend and are ready to sit back, relax and catch up with all the latest Royal Caribbean news!

Coronavirus dominated the news this week (and last week, and the week before...) and Royal Caribbean announced it will allow cancellations up to 48 hours before sailing due to Coronavirus outbreak.

Guests will receive a full credit for their fare, usable on any future sailing of the guest's choice in 2020 or 2021. The policy applies to both new and existing cruise bookings.

The policy applies to all cruises with a sailing date on or before July 31, 2020, and will be offered by the company's global brands: Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Azamara and Silversea. 

Royal Caribbean News

• A brand new cruise port destination is coming to Freeport, Bahamas.
• Former CEO Adam Goldstein has left the company.
• First look at the Giovanni's Italian Kitchen menu on Freedom of the Seas.
• Casino tournaments are now prebookable on the Cruise Planner site.
• Mandatory temperature screenings have been added to the cruise check-in procedure.
• Richard Fain shared a reassuring message about the Coronavirus.
• Royal Caribbean has added an option to add extra guests to cabanas.
• Using a cell phone onboard a Royal Caribbean cruise.
• Check out the new Coca-Cola souvenir cup design.
• Wondering what is the biggest Royal Caribbean ship?

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 344th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, which has Matt's top ten dining tips.

In this episode, Matt goes over ten ways to enhance your cruise and save money when it comes to eating on a Royal Caribbean cruise.

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

New RCB Video: 10 Rookie mistakes you shouldn't be making on Royal Caribbean in 2020!

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 Rookie mistakes you shouldn't be making on Royal Caribbean in 2020 — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Royal Caribbean Around the Internet

Cruise Critic is giving away 7-night cruise on Oasis of the Seas.

Cruise Tips TV shared money saving Royal Caribbean tips.

Royal Caribbean has added a variety of casino tournaments to pre-book via its Cruise Planner website.

RoyalCaribbeanBlog reader Lorraine Steeves shared a screenshot of some of the options.

Options for blackjack, poker and slot tournaments now appear for some cruises.  Once on the ship, you have to visit the Casino Cashier on Day 1 to register for the tournament.

Casino tournaments are offered on most cruises, but it has historically been something to sign up for exclusively once onboard.

Let us know: Will you prebook one of these tournaments? Tell us in the comments!

Royal Caribbean announced its "Cruise With Confidence" policy allows guests on Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Azamara and Silversea to cancel up to 48 hours before a sailing. 

Guests will receive a full credit for their fare, usable on any future sailing of the guest's choice in 2020 or 2021. The policy applies to both new and existing cruise bookings.

The policy applies to all cruises with a sailing date on or before July 31, 2020, and will be offered by the company's global brands: Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Azamara and Silversea. 

All Cruise with Confidence Future Cruise Credits must be redeemed on sailings departing on-or-before December 31, 2021.

"Our previous policy set earlier deadlines for guests to cancel their cruises, and that added unnecessary stress," said Richard Fain, the company's chairman and CEO. "Trying to guess a month or more in advance where areas of concern about coronavirus might be is challenging for medical experts, much less a family preparing for vacation.

"When circumstances are as fast-changing as they have been recently, it's good to know you have the option to take a rain check," Fain said. "We think putting more control in our guests' hands helps them make informed decisions about whether to keep their existing vacation plans or trade out for a more convenient time or itinerary."  

Royal Caribbean announced yesterday it will conduct mandatory temperature screenings on embarkation day to better screen guests against the spread of Coronavirus.

Royal Caribbean has rolled out another Cruise Planner sale, with up to 30% off pre-cruise purchases.

The Set Sail & Save Sale runs between March 6, 2020 - March 12, 2020 and applies to sailings from March 12, 2020 - December 15, 2020.

It includes:

BEVERAGE: Up to 40% off on select sailings.

• Classic Soda Beverage Package + VOOM Surf & Stream 1 Device: Discount varies by ship. (Excludes Charter Sailings & Spectrum)
• Dasani Water Cans: 30% off onboard prices. (Sailings 3/14/20 - 3/28/20, only on Vision)
• Deluxe Beverage Package: Discount varies by ship. (Excludes Spectrum)
• Deluxe Beverage Package + VOOM Surf & Stream 1 Device: Discount varies by ship. (Excludes Charter Sailings & Spectrum)
• Refreshment Package: 30% off onboard prices: Discount varies by ship. (Excludes Spectrum)
• Evian Water Packages - 12 & 24 bottles: 30% off onboard prices. Discount varies by ship. (Excludes Spectrum &Vision)

SHORE EXCURSIONS: Up to 25% off

• Shore Excursions: Discount varies by ship. (Excludes Spectrum)

INTERNET: Up to 55% off

• The Key: Discount varies by ship. (Excludes Charter Sailings, MJ & Spectrum)
• VOOM Surf & Stream Voyage Package 1, 2, 3, 4 Devices(s): Discount varies by ship. (Excludes Spectrum)
• VOOM Surf Voyage Package 1, 2, 3, 4 Devices. Discount varies by ship. (Excludes Spectrum)

DINING: Up to 55% off

• Unlimited Dining Package on 3N - 9N sailings. Discount varies by ship. (Excludes Majesty & Spectrum)

ACTIVITIES: 10% off

• All Access Ship Tour: 10% off onboard prices. (Excludes Charter Sailings, Odyssey & Spectrum)

GIFTS & GEAR: Up to 20% off

• Anniversary Decorations with Champagne: 20% off onboard prices. (Excludes Odyssey, Quantum , Spectrum & Voyager)
• Happy Anniversary Decorations: 20% off onboard prices. (Excludes Odyssey, Quantum , Spectrum & Voyager)
• Happy Birthday Decorations Bright Style: 20% off onboard prices. (Excludes Odyssey, Quantum , Spectrum & Voyager)
• Happy Birthday Decorations with Vanilla Cake and Strawberries: 20% off onboard prices. (Excludes Odyssey, Quantum , Spectrum & Voyager)
• Inky Travel Set: 20% off onboard prices. (Excludes Odyssey, Quantum , Spectrum & Voyager)
• Red Wine and Cheese: 20% off onboard prices. (Excludes Odyssey, Quantum , Spectrum & Voyager)
• Royal Caribbean Beach Towel: 20% off onboard prices. (Excludes Odyssey, Quantum , Spectrum & Voyager)
• White Wine and Cheese: 20% off onboard prices. (Excludes Odyssey, Quantum , Spectrum & Voyager)

PHOTO PACKAGES: Up to 40% off

• All Digital + Prints: Discount varies by ship. (Brilliance, Enchantment, Freedom, Rhapsody, Serenade)
• All Digital: Discount varies by ship. (Adventure, Allure, Anthem, Brilliance, Enchantment, Explorer, Freedom, Harmony, Independence, Liberty, Mariner, Navigator, Oasis, Ovation, Odyssey, Quantum, Radiance, Rhapsody, Serenade, Symphony, Voyager)
• All Prints: Discount varies by ship. (Brilliance, Enchantment, Freedom, Grandeur, Jewel, Majesty, Empress, Radiance, Rhapsody, Serenade, Vision)

To check if your sailing has this new offer available, log into the Cruise Planner on Royal Caribbean's web site look for any available offers. Keep in mind that not all sailings may see the sale applicable, nor are all offers significantly cheaper than previously posted.

If you spot a better discount on something you already pre-purchased, you should be able to cancel the purchase and then re-purchase the same item under this promotion.

Royal Caribbean sent an update to travel partners that it will add mandatory temperature screenings to the cruise check-in process in order to better protect guests and crew against the spread of coronavirus COVID-19.

Beginning on March 6, 2020, all Royal Caribbean International ships will conduct mandatory temperature screenings for all guests and crewmembers on embarkation day.

If your temperature is above 100.4°F or 38° C, you and those in your party will undergo a secondary health screening. Temperatures will be taken with a digital, no-touch thermometer.

If you require a secondary screening, this is what you can expect:

• Your temperature will be checked again.
• You'll undergo a pulse oximetry reading. This means, a small device will be placed on your finger to measure your oxygen level.
  • If you happen to have a chronic lung illness, like asthma, please bring a letter from your medical practitioner that indicates your normal baseline oxygen saturation levels. This will help ensure you are not denied boarding if you are healthy otherwise.
• Then, a medical professional will check you for flu-like symptoms, respiratory illness, etc., and would make a final assessment to understand if you're fit to sail.

If it is decided that we must unfortunately deny you boarding, you'll receive a 100% Future Cruise Credit for your cruise fare paid, and any precruise Royal Caribbean International purchases and taxes and fees will be refunded to your original form of payment.

In addition to these protocols, Royal Caribbean is also taking additional steps to stem the spread of coronavirus on its ships, including:

• Thoroughly sanitizing the cruise ship terminal before and after every sailing

• Special sanitizing of high traffic areas onboard multiple times a day

• Adding extra medical staff on each sailing

• Providing complimentary consultations with medical experts for all guests & crew

• Plus, the Captain will make two daily announcements during your cruise reminding everyone of how to stay healthy onboard

Royal Caribbean has confirmed that its Vice Chairman Adam Goldstein has left the company.

A spokesman from Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. confirmed that Mr. Goldstein has departed the company.

A statement to RoyalCaribbeanBlog thanked Adam Goldstein for his contributions:

Adam Goldstein has made countless contributions to our company since the day he came to RCL in 1988. Adam worked his way up through various roles at the company to eventually serve as president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International, president and COO of RCL, and most recently as vice chairman.
 
Every step of the way, our company was growing, strengthening and becoming more successful – and the parallels between Adam’s achievements and the company’s are no accident. Adam will always be family to us and we wish him the best in his future endeavors.

Adam Goldstein served as President & CEO of Royal Caribbean International from 2007 to 2014. From 2014 to 2018, he served as President & COO of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. 

Credit to Seatrade Cruise News for first reporting the departure.