Video: Top 5 cruise tips for all cruisers

In:
25 Jun 2019
By: 
Matt Hochberg

Our newest RoyalCaribbeanBlog video is now available, where Matt shares his top tips that anyone going on any cruise should follow.

Matt wanted to share five of his favorite tips and advice for someone new to Royal Caribbean that they should be aware of for their sailing. These are the tips and tricks he uses on every sailing, and you should too. 

And if you love this video, we have lots of other great cruise videos to watch on our Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube Channel!

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

So check out the video and then let us know: What do you think is essential and universal cruise advice?

Royal Caribbean adds Kids Sail Free filter to website search

In:
24 Jun 2019
By: 
Matt Hochberg

Finding all the sailings that qualify for Royal Caribbean's super-popular Kids Sail Free deal just got easier with a recent update to their website that added a Kids Sail Free filter to the cruise search.

RoyalCaribbeanBlog reader FionaMG noticed a new filter that has been added to the site search to quickly narrow the search results to only show sailings that qualify for the Kids Sail Free offer.

To use the filter, simply go to the "Find A Cruise" option and select it to refine the results shown.

For more details on Kids Sail Free dates, terms and conditions, refer to our Kids Sail Free guide.

Royal Caribbean forms new joint venture to develop ports around the world

In:
24 Jun 2019
By: 
Matt Hochberg

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. announced today a new joint venture with ITM Group that seeks to develop cruise ports around the world.

The new company is called Holistica, and its goal is create an inclusive model for destination development that works holistically – thus the name – to meet the needs of coastal communities, local governments, and land, sea, and air travelers.

The first project for the new company is a $275 million development in Freeport, The Bahamas that is centered around the Grand Lucayan resort. The project includes ambitious plans for local ownership, employment, job training, community investment and sustainable construction practices.

In addition to the Freeport project, the companies said the new venture will own and operate destinations in Costa Maya, Mexico; Roatan, Honduras; and Kumamoto, Japan.

The partners have commenced a search for a CEO for the new company, which will be headquartered in Miami. 

"The continuing growth and rising popularity of cruise vacations make it clear that the sustainable development of coastal destinations, including the thoughtful evolution of existing ones, is in the travel industry's best interest," said Michael Bayley of RCL. "We have spent five decades learning what works and what doesn't, and we know the potential of strategic development to deliver extraordinary guest experiences and meet the needs of local communities."

Added Bayley: "Having more destinations, and developing them in a responsible manner, gives travelers greater vacation quality, and expands the landscape of available travel options as the tourism industry grows."

Royal Caribbean Post Round-Up: June 23, 2019

In:
23 Jun 2019
By: 
Matt Hochberg

Happy Sunday! We hope you’re having a relaxing weekend and enjoying summer! It’s time to sit back, relax, and catch up on all the recent Royal Caribbean news!

Is a suite worth the extra cost? We broke down the important information of what a suite gets you and if it is worth it.

Staying in a suite will get you the most expansive and luxurious accommodations Royal Caribbean, but it also comes with the highest price tag.  

Check out our breakdown for all the benefits and advantage a suite provides to help you decide if you should try one yourself.

Royal Caribbean News

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 307th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where Matt shares a review of his recent Mariner of the Seas cruise

In this episode, Matt shares how his 3-night cruise on Mariner of the Seas was, and how poor weather did not stop him from having a great time.

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: Harmony of the Seas secrets

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 — Harmony of the Seas secrets  — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Royal Caribbean Around the Internet

The Travel Women posted an Instagram guide to Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Royal Caribbean reported that Barron’s listed Richard Fain as one of the World’s Best CEOs. 

Skift shared how Royal Caribbean is utilizing a data-driven cruising model.

Spotted: 5 drink card on Majesty of the Seas

In:
21 Jun 2019
By: 
Matt Hochberg

We found a new kind of drink card option that allows guests to buy five, instead of ten, drinks per card.

RoyalCaribbeanBlog reader Jane Treppa sent us this phot of the 5 Drinks Savings Card for $35 on Majesty of the Seas.

Guests can pay one price for 5 drinks at any onboard, bar, restaurant and lounge that is valid for the purchase of most beers, glasses of wine and cocktails, as well as fountain sodas, specialty coffee and fresh juices. Essentially, it covers the same beverages that the Deluxe Beverage Package does. 

The reason why drink cards are an intriguing offer is because you can share a drink card with other guests, whereas the drink package benefits are not shareable.  Moreover, if one adult purchases the drink card, other adults in the same stateroom do not have to purchase a drink card as well.

Drink cards are a tool that Royal Caribbean uses on select sailings to help spur drink purchases. There is no way to know in advance if or when a drink card would be offered. The decision of a drink card to offer, if any, is made by the ship.

Video: Harmony of the Seas secrets

In:
21 Jun 2019
By: 
Matt Hochberg

We are sharing our favorite hidden secrets about Harmony of the Seas in this RoyalCaribbeanBlog video!

Harmony of the Seas is incredible, and we scoured the ship to find (and now share) little known secrets… from spots to underwater speakers to unique entertainment, and SO much more. 

And if you love this video, we have lots of other great cruise videos to watch on our Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube Channel!

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

If you have cruised on Harmony of the Seas, what is your favorite secret about the ship? Share your ideas in our comments!

Friday Photos - June 21, 2019

In:
21 Jun 2019
By: 
Matt Hochberg

When the calendar says it is Friday, that is when we share our readers' favorite Royal Caribbean cruise photos.

We begin this week's edition wioth a photo of Majesty of the Seas, taken by Anne W, after a great day of snorkeling in Cozumel.

Mimi Webster was serenaded by main dining room waiter, Peter, while on Explorer of the Seas.

Brett Oresky took this photo from the bow of Mariner of the Seas.

Jason Rider took this photo of Oasis of the Seas.

Gina Edwards took this photo of the Up, Up and Away helium balloon while visiting Perfect Day at CoocCay.

Shawn Boos snapped this photo of Harmony of the Seas while walking around San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Our last photo this week is by Vanessa, and it is of her breakfast on her balcony while sailing on Oasis of the Seas.

That's it for this week's edition of Friday Photos. You can always share your favorite cruise photos with us by sending them in via this form.

Have a great weekend!

 

Video: Should you book refundable or non-refundable cruise fare?

In:
20 Jun 2019
By: 
Matt Hochberg

Check out our new RoyalCaribbeanBlog video that shares what you need to know about booking a refundable or non-refundable cruise fare.

Royal Caribbean offers two types of deposits when you book a cruise, and each has their benefits and drawbacks. In this video, Matt shares the pros and cons of each fare type and advice on which to choose.

And if you love this video, we have lots of other great cruise videos to watch on our Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube Channel!

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

So check out the video and then let us know: Which fare deposit option do you prefer and why?

Is a suite on Royal Caribbean worth it?

In:
19 Jun 2019
By: 
Matt Hochberg

Staying in a suite will get you the most expansive and luxurious accommodations Royal Caribbean, but it also comes with the highest price tag.  With that in mind, we present the important information you should know about what a suite gets you, and if it is a good investment.

Benefits

Without a doubt, the most compelling reason to get a suite is all the extras that come with the room. 

Unlike other stateroom categories, suites come with their own batch of services, amenities and options that are part of the price you pay. This includes a full size bath tub, upgraded bedding, reserved areas of the ship, personalized service and more.

The exact benefits will depend on the stateroom category you pick, along with the ship you sail on.  The most notable set of benefits are found on Oasis or Quantum Class ships, which feature the Royal Suite Class. The Royal Suite Class represents the very best suite benefits across the fleet, and if you want to get the most out of your suite experience, you would be best served to try one on an Oasis or Quantum Class ship.

All suites have access to a dedicated check-in line for boarding, in-suite Mr. Coffee/Tea service, personalized service from a suite attendant, and a pillow top mattress. Junior Suites, Grand Suites, Ocean View/ Panoramic (No Balcony) Suites, and Owner’s Suites all receive priority boarding, and Royal Suite and Villa Suite guests are escorted onboard by an officer.

Traditional Suites

 Junior SuiteGrand Suite, Ocean View/Panoramic Suite & Owner's SuiteRoyal Suite & Villa Suite
Royal Caribbean Classic Bathrobe  
BioEnergy 50 ml Bathroom Amenities  
Royal Caribbean Luxury Bathrobe 
Pillow Menu 
Complimentary Pressing on First Formal Night 
Access to Barefoot Beach (Cabana Reservations are Available at an Extra Charge, First Come, First Served) 
Gilchrist & Soames Bathroom Amenities 
Priority Departure 
Concierge Service 
Priority Dining Reservations 
Priority Spa Bookings 
Priority Shore Excursion Ticketing 
Suite Party Invitation (On Itineraries of 5+ Nights) 
Bridge, Galley & Backstage Tours 
Suite Lounge/Concierge Club Access (Hors d’oeuvres and Cocktails Each Evening) 
VIP Pool Deck Seating (Voyager Class and Above, First Come, First Seated) 
Priority Tendering (Where Applicable) 
Welcome Fruit Amenity 
Welcome Evian Water 
Main Dining Menu Available for In Suite Dining (During Operating Hours) 
Complimentary 24-Hour Room Service 
Private Lunch Seating Available on Ships without Coastal Kitchen (Location Varies by Ship and Sailing) 
Private Breakfast Seating Available on Ships without Coastal Kitchen (Location Varies by Ship and Sailing) 
Departure Breakfast 
In Room Mr. Coffee/Tea Service (kettle) 
Reserved Section in Theater - Main, Studio B, AquaTheater, 270 (Where Applicable) 
Complimentary Pressing on First Formal Night 
Sign-up Fee Waived for Luggage Valet Service (Where Applicable) 
Welcome Moet & Chandon  

Royal Suite Class

 SEA
CLASS
SKY
CLASS
STAR
CLASS
Dedicated Check In Line
Priority Boarding
Coastal Kitchen Dinner
Royal Caribbean Classic Bathrobe
L'Occitane 50 ml Bathroom Amenities
In Room Mr. Coffee/Tea Service (kettle)
VOOM 
Concierge Service 
Exclusive Signature Activities 
Suite Lounge/Concierge Club Access 
Priority Departure 
Royal Genie  
Complimentary Gratuities  
Complimentary Specialty Dining  
Complimentary Deluxe Beverage Package  

Budget

With all those benefits comes a price, and suites are the most expensive stateroom category you will find on a Royal Caribbean cruise. 

Just because the room has a higher price tag than other staterooms, does not mean it has to break the bank. Depending on a variety of factors, the price for a suite will vary.  These factors include, but not limited to:

  • Ship class
  • Time of year
  • How many other suites are booked/available
  • Type of suite

When it comes to price, it will be a personal decision because one person's expensive price tag, is another person's reasonable price tag.  In almost every instance, while a suite offers some lovely benefits, it will likely come with a premium price overhead. Just like flying first class, it is a splurge to treat yourself.

Living space

One of the top reasons someone will book a suite stateroom is for the extra living space. Sometimes families opt for a suite to provide enough room for everyone to stay in the same room, while other times it is just about having extra space to sprawl out.

Suites will offer the most square footage of stateroom and private balcony space of any stateroom.  You will also find multiple bathrooms and/or bedrooms in a suite. In short, suites are the largest staterooms available on a Royal Caribbean ship.

The higher suite categories will even offer more opulent amenities, such as pianos, Jacuzzis, multiple stories and more. 

Bottom line: Is a suite worth it?

When staying in a suite, so many little things are just a little better, nicer, or easier. The bedding is plusher. The bathrobes and slippers are more plentiful. There is not a singular thing or list of things I could put together to say if you should book a suite.

Staying in a suite is about rewarding yourself and treating your family to a delightful experience.

Is the price for a suite likely more than other rooms? Yes. Is the added service and amenities nice to have? Yes. It boils down to being comfortable with the inflated price tag, and taking advantage of the bonus options that come with a suite.

Royal Caribbean offering pre-cruise sale on select purchases

In:
19 Jun 2019
By: 
Matt Hochberg

Royal Caribbean's Sun's Out, Sale's On Cruise Planner sale offers up to 30% off pre-cruise purchases.

The sale runs between June 18 - 25, 2019 and is valid on sailings departing June 27, 2019 – January 15, 2020. It is valid on all ships, except for Spectrum of the Seas.

The sale details are as follows:

BEVERAGE: Up to 30% off on select sailings.

  • Deluxe Beverage Package + VOOM Surf & Stream 1 Device: Discount varies by ship. (Excludes SC + Charter Sailings). •Deluxe Beverage Package: Discount varies by ship. (Excludes SC + Charter Sailings).
  • Refreshment Package: 30% off onboard prices. Discount varies by ship. (Excludes SC + Charter Sailings)

SHORE EXCURSIONS: Up to 25% off on select sailings.

  • Save up to 25% on select tours on select sailings. Discount varies by ship. (Excludes SC + Charter Sailings)

INTERNET: Up to 60% off on select sailings.

  • VOOM Surf + Stream Voyage Package 1, 2, 3, 4 Device(s): Discount varies by ship. (Excludes SC + Charter Sailings).
  • VOOM Surf Voyage Package 1, 2, 3, 4 Device(s): Discount varies by ship. (Excludes SC + Charter Sailings).

DINING: Up to 50% off on select sailings.
• Unlimited Dining Package on 3 Night – 9 Night sailings. Discount varies by ship. (Excludes MJ,  SC + Charter Sailings)
• 3 Night Dining Package: Save up to 50% off on select sailings. Discount varies by ship. (Only on  SY 9/3/19)

ACTIVITIES: Up to 10% off on select sailings.

  • All Access Ship Tour: 10% off. Discount varies by ship. (Excludes SC + Charter Sailings).

GIFTS & GEAR: 20% off on select sailings.

  • Happy Birthday Decorations: 20% off onboard prices. (Excludes QN, SC, VY + Charter Sailings).
  • Happy Anniversary Decorations: 20% off onboard prices. (Excludes QN, SC, VY + Charter Sailings).
  • Royal Caribbean Beach Towel: 20% off onboard prices. (Excludes QN, SC, VY + Charter Sailings).

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.