Royal Caribbean Blog

A passenger jumped off Royal Caribbean's Independence of the Seas early this morning, prompting a search by the U.S. Coast Guard.

Local news is reporting the passenger is a 22-year-old man, who jumped off deck 12 of Independence of the Seas just before a.m. when it was 33 miles southeast of Key Largo.

Royal Caribbean issued a statement regarding the event,

"We are saddened to report a guest onboard Independence of the Seas was witnessed intentionally going overboard from deck 12 at 1:45 a.m.

The ship immediately alerted local authorities and turned around to help search for our guest. Two of the ship’s lifeboats and the U.S. Coast Guard conducted a search."

The Coast Guard is searching for the man.

Royal Caribbean's drink packages are quite popular with guests, and we get lots of questions from our readers if a drink package purchase is worth it. The unlimited drink packages offer a lot of convenience, flexibility, and a wide variety of drinks to enjoy.

Before you purchase a Royal Caribbean drink package, you will want to consider these five important factors to ensure a drink package purchase makes sense for you.

1. Package prices

Royal Caribbean's drink packages are priced on a per-day and per-guest basis, which means once you purchase a drink package, you will be charged for every day of the cruise going forward. The exact price of the drink package can actually vary from ship to ship. Over the last year or so, Royal Caribbean has been offering its drink packages at various prices depending on the ship, itinerary, and time of year.

There is one universal truth about the drink packages, and that is they are often discounted if purchased prior to cruise, but will come with a full price onboard. These pre-cruise discounts are available from Royal Caribbean's Cruise Planner site, and discounts are regularly offered on the Deluxe unlimited alcohol drink package. Other non-alcoholic drink packages have had discounts offered in the past, but the availability of discounts seems to vary.

Anyone interested in a drink package should check what discount is available for a drink package prior to the cruise, and understand what the costs will be. While drink packages will be sold onboard your Royal Caribbean ship, they are rarely discounted. Moreover, purchasing the drink package online will ensure less time spent waiting to purchase it onboard.

2. Drink prices onboard

It greatly helps if you have a good idea of how much drinks will cost onboard the ship if you were to purchase them a la carte, instead of using a drink package. After all, one of the key benefits of a drink package is to pay a fixed cost and be able to enjoy as many drinks as you like, often saving money versus buying those same drinks individually.

You can refer to this list of Royal Caribbean drink prices for a good idea of how much the popular drinks cost. Drink prices may vary from ship to ship, but it will provide a good ballpark of estimating how much your indulgences onboard may cost you. It is entirely possible that you may find your drinking habits may not make a drink package purchase a financially suitable arrangement.

3. Your itinerary

An often overlooked consideration for purchasing a drink package is your Royal Caribbean cruise itinerary. The drink package benefits are only useful to you while onboard a Royal Caribbean ship (or private destination), which means if your itinerary is port intensive, you will have far less time to take advantage of the drink packages.

Conversely, if you have many sea days, a drink package may make more sense since you will have ample time onboard to take advantage of the package.

As mentioned earlier, beverage packages do work at both Perfect Day at CocoCay and Labadee, which are Royal Caribbean's private destinations. If your cruise happens to stop at one of these ports, that is another full day of drink package value to reap.

It is important to weigh how many sea days versus port days you will have, if any of those stops include a private destination, and what your plans are for any ports you visit. You may find with touring onshore, a drink package purchase will not be so conducive to getting a good return on your package investment.

4. What the drink package does not include

While the drink packages do include quite a lot of beverages, not everything can be had with a package. Depending on your habits and preferences, this may or may not be a deal breaker.

Royal Caribbean's deluxe drink package allows guests to enjoy drinks such as Labadoozies, Coco Locos, after-dinner shots, or the drink of the day, but it does not include the souvenir mugs/glasses they are often served in.

Likewise, Starbucks on Oasis Class ships and those little bottles of alcohol in your minibar are not included either.  

5. You can (usually) cancel the package

If you find yourself with buyer's remorse when it comes to a drink package, there are options available for canceling and getting your money back.

The simplest means is to cancel the drink package prior to your cruise. If you followed our advice and booked a drink package but want to cancel it, this can be easily done via the Cruise Planner site. Just follow these steps:

1. Log into your Royal Caribbean account and proceed to the Cruise Planner for the sailing you have in mind.
2. At the top right corner of the pick, click Order History. You will want to cancel the item you bought first, and then re-book it later.
3. Once at the Order History page, you will be able to see everything you have reserved or purchased for your cruise. From here, find the item you want to cancel and click cancel.
4. Follow the next few steps to confirm the cancellation. You should find yourself on a screen that displays a confirmation message with the exact refund to the form of payment used. It may take a few business days for the refund to be made.

If you decide to cancel the drink package onboard the ship, usually Royal Caribbean will allow it, but not always. You will need to go to Guest Services onboard and ask to cancel and refund the drink package.

Keep in mind that if they do cancel your drink package purchase, any drinks you purchased will be charged to your SeaPass account individually. We have heard from lots of guests this has worked, but cannot guarantee canceling a drink package onboard will be available for you.

Your best bet is to consider the drink package prior to your cruise and make any cancellations before you get onboard.

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Our newest podcast episode is out to help give you a quick "audio escape" to a Royal Caribbean cruise!

Episode 177 is available for downloading, in which Matt and Billy share three wishes they would make if they were in charge of Royal Caribbean.

With the new year right around the corner, Matt and Billy dreamed up some changes to Royal Caribbean they would like to make if they were in charge of the company. 

Here’s the podcast page for Episode 177. And don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast via RSS, Stitcher or on iTunes!

Take a listen and as always, let us know what you think! Please rate and review the podcast on iTunes and leave your comments below!

From high-flying aerial stunts to sensational swimming and diving, “The Fine Line” offers all the elements of astonishing entertainment. Performers leap from high diver platforms, glide across slacklines and fly suspended above the crowd, using every inch of Harmony of the Seas’ unique AquaTheater. From beginning to end, extreme stunts and skill, keep audiences engaged in this immersive entertainment venue.

At the 2016 Travel Weekly Readers Choice awards, Royal Caribbean came away as being named the Best Cruise Line Overall for the 14th consecutive year.

Royal Caribbean also claimed the top spot in a few other categories including

• Best Cruise Line in the Caribbean
• Best Cruise Line Sales & Service
• Best Overall Individual Cruise Ship (Allure of the Seas)
• Best New Cruise Ship (Harmony of the Seas)

"It is such a great honor to sweep the top categories in the cruise sector of these notable awards selected by Travel Weekly readers and so many valued travel agents," said Vicki Freed, senior vice president, Sales and Trade Support and Service, Royal Caribbean International. "Being recognized as ‘Best Cruise Line Overall’ since the inception of the Readers Choice Awards, as well as ‘Best Cruise Line Sales & Service’ for nine years in a row, is testament to our incredibly strong relationships with travel partners built on years of working together, learning together and innovating together. We thank Travel Weekly and valued agents for their ongoing support, and will continue to deliver on our commitment and promise to our travel partners’ success."

Travel Weekly honored the winners of its Readers Choice Awards at a gala dinner and ceremony on December 15 at the Conrad Hotel in New York. Winners were selected in 78 categories, ranging from hotels to tours to airlines to GDSs to cruise lines, represent the best of the best in travel.

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. released today its Sustainability Report, which documents the Company’s commitment to environmental stewardship and showcases improved efficiencies across its fleet.

In the report, the company noted the expansion of its Advanced Emissions Purification program, as well as a new set of goals for the year 2020 that were established with input from the company's global conservation partner, World Wildlife Fund.

2015 marked the 10th-year of the Save the Waves program, which focused on emissions and waste reduction, as well as increasing the number of shore excursions that met an internationally recognized sustainability standard.

In line with these goals, over the past decade RCL built its most efficient cruise ships and reduced its greenhouse gas emissions by nearly 25 percent. In 2015, 17 ships reported 100 percent re-purposed waste on certain itineraries.  

"At Royal Caribbean, we are working to put sustainability into the heart of our business," said  Richard D. Fain, Chairman and CEO, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. "We bring 5,000,000 guests to nearly 500 ports around the world every year, and we understand our responsibility to do so in a way that protects the oceans that we sail every day. Our mantra is continuous improvement, and that especially applies to our environmental performance."

Royal Caribbean also achieved a few other notable highlights during this year, including

• The company achieved a daily water consumption average of 55 gallons/day – nearly half of the U.S. average of 100 gallons/day
• An industry-first software, seven years in the making, is optimizing ship speeds and routes to achieve the best possible fuel efficiency
• The company was named to the 2016 World’s Most Ethical Companies list – a distinction granted to only 130 companies in 21 countries
• The company has committed to only sourcing cage-free eggs and gestation-crate-free pork by 2022

The full Sustainability Report may be viewed at www.rclcorporate.com/environment.

Good news, we are all one week closer to our next Royal Caribbean cruise!  In case you missed any of the Royal Caribbean fun from this week, here is our weekly round up!

A small nugget of information regarding Royal Caribbean's next cruise ship to be delivered was revealed this week, shedding light on where the ship will call home.

Royal Caribbean CEO Michael Bayley mentioned in an interview that the fourth Oasis class cruise ship will be coming to the United States, following a brief European summer season.

This plan mirrors the plan for sister ship, Harmony of the Seas, which also did a summer season in Europe prior to her arrival in the United States.

Royal Caribbean News

• Ovation of the Seas arrived in her new home of Sydney, Australia.
• A look at the six shore excursions in Cuba that Royal Caribbean will provide.
• CNN will provide a live broadcast from Harmony of the Seas during New Years Eve.
• Two new bottled alcohol packages are available on most sailings.
• 15 amazing things you can eat on a Royal Caribbean cruise.
• What you need to know before taking a Royal Caribbean cruise to Cuba.
• How to pack for a Royal Caribbean cruise in the winter.
• A video look at the Hibachi chefs delighting guests at Izumi.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 176th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available and this week, Matt countsdown his top five favorite experiences on Harmony of the Seas.

In this episode, Matt considers everything there is to see and do on Harmony of the Seas, and lists his favorite spots, entertainment and of course, food.

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.

Royal Caribbean Around the Internet

Wall Street Journal has a look at how Royal Caribbean's CIO deploys containers to modernize an old system.

Cruise News UK has an interview with the Captain of Allure of the Seas.

Eat Sleep Cruise has a list of 10 ways to save money on cruise drinks.

Hello His recaps their cruise on Harmony of the Seas.

Cruise Critic has a list of 7 things not to do on an Oasis class ship.

Travel Weekly sees more sailings to Cuba, but at what price?

Royal Caribbean International CEO Michael Bayley confirmed in an interview that Royal Caribbean's next new cruise ship will be coming to the United States, following a brief European summer season.

In an interview with the Miami Herald, Bayley was questioned about cruise growth, and mentioned plans for the yet unnamed fourth Oasis class ship.

"In 2018, the sister ship of Harmony of the Seas will be launched in Europe and will come to the U.S."

This plan mirrors the plan for sister ship, Harmony of the Seas, which also did a summer season in Europe prior to her arrival in the United States.

Bayley also referenced the fourth Quantum class by a name that we have not heard before, "In 2019 we have Quantum Plus".

If you think cruise line food is just mass-produced buffet food, prepare to loosen your belt next time you go on a Royal Caribbean cruise. Royal Caribbean's cruise ships are filled with amazing culinary options, including a must-visit Mexican specialty restaurant, Italian restaurants with freshly made food, and entire neighborhoods of the ship dedicated to fine dining, these cruise ships take their food seriously.

Our advice? Leave the snacks at home, arrive early, and come hungry, because these twenty-five indulgences will feel even better than nabbing a sunny day at the pool deck.

Tuna Crudo Tacos

At Sabor, there a few different variety of tacos, but the raw tuna option is incredible.  Light and full of flavor, the three in each serving may not be enough.

Kummelwick Sandwich

Thin-sliced roast beef with just the right amount of spicy mustard and au jus leads to the perfect sandwich for a meal or just a passing snack.

Johnny Rockets milkshake

The thick and frothy milkshakes at Johnny Rockets are made with hand-dipped premium ice cream and are as good as they sound.

DX Sushi Combo

Not only is the DX Sushi Combo at Izumi the best value on the menu, it has the perfect variety of nigiri rolls and sushi pieces for any meal.

Dry-Aged Steaks

Dry aged steaks are very popular at the premier land steakhouses, and Royal Caribbean offers these steaks at Chops Grille, which are stored in a climate-controlled room for nearly four weeks to achieve the pinnacle of flavor, tenderness and aroma.  It really enhances the flavor of the meat in a way conventional steaks cannot match.

Aloo Gobi Curry

Love Indian curry? Do not miss the aloo gobi (cauliflower and potato) curry.  Not only is it a vegan-friendly dish, but it tastes amazing.

Red Velvet Cake

Of all the desserts at Chops Grille, the red velvet cake has been a fan-favorite for many years and deservedly so. Save room earlier in the meal for this beauty.

Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream

It does not matter which flavor of ice cream hits the spot for you, the thing is, Ben & Jerry's ice cream shop has been a favorite spot to stop in for a treat. Whether you stop at Ben & Jerry's as a post-meal dessert or you just need a little ice cream break in your day, no Royal Caribbean cruise is complete without at least one ice cream cone!

Meat Plank at Jamie's Italian

Jamie’s Italian Famous Plank piled high with cured meats, pickles and tempting cheeses.

Soft serve ice cream by the pool

Unlimited self-serve is offered near the pools, which means there is never a far walk to cool down with this tasty treat as you see fit.

Sabor guacamole

It's fresh, prepared tableside, and if you order it with one of Tortilla Jo's famed margaritas, you'll almost forget you're not inside the park.

Lasagna

The lasagna at Giovanni's Table is topped in a fabulous meat sauce and has just the right amount of cheese that accentuates the taste of the layers of pasta, sauce and meat.

Chocolate banana empanadas

What you have essentially is melted banana and chocolate inside a fried shell. They are rich, moist and small enough that you start to think, "Yes, I should ask the waiter for a few more".

Labadoozie

The Labadoozie is an alcoholic drink that is famous among Royal Caribbean because it is only available on Royal Caribbean's private destination of Labadee. Labadoozie's have reached cult-like status for being a large, fruity alcohol drink that is just perfect to have while on a beach.

Cupcakes from the Cupcake Cupboard

First, the cupcakes are the size of a baseball, which means there is plenty to enjoy. 

Second, the rich frosting and clever designs make these cupcakes just as much fun to look at as eat (although eating is quite good too).

If it's Friday, that means we are sharing our reader's best Royal Caribbean photos in this week's Friday Photos showcase.  As always, we want to include as many of our readers photos as we can, so be sure to send us your best Royal Caribbean photos too!

We begin with a photo by Michael Bonham of Allure of the Seas docked next to Liberty of the Seas in Cozumel. It is always fun when two giant ships meet like this.

Here is a photo of the Amalfi Coast of Italy, by D J Ep.  I do not believe European ports get enough credit for being as photogenic as they are.

Next is Independence of the Seas leaving Southampton by David Donnelly.  Also included in this photo is a gratuitous amount of lens flare, which will make JJ Abrams smile somewhere.

Here is a night photo of Navigator of the Seas as she is about to depart Lisbon, Portugal by 2boomerstravel.  I will never tire of how Royal Caribbean ships look at night when all the lights are turned on.

We have another night photo, this one of Freedom of the Seas in San Juan, Puerto Rico, by Alice Hoey. Freedom of the Seas stopped here because of Hurricane Matthew, and I relish any opportunity to visit Old San Juan.

Jose San Martin shared this photo of enjoying a moment of peace aboard Navigator of the Seas. Jose noted, "Voyage after voyage, it never gets old."  Well said!

Our last photo this week is by Mark Greenwald and it is of him and his favorite bartender on Grandeur of the Seas, Alex. Mark met Alex on Navigator of the Seas in 2009 and ran into each other again on Grandeur and instantly remembered each other.  

Do you have Royal Caribbean photos that you want to share?  We'd love to feature them so send them in by using our nifty submission form and maybe your photos will show up in next week's edition!