Royal Caribbean wrapped up its President's Cruise, and it's the ultimate pilgrimage for cruise fans.

The idea is simple: go on a cruise with lots of other Royal Caribbean super fans that's hosted by the CEO and plenty of other executives.

This year, it was held on Utopia of the Seas and it's the 8th time Royal Caribbean has hosted. Each year has been on a different ship, with a different vibe, and different destination.

I had never been on one before, but decided to try it out this year to see what it's all about.

Made for, and by, fans

A President's Cruise is a regular sailing that has all sorts of special events added to enhance it. 

Each year there is a mix of returning favorites and all new ideas. 

In fact, some of the events incorporate the fans right into them. There are cooking competitions, trivia events, and game shows that all seek to bring cruisers together.  In some cases, Royal Caribbean's top executives are right there too.

During a cook off event, Royal Caribbean Vice President Food & Beverage, Linken D'Souza, went head-to-head with other chefs on the ship as well as two kids picked from the audience to participate.

Over at Hideaway Beach, Michael Bayley had his bathing suit on and hung out with guests at the swim-up bar while also happily taking full advantage of his champagne gun.

There was even an exclusive tour offered to Pinnacle Club members by boat of the new Hideaway Beach area.

The more events I attended, the more it became clear it was a means to hang out with other super fans.

Michael Bayley is front and center

You might think the CEO of a company might be there purely in name, but Michael Bayley is out and about every day.

He hosted a number of events and attended even more.  In fact, he would roam the public areas of the ship to meet people.

I can only imagine the sorts of comments, complaints, and questions he received during our short 4-night voyage, but he was there to say hello and listen to what cruisers had to say.

The pinnacle of these events is the Common Ground event, where he sits alone on a stage taking questions from the audience.

There's no filter, and no pre-screening.  Guests are given a mic and they say whatever they're brave enough to say out loud to him.

To his credit, he took every question in stride.  His style is to infuse humor into his responses whenever possible, and it helped keep things interesting and entertaining at the same time.

Later, he hosted a whimsical look back at Royal Caribbean's history with Director, Entertainment & Guest Activities, Ken Rush.  Royal Caribbean's top cruiser, "Super Mario" jumped in from time to time with trivia questions to challenge them.

For a lot of cruisers, meeting the CEO of a cruise line and being able to share their own thoughts and vision is an incredible opportunity. 

I found it gratifying as a cruiser the name "President's Cruise" isn't just a name. It's a commitment that the line President and CEO is part of it all.

Special events and entertainment

It seems people that have gone to a few President's Cruises always look to see what special offerings there will be.

This year, Royal Caribbean wanted to mix up the entertainment to lean into both old-school hits and new school heat. So they brought on celebrity performers Rev Run and DJ Ruckus.

I know Rev Run from being a part of Run-DMC, and they hosted different parties around the ship. The sailaway party, in particular, was my favorite and really had the crowd going.

Here are some of the other special events to give you an idea of what to expect:

• Neon Glow Party
• Bold Baha Bash Festival
• Ultra Caribbean Night
• Fireworks at CocoCay
• Beach parties and premium takeovers around CocoCay
• Utopia Crew & Guest Talent Show

Unfortunately a thunderstorm cancelled a drone show that was scheduled for Nassau, but everything else went off as planned.

I loved the cooking demo, Q&A events, and the special parties for this cruise.

Each President's Cruise has a different line-up, but I think you get the idea there are special activities and thing so to do that wouldn't ever be available otherwise onboard.

The fans are the reason to try it

I won't deny it's so cool to see all of the cruise line's top brass in one place, but I think the people you meet are the reason to go on a President's Cruise.

If you're the type of person that loves cruising on Royal Caribbean, then think of the President's Cruise as like a high school reunion experience.

It's a way to see familiar faces, meet new friends, and hang out with lots of other people who "get it".

While this is a regular sailing with plenty of new cruisers are likely blissfully unaware of what's happening, all of the events Royal Caribbean puts together for the President's Cruise provides ample opportunity to go to these events where likely everyone there are big cruise fans.

I had the chance to not only see friends I've cruised with in the past, but also meet so many people who love to cruise with Royal Caribbean.

Many have done these sailings before, and I loved hearing their perspective on the this year and what to look for and do.

After a day or two, I found the cruisers onboard were the real highlight of the event.

Entitlement fears were overblown

I'll be honest, I had some trepidation about attending a President's Cruise because I thought there might be a lot of complainers ruining the mood.

There are always a lot of top tier members on these cruises, but not all of them are as extinctic as I am. There's nothing wrong with questioning the direction or choices of the cruise line, but I did have concerns it might be too much.  

I really did not experience much, if any, negativity or elitism that I thought might be an issue.

Granted, I didn't hang out in the Crown Lounge or Suite Lounge where there might have been a high concentration of Pinnacle Club and Diamond Plus members, but I got around and met a lot of people.

I found most cruisers were quite warm, and the vibe was generally quite good.  

In fact, it seemed to me people talk a big game on social media, but in person, it's a totally different approach.  

There were complaints about the musical selection, short itinerary, and the amount of swag being given away. But I never got that feeling of "I gotta get out of there, it's too negative".

A short sailing this year, but more next year

This was my first President's Cruise, but I heard from some people that have done many before that the nature of holding it on a 4-night cruise left them feeling disappointed.

Luckily, Royal Caribbean is jumping back to a longer model in 2026.  Plans were revealed for next year's President's Cruise to be held on Icon of the Seas for a 7-night cruise.

Since I had nothing to compare it to, it didn't bother me at all it was just four nights. In fact, it provided a great way to dip my toe into the water.

I wasn't sure what to expect with this year's President's Cruise, but when they announced next year's date, I texted my travel agent to book me.

Ultimately, it's a celebration of the thing so many people that read this site probably have in common: a love for cruising with Royal Caribbean.  And the cruise line definitely puts in maximum effort to deliver something truly special that caters to their wants.

During this year's President's Cruise aboard Utopia of the Seas, Royal Caribbean announced the date and ship for the next annual event. 

Royal Caribbean International President and C.E.O. Michael Bayley announced that the 2026 President's Cruise will be held on Icon of the Seas on the October 3, 2026, sailing. 

It is a 7-night cruise that departs from Miami, Florida, and visits the Eastern Caribbean. The President's Cruise will call at St. Maarten, St. Thomas, and Perfect Day at CocoCay, the cruise line's award-winning private island in The Bahamas. 

The past three cruises have been held on Oasis Class ships. The 2023 President's Cruise was on Allure of the Seas, while last year's was on Oasis of the Seas. 

Finally, this year's President's Cruise was on Utopia of the Seas, the newest Oasis Class ship in Royal Caribbean's fleet. 

What is a President's Cruise?

The Royal Caribbean President's Cruise is an annual sailing hosted by Michael Bayley, the President and C.E.O. of Royal Caribbean International. 

You don't have to hold a certain status within the Crown & Anchor Society to sail. As such, anyone is eligible to attend, whether you're a first-time cruiser or a loyal Pinnacle Club member. 

The President's Cruise is a great opportunity for Royal Caribbean fans to sail together with special events and exclusive merchandise. 

Ten-time Grammy winner Chaka Khan performed on the 2023 President's Cruise. Similarly, the '80s band Culture Club was on last year's President's Cruise aboard Oasis of the Seas.

There are also a lot of surprises and commemorative opportunities for those on board. For example, on this year's President's Cruise, guests were surprised with a celebrity appearance by Rev. Run of Run-DMC at Perfect Day at CocoCay's Hideaway Beach. 

The Red Bull Stunt Show was held right on the beach, too. 

There was also a party in Nassau (celebrating the cruise line's 50+ year partnership with The Bahamas), and partnered giveaways at CocoCay from brands like Aperol Spritz, Coca-Cola, and more. 

Finally, Pinnacle Club members got an exclusive tour of the upcoming Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in Nassau. Once completed, the beach club will be home to the world's largest swim-up bar, multiple private beaches, and more. 

"It's the most epic celebration at sea— and you’re invited! Set sail with President & CEO Michael Bayley for our annual tradition and get ready for an adventure like no other. A town takeover in Italy? We did it. Celebrity-studded concerts? Always! Surprise champagne attacks from Michael himself? It’s par for the course," says the Royal Caribbean website. 

"Plus, exclusive shore excursions, popping parties and unforgettable events take every moment to the max. Get in on the action, join us for the next one and find out for yourself what makes the President’s Cruise so special."

2027 will be a big one because it is the 10th President's Cruise

Royal Caribbean began its popular President's Cruise in 2016. The first-ever President's Cruise took place aboard Allure of the Seas in September 2016. 

The exclusive cruise was a thank-you event for loyal Crown & Anchor Society cruisers and featured tons of special events and performances, including one by Patti LaBelle. 

The Grammy-award-winning artist performed songs like "Lady Marmalade," "New Attitude," "On My Own," and "You Are My Friend."

There has been a President's Cruise every year since, except in 2020 when it was canceled due to the pandemic. That sailing was also supposed to take place on Allure of the Seas in Europe. 

As such, Royal Caribbean will go all out during the 10th President's Cruise in 2027. 

What to expect on Icon of the Seas

Icon of the Seas is, well, she doesn't need much of an introduction. The Icon Class namesake entered service in January 2024 after years of anticipation. 

It makes sense that the next President's Cruise will take place on an Icon Class ship, as she exemplifies the latest and greatest from the cruise line. 

Onboard, you'll find everything from the record-breaking Category 6 Waterpark to the Crown's Edge over-the-water attraction, an adult-only swim-up bar, the family-friendly Surfside Neighborhood, Empire Supper Club specialty restaurant, and so much more. 

If you love to cruise on Royal Caribbean, you'll want to mark your calendars in 2025 for the top event of the year.

Each year there are compelling cruises to consider booking, but there's one cruise that Royal Caribbean hosts that gets the most attention for good reason.

The President's Cruise is an annual tradition, where Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley sails on a specific sailing with the open invitation for cruise line fans to join him.

It might seem like a strange idea to go on a cruise specifically to be on a ship with the CEO and other cruise fans, but it's essentially a giant celebration of cruising.

Think of it like the Comic-Con of cruising, where people the super fans come out to see and be seen.

When is Royal Caribbean's President's Cruise in 2025?

Let's get right to it: the next President's Cruise is already scheduled for 2025.

It will be held on Utopia of the Seas on the September 22, 2025 sailing. That's a 4-night Bahamas cruise that sails from Port Canaveral, Florida.

The cruise will visit Perfect Day at CocoCay and Nassau, Bahamas.

What makes the President's Cruise special?

To understand the appeal of going on a President's Cruise, you have to love cruising on Royal Caribbean. A lot.

The annual event began as a celebration of all things Royal Caribbean and the people that love sailing on the cruise line.

Royal Caribbean is not only one of the biggest cruise lines in the world, it's also incredibly popular. There are passengers that sail with Royal Caribbean dozens of times per year. Some even cruise more than they're on land.

Royal Caribbean has offered a President's Cruise for the past few years, and each year has seemingly been outdone by the previous year with special events, giveaways, and guest stars.

Of course, Mr. Bayley is sailing onboard the ship and there are opportunities to meet him during the sailing. He hosts certain events, and is otherwise around to meet.

A lot of cruisers relish the opportunity to meet him and have a moment to share what they like about the cruise line, as well as hear his thoughts on where the cruise line is headed.

And yes, some will take the chance to bring up issues they see with Royal Caribbean. That's a style he seems to embrace, as Mr. Bayley welcomes feedback.

In addition to Bayley, other top Royal Caribbean executives are onboard as well.  It's basically a who's who of Royal Caribbean's leadership team.

With all those executives onboard, there's extra attention given to just about every facet of the sailing.

And then there are the passengers, many of whom are super cruise line fans.  You won't find a sailing with more top tier Royal Caribbean cruisers that have enormous Crown and Anchor Society point totals.

Special events and surprises

While the President's Cruise is a normal Royal Caribbean sailing, there are a subset of events you can attend that go above and beyond what's typical.

You'll find Q&A sessions that offer behind-the-scenes insights from Royal Caribbean's top brass. There are special performances by musical celebrities, surprise events, and even special shore excursions.

Past musical acts brought on a President's Cruise have included Michael Bolton, Boy George, and Patty LaBelle.

Each day there's usually swag waiting in your cabin that you can't otherwise buy.  Royal Caribbean branded everything, and lots of gifts to bring home.

Why you might be interested

First and foremost, a President's Cruise is going to appeal someone that loves to cruise on Royal Caribbean often.

It's also a one-of-a-kind experience to sail alongside Michael Bayley and other leaders. The access this sort of a cruise provides is really the only opportunity customers have to meet these folks.

Often Mr. Bayley will talk about upcoming ships, innovations, and company plans. 

I think the exclusive events, unique souvenirs, and surprise gifts also factor in highly to consider going. Some of these are published before the cruise commences, but many others are revealed only once the cruise begins.

Then there's the social aspect where the top cruisers get a chance to meet up.

You can meet other die-hard Royal Caribbean fans, and a lot of super cruisers look forward to a President's Cruise like a reunion.

How to book the President's Cruise

Because the September 22, 2025 sailing of Utopia of the Seas is a regular sailing (as opposed to a charter sailing), anyone can book it like any other cruise.

Our preferred travel agency is showing at the time of this article's publishing cabins are still available in all of the four major categories.

An inside cabin starts at $1,213.26 per guest (including taxes and fees).  For two people, the lowest price is $2,426.52. That price would be for a category ZI Interior Stateroom Guarantee, which means Royal Caribbean would pick the cabin assignment.

The cheapest balcony on this sailing is a Central Park View Balcony, which costs $3,372.52 for two people (including taxes and fees).

And if you want to cruise in style, there is still a Two Bedroom AquaTheater Suite that comes with Star Class benefits for $13,572.52 for two guests.

Any Royal Caribbean cruise is likely to sell out sooner or later, so space will be limited and you'll want to book as early as you can before prices go higher and more cabins sell out.

Royal Caribbean wants you to cruise with its CEO on its newest cruise ship.

While sailing on this year's President's Cruise, Royal Caribbean announced the date and cruise ship for the next annual event.

While onboard the 2024 President's Cruise sailing through the Western Mediterranean, Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley announced the 2025 President's Cruise will be held on Utopia of the Seas on the September 22, 2025 sailing.

This is a 4-night cruise that departs Port Canaveral, Florida and visits Perfect Day at CocoCay and Nassau, Bahamas.

The past two cruises have been held on Oasis Class ships. The 2023 President's Cruise was on Allure of the Seas, while this year's is on Oasis of the Seas. 

Selecting Utopia brings the event back to the United States, and it celebrates onboard the cruise line's new focal point for attracting new cruisers.

Guests onboard the 2022 President's Cruise sailed to Alaska aboard Ovation of the Seas.

The 2020 President's Cruise, which was a European cruise onboard Allure of the Seas, was canceled due to the global cruise shutdown during the pandemic, and a 2021 cruise was never scheduled. 

What is a President's Cruise?

A Royal Caribbean President's Cruise is an annual sailing hosted by Michael Bayley, the President and CEO of Royal Caribbean. 

Anyone is eligible to attend, meaning you don't have to hold a certain status within the Crown & Anchor Society. It's a great opportunity for Royal Caribbean fans to sail together with exclusive merchandise and special events.

The 2023 President's Cruise included a live performance by the ten-time Grammy winner Chaka Khan, while this year's cruise brought the '80s band Culture Club onboard. 

Additionally, there are tons of surprises and commemorative opportunities for those onboard. Since Mr. Bayley is onboard, it's common for some of the most loyal cruises to want to join, making President's Cruises somewhat of a reunion. 

"The annual President’s Cruise is one of the most spectacular Royal Caribbean adventures. Set sail with President & CEO Michael Bayley on a special voyage filled with surprises and unique moments at every turn," says the Royal Caribbean website. 

"We’re talking celebrity guest entertainment, customized shore excursions, exclusive parties, unforgettable events and so much more. No matter where in the world the President’s Cruise takes you, once-in-a-lifetime memories are always on the itinerary."

What to expect on Utopia of the Seas

The choice of Utopia of the Seas coincides with a couple of initiatives for Royal Caribbean.

First and foremost, Utopia is a brand new ship and the President's Cruise is an opportunity to show off what Utopia offers and what makes this ship stand out from the fleet.

Utopia is all about a fun time, and it boasts more than 40 ways to dine, drink and celebrate. 

This particular sailing will also occur once the new beach club opens in Nassau, Bahamas.  Royal Beach Club at Paradise Island is a brand new concept, where Royal Caribbean passengers have the choice to purchase admission to a limited-access beach club located on Paradise Island.

The 17 acre property is meant to be a private oasis exclusive for Royal Caribbean, and it will open in summer 2025. 

The sailing will also include a visit to Perfect Day at CocoCay, which essentially sets up this President's Cruise to encompass a few of the cruise line's crown jewels in one sailing.

Royal Caribbean will have a big musical act for anyone sailing on its annual President's Cruise.

The cruise line hosts a sailing each year where it invites its fans to sail and enjoy a cruise together, along with top executives.

The 2024 President's Cruise is going to be held on the June 23, 2024 Oasis of the Seas sailing from Barcelona, Spain.

It usually hosts a big musical act for one of the many events held onboard, and for the 2024 sailing, the '80s band Culture Club was announced on Tuesday as the top performer.

Culture Club is best known for songs such as, "Karma Chameleon", "I'll tumble 4 ya", and  "Do You Really Want to Hurt Me".

Last year's cruise included a live performance by ten-time Grammy winner Chaka Khan. 

They're one of the top bands of the 1980s decade, and have sold more than 50 million records.

On past President's Cruises, the featured musical act performs on one or two occasions in a specific venue. Tickets are given to Top Tier Crown and Anchor Society guests onboard, but the concert is televised to be seen anywhere else on the ship.

The 7-night Western Mediterranean cruise will depart from Barcelona, Spain and visit Palma De Mallorca, Spain; Florence/Pisa (La Spezia), Italy; Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy; and Naples / Capri, Italy. 

What is the President's Cruise?

The President's Cruise is not a charter sailing, but is in fact a a regular sailing that was chosen by the cruise line as its President's Cruise. Anyone can book the cruise, and it's a celebration of Royal Caribbean for its biggest fans.

The cruise is hosted by Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley. 

Royal Caribbean's website describes it as, "The annual President’s Cruise is one of the most spectacular Royal Caribbean adventures. Set sail with President & CEO Michael Bayley on a special voyage filled with surprises and unique moments at every turn. We’re talking celebrity guest entertainment, customised shore excursions, exclusive parties, unforgettable events and so much more. No matter where in the world the President’s Cruise takes you, once-in-a-lifetime memories are always on the itinerary."

Essentially, it is a fun celebration of the cruise line for all loyal guests.

Additionally, there are usually surprises on the sailing, like giveaways, special events and commemorative opportunities.

Some of the most loyal Royal Caribbean fans can be found onboard President's Cruises, making them a kind of reunion amongst fans. 

What Oasis of the Seas offers

Oasis of the Seas is the namesake ship of the Oasis Class, which has held the world record for the largest cruise ships in the world since her inaugural cruise in December 2009. The title for largest cruise ship class in the world will be taken by the highly-anticipated Icon of the Seas in January 2024. 

Oasis Class ships are some of the best for large family vacations, as they offer an extensive amount of amenities and activities to appeal to travelers of all ages. 

She was the first ship in the world to feature interior facing balconies, as well as the beloved neighborhood concept. For the first time, guests could book balconies that overlooked the ship's Boardwalk and Central Park neighborhoods for less than a traditional oceanfront balcony. 

Additionally, she was the first to introduce the one-of-a-kind AquaTheater. Located in the aft of the ship in the Boardwalk neighborhood, this entrainment venue is home to high diving spectaculars the feature dancers, acrobats, and, of course, divers who take the plunge into the deepest pool at sea. 

In 2019, she underwent the cruise line's Royal Amplification program, receiving $165 million in enhancements, including the Ultimate Abyss, Perfect Storm waterslides, upgraded Caribbean-style pool deck, and new dining venues, one of which -- Portside BBQ -- is exclusive to Oasis of the Seas. This specialty restaurant serves a variety of barbecued meats and comfort food. 

Royal Caribbean announced they will go to Europe for their next President's Cruise.

While onboard the 2023 President's Cruise, Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley announced the dates and location for the 2024 President's Cruise.

Last year, he asked for a vote between a Caribbean cruise on Allure from Galveston or a European cruise, in which the crowd responded Allure. This year, they had a video prepared during the announcement. 

Prior to the video, though, he asked the crowd their guess on which ship the cruise would be on. He gave a hint stating that they had already had President's Cruises onboard 60% of the fleet. 

Photo credit to Jon Evans

"We go there every several years because we have a lot of Crown & Anchor from there, and they always said, 'You always do your cruises in America. Why don't do you do one in the Mediterranean,'" said Bayley. 

"This is when we really go to town on that European thing." 

The 2024 President's Cruise will take place on Oasis of the Seas on the June 23, 2024. The 7-night Western Mediterranean cruise will depart from Barcelona, Spain and visit Palma De Mallorca, Spain; Florence/Pisa (La Spezia), Italy; Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy; and Naples / Capri, Italy. 

What is a President's Cruise?

A Royal Caribbean President's Cruise is a regular sailing that anyone is eligible to book, but it is a great opportunity for Royal Caribbean fans who want to go on a sailing together. 

The cruise is hotel by Michael Bayley, the President and CEO of Royal Caribbean. Essentially, it is a fun celebration of the cruise line for all loyal guests.

In the past, there have been special events, such as celebrity musicians, who have made appearances onboard. This year's cruise included an unforgettable live performance by the ten-time Grammy winner Chaka Khan. 

Additionally, there are tons of surprises and commemorative opportunities for those onboard. 

Some of the most loyal Royal Caribbean fans can be found onboard President's Cruises, making them a kind of reunion amongst fans. 

What to expect onboard Oasis of the Seas

Oasis of the Seas is the namesake ship of the Oasis Class, which has held the world record for the largest cruise ships in the world since her inaugural cruise in December 2009. The title for largest cruise ship class in the world will be taken by the highly-anticipated Icon of the Seas in January 2024. 

Oasis Class ships are some of the best for large family vacations, as they offer an extensive amount of amenities and activities to appeal to travelers of all ages. 

She was the first ship in the world to feature interior facing balconies, as well as the beloved neighborhood concept. For the first time, guests could book balconies that overlooked the ship's Boardwalk and Central Park neighborhoods for less than a traditional oceanfront balcony. 

Additionally, she was the first to introduce the one-of-a-kind AquaTheater. Located in the aft of the ship in the Boardwalk neighborhood, this entrainment venue is home to high diving spectaculars the feature dancers, acrobats, and, of course, divers who take the plunge into the deepest pool at sea. 

In 2019, she underwent the cruise line's Royal Amplification program, receiving $165 million in enhancements, including the Ultimate Abyss, Perfect Storm waterslides, upgraded Caribbean-style pool deck, and new dining venues, one of which -- Portside BBQ -- is exclusive to Oasis of the Seas. This specialty restaurant serves a variety of barbecued meats and comfort food. 

Royal Caribbean announced it will go to Texas for its next President's Cruise.

While onboard the 2022 President's Cruise, Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley announced the dates and location for the 2023 President's Cruise.

Mr. Bayley held an impromptu poll during an event onboard Ovation of the Seas and asked for a show of hands who would vote for Allure from Galveston or a European cruise. The crowd overwhelming voted for Allure.

"You've done a great job today. We're going to sail out of Galveston, Texas," Mr. Bayley said following the vote.

It will be held on Allure of the Seas on the July 23, 2023 sailing from Galveston, Texas.

This is a 7-night western Caribbean cruise that visits Roatan, Costa Maya and Cozumel.

It should not come as a major surprise that Allure of the Seas was chosen given Royal Caribbean's new cruise terminal will be opening there in November 2022.

Terminal 3 is where Royal Caribbean's new $125 million home for Allure of the Seas and is located at Pier 10 for exclusive use by Royal Caribbean.

Royal Caribbean says it will be a state-of-the-art building that will measure 161,300 square feet.

Not only can Terminal 3 handle Oasis Class ships, it will also be able to accommodate Royal Caribbean's new Icon Class ships.

What is a President's Cruise?

Essentially, a Royal Caribbean President's Cruise is a regular sailing that anyone can book, but the appeal is for Royal Caribbean fans who want to go on a cruise together.

Hosted by the President and CEO of Royal Caribbean, it is a giant celebration of the cruise line for its loyal guests.

On past President's Cruises, there have been special events such as celebrity musicians who have performed onboard. This year's lineup includes classic rock band, "Foreigner".

Patti LaBelle & Michael Bayley on a past President's Cruise

In addition, there are surprises and commemorative opportunities for anyone onboard.

Part of the appeal of a President's Cruise is a lot of loyal Royal Caribbean fans book it, making it a kind of homecoming experience among cruise fans.

More about Allure of the Seas

• Top 10 Royal Caribbean Allure of the Seas hidden secrets
• All about Oasis Class cruise ships
• 25 things you need to know for your first day on a cruise ship
• 7 things worth checking again on a Royal Caribbean cruise
• 6 things you may not have tried on a Royal Caribbean cruise

Royal Caribbean has officially announced when its next President's Cruise will be and on what ship.

After hinting it will be an Alaska cruise recently, Royal Caribbean announced the 2022 President's Cruise will be on Ovation of the Seas.

It will be held on the June 24, 2022 sailing of Ovation of the Seas. It will be a 7-night cruise that will visit Juneau and Skagway, Alaska, as well as Victoria, British Columbia.

This will be the fifth President’s Cruise, and the first on a Quantum Class ship.

Royal Caribbean International CEO and President Michael Bayley, who is hosting the sailing, sent an email to Crown and Anchor Society members inviting them to join him for the festivities.

"I hope you’ll join me, our dedicated crew members and the Crown & Anchor Society team on board. There are more details to come as we plan a full schedule of events, including live performances, immersive destination experiences and more."

"I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again. We are so appreciative of your unwavering support and understanding during the last 20 months. A larger-than-life President’s Cruise is just one way we want to thank you."

What is a President's Cruise?

Essentially, a Royal Caribbean President's Cruise is a regular sailing that anyone can book, but the appeal is for Royal Caribbean fans who want to go on a cruise together.

Hosted by the President and CEO of Royal Caribbean, it is a giant celebration of the cruise line for its loyal guests.

On past President's Cruises, there have been special events such as celebrity musicians who have performed onboard.

Patti LaBelle & Michael Bayley on a past President's Cruise

In addition, there are surprises and commemorative opportunities for anyone onboard.

Part of the appeal of a President's Cruise is a lot of loyal Royal Caribbean fans book it, making it a kind of homecoming experience among cruise fans.

More about Alaska cruises

• What is the best time to cruise to Alaska?
• What Is an Alaska Inside Passage Cruise?
• What to pack for a cruise to Alaska?
• Top 10 tips for planning your Alaska cruise
• 6 mistakes & 3 things we did right on our Royal Caribbean cruise to Alaska

It looks like the next Royal Caribbean President's Cruise will be in summer 2022 and visiting Alaska.

During a webinar with travel agents, Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley hinted the next President's Cruise will be held in Alaska on an unspecified sailing in June 2022.

The President's Cruise is centered around celebrating its most loyal customers, who get the chance to cruise with Royal Caribbean CEO Michael Bayley, as well as attend special events just for them.

"I'm not sure whether we've communicated the next President's Cruise, but I'm pretty sure it's going to be it will be in Alaska next June or July."

"I am pretty sure it's going to be in Alaska in June, so we haven't communicated it. I'm sure we'll be communicating it shortly after what I've just said."

Mr. Bayley did not specify which ship or sailing it would be hosted on.

In 2022, Royal Caribbean will send four cruise ships to Alaska on Ovation, Quantum, Serenade and Radiance of the Seas.

Ovation and Quantum of the Seas will sail from Seattle, and offer 7-night Alaska cruises.  

Radiance of the Seas will offer alternating 7-10 night open-jaw itineraries Alaska cruises from Vancouver, British Columbia.

Serenade of the Seas, which will sail out of Vancouver and offer 7-night Alaska cruises.

The President's Cruise has become a popular annual Royal Caribbean tradition that invites fans of the cruise line to sail with the cruise line's CEO, and enjoy a series of special events, surprises and offerings.

The 2020 President's Cruise was cancelled due to the global cruise shutdown, and a 2021 President's Cruise was never scheduled.

More about Alaska cruises

• What is the best time to cruise to Alaska?
• What Is an Alaska Inside Passage Cruise?
• What to pack for a cruise to Alaska?
• Top 10 tips for planning your Alaska cruise
• 6 mistakes & 3 things we did right on our Royal Caribbean cruise to Alaska

There are plenty of questions among cruisers in this time of a global cruise suspension, and Royal Caribbean shed a bit of light on some of these topics.

Earlier on Tuesday, Royal Caribbean Senior Vice President of Sales and Trade Support & Service Vicki Freed took questions from travel agents about a variety of topics that many guests are wondering about.

In addition to announcing a doctor's note is no longer needed for guests who are over 70 years old, a number of hot topics were hit during the question and answer session of the call, and here are the answers provided to concerns many readers have had as well.

Changes to buffets

One agent wanted to know how Royal Caribbean will handle guests going to the buffet once sailings start back up.

Royal Caribbean Director, Post Cruise Guest Relations & Shared Services, Laly Rodriguez, commented, "We're still ironing out some of the different details, as to whether there'll be folks serving. We might have different shifts for our buffets, and have different options taking place in our main dining venues. Those are still being worked out, but as soon as we know, you'll know."

Refunds

A very hot topic is when guests can expect to receive refunds for canceled sailings.

Ms. Rodriguez provided an explanation on the current refund situation, "When we first started with our global suspensions, we anticipated that refunds would take us about 30 days, but given the volume and being able to handle all the volume that we are receiving, it seems that we are closer to a 45 day window."

"We've been able to modify some of our processes, add things that we didn't have in the past, like bots processing the refunds; we've added resources to accounting; we've always been looking to speed this up"

"Your clients should be seeing their refunds in about 45 days, and hopefully with the next batches of suspensions that we've announced, the timing should get tighter and tigher."

In addition to the refunds being processed, Royal Caribbean will be sending a proactive apology communication to guests in order to explain how long it has been taking to get through all of the refunds promised.

"Seaface" mask trademark

Last week, I broke the news of Royal Caribbean's trademark of a name for a sanitary mask, and Ms. Freed was asked if there was any update on what this was all about.

There was not much information to share, but Ms. Freed had this to say, "Other than what I read on the RoyalCaribbeanBlog that we have a patent for it, I don't know anything else about it. I'm sure it will be adorable with Crown and Anchors, and whatever else designs we can come up with."

Ms. Rodriguez elaborated, "This whole situation has made us as a cruise line take on a bunch of other innovations that we've never thought we'd been in the business of taking on."

"This is one of a number of innovations that our team's are exploring as we look forward to safe and healthy and a fun return to cruise. So keep your eyes peeled for more hopefully."

Alaska cruises in 2020

When asked about cruises to Alaska this year, Ms. Freed offered an optimistic attitude, "Alaska's certainly a real possibility that we will be sailing there. The end of July, certainly I'm optimistic.

Pushing back final payment dates

Another question asked was if Royal Caribbean would shorten or change the final payment date due to the current situation.

Royal Caribbean Account Executive Brittany Yochum spoke to this concern, "At this time, we're not pushing back any of our final payment dates, especially because we do have the Cruise with Confidence policy out through the end of August."

Odyssey of the Seas update

Just like readers here, travel partners were curious if Odyssey of the Seas has any kind of update on the progress being made.

Ms. Yochum provided a brief update, "She is still being built, and we are definitely working on our way to still having her be delivered."

President's Cruise

Another question asked as if there would be any changes to Royal Caribbean's President's Cruise on October 25 out of Barcelona on Allure of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean's manager of the Sales Training Team, Renee Didier, answered, "The President's Cruise is still in our scope, and of course we're going to look forward to welcoming our guests onboard. So right now, we are still planning that cruise."