Welcome to the first week of 2022, and here is your look at all of the Royal Caribbean news you might have missed in the past week.

Unfortunately, this past week was dominated by Covid-19 related news and the impact of the Omicron variant on the industry.

The major headline came from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) raising the warning level for going on a cruise ship back up to its highest level.

Based on the increase in Covid cases due to the Omicron variant, the CDC made a recommendation against going on any cruise ship, regardless of vaccination status.

According to the CDC, the virus that causes Covid-19 spreads easily between people in close quarters on board ships, and the chance of getting Covid-19 on cruise ships is very high, even if you are fully vaccinated and have received a Covid-19 vaccine booster dose.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean sets expectations for impact Omicron can have on cruise ships with email to passengers
• Royal Caribbean says Omicron variant fears have only had a short-term effect on bookings
• Why you need to be flexible if you want to go on a cruise right now
• Oceanview vs Balcony staterooms on a Royal Caribbean cruise
• CDC investigation of Royal Caribbean cruise ship with Covid-19 cases on it reveal only mild symptoms
• Royal Caribbean will cover cost of international passenger Covid tests in January
• 'Glad we decided to stay on this cruise' says passenger on Royal Caribbean ship this week
• Royal Caribbean app walkthrough and tips

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 435th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, featuring a look ahead to what Billy and Matt want to see happen in 2022 for the cruise industry.

Matt and Billy try their best to make predictions at a few things that they want if they could wish for it in the coming year.

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: How to do the at-home Covid-19 test Royal Caribbean accepts!

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 — How to do the at-home Covid-19 test Royal Caribbean accepts! — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Navigator of the Seas Live Blog

In case you missed it, Matt was live on Navigator of the Seas for a 7-night Mexican Riviera cruise.

Everyday of the cruise, Matt shared a look at what happened onboard and onshore.  This was also the first full sailing with Royal Caribbean's stricter new protocols.

You can catch up on what it's like to be on a cruise ship with all of the updates:

• Navigator of the Seas Live Blog - Day 1 - Embarkation Day
• Navigator of the Seas Live Blog - Day 2 - Sea Day
• Navigator of the Seas Live Blog - Day 3 - Cabo San Lucas
• Navigator of the Seas Live Blog - Day 4 - Mazatlan
• Navigator of the Seas Live Blog - Day 5 - Puerto Vallarta
• Navigator of the Seas Live Blog - Day 6 - Sea Day
• Navigator of the Seas Live Blog - Day 7 - Sea Day

Merry Christmas! The holidays are here, and so is our weekly round up of the articles and news we shared about Royal Caribbean.

Royal Caribbean updated its mask policy this week to require passengers to wear them indoors, even while in vaccinated-only areas.

The tightened mask rule change comes as the omicron variant of Covid-19 has caused a spike in cases around the United States.

As a result, Royal Caribbean will now require all passengers to wear masks in all indoor public areas unless actively eating or drinking.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean releases 7-night Caribbean sailings for summer 2023
• Royal Caribbean will base Wonder of the Seas from Port Canaveral November 2022 - April 2023
• Royal Caribbean redeploys three Oasis Class cruise ships in 2022 & 2023
• Royal Caribbean will no longer let passengers get on or off the cruise ship at a different port of call
• Royal Caribbean previews new cruise terminal in Galveston
• Royal Caribbean's Brilliance of the Seas restarts cruises from Tampa
• Comparing the Royal Caribbean ships sailing in Alaska 2022
• Royal Caribbean updates: Water cans, Enchantment of the Seas repairs, and more!
• Back-to-back cruises tips and advice
• Royal Caribbean ships by size
• You will be able to renew your passport online thanks to new executive order
• How fast do cruise ships go?
• Comparing Royal Caribbean's Private Islands: CocoCay & Labadee

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 434th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, which has a list of mistakes passengers make when they get off their cruise ships.

The last morning of a cruise is when you have to unfortunately disembark, but there are some pitfalls you can avoid to ensure walking off the ship and getting home is much easier.

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: 15 Royal Caribbean cruise hacks

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 — 15 Royal Caribbean cruise hacks — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

2022 Royal Caribbean Cruise Planning Guide

Have you got a Royal Caribbean cruise scheduled in the coming year? Or are you thinking of booking one? Planning a cruise can be a daunting task, but it's easy with our new guide.

It may come as a surprise to first-time cruisers just how much goes into planning a cruise vacation, so we wrote a guide to give you the basics of how to get started.

Check out our 2022 Royal Caribbean planning guide to give you some background information on each aspect of the cruise, with a ton of links to other blog posts that offer much more detailed information.

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!

Royal Caribbean gave everyone more time to take advantage of its flexible cancellation policy when it extended the Cruise with Confidence program again.

Cruise with Confidence was extended another month, as long as the sailing was booked by January 31, 2022.

This means you can cancel a sailing up to 48 hours before the cruise begins in exchange for a future cruise credit toward any cruise that sets sail through December 31, 2022, or one year from the original sailing date, whichever is later.

Royal Caribbean News

• Five big changes coming to Royal Caribbean in 2022
• Royal Caribbean delays Summer 2023 Europe deployments
• Royal Caribbean trademarks names that could be new water slides
• Royal Caribbean puts drink packages, wifi, and shore excursions on sale
• Navigator of the Seas Guide & Review
• The weirdest foods you can eat on a Royal Caribbean cruise
• Guide to cruises from New York
• Face masks on Royal Caribbean: What you need to know
• British Colonial Hilton day pass review
• St Maarten Ultimate Explorer Cruise & Island Tour shore excursion review

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 433rd episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, featuring a review of Pete's Adventure of the Seas cruise.

Peter went on Adventure of the Seas for a Thanksgiving cruise and shared his experience on this week's episode.

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: What they aren't telling you about going on a cruise right now

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 — What they aren't telling you about going on a cruise right now — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Why aren't cruise ships built in the United States?

All the cruise ships are built outside the United States, which may lead you to wonder why these massive ships are built elsewhere.

Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and all the other major cruise lines have their new ships built in shipyard primarily in Europe.

As you may have guessed, the primary reason why cruise ships are not built in the United States comes down to cost. In short, it costs too much to build a cruise ship in the United States for a few reasons.

Happy December! We cannot believe that we are already one full week into the month – there is so much going on with holiday preparation and shopping and baking!

The big news this week was the release of Alaska cruises for 2023.

Royal Caribbean announced it will deploy four ships to Alaska in 2023, although the specific ships will change in 2023 from the year prior.

Ovation, Quantum, Radiance and Enchantment of the Seas will offer cruises to Alaska, with Enchantment of the Seas being the new option.

The new Alaska 2022 cruises are available to book between April and September 2022.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean requires unvaccinated kids get a PCR test before the cruise
• Royal Caribbean announces Hawaii cruises in 2023
• Celebrity Cruises changed their mind on requiring vaccines for kids
• Royal Caribbean pushes back when World Cruise segments will go on sale
• What to expect on a December cruise
• Royal Caribbean celebrates one year anniversary since cruises restarted
• Symphony of the Seas 2021 cruise recap
• I tried the Taste of Royal lunch experience
• Counterpoint: why we love The Key
• Why you should take a cruise to Bermuda
• The Importance of having a “vacation ring”

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 432nd episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is available to enjoy, which lists Matt and Beci's top 3 things they like doing on Harmony of the Seas.

After sailing on Harmony of the Seas this past week, this week's podcast episode was recorded onboard the ship to share their experiences and what really stood out about this Oasis Class ship.

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 video: Navigator of the Seas 2021 Cruise Ship Tour 

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 — Navigator of the Seas 2021 Cruise Ship Tour — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

7 cruise ship main dining room rules to follow — Plus 1 to break

When you dine at the main dining room on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship, there are certain expectations and rules to expect.

Etiquette at the main dining room on a cruise ship is not all that different from a land-based restaurant, but there are a few nuances that first time cruisers may be unaware of before they step aboard.

Here is my list of 7 main dining room guidelines you should know, as well as one well-known supposed rule that I think you can disregard.

Happy Sunday! Temperatures may be dropping, but there is plenty of Royal Caribbean news to share. This is your weekly summary of all the Royal Caribbean news from this past week, perfectly fitted for your consumption.

Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley answered questions on a variety of topics this week, giving us insight into what to expect from the cruise line in the near future.

Speaking onboard Odyssey of the Seas, Mr. Bayley hosted a question and answer session with travel agents that covered many aspects of what Royal Caribbean is doing right now.

Questions touched on health protocols, the app, Perfect Day at Cococay, and more.

Royal Caribbean News

• Disney Cruise Line will require kids 5 years and older to be fully vaccinated
• Royal Caribbean will begin offering consecutive cruisers at-home Covid tests
• Check out our Navigator of the Seas live blog
• Two calendar days (not 48 hours) is when you need to get your pre-cruise test completed
• Best things to do on an Alaska cruise
• A beginner's guide to sailing in Star Class
• What it's like to go on an Alaskan cruise at the end of the season
• World Wonders you can see on your next Royal Caribbean cruise

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 431st episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is available to enjoy, where Matt interviews Royal Caribbean Group Chief Product Innovation Officer Jay Schneider.

Jay previews the ships, ports, and projects guests can look forward to seeing in the next two years.

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: What it was like to go on a cruise ship in the 1970s

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 — What it was like to go on a cruise ship in the 1970s — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

6 things you can only do on Odyssey of the Seas

With every new Royal Caribbean cruise ship, there are at least a few things that the cruise line adds that are brand new to the fleet.

Along with favorites that make it on every ship, there are a few new venues and features that get added as well.

Here are a list of six things you can only do on Odyssey of the Seas.

Another busy week of Royal Caribbean fun just wrapped up, but if you missed any of it, I have a concise look at all of it for you in this weekly news round-up!

Royal Caribbean announced the health protocols for its ships through March 2022.

The new protocols apply to Royal Caribbean sailings from Puerto Rico, Barbados and U.S. homeports through March 31, 2022. 

Surprisingly, Royal Caribbean released these protocols for sailings many months in advance. It had previously been releasing protocols one month at a time.

These protocols govern the rules and requirements passengers can expect if they want to go on a cruise between now and March 31, 2022.

Royal Caribbean News

• Richard Fain announces he is stepping down as Royal Caribbean Group CEO
• A look back to Richard Fain's legacy
• Royal Caribbean announces 2022 President's Cruise
• Royal Caribbean announced the Godmother for Odyssey of the Seas
• Will Royal Caribbean require kids to be vaccinated in order to go on a cruise ship?
• The best cruise lines for 2022 have been announced
• Why did Royal Caribbean put fewer suites on Wonder of the Seas?
• 20 free things to do on Odyssey of the Seas
• Royal Caribbean's past Black Friday deals
• Matt is live blogging from Odyssey of the Seas
• Royal Caribbean patents opening a cruise ship cabin door with facial recognition
• What to expect with Royal Caribbean's new virtual safety drill
• Why cruise ships are getting bigger
• What to do if Royal Caribbean's shore excursions are sold out

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 430th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, featuring a review of Serenade of the Seas.

Meagan and Jeff cruised on one of the first sailings from Tampa since the restart, and share their experience on Serenade of the Seas.

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: Don't wait for a Black Friday cruise deal!

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 — Don't wait for a Black Friday cruise deal! — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

5 things I purchased for a cruise that I regretted buying

Whether I thought they would make my life easier, or just improve the vacation experience, in practice, I've regretted a few purchases I made for a cruise.

At the time of purchase, it sounds like a revelation and I usually end up buying it because I think to myself how could I not buy it to improve my vacation.

Here is my own list of things I bought for a cruise that ended up being a terrible purchasing decision for me.

Happy Sunday! Temperatures may be dropping, but there is plenty of Royal Caribbean news to share.  This is your weekly summary of all the Royal Caribbean news from this past week, perfectly fitted for your consumption.

Wonder of the Seas was delivered to Royal Caribbean this week, marking her arrival as part of the fleet.

The new largest cruise ship in the world departed the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire on Friday.

Wonder of the Seas' next stop is Marseilles, France, where she will get some finishing touches before she begins sailings in March 2022.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean releases 2023 deployment schedule
• Don't expect Royal Caribbean to extend flexible cancellation terms again
• Royal Caribbean cruises in November 2021: What to expect
• Royal Caribbean files trademarks for names the cruise line has been using for years
• 7 things worth checking again on a Royal Caribbean cruise
• Guide to Hideaway Beach adults-only beach at CocoCay
• Royal Caribbean adds validation to Covid-19 vaccine card photo uploads in app
• Why your teens (and you) will love a cruise vacation
• Why Cruises are Great for People with Anxiety

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 429th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is available to enjoy, where Matt walks through how to use the at-home Covid-19 test that Royal Caribbean accepts.

The Abbott at-home test is a convenient and easy way to get your pre-cruise test done, and Matt shares what you should know about taking the test for the first 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: Royal Caribbean updates how full cruise ships will be!

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 — Royal Caribbean updates how full cruise ships will be! — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Cruising to Alaska: What I Did Right and Wrong

Everyone makes mistakes on a cruise, especially if it's your first time taking a cruise to Alaska.

Jenna recently sailed on Ovation of the Seas to Alaska, and there were several things she did right, but also several mistakes too.

From packing for Alaska's unpredictable weather to rushing to make a flight home, here are a few takeaways and lessons learned from her Alaska sailing.

Happy Halloween! I don't have any bad Halloween themed puns to include here, just the latest Royal Caribbean news to catch up on before you hit up the neighborhood for candy this evening. 

The cruise industry got mostly good news this week when the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced it temporarily extended the Conditional Sailing Order.

The CDC announced a temporary extension of the rules and requirements for cruise ships through January 15, 2022.

While the cruise industry has an additional few months of regulation, the CDC intends to transition to a voluntary program in January, giving the cruise lines a bit more flexibility.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean reports $1.4 billion loss, but expects to be profitable for the full year 2022
• Royal Caribbean releases November 2021 cruise ship health protocols for U.S. sailings
• Royal Caribbean will add adults-only area to Perfect Day at CocoCay
• Royal Caribbean extends ability to cancel cruises, shortens final payment window, and extends Covid-19 assistance program
• Bahamas will extend requirement for cruise ship passengers to be vaccinated
• New Icon Class cruise ship construction update
• Cruise industry supports CDC's temporary extension of cruise ship Covid-19 regulations
• Spotted: Royal Caribbean brings back early check-in and welcome lunch to The Key
• Explorer of the Seas began her test cruise from Puerto Rico
• Royal Caribbean talks higher capacity, protocol changes, world cruise and more
• Royal Caribbean Group announces pledge to get to net zero emissions by 2050
• Top 10 Odyssey of the Seas frequently asked questions
• Save up to 35% off pre-cruise purchases with Royal Caribbean's new sale
• How to plan your dream wedding at sea

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 2021 Alaska cruise season was a short one, but we were able to check it out before it ended.

This week's podcast episode has a review of Ovation of the Seas' final sailing to Alaska this year from someone who had never cruised to Alaska before.

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: Things people do on a cruise that I don't understand at all

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 — Things people do on a cruise that I don't understand at all — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

How to plan a Royal Caribbean cruise on any budget

Royal Caribbean cruises are affordable vacations for guests of pretty much any budget, which makes them an attractive way to vacation.

Whether you are going all out, counting every last penny, or looking for a reasonable value, there are options that should fit into any family spending plan.

Here is a look at tips and tricks for how to plan a memorable cruise vacation on a low, moderate, and high budget.

Happy Sunday! We are so happy that you stopped by and hope you are having a wonderful weekend. Grab a mug of your favorite hot beverage, sit back, and check out the latest in Royal Caribbean news.

Royal Caribbean announced earlier this week its first ever cruise around-the-world.

The 274-night sailing will be held aboard Serenade of the Seas and will visit all seven continents, along with visits to more than 150 destinations along the way.

The price range for the full excursion is between $66,000 to $112,000 per person, plus taxes and fees.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean will accept cruise ship passengers with mixed vaccines
• Celebrity Cruises will accept mixed vaccines following CDC update
• Spotted: Royal Caribbean increasing capacity on its cruise ships
• Royal Caribbean Group CEO: Time to focus on how we come out of the pandemic
• A look at all of the Odyssey of the Seas restaurants
• From a former cruise kid: Why you should go on a cruise ship with your kids
• What Canadians need to know about cruise insurance

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

Royal Caribbean was finally able to start cruises from New York this year with an Oasis Class ship, and Rebecca sailed on one of those early sailings.

This week's podcast episode shares Rebecca's experience on Oasis of the Seas out of Cape Liberty.

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: 15 Little Things That Make a BIG Difference on Royal Caribbean

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 — 15 Little Things That Make a BIG Difference on Royal Caribbean — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

10 things everyone on a cruise ship should do before their cruise ends

The last day of the cruise leaves plenty of fun, but there are also a few things everyone should do before it all comes to an end.

These 10 tips for everyone to do before their cruise ends will expedite your final morning onboard, as well as avoid billing issues or problems afterwards.

The fall temperatures may be dropping, but the Royal Caribbean news from this week is as hot as ever, and we have it all summarized for you in this week's round up!

All eyes are fixed on what will happen at the end of this month when the CDC's Conditional Sailing Order expires, and Royal Caribbean's CEO has an opinion on it.

Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley was asked about the upcoming end to the CSO and what it means for his cruise line going forward.

He was asked to provide the latest information related to the CSO, and he shared his thoughts on what is still very much an unknown situation.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean cancels Australia 2021-2022 cruise season
• Next President's Cruise will be in Alaska 2022
• Royal Caribbean registers new trademarks for possible Southern United States restaurant
• Royal Caribbean is first cruise line to restart cruises from Tampa
• Perfect Day at CocoCay October 2021 photo update
• Royal Caribbean on list of companies possibly under investigation for violating Florida's vaccine passport ban
• What to do in Bermuda on a cruise
• Guide to the CocoCay waterpark
• What it's like to go on a cruise with unvaccinated kids right now
• What to Wear on a Cruise?
• Check out our live blog from Ovation of the Seas
• The best packing for a cruise list

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

Cruising with kids is a different kind of experience right now due to the new protocols and rules.

Matt just took his kids on a cruise for the first time since the Delta variant became widespread, and shares his thoughts on what to expect with children on a 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: New Things to Try on Royal Caribbean

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 — New Things to Try on Royal Caribbean — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Wonder of the Seas tour

Royal Caribbean's next new cruise ship is going to pack in a lot of really fun things to do, so you may be wondering where everything is.

Wonder of the Seas will debut in March 2022, and already there are a lot of people excited to see and do everything onboard.

Before you step foot on Wonder of the Seas, check out our Wonder of the Seas tour to know where everything is located.