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Royal Caribbean Post Round-Up: August 15, 2021

In:
Royal Caribbean Post Round-Up
15 Aug 2021

Welcome to this week's edition of the Royal Caribbean post round-up, where we summarize all of the Royal Caribbean news and information from this week into one handy-dandy post! There is plenty of great content to enjoy, so sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's round-up!

The cruise industry took notice this week when a United States District Judge sided with Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH) against the State of Florida in the question of can a company ask for proof of a Covid-19 vaccination.

NCLH was granted a preliminary injunction which would allow a cruise line to require passengers to prove they are vaccinated against Covid-19 if sailing from Florida.

Judge Kathleen M. Williams said in the docket that the combination of trying to restore consumer confidence and the Delta variant contributed to NCLH's win.

Royal Caribbean News

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 418th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where Matt looks at new rules Royal Caribbean recently announced.

There has been plenty of rule changes lately, but this week, Matt breaks down the three biggest changes announced over the last few weeks.

Please subscribe via iTunes or RSS, and head over to rate and review the podcast on iTunes if you can! 

Video: 10 Truths of going on a Royal Caribbean 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: 10 Truths of going on a Royal Caribbean cruise right now

What it's like on the Mariner of the Seas test cruise

What happens on a test cruise? 

Mariner of the Seas is the latest cruise ship to sail on a test cruise, and these simulated voyages are an opportunity to demonstrate new protocols to federal regulators, as well as give the crew a chance to prepare for the real thing.

Matt just sailed on Mariner of the Seas for her 2-night test cruise, and shared everything he did onboard.

Royal Caribbean Post Round-Up: August 8, 2021

In:
Royal Caribbean Post Round-Up
08 Aug 2021

Happy Sunday! We hope you are having a great weekend! Now it is time to sit back, relax, and catch up on all the Royal Caribbean news from the week!

Royal Caribbean announced this week when exactly the rest of the ships in the fleet will restart sailings.

The cruise line laid out a plan for which ships will restart between September 2021 and early spring 2022.

Under the newly announce plan, 13 ships will be able to restart operations slowly with the date of when each vessel will have its first sailing announced.

Royal Caribbean also announced cancellations to correlate with the new restart dates.

Royal Caribbean News

Video: Things I wish Royal Caribbean would change now that cruises are back!

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 I wish Royal Caribbean would change now that cruises are back!

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 417th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where Matt interviews Royal Caribbean Group Chief Product Innovation Officer, Jay Schneider.

Mr. Schneider shares a peek behind the proverbial curtain to talk about what his group has been doing during the cruise industry shutdown.

Please subscribe via iTunes or RSS, and head over to rate and review the podcast on iTunes if you can! 

When do you have to take a Covid test before your Royal Caribbean cruise?

If you have a cruise coming up, you are going to need to get a Covid test result, so when should you actually make an appointment for a test?

Many cruisers are confused as to when they should plan to get a test to ensure the results come back in time, but not take the test too early either.

The logistics of when and where to get a test before your cruise is somewhat confusing, so here is what you need to know about getting a Covid-19 test before your cruise so you can get onboard without any issues.

How Royal Caribbean invested in new port projects and tech during the cruise industry shutdown

Royal Caribbean may have been shutdown for 15 months, but that does not mean there has not been any progress made behind the scenes.

Royal Caribbean Group Chief Product Innovation Officer, Jay Schneider, shared a look at the product development and private destination innovations his group has been busy working on since the shutdown began.

Mr. Schneider talks about updates to Royal Caribbean's app, its private beach destinations, and even new ship upgrades.

Royal Caribbean Post Round-Up: August 1, 2021

In:
Royal Caribbean Post Round-Up
01 Aug 2021

Can you believe August is already here? It is the middle of Summer and there is a lot of Royal Caribbean news to catch up from during this week.

This week, Royal Caribbean added a testing requirement for cruises that are at least 5 nights.

Guests sailing on cruises beginning July 31 that are 5-nights or longer will have to provide proof of a negative Covid-19 test at check-in.

The new test result is for all passengers, regardles of if they are vaccinated or not.

Tests must be administered no more than three days prior to sailing, and either antigen or PCR tests are acceptable.

Royal Caribbean News

New RCB Video: U.S. appeals court lifts CDC cruise ship restrictions

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 — U.S. appeals court lifts CDC cruise ship restrictions — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 416th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where Aaron talks about the first Royal Caribbean cruise ship to sail to Alaska.

Aaron went on the first big ship to visit Alaska since 2019, and reports on what it was like to sail again to Alaska, as well as the significance of cruising's return.

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.

What it's like on a test cruise

What happens on one of the CDC's simulated voyages?

I had the chance to sail on a 2-night test cruise aboard Allure of the Seas, which is required by the U.S. government in order to offer a cruise with paying passengers.

It's the first of a series of test cruises in the next few weeks that the line is opening up to its most loyal passengers, as well as travel agents, as it seeks to fulfill the requirements of the CDC's Conditional Sail Order.

Royal Caribbean Post Round-Up: July 25, 2021

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Royal Caribbean Post Round-Up
25 Jul 2021

Happy Sunday! We hope you are having a great weekend! Now it’s time to sit back, relax, and catch up on all the Royal Caribbean news from the week!

The cruise industry celebrated another milestone in its restart process when the first big ship returned to Alaska.

Royal Caribbean's Serenade of the Seas departed Seattle earlier this week, marking the start of a delayed Alaska cruise season.

Alaska had been without any cruise ships since 2019, which had a profound impact on the state's economy.

Serenade's week-long itinerary features a lineup of ports of call, including Juneau, Sitka, Ketchikan and Icy Strait Point, Alaska, as well as Endicott Arm fjord and Dawes Glacier.

Royal Caribbean News

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 415th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where Billy and Matt compare how Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises are restart cruises.

The nuances of ships sailing again can vary from line to line, so this week's podcast episode compares what the restart process looks like between the lines.

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

New RCB Video: 10 Weird Things About Royal Caribbean Cruises That No One Tells You!

Have you subscribed to the Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube Channel? We share some great videos there regularly, all about taking a Royal Caribbean cruise! This week, we are sharing our latest video — 10 Weird Things About Royal Caribbean Cruises That No One Tells You! — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

12 differences between the big and small Royal Caribbean cruise ships

How much does it matter if you book a big or small Royal Caribbean cruise ship?

Among the 25 cruise ships in Royal Caribbean's fleet, there are different ships of various sizes you can book. Big or small, there are advantages and drawbacks to each.

Here are some important considerations when comparing big Royal Caribbean ships to smaller ones.

Royal Caribbean Post Round-Up: July 18, 2021

In:
Royal Caribbean Post Round-Up
18 Jul 2021

Happy Sunday! We hope you are having a great weekend! Now it’s time to sit back, relax, and catch up on all the Royal Caribbean news from the week!

Royal Caribbean shared which changes to its customer loyalty program will be temporary or permanent.

As cruise ships return to service, the Crown and Anchor Society has had some changes made to adhere to certain social distancing guidelines.

Most of the changes are enhancements or additions, although there are a few benefits that have been temporarily rescinded and fewer that have been permanently removed.

To clarify the situation, Royal Caribbean has outlined which changes are going to be lasting, and which are just here for the time being.

Royal Caribbean News

Video: What's one thing you will never do on a cruise?

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's one thing you will never do on a cruise? — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 414th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where Matt shares the best food he's eaten so far on a cruise ship this year.

It may be just three sailings so far, but Matt got to try a few new restaurants and return to some favorites. In this episode, he has a look at which dishes really stood out.

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 will begin picking volunteers to go on test cruises

Check your email, because invitations to test cruises are coming soon.

Royal Caribbean posted on social media it will begin picking randomly from its list of well over a quarter of a million volunteers to come aboard a test cruise.

"The time is here," Royal Caribbean announced with excitement. "This week we’ll be randomly selecting and extending invites to registered Volunteers to participate in upcoming simulation cruises."

Royal Caribbean Post Round-Up: July 11, 2021

In:
Royal Caribbean Post Round-Up
11 Jul 2021

Happy Sunday! I hope you are having a wonderful weekend and are ready to catch up on all the Royal Caribbean news from this week!

Cruises are back in multiple markets with Royal Caribbean restarting sailings with paying passengers out of Miami, Southampton, and Cyprus.

Three Royal Caribbean ships resumed service this week, including Freedom of the Seas, Anthem of the Seas, and Jewel of the Seas.

Even better, more ships are set to resume service over the course of July and August.  Check out our list of all the test cruises scheduled right now.

Royal Caribbean News

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 413th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where Matt reviews his recent sailing on Freedom of the Seas.

Freedom of the Seas was the first Royal Caribbean cruise ship to sail from the United States since early 2020, and Matt shares what his experience was like onboard.

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: Top 5 changes Royal Caribbean has made (so far)!

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 — Top 5 changes Royal Caribbean has made (so far)! — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

8 truths of going on a Royal Caribbean cruise in summer 2021

Cruises are back again in North America and Europe, and while there have only been very few sailings, already a few "new rules" are emerging from the collective experience.

With new protocols, onboard rules, and travel industry trends, there are a few things anyone going on a cruise this summer or fall should know about before they head out.

Based on my experience, here are the top eight new rules I've garnered from going on a Royal Caribbean cruise so far.

Royal Caribbean Post Round-Up: June 6, 2021

In:
Royal Caribbean Post Round-Up
06 Jun 2021

Happy Sunday! It is getting hot outside these days, and the Royal Caribbean news this week is equally heated.  

We had arguably the best news in 16 months when Royal Caribbean announced plans to restart a handful of cruise ships in July and August.

Beginning on July 2, Freedom of the Seas will sail from Miami and mark the return of cruise ships from the United States for Royal Caribbean.

Over the next few weeks, six additional ships will restart operations from ports in Florida, Texas, and Barcelona.

By the end of August, 12 Royal Caribbean ships will be cruising once again across The Bahamas, Caribbean, Alaska and Europe.

Royal Caribbean News

Cruise News

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 409th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, taking a look at what you should know when it comes to flying to a cruise.

It looks like cruises are close to restarting (hopefully), and if you are flying to a cruise ship, this may be a good opportunity to review the basics when it comes to planning to book flights and plan for a cruise you have to get to via airplane.

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: 8 Annoying Things Some People On A Cruise Ship Do!

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 — 8 Annoying Things Some People On A Cruise Ship Do! — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Live from the first cruise ship in North America!

The first cruise ship in North America has set sail on the Celebrity Millennium, and we have our first look at what it's like.

Our sister site, Cruise.Blog is reporting live from Celebrity Millennium and sharing the changes made on the first sailing since March 2020.

Odyssey of the Seas arrives in United States

Odyssey of the Seas arrrived in Port Canaveral on Friday, marking her inaugural entry to the United States.

Odyssey of the Seas will offer 6- and 8-night Southern and Western Caribbean cruises from Fort Lauderdale, starting July 3.

You can check out a look at Odyssey of the Seas' sail in with plenty of photos, which was celebrated as a big event at the port.

Royal Caribbean Post Round-Up: May 30, 2021

In:
Royal Caribbean Post Round-Up
30 May 2021

Happy Sunday and unofficial start to summer! Temperatures are rising, and so is the pace of cruise news to share with you this week.

Royal Caribbean has moved the closest yet to getting ships sailing in the United States by announcing test cruises on its first ship.

Royal Caribbean has received permission from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to start test cruises on Freedom of the Seas from PortMiami.

The test cruise can commence on June 20-22, 2021.

Royal Caribbean News

Cruise News

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 408th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, covering some of the latest cruise news this week.

There has been a ton of changes, updates, and announcements by Royal Caribbean since last week's episode, so Matt talks about all the changes on this 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: Here's what volunteers have to do on a test cruise

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 — Here's what volunteers have to do on a test cruise — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Royal Caribbean Group CEO talks about changes we can expect on a cruise this summer

Royal Caribbean Group Chairman and CEO Richard Fain shared his most optimistic video update yet this week.

The opportunity for cruises to restart again from the United States is something Fain sees as the result of widespread vaccine distribution, public pressure on government officials, and a change in the relationship with the CDC.

So what will a cruise be like once they can sail again?

"As we restart, there will be some more restrictions than before," Mr. Fain explained, "but we expect there will be temporary and similar to what we've all become used to on land.

Royal Caribbean Post Round-Up: May 23, 2021

In:
Royal Caribbean Post Round-Up
23 May 2021

Happy weekend! In case you missed any Royal Caribbean news, here is a look at everything that happened this week!

There was so much cruise news this week, but Royal Caribbean announcing cruise ships will sail in Alaska this year had to be the biggest story so far.

Royal Caribbean Group confirmed plans to restart cruises to Alaska beginning in July 2021.

Two ships will sail to Alaska this summer, Serenade and Ovation of the Seas. Both ships will sail roundtrip from Seattle.

Royal Caribbean News

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 407th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, which addresses the question of what is the worst Royal Caribbean cruise ship.

Many first time cruisers are eager to learn about the best Royal Caribbean ship to sail on, so a common question asked is which cruise ships should be avoided.

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: Celebrity Cruises announces new mask, vaccine, and shore excursion rules!

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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 — Celebrity Cruises announces new mask, vaccine, and shore excursion rules! — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

40 Perfect Day at CocoCay tips, tricks and secrets

Want to know the best advice for what to do at Perfect Day at CocoCay?

If you have a Royal Caribbean cruise visiting Royal Caribbean's private island in the Bahamas, I'm sharing 40 Perfect Day at CocoCay tips, tricks and secrets.

This has all the information you need before you hit the pools, slides, and beaches, so you don't miss anything!

Royal Caribbean Post Round-Up: May 16, 2021

In:
Royal Caribbean Post Round-Up
16 May 2021

Stay up-to-date with all the Royal Caribbean news from this week with our roundup of all this week's news.

Unfortunately, Royal Caribbean had to cancel its entire cruise season from Israel on the brand new Odyssey of the Seas.

Late on Saturday night, Royal Caribbean confirmed all sailings from Haifa, Israel were cancelled "due to the unrest in Israel and the region, Odyssey has not been able to complete the preparations required".

Instead, Odyssey will now head to Florida and await a new deployment.

Royal Caribbean News

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 406th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, which is all about what happens to a cruise ship during a dry dock.

Every so often we hear about a ship going in for a dry dock, but what happens and why are they so important? A retired Coast Guard Commander shares with us what happens during these scheduled breaks for cruise ships.

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.

5 cruise trends Royal Caribbean doesn't do (and 1 it jumped on)

Royal Caribbean is an industry leader, but they don't do everything their competitors offer.

Some new cruisers, as well as people new to Royal Caribbean, may be surprised by some of the things Royal Caribbean does not do, which are found on other cruise lines. 

Here are the top five cruise industry trends I have noticed Royal Caribbean does not do, as well as one that they recently changed their minds about.

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