Royal Caribbean Post Round-Up: May 16, 2021

In:
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.

Royal Caribbean Post Round-Up: May 9, 2021

In:
09 May 2021

Happy Mothers Day! All the moms out there deserve a big hug, thank you, and hopefully a new cruise booking too.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has given cruise lines new instructions for test cruises and even sailings from the United States.

The CDC released the next two phases of its Framework for Conditional Sailing Order (CSO) that will allow for the "eventual resumption of U.S. cruise industry operations."

The new instructions cover the test cruises that cruise ships would need to conduct in order to start sailing passenger sailings under a COVID-19 Conditional Sailing Certificate.

Royal Caribbean News

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 405th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available,which takes a look at the big cruise news outside of Royal Caribbean.

This week, Ashley and Matt look at all the cruise news happening with other cruise 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 Cruise ship mistakes travel agents see people doing all the time!

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 Cruise ship mistakes travel agents see people doing all the time! — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Royal Caribbean Summer 2021 Cruise Planning Guide

This summer there were will be at least a few ships sailing from ports in the Caribbean and Europe, and I have important tips and things to know about reserving and planning for these summer sailings.

One thing is certain for these summer 2021 cruises, and that is there will be changes and new protocols in place that are new to any cruiser.

With that in mind, our Summer 2021 Cruise Planning Guide shares advice, tips, and news you should be aware of for cruises in summer 2021.

Royal Caribbean Post Round-Up: May 2, 2021

In:
02 May 2021

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

The big cruise news this week came when the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) gave the cruise industry new hope for sailings to resume from the United States this summer.

In the new guidance, the CDC said cruise ships that have 98% vaccinated crew members and 95% vaccinated passengers could restart sailings and bypass the required simulated test voyages carrying volunteers and jump to sailings with paying passengers.

It is not clear yet if Royal Caribbean will move in this direction, nor when any restart might commence yet.

Also included in the report are five points of clarification that give cruise lines better insight into the CDC's expectations for a restart.

Read more:

Royal Caribbean News

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 404th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, with advice on flying to Nassau.

Someone that has flown to Nassau a lot recently shares his tips and experiences for flying to Nassau given the changes these days.

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: The most FRUSTRATING things about Royal Caribbean cruises!

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 — The most FRUSTRATING things about Royal Caribbean cruises! — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

5 reasons why what happened to cruise ships in 2020 will never happen again

In the early days of the global health crisis, the cruise industry was caught off guard with a new health threat which was unfortunately seen in the public eye in the case of a few high profile ship quarantines.

More than a year later, memories of what happened to those cruise ships in early 2020 still dominate the narrative for many people and the fear of allowing something like this to happen again is enough to compel some to not want cruise ships to sail again.

While the cruise industry struggles to prove it can safely sail from the United States, here is why what happened on cruise ships at the very start of the global health crisis will all but certainly never happen again.

Royal Caribbean Post Round-Up: April 25, 2021

In:
25 Apr 2021

Did you miss any of this week's Royal Caribbean news? No worries, because we have you covered with our wrap-up of cruise news!

Alaska joined Florida in suing the federal government in an attempt to get cruises started.

Earlier this week, Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy (R-AK) announced Alaska was joining the lawsuit against the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

Both states want the CDC to drop the Framework for Conditional Sail Order (CSO), which is not allowing cruise ships to sail in U.S. waters.

Royal Caribbean News

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 403rd episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, with Matt's opinion of what is happening with the CDC right now.

A lot has been happening over the last few weeks with various statements, injunctions, and legislation aimed at getting cruise ships sailing again. This week, Matt talks about how he sees things moving, and what it all means.

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: My favorite 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 — My favorite Royal Caribbean cruise hacks — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Will a Royal Caribbean sale actually save me any money?

There are lots of Royal Caribbean sales and promotions you could book, but will these cruise sales and pre-cruise discounts save you any money?

Quite often you will see an email or social media post advertising discounts to take advantage of, but like so many things, it depends on how much it may actually save you.

The key is to track prices, and reprice when possible.

Help Corner: How to contact Royal Caribbean for help with a cruise cancellation or refund

These days, it seems we all have various billing questions to decipher.

With all of the cruise cancellations over the last year, there is a good chance you may have a future cruise credit, onboard credit, or upcoming booking that you are trying to balance.

Here are some easy steps for getting answers if you are trying to sort out options, or get an update on your refund status.

Royal Caribbean Post Round-Up: April 18, 2021

In:
18 Apr 2021

Happy weekend! I hope Spring is starting to arrive where you live.  Regardless of the weather, it is time to sit back, relax, and check out the latest in Royal Caribbean news!

The news that got a lot of attention this week was a new bill introduced that aims to get cruise ships sailing again.

Senators from Florida and Alaska sponsored a new piece of legislation that would allow cruise ships to start sailing without the CDC's interference.

Alaska Senator Dan Sullivan, along with Florida Senators Rick Scott and Marco Rubio, announced a bill that is aimed at overriding the CDC’s current framework for getting cruise lines back to sea. In this new legislation, called the CRUISE Act, or Careful Resumption Under Improved Safety Enhancements, lawmakers are calling on U.S. health officials to change current guidelines.

The purpose of the bill is to end the U.S. Center for Disease Control (CDC)'s Framework for Conditional Sail Order (CSO) by July 4, 2021 so that cruise lines can restart sailings from the United States.

Royal Caribbean News

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 402nd episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, featuring a look at this summer's cruises you could sail on.

In this episode, Matt takes a look at what you need to be thinking about if you are planning a summer 2021 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: 20 Royal Caribbean tips for a better 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 — 20 Royal Caribbean tips for a better cruise — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Royal Caribbean Group CEO sees signs "We Are Approaching The End" of cruise shutdown

Royal Caribbean Group Chairman and CEO Richard Fain thinks cruise ships being able to sail again may be up next.

In his latest video update, Richard Fain sees a lot of key milestones happening now that point to the fact things are moving in the right direction.

Included in his comments was mention of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recent update to its Framework for Conditional Sail Order (CSO), which Mr. Fain characterized as, "tougher restrictions on cruising out of U.S. ports."

Royal Caribbean Post Round-Up: April 11, 2021

In:
11 Apr 2021

Spring is here and it is also Sunday, which means we are celebrating warm(er) temperatures and Royal Caribbean news from this week!

The state of Florida on Thursday sued the federal government in order to get cruise ships started up again.

Florida Governor Ron Desantis announced on Thursday the state is filing a lawsuit against the federal government, United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and CDC, demanding cruise ships be reopened immediately.

The CDC has been blocking most cruise vessels from sailing in U.S. waters since the coronavirus outbreak was declared a pandemic in March of 2020, citing COVID-19-related risks.

Royal Caribbean News

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 401st episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, featuring a listener's recent cruise on Allure of the Seas.

James shares his cruise story from Liberty of the Seas, where he tried out a new ship after finding a great deal.

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 mistakes cruisers make & how to fix them!

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 mistakes cruisers make & how to fix them! — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Royal Caribbean will start West Coast cruises earlier than planned, beginning in November 2021

Royal Caribbean will start its West Coast cruises earlier than expected.

Instead of beginning cruises from Los Angeles, California in June 2022, Royal Caribbean has moved up the start date to November 2021.

Navigator of the Seas will operate short three- and four-night sailings calling on Ensenada, Mexico, and Catalina Island. There will also be several five-night sailings that will also include a stop in Cabo San Lucas, and select weeklong voyages will include an overnight stay.

Royal Caribbean Post Round-Up: April 4, 2021

In:
04 Apr 2021

They say April showers brings May flowers, but Sundays bring you a round-up of all of this week's Royal Caribbean news!

Odyssey of the Seas was delivered this week to Royal Caribbean, and we have our first look at some areas around the ship.

During a virtual ceremony, Royal Caribbean executives joined executives from the Meyer Werft shipyard to formally take ownership of the new vessel.

The new ship weighs 169,000 gross tons and measures 1,138 feet (347 meters) long and 135 feet (41 meters).

More Odyssey of the Seas news:

Royal Caribbean News

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 400th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, all about Royal Caribbean's announcement it will restart sailings outside the USA.

In this episode, Matt breaks down the announcement that Adventure of the Seas and number of other ships will start sailing again this summer from new homeports outside the U.S.

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: Why you shouldn't book a flight on same day of your 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 — Things I'll never do again on a Royal Caribbean cruise — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Test cruises are the next phase of the CDC's plan for restarting cruises

While the U.S. Centers for Disease Control's (CDC) release of technical instructions this week left many cruise fans less than enthused, the good news is test cruises are theoretically next on the agenda.

The CDC confirmed that the next phase once ships complete the new technical instructions is to conduct simulated (trial) voyages that will demonstrate the new protocols and health rules.

There is no timeline given when that may occur, but the possibility of test cruises on the horizon gives hope change is on the horizon.

Royal Caribbean Post Round-Up: March 28, 2021

In:
28 Mar 2021

This was a busy week with Royal Caribbean news, and we have a summary of all of the news from this week to make certain you did not miss any of it.

Ready to go on a cruise this summer?

The new Adventure of the Seas sailings from Nassau, Bahamas are available to book via Royal Caribbean's website, phone, or through a travel agent.

The new bookings are available to book immediately, beginning with the June 12 sailing. Sailings between June and September 2021 are open for booking.

Be sure to also check out these 20 Adventure of the Seas tips, tricks & secrets!

Royal Caribbean News

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 399th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, featuring a look at the Mexican Riviera ports.

In this episode, Sheri gives us a preview of what to expect in all of the west coast cruise ports you can visit, and what there is to do in each one.

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 I'll never do again on a Royal Caribbean 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 — Things I'll never do again on a Royal Caribbean cruise — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Royal Caribbean announces Vision of the Seas will sail from Bermuda

Royal Caribbean announced its second cruise ship to restart North American cruises will be Vision of the Seas from Bermuda.

Vision of the Seas will sail from outside the United States so that it can offer cruises sooner and without approval from the U.S. Center for Disease Control (CDC).

Just like Adventure of the Seas, sailings on Vision of the Seas will require all adults above the age of 18 to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19.

Royal Caribbean Post Round-Up: March 21, 2021

In:
21 Mar 2021

This was a busy week with Royal Caribbean news, and we have a summary of all of the news from this week to make certain you did not miss any of it.

This week we finally got the news we have been waiting for. Royal Caribbean announced it would restart Adventure of the Seas this summer from the Bahamas.

Adventure of the Seas will offer 7-night cruises from her new homeport of Nassau, Bahamas between June and August 2021.

All crew and guests above the age of 18 will need to be full vaccinated in order to come onboard. Children under the age of 18 with proof of negative COVID-19 test results are able to sail as well.

The new cruises on Adventure of the Seas will go on sale beginning March 24, 2021.

Read moreWhat you need to know about Royal Caribbean's new cruises from The Bahamas

Royal Caribbean News

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 398th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, focusing on where Australia cruises are right now.

In this episode, we take a look at what is holding up Australia cruises from restarting and the latest cruise news from down under.

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: Why the cliché about cruise ships is totally wrong!

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 — Why the cliché about cruise ships is totally wrong! — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Royal Caribbean will sail from the West Coast again!

Royal Caribbean will finally return to offering cruises from California for the first time in over a decade.

Navigator of the Seas will sail from Los Angeles in summer 2022 to offer sailings to the Mexican Riviera.

The new sailings will vary between 3-, 4- and 5-night itineraries to Catalina Island, California and Ensenada and Cabo San Lucas, Mexico – plus, select winter holiday 7-night sailings will feature overnights in the popular resort city.

Royal Caribbean’s new year-round adventures from LA will open for sale the week of March 29, 2021.

Royal Caribbean Post Round-Up: March 14, 2021

In:
14 Mar 2021

Happy weekend! We hope you remembered to Spring Forward! Here’s all the Royal Caribbean news this week!

Unfortunately, Royal Caribbean canceled nearly all of its May 2021 cruises.

The new round of cancellations means cruises will not be able to restart until at least June.

This means its voluntary cruise shutdown extends through May 31, 2021.

Cruise operations had been suspended through the end of April 2021, but will now be extended an additional month.

Royal Caribbean News

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 397th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, which has the top things I wish more cruisers knew about going on a cruise.

In this episode, I have seven suggestions for anyone going on a cruise that wants to enjoy their cruise to its fullest.

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: 5 Costly lessons learned on a cruise (and how to avoid them!)

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 — Where are Royal Caribbean's cruise ships right now?
 — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Royal Caribbean releases Long Caribbean cruise itineraries for Winter 2022-2023

Royal Caribbean has released a new round of 2022-2023 itineraries for sale.

This week, the "Other/Long Caribbean" for Winter 2022-2023 went on sale, encompassing five cruise ships. These new sailings are available to book immediately.

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