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

Bad news came down from north of the border this week, when Canada announced it would extend its ban on cruise ships through October 31, 2020.

The ban of cruise ships in Canadian waters makes operating cruises to Alaska or New England effectively impossible because U.S. cabotage laws require foreign-flagged vessels leaving from a U.S. port of call to first call on a "distant foreign port" before returning to the United States.

Royal Caribbean has promised an update on affected sailings by Tuesday.

Royal Caribbean News

• There will not be overnight stays at Perfect Day at CocoCay.
• Changes made once cruising resumes may not be permanent changes.
• Royal Caribbean hired back over 100 laid off workers to help answer phones.
• Richard Fain published a new video about new protocols and procedures.
• Royal Caribbean's stock price has seen a resurgence recently.
• Is a cruise drink package worth buying?
• Here are the ways to get a cheap cruise.
• Ever thought about trying a repositioning cruise?
• Learn all about solo cruises on Royal Caribbean.
• Here is what you need to know to decide between the passport book vs card.
• Top 9 bad mistakes made when planning a Royal Caribbean cruise.
• Haines, Alaska wants more Royal Caribbean ships to visit.
• Test your knowledge with our Royal Caribbean brain teaser trivia.
• Here is how to have cruise ship fun at home while there are no sailings.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 356th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, that shares the story of Bryan's family cruise on Allure of the Seas.

Bryan took this family on Allure of the Seas for a family vacation that redefined what the new standard of family fun was for his clan.

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

Would you cruise if wearing a mask is mandatory?

Many tourist businesses opening back up now are requiring guests to wear masks, and the question is if Royal Caribbean will do the same.

I polled over two thousand people who typically go on Royal Caribbean if they would cruise again assuming wearing a mask was mandatory, and it was clear how readers felt about wearing a mask.

Royal Caribbean has not divulged any specifics of the plans and protocols in intends to introduce once cruising resume, but many believe wearing a mask onboard the ship might be included as part of the new rules.

Happy Sunday and happy unofficial start to summer, as the Memorial Day weekend here in the United States marks the start of the season for many.

Royal Caribbean cancelled all of its sailings through July 31, 2020, pushing back the date it may restart sailings.

The announcement came at the end of the company's earnings call with investors, with a new target date to resume on August 1, 2020.

The only exception to the suspension is China sailings, which will be suspended through the end of June.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean reported over $1 billion losses during the first quarter.
• Allure of the Seas arrived in Spain to begin some dry dock work.
• Richard Fain told CNBC "We're not sure when we're coming back"
• Here is Royal Caribbean's explanation on why refunds are taking so long.
• Royal Caribbean's newer ships reach a break-even point quicker than older ships.
• Demand by repeat cruises has surprised the cruise line.
• Corporate partner Universal Studios Orlando will reopen on June 5.
• Australia extended its ban on cruise ships until September.
• Royal Caribbean ends option for travel agents to complete online check-in for guests.
• United States and Canada extend non-essential travel border shutdown an additional 30 days.
• 7 family games that bring a Royal Caribbean cruise to your house.
• How to postpone your Royal Caribbean cruise until later due to coronavirus
• Many cruisers willing to go back on cruise ships before a vaccine exists.
• Here is the latest Odyssey of the Seas cruise construction photo.
• Italy is going to reopen its borders in June.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 355th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, that features Brent's first Royal Caribbean cruise.

Vania shares how finding other cruise fans online helped fuel her love of going on a cruise, and shares how it compelled her to book an Anthem of the Seas sailing.

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 changes will Royal Caribbean make to keep guests healthy once cruises resume?

Many cruisers are wondering what the cruise experience will be like in first few months once cruises resume.

Without a doubt, Royal Caribbean will implement a wide variety of policy changes to the onboard experience, but it remains to be seen exactly what these changes will look like until a formal announcement is made.

Check out our list of changes we know about, and unconfirmed changes that are still considered rumors.

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

Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley spoke on a variety of topics this week related to the cruise line's return to service.

Among the many questions, Mr. Bayley indicated he believes there may not be a Windjammer buffet in the beginning.

"I think in the beginning, there will not be a buffet in the beginning, that's how I see it. It depends again upon the timing. We will utilize the space, we will utilize the Windjammer, but in all probability it won't be a classical buffet. It will be something more akin to a restaurant."

Royal Caribbean News

• Allure of the Seas will begin her delayed refurbishment this weekend.
• A Wall Street analyst estimated how long Royal Caribbean can last without any revenue.
• Everything you need to know about Lift & Shift.
• How to take advantage of Royal Caribbean's Best Price Guarantee option to reprice cruises.
• A new set of photo packages is available to pre-purchase.
• The port project in Freeport, Bahamas is still a go.
• Royal Caribbean hired new Washington DC lobbyists.
• Did you know Royal Caribbean used to distribute passenger lists?
• Eight lessons I learned by cruising with kids.
• This is now the longest we have gone without Royal Caribbean canceling more cruises.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 354th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, that features Brent's first Royal Caribbean cruise.

Brent had cruised with Celebrity Cruises for a while, but decided to give Royal Caribbean a try in order to take advantage of all the great family activities. He shares what coming to Royal Caribbean was like, and how the sister brands compare.

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 Cancellations

Do you have questions about if Royal Caribbean will cancel more cruises and what happens if their cruise is included?

There is plenty of concern out there, and I have a breakdown of everything you need to know about what happens (and has happened) when Royal Caribbean cancels more cruises.

There is plenty of doubt about the future of cruising, and what to expect if your Royal Caribbean cruise is cancelled, but this guide will explain everything that happens should it happen to you.

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

Royal Caribbean unveiled an expanded ability to cancel and rebook cruises earlier this week.

The "enhanced & extended Cruise with Confidence policy" offers guests the ability to cancel up to 48-hours prior to sailing in exchange for a 100% Future Cruise Credit on sailings through April 2022 for bookings made on-or-before August 1, 2020.

In addition, a new "Lift & Shift" program was announced to move a cruise to a similar sailing one year away. 

On top of all of that, Royal Caribbean relaxed its Best Price Guarantee up to 48-hours prior to their cruise vacation start date, ensuring the best rate and/or promotion.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean issued a business update on how its business is doing given the major impact of no cruises.
• Royal Caribbean has cancelled plans to introduce a Spa stateroom category on its ships.
• Carnival Cruises announced its plans for resuming cruises.
• Grand Cayman announced it will close its borders to cruise ships until September.
• Five important facts from Royal Caribbean's business update.
• Two sailings were cancelled so that the ships could repatriate crew members.
• Richard Fain spoke on the work to get crew home and resume cruises.
• Get Kids Sail Free & 30% off all guests on cruises booked in May.
• Royal Caribbean is working on a plan to get its crew members home.
• Have you gotten your refund yet? I asked readers if they have gotten theirs yet.
• Have you seen this uplifting video made by Royal Caribbean's entertainment team?
• One year ago this week, Perfect Day at CocoCay officially opened.
• I shared some really captivating Royal Caribbean cruise photos.
• Here is the full recipe on how to make the Grand Sabor Margarita at home.
• The Royal Caribbean shareholder meeting is scheduled for the end of May.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 353rd episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, that features Ron's story of how he rescheduled a cruise to work around family obligations

Our love of cruising can sometimes take a back seat to our loved ones, and Ron tells us about how he changed sailings to work around family plans and ended up with a fantastic 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.

How to get ready for your next cruise (whenever it happens)

While there are no Royal Caribbean cruises to go on currently, the day when they will sail again is coming, and now is a great opportunity to prepare for that vacation.

One of the best ways to ensure you have a fantastic vacation is to plan ahead, as I see too many cruisers that do little to no research into their vacation.

Make the most of your cruise with these top tips!

Happy Sunday, everyone! Can you believe May is here already? Warmer temperatures and plenty of Royal Caribbean news and info to share with you from this week!

Many cruisers were happy to hear Royal Caribbean says a letter from a doctor for guests who are 70 years old or older, or have a pre-existing chronic medical condition, is no longer necessary.

Royal Caribbean Senior Vice President of Sales and Trade Support & Service Vicki Freed confirmed the news during a webinar with travel agents earlier this week.

"We found out that CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association) did actually change this requirement on April 3rd. So a health form is no longer required for those travelers ages 70 plus, nor are there restrictions for those guests with underlying health conditions."

Royal Caribbean News

• The new cruise terminal in Galveston is officially delayed by one year.
• Apology letters were sent to guests for how long refunds are taking.
• Royal Caribbean made it easier to redeem future cruise credits online.
• Royal Caribbean extended Future Cruise Credits dates of use.
• We asked our readers when they think cruises would resume again.
• We got updates on Odyssey of the Seas, the President's cruise, Alaska cruises, and more.
• The UK expects Anthem of the Seas to still be there later this year.
• Azipods were mounted on Odyssey of the Seas.
• Top 5 reasons to book flights now for your cruise vacation coming up later.
• Free Royal Caribbean backgrounds for your phone lock screen.
• Here are some funny videos on TikTok by Royal Caribbean crew members.
• Fun Royal Caribbean recipes to make at home
  • Love Connection cocktail
  • Traditional Caesar Salad
• Check out the new escape room fun on Oasis of the Seas.
• Royal Caribbean transformed guest photos into a private island portrait.
• Odyssey of the Seas construction photo was updated.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 352nd episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, that features Michael's story of an annual cruise tradition.

Michael shares how a cruise for a good cause has turned into his family's annual tradition that he looks forward to each and every 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.

The best Royal Caribbean vacation hacks pros swear by!

I love to share cruise tips, tricks, and advice, so that everyone can benefit from saving time or money (or both).

This week, I have some of my favorite expert-level Royal Caribbean cruise hacks that repeat cruisers swear by.

Lots happened this past week, and I do not want you to miss out on any of the news or helpful posts.  So here is a look back at everything posted here in just the last few days.

Royal Caribbean was busy filing trademarks this week, and perhaps these new applications shed light on what cruising will look like once it resumes.

Most notably, the cruise line filed a trademark for a face mask known as "SEAFACE", as well as another trademark for "EMUSTER".

Trademark applications do not have much information in them, but it stands to reason if Royal Caribbean took the time and money to file for a trademark, there is likely some seriousness to pursuing these concepts.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean's Crown and Anchor Society Member Ambassador was let go in the recent layoffs.
• Richard Fain spoke about the first steps Royal Caribbean will need to take in order to re-open.
• The one question everyone wants to know: when will Royal Caribbean resume sailings?
• Six big questions cruisers are asking about, that Royal Caribbean still has not answered.
• The ongoing debate: can you wear shorts in the main dining room?
• Here is an inside look at how Wall Street sees Royal Caribbean's future.
• The shipyard where Wonder of the Seas is being built is slowly reopening.
• The company that created Royal Caribbean's escape rooms has launched a virtual escape room.
• Royal Caribbean is reportedly working with Morgan Stanley to raise new financing.
• Here are 10 fun Royal Caribbean upgrades under $50.
• Here is how to make the Poke Bowl from Izumi at home.
• 10 Surprising things you didn't know the Royal Caribbean concierge can do for you.
• A new learn to play casino table games option has been added to the Cruise Planner.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 351st episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, that features Erin's story of a memorable sailing on Grandeur of the Seas.

Erin decided to go on a cruise with a sorority sister, along with their respective kids, and created quite a few memories in the process.

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.

How Royal Caribbean cut a cruise ship in half

One of the truly incredible engineering feats is when a cruise line cuts a cruise ship in half, adds a new section in the middle, and welds the halves back together. 

While not a common practice anymore, Royal Caribbean endeavored to lengthen its first cruise ship, Song of Norway, in 1977.

Here is the full story of how Royal Caribbean undertook this major (and dangerous) operation.

There was plenty of Royal Caribbean news and helpful posts shared this week, so here is a look at everything from the past few days so you do not miss any of it!

The big news was Royal Caribbean extending its cruise shutdown by cancelling all sailings through June 11.

This is the third time Royal Caribbean has cancelled sailings due to the health crisis, with the first set of cancelled sailings through April 10, then they cancelled all cruises through May 11.

Royal Caribbean had already cancelled all Canada, New England, and Alaska sailings through June 30, due to Canada closing all of its cruise ports.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean laid off 26% of its employees this week.
• Richard Fain was named to the President's economic revival group.
• Take a 360 look at the shipyard where Odyssey of the Seas is being built.
• How to request a refund for your cancelled Royal Caribbean cruise.
• There is a new sale that offers bonus instant savings for Crown and Anchor members.
• Florida's governor has re-opened some beaches and parks.
• Check out these fun virtual cruise bingo cards!
• Richard Fain shared a reassuring message this week on the outlook of cruises returning.
• A new virtual cruise begins today.
• Check out these Royal Caribbean recipes!
  • flourless chocolate cake from the main dining room
  • Kahlua Creme Brulee from the main dining room
• Have you ever wondered why is there formal night on a cruise?
• Arne Wilhelmsen passed away, who had a major impact in the formation of Royal Caribbean.
• A look at who owns Royal Caribbean.
• Should you reschedule your Royal Caribbean cruise in 2020 or 2021?

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 350th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, which I think will bring a smile to your face with this week's fun cruise story.

Paul shares his story of a very memorable day in St. Thomas while on Freedom of the Seas a number of years ago.  

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.

How did Royal Caribbean get its name?

Did you ever wonder why Royal Caribbean was the name picked for the cruise line? After all, it is not named after the founder of the company or the country or town it is based in, so why was this name chosen?

The story of which names the cruise line founders considered, as well as why they chose Royal Caribbean (and the Crown and Anchor logo) can be discovered on the blog this week!

Despite the fact there are no cruises happening, plenty is happening and I have a wrap-up of everything that occured this past week!

Royal Caribbean announced earlier this week it is extending the ability to cancel a cruise up to 48 hours before it sails.

The Cruise with Confidence program will now include sailings through September 1, 2020.

Under this policy, Royal Caribbean is providing guests with the flexibility to cancel a cruise for any reason up to 48 hours before a sailing is scheduled to depart.  

Royal Caribbean News

• RCL Cares was launched to support the travel agent community.
• Royal Caribbean's top executives have taken a pay cut.
• Royal Caribbean has bolstered its financial situation with $3.48 billion in backup financing.
• Majesty of the Seas was forced out of Gulfport, Mississippi due to a port closure.
• Richard Fain shared his outlook on the cruise industry right now.
• Will there be cruises to Alaska in 2020?
• A poll shows Americans will be slow to want to cruise again.
• Applying or renewing a passport is quite difficult for the foreseeable future.
• Should I buy Royal Caribbean stock right now?
• An inaccurate report of Royal Caribbean cancelling its cruises until September made the rounds online.
• We shared some Royal Caribbean drink recipes!
  • Lava Flow
  • Coco Loco
• A list of differences between each of the Oasis Class ships.
• Take a retro-look back to Soveriegn of the Seas in 1998!
• A new Virtual of the Seas cruise departs today to Alaska.
• Here is what life is like on empty cruise ships.
• Free printable Royal Caribean coloring pages for adults!
• What you should know about cruising during hurricane season.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 348th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, with the story of how cruising changed Kat's life.

The world has changed, and so has this podcast. Given the state of affairs, we have a new concept for the podcast to share that provides a glimpse into our listener's past cruises and highlight memorable sailings.

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: Latest Royal Caribbean News

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 — Latest Royal Caribbean News — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Welcome to March! We hope you are having a great weekend and are ready to sit back, relax and catch up with all the latest Royal Caribbean news!

Coronavirus dominated the news this week (and last week, and the week before...) and Royal Caribbean announced it will allow cancellations up to 48 hours before sailing due to Coronavirus outbreak.

Guests will receive a full credit for their fare, usable on any future sailing of the guest's choice in 2020 or 2021. The policy applies to both new and existing cruise bookings.

The policy applies to all cruises with a sailing date on or before July 31, 2020, and will be offered by the company's global brands: Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Azamara and Silversea. 

Royal Caribbean News

• A brand new cruise port destination is coming to Freeport, Bahamas.
• Former CEO Adam Goldstein has left the company.
• First look at the Giovanni's Italian Kitchen menu on Freedom of the Seas.
• Casino tournaments are now prebookable on the Cruise Planner site.
• Mandatory temperature screenings have been added to the cruise check-in procedure.
• Richard Fain shared a reassuring message about the Coronavirus.
• Royal Caribbean has added an option to add extra guests to cabanas.
• Using a cell phone onboard a Royal Caribbean cruise.
• Check out the new Coca-Cola souvenir cup design.
• Wondering what is the biggest Royal Caribbean ship?

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 344th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, which has Matt's top ten dining tips.

In this episode, Matt goes over ten ways to enhance your cruise and save money when it comes to eating on a Royal Caribbean 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: 10 Rookie mistakes you shouldn't be making on Royal Caribbean in 2020!

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 Rookie mistakes you shouldn't be making on Royal Caribbean in 2020 — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Royal Caribbean Around the Internet

Cruise Critic is giving away 7-night cruise on Oasis of the Seas.

Cruise Tips TV shared money saving Royal Caribbean tips.

Welcome to March! We hope you are having a great weekend and are ready to sit back, relax and catch up with all the latest Royal Caribbean news!

Interesting news came out this week, when it was reported Royal Caribbean purchased land on the western end of Paradise Island in The Bahamas.

No word from the cruise line confirming the news, nor what the land will be used for in the future.

According to Tribune Business, the land could be used for, "a beach-centred entertainment destination for the passengers it brings to Nassau."

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean expanded Coronavirus travel restrictions to Iran, Italy and South Korea.
• Some of the 2021-2022 deployment schedule has been postponed.
• Royal Caribbean scheduled new port stops in St. Maarten in 2020.
• Freedom of the Seas now works with Royal Caribbean's app.
• Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd was named one of the most ethical companies in the world.
• Photos of Spectrum of the Seas arriving in Sydney.
• Here are 10 ways to save money on your Royal Caribbean cruise.
• How to know if you need a drink package.
• How much should I budget for a cruise?
• Comparing the Royal Caribbean ships sailing in Alaska.
• The top 10 celebrity musicians that performed on Royal Caribbean .
• Is it better to book excursions through the cruise ship?

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 343rd episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, which is a look back at the Coronavirus scare on Anthem of the Seas from a few weeks ago.

In this episode, Kurt shares what his experience was like when a false rumor of Coronavirus on Anthem of the Seas delayed his sailing by multiple 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: 10 things you didn't know about Perfect Day at CocoCay

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 things you didn't know about Perfect Day at CocoCay — and don’t forget to subscribe here.