Happy weekend! It has been a busy week of Royal Caribbean news and events, and we have a look back at everything that happened this week.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian, this week was dominated by the work Royal Caribbean did to help the people of The Bahamas recover as quickly as possible.

Across many of its cruise ships, Royal Caribbean engaged in an ambitious plan to delivery tens of thousands of meals to people across Grand Bahama Island.

Cruise ships in the area made unscheduled stops in Freeport to deliver meals and supplies to aid agencies so that they could be distributed to people in need.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean began organizing the first relief efforts in Freeport just a few days after Hurricane Dorian.
• Royal Caribbean pledged $1 million in Hurricane Dorian disaster relief.
• Royal Caribbean's CEO met with Bahamian and aid agency officials in Freeport.
• Engines were delivered to the shipyard for Odyssey of the Seas.
• CocoCay island re-opened on September 7.
• Top five coolest things about Mariner of the Seas.
• A look at an 8-year-old's favorite things to do on a Royal Caribbean cruise.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 318th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where Matt reflects on how a hurricane disrupted his cruise vacation plans.

Cruising in hurricane season comes with its shares of risks, but for the first time a hurricane interrupted Matt's plans and this week's episode is about sharing lessons learned.

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 much does it cost to go 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 — How much does it cost to go on a Royal Caribbean cruise? — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Royal Caribbean Around the Internet

Orlando Sentinel shared the story of a Bahamian Royal Caribbean worker that was reunited with her family after the hurricane.

News4Jax reported on the work Royal Caribbean is doing to sends thousands of meals, supplies to the Bahamas.

Fox 35 reported on Royal Caribbean's work to transport 261 evacuees from Freeport.

Thanks for joining us for another weekly look at all of the Royal Caribbean news from this week.  The late-summer heat is still on, and we have plenty of Royal Caribbean news to share from this week.

Royal Caribbean revealed its amplification plans for Freedom fo the Seas in spring 2020.

Royal Caribbean will add the Perfect Storm duo of waterslides, a redesigned Adventure Ocean, a Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade and a reimagined pool deck that will feature Splashaway Bay, El Loco Fresh and The Lime & Coconut.

Beginning March 8, 2020, the reimagined Freedom will sail year-round, 7-night Southern Caribbean itineraries from San Juan, Puerto Rico and will include stops in St. Lucia, Antigua and the ABC Islands – Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao.

Royal Caribbean News

• We shared some changes our readers discovered this week.
• Here is a guide to Royal Caribbean's specialty dining packages.
• Our new video of 10 things to do on any shore excursion.
• There is still a day left in Royal Caribbean's cruise planner sale.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 316th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where Matt shares the tips he uses on every cruise he takes.

There are plenty of tips, tricks and advice out there when it comes to cruising.  This week, Matt shares the tips he uses on every 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.

New RCB Video: 5 myths people use to avoid trying 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 — 5 myths people use to avoid trying Royal Caribbean — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Royal Caribbean Around the Internet

Kingdom Cuisine shared the basics of dining on Royal Caribbean.

Cruise Critic wrote about their recent Gradeur of the Seas sailing.

Cruise Buzz listed 75 things to know about Harmony of the Seas.

Cruise Hive shared 15 impressive things about Symphony of the Seas.

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!

Royal Caribbean revealed this week plans to add late night and two call visits to Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Beginning September 30, 2019, Royal Caribbean will offer 4-night itineraries to the private island destination across nearly 40 sailings. 

The new itineraries are available to guests on select Navigator and Mariner of the Seas sailings.

Royal Caribbean News

• An overview of Royal Caribbean drink package prices.
• Royal Caribbean's app now supports Anthem of the Seas.
• Royal Caribbean helped over 100 teachers with purchasing back-to-school supplies.
• A look at eight ways Royal Caribbean changed the cruise industry.
• We shared a new video of important things you should know about your Royal Caribbean stateroom.
• In case you were wondering what's the earlierst time you can get off a cruise ship when it's over.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 315th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where Matt offers an introduction to travel insurance.

You may have heard about travel insurance, but were unsure where to start or what it really covers. This week, Matt talks about the basics when it comes to travel insurance and what you need to know before purchasing a plan.

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

New RCB Video: Royal Caribbean Drink Package Review

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 get free drinks on a Royal Caribbean cruise — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Royal Caribbean Around the Internet

The Points Guy offers a guide to using cruise ship Wi-Fi.

Miami Herald reported on a man who went overboard on Symphony of the Seas.

The Mirror shared the experience of the man from Ireland who landed a dream job working for Royal Caribbean.

Cruise and Ferry wrote about ACS Productions work on Royal Caribbean's Oasis Class ships.

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 altered its Thrill Waterpark policy this week by lowering the unaccompanied guest age to 14 years old.

Previously, unaccomapnied guests needed to be 18 years old, but effective August 3, the cruise line's policy has shifted.

This new rule change allows for adults to forgo purchasing water park admission in situations where teenagers want to enjoy thrills on their own.

Royal Caribbean News

• Our readers shared their best tips for having fun with kids on a cruise.
• We reviewed the Westgate Cocoa Beach Resort.
• Check out the best Perfect Day at CocoCay secrets.
• We shared our readers' favorite cruise photos.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 314th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where Matt discusses the differences between Royal Caribbean's ship classes.

Royal Caribbean categorizes its cruise ships based on a variety of characteristics, and on this episode, Matt talks about what makes each class different and what makes each class stand out.

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

New RCB Video: Royal Caribbean Drink Package Review

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 Drink Package Review — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Royal Caribbean Around the Internet

Food Network listed the best food on every major cruise line.

Travel Weekly debunked the viral video of a crew member waving at a couple who missed the ship.

One Good Dad wrote about how he took his kids on a Royal Caribbean cruise for self-care.

Cruise Fever reported that Norovirus outbreaks on cruise ships are at an 18 year low.

Drunk on Disney Podcast recorded a podcast about their recent Oasis of the Seas cruise.

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.

The big Royal Caribbean news this week was the announcement of new Empress of the Seas sailings from Bayonne, New Jersey and Montreal, Canada in 2020-2021.

Empress will offer guests the opportunity to see "the seaside lights and historic sights" of Canada and New England with more to see from Montreal to Newport. In addition, she will offer longer stays in Bermuda with overnight stays in St. George’s Island and Hamilton. Plus 6, 7 and 8 night Caribbean itineraries from Miami.

Royal Caribbean News

• Fast Track priority boarding option is available for select guests.
• A new vegan menu is being added to the main dining room.
• New 50th Anniversary souvenir drink cup design.
• Our top picks for what to do in Cozumel.
• A week-long pre-cruise purchase sale began earlier this week.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 313th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where Sheri joins Matt to share how to shop for a cruise at a dollar store.

In this episode, Sheri talks about the sort of things you can buy at a dollar store to prepare for a cruise and save money at the same 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: Worst Royal Caribbean advice you will get

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 — Worst Royal Caribbean advice you will get — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Royal Caribbean Around the Internet

Cosmopolitan wrote how a Royal Caribbean cruise turned into their favorite vacation.

Cayman27 shared details on a proposed dock in Grand Cayman.

Hello Fashion listed five reasons to cruise with Royal Caribbean.

It seems like it is heating up everywhere with summer upon on us, and we have the best reading material to enjoy while sitting by the air conditioning.

Are you interested in hearing some of the best Royal Caribbean food secrets out there? Such as where you can enjoy breakfast at Johnny Rockets without an additonal cost, or how to get a discount on a specialty restaurant? Of course you are, and we have twenty-five dining secrets to share!

Royal Caribbean News

• We picked out some interesting tidbits from Royal Caribbean's earnings call with investors.
• Today is the last day for Royal Caribbean's WOW Sale, which has Kids Sail Free offer.
• Here are the top things Royal Caribbean pros never do, and neither should you!
• An updated Perfect Day at CocoCay cabana map has been released.
• Location tracking has been enabled at Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 312th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where Susan reviews her recent Radiance of the Seas cruise to Alaska.

In this episode, listener Susan shares her experiences in Alaska during her southbound Alasksa 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: 5 Royal Caribbean tips you will be surprised you need to know

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 — 5 Royal Caribbean tips you will be surprised you need to know — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Royal Caribbean Around the Internet

Cruise Fever reported Royal Caribbean ships had 4 of the 6 perfect health scores in 2019.

Fox 5 looked at how Royal Caribbean's Meteorologist tracks weather for its cruise ships.

Cara Loren shared some tips for anyone headed to Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Transportation Radio interviewed Radiance of the Seas' Captain.

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 big news of the week was when two Royal Caribbean ships skipped stops in San Juan, Puerto Rico due to concerns over protests in the area.

Empress of the Seas and Harmony of the Seas were re-routed due to political demonstrations in the island's capital. Harmony of the Seas was rerouted on Wednesday to its next port of St. Maarten, while Empress of the Seas visited Tortola instead.

The good news is by Thursday, Allure of the Seas was able to visit San Juan as scheduled.

Royal Caribbean News

• Meet Royal Caribbean's new Crown and Anchor Society Member Ambassador!
• Constructions will begin soon on Coco Beach Club.
• Royal Caribbean will begin charging for select signature attractions on Singapore sailings
• Royal Caribbean's second quarter earnings call with investors is scheduled for next week.
• Royal Caribbean has begun scheduling stops at Glacier Bay National Park.
• Cruise Critic named Royal Caribbean the Top Cruise Line in two regions of the world.
• The first blow-dry bar at sea opened on Navigator of the Seas recently.
• You can now book South Beach Cabanas at Perfect Day at CocoCay.
• Video: Top things you can skip on Royal Caribbean.

New RCB Video: Royal Caribbean's Allure of the Seas to get $165m makeover

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 — Allure of the Seas list of changes for 2020 — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Royal Caribbean Around the Internet

Venture Beat shows how Royal Caribbean is using computer vision to track buffet crowds.

Parents Magazine listed Perfect Day at CocoCay as one of its 20 Best Vacations for Kids.

Star2 shared what a cruise on a Royal Caribbean ship is like.

Happy Sunday! We hope you’re having a relaxing weekend and enjoying summer! It’s time to sit back, relax, and catch up on all the recent Royal Caribbean news!

Royal Caribbean revealed the upgrades and changes coming to Voyager of the Seas as part of a $97 million amplification.

Part of the Royal Amplified program, Voyager of the Seas will become the fourth ship reimagined as part of the Royal Amplified fleet modernization effort. She will receive a number of new first-to-market features. 

Among the changes coming are new water slides, family activities, stateroom upgrades and more.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean formed a new joint venture to develop ports around the world.
• Going on a cruise to Mexico? Here are some fun things to do in each port.
• Royal Caribbean updated the terms of its shareholder benefit.
• A new Kids Sail Free filter has been added to the Royal Caribbean website.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 308th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where Matt discusses the different balcony stateroom options.

When you hear about a balcony stateroom, you may think it is one type of room, but Royal Caribbean has a variety of balcony room offerings.  In this episode, Matt goes over each type of balcony stateroom.

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 cruise tips for all cruisers

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 cruise tips  — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Royal Caribbean Around the Internet

The Travel Women shared 11 things you did not know about Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Cruise Habit wrote about cruising during hurricane season.

Afar listed Royal Caribbean as the best cruise line for all ages.

Happy Sunday! We hope you’re having a relaxing weekend and enjoying summer! It’s time to sit back, relax, and catch up on all the recent Royal Caribbean news!

Is a suite worth the extra cost? We broke down the important information of what a suite gets you and if it is worth it.

Staying in a suite will get you the most expansive and luxurious accommodations Royal Caribbean, but it also comes with the highest price tag.  

Check out our breakdown for all the benefits and advantage a suite provides to help you decide if you should try one yourself.

Royal Caribbean News

• Spectrum of the Seas will offer overnight sailings in Tokyo in 2020.
• We spotted a 5 drink card on Majesty of the Seas.
• Royal Caribbean is looking for thril seekers with its new water park.
• Should you book refundable or non-refundable cruise fare?
• There is still a couple days left to save up to 30% on pre-cruise purchases.
• Is a balcony stateroom worth it?

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 307th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where Matt shares a review of his recent Mariner of the Seas cruise

In this episode, Matt shares how his 3-night cruise on Mariner of the Seas was, and how poor weather did not stop him from having a great 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: Harmony of the Seas secrets

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 — Harmony of the Seas secrets  — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Royal Caribbean Around the Internet

The Travel Women posted an Instagram guide to Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Royal Caribbean reported that Barron’s listed Richard Fain as one of the World’s Best CEOs. 

Skift shared how Royal Caribbean is utilizing a data-driven cruising model.

Happy Sunday! We hope you are having a great weekend and ready to talk a little Royal Caribbean.

The big news this week came when the U.S. government announced it would no longer allow cruise ships to travel between the U.S. and Cuba. As a result of this policy change, Royal Caribbean cancelled all scheduled visits to Cuba.

The two ships that were offering cruises to Cuba, Majesty of the Seas and Empress of the Seas, have had alternative ports secured.

In addition, Royal Caribbean is offering the option of guests on affected sailings remaining on the cruise and receiving a 50% refund, or they can cancel their cruise and receive a full refund.

Royal Caribbean News

• Spectrum of the Seas made her debut in China.
• Royal Caribbean provided a look at the financial impact of the Cuba travel policy change.
• Independence of the Seas summer 2020 sailings are now available to book.
• We shared our top ten Royal Caribbean dining tips.
• What to know before booking a Royal Caribbean cruise.
• The best waterproof cases for your phone to use at Perfect Day at CocoCay.
• Kids Sail Free is back with Royal Caribbean's June sales promotion.
• There is still some time to take advantage of the pre-cruise purchase sale.
• How to check-in online for your Royal Caribbean cruise.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 305th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, and we are sharing our best tips for first time cruisers.

In this episode, Matt interviews Claudia Diaz-Gonzalez about her work in making the Perfect Day at CocoCay transformation into a reality. Claudia provides a behind-the-scenes look at the hard work she and her team engaged in to bring Perfect Day to CocoCay to life.

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 cruise mistakes that are not really a mistake

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 cruise mistakes that are not really a mistake  — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Royal Caribbean Around the Internet

Readers Digest listed the cruise lines that have a private island.

Shack News provided the history and evolution of CocoCay.

Travel Pulse looked at the culinary delights on Oasis of the Seas,

diginomica reported on Royal Caribbean's digital tools that aim to enhance the customer experience.

Cruise Habit shared information on cruising during hurricane season.