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 Royal Caribbean news that made the biggest splash this week with our readers was the change that appears Royal Caribbean's drink packages now include milkshakes at Johnny Rockets as part of the package benefits.

Recently we heard reports that guests were being informed that their drink package benefits included milkshakes at Johnny Rockets, and now we see Royal Caribbean's website has been updated to indicate that milkshakes are indeed included.

With this drink package policy change, guests with the Deluxe Beverage Package have the opportunity to enjoy milkshakes that are included with the cost of their beverage package.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean announced it will remove onboard credit offer from non-refundable cruise fares.
• Royal Caribbean's leadership talked about how well Symphony and Mariner are doing, the new app progress and more during an earnings call.
• It looks like 3-night sailings from the United Kingdom will no longer offer alcohol packages.
• The August cruise promotion was released this week by Royal Caribbean.
• Here is a new kind of zip line excursion you can try in Labadee.
• We shared an inside look at the construction progress being made at Royal Caribbean's new terminal in PortMiami.
• Australian comedian Celeste Barber took Royal Caribbean's social media thrill-seeking challenge.
• Royal Caribbean added a new Deals link to its Cruise Planner site.
• A new Netflix movie debuted that features Harmony of the Seas, and Royal Caribbean hosted the largest movie premiere at sea.
• A look at the construction work being done at CocoCay.
• Royal Caribbean Asia opened a contest for youths in Singapore.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 261st episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where we interview someone who just reached the Pinnacle Club level of Crown and Anchor Society.

In this episode, Matt talks with Nick about what it took to reach the top of Crown and Anchor Society and what the distinction means to him.  Nick also shares his review of the newly refurbished Mariner 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.

Royal Caribbean Around the Internet

CNBC spoke to Royal Caribbean's Chairman and CEO about the impact of a trade war on cruising.

Explore with Ed shared must-eat recommendations by cruise bloggers.

Eat Sleep Cruise scored the changes and additions to Mariner of the Seas.

Seatrade Cruise News reported that Susan Bonner has been appointed to oversea the Australasian market.

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.

Royal Caribbean issued a new update on the status of San Juan, Puerto Rico following the hurricane damage of last year.

The cruise line reports that, "tremendous progress has been made with recovery efforts across the island," and that rebuilding tourism and consumer confidence is a top priority.

In addition, the cruise line answered some frequently asked questions about the island's recovery and how it pertains to cruise ship passengers.

Royal Caribbean News

• Top tips for taking a Royal Caribbean family cruise vacation.
• Our full review of Paradise Beach Cozumel.
• We shared a photo report of the progress being made on the new PortMiami cruise terminal.
• Voyager of the Seas made her maiden call at Manila, Philippines.
• Here is why you should ignore online reviews of cruise ships.
• Royal Caribbean won some big awards at the AFTA National Travel Industry Awards.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 260th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where Matt talks about rebooking another cruise while onboard a Royal Caribbean cruise.

In this episode, Matt talks about how Royal Caribbean's NextCruise program works, and how to best take advantage of the program.

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 Around the Internet

Eat Sleep Cruise shared why they are excited to cruise on Mariner of the Seas.

Forbes wrote about how Royal Caribbean is spending a lot of money to attract first time cruisers.

Porthole Magazine shared what a week onboard Harmony of the Seas was all about.

CNBC reported on how cruise lines are trying to win over millennials.

USA Today shared new cruise routes in its latest Cruise Route Roundup.

Cruise Fever shed some light on 9 former Royal Caribbean cruise ships and where they are now.

Travel Weekly hosted a Q&A with Royal Caribbean's Chief Meteorologist.

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's Gifts website has expanded to offer Royal Caribbean branded souvenirs that can be delivered directly to your home.

Gift items include, but are not limited to T-shirts, Polo Shirts, Sweatshirts, Hats, Visors, Flip Flops, Totes, Tumbler Cups, Glass Mugs, Sunglasses, and Gift Certificates. A wide selection of gift items are fully customizable and ready for purchase.

Royal Caribbean News

• Symphony of the Seas now offers interactive luggage departure forms.
• Here are 10 things you never thought to bring on a cruise, but you totally should.
• Thermal suite passes were spotted on the Cruise Planner site for pre-purchase.
• A review of the Old Havana City sightseeing shore excursion.
• We shared photos of a Junior Suite stateroom on Explorer of the Seas.
• We reviewed the Alaska Sled Dogs & Musher's Camp shore excursion in Juneau, Alaska.
• A look at the progress being made on CocoCay's new pier.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 259th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where Matt talks about the written and unwritten rules of cruising etiquette.

In this episode, Matt goes over cruising customs that guests should be aware of prior to cruising.

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 cruise like a Royal Caribbean Pro

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 Things Royal Caribbean Pros Do, and You Should Too! — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Royal Caribbean Around the Internet

Mommy for the Win shared the ultimate survival guide to cruising with a baby.

Barrons interviewed Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd Chief Financial Officer about how Royal Caribbean is leading the industry.

Cruise Fever wrote about a fitness themed cruise that will sail on Mariner of the Seas.

Happy Sunday! We’d like to wish all the dads out there a very Happy Father’s Day! We hope you get to have a relaxing and fun-filled day with your family!

Now it’s time to sit back, relax, and catch up on all the latest Royal Caribbean news!

Royal Caribbean unveiled features and pricing for its next new cruise ship, Spectrum of the Seas.

Spectrum of the Seas will be the newest, largest and most expensive cruise ship in Asia.

Spectrum of the Seas will be Royal Caribbean's first Quantum Ultra Class ship, and will boast the cruise line’s first private enclave for suite guests, new stateroom categories, innovative dining concepts, and stunning features and experiences – many of which have never before been seen at sea.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean announced it will stop using plastic straws by the end of 2018.
• We offered advice on getting ready for your first Royal Caribbean cruise.
• We shared a look at the construction progress being made on the new pier at CocoCay.
• Looking for a pre-cruise hotel in Miami? Check out our review of the InterContinental Miami.
• Ovation of the Seas made a double maiden call in the Philippines.
• Check out this Royal Caribbean edition of Monopoly.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 254th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where we discuss the pricing and policies announced for Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Royal Caribbean revealed a lot of details related to the guest experience in Perfect Day at CocoCay, and this week, Matt and Billy dive into the news to share what they think it means for guests.

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: Spectrum of the Seas features & itineraries revealed

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 – Spectrum of the Seas features & itineraries revealed!  — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Royal Caribbean Around the Internet

Royal Caribbean shared how some of its employees helped rescue a reef off Miami.

Seatrade Cruise News reported on the upgrades made to Royal Caribbean's travel agent reservation system.

Cruise Law News reported on a jury verdict in favor of a former Royal Caribbean employee that was hurt on the job.

Travel Weekly wrote about the demise of cruise ship chapels in favor of more space for guest activities.

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

The big news from this week is our first look at prices for some of the new Perfect Day at CocoCay activities.

Royal Caribbean put on sale via its Cruise Planner some of the new options guests can pre-book, including admission to its water parks and cabana prices.

Based on an email sent to some guests, it looks like the cruise line is targeting May 2019 for the opening of Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Royal Caribbean News

• New Spectrum of the Seas construction photos were released this week.
• Royal Caribbean released new infographics about the impressiveness of Symphony of the Seas.
• We wrote out exactly what is and what is not included in your Royal Caribbean cruise fare.
• Royal Caribbean began a new June sales offer this week.
• Here is what a 7-night cruise on Adventure of the Seas actually costs from start to finish.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 252nd episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where Matt answers as many emails sent in by podcast listeners as possible.

In this episode, Matt answers questions about visiting Disney World on a shore excursion, cruising to Alaska, drink package information and more.

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: 19 things you didn't know you could do 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 – 19 Things You Didn't Know You Could Do on Royal Caribbean  — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Royal Caribbean Around the Internet

Barron's interviewed Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd Chairman and CEO Richard Fain about the cruise industry outlook.

OK! listed seven reasons why Symphony of the Seas is a cool cruise for Millennials.

Cruise Fever wrote about the five Royal Caribbean cruise ships currently on order.

The Traveling Gals reviewed their cruise on Freedom of the Seas.

Sean and Stef IRL shared what it was like to cruise on Allure of the Seas.

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.

Some cruise fans may have made plans for summer 2019 when Royal Caribbean announced this week its 2019 Cuba and short Caribbean itineraries for Majesty of the Seas and Empress of the Seas.

The new sailings are available for booking now, and run from April 2019 through the end of December 2019.

Both ships will offer cruises to Cuba that include stops at ports of call all around the Western Caribbean and the Bahamas. 

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean will cut down on drink straws on its cruise ships.
• We posted a new photo update of Mariner of the Seas refurbishment progress.
• Royal Caribbean has committed itself to adopting a series of new requirements for how it breeds, raises and processes poultry.
• Majesty of the Seas skipped a stop in Cozumel due to Tropical Storm Alberto.
• Seven neat things Royal Caribbean will add to CocoCay that you might have missed.
• Royal Caribbean announced a Memorial Day cruise fare sale and a pre-cruise purchase sale.
• Everything you wanted to know about Royal Caribbean's water slides.
• Royal Caribbean released a new video that is all about the Adventure Ocean program.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 251st episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, which offers an overview of Royal Caribbean's Crown and Anchor Society.

In this episode, Matt talks about why you should join Royal Caribbean's customer loyalty program and what you get at each tier of benefits.

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: Full details 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 – Full details about Perfect Day at CocoCay  — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Royal Caribbean Around the Internet

Bloomberg is reporting Havana's cruise terminal will triple in size by 2024.

Touring Plans shared their ten favorite things to do in port on your own.

Skift reported on the closure of Royal Caribbean's tour venture.

WFLA wrote about Majesty of the Seas beginning her inaugural sailings from Tampa.

Cruise Law News reported on a power loss that occurred on Vision of the Seas.

Marine Industry News met with an eleven-year-old who has been chosen to help shape the future of cruise ships.

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

It looks like Royal Caribbean is considering offering overnight and even multi-night stays at CocoCay at some point in the future.

Royal Caribbean CEO Michael Bayley hinted that in addition to late-night cruise visits to CocoCay, there could be 10 cabanas of suite-type quality to offer the option for some guests to remain on CocoCay for a few days.

Royal Caribbean is in the midst of a $200 million upgrade at CocoCay, which will bring a water park, slides, cabanas and more the island.

Royal Caribbean News

• An announcement on new private islands in Asia could be coming soon.
• Royal Caribbean answered some frequently asked questions about Perfect Day at CocoCay.
• Here is a new photo tour of the refurbished Independence of the Seas.
• Our new video looks at what I wish I knew before taking a Royal Caribbean cruise.
• Royal Caribbean shows how they installed the Sky Pad on Independence of the Seas.
• Our list of eight things to love about Independence of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 250th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, which looks at why taking a Royal Caribbean cruise alone can be a great idea.

The prospect of going on a Royal Caribbean cruise solo may sound odd, but in fact, it can be a great vacation experience. Michael and Matt talk about the virtues and strategies of enjoying a Royal Caribbean cruise by yourself.

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 Around the Internet

Cruise Critic is reporting Spectrum of the Seas will offer a suites-only area of the ship.

Royal Caribbean posted an interview with its Chief Meteorologist about what to know about cruising during hurricane season.

Cruise Trade News shares how Royal Caribbean is using a Gen-Z panel to help shape the cruise line's offerings.

Ship Technology covers the race for faster WiFi on cruise ships.

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

Speaking of moms, Royal Caribbean went the extra step this week by announcing the first ever Godfamily of a cruise ship when it chose Carlos and Alexa PenaVega's family to be the Godfamily of Symphony of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean says they picked this family because they have celebrated a number of family firsts on Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Class ships, as well as personify the spirit of the new ship, redefining the way families stay and play.

The family will have the honor of formally naming Symphony when she arrives to her permanent home in Miami in November.

Royal Caribbean News

• Independence of the Seas arrived in Southampton after a massive refurbishment.
• Royal Caribbean Icon Class ships will be classed by DNV GL.
• Two of Royal Caribbean's brass received prestigious awards recently.
• Before you buy a drink package, here are some questions to think about.
• Royal Caribbean's parent company announced a $1 billion stock buyback and declared a dividend.
• We spotted these new stateroom attendant magnets on some ships.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 249th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, sharing what it is like to get married on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship.

In this episode, Beth joins Matt to talk about her recent wedding on Harmony of the Seas.  Beth shares what the experience was like from start to finish, and offers tips and advice for others that might be considering getting hitched at sea.

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 Around the Internet

Royal Caribbean released season two of its YouTube series, The Local.

Skift took a look at how cruise lines innovate even when building the same type of ship.

Cruise & Ferry highlighted a Royal Caribbean bartender that reached the top 16 in the Bacardi Cocktail Competition 2018.

Cruise Critic reviewed the new shore excursions Royal Caribbean offers in Elizabeth, New Jersey.

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

Independence of the Seas completed her shipwide refurbishment this week, emerging from dry dock with a lot of new features.

Independence of the Seas now features new additions, such as a FlowRider, Sky Pad, Fish & Ships, Escape Room, aqua park and more.

Independence of the Seas is headed to Europe, where she will spend the summer offering cruises out of Southampton before heading back to Fort Lauderdale in fall 2018.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean released a Royal Amplified fleet upgrade schedule.
• Voyager of the Seas returned to Singapore for her longest season yet.
• Royal Caribbean released a new video that is all about the Bionic Bar.
• Here are the top things to do after booking a Royal Caribbean cruise.
• We are live blogging from Adventure of the Seas this week.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 248th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, which features what you need to know before taking a Royal Caribbean cruise to Europe.

Perhaps you have cruised the Caribbean extensively, but cruising to Europe is a different kind of cruise experience.  This week, Colleen McDaniel from Cruise Critic joins Matt to talk about the important considerations to be aware of prior to cruising in Europe.

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 Around the Internet

The New York Times shared a documentary about Royal Caribbean's most frequent cruiser.

Cruise Fever reviewed a recent Jewel of the Seas sailing.

7 News Miami shared how Royal Caribbean volunteers helped remodel a Little Haiti school.

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!

Royal Caribbean announced this week it will homeport Jewel of the Seas in Dubai for a few months in 2019-2020.

Jewel of the Seas will call Dubai home, and offer 7-night sailings out of Dubai to destinations in the Middle East, including maiden calls to Sir Bani Yas, Doha, and Bahrain.

Royal Caribbean is returning to Dubai, following a two-year absence. Jewel will sail to Dubai, following a summer season in the Mediterranean that will also see Royal Caribbean return to Turkey.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

• Royal Caribbean wrapped up its cruising season in Australia.
• Here is the latest official word on Royal Caribbean's new app.
• We shared some nuggets of interesting information from Royal Caribbean's quarterly earnings call.
• Our full review of Maya Chan Beach in Costa Maya.
• Royal Caribbean offers us a new video look at the Ultimate Family Suite on Symphony of the Seas.
• What is the best Royal Caribbean cruise ship? We tried to offer advice on which to choose.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 247th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, which debate the virtues of staying onboard your Royal Caribbean ship while in port.

Does it make sense to stay onboard your Royal Caribbean ship while docked in a port of call? This week, Matt shares why you might want to try it out and how to best take advantage of being one of the few 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.

Royal Caribbean Around the Internet

Moms of the Seas answered how to link Royal Caribbean reservations online.

Royal Caribbean shared a look at convenient departure cities across the United States.

CNN compiled a list of the best cruises for family travel (and Royal Caribbean made the list).

Seatrade Cruise News shared Michael Bayley's thoughts on the state of cruising from China.