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

Spectrum of the Seas arrived in Hong Kong earlier this week, marking her entry into the Asian cruise market.

Spectrum of the Seas docked at the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal in Hong Kong on Thursday, making her inaugural call to the city.

Spectrum of the Seas will spend the summer season out of her homeport of Shanghai, and will sail from Chinese homeports year-round.  The ship was designed with the Chinese cruise market in mind.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean signed an agreement with Antigua to increase visits.
• Royal Caribbean's CEO hinted at what the cruise line will do with its recent resort purchase in Freeport, Bahamas.
• Here is how to check instantly for Royal Caribbean stateroom upgrades.
• We posted a new video with a list of the 8 things people do on Royal Caribbean that make absolutely zero sense!

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 304th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where Matt features a listener's recent review of his Freedom of the Seas cruise.

In this episode, Derek shares his experiences on Freedom of the Seas to the Southern Caribbean and talks about why he booked this sailing and everything he did onboard and onshore.

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 wish I knew before visiting 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 – Things I wish I knew before visiting Perfect Day at CocoCay  — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Royal Caribbean Around the Internet

Two Drifters listed their favorite activities for couples.

Cruise Fever reported on Royal Caribbean's top cruiser reaching 8,000 points.

We3Travel shared their list of 11 must-dos on Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Orlando Sentinel reported on a day at Port Canaveral where six cruise ships were docked.'

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.

This big Royal Caribbean news this week was the cruise line's announcement of all the changes coming to Oasis of the Seas for her upcoming amplification.

Oasis of the Seas will undergo a $165 million refurbishment later this year, which will add new dining venues, activities, waterslides and more.

The 63-day modernization will add several new venues, including a few options new to the fleet. Oasis will become the first Oasis Class ship to be modernized as part of the Royal Amplified fleet modernization effort.

Royal Caribbean News

• Our list of top 10 Perfect Day at CocoCay secrets & tips.
• Read a review of the North Star Alaska Experience on Ovation of the Seas.
• Check out the first photos of Ovation of the Seas in Alaska.
• You can print out this cruise ticket template to share with family and friends.
• There is still time to save up to 30% off pre-cruise purchases.
• We reviewed the Holiday Inn Express Miami Airport East for anyone that needs a good pre-cruise hotel.
• Royal Caribbean opened up Voyager of the Seas 2020 sailings from Singapore.
• Quantum of the Seas will have an expanded Singapore season in 2021.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 303rd episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, in which Matt shares his experience visiting Perfect Day at CocoCay.

In this episode, Matt talks about what his first visit to the officially opened Perfect Day at CocoCay was like and what he did, saw and ate.

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: Oasis of the Seas new changes for 2019

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 –  Oasis of the Seas new changes for 2019 — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Royal Caribbean Around the Internet

Microsoft wrote about its collaboration with Royal Caribbean's head of innovation.

New York Times interviewed Royal Caribbean Chief Meteorologist James Van Fleet about how he works to keep guests away from bad weather.

TouringPlans listed top six reasons to cruise on Royal Caribbean.

Cruise Fever reviewed their recent sailing on Harmony of the Seas.

Her wrote about 8 things she learned about herself on her first cruise.

The Points Guy shared 7 things to know about Navigator of the Seas.

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

Royal Caribbean officially opened Perfect Day at CocoCay this week.

The newly opened destination welcomes guests following a $250 million transformation of the cruise line's existing private destination in The Bahamas.

Guests sailing on Navigator of the Seas were welcomed to Perfect Day at CocoCay, where a number of new venues, activities and offerings were officially open for guest use.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean cancelled all the Independence of the Seas UK sailings in 2020.
• Booking connecting staterooms is now a lot easier on Royal Caribbean's website.
• Spectrum of the Seas arrived in her first Asian port this week.
• Royal Caribbean opened 2020 China sailings for sale.
• Royal Caribbean received approval to expand its corportate headquarters in Miami.
• We shared a new infographic about all the additions to Perfect Day at CocoCay.
• There is still time to save up to 30% off pre-cruise purchases.
• Check out a new video about Perfect Day at CocoCay officially opening.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 301st episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available,where Matt answers some questions about him.

To celebrate reaching 300 podcast episodes, Matt has the tables flipped on this week's podcast episode and answers questions about himself and the blog.

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

Skift reported on Royal Caribbean seeing a payoff by expanding its fleet.

Alanna Zingano posted a video of her ride on the Up, Up and Away helium baloon.

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

Royal Caribbean celebrated the grand opening of Perfect Day at CocoCay with its private island transformation completing its first major phase.

Guests sailing on Navigator of the Seas were welcomed to Perfect Day at CocoCay, where a number of new venues, activities and offerings were officially open for guest use.

Chief among the new offerings is the opening of Thrill Waterpark. At Thrill Waterpark, you can find Daredevil’s Tower, where guests can try a number ofsingle-rider waterslides of various heights, including the 135-foot-tall Daredevil’s Peak – the tallest waterslide in North America.

Royal Caribbean News

• Allure of the Seas has suffered a propulsion issue, which means some itinerary changes on select sailings.
• The keel for Odyssey of the Seas was layed earlier this week, making the beginning of construction.
• Here is everything you need to know about Perfect Day at CocoCay.
• We scoured Royal Caribbean's financial results for interesting anecdotes.
• Voyager of the Seas visited an island in Indonesia for her maiden call.
• Oasis of the Seas will return to service on May 5, on schedule.
• Up, Up and Away helium balloon is operational on Perfect Day at CocoCay.
• The Royal Caribbean app can open your stateroom door on Spectrum of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 300th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where we begin a mini-series of episodes focusing on cruises to Alaska.

Call us crazy, but we think you should ignore online reviews of cruise ships. Matt explains why concerns people have about a particular ship due to something they read is nothing to actually worry about.

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

Houston Chronicle detailed how Royal Caribbean now rivals Broadway in terms of its show productions.

Cruise Fever wrote about how 12 Royal Caribbeans are moving to new homeports this week.

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 began construction of its fifth Oasis Class ship this week.

The steel cutting, marking the official start of construction, took place at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France.

Royal Caribbean News

• Two new venues opened at Perfect Day at CocoCay.
• A new dining package was spotted featuring Chops Grille and a choice of another specialty restaurant.
• There are still a few days left in Royal Caribbean's Cruise Planner sale.
• Spectrum of the Seas traversed the Suez Canal earlier this week.
• The next Royal Caribbean earnings call with investors has been scheduled.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 299th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, featuring emails from many podcast listeners.

Matt dives into the email bag this week and answers questions about what to do if you have a late flight after your cruise, room upgrades, bringing drinks onboard 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.

Royal Caribbean Around the Internet

Cruise.blog shared info on the ultimate Elvis tribute cruise planned for a Royal Caribbean cruise.

Cruise Industry News wrote about how Royal Caribbean and Celebrity focused on target markets.

Bahamas Eyewitness News reports that Royal Caribbean donated laptops to the National Training Agency.

The Points Guy compared Royal Caribbean, Carnival and Disney for families.

Conde Nast Traveler shared a trick to save up to 40 percent on cruise ships.

Royal Caribbean shared 10 things you didn't know about the Mediterranean.

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

Royal Caribbean announced this week it intends to rennovate and expand its corportate headquarters in Miami.

The $300 million plan will expand the company’s workforce capacity from 2,200 to 4,200.

When finished, the renovated and expanded headquarters would include a fitness center, a daycare, a cafeteria, an auditorium and a maritime innovation center for the design development and renovation of cruise vessels.

Royal Caribbean News

• A new souvenir drink cup design has been introduced on Royal Caribbean ships.
• Royal Caribbean will expand facial recognition to more ports to speed up disembarkation.
• So far, no changes to Cuba sailings despite newly announced regulations.
• Here are the waterslide and experiences height, age and weight restrictions at Perfect Day at CocoCay.
• Spectrum of the Seas is now added to the new Royal Caribbean app.
• Virtual reality tours are available for some staterooms on Royal Caribbean's website.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 298th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, featuring the important things to know about staying in a suite.

Before you book a suite, here are some important things to consider and distinctions to be aware of when it comes to Royal Caribbean's suite rooms.

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

In The Loop Travel shares a look at the changes to Navigator of the Seas.

The Points Guy looks at the largest cruise ships in the world.

ZDNet wrote about how to work remotely from a Royal Caribbean ship.

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

Spectrum of the Seas was delivered to Royal Caribbean this week, becoming the 26th ship in the fleet.

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. Chairman and CEO Richard D. Fain and President and CEO of Royal Caribbean International Michael Bayley received the new ship from Meyer Wert Yard’s Managing Partner Bernard Meyer and Meyer Werft Yard’s Managing Director Tim Meyer at the official handover ceremony. The first in the Quantum Ultra class of ships, Spectrum will homeport from Shanghai starting June 2019.

The first in the Quantum Ultra class of ships, Spectrum will homeport from Shanghai starting June 2019.

Royal Caribbean News

• The SkyPad is temporarily closed while Royal Caribbean inspects it.
• Royal Caribbean introduced a new ultimate dining package.
• Royal Caribbean UK named the winner of its shore explorer contest.
• Hong Kong sailings for 2020-2021 were released this week.
• Royal Caribbean produced a video of Spectrum of the Seas' delivery.
• Royal Caribbean updated its smart phone app, which included a group chat feature.
• Here is a list of Perfect Day at CocoCay prices.
• Check out the map of Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 297th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, featuring a listener's recent cruise on Allure of the Seas.

Lauren Reed joins Matt this week to talk about her recent sailing on Allure of the Seas. Lauren talks about why she picked Allure of the Seas, reviews her stateroom, dining and shore excursions.

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 Fever shared tips for booking shore excursions.

Eat Sleep Cruise posted a guide to Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade.

SeaTrade Cruise News reported on how Royal Caribbean is using MFace to speed up disembarkation.

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

The big news this week surrounded the unfortunate accident involving Oasis of the Seas while in Freeport, Bahamas for scheduled maintenance. A construction crane fell and struck the ship, causing damage and injuries to eight workers.

As a result of the accident, Royal Caribbean canceled the next three sailings of Oasis of the Seas.

After assessing the damage to Oasis of the Seas, the cruise line found damage to the Aqua Theatre and some suites. 

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean released new 2020-2021 Australia sailings for booking.
• You can still save up to 30% off pre-cruise purchases through April 7.
• Royal Caribbean released a new video about its big plans for Perfect Day at CocoCay.
• We spotted a new 50th anniversary cake option in the main dining room.
• Kids Sail Free offer is back this month on new cruise bookings.
• Royal Caribbean celebrated April Fools Day with the "announcement" of a new airplane.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 296th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, featuring a look at how to plan a Royal Caribbean cruise with friends and family.

The appeal of going on a cruise with members of your family and/or friends is a great idea, but planning a group sailing comes with its own set of challenges. Matt and Rebecca share tips from their own experiences on how to avoid some common pitfalls.

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 wrote about the realities of seasickness.

Cruise Industry News highlighted the first Asian Captain for Royal Caribbean.

The Sun Sentinel wrote about an 80's themed cruise planned on Explorer of the Seas.

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.

Royal Caribbean moved forward with the acquisition of the Grand Lucayan resort, which appears to be part of its plan to redevelop Freeport Harbor.

The letter of intent was signed and an initial $195 million investment. The development will take place over a 24-month period, with $65 million of the purchase price for the Grand Lucayan Resort.

The Bahamas government reports a theme park and five-star hotel will be part of the redevelopment effort.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean received permission to sail to Glacier Bay in Alaska.
• New 2020-2021 Royal Caribbean sailings from Dubai went on sale this week.
• We answered the question if is The Key is worth it.
• Check out a video of Spectrum of the Seas conveyance to the North Sea.
• Royal Caribbean pledged support for United Nations Global LGBTI Standards Of Conduct For Business.
• A look at the new venues in CocoCay that are now open.
• Twenty new shore excursions were added for Royal Caribbean cruises in the South Pacific.
• We reviewed a flight simulator shore excursion in the Bahamas.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 295th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, and we are reviewing Matt's cruise on Mariner of the Seas.

In this episode, Matt sailed Mariner of the Seas for a back-to-back group sailing and talks with friends on the sailing about what they thought of the ship, the changes to CocoCay and nore.

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

Miami's Community Newspapers reported on Royal Caribbean Day at FIU’s Biscayne Bay Campus.

Seatrade News remembered a former Royal Caribbean executive that passed away.

CNET shared how artificial intelligence has made facial recognition work better, with a Royal Caribbean example.

Reader's Digest provides a look at what Symphony of the Seas looks like.

Cruise Critic interviewed the head of Royal Caribbean's head of food and beverage.

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

Royal Caribbean updated its deployment schedule for the remaining 2020-2021 sailings that not been released yet.

The schedule was changed up a bit, with a few new releases added, including Odyssey of the Seas.

The first batch of these deployments will be announced this coming week.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean won four awards in the 2019 Cruise Critic Cruisers’ Choice Awards.
• Our top 10 Navigator of the Seas hidden secrets.
• A new Cruise Planner sale began this weekend.
• We published a new video about the most important things to pack for a cruise vacation.
• Check out this week's batch of reader submitted photos.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 292nd episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, and it features a full recap of the changes to Navigator of the Seas.

In this episode, Gina from CruiseCritic joins Matt to talk about what they thought of the changes to the recently amplified Navigator 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

Bahamas Eyewitness News reports CocoCay is on track for a May opening.

When Tara Met Blog shared tips for cruising on Independence of the Seas.

Orlando Sentinel reported on the changes to Navigator of the Seas.

Eat Sleep Cruise posted a new video that reviews Symphony of the Seas.