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!

The big news this week was the completion of Navigator of the Seas' $115 million amplification that introduced a variety of new additions and changes.

The transformed 3,386-guest ship debuts new adventures and Royal Caribbean favorites for all ages, like the longest aqua coaster at sea; the industry’s only head-first mat racer waterslide; a reimagined poolscape infused with Caribbean vibes; the first standalone blow-dry bar at sea; and elevated dining and nightlife. 

Navigator of the Seas is the third ship to be reimagined as part of the Royal Amplified modernization program, an investment of more than $1 billion in the cruise line’s award-winning fleet. The effort spans 10 ships in four years and touches every facet of the guest experience with the introduction of a wide range of new thrills and Royal Caribbean staples meant to appeal to every generation.

Royal Caribbean News

• Spectrum of the Seas left her dock in Germany. Check out video and photos of the big event.
• We shared a photo tour of the Category 2B Ocean View Balcony stateroom on Navigator of the Seas.
• Check out these aerial photos of the amplified Navigator of the Seas.
• Speaking of Navigator of the Seas, here is a look at the finishing touches being applied.
• Royal Caribbean was named one of the world's most ethical companies for the fourth year in a row.
• Royal Caribbean shared a video of the propeller being installed on Spectrum of the Seas.
• Royal Caribbean won an award for best cruise line for customer support and service.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 291st episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, and it is dedicated to all of our listeners with nothing but your emails being read.

In this episode, Matt dives into the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast email inbox to answer your cruise questions.

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 South Florida SunSentinel shared a look at Royal Caribbean's entertainment facility.

Eat Sleep Cruise posted a review of Wonderland on Symphony of the Seas.

Cruise Fever shared first impressions of Voyager of the Seas.

Hope you are having a great weekend.  Here is all of this week's Royal Caribbean cruise news.

The big news of this week was Royal Caribbean's order for a sixth Oasis class cruise ship.

The new ship is scheduled for delivery in the fall of 2023.

Royal Caribbean News

• We have a schedule for when Spectrum of the Seas will leave her dock.
• Speaking of Spectrum, here is a new Spectrum of the Seas construction photo update.
• Royal Caribbean cancelled the first Freedom of the Seas sailing following her scheduled drydock in 2020.
• A Cruise Planner sale is running through early next week.
• Check out this video previewing what's coming to Navigator of the Seas.
• Here is our full review of Paradise Beach in Cozumel.
• In honor of National Margarita Day, we shared Sabor margarita recipes.
• Royal Caribbean launched its stateroom bidding program in Australia and New Zealand.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 290th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, which has a review of Matt's recent sailing on Brilliance of the Seas.

In this episode, Matt shares how his first cruise of 2019 was and talks about the experiences, excursions and everything else on Brilliance 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

Disney Cruise Line Blog reported on a joint-effort among Royal Caribbean, Carnival and Disney Cruise Line to build a pier in Grand Cayman.

Cruise Fever listed five venues not to miss on Symphony of the Seas.

Cruise.Blog shared first time cruise mistakes to avoid.

Happy weekend! We hope you are having a wonderful weekend, now it’s time to kick back, relax, and catch up on another week of Royal Caribbean news!

The big news this week came from Royal Caribbean UK in their search for someone to get paid the equivalent of a six-figure salary to travel the world as a ‘global experience hunter’.

Royal Caribbean International opened applications for its first ever Shore Explorer ‘Apprentice-Ship’.  Candidates can apply via Instagram for the opportunity to seek out and test extraordinary shore experiences around the world.

Their only daily task will be capturing their experiences on Instagram, Insta-Stories and IGTV.  Hopeful applicants must be 21 years or over, hold a valid passport and be able to travel this year and be a resident of the United Kingdom or Ireland.

Royal Caribbean News

• We shared a sneak peek at the progress Royal Caribbean is making at Perfect Day at CocoCay.
• We shared a video of how not to get seasick on a cruise.
• Here are 10 ways to save money on your 2019 Royal Caribbean cruise.
• Harmony of the Seas appears to have the chat feature added to the app.
• We posted a review of the Kayak Adventure shore excursion in CocoCay.
• There's still time to take advantage of Royal Caribbean's Cruise Planner sale.
• Royal Caribbean made the list of most loved brands.
• Some new port and dock updates from this week.
• Royal Caribbean shared a look at HiRo on Symphony of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 288th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available and this week, Matt shares the best reasons to cruise on a "smaller" Royal Caribbean ship.

This week's episode is all about the cool thing that you can only do on a smaller Royal Caribbean ship.

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 Habit answered the important question of how much a beer costs on every cruise line.

Reader's Digest listed 12 cruise misconceptions that need to end.

CruiseHive shared 20 ways to experience Havana, Cuba on a cruise.

Quartz wrote about how Royal Caribbean is betting big on Chinese cruisers (and not just in China)

CIO Dive reported on Royal Caribbean's costly digital transformation effort.

Cruise Miss listed her top four things to do on a Caribbean cruise.

Happy weekend! We hope you are in the midst of a wonderful weekend full of friends, fun, and plenty of things to do to pass the time between cruises.  We have a summary of all of this week's Royal Caribbean news in case you missed any of it!

The big Royal Caribbean news this week was Royal Caribbean's announcement of the name for its second Quantum Class cruise ship.

Odyssey of the Seas will be the cruise line's 27th ship in the fleet and will debut in the fall of 2020.

Odyssey will sail from the United States, and Royal Caribbean has promised more details about Odyssey of the Seas later this year.

Royal Caribbean News

• Kids Sail Free offer is back for the month of February.
• During a call with investors, Royal Caribbean talked about booking trends, CocoCay and more.
• Here is when to expect more 2020-2021 sailings to be released for booking.
• We shared tips and tricks for taking a 3-night Royal Caribbean cruise.
• Royal Caribbean posted a new video all about the FlowRider surf simulator.
• We spotted a new Diamond Happy Hour drink menu design.
• Forbes named Royal Caribbean one of America's best employers for diversity.
• Victoria, Canada is expanding its harbor to accommodate Quantum Class ships.
• Michael Poole live blogged this week from Brilliance of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 287th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available and this week, friends join Matt to share a review of Independence of the Seas.

Rafael and Alanna are back from their Independence of the Seas cruise and they talk about how their first "big" Royal Caribbean ship sailing went.

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

Disney Cruise Line Blog shared a review of the Westgate Cocoa Beach Resort.

New York Times shared how cruise lines are using technology to add a personal touch.

Miami Herald wrote about new clean fuel regulations for cruise ships, including how Symphony of the Seas complies with the law.

Eat Sleep Cruise reviewed a balcony stateroom on Mariner of the Seas.

Mirror wrote about Royal Caribbean's plans to open private islands around the world.

Tom Loves Cruising shared a review of Independence of the Seas.

Departure Lounge shared cruising tips from a Royal Caribbean expert.

Hope you had a great week (maybe one week closer to your next Royal Caribbean cruise?) and you had a chance to keep up with what's new with Royal Caribbean this week. But if not, here's a roundup of this week's news.

Royal Caribbean fans were surprised to hear the Crown and Anchor Society Member Director will be leaving her role.

Millie Quiles sent an email to Crown and Anchor members that she will be stepping down from the role at the end of January.

Quiles spent almost ten years being the face of Crown and Anchor Society and working with members on a daily basis.  We will miss her contributions to the program and Royal Caribbean!

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean's CEO talked about a new app update and tech coming to Icon Class.
• Royal Caribbean scheduled its fourth quarter earnings call with investors.
• Royal Caribbean announced its 2018 travel partners of the year.
• We shared a new video with the top cruise terms you should know before cruising.
• Royal Caribbean announced a new head of Sales for Singapore.
• Michael started off a new live blog from Brilliance of the Seas.
• Check out our overview of refundable vs non-refundable cruise fares.
• Video: What's coming to Royal Caribbean in 2019.
• The new smartphone app is now available on Vision of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 286th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available and we take an in-depth look at cruising from Australia.

Friend of the show Pippa joins Matt to talk about all aspects of a cruise from Australia and what someone looking to cruise down under can expect.

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 Hive wrote ten reasons you need to take a cruise this year.

Eat Sleep Cruise listed the top cruise ships of 2019.

Travel and Whims shared 24 things you'll want to know before cruising Royal Caribbean.

Happy weekend! We hope you are enjoying a wonderful and relaxing weekend and managing to stay warm. Now it is time to sit back with a cuppa tea or java, and check out the latest in Royal Caribbean cruise news.

It now appears Royal Caribbean's second Quantum Ultra Class cruise ship will visit the UK after it launches next year.

Royal Caribbean President and CEO Michael Bayley hinted at the fact Royal Caribbean will offer sailings to the United Kingdom in October 2020.

Royal Caribbean's first Quantum Ultra Class, Spectrum of the Seas, will launch in April and head to Shanghai to begin sailing from June. However, the second Quantum Ultra ship will "definitely not" be going to China.

Royal Caribbean News

• The new cruise terminal in Galveston will feature facial recognition technology.
• Royal Caribbean added a new flight simulator shore excursion.
• Check out our top 10 Alaska cruise planning tips.
• We listed one must-eat place on every Royal Caribbean ship.
• Here are the Royal Caribbean bars you can also grab a bite to eat in addition to a drink.
• Enjoy these tips and tricks for the Boardwalk neighborhood.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 285th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where we have a review of a multi-port Cuba itinerary.

Royal Caribbean recently expanded its sailings to Cuba to include even more stops on the island. This week, Bryan shares his review of an Empress of the Seas cruise that visited three different ports in Cuba.

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

Simply Emma shared her wheelchair accessible experience on a Royal Caribbean cruise.

Eyewitness News posted news that Royal Caribbean gave scholarships to two maritime students in the Bahamas.

Travel Weekly interviewed Ben Bouldin, Royal Caribbean International’s associate vice-president and UK managing director.

Welcome to this week's round-up of all the Royal Caribbean news and happenings.  Hope you are staying warm and are ready to cozy up to some great Royal Caribbean fun.

Oasis of the Seas made headlines this week when she had to cut her voyage short by a day due to an outbreak of gastrointestinal virus.

After a couple hundred guests became ill, Royal Caribbean decided to cancel the rest of her sailing and Oasis returned to Port Canaveral on Saturday.

“We think the right thing to do is to get everyone home early rather than have guests worry about their health,” said Rob Zeiger, chief communications manager for Royal Caribbean. “Returning on Saturday also gives us more time to completely clean and sanitize the ship before her next sailing.”

Royal Caribbean News

• We shared a new photo report of the construction progress being made on CocoCay.
• Royal Caribbean is offering a sale on pre-cruise purchases through January 16.
• Answers to some really common Royal Caribbean dining questions.
• Royal Caribbean released a new video about the shows on Symphony of the Seas.
• The top travel gadgets to bring on a cruise vacation.
• Our guide for first time cruisers on what to pack for a cruise.
• 8 cool things for kids to do on a Royal Caribbean cruise.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 284th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where we debunk common reasons some people avoid a cruise vacation at all.

Over the years we have heard every excuse why some people refuse to cruise, and on this week's episode, Matt and Billy take some time to go over why these excuses are simply unfounded.

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

USA Today reported that gastrointestinal illness outbreaks on cruise ships are at a multi-year low.

Cruise Industry News listed 24 new cruise ships to debut in 2019 (including a Royal Caribbean ship).

Cruise Critic investigated if the US Government shutdown will affect cruises.

Happy New Year! The first week of 2019 had plenty of Royal Caribbean news, and we have it all summarized for you in this week's round-up!

Royal Caribbean updated its opening of Perfect Day at CocoCay timeline this week.

The implication with this change is that the opening of the new pier will now be pushed back to March 2019.

The pier completion date has slid a few times since the project was originally announced.  Previously, it was expected that the pier would be complete in January 2019.

Royal Caribbean News

• Air2Sea now offers Book Now Pay later option for its flights.
• How much does a cruise cost? Here is a look at the answer.
• A guide to Royal Caribbean 2019 new cruise ships & refurbishments.
• Our photo tour of Category 2J Central Park Balcony stateroom on Symphony of the Seas.
• We shared a guide to family cruising on Symphony of the Seas.
• We shared 38 Royal Caribbean drink recipes that you can use for any party.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 283rd episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available and this week, share our top tips for how to go on a Royal Caribbean cruise if money is tight.

On this episode, Matt talks about how to cruise if you are on a budget and what strategies you can use to keep the cost down.

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 Industry News reported on a former Royal Caribbean ship returning to Brazil for 2019-2020 cruise season.

Cruise Radio shared a report of how Royal Caribbean has dropped a warning about crime in Nassau.

USA Today previewed the new cruise ships of 2019.

Travel Pulse shared 20 great cruises to plan for in 2019.

Happy New Year! Before we pop champagne and toast to a better year next year, we have some Royal Caribbean cruise news to share.

We had a hint of what may be to come with a new trademark registration for something called the Fly Rider.

Royal Caribbean filed a trademark for the phrase, "Fly Rider" and mentions it is "entertainment services, namely, providing an amusement park ride in the nature of a zip line roller coaster ride".

Perhaps this will be a preview of a new feature coming to a Royal Caribbean ship soon.

Royal Caribbean News

• Harmony of the Seas is testing a self-service cash advance option.
• We shared the top 10 Royal Caribbean news stories of 2018.
• Wondering what Christmas is like on Royal Caribbean?
• We posted the "best of the best" Friday Photos from 2018.
• Royal Caribbean posted its January sales promotion offer.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 282nd episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available and this week, Matt shares his favorite cruise memories of 2018.

On this episode, Matt looks back on his year of cruising in 2018 and picks which moments stood out to him.

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

Orlando Sentinel shared what's new in Florida cruises for 2019.

Cruise Fever listed 10 ways cruises are changing.

Cruise Hive reported on the search for an overboard Royal Caribbean crew member has been suspended.

Merry Christmas! The holidays are here, and so is our weekly round up of this week's Royal Caribbean news.

There was a lot of Royal Caribbean news this week, but the big news came when Royal Caribbean revealed its 2020 European sailings.

A total of eight Royal Caribbean ships will sail around Europe in 2020, including six ships that had their 2020 itineraries go on sale this week.

Among the notable deployments to Europe in 2020 will be Allure of the Seas, which will sail from Fort Lauderdale to Barcelona on March 1, 2020 and then begin offering 7-night Western Mediterranean cruises until Allure heads to Miami on November 1, 2020.

Royal Caribbean News

• Empress of the Seas rescued two mariners who were lost at sea for 20 days.
• We published our 2019 Royal Caribbean Cruise Planning guide.
• With 2019 right around the corner, here are six big changes coming in the new year.
• Royal Caribbean returned to New Orleans to offer cruises once again from The Big Easy.
• We ranked the best Cozumel beach resorts.
• Royal Caribbean was named the Best Cruise Line Overall for the 16th year in a row.
• We reviewed the Mayan Princess Resort in Roatan.
• If you are going on Royal Caribbean, here are the top 5 foods the cruise line is best known for.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 281st episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available and this week, we are sharing three wishes for Royal Caribbean.

On this episode, Matt and Billy make wishes for changes we would make if we had access to a genie (and opted not to wish for wealth and a long 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.

How you can support Royal Caribbean Blog

So many of our readers have reached out to us to ask how they can help the blog and we are introducing the Royal Caribbean Blog Insiders for just that reason.

The Insiders group is a way readers can contribute to Royal Caribbean Blog and help fuel some of the really amazing ideas, projects and new content that we have lined up.

As a way of saying thank you for your contribution, there are some fun rewards for being a member of the Royal Caribbean Blog Insiders.

Becoming a member of the Royal Caribbean Blog Insiders is completely up to you and you can cancel at any time. No questions asked! 

As always, thank you for visiting Royal Caribbean Blog and being a part of our community!

Royal Caribbean Around the Internet

Bloomberg wrote that instead of cruise lines competing over larger ships, it's all about amenities now.

Cruise Hive named Mariner of the Seas the Best Refurbishment of the Year in its Cruise Ship Awards.

Bahamas Eyewitness News reports Royal Caribbean wants Bahamian participation in a Port of Nassau redevelopment.

Cruise Fever compared the different cruise line loyalty programs.

Cruise Radio listed six reasons Symphony of the Seas should be your next family vacation.