The weekend is here and that means we have finished up another week with plenty of Royal Caribbean news to share. If you missed any of it, here is your neatly tied wrap-up of it all!

The big story this week was Royal Caribbean will test a new drink policy on a few upcoming Harmony of the Seas cruises where if one adult gets an unlimited alcohol package, all adults in the same stateroom would be required to buy it as well.

The pilot program will be for eight Harmony of the Seas sailings starting September 30, 2017 through November 18, 2017.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean released a new Symphony of the Seas photo construction update.
• We shared a secret lounge deck on Harmony of the Seas.
• Check out this new in-room coffee maker rental option.
• We were live all this week on Harmony of the Seas, with a daily live blog post.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

This week's podcast episode is all about things about the cruise experience we have changed our minds about over the years.

Our good friend, Michael Poole, joins us to discuss ways we have changed our outlook on cruising and things we do now that we never used to, or vice versa.

You can listen to the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast for free and hear all our tips, advice and suggestions for a better Royal Caribbean cruise experience.

Royal Caribbean Around the Internet

Porthole Magazine provided a look at Royal Caribbean's entertainment studio.

Cruise Habit shares how much does it cost to dock a cruise ship.

Cruise Critic created a new video with a look at which cruise lines have the best inside cabins.

Happy July 4th and Canada Day Weekend to everyone out in blog land! Many of you are enjoying a relaxing and long weekend, and I hope this week's round up of all the Royal Caribbean news makes it even better!

Royal Caribbean captured the imagination of many fans when news came out that it had registered a trademark for a potential new cruise ship name.

Royal Caribbean filed for a trademark for the phrase, "Spectrum of the Seas" (and then followed that up with two more potential ship name trademarks).

The cruise line has not announced any intentions for the names it registered, but many cruise fans believe these could be the names of the ships Royal Caribbean has on order.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean announced the date for its 2018 President's Cruise.
• Guests can now pre-purchase photo packages on Royal Caribbean's Cruise Planner.
• Royal Caribbean began a new BOGO 50% off promotion.
• Everything you need to know about Royal Caribbean's unlimited drink packages for the year of 2017.
• Brandwatch announced it is partnering with Royal Caribbean for social media tracking.
• We're live blogging onboard Harmony of the Seas this week!
• Five things to love about Jamie's Italian specialty restaurant.
• There is a new video that looks at the innovative Snapchat spectacles Royal Caribbean developed.
• A new video looks at how Royal Caribbean's ship designers create the vision for the new ships.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 204th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where Matt previews his Harmony of the Seas cruise.

In this episode, Matt is sharing his plans for his Harmony of the Seas cruise.  Matt talks about the plans he made, and shares the decision making process of planning for an Oasis class 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

Royal Caribbean shared a look at the people behind its innovation center.

Fox Business interviewed Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. Chairman Richard Fain.

Cruise Habit has the details on Celebrity Edge's latest announcement.

Eat Sleep Cruise has a review of Wonderland on Harmony of the Seas.

TTG wrote about Royal Caribbean's Stuart Levin has joined the board of Abta.

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 made headlines this week when it unveiled a first-of-its-kind social media innovation.

The cruise line developed its own Snapchat Spectacles that are capable of broadcasting live underwater, and shared a few underwater adventures with its Snapchat followers.

The mask was custom engineered by the cruise line for use with Snapchat Spectacles. It allows the wearer to snap while underwater and will give those above the surface a unique perspective into the intriguing underwater world of marine life.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean wants to offer guests the chance to try Snapchat goggles in the future.
• A new look at the construction of Symphony of the Seas was released this week.
• Our first time cruiser's guide to the Cruise Compass.
• Five things you ought to try on Harmony of the Seas.
• Royal Caribbean released a video that shows how the company sources consumables and replaceables on its ships.
• Our list of fun things to do in St. Maarten on a Royal Caribbean cruise.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 203nd episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where we take an in-depth look at Royal Caribbean's Cruise Planner site.

In this episode, Matt talks about what the Cruise Planner offers guests before their cruise, and how to best take advantage of pre-cruise purchases.

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

WildGravity Travels shared a port highlight and ship tour from Enchantment of the Seas.

John Bamber shared a cabin tour of his stateroom on Anthem of the Seas.

In The Loop Travel shared a new video of a day spent in Royal Caribbean's CocoCay.

My Cruise Course thinks now is the time to start planning your Baltic Cruise for next year.

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 provided our first look at its new non-refundable deposit program with select sailings offering the new option.

Beginning June 13, guests can expect to see the non-refundable deposit option live on various products. Royal Caribbean will work with these test products leading up to the fleet wide launch on July 1, 2017.

As of July 1st, 2017, the fleet-wide launch of nonrefundable deposit fares will debut across all ships.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean confirmed there will be no impact to its Cuba cruises as a result of the new U.S. policy change.
• Royal Caribbean changed its shore excursion cancellation policy.
• A new Cruise Planner sale debuted this weekend.
• There is a new option to pre-purchase arcade credit.
• Royal Caribbean is offering Crown and Anchor Society members a discount on suites on Oasis Class ships.
• Our list of things not to worry about on a Royal Caribbean cruise.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 202nd episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where we discuss what you need to know about taking a cruise during hurricane season.

In this episode, Matt talks about what impact hurricanes can have on a cruise, and whether or not taking a cruise during this time of year is a good idea.

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

New York Post shared a look at a recent Allure of the Seas cruise.

My Cruise Course shared a list of their favorite cruise podcasts.

Disney Cruise Line Blog shared tips for packing for a cruise.

Reasons to Cruise compared MSC Meraviglia to Royal Caribbean's Anthem of the Seas.

Cruise Radio released a new episode with a review of Liberty of the Seas.

Travel Weekly reports the new Royal Caribbean sales manager for Scotland.

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

Royal Caribbean made headlines this week when Symphony of the Seas was floated out.

The important construction milestone took place at the STX France shipyard. With the exterior now complete, Symphony of the Seas was floated out of her dry dock to begin the next phase of interior construction.

Symphony of the Seas will remain at this position until her delivery date in mid-April 2018.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean released a video of Symphony of the Seas' float out.
• Royal Caribbean won an Effie Award for its social media campaign.
• Our overview of Royal Caribbean's drink package rules.
• Thinking of booking a last minute Royal Caribbean cruise? Here is what you need to know.
• First time cruiser's guide to onboard activities on a Royal Caribbean cruise.
• Six things you may not have tried on a Royal Caribbean cruise.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 201st 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 and Billy each share two aspects of a Royal Caribbean cruise that everyone else seems to enjoy, but not them.  It is a tribute to unpopular opinions.

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

AmyUrquhart.com shared three activities they skip on a Royal Caribbean cruise.

Royal Caribbean celebrated World Oceans Day with a peek at the most eco-friendly destinations.

Cruise & Ferry reports Port Everglades will refit Terminal 25 as part of a new deal with Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.

Cruise Radio has a review of Wonderland.

Happy Sunday! In case you missed any of the Royal Caribbean news from this week, we have a round-up of it all in one easy to read post!

The big news from this week is the return of the corkage fee for wine guests bring onboard their Royal Caribbean cruise and have opened at a restaurant.

Royal Caribbean updated its policy to charge guests a $15 corkage fee per bottle of wine consumed in public areas.  The new policy began this week.

The corkage fee only applies to wine brought onboard on embarkation, and not wine purchased and/or given on board.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean announced a special solar eclipse cruise on Oasis of the Seas.
• Royal Caribbean opened bookings for the 2018-2019 Australia cruise season.
• Royal Caribbean debuted its June sales promotion offer this week.
• Guests can expect to see a new muster drill safety video.
• Uber and Lyft returned to the Galveston cruise market.
• We shared a look back at how Royal Caribbean dealt with Hurricane Andrew.
• Take a look at these seven fun facts about Radiance of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 200th 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 opens the phone lines to podcast listeners to share their favorite cruise tips for someone who is taking their very first 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.

Royal Caribbean Around the Internet

CNBC shared a video of Jim Cramer talking cruise stocks, including Royal Caribbean.

Royal Caribbean recapped how 2,000 volunteers from its company helped show up for a weekend of hard work, for a good cause.

Cruise Critic interviewed Royal Caribbean's chief meteorologist.

Cruise Habit discusses what the start of hurricane season means to those going on a cruise.

Alpha looks at the record breaking buildings and structures from around the world.

Royal Caribbean shared insider tips for going to Cuba.

Welcome to our summary of all of this week's Royal Caribbean news.  As we mark a time of remembrance this Memorial Day weekend, we also look forward to fun celebrations with family and friends as the unofficial start to summer has arrived.

Here is a look at all the Royal Caribbean news from this week!

Royal Caribbean made news this week when it announced it has hired the first Chief Meterologist.

James Van Fleet joined Royal Caribbean to develop forecasts for the cruise line's fleet of 24 ships. With his guidance, captains have the added support to continue making informed decisions and delivering the best possible vacation experience for the cruise line’s guests.

Translating technical data into digestable information is second nature for Van Fleet, who’s a veteran TV meteorologist with more than two decades of experience.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean announced the finalists for its adventure seeker contest.
• Royal Caribbean added a new soda and internet combo package for guests to purchase.
• A new Sabor happy hour special debuted on Oasis of the Seas.
• Royal Caribbean is celebrating Memorial Day weekend with a new cruise sale and cruise planner sale.
• We had two LIVE blogs this week, onboard Empress of the Seas and Oasis of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 199th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, with a special interview with the Godmother of Harmony of the Seas.

In this episode, Matt is joined by Brittany Affolter to talk about "her" ship, Harmony of the Seas.  Brittany shares the story of how she came to be the ship's Godmother, and talks about her recent sailing on Harmony.

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

Explore with Ed shared highlights from his Independence of the Seas Mediterranean cruise.

Travel Pulse wonders if the Escape Room trend will continue on cruise ships.

Cruise Habit shares why a a checklist for packing for a cruise is a really good idea.

Daily Echo featured a ten-year-old that build a Royal Caribbean cruise ship out of 2,000 pieces of Lego.

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

Earlier this week, we reported a new kind of escape room game available on Brilliance of the Seas that will soon make its way to other ships in the fleet.

Puzzle Break CEO Nate Martin spoke exclusively with Royal Caribbean Blog about the work his company is doing to bring new escape rooms to other Royal Caribbean ships.  

The "Royal Mystery" game is a hybrid puzzle hunt escape room experience that is playable by multiple teams at the same time. And it can be played on existing ships in the fleet.

Royal Caribbean News

• Kids Sail Free sale is back for the rest of the month.
• We have a new Symphony of the Seas construction photo update.
• Royal Caribbean pushed back the release of its 2018-2019 Australia sailings until June.
• Royal Caribbean retired its iOS app this week.
• We started two new live blogs: Oasis of the Seas and Empress of the Seas.
• Here are five ways to save hundreds of dollars off your next cruise.
• Our full review of Izumi on Navigator of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 198th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, featuring an interview with Puzzle Break CEO and co-founder Nate Martin.

In this Episode, Matt talks with Nate Martin about the work Puzzle Break is doing with Royal Caribbean and the kind of escape room games that are coming soon to its ships.

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

Seatrade Cruise News cites a poll that Royal Caribbean is tops with millennials.

CruiseBe has 5 places for foodies on Anthem of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean showed how they use data-driven, predictive analytics approach to fleet operations.

Eat Sleep Cruise shared their top 10 things to do in Havana, Cuba.

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

Royal Caribbean announced a new non-refundable cruise fare program that will begin in July.

As of July 1, 2017, the fleet-wide launch of nonrefundable deposit fares will debut across all ships. When making a cruise reservation at least 6-months prior to sailing, guests who opt to take advantage of nonrefundable deposit fares will automatically qualify to earn up to $100 per stateroom to spend at sea. Early booking credit is combinable with the existing promotional offer available at time of booking.

Change fees are only incurred should an adjustment to the ship and/or sail date occur; therefore, no change fee will be assessed upon swapping between category types on the same ship and sail date.

Royal Caribbean News

• It appears Sabor on Harmony of the Seas has changed to all-inclusive pricing.
• Royal Caribbean opened up cruises to Cuba through March 2019.
• Harmony of the Seas debuted a year ago this week, and we took a look back.
• Forbes named Royal Caribbean one of America's Best Employers.
• Answers to ten commonly asked first time Royal Caribbean cruise questions 
• We shared tips from cruise experts for visiting Cuba.
• A look at the lucky coins hidden on Oasis of the Seas.
• Royal Caribbean added 10 new Mariner of the Seas sailings from Singapore.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 197th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, sharing tips about taking a Royal Caribbean cruise to Cuba.

In this episode, Halee joins Matt to talk about her recent cruise to Cuba and what the experience was like on the first sailing.  Halee also shares tips and advice for anyone visiting Cuba soon.

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

Seatrade interviewed Royal Caribbean SVP of Hotel Operations about the changes coming to CocoCay.

In The Loop Travel has a new video from their recent Navigator of the Seas cruise.

Royal Caribbean has ways to make Mother's Day even better with a cruise.

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

Royal Caribbean made a lot of people living near the Gulf Coast states very happy this week with the announcement of new options to the Caribbean from New Orleans, Galveston and Miami in 2018.

Royal Caribbean will offer once again cruises from New Orleans when Vision of the Seas in the winter of 2018-2019. Vision of the Seas will also offer a pair of Panama Canal cruises prior to her arrival in New Orleans.

Enchantment of the Seas will move to Galveston, Texas, to offer cruises alongside Liberty of the Seas.

Mariner of the Seas will call PortMiami home in 2018, and offer 3- and 4-night itineraries beginning on June 21, 2018.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean began a new sales promotion for May, with 30% off all guests.
• We had two different Symphony of the Seas construction updates this week.
• Here are 10 Royal Caribbean dining mistakes to avoid.
• Our five favorite dishes from Sabor.
• There is a new Explorer of the Seas sailing from Tasmania added for later this year.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 196th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, focusing on Royal Caribbean's specialty dining packages.

In this episode, Matt talks about the specialty dining packages that are available on most sailings and what they offer guests from a savings perspective.

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

CruiseMiss has a guide to Caribbean islands that Royal Caribbean ships visit.

Royal Caribbean celebrated 10 years of offering cruises in China.

CruiseBe shared 7 facts you probably did not know about Radiance of the Seas.

Cruise Hive shared a look at the ship formerly known as Legend of the Seas.

TTG Media has a look at the changes in the sales operations for Royal Caribbean in Europe.