Happy Sunday! We hope you’re 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 announced changes coming to its private destination of Labadee, with enhancements to Adrenaline Beach.

Beginning August 14 and running through October 2017, the footprint and quality of the beach and surrounding areas will be nourished. In addition, reef balls will be added to increase the tranquility of the water and to provide exciting new marine habitats and snorkeling paths for cruise line guests.

Work will not take place when guests are on the island.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean released a new smart phone app this week.
• A new sale was kicked off for this weekend.
• Top things to do on a sea day on a Royal Caribbean cruise.
• We shared our readers' favorite cruise photos.
• 7 ways to learn everything you can about your Royal Caribbean cruise online.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 210th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where we debate if upgrading your stateroom makes sense in a variety of scenarios.

Often cruisers discover prior to their cruise an opportunity to upgrade their stateroom for more money, and on this week's episode, Michael Poole and Matt discuss what they would do in different scenarios that have been posted online.

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 the story behind the cruise line's use of body cameras.

eBaum's World shared a video of Harmony of the Seas guests cheering on a pair of pier runners.

Cruise Habit posted news of Celebrity appointing its first female sea captain to command a Galapagos cruise ship.

Cruise Fever has 9 tips for your next Royal Caribbean cruise.

ZDNet talked with Royal Caribbean's CIO about how Artificial Intelligence plays a part in the cruise line's operations.

Moms of the Seas shared tips for bathing young children while on a 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.

Royal Caribbean made changes to its NextCruise program this week that eliminated the reduced deposit option.

Effective on August 1, 2017, reduced deposits for cruises booked at NextCruise have been removed. In addition, the amount of onboard credit has been changed.

Royal Caribbean News

• The Weather Channel will broadcast on Oasis of the Seas during the Total Eclipse cruise.
• Royal Caribbean is testing an additional step to redeeming Diamond drinks on Majesty of the Seas.
• Royal Caribbean reported its highest second quarter earnings in company history.
• We shared six interesting things from Royal Caribbean's earnings call.
• Our full restaurant review of 150 Central Park on Harmony of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 209th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where we talk about how to use credit cards to save money on a Royal Caribbean cruise.

In this episode, Matt and John discuss the Royal Caribbean credit card as well as other credit cards and how to use credit cards to save money on your cruise vacation.

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 its tips for what clothing to pack for a cruise.

Moms of the Seas answers if kids that are close in age can stay in same Adventure Ocean group.

CNBC interviewed Richard Fain about Royal Caribbean's second quarter results.

Cruise Habit has a look at onboard booking incentives.

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.

While in Europe, Royal Caribbean has temporarily switched Sabor on Navigator of the Seas to an Indian restaurant.

The change occured to cater to the tastes of its British cruisers, and took place on this past week's sailing.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean will hold a quarterly earnings call next week.
• 5 things to love about Rhapsody of the Seas
• We posted a photo tour of a Spa Junior Suite on Anthem of the Seas.
• 9 important things to know before buying an unlimited alcohol package.
• We spotted a swan drink floatie for sale.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 208th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where we discuss taking a shore excursion to St. John.

St. John is located nearby St. Thomas, and an easy and fun way to spend the day.  Matt discuses how to get to St. John, as well as what makes this island paradise so lovely.

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 that Grandeur of the Seas received a perfect health score from the CDC.

John Bamber shared how he enjoyed his Royal Caribbean cruise following weight loss surgery.

Royal Caribbean shared top five can't miss adventures onboard.

Holly Smith Photography shares a trip report from her Empress of the Seas cruise to Cuba.

Travel Weekly wrote about Royal Caribbean appointing new key account and regional sales managers.

Miami Herald interviewed a few CEOs about balancing work with family, including Richard Fain.

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 announced its holiday sailings in December 2017, with confirmation of events happening onboard and great rates still available.

All December long, Royal Caribbean is getting in the holiday spirit with special holiday sailings. From a tree-lighting ceremony right on deck to an arrival parade with Santa himself. And it all culminates in the biggest New Year’s celebration at sea.

There are twenty Christmas sailings and sixteen New Years Eve sailings to consider as the perfect vacation to celebrate.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean is now offering swim lessons onboard their ships.
• Check out these nighttime photos from Harmony of the Seas.
• We shared a guide to visiting St. John while on a Royal Caribbean cruise.
• Royal Caribbean showed off its Innovation Lab in a new video this week.
• You can read our full review of Sabor on Harmony of the Seas.
• A look at the Royal Mystery escape room game that is now offered on Harmony of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 207th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where we discuss what you need to know about taking a last minute Royal Caribbean cruise.

In this episode, Matt shares strategies for booking a last minute cruise, as well as areas of the planning process that are different when booking close to the sail date.

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 Enthused shared a list of her favorite cruise podcasts.

Cruise Habit shared what the muster drill exactly is and why it is important.

Cruise Hive shared how to make your first day on a cruise count.

Happy Sunday! We hope you’re having a wonderful weekend and are ready to catch up on all the Royal Caribbean news from this week!

Royal Caribbean announced this week a list of changes coming to Independence of the Seas in an upcoming refurbishment.

Independence of the Seas is scheduled for a refurbishment in April 2018, at which point she will receive several new features including a trampoline park, water slides and more.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean will offer cruises to Cuba on Majesty of the Seas.
• DNCE will perform on Oasis of the Seas Total Eclipse cruise.
• Our full review of the Royal Caribbean ultimate dining package.
• Royal Caribbean will use Virtual Reality in its marketing in Asia.
• We posted a photo tour of a Central Park balcony stateroom on Harmony of the Seas.
• Royal Caribbean selected WeatherOps software for fleetwide decision support.
• Royal Caribbean Asia celebrated its 10 year anniversary this week.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 206th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where we are answering your Royal Caribbean emails

In this episode, Matt reviews his recent sailing on Harmony of the Seas and shares the different experiences onboard and onshore that he tried.

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 has a look at how Oasis of the Seas changed cruising forever.

Cruise Habit has a look at how cruise ship design impacts guest expectations.

Royal Caribbean is celebrating 25 years of saving the ocean.

Blog reader Jason Percival took a stateroom tour of his Royal Family Suite on Anthem of the Seas.

MarineLink shares how Royal Caribbean will install NavBox across the entire fleet.

Travel Pulse lists some major headaches your travel agent can remedy.

PR News shares how Royal Caribbean's Communications Team handles a real-time crisis on social media.

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.