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Royal Caribbean Post Round-Up: July 10, 2016

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Royal Caribbean Post Round-Up
10 Jul 2016

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 Miami-Dade County Commission approved Royal Caribbean's proposal to build a new cruise terminal at PortMiami earlier this week.

The $247 million terminal was unanimously approved by the Board of County Commissioners. 

The new terminal, Terminal A, will be able to handle even Oasis-class cruise ships and open in Late 2018.

Terminal A would house an angular glass center and a parking garage with about 1,000 parking spaces at the northeastern side of the port, designed by England-based global architecture firm Broadway Malyan.

Royal Caribbean News

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

This week's podcast episode is all about what it is like to cruise on Explorer of the Seas to Alaska.

Our good friend, Beci Mahnken, joins us to discuss her recent cruise on Explorer of the Seas and shares how a Voyager-class ship fares with an intimate experience like an Alaska cruise.

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

Cruise Critic has a virtual tour of Harmony of the Seas' Royal Promenade.

Royal Caribbean UK has a list of 10 things you will love about the Boardwalk.

Moms of the Seas answers the question of does her husband have to wear a suit on formal night.

Royal Caribbean Post Round-Up: July 3, 2016

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Royal Caribbean Post Round-Up
03 Jul 2016

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 made a lot of folks smile this week, when they announced they would be building a brand new cruise terminal in Miami, Florida.

The new terminal, Terminal A, will be able to handle even Oasis-class cruise ships and open in Late 2018.

Terminal A would house an angular glass center and a parking garage with about 1,000 parking spaces at the northeastern side of the port, designed by England-based global architecture firm Broadway Malyan.

In addition, Royal Caribbean has promised an Oasis-class cruise ship will be based at the new terminal when it opens.

Royal Caribbean News

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 152nd episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where countdown our favorite bars and lounges across the fleet.

In this episode, Matt and Michael talk about their favorite spots on a Royal Caribbean cruise to enjoy an adult beverage and why they stand out from the rest.

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

Thrillist thinks Harmony of the Seas will, "blow your mind."

Royal Caribbean has a look at its new tech boss.

Cruise Hive has a list of 3 Royal Caribbean ships you should try.

Harper's Bazaar has 10 reasons cruising is chic again.

Royal Caribbean Post Round-Up: June 26, 2016

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Royal Caribbean Post Round-Up
26 Jun 2016

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's Ovation of the Seas arrived in her new home of Tianjin, China, where she then held her official naming ceremony.

Earlier in the week, Ovation of the Seas made a quick stop in Hong Kong prior to her home this cruise season in Tianjin.

Upon arrival, Royal Caribbean celebrated with her official naming ceremony, featuring the first Chinese Godmother, world famous actress Fan Bingbing.

Bingbing presided over the celebrations which culminated with the maritime tradition of the breaking of a champagne bottle on the hull of the ship to wish good fortune to the ship and all who sail on her.

Royal Caribbean News

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 151st episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where we take an in-depth look at the Junior Suite stateroom category.

In this episode, Matt discusses what a Junior Suite stateroom offers and how it differs from other stateroom categories and why you might want to book one.

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

PortNews has information on Navigator of the Seas' maiden call in St. Petersburg, Russia.

Beyond Ships has an interview with Anthem of the Seas' Captain.

The Glass House explains why a cruise is not for just old people.

Royal Caribbean Post Round-Up: June 19, 2016

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Royal Caribbean Post Round-Up
19 Jun 2016

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!

It might be June, but it is never too early to talk about Christmas, and Royal Caribbean announced its plans for holiday events on its ships.

Throughout December, Royal Caribbean’s Deck the Holidays will offer new events that will be celebrated on Royal Caribbean's ships.

Royal Caribbean ships will offer a number of events on many ships, including snow days on deck, tree lighting, caroling, letters to santa and a whole lot more.

Royal Caribbean News

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 150th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where we talk with someone who just cruised on the newly refurbished, Liberty of the Seas.

In this episode, our friend Rob just returned from a Liberty of the Seas cruise and shared his experience onboard and talked about the changes to the 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 UK has an interview with Izumi's head chef, Travis Kamiyama.

Travel Pulse has 7 off-the-beaten-path Harmony of the Seas tips.

Makr Shakr has a 360 degree video tour of Bionic Bar on Harmony of the Seas.

Fuss free flavors has a review of their Harmony of the Seas cruise.

Royal Caribbean has a look at how easy it is to plan a wedding on a Royal Caribbean ship.

Royal Caribbean Post Round-Up: June 12, 2016

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Royal Caribbean Post Round-Up
12 Jun 2016

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

Royal Caribbean made a big announcement this week, when it released details on the Adventure of the Seas refurbishment.

Adventure of the Seas will undergo a $61 million refurbishment in October-November 2016.

The ship will receive all-new thrills and enhancements, including new dual racer waterslides, Cyclone and Typhoon, the popular FlowRider surf simulator, and a children’s aquapark, Splashaway Bay. In addition, guests will enjoy a new lineup of culinary and entertainment venues with Izumi Japanese Cuisine, the brand’s signature steakhouse, Chops Grille and Boleros Latin Lounge. The ship also will receive more than 100 new staterooms, a refresh of all existing staterooms and a brand new Suites Lounge for the luxury traveler.

Royal Caribbean News

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 149th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where try to answer the question of how much does a Royal Caribbean cruise really cost?

In this episode, we look at the various aspects of a cruise vacation and how to come up with a ballpark-budget of what your Royal Caribbean cruise will cost.

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

Yahoo! Business has a look at Royal Caribbean's ships in Asia.

Eat Sleep Cruise has the top 6 reasons to visit the SeaPlex.

icelolly has a list of the best restaurants on Harmony of the Seas.

Cruise Critic takes a look at new cruise ships that can still have work being done.

Royal Caribbean Post Round-Up: June 5, 2016

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Royal Caribbean Post Round-Up
05 Jun 2016

It is Sunday and with June here, temperatures and Royal Caribbean news are starting to heat up!

The big Royal Caribbean news this week is Royal Caribbean's announcement that it will sell Legend of the Seas to Thomson Cruises in the spring of 2017.

Legend of the Seas' final sailing will be on March 13, 2017 and all scheduled sailings from February 20, 2017 onward will be canceled. This includes the summer season cruises from Venice, Italy as well as the balance of the Brisbane itineraries.

Legend of the Seas first entered service with Royal Caribbean in 1995. The 69,130-gross-registered-tons ship carries 1,832 guests (double occupancy) and 726 crew.

There was plenty more Royal Caribbean news to read this week, check out these stories too.

Royal Caribbean News

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 148th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where we are talking about the ships, ports and stateroom choices for a Royal Caribbean cruise.

In this episode, we are continuing our mini-series of episodes that focus on an Alaska cruise, as we look at the Royal Caribbean ships that go to Alaska, as well as must-do activities in the ports and which stateroom choices make sense.

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

Eat Sleep Cruise has a list of the top 25 Anthem of the Seas secrets.

In The Loop Travel has a list of 25 awesome little things on Harmony of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean Post Round-Up: May 29, 2016

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Royal Caribbean Post Round-Up
29 May 2016

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.

It was another exciting week for Royal Caribbean fans, as Royal Caribbean announced it had ordered a fifth Oasis-class cruise ship for delivery in the Spring of 2021.

Royal Caribbean signed a memorandum of understanding with STX France, and the order is contingent upon the completion of customary conditions, including documentation and financing.

"The Oasis-class ships have delivered beyond expectations each time," said Michael Bayley, President and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. "Harmony of the Seas' warm reception is evidence that growing this class of ship will continue to drive exceptional performance for the brand."

We have a lot to share with you this week, so let’s jump right in…

Royal Caribbean News

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 147th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where we begin a mini-series of episodes focusing on cruises to Alaska.

In this episode, Matt looks at the times of year someone could take a Royal Caribbean cruise, as well as consider the departure ports available and what the weather is really like in Alaska.

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 Blog Reader Finds

If you are on a Royal Caribbean cruise and spot something cool, new or just fun, share a photo with us on Facebook or Twitter so we can add it to our Royal Caribbean Blog Reader Finds each Sunday!

Royal Caribbean Around the Internet

Autism on the Seas has a look at the amazing work they do on Royal Caribbean cruises with kids with Autism.

In The Loop Travel has a new video of their ride on the Ultimate Abyss.

Royal Caribbean UK spoke with Independence of the Seas Godmother.

Shermans Cruise posted their full review of Harmony of the Seas.

Cruise Miss also shared her full review and thoughts on Harmony of the Seas.

Strawberry Squeeze has yet another review of Harmony of the Seas.

Porthole Magazine has a humorous look at the ship's daily newsletter.

Royal Caribbean Post Round-Up: May 22, 2016

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Royal Caribbean Post Round-Up
22 May 2016

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

Everything this week was about Royal Caribbean's newest cruise ship, Harmony of the Seas.

Harmony of the Seas arrived in Southampton and we got our first chance to see her up close.

Royal Caribbean was putting the finishing touches on her, as she offered a quick cruise to members of the media and local travel agents.

Harmony of the Seas will begin offering some quick cruises out of Southampton, before heading over to Barcelona to begin her summer season.

Royal Caribbean News

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 146th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where we answer your Royal Caribbean emails this week.

In this episode, Matt looks at common mistakes first-time cruisers (and veteran cruisers) make on their Royal Caribbean cruises, and how to avoid them.

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 showed how they put their ships together.

Gay Travel has an interview with Royal Caribbean's Director of Diversity and Inclusion.

In The Loop Travel has a video tour of the Grand Suite on Harmony of the Seas.

Boston Herald documented Anthem of the Seas' first ever stop there.

From the Deck Chair has five reasons sail on Harmony of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean Post Round-Up: May 15, 2016

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Royal Caribbean Post Round-Up
15 May 2016

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

Earlier this week, Royal Caribbean took delivery of its newest cruise ship, Harmony of the Seas.

Harmony of the Seas is now the world's largest cruise ship, following 32 months of construction.

The ship's arrival was marked with a traditional delivery and flag changing ceremony in Saint Nazaire, France.

There was also more Royal Caribbean news this week, so check out these posts too

Royal Caribbean News

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 145th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where we answer your Royal Caribbean emails this week.

In this episode, Matt reviews his recent cruise on Navigator of the Seas and talks about his experiences onboard, including dining, shore excursions and thoughts on the ship itself.

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

Travel By Terry looks at how a Royal Caribbean cruise offers liberation by sea.

Forbes has an interview with Royal Caribbean COO Adam Goldstein on a variety of topics.

Eat Sleep Cruise has a review of Dynamic Dining on Anthem of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean Post Round-Up: May 1, 2016

In:
Royal Caribbean Post Round-Up
01 May 2016

Happy Sunday! We hope you are having a wonderful weekend and we cannot wait to share with you all the exciting Royal Caribbean news from this week!

There was a lot of news this week, but the story that stood out to us is Royal Caribbean's announcement that all ships in the fleet will offer Voom, beginning today!

Royal Caribbean CEO Michael Bayley made the announcement during an earnings call with investors.

The news came as a surprise to many, considering there was no indication Royal Caribbean had planned a fleet-wide deployment of Voom this quickly.

Voom internet is Royal Caribbean's exclusive high speed internet that allows guests to stream music and movies, upload pictures, video chat with family and friends using FaceTime or Skype, check their email, lookup their stock prices, surf the web and stay connected with work via VPN.

We have a lot to share with you this week, so let’s jump right in…

Royal Caribbean News

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 143rd episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where we answer your Royal Caribbean emails this week.

In this episode, Matt previews his upcoming cruise on Navigator of the Seas and talks about what he has planned on his 8-night adventure.

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.

We are LIVE on Navigator of the Seas!

All this week, we are live blogging from Royal Caribbean's Navigator of the Seas!

Every day, Matt is posting a brand new blog post that reviews everything he did during the week and you can follow along!

The Navigator live blog can be found at www.navigatoroftheseas.live and you are encouraged to join in the fun with your comments and questions!

99 Days of Harmony

To celebrate the countdown until Royal Caribbean's Harmony of the Seas debuts, we kicked off a brand new blog series, 99 Days of Harmony, that looks at what makes this new ship so amazing. 

We are posting new blog posts all about Harmony of the Seas, so here's what you might have missed this week.

Royal Caribbean Around the Internet

Moms of the Seas has a list of 20 must-do family Royal Caribbean activities.

CNBC interviewed Royal Caribbean Chairman & CEO Richard Fain about its first quarter results.

Royal Caribbean says the Sports Zone on Harmony of the Seas is not for the faint of heart.

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