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Royal Caribbean Post Round-Up: May 15, 2016

In:
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.

Royal Caribbean Post Round-Up: April 24, 2016

In:
Royal Caribbean Post Round-Up
24 Apr 2016

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 made headlines this week when it canceled seven more Empress of the Seas sailings.

The cruise line had to push back Empress' return to the fleet by more than a month, marking the second occasion in which Royal Caribbean canceled scheduled sailings on Empress of the Seas in just the last few months.

Many guests are more upset with the fact the cancelations were announced just days before their cruise than the cancelations.

Royal Caribbean explained they had to cancel the sailings because all the galleys need to be fully replaced, at a cost of $10 million.

Royal Caribbean News

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 142nd episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where we answer your Royal Caribbean emails this week.

In this episode, we share a guide to Royal Caribbean's Oasis-class cruise ships and what to expect if you have ever been on one previously.

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.

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. 

Each day we are posting a new blog post all about Harmony of the Seas, so here's what you might have missed this week.

Royal Caribbean Around the Internet

Royal Caribbean posted about the thrills on Harmony of the Seas.

Kidz Cruises has a review of the Royal Babies and Royal Tots Nursery.

Royal Caribbean also has a look at their fuel efficiency software.

TravelPulse shares a recent shipyard tour of Harmony of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean Post Round-Up: April 17, 2016

In:
Royal Caribbean Post Round-Up
17 Apr 2016

It is Sunday and perhaps it is starting warm up, weather-wise, where you are living. The Royal Caribbean news this week heated up, and we have it all summarized for you here, in case you missed any of it.

Royal Caribbean's 24th ship, Ovation of the Seas, formally joined the fleet this week and started sailing from Southampton, England.

Royal Caribbean took delivery of this new ship in a ceremony held in Bremerhaven, Germany and then sent the ship over the English Channel to Southampton.

Ovation's arrival in Southampton coincided with even more Ovation of the Seas news, as Royal Caribbean revealed who her Godmother would be, as well as the larger-than-life art that would be added onboard.

Royal Caribbean News

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 141st episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where we answer your Royal Caribbean emails this week.

In this episode, Michael Poole discusses his recent back to back cruise on Brilliance of the Seas and talks about the virtues of taking two Royal Caribbean cruises in a row, as well as what his experience on Brilliance was like.

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.

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.  

Each day we are posting a new blog post all about Harmony of the Seas, so here's what you might have missed this week.

Royal Caribbean Around the Internet

Royal Caribbean shares some advice for finding the best airfare rates.

Royal Caribbean Ltd shows what it takes to keep the water clean on its ships.

Cruise Miss is giving Ovation of the Seas a standing ovation.

Makr Shakr's Bionic Bar has new names and is on Ovation of the Seas.

Captain Greybeard has a look at why Ovation of the Seas is such a knock-out.

Royal Caribbean Post Round-Up: April 10, 2016

In:
Royal Caribbean Post Round-Up
10 Apr 2016

Happy Sunday! We hope you’re enjoying a day filled with friends and family. Now it’s time to sit back, relax, and catch up on the latest Royal Caribbean news!

Royal Caribbean's 24th ship was welcomed into the fleet this week, as Ovation of the Seas was delivered by shipbuilder Meyer Werft in an official handover ceremony.

Royal Caribbean Chairman Richard Fain took delivery of Ovation of the Seas from Meyer Werft Yard’s Managing Partner Bernard Meyer in Bremerhaven, Germany.

Ovation of the Seas will now sail to Southampton, U.K., where the ship will offer a series of short getaways before she sets sail on her 52-night “Global Odyssey” culminating in the arrival to her homeport in Tianjin, China.

Royal Caribbean News

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 140th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where we answer your Royal Caribbean emails this week.

In this episode, Matt digs into the email inbox and reads emails about all aspects of taking a virtual cruise.  We talk dining, shore excursions, stateroom options 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.

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.  

Each day we are posting a new blog post all about Harmony of the Seas, so here's what you might have missed this week.

Royal Caribbean Around the Internet

Cruiseline has 5 annoying things that aren't the cruise line's fault.

From the Deck Chair is sharing a first-look at Harmony of the Seas.

Cruise Maven Travels has a look at the Ben & Jerry Sweet.

Royal Caribbean Post Round-Up: April 3, 2016

In:
Royal Caribbean Post Round-Up
03 Apr 2016

We have reached the end of another week, and that means we have all the Royal Caribbean news from this week to share with you.

This week, Royal Caribbean announced it was raising the gratuity amount for all sailings that depart on or after May 1, 2016.

Gratuities are going up 55 cents per guest, per day and will have a daily cost of:

  • $13.50 per guest, per day for guests Junior Suite, Balcony, Ocean View, and Interior staterooms.
  • $16.50 per guest, per day for guests in Grand Suite and above staterooms.

The reasoning for increasing the daily gratuity amount is because Royal Caribbean wanted, "to better align with industry standards."

Royal Caribbean News

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 139th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where we played our own April Fools joke this week.

In this episode, the hosts of the defunct CrownCast podcast host and talk about a variety of Royal Caribbean topics, including the virtues of smaller ships, favorite ports of all 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.

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.  

Each day we are posting a new blog post all about Harmony of the Seas, so here's what you might have missed this week.

Royal Caribbean Around the Internet

From the Deck Chair has a look at Harmony of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean has a look at how to book a cruise.

Quartz answers the question of why the best cruise ships are in China.

Porthole Magazine spoke with Royal Caribbean COO Adam Goldstein.

TravelAge West has a first look at Harmony of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean Post Round-Up: March 27, 2016

In:
Royal Caribbean Post Round-Up
27 Mar 2016

Spring is here and so is this week's Royal Caribbean news round-up, where we share with you all of the Royal Caribbean news from this week so you do not miss a thing!

The big news this week was Royal Caribbean's reveal of the entertainment on Ovation of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean announced the various entertainment options across this brand new Quantum class cruise ship, including shows in Two70, the Main Theater and more.

Quantum of the Seas will debut in April 2016, and offer a number of shows not seen on any other ship in the fleet.

Royal Caribbean News

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.  

Each day we are posting a new blog post all about Harmony of the Seas, so here's what you might have missed this week.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 138th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where we have an exclusive interview with the Allure of the Seas hotel director.

In this episode, Matt sits down with Royal Caribbean' Joao Mendonça to discuss how a ship the size of Allure of the Seas functions so well and provide a "behind-the-scenes" look at Allure 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

The Street interviewed Royal Caribbean COO Adam Goldstein about cruises to Cuba.

In The Loop Travel has a video tour of Oasis of the Seas.

Eat Sleep Cruise wonders if Empress of the Seas is going to Cuba.

Shermans Cruise has a list of 5 wacky classes to take at sea.

Royal Caribbean Post Round-Up: March 20, 2016

In:
Royal Caribbean Post Round-Up
20 Mar 2016

It's Sunday and the good news is we are all one week closer to our next Royal Caribbean cruise! In case you missed any of the Royal Caribbean fun from this week, here is our weekly round up!

There was a lot of Royal Caribbean news this week, but the big story was Royal Caribbean's decision to cancel the first six Empress of the Seas sailings.

We were a about two weeks away from her debut, but the company stated it need more time to finish the upgrades and changes they planned on adding to her, and decided to push her debut back by six weeks.

For guests that were booked on one of the cancelled sailings, Royal Caribbean has offered the option of a full refund, or to be booked on another Empress of the Seas or Majesty of the Seas sailing.

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

Royal Caribbean News

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.  

Each day we are posting a new blog post all about Harmony of the Seas, so here's what you might have missed this week.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 137th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where we discuss eveything about dinner on a Royal Caribbean cruise.

In this episode, Matt talks about the subject of eating dinner on Royal Caribbean, and tries to provide a general overview of the process as a means of explaining what to expect and why dinner is such an enjoyable experience onboard.

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 Interent

The New York Post has 10 crazy facts about Harmony of the Seas.

Ren Behan has a review of Wonderland's "Dry Run" in London.

Cruise Critic's editor-in-chief has a new column about winter weather and cruising.

Fortune Magazine asked Royal Caribbean COO Adam Goldstein about what to do when you are overwhelmed at work.

Royal Caribbean Post Round-Up: March 13, 2016

In:
Royal Caribbean Post Round-Up
13 Mar 2016

Happy Sunday! We hope you are having a wonderful weekend, and are ready to relax and catch up on all the latest Royal Caribbean news!

The big news this week was two Royal Caribbean ships left their ship yards to get one step closer to launch.

Harmony of the Seas embarked on a three-day sea trial, while Ovation of the Seas started her conveyance.

Harmony of the Seas sea trails were devoted mainly to test her electric power plant and propulsion system, as well as maneuverability.

Ovation of the Seas is making her way slowly down the River Ems, where she will reach the North Sea and begin her sea trials.

For both ships, this means they are getting very close to launch and many Royal Caribbean fans cannot wait for their debut!

Royal Caribbean News

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.  

Each day we are posting a new blog post all about Harmony of the Seas, so here's what you might have missed this week.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 136th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where we have an exclusive interview with the man that literally created Izumi.

In this episode, Matt sits down with Izumi Master Chef Travis Kamiyama to talk about the story behind Izumi, as well as look at the tremendous success Izumi has enjoyed in the few years it has been around.  It is an intriguing behind-the-scenes look at how Chef Travis keeps Izumi going across Royal Caribbean's fleet.

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 has a list of 5 thrilling things you must do on Harmony of the Seas.

Travel Weekly has an interview with Royal Caribbean's Vicki Freed, about the changes to the cruise line's cancellation policy.

Royal Caribbean Post Round-Up: March 6, 2016

In:
Royal Caribbean Post Round-Up
06 Mar 2016

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!

Royal Caribbean released its summer 2017 European itineraries this week, allowing guests to book cruises for this upcoming season.

Guests can enjoy cruises all over Europe, on 8 of the line's cruise ships, including Freedom of the Seas for the first time.

Royal Caribbean is offering cruises to the Mediterranean, Canary Islands, Northern Europe and more in 2017.

We have a full breakdown of where each Royal Caribbean ship is going in summer 2017, so you can pick the right itinerary for you.

Royal Caribbean News

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 135th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, and we have a roundtable review of our group cruise aboard Allure of the Seas.

Int his episode, Matt and everyone that was aboard the Royal Caribbean Blog group cruise recorded a review of Allure of the Seas, live at Vintages.  The group discussed their experiences onboard, discuss what they think of a ship the size of Allure of the Seas and discuss some of the fun experiences from our week aboard.

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.

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.  

Each day we are posting a new blog post all about Harmony of the Seas, so here's what you might have missed this week.

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

Porthole Magazine has a look at the design of Royal Caribbean's smart ships (written by me!).

Travel Pulse criticizes the way the media has unfairly reported on cruise news lately.

CNBC posted a video interview with Royal Caribbean COO Adam Goldstein about Ovation of the Seas.

Captain Greybeard wonders why cruising has such an image problem.

Shermans Cruise tried the White Truffle Dinner on Anthem of the Seas.

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