Happy New Year! We wish everyone a very happy new year, and a year filled with plenty of Royal Caribbean fun.

It was a quiet week overall, but we heard from plenty of our readers about new sunbeds that are available for rent on Anthem of the Seas.

These sunbeds are located near North Star, and are available to rent for $150 each (plus 18% gratuity).  The sunbeds come with a bottle of Moët Chandon Ice Imperial, and offer a dedicated spot to enjoy near the pool throughout the day.

Many of our readers voiced their opinion of value of these sunbeds, so be sure to share your thoughts too.

Royal Caribbean News

• Our list of the top 10 Royal Caribbean stories of 2016.
• 25 must-read Royal Caribbean dining secrets.
• We shared the best Friday Photos of 2016.
• Photos of the Christmas decorations around Anthem of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 178th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where we list ideas of things you might not consider packing for a Royal Caribbean cruise.

In this episode, Matt talks about the various events onboard that may necessitate packing other items you have not considered.  Also, Matt discusses the items on Royal Caribbean's prohibited items list.

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 counted down the top cruise stories of 2016 (Harmony of the Seas made the list).

Royal Caribbean has packing tips for a cruise by style expert, Sydne Summer.

Totally Tourists has an interview with Oasis of the Seas' Food & Beverage director.

Cruise Hive named Harmony of the Seas the best new cruise ship of 2016.

The Street looks at a partnership between Royal Caribbean and Mattel to target kids and teens through online content.

The Wall Street Journal highlights Royal Caribbean's work with AwesomenessTV to target teens.

Cruise Habit answers the question if using a travel agent is a good idea for booking a cruise.

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

The gifts came a little early for Royal Caribbean this week, with Royal Caribbean being named Best Cruise Line Overall by Travel Weekly for 14th consecutive year.

Royal Caribbean also claimed the top spot in a few other categories including Best Cruise Line in the Caribbean, Best Cruise Line Sales & Service, Best Overall Individual Cruise Ship (Allure of the Seas), and Best New Cruise Ship (Harmony of the Seas).

Travel Weekly honored the winners of its Readers Choice Awards at a gala dinner and ceremony on December 15 at the Conrad Hotel in New York. Winners were selected in 78 categories, ranging from hotels to tours to airlines to GDSs to cruise lines, represent the best of the best in travel.

Royal Caribbean News

• Unfortunately a passenger jumped off a Royal Caribbean cruise ship.
• Royal Caribbean is offering bonus instant savings on cruises booked through the end of the year.
• Our 2017 Royal Caribbean cruise planning guide.
• Royal Caribbean released its sustainability report for the year.
• 5 things to know before buying a Royal Caribbean drink package.
• Check out a video of The Fine Line on Harmony of the Seas.
• A review of Escape the Rubicon on Harmony of the Seas.
• Everything about the Bionic Bar on Harmony of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 177th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available and this week, we are sharing three wishes for Royal Caribbean.

In 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

CIO shows how CIOs eye new initiatives in 2017, including Royal Caribbean's CIO.

Cruise Fever has the pros and cons of a Boardwalk balcony stateroom on Allure of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean shares tips on how to pick your first cruise.

In The Loop Travel has tips on how to eat like a local in Cancun, Mexico.

Good news, 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!

A small nugget of information regarding Royal Caribbean's next cruise ship to be delivered was revealed this week, shedding light on where the ship will call home.

Royal Caribbean CEO Michael Bayley mentioned in an interview that the fourth Oasis class cruise ship will be coming to the United States, following a brief European summer season.

This plan mirrors the plan for sister ship, Harmony of the Seas, which also did a summer season in Europe prior to her arrival in the United States.

Royal Caribbean News

• Ovation of the Seas arrived in her new home of Sydney, Australia.
• A look at the six shore excursions in Cuba that Royal Caribbean will provide.
• CNN will provide a live broadcast from Harmony of the Seas during New Years Eve.
• Two new bottled alcohol packages are available on most sailings.
• 15 amazing things you can eat on a Royal Caribbean cruise.
• What you need to know before taking a Royal Caribbean cruise to Cuba.
• How to pack for a Royal Caribbean cruise in the winter.
• A video look at the Hibachi chefs delighting guests at Izumi.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 176th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available and this week, Matt countsdown his top five favorite experiences on Harmony of the Seas.

In this episode, Matt considers everything there is to see and do on Harmony of the Seas, and lists his favorite spots, entertainment and of course, food.

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

Wall Street Journal has a look at how Royal Caribbean's CIO deploys containers to modernize an old system.

Cruise News UK has an interview with the Captain of Allure of the Seas.

Eat Sleep Cruise has a list of 10 ways to save money on cruise drinks.

Hello His recaps their cruise on Harmony of the Seas.

Cruise Critic has a list of 7 things not to do on an Oasis class ship.

Travel Weekly sees more sailings to Cuba, but at what price?

Happy December! We cannot believe that we are already one full week into the month – there is so much going on with holiday preparation and shopping and baking!

It was a busy Royal Caribbean news week, with Royal Caribbean finally getting permission to offer cruises to Cuba.

On Thursday, Royal Caribbean revealed it had received permission from the Cuban government to offer cruises, which resulted in the company promising cruises would become available soon.

The very next day, Royal Caribbean posted its first batch of Cuba cruises available for booking.  As expected, Empress of the Seas was the ship to take Royal Caribbean guests to Cuba, although Royal Caribbean added bonus news, when it was revealed Empress of the Seas will spend the 2017 summer season in Tampa, Florida.

Empress of the Seas will homeport in Tampa for the 2017 summer season offering a series of 4- and 5-night sailings, including port calls to destinations in Cuba.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean received a perfect score as workplace for LGBT equality.
• Royal Caribbean promoted a new head of Europe, Middle East and Africa.
• A look at the new menu at 150 Central Park.
• Our list of the top six Royal Caribbean changes coming in 2017.
• Royal Caribbean is offering a special Green Monday promotion.
• New Christmas Coca-Cola souvenir cups have been spotted on Royal Caribbean ships.
• Our top 5 best Harmony of the Seas tips.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 175th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available and this week, Matt and Billy discuss the last day of a Royal Caribbean cruise.

The final hours of a cruise can be busy with a lot going on, so this week, we go through what is involved on disembarkation day.

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 has a guest blogger review of their first cruise.

Cruise Habit looks at if the new Mobile Passport app will save you time.

WLRN interviewed Royal Caribbean CEO Michael Bayley.

Cruise Critic has 9 reasons to pack duct tape for your upcoming cruise.

Another week has gone by and that means we are all one week closer to our next Royal Caribbean cruise!

This week, Royal Caribbean entered the record books when North Star was recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records.

The Guinness Book of World Records named North Star the “Highest Viewing Deck on a Cruise Ship". 

The North Star is a one-of-a-kind and intimate experience that takes guests on an exhilarating journey high above the sea. This glass observation capsule gently rises more than 300 feet in the air and rotates upwards and over the sides of the ship to provide the most breathtaking, 360-degree views imaginable.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean Australia will now include gratuities in the cruise fare.
• Royal Caribbean released a variety of new discounts for the month of December.
• A photo tour of a balcony stateroom on Harmony of the Seas.
• Is a Royal Caribbean drink package right for you?
• We spotted a new specialty coffee card option guests can prepurchase.
• A guide to breakfast options on Harmony of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 174th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available and this week, Matt shares itinerary recommendations for first-time cruisers.

In this episode, Matt offers advice for someone new to Royal Caribbean and wanting to try their 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

Royal Caribbean wrote about its dedication to offering cruises to guests with special needs.

Cruise & Ferry interviewed the people that created the Ultimate Abyss slide on Harmony of the Seas.

Travelzoo takes a look at Harmony of the Seas.

Happy Thanksgiving! As you are enjoying turkey, pumpkin and cranberry leftovers, check out this week's round-up of all of this week's Royal Caribbean news.

Royal Caribbean rolled out a new combo offer that packages Royal Caribbean's high speed Voom internet with the deluxe internet package.

The "Sip and Stream" package is now available via Royal Caribbean's Cruise Planner and discounts the total price of trying to purchase the same options individually. For one low price, guests that pre-purchase this combo package can save money on their total cruise price.

There was more Royal Caribbean news from this week, so read on to see it all!

Royal Caribbean News

• Tropical Storm Otto forced Royal Caribbean to change Empress of the Seas' itinerary.
• Our list of 10 free activities on Harmony of the Seas.
• Royal Caribbean kicked off its Cyber Monday sale, which runs through Monday.
• Royal Caribbean is offering discounts on select pre-cruise purchases through Monday.
• Read our live blog from Independence of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 173rd episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, which features a behind-the-scenes look at how Royal Caribbean created the entertainment for Harmony of the Seas.

Matt had the exclusive opportunity to interview Royal Caribbean Managing Producer Alex Marchant to discuss how shows like Columbus, The Musical! were created.

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

OpenJaw reviewed their time onboard Harmony of the Seas, particularly the entertainment.

Royal Caribbean offers an inside look at what it is like to perform on a cruise ship.

CruiseHabit offers insight into how to pack for a 4-night cruise.

Happy Sunday! Temperartures may be dropping, but there is plenty of Royal Caribbean news to share.  This is your weekly summary of all the Royal Caribbean news from this past week, perfectly fitted for your consumption.

Harmony of the Seas is still dominating the news cycles this week, and Royal Caribbean announced one of its signature restaurants is getting a brand new menu.

150 Central Park on all Oasis class ships is getting a new multi-course menu, which highlights artisinal ingredients.

The new menu is aimed at encouraging guests to return again and again to experience something new each time. Selections include lobster gnocchi with carrot butter sauce, herb salad or Bittersweet Chocolate Bourbon Tart with salted caramel, spiced pecans, cranberry chutney and chantilly cream.

Set in the Central Park neighborhood, 150 Central Park has a $45 cover charge, and includes from a variety of appetizers, entrées and dessert including a tableside cheese cart. 150 Central Park is the creation of James Beard Award-winning chef Michael Schwartz.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean is offering inexpensive shore excursions in Nassau and Key West.
• Crown and Anchor Society members can save an extra 5% on cruises this month.
• Top 10 Harmony of the Seas hidden secrets.
• Our full review of Wonderland on Harmony of the Seas.
• Top water slide tips for anyone trying them on Harmony of the Seas.
• A one-minute hyperlapse tour of Harmony of the Seas.
• Photos of Oasis of the Seas inaugural sailaway from Port Canaveral.
• Five odd facts about Royal Caribbean that you might not have known about.
• A photo tour of a Boardwalk Balcony stateroom on Harmony of the Seas.
• We found two new Coca-Cola souvenir cup designs on Harmony of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean Podcast

The 172nd episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, which features a review of Matt's recent cruises on Harmony of the Seas.

In this episode, Matt returns from two quick Harmony of the Seas sailings and shares his thoughts on how this brand new ship stacks up, and what resonated with him during his time 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 Internet

Onboard has 30 tips you must know before sailing on Harmony of the Seas.

Cruise Critic has 6 Royal Caribbean cruise hacks you need in your life.

OpenJaw wrote about their experiences on Harmony of the Seas.

ShermansCruise has a list of 10 things they love about Harmony of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean has a 360 degree view of Harmony of the Seas inaugural departure from the United States.

Happy Sunday! November has arrived, and so has Royal Caribbean's newest cruise ship to her homeport of Port Everglades.  Each week we summarize all of this week's Royal Caribbean news, just in case you missed any of it.

This week's news was dominated by Harmony of the Seas, with the meeting of the three Oasis class ships on Friday marking an historic event.

Allure of the Seas, Oasis of the Seas and Harmony of the Seas converged off the coast of Florida for the first, and perhaps only, time ever.  To see all three ships in the class in one spot was quite exciting, and it also marked the arrival of Harmony of the Seas to the United States.

Here is a look at the rest of the Royal Caribbean news from this week.

Royal Caribbean News

• Adventure of the Seas refurbishment is delayed due to to the impact of Hurricane Matthew.
• Royal Caribbean is now the official cruise line of the New York Knicks and New York Rangers.
• The band DNCE will perform live on Harmony of the Seas.
• Royal Caribbean made its first-ever call to Wollongong, Australia.
• Our guide to single staterooms on Royal Caribbean's ships.
• Harmony of the Seas is here and why you should be excited about it.
• A video look at the culinary experience in Wonderland on Harmony of the Seas.
• Royal Caribbean released an infographic that details all the family fun on Harmony of the Seas.
• A behind-the-scenes look at the Ultimate Abyss slide.
• Our readers shared photos of the Halloween fun on Harmony of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

On this week's episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast, Matt is previewing his cruise on Royal Caribbean's newest cruise ship, Harmony of the Seas.

Matt is sailing on two short Harmony of the Seas cruises this week, and in this episode, he shares a look at what he has planned onboard (and how he convinced his wife to let him cruise solo).

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 answers the question of how it hires the thousands of crew members that it needs.

Cruise Habit reviewed the first sailaway for Harmony of the Seas from Port Everglades.

Eat Sleep Cruise posted a full review of Sabor on Oasis of the Seas.

The Enterprisers Project has an interview with Royal Caribbean's CIO.

Cruise and Ferry wrote about the end of the 2016 cruise season for Royal Caribbean in Nova Scotia.

Forbes has a look at what it's like to work on the world's largest cruise ship.

Happy Sunday! We are so happy that you stopped by and hope you are having a wonderful weekend. Grab a mug of your favorite hot beverage, sit back, and check out the latest in Royal Caribbean news.

Perhaps the last question about Royal Caribbean's Harmony of the Seas was answered this week, when Royal Caribbean revealed the Godmother to the new ship.

After winning the final vote, Brittany Affolter was named Godmother to Harmony of the Seas, edging out two other women who were competing for the spot.

Brittany’s work with Teach for America in Miami-Dade County has supported and inspired a number of high-needs schools in Royal Caribbean’s hometown. 

We have a lot more Royal Caribbean news to share from this week, so let's jump right in...

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean released an infographic about Harmony of the Seas transatlantic crossing.
• Royal Caribbean released the financial results of its third quarter.
• Check out these fun facts about Harmony of the Seas.
• 5 perfect times to enjoy the pool without a big crowd.
• Third and fourth guests can sail free on Empress of the Seas with a new promotion.
• How to cancel and rebook something on the Cruise Planner.
• Here is our photo tour of a Grand Suite on Anthem of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

Royal Caribbean offers sailings to many destinations around the world, including the beautiful Mediterranean and on this week's podcast, we have a review of a recent sailing to this beautiful area.

In this week's podcast episode, Matt talks with Dirk about Dirk's recent 13-night Navigator of the Seas cruise to the Western Mediterranean. This is a great look at Navigator and the many ports in the Western Mediterranean.

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 Cruise Dudes interviewed Matt about the Icon class cruise ship announcement.

ShermansCruise has a list of 9 awesome free things to do on Royal Caribbean.

The Enterprisers Project answers what digital transformation means at Royal Caribbean.

Yin&Yang share their adventures exploring Labadee and Jamaica while on a Royal Caribbean cruise.

The fall temperatures may be dropping, but the Royal Caribbean news from this week is as hot as ever, and we have it all summarized for you in this week's round up!

Sit back, and catch-up on all of the Royal Caribbean news and happenings form this week.

Late in the week, Royal Caribbean filed a trademark application with the United States Patent and Trademark office for a new cruise ship name.

On October 17, Royal Caribbean registered, "Icon of the Seas" to presumably use for its first Project Icon class of cruise ships that were announced last week.

Assuming Icon of the Seas is in fact the name of the first Icon class ships, that ship will debut sometime in 2022 and be powered by liquefied natural gas and fuel cell technology.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean has become the first cruise line to be named Gay Travel Approved.
• Our photo report of CocoCay, following Hurricane Matthew.
• Samsung Galaxy Note 7 phones are now banned on all Royal Caribbean ships.
• Royal Caribbean scheduled its third quarter earnings call for late next week.
• Our in-depth look at the deluxe drink package.
• What you need to know about the neighborhood balcony staterooms.
• A video overview of Harmony of the Seas, by the numbers.
• Royal Caribbean has extended its Singapore cruise season until next June.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

It seems like everyone is discussing the big news of Royal Caribbean's Project Icon ship announcement, including us on this week's podcast episode.

In this week's Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast, Matt and Michael discuss what we know about Project Icon ships and speculate on the long-term and short-term impact this news has for Royal Caribbean fans.

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

Reuters has a look at how big brands (like Royal Caribbean) use Periscope.

Royal Caribbean shared top picks for what to do in the Caribbean from a crew member.

Eat Sleep Cruise has a review of Chops Grille on Oasis of the Seas.

ShermansCruise has a look at what it is really like on board a mega ship.

Canada.com thinks the Radiance class ships still can dazzle guests.

The Kitchy Kitchen offers a list of their favorite things on Harmony of the Seas.