Thanks for joining us for another weekly look at all of the Royal Caribbean news from this week.  The late-summer heat is still on, and we have plenty of Royal Caribbean news to share from this week.

A tropical storm in the Atlantic caused three Royal Caribbean ships to change itineraries in order to avoid being impacted by the storm.

Royal Caribbean announced changes for Freedom of the Seas, Oasis of the Seas and Empress of the Seas that resulted in some variations to the pre-set plans.

The changes for each ship were made to ensure the safety of every guest and crew member aboard.  There have been no futher itinerary updates announced for other ships.

Royal Caribbean News

• A New York deli is now available on Anthem of the Seas.
• Everything about Two70 on Royal Caribbean's Quantum-class ships.
• 5 things to love about Independence of the Seas.
• A passenger was found dead on Granduer of the Seas.
• New beach bungalows and beach beds are available to rent on CocoCay.
• 5 beverages not included in any Royal Caribbean drink package.
• A new Starbucks pre-paid coffee card was spotted on Oasis of the Seas.
• A look at the beauty of the main dining room on Explorer ofthe Seas.
• All about the Boardwalk neighborhood on Oasis-class ships.
• First time cruiser's guide to the Vitality Spa.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 160th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where we talk with travel expert Dan Moore about Harmony of the Seas.

Harmony of the Seas is generating a lot of attention with all of its amazing features and Dan Moore recently sailed on her while in the Mediterranean.  Dan shared with us his the favorite aspects of the ship, as well as his tips for a great time.

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!

First drinks of our cruise and first time DB & The Princess have been sighted on @royalcar… https://t.co/HoC5IdQung pic.twitter.com/pqZ99yre6b

— DB and The Princess (@EatSleepCruise) August 27, 2016

@theRCLblog Touring the Explorer of the Sea, pretty sweet! pic.twitter.com/DVVE888m06

— Michael Rinehart (@MikeTweetsStuff) August 26, 2016

Royal Caribbean Around the Internet

My Travel Monkey shared a trip report from Independence of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean lists the reasons a balcony stateroom is the best choice for a room.

Cruise Hive is reporting 3 cruise ship passengers injured on an excursion.

Cruise Habit has a look at cruising during hurricane season.

Royal Caribbean shares a look at the Wayfinders on its ships.

Welcome to this week's edition of the Royal Caribbean post round-up, where we summarize all of the Royal Caribbean news and information from this week into one handy-dandy post!  There is plenty of great content to enjoy, so sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's round-up!

Royal Caribbean announced new Empress of the Seas sailings through the end of 2016, which are now available to book.

These new sailings extend through the end of December, and offer a variety of itineraries, including many longer sailings.

Guests can embark on Empress of the Seas sailings that range from 4- to 8-nights, and will visit ports all over the Caribbean.

Perhaps the most interesting aspect of this news is what was not announced, in that these new sailings signal there will be no Royal Caribbean sailings to Cuba this year.

Royal Caribbean News

• Check out the impressiveness of Harmony of the Seas, as seen in these infographics.
• Sushi to go was spotted on Majesty of the Seas.
• 5 ways to save money on drinks (without buying a drink package).
• Here are the differences between Royal Caribbean's ships.
• 7 tips for a great Royal Caribbean cruise to the Baltic countries.
• The most important things to pack for your Royal Caribbean cruise.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 159th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where we share a first-time Royal Caribbean cruiser's review of Allure of the Seas.

Trying Royal Caribbean for the first time is something a lot of people consider, and this week, James comes on the podcast to review his recent Allure of the Seas sailing.  James discusses what he and his family thought of Royal Caribbean and what their experiences were like 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 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!

Sun coming up over Olympia on the #Rhapsodyoftheseas @theRCLblog pic.twitter.com/vM34UkjhzL

— Luke Gustafson (@lukegus) August 17, 2016

Great time last week on @RoyalCaribbean's #OasisOTS. Amazing dining service & entertainment. @RCLcorp #Cruise #RCI pic.twitter.com/p1qvsCYKr0

— David Stern (@StarshineCruise) August 19, 2016

Smooth seas @RoyalCaribbean @theRCLblog @mpoole3 @jepoole @sonic15e pic.twitter.com/xtLZ1V5aYb

— NV1 (@NickVitani) August 20, 2016

Royal Caribbean Around the Internet

Planet Minecraft has a full 1:1 scale reproduction of Allure of the Seas. You're welcome, Internet.

Cruise Critic tried the zipline on Harmony of the Seas.

CNN Money looks at the Chinese cruise market that loves cruising.

CruiseHabit has a look at which cruise line is good for first timers.

Eat Sleep Cruise has a full review of the Puzzle Break on Anthem of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean UK has a list of 5 things to love about St. Lucia.

Royal Caribbean shares a look at its security chief.

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!

A change is coming to Royal Caribbean's customer loyalty benefits that will result in the dropping of a balcony discount on last-minute booked cruises.

The Crown & Anchor Society discount that Platinum and above level members enjoy will not be offered on cruises booked less than six months prior to the sail date, beginning on September 1, 2016.

Cruises booked six months or more from sail date will still be eligible for the balcony discount.

Royal Caribbean stated the change was made because a large majority of Crown & Anchor guests reserve outside of the 6 month window, and those that do book sooner often find it more beneficial to take advantage of other promotions that may not be combinable with the balcony discount.

Royal Caribbean News

• A new balcony discount is coming later this month.
• Royal Caribbean is building a new innovation lab at PortMiami.
• This will be the biggest cruise season for Royal Caribbean in Singapore, ever.
• What clothing to wear on a Royal Caribbean cruise.
• Royal Caribbean drink package prices.
• Everything about food on a Royal Caribbean cruise.
• Next Cruise details, information and tips.
• 5 things to bring to Labadee to make your trip awesome.
• A look at the fighter jet art on Freedom of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 158th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where we share a first-hand review of Empress of the Seas.

Empress of the Seas has recently returned to Royal Caribbean's fleet of ships, and our own Michael Poole had a chance to take a weekend cruise on her. Michael talks about what he liked about the cruise and who would love a cruise on Empress.

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!

A traditional Nova Scotian welcome to passengers and crew visiting @portofhalifax today aboard #GrandeuroftheSeas! pic.twitter.com/XD9gO7FJt7

— Halifax Seaport (@HalifaxSeaport) August 10, 2016

July 2016- Liberty of the Seas docked in Labadee, Haiti. Onboard 9 night Bermuda and Caribbean! pic.twitter.com/XbmNMUvfUk

— Andrew Page (@AndrewPage_) August 8, 2016

Royal Caribbean Around the Internet

On The Water has an interview with the actress that plays Jan in Grease on Harmony of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean posted on YouTube a 360 degress ride video from the Ultimate Abyss.

Cruise Fever shared Grandeur of the Seas' perfect CDC health inspection report.

TTG Asia shared the results of a survey by Royal Caribbean that show most Singaporeans underestimate the value of a cruise.

TravelPulse shared a 4K video review of Harmony of the Seas.

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 has added a new swim up bar at its private destination of CocoCay.

The popular island that is exclusive to Royal Caribbean guests now features a new bar that guests cans swim to and enjoy a drink, surrounded by the natural beauty of the ocean.

Royal Caribbean is in the midst of upgrading a number of experiences on the island, including new cabanas and even a dock for the island.

Royal Caribbean News

• Tropical Storm Earl forced Royal Caribbean to change itineraries for two cruise ships.
• Royal Caribbean has no plans to move ships away from China.
• Royal Caribbean added new Vision of the Seas sailings from Galveston through April 2018.
• A new Coca-Cola souvenir cup for the Olympics has been spotted on Royal Caribbean ships.
• How to get a table for two in the main dining room.
• How Spark Cooperative developed the Ultimate Abyss slide for Harmony of the Seas.
• A new specialty coffee beverage card was spotted on Serenade of the Seas.
• We compared and contrasted the Premium drink package versus the Ultimate drink package.
• 5 great local restaurants to try on your next Caribbean cruise.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 157th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where we have an exclusive interview with Anthem of the Seas' Godmother.

In this episode, Matt talks with Emma Wilby about her role as Godmother to Anthem of the Seas, as Emma shares her story of how she was chosen to become the Godmother along with Emma's favorite aspects of Anthem 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

Travel Weekly has a summary of their recent cruise on Empress of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean has a look at how they are fostering fuel efficiency.

CNBC interviewed Royal Caribbean Ltd CEO Richard Fain about the state of the company.

Man Travels World has a look at what it was like to be a crew member on Adventure of the Seas.

Bloomberg has a photo tour of Harmony of the Seas.

The National provides a look at the high-tech that Royal Caribbean is investing in.

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.

Royal Caribbean released new Empress of the Seas sailings through the end of October 2016.

Three itinerary options were released, comprising of 4 and 5 night sailings to the Bahamas and Western Caribbean.

The new itineraries are available for booking immediately.

Royal Caribbean News

• A Sabor at Sea option was spotted on Explorer of the Seas
• What you need to know about Junior Suites on a Royal Caribbean cruise
• Michael Poole is live blogging from Empress of the Seas this weekend
• How to choose a stateroom on a Royal Caribbean cruise
• A Zumba cruise is planned on a Royal Caribbean cruise
• Royal Caribbean Asia released a new marketing campaign
• What drinks are included in a Royal Caribbean cruise
• How to stay connected while on a cruise

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 156th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where we share how to choose the best time to take a Royal Caribbean cruise.

In this episode, Matt looks at the different factors when it comes to choosing the best time to take a Royal Caribbean cruise.  There are plenty of opportunities throughout the year, but figuring out the right time for your family is an important decision.

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 how it provides cleaner water to a village in Haiti.

YouTube has a new 360 video on Harmony of the Seas.

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

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 rolled out a new feature on its website, aimed at making it simpler for guests to know where their staterooms are on the ship.

The new feature allows guests to see staterooms in the aft, middle or forward of a ship and better understand the room's position, relative to the rest of the ship.

Through each step, guests can easily see which area of the ship their room is located and also understand the difference in pricing based on their stateroom location choice.

There is Royal Caribbean news to share, so check it out!

Royal Caribbean News

• Brilliance of the Seas skipped a stop in Turkey this week.
• Mariner of the Seas and Voyager of the Seas are ready for a new Pacific cruise season.
• Royal Caribbean won two awards at the AFTA National Travel Industry Awards 2016.
• There is a new video about the role of Chief Engineer on Anthem of the Seas.
• First time cruisers: How to book a Royal Caribbean cruise.
• Royal Caribbean scheduled its second quarter earnings call.
• 7 ways Royal Caribbean revolutionized the cruise industry.
• Royal Caribbean revamped its meetings and events website.
• New photos from all over Independence of the Seas.
• 7 tropical drinks you must try on a Royal Caribbean cruise.
• When can you book dining, excursions and shows on my Royal Caribbean cruise?

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 155th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where we are answering your Royal Caribbean emails

In this episode, a podcast listener joins Matt to talk about his first Royal Caribbean cruise.  Chris talks why he decided to try Royal Caribbean and what his experience on Freedom of the Seas 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.

Royal Caribbean Around the Internet

Royal Caribbean has a look at how it built the azipods for its Oasis-class ships.

Cruise Hive shared a video of a man failing to ride the waves made by Oasis of the Seas...on a bike.

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 added new Empress of the Seas sailings, offering cruises through the end of September 2016.

The new sailings visit destinations in the Bahamas and Caribbean.

The new sailings are available for booking immediately and are 4- and 5-night itineraries.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean cancelled a scheduled stop in Nice, France because of the recent terrorist attack.
• Royal Caribbean's next sales promotion is a BOGO deal plus more.
• New video of the 1887 ice skating show on Harmony of the Seas.
• Here are 4 dining hacks to try on your next Royal Caribbean cruise.
• Restaurant review: La Sucrière in St. Martin
• A look at the Royal Caribbean shore excursions to Walt Disney World.
• Everything you need to know about Dynamic Dining Classic.
• The differences between the balcony stateroom categories.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 154th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where we are answering your Royal Caribbean emails

In this episode, Matt and Michael read the emails our listeners sent in about lots of Royal Caribbean topics and share the answers to 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

Skift interviewed Royal Caribbean's CIO about the direction of the company.

Business.com interviewed Royal Caribbean's Vicki Freed.

Cruise Fever reports on which Royal Caribbean ship got a perfect score from the CDC.

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 rewarded a cab driver that returned $187K in cash with a free cruise.
• New video of the 11,000-piece art collection on Ovation of the Seas.
• A new main dining room menu was spotted on Oasis of the Seas.
• Celebrating something special on a cruise? Our top tips for celebrating onboard.
• Our list of the top 5 quintessential Royal Caribbean foods.
• 5 Royal Caribbean drink recipes perfect for any summer party.
• Check out this photo tour of Empress of the Seas.

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.

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

• The World Wildlife Fund and Royal Caribbean teamed up for new environmental goals in 2020.
• Empress of the Seas had some engine trouble earlier this week.
• A boy almost drowned on a Royal Caribbean cruise.
• The next Royal Caribbean sale will be a BOGO deal.
• Top 8 things you must do after booking a Royal Caribbean cruise.
• Royal Caribbean is helping test a new Federal program in Port Evergaldes to speed up returns.
• Royal Caribbean added new Vision of the Seas sailings from Galveston.
• How you can use your cell phone on a Royal Caribbean cruise without the big bill later.
• Photos from the first showing of Columbus, The Musical! on Harmony of the Seas.
• We debate the virtues of an inside vs balcony stateroom.

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.

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

• Brand new Harmony of the Seas aerial photos have been released.
• 16 great tips for taking an Alaska Royal Caribbean cruise.
• An in-depth look at Royal Caribbean's beverage packages.
• Our top things to do in St. Thomas while on a cruise.
• Have you heard about the drink cards available on some cruises?
• A new season of Royal Crush has begun on YouTube.

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.