It was another week full of exciting Royal Caribbean news including something for those with special needs, itinerary changes because of a hurricane, a new website update and more!

We have a lot to share, so let’s jump right in…

The big news this week was Royal Caribbean will start offering the Autism Channel on most of its cruise ships very soon to meet the needs of its special needs cruisers.

The Autism Channel is a streaming television service providing information and resources to families and professionals supporting and improving the lives of people with autism spectrum disorders.

The new on-demand programming will begin in late October 2015 on Quantum, Oasis, Freedom, Voyager and Radiance class ships.

There will be over 35 different episodes available, ranging from 4-30 minutes in length. Some episodes are about an hour as well.

Royal Caribbean News

• Hurricane Joaquin forced Royal Caribbean to chang the itineraries of Enchantment of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas.
• Royal Caribbean updated the look and feel of its website's cruise book section.
• Royal Caribbean was named Best Cruise Operator for the 8th year in a row.
• Explorer of the Seas is on her way to Australia.
• Everything about the FlowRider on Royal Caribbean ships.
• A look at how Royal Caribbean and Heinken created a new recyclable beer keg.
• 12 photos of breaktaking views from the bridges of Royal Caribbean ships.
• Mariner of the Seas will host Asia's first cosplay cruise.
• Junior Sute photo tour on Independence of the Seas.
• The recipe for one of our favorites: the Lava Flow cocktail.

Let's cruise together on Allure of the Seas

I want you to join me on Allure of the Seas!

The Royal Caribbean Blog staff are going on Allure of the Seas and we are inviting all of our blog readers to join us!

We will be sailing on Allure of the Seas on February 21, 2016 and there are some fabulous rates available.  Interior staterooms start at only $850 per person (double occupancy)!

Read all the details (and the fun meets we already have planned).  This will be an amazing week with plenty of surprises and exclusive events for those that book into our group!

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!

Ryan Fritsch sent us this great photo of Jewel of the Seas with the Golden Gate bridge behind her.

Paul Crow shared a photo of waiting for the ice show to begin on Independence of the Seas.

Nikki Nothstein‎ just returned from a cruise Liberty of the Seas and she says,"already wishing I was back on the deck in the Solarium enjoying the sunshine."

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 113th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available and this week, our friend Susan returns to talk all about her back-to-back Independence of the Seas cruise.

In this episode, Matt taks to Susan all about her experience doing a back-to-back cruise on Independence of the Seas, with a look at her staterooms, onboard activities she enjoyed and how her high school reunion at sea went.

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 10 most stylish items to take on vacation.

Travel Weekly reports on Royal Caribbean's goal of eliminating last-minute cruise deals.

Eat Sleep Cruise has a virtual bar crawl around Adventure of the Seas!

Cruise Hangout shared reviewed their first Royal Caribbean cruise.

It’s been an exciting week as we have a front row seat to all the Royal Caribbean news from this week!

Earlier this week, Royal Caribbean raised the price of cabanas at Labadee by a little more than a hundred dollars.

The Nellie's Beach cabanas that are available to all guests to book, went up in price from $250 to $350 for beach cabanas and $320 to $495 for over the water cabanas.

The change in price is for 2016 cabanas and we are hearing the price of cabanas at Barefoot Beach may also be on the rise soon.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean abandoned six unused cruise ship trademarks it owned.
• A 7-day WOW sale is going on until September 30.
• Royal Caribbean renamed ChoiceAir to Air2Sea.
• How to save money on drinks on a Royal Caribbean cruise.
• We previewed the technology coming to Harmony of the Seas.
• Royal Caribbean is the first corporation to be certified by RAINN.
• Botany Bay looks to be a favorite for a new Royal Caribbean homeport in Australia.
• What first time cruisers need to know about final payment.
• Oasis of the Seas revolutionized the life boat.
• What you need to know about visiting Cozumel.
• 3 surprising facts about Enchantment of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 112th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available and this week, we have an exclusive interview with artist and designer Larry Kirkland.

Mr. Kirkland has contributed works of art to a multitude of Royal Caribbean ships and odds are, you have seen his work aboard a Royal Caribbean ship.  In this episode, we explore the artistic process for creating work on a Royal Caribbean ship and discuss Mr. Kirkland's premier pieces.

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.

Let's cruise together on Allure of the Seas

I want you to join me on Allure of the Seas!

The Royal Caribbean Blog staff are going on Allure of the Seas and we are inviting all of our blog readers to join us!

We will be sailing on Allure of the Seas on February 21, 2016 and there are some fabulous rates available.  Interior staterooms start at only $850 per person (double occupancy)!

Read all the details (and the fun meets we already have planned).  This will be an amazing week with plenty of surprises and exclusive events for those that book into our group!

Royal Caribbean Around the Internet

Eat Sleep Cruise has a look at the best things to do in St. Maarten.

Royal Caribbean has a list of 11 must-pack items for a cruise.

Travel Pulse looks at the "growing pains" Falmouth is enduring and what they are doing to make it better.

Skift has a look at why cruise lines are building so many cruise ships.

Sit back and catch up on this week's Royal Caribbean news. We've gone through and hand-picked some fun articles for you to take a look at in case you missed any of it.

Earlier this week, Royal Caribbean moved one step closer to a deal that would bring the cruise line back to the port of Miami in a big way.

Plans for a brand new $100+ million cruise terminal at PortMiami got an early approval by county commissioners.

Royal Caribbean's proposed plan will result in a $100+ million cruise terminal. Port officials estimate that the new berth and terminal will generate about $8 million in new rent to the county, and boost overall cruise traffic by 20 percent with an additional 1 million passengers a year.

Royal Caribbean News

• DreamWorks Experience is coming to Anthem of the Seas.
• How Royal Caribbean provides medical care aboard its ships.
• Photo tour of a secret Royal Caribbean stateroom on Freedom of the Seas.
• 5 things you will love about Sabor Modern Mexican.
• You can get up to $200 in onboard credit for cruises booked this month.
• Video of Royal Caribbean's award-winning entertainment.
• Best advice for first time cruisers on a 7-night cruise.
• 5 tips for taking a Royal Caribbean cruise by travel agents.
• 6 important tips to know about Royal Caribbean's unlimited alcohol package.
• 5 Royal Caribbean inspirations to prepare for your cruise.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 111th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available and this week, we look at everything there is to do on Adventure of the Seas.

In this episode, Matt and Don talk about what Adventure of the Seas offers and goes over the various restaurants, entertainment and activities available on this Voyager 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 the recipe for "Across the universe" cocktail.

Eat Sleep Cruise has a look at all the drinks of the day from their Adventure of the Seas cruise.

Cruise Critic has a photo tour of Freedom of the Seas.

Another week has come to an end and we've gone through and hand-picked some fun articles for you to take a look at in case you missed any of it.

A sharp-eyed guest spotted something brand new to Royal Caribbean's Freedom of the Seas (and the fleet): a self serve beer tap!

The self-serve beer taps on Freedom of the Seas have been added to the Royal Promenade as well as 3 machines on deck 11 near the main pool.

We're also hearing the self-serve beer taps will be added to Oasis of the Seas next month.  

Great news for beer lovers!

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean and the Port of Miami are close to sealing a big new expansion.
• Quantum of the Seas was the first cruise ship ever to win a distinguished award.
• Our interview with the man behind Izumi's success.
• Royal Caribbean is offering bonus Crown and Anchor points on select Freedom of the Seas cruises.
• How to find really cheap Royal Caribbean cruises.
• 9 reasons why a Royal Caribbean cruise is the best vacation.
• Royal Caribbean is offering free high speed internet on Harmony of the Seas bookings.
• How to make specialty restaurant reservations.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 110th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available and this week, we preview a listener's back to back cruise on Independence of the Seas.

In this episode, Matt looks at two Caribbean ports Royal Caribbean cruises to and shares advice for shore excursions at each: Cozumel and Belize.

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.

Join us aboard the largest cruise ship in the world!

We're so excited to announce the next group cruise for readers and staff of RoyalCaribbeanBlog.com aboard Allure of the Seas!  This is an exclusive group where we are inviting you, our readers, to join us on a fantastic Allure of the Seas sailing on an 7-night cruise to the Western Caribbean.

This Royal Caribbean Blog group cruise is all about enjoying a fun Royal Caribbean cruise along with other fans who are big fans of Royal Caribbean.  Don't miss this opportunity to check out the amazing ship as well as be a part of exclusive events for those that book with our group!

For more details on booking the cruise, the itinerary and prices, check out the Royal Caribbean Blog group cruise page and if you have any questions, email me!

Royal Caribbean Around the Internet

Washington Post has a look at cruising on Anthem of the Seas.

Beyond Ships has a photo tour of Anthem of the Seas.

Eat Sleep Cruise has a photo tour of Adventure of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean has a list of 7 unexpected places you can go on a cruise.

Happy Labor Day weekend to everyone celebrating!  Hope many of you are getting a chance to enjoy some time with family and while you are relaxing, here are all the Royal Caribbean news from this past week!

Royal Caribbean named a new Chief Information Officer this week, Michael Giresi.

Michael joins Royal Caribbean as its new Senior Vice President & Chief Information Officer and will report directly to Royal Caribbean President and COO Adam Goldstein.

Giresi was mostly recently the senior vice president and CIO for Tory Burch, where he was responsible for the implementation of new infrastructure and technology initiatives for one of the fastest growing fashion brands in the world.

Royal Caribbean News

• Some Quantum of the Seas passengers had to be removed from the ship when the cruise was over.
• Royal Caribbean study shows family time is most important reason to book a vacation.
• We previewed the family fun on Harmony of the Seas.
• Explorer of the Seas is offering a new dining package.
• 8 things you must do at Labadee.
• Everything you wanted to know about Royal Caribbean sushi.
• The first President's Cruise date has been changed.
• 6 reasons to stay in a balcony stateroom.
• Royal Caribbean will test Wollongong as a homeport alternative to Sydney.
• Our 10 favorite Royal Caribbean crew members.
• Have you tried Starbucks on Royal Caribbean?

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 108th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available and this week, we preview a listener's back to back cruise on Independence of the Seas.

In this episode, Susan joins Matt to preview her upcoming cruises on Independence of the Seas.  We discuss why Susan booked back to back cruises and what she has planned 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.

Join us aboard the largest cruise ship in the world!

We're so excited to announce the next group cruise for readers and staff of RoyalCaribbeanBlog.com aboard Allure of the Seas!  This is an exclusive group where we are inviting you, our readers, to join us on a fantastic Allure of the Seas sailing on an 7-night cruise to the Western Caribbean.

This Royal Caribbean Blog group cruise is all about enjoying a fun Royal Caribbean cruise along with other fans who are big fans of Royal Caribbean.  Don't miss this opportunity to check out the amazing ship as well as be a part of exclusive events for those that book with our group!

For more details on booking the cruise, the itinerary and prices, check out the Royal Caribbean Blog group cruise page and if you have any questions, email me!

Royal Caribbean Around the Internet

Royal Caribbean has a list of the most romantic spots on Anthem of the Seas.

Michael Poole posted a video of the Aqua Show on Oasis of the Seas.

Eat Sleep Cruise has a list of the top 10 things to do on embarkation day.

Summer is coming to an end, but there is still plenty of Royal Caribbean news to share from this week!

Royal Caribbean gave us another peek at the construction progress being made on its third Oasis class cruise ship, Harmony of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean released a few new photos of Harmony of the Seas under construction at the STX shipyard in France.

Harmony of the Seas will begin service in spring 2016.

Royal Caribbean News

• Tropical Storm Erika changed itineraries for a few Royal Caribbean ships this week.
• Royal Caribbean adjusted the unlimited drink package pricing.
• Royal Caribbean has made changes to prepare Quantum of the Seas for China.
• Today is the last day for a Weekend WOW sale.
• Check out our photo tour of the Royal Suite on Oasis of the Seas.
• 6 of the best ways to celebrate a special occasion on a Royal Caribbean cruise.
• 10 tips for an amazing Royal Caribbean wedding.
• 6 of the best reasons to stay in an inside Royal Caribbean stateroom.
• 7 surprising facts about Freedom of the Seas.
• 11 of the most amazing Royal Caribbean moments.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 107th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available and this week, Matt is reading your emails.

In this episode, Matt digs into the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast email inbox and dedicates this week's episode to our listeners.  Matt reads questions about going with a group, Grandeur of the Seas, shore excursion ideas 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.

Join us aboard the largest cruise ship in the world!

We're so excited to announce the next group cruise for readers and staff of RoyalCaribbeanBlog.com aboard Allure of the Seas!  This is an exclusive group where we are inviting you, our readers, to join us on a fantastic Allure of the Seas sailing on an 7-night cruise to the Western Caribbean.

This Royal Caribbean Blog group cruise is all about enjoying a fun Royal Caribbean cruise along with other fans who are big fans of Royal Caribbean.  Don't miss this opportunity to check out the amazing ship as well as be a part of exclusive events for those that book with our group!

For more details on booking the cruise, the itinerary and prices, check out the Royal Caribbean Blog group cruise page and if you have any questions, email me!

Royal Caribbean Around the Internet

The Street has a look at the over-the-top world of cruise ship vacations.

In The Loop Travel has a look at the activities that will be available on Harmony of the Seas.

Cruise Law News reports Vision of the Seas rescued migrants near Greece.

Eat Sleep Cruise has a list of the top 10 cruise gadgets for 2015.

Maketh-The-Man shares his experience on Anthem of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean has a list of their 9 favorite things to do in Alaska.

Stay up-to-date with all the Royal Caribbean news from this week with our roundup of all this week's news.

The big Royal Caribbean news from this week is Harmony of the Seas will feature a brand new aquatic adventure park called Splashaway Bay.

Splashaway Bay will replace the H2O Zone concept found on previous Oasis class ships and offer, "a vibrant waterscape for kids and toddlers with sea creature water cannons, winding slides, a gigantic drench bucket and a multi-platform jungle-gym to keep everyone entertained for hours."

Royal Caribbean News

• Hurricane Danny changed itineraries for Oasis of the Seas, Adventure of the Seas and Freedom of the Seas.
• Royal Caribbean signed a marketing deal with Singapore.
• Royal Caribbean released a new infographic all about Harmony of the Seas.
• Speaking of Harmony of the Seas, here are 5 ways she will be different from any other Royal Caribbean ship.
• Here are 5 reasons your baby is not too young for Royal Caribbean.
• Read our full review of Sabor Modern Mexican on Freedom of the Seas.
• 9 Royal Caribbean cocktails you need to know about.
• The Ultimate Royal Caribbean dessert checklist.
• 5 things you will love about Chops Grille.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 107th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available and this week, we are sharing a listener review of Brilliance of the Seas.

In this episode, listener Kris joins Matt to talk about Kris' recent 12-night cruise to Iceland and Norway aboard Brilliance 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

Sunday Express wrote about how excursions with good local guides are key to Royal Caribbean.

Zagat published a video showing what a day is like with Royal Caribbean's executive chef Gary Thomas on Explorer of the Seas.

Beyond Ships has a photo feature of Explorer of the Seas in Europe.

Royal Caribbean has its list of 11 must-try dishes on Anthem of the Seas.

Skift lists why Royal Caribbean's expansion in Singapore matters.

Sit back and catch up on this week's Royal Caribbean news.  We've gone through and hand-picked some fun articles for you to take a look at in case you missed any of it.

Royal Caribbean rolled out its new suite program called Royal Suite Class, where guests who stay in suite staterooms will receive a whole slew of new benefits.

Royal Suite Class is an ambitious new program that offers three tiers of service to suite guests and fills a void in Royal Caribbean's offerings that previously overlooked cruisers willing to pay a lot for unmatched service.

Guests may begin making reservations for the new Royal Suite Class starting on September 8, 2015, with sailings beginning May 2016.

The program will be available on Oasis of the Seas, Allure of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas, Quantum of the Seas, Anthem of the Seas and Ovation of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean revamped its shore excursions.
• The next Royal Caribbean promotion will be BOGO Plus.
• Two of the mega blocks for Ovation of the Seas were floated out.
• The first block arrived for Royal Caribbean's fourth Oasis class cruise ship.
• Everything you wanted to know about the virtual balcony.
• Read our in-depth guide to Royal Caribbean's select drink package.
• A look at a day spent on CocoCay.

First Time Cruisers

During the past week, we featured new blog posts just for folks that are new to cruising or new to cruising with Royal Caribbean.  

We love to share why cruising is so much fun and help those new to Royal Caribbean understand the basics so their first cruise can be a big success. 

Here's what we covered this week...

• What makes Royal Caribbean different from other cruise lines
• Which drinks are included on you Royal Caribbean cruise
• What first time cruisers need to know about Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas
• How to find a deal on a Royal Caribbean cruise

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

This week, Matt talks about his favorite spots on a Royal Caribbean cruise to enjoy live music.

In this podcast episode, Matt shares why he loves live music on a Royal Caribbean cruise so much and then lists his top 5 live music experiences.

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

This Island Life writes about their cruise on Quantum of the Seas.

Cruise News says Royal Caribbean and other cruise lines are monitoring the situation in Tianjin, China.

Another week has come to an end and we've gone through and hand-picked some fun articles for you to take a look at in case you missed any of it.

The rumor mill was busy this week and the biggest news is that Liberty of the Seas will be adding three new water slides, including the first Boomerago at Sea.

Liberty of the Seas will undergo a multi-million dollar renovation in January 2016 and part of that refurbishment will add water slides.  

While Royal Caribbean has announced water slides for Harmony of the Seas and Majesty of the Seas already, Liberty of the Seas will be the first ship with the Boomerango raft ride, where guests will "plummet down a steep drop, then shoot up a nearly vertical wall, high into the air, for a moment of weightlessness".

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean released a new Harmony of the Seas brochure.
• Our favorite 15 recent tweets by Royal Caribbean that show have a good time with social media.
• We found new renders of Harmony of the Seas' H2O Zone.
• Here are three ways to save money on Royal Caribbean specialty restaurants.
• Ever wondered why is there a rainbow bridge on Freedom of the Seas?
• Royal Caribbean kicked off a new sweepstakes to win money or a free cruise.
• Our review of the St Thomas Sky Ride to Paradise Point shore excrusion.
• Our list of the top 10 Freedom of the Seas hidden secrets.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

This week Matt is reviewing his just completed cruise on Royal Caribbean's Freedom of the Seas!

In this podcast episode, Matt talks about his cruise experience on Freedom of the Seas, including what he liked, things that were new, restaurant reviews, descriptions of two weddings and lot 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.

Royal Caribbean Around the Internet

In The Loop Travel shared how John gained 25 pounds on a cruise.

Cruise Law News posted about a passenger was medevaced off Grandeur of the Seas.

The Orange County Register talked about how Quantum of the Seas is riding the technology wave.

Another week has come to an end and we've gone through and hand-picked some fun articles for you to take a look at in case you missed any of it.

Unfortunately this week's big news story focuses on a small fire that broke out on Freedom of the Seas near Falmouth, Jamaica.

The fire occured as the ship was pulling into port.  The fire looked worse than it really was, as there were no passenger injuries and just one crew member was injured with a first degree burn.

Freedom of the Seas was able to continue with her planned itinerary and there are no changes to any upcoming sailings.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean appointed a new Chief Marketing Officer.
• Our 20 Royal Caribbean tips to have a better cruise.
• Photo tour of Rita's Crab Shack on Radiance of the Seas.
• Book an Explorer of the Seas Alaska cruise and get third and fourth passengers free.
• We will be live blogging on Freedom of the Seas this week.
• First time cruisers: What time to board your Royal Caribbean cruise?
• A look at the Coca-Cola Freestyle machines on Royal Caribbean ships.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

This week Matt is previewing his upcoming cruise on Royal Caribbean's Freedom of the Seas!

In this podcast episode, Matt shares why he booked this cruise, discusses cruising with his young children and shares his plans for onboard Freedom of the Seas and the ports he will be visiting.

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

Digital Signage Connection looks at Royal Caribbean's partnerships to bring visual experiences to the Quantum class ships.

Deadspin shows you how to go on a fancy-ass cruise without going broke.