Hope you had a great week (maybe one week closer to your next Royal Caribbean cruise?) and you had a chance to keep up with what's new with Royal Caribbean this week. But if not, here's a roundup of this week's news.

Earlier this week, Royal Caribbean released its 2016-2017 Caribbean deployment plans and it let loose a slew of big changes coming to Royal Caribbean's "back yard" of operations.

There were quite a number of old faces in new places.  Oasis of the Seas is moving to Port Canaveral, Freedom of the Seas is moving to Fort Lauderdale, Enchantment of the Seas is moving to Miami and Rhapsody of the Seas is going to Port Canaveral.  Also, Anthem of the Seas is staying put in Cape Liberty.

The soon-to-be biggest cruise ship in the world, Harmony of the Seas, is coming to Fort Lauderdale, althought it's not yet clear where she will be in the weeks around her launch.  

You can read the entire deployment changes for 2016-2017 here.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean will sell Splendour of the Seas.
• Anthem of the Seas will have her conveyance on March 11.
• We have new photos of Anthem of the Seas in the daytime.
• Ovation of the Seas keel laying and lucky coin ceremony was held this week.
• Royal Caribbean released a new website design.
• We posted a full review of Jamie's Italian specialty restaurant on Quantum of the Seas.
• We also have a review of a recent cruise on Enchantment of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The eighty-third episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available and this we're talking about Giovanni's Table restaurant.

In this episode, Matt talks about why he thinks Giovanni's Table specialty restaurant is an under-appreciated dining choice and looks over the menu to discuss the good choices available and why you might want to make a reservation for your next 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

Beyondships.com has a new photo feature on Allure of the Seas.

EatSleepCruise.com has a review of Michael's Genuine Pub on Quantum of the Seas.

In The Loop Travel has tips to avoid hidden costs on your cruise.

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.

By far, the big Royal Caribbean news this week was details emerged all about the third Oasis-class cruise ship, Harmony of the Seas.

First, Royal Caribbean announced her name after a couple of weeks of rumors floating around that it would be Harmony of the Seas.

Then just a few days later, Royal Caribbean announced many details about Harmony of the Seas, including restaurants, entertainment and onboard activities.

Royal Caribbean News

• Liberty of the Seas experienced some propulsion problems that slowed her down.
• Royal Caribbean lead the pack in the 2015 Members Choice Awards.
• We featured some beautiful Anthem of the Seas float out photos.
• Heavy sea fog canceled the February 23 Brilliance of the Seas cruise.
• What first time cruisers to Royal Caribbean need to know.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The eighty-second episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available and this we're talking about the strategy of staying onboard your ship in port.

In this episode, Matt discusses why you might want to stay onboard your Royal Caribbean ship while it's in port.  There are some distinct advantages to not leaving the ship, including being able to enjoy the feeling of having the ship to yourself.

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 Critic Managing Editor Colleen McDaniel spoke to Fox Business about the best cruise ships of 2015.

Live Design has an in-depth look at the theater tech behind the Royal Theatre on Quantum of the Seas.

CBS Sports noted Royal Caribbean's witty tweet to Ohio State football coach Urban Meyer after he was stuck on Brilliance of the Seas.

Cruise Hangout has a visual recap of Anthem of the Seas' float out.

Hope you had a great week (maybe one week closer to your next Royal Caribbean cruise?) and you had a chance to keep up with what's new with Royal Caribbean this week. But if not, here's a roundup of this week's news.

The big news this week was all about Anthem of the Seas' float out that took place yesterday.

After a few days delay due to poor weather, Anthem of the Seas finally made her way out of the Meyer Werft shipyard dry dock and is now one step closer to launching.

Anthem of the Seas will conduct a few last-minute changes while in the shipyard harbor before her conveyance on the River Ems in March.

Royal Caribbean News

• Speaking of Anthem of the Seas, her godmother will be a (singing) travel agent.
• Dates have emerged for Royal Caribbean's 2016-2017 deployment schedule.
• Royal Caribbean announced new shows that guests will enjoy onboard Anthem of the Seas.
• Royal Caribbean named a new Senior Vice President of Hotel Operations.
• Our tips for what you need to know before taking a solo Royal Caribbean cruise.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The eighty-first episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available and we've got an exclusive interview with an Anthem of the Seas' designer.

In this episode, Matt welcomes back to the podcast 5+Design designer Tim Magill to discuss the public spaces he and his team have worked on, on 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

In The Loop Travel shared seven things you'll enjoy on Quantum of the Seas.

Cruise Hangout shared a video by the brains behind Two70's shows on Quantum of the Seas.

Facebook group Anthem of the Seas is the perfect spot for tons of Anthem of the Seas information.

My San Antonio calls Quantum of the Seas "a billion dollar beauty".

Hope you had a great week (maybe one week closer to your next Royal Caribbean cruise?) and you had a chance to keep up with what's new with Royal Caribbean this week. But if not, here's a roundup of this week's news.

The big news this week was Royal Caribbean announced the float out date for its newest cruise ship, Anthem of the Seas. 

On February 21, Anthem of the Seas will exit the building she's been constructed in and she will be one step closer to delivery.  Float outs are an important step for any new cruise ship and for the public, we get to see the ship on her own in the water.

Once floated out, the ship will begin functionality tests.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean launched its latest promotion yesterday, BOGO Wild.
• Considering a virtual balcony? Check out photos from 8 days of virtual balcony views on Quantum of the Seas.
• Royal Caribbean raised the gratuity amount on its unlimited alcohol packages.
• TechCrunch offered up an inside look at the IT behind Quantum of the Seas.
• Future cruise ship visits to New Zealand's South Island are in jeopardy.
• Our total Royal Caribbean cruise planning timeline.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The eightieth episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available and we're taking a look at Port Canaveral.

In this episode, Matt looks at the nuances of taking a Royal Caribbean cruise into and out of Port Canaveral, Florida.  This busy port offers a lot and Matt shares tips and tricks if you'll be visiting Port Canaveral as part of your next 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

BeyondShips has a review of Jamie Oliver's restaurant on Quantum of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean has a list of the coolest shore excursions on Oasis of the Seas.

EatSleepCruise tested out all the new technology on Quantum of the Seas.

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 we confirmed a strong rumor that had surfaced that Anthem of the Seas will offer a new dining option in addition to Dynamic Dining.

Dubbed "Dynamic Dining Classic", this new option for passengers will allow them to rotate among the complimentary restaurants each evening of their cruise while retaining the same waiters and tablemates each evening.  

This is a response to Royal Caribbean fans that prefer a more traditional dining experience and will be available for pre-booking in early March.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean began construction on the fourth Oasis-class cruise ship.
• A norovirus outbreak on Grandeur of the Seas forced the ship home a day early.
• We shared the secret behind some art on Oasis of the Seas.
• Royal Caribbean is offering free unlimited alcohol packages to UK residents.
• Royal Caribbean announced a dividend for shareholders.
• A quick tip to increase the chances you will get a stateroom upgrade on your next Royal Caribbean cruise.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The seventy-ninth episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available and we've got an in-depth review of the changes Royal Caribbean has made to Freedom of the Seas.

After a 24-day dry dock refurbishment, Freedom of the Seas has new public spaces, restaurants, staterooms and more to explore and I've invited Beci Mahnken to help us learn all about what's new and different onboard this popular cruise 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 Interet

Cruise Radio posted a detailed audio review of Quantum of the Seas with friend of the blog Don Bucolo.

A Great Europe Trip Planner shared a review of a recent visit to Royal Caribbean's private island of Labadee.

MEI Travel shared why you should use a travel agent when you book a cruise (or anything else).

Mouse Fan Cafe shared their experience making cupcakes on Freedom of the Seas.

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.

There's a new boss at Royal Caribbean this week.  Michael Bayley was formally introduced as the new CEO of Royal Caribbean International by Royal Caribbean Ltd Chairman Richard Fain.  

Bayley takes over for Adam Goldstein and began his duties immediately.

Cruise fans may recognize Bayley as the CEO of sister company Celebrity Cruises.  Bayley is now in charge of Royal Caribbean International and will begin his reign as head of the cruise company.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean ended Brilliance of the Seas' lease this week.
• A propulsion problem is slowing down Freedom of the Seas.
• Video of Quantum of the Seas' naming ceremony.
• Don't miss our full review of The Grande on Quantum of the Seas.
• Have you seen these color changing mugs for sale on your Royal Caribbean cruise?

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The seventy-first episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available and we're previewing a podcast listener's upcoming cruise on Allure of the Seas.

In this episode, Matt shares tips and strategies for getting a deal on your Royal Caribbean cruise.  From when to book, who to book with and what to look for, there's a few ways you can help save a few dollars on your next cruise vacation.

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 Dudes Podcast intereviewed Matt (yea, this guy) about his experience on Quantum of the Seas.

NewsOK interviewed Royal Caribbean CIO Bill Martin about the technology on Quantum of the Seas.

The Financial featured a story about how Royal Caribbean and Intel brought a lot of tablets to sea.

Hope you had a great week (maybe one week closer to your next Royal Caribbean cruise?) and you had a chance to keep up with what's new with Royal Caribbean this week. But if not, here's a roundup of this week's news.

Royal Caribbean announced this week that its oldest ship in the fleet, Majesty of the Seas, will be transferred out by April 2016.

Majesty of the Seas' final voyage will be on April 29, 2016 and afterwards, will undergo a dry dock session before heading to join Pullmantur cruises.

Here's the other Royal Caribbean news you might have missed this week

• Royal Caribbean was named best cruise line for the money.
• Quantum of the Seas was named best new cruise ship of 2014.
• We posted a full review of Wonderland restaurant.
• Royal Caribbean kicked off a new cruise deal, with discount on the second guest, onboard credit and reduced deposit.
• What you need to know about WOWbands.
• Here are the best places to party on Quantum of the Seas.
• Our review of American Icon Grill restaurant.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The sixty-eighth episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available and we've got a roundtable review of Quantum of the Seas to share with you.

In this episode, Matt and a few friends that recently sailed on Quantum of the Seas share their collective thoughts on this brand new ship and review what Quantum of the Seas offers and if Royal Caribbean hit a home run with her.

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

Conde Nast Treveler reviewed Quantum of the Seas, focusing on the tech.

The Verge declared Quantum of the Seas is the ship of tomorrow.

Cruise Critic posted their full Quantum of the Seas review.

In The Loop Travel wrote about seven things you'll enjoy on Quantum of the Seas.

From the Deck Chair has their full Quantum of the Seas recap.

Hope you had a great week (maybe one week closer to your next Royal Caribbean cruise?) and you had a chance to keep up with what's new with Royal Caribbean this week. But if not, here's a roundup of this week's news.

Royal Caribbean News

Here's what happened in the world of Royal Caribbean this week

• Royal Caribbean changed how it prices its unlimited alcohol packages.
• Quantum of the Seas suffered a few tech issues on its first day.
• A giant wave hit Explorer of the Seas.
• Quantum of the Seas began her trans-Atlantic voyage home.
• Royal Caribbean will roll out RFID WOWbands over the several years to the rest of the fleet.
• We offered first time cruisers a look at the differences between Royal Caribbean ships.
• Our look back at Royal Caribbean's (soon to be) extinct restaurants.

Quantum of the Seas coverage

We're knee-deep in Quantum of the Seas coverage, so if you missed any of it, here's a quick run down of what happened this week

• Five beautiful Quantum of the Seas photos in Southampton
• Videos
  • SeaPlex on Quantum of the Seas
  • An inside look at Quantum of the Seas' bridge
  • Virtual Balconies
  • Skydiving on Quantum of the Seas
  • Quantum of the Seas' historic maiden voyage
  • Royal Caribbean's final touches on Quantum of the Seas

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The sixty-sixth episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is available that is all about booking shore excursions.

Matt previews his cruise this week on Quantum of the Seas and discusses what his plans are for his short trip and what he hopes to see and do.

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 Shop Girl reviewed her Oasis of the Seas balcony stateroom.

Yahoo! Lifestyle shared how much fun they had on Quantum of the Seas.

Gizmodo shared a look at how the virtual balconies work.

Hope you had a great week (maybe one week closer to your next Royal Caribbean cruise?) and you had a chance to keep up with what's new with Royal Caribbean this week. But if not, here's a roundup of this week's news.

Royal Caribbean announced all the new technology for Quantum of the Seas earlier this week and the big event revealed how amazing this new ship will be.

Luggage tracking, RFID wristbands, robot bartenders and more will be available on Quantum of the Seas and Royal Caribbean is billing the new ship as, "the world's most futuristic ship."

Combined with insanely fast internet speeds at sea, the new ship promises to be pretty darn impressive.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean will expand Dynamic Dining to Oasis of the Seas
• Anthem of the Seas will get the Broadway show "We Will Rock You"
• Tropical Storm Cristobal alters two cruise ship itineraries
• Everything we know about Royal Caribbean's RFID WOWbands
• Royal Caribbean wins first place in web site suvery

99 Days of Quantum

We're counting down the days until Royal Caribbean's newest cruise ship, Quantum of the Seas, debuts with a blog post each day about what makes this cruise ship so amazing.

• American Icon Grill
• Quantum of the Seas technology reveal images
• Cocktails about Quantum of the Seas
• Quantum of the Seas construction photos
• Single cabin staterooms
• Wink
• Bionic Bar

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The fifty-sixth episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available and we're taking a look at the newly announced tech on Quantum of the Seas

In this episode, Matt looks at the big announcement by Royal Caribbean this week and discusses all the new technology coming to the ship.  There's a lot of new innovations to be excited about and this is our look at what to expect.

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 Roaming Scribe has an interview with Royal Caribbean Chairman Richard Fain.

TheEMCeffect has a touching story about how Royal Caribbean helped make their cruise right.

From the Deck Chair is lukewarm on the new technology coming to Quantum of the Seas.

CruiseHangout shares his thoughts on the Quantum tech reveal.

The Quantum of the Seas news is really starting to flow now and this week we heard about the next Quantum of the Seas reveal event that will occur tomorrow.

On August 25, Royal Caribbean will hold a media event at the Meyer-Werft shipyard in Germany to show off all the technology Quantum of the Seas will have.

Tech writer David Pogue will host the event and it will be live streamed online at 10am eastern time.

The technology reveal for Quantum of the Seas is expected to follow the recent dining and entertainment reveal events in showcasing what's new and exciting for Quantum of the Seas. Royal Caribbean has built a reputation of pushing the envelope when it comes to technology on its cruise ships and this event should further than agenda.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean released 2015 Legend of the Seas Singapore itineraries.
• Information you need to know about upgrading your stateroom.
• Don't miss our Royal Caribbean burger showdown.
• Our reader photo report from Explorer of the Seas.
• Royal Caribbean opens staff training center in China.
• A quick weekend WOW Sale wraps up today.
• New video about Quantum Experience Advisor Michael Schwartz and his new beer he is bringing to Quantum of the Seas.
• Haiti has negotiated a new passenger fee with Royal Caribbean.

99 Days of Quantum

We're counting down the days until Royal Caribbean's newest cruise ship, Quantum of the Seas, debuts with a blog post each day about what makes this cruise ship so amazing.

• SeaPlex
• Beautiful evening Quantum of the Seas photos
• RipCord by iFLY
• High-speed Internet
• Music Hall
• Mamma Mia
• ROBOSHOW

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The fifty-fifth episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available and we're previewing a podcast listener's upcoming cruise on Allure of the Seas.

In this episode, Matt kicks off a new series counting his favorite five things to do see, eat or watch and this week it was the Top 5 things on Freedom 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

EatSleepCruise has a list of four essential rules to get Dynamic Dining Reservations.

Seatrade Insider writes the San Juan pier expansion will make it ready for Quantum and Oasis-class cruise ships.

Travel Pulse says cruise lines are eager to attract solo travelers by reducing or eliminating the dreaded single supplement.

TravelWeekly posted about how an unexpected drop in fuel prices has helped cruise lines' bottom lines.