CEOs in America are paying more attention to their pricing strategies, while torn between rising costs and the reluctance of consumers to pay more. Core inflation, which excludes volatile energy prices and food has not undergone major changes in the U.S. in recent months and executives do not fail to analyze where, when and how they can raise prices.

Royal Caribbean Cruises has been increasing the price of their cruise, but more gradually than before and only after collecting data on stocks that are receiving telephone and on its website, says Brian Rice, his chief financial officer. Throughout the day, the cruise operator adjusts hundreds of prices. However, Rice said that rates have not reached the pre-recession levels. "Clearly we have our prices where we need them," he says.

Royal Caribbean is kicking off it's much hyped "WOW Sale" today, which is offering savings for Royal Caribbean cruises in 2011.  During the sale, passengers can get up to $200 per cabin in onboard credits.  In addition, you will only have to pay half the normal amount for a deposit to book a cruise.

"Our WOW sale is truly our best consumer offer," Royal Caribbean senior vice president for sales Vicki Freed tells USA TODAY, noting the promotion is good on voyages through 2012. The sale "offers the most flexibility of dates and ships."

Onboard credit amounts vary depending the length of your cruise...

• 3-5 night cruises: $50 per cabin
• 6-9 night cruises: $100 per cabin
• 9 nights or more: $200 per cabin.

Special offer can not be combined with any other offer or promotion, including Crown & Anchor, Shareholder Benefit, Future and Next Cruise offers.  This deal is only valid September 29 & 30, 2010.

Calling all families!  Royal Caribbean International and USA TODAY announced today a search for America's best and brightest family to cover the unveiling of Allure of the Seas, which will share the title of the world's largest and most revolutionary cruise ship along with sister ship, Oasis of the Seas.  Today through October 29, 2010, families are invited to enter to win the coveted role of field correspondents alongside USA TODAY'S own cruise editor, Gene Sloan. Once onboard the ship, the lucky winning family of up to six will receive behind-the-scenes access to file reports that will appear at USA TODAY's Cruise Log about one of the most buzzed-about hospitality and entertainment stories of the year.

The Pan American Development Foundation will honor Royal Caribbean as part of its 2010 Heroes of the Hemisphere event.  Royal Caribbean has been awarded this honor because of its" corporate social responsibility efforts in the Western Hemisphere". Also, the non-profit will recognize the efforts of everyone who provided relief to Haiti after the devastating earthquake.

In addition, five extraordinary people from Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Colombia, Brazil and Mexico will be honored as the 2010 Heroes of the Hemisphere for their dedication to improving the lives of people in their communities

Ministry of Transport and Communications of Ukraine and the Yalta Sea Trade Port signed a protocol on cooperation with Royal Caribbean International on reconstruction and development of the port.

A sneak preview of Allure of the Seas' newest show "Blue Planet" was presented at Nova Southeastern University’s Don Taft Arena earlier this week.  Blue Planet is a high energy aerobatic show and includes a good dose of songs written by the Beatles with depictions of scenes in the jungle, desert and underwater.

This new show is Royal Caribbean's attempt to compete with other cruise line's Cirque du Soleil style shows.

Royal Caribbean CEO Adam Goldstein was excited about the show, “We like to deliver the wow to our guests. For the last 22 years, I have seen our entertainment group constantly push the envelope to bring to our guests the most compelling entertainment we can produce. … We should do groundbreaking work. We don’t say, ‘We are a cruise ship we have limitations.’”.

Blue Planet will be held in the 1,380-seat Amber Theater aboard Allure. The performance at NSU was without full costumes and scenery, but a video screen on the side showed sketches of what the finished product will look like.

Vacationing foodies can now choose from a range of culinary experiences aboard a Royal Caribbean cruise. Royal Caribbean International is partnering with renowned Chefmakers Cooking Academy, a cooking school dedicated to aspiring home cooks of all ages, to bring unique cooking programs to guests, who can share in fond family vacation memories and learn practical skills that can be applied day-to-day. Available now aboard Liberty of the Seas and beginning in the fall aboard Freedom of the Seas, guests, at an additional cost, can choose from over a dozen Chefmakers at Sea classes that are taught in the actual galleys of the ship.

"Royal Caribbean continues to be at the forefront of onboard food and beverage offerings, tempting guests with a diverse and exciting lineup of enriching and delectable programs,” said Frank Weber, vice president of Food and Beverage Operations, Royal Caribbean International. “The Chefmakers at Sea cooking experience engages guests of all ages by teaching and honing their skills.”

Royal Caribbean and the family of a man who was lost on his honeymoon cruise have reached a settlement to settle a mysterious disappearance that is over five years old..

The agreement reportedly includes both additional money and information the family of George Smith IV says will help solve the highly publicized 2005 case.

George Smith's wife, Jennifer Hagel Smith reached a $1.1 million settlement with Royal Caribbean back in 2007, but the family has been mounting a challenge.  According to the Associated Press, the amended settlement is for $1.3 million and requires Royal Caribbean to turn over to the family information the cruise line gathered in its investigation, including witness statements.

George Smith and his new wife Jennifer Hagel Smith were on a Royal Caribbean cruise in the Mediterranean when he disappeared somewhere between Greece and Turkey.  There were reports that he had also been drinking heavily prior to his disappearance.  Smith's body was never found and his family believes he was murdered.

Royal Caribbean had this to say about the incident, "We entered into this agreement in hopes that it will be another step in the healing process for Jennifer and the Smith family. We are confident that the disclosure of any additional information will again demonstrate that we acted properly in assisting Jennifer and the Smith family in the aftermath of their tragic loss."

Cruisers in the United Kingdom have a new way to get their luggage to the cruise ship a little bit easier now.  Royal Caribbean is offering Brits a home luggage collection service, for a fee of course.

Those going on a cruise can have their luggage picked up from their home and delivered to their cabin and then dropped back off at their home after their cruise.

This new service costs £35 per item each way and is available for cruises on Royal Caribbean ships Independence of the Seas from Southampton, Jewel of the Seas from Harwich and Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Eclipse from Southampton.

Luggage is picked up by Royal Caribbean between 24 and 96 hours prior to the cruise departure depending on the address in the United Kingdom.

Royal Caribbean Cruises UK and Ireland managing director Dominic Paul was optimistic about the new option, “We see this service as particularly useful to our guests with mobility issues, large families or those who need to travel some distance to the port.”

Hurricane Igor is forcing a change in Oasis of the Seas' itinerary.  On Tuesday, Oasis of the Seas will  visit Philipsburg, St. Maarten on Tuesday and Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas on Wednesday.

Royal Caribbean stated that the change will allow the ship to visit both ports while avoiding the issues that a storm like Igor can bring.