This week's podcast episode is ready to go, as we present episode 131 of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast for your downloading pleasure.

This week, Matt looks at a recent survey of the best cruise lines for families and discusses with the survey's author why Royal Caribbean is a great choice for any family.

There's also lots of reader emails to share this week about everything Royal Caribbean.

Here’s the podcast page for Episode 131. And don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast via RSS or on iTunes!

Take a listen and as always, let us know what you think! Please rate and review the podcast on iTunes and leave your comments below!

Royal Caribbean has released four new Harmony of the Seas construction photos that show off the progress the ship is making.

All photos are copyright Royal Caribbean International.

Harmony of the Seas is under construction at the STX ship yard in France.

Royal Caribbean will begin offering cruises on Harmony of the Seas in Spring 2016.

During its fourth quarter earnings call today, Royal Caribbean announced it was expanding its price integrity policy to not offer any new discounts within 30 days of a sailing, on all Royal Caribbean cruises (excluding 3 and 4 night sailings).

The price integrity policy has been in place for about a year in the U.S., Canada, U.K. and Ireland markets and protects against last minute discounts in the weeks leading up to a cruise.  Up until now, the exact time of when the policy became effective depended on the sailing, and could be within the last 10, 30 or 40 days.

In December 2015, Royal Caribbean decided to alter the policy, as a means of simplifying it, by stating there will be no price drops 30 days before any Royal Caribbean cruise, not including 3 or 4 night cruises.

Royal Caribbean Ltd Chairman and CEO Richard Fain explained that the price integrity policy is easier in the public's point of view, as well as the revenue managers and that it is important to have a clear policy that everyone can understand.

"All of this makes the policy easier to understand and to implement. We are a strong believer that clarity and specificity in a program like this is important because otherwise, the exceptions undermine the integrity of the program, even if they are in fact very rare. "

"During this time, we have granted no exceptions to the policy since its adoption, and we have no intention of doing so now. Nevertheless, we have seen a double digit percentage improvement in the booking window over this period, and we believe that the policy helps solidify brand preference. "

"An unforeseen benefit we have found is the reduced number of bookings taken at a discount before we get to the focus period. Living the spirit of the policy has helped our revenue managers make better pricing decisions and it has been roundly applauded by the travel agents that are so central to our success."

"When we introduced the policy, we were transparent with you all that an upfront cost would result in some cabins going empty rather than being filled at deep last minute discounts. We know that in 2016 we will still see some residual impact relating to these empty cabins, but by 2017, we feel comfortable  that the impact will be positive."

Fain also added that they feel they have the policy right, and they do not expect to make any further changes to the policy in the near future.

Royal Caribean reported fourth quarter 2015 financial results of a net income of $206.8 million.  That is up from a net income of $70 million in the same quarter last year.

Royal Caribbean attributes the higher income to stronger demand in the Caribbean and new China sailings in the winter.

Royal Caribbean also reported for the year, a profit of $665.8 million, or $3.02 per share. 

Looking forward to 2016, Royal Caribbean says its bookings are "roughly equal" to last year's record high, and at higher rates.

Continued strength from North American consumers is driving strong demand for North American products such as Caribbean, Alaska, and Bermuda which represent over 50% of capacity for the year. These North American products combined with strong demand for Northern Europe and Asia sailings are expected to more than offset current pricing challenges impacting the Mediterranean, Australia and Brazil.

In the second quarter of 2016, Royal Caribbean International will take delivery of its third Quantum class ship, Ovation of the Seas. Also debuting during the second quarter is its third Oasis class ship, Harmony of the Seas. Splendour of the Seas will leave the Royal Caribbean fleet in April.

"Our core brands are firing on all cylinders, our new ships are performing exceptionally well and our costs are well controlled. This is driving 40%+ earnings growth in two consecutive years," said Richard D. Fain, chairman and chief executive officer. "These very gratifying results combined with a strong start to Wave position us well on our path toward Double-Double."

Royal Caribbean offers year-round cruises from Baltimore, Maryland and for many on the east coast, this provides a convenient cruise port alternative to flying to Florida.  If you are planning on taking a Royal Caribbean cruise from Baltimore, here is what you need to know about the experience.

Before you go

Whether you are flying or driving to the port, here are some basic tips to consider before you leave your house.

First, be sure to bring your Set Sail Pass as well as passport/photo ID.  These are critical items that will prevent you from going on any Royal Caribbean cruise.

It is also important to have your luggage tags affixed to all of your luggage to ensure a speedy check-in process.  

If you are traveling during the winter months, it is a good idea to keep in your car gloves and coats as well as a shovel in case of a winter storm.

Arriving at Port of Baltimore

Driving to the Port of Baltimore is fairly simple, given its proximity to the major highway of Interstate 95. Use exit 55 to reach the port.

As you drive into the port area, several port staffers will greet you.  If you are driving your own vehicle, here are the steps you can expect to encounter

1. Staff will check if your luggage has luggage tags. If not, you will be directed to a building to get tags.
2. Staff will provide a parking paper for the dash of your vehicle if all parties are boarding the ship.
3. Direct you to luggage porters to check-in luggage.
4. Pay for parking (left for credit, right for cash).
5. Proceed left and in front of the terminal building to the adjacent parking lot. As of December 2015, parking was $15 per day and payable in advance.

This process can take around 25 minutes or so to complete, depending on how prepared you are and how busy the port is.

In the terminal

Once you enter the Port of Baltimore cruise terminal, you will be asked for your Set Sail Pas and Passport/Photo ID. 

You will be instructed to drop your luggage at the drive-through kiosk, where porters will instruct you to remove all alcohol - including your allowed 2 bottles of wine. When cruising from Baltimore, they specifically request you carry on your wine through the security checkpoint where they will ask to see each bottle (its not a problem, but they will likely make you take it out of your bag to show them). If you leave alcohol in your luggage, expect your luggage to be flagged for inspection and then you will be responsible to get your bag to your cabin.

Royal Caribbean Crown & Anchor Society members that are Diamond level or above can get priority check-in through security.  All other guests will be directed to form a line as security reviews your documentation.

After the security scanner, you will be asked to fill out the standard health form and then off to the check-in counters. Royal Caribbean Crown and Anchor members also have priority check-in here as well.

The check-in process usually does not take very long and the counters are well-staffed.  

Getting onboard

Be prepared, part of the walking distance from the check-in counter to the ship gangway is outside, albeit covered, inclement weather considerations should be evaluated.

Once you are able to board your Royal Caribbean cruise, there is an option on Grandeur of the Seas to check your carry-on luggage in the South Pacific Lounge on Deck 6 aft (the alternative location for this is Chops Grille, also on deck 6).

Royal Caribbean will hold your luggage until 12:45pm, so you can enjoy lunch and explore the ship before your stateroom is ready at 1pm.

Now that you are onboard, your cruise has begun and you can explore the ship and start enjoying the many amenities and options available to you.

A big thank you to Jodi Shoop for assisting in writing this blog post!

What are your recommendations for anyone taking a Royal Caribbean cruise from Baltimore? Share them in the comments!

Royal Caribbean has begun a brand new promotion today on spring and summer cruise bookings with up to $100 off your cruise, plus the value of BOGO Further, including 50% off second guest and up to $300 to spend at sea. 

The Caribbean Escape sale is valid on bookings made February 1 - 7, 2016 on sailings departing on or after March 2, 2016 excluding China departures.

Guests can save up to $100 off their cruise and is combinable with the current BOGO Further promotion.

• Inside
  • $25 off
• Ocean View
  • $25 off
• Balcony
  • $50 off
• Suite
  • $100 off

Offer includes 50% off cruise fare of second guest who must be booked in the same stateroom as a first guest who books at full fare (“BOGO”), 50% reduced deposit, and a total per stateroom onboard credit : $50 for interior, $100 for oceanview, $200 for balcony, and $300 for suite.

See terms and conditions of the BOGO Further for more details on deal rules.

Offer available to residents of United States and Canada.

Thanks to Jason Poole for alerting us to this new promotion!

Royal Caribbean has announced a new partnership with one of Australia’s most popular TV programs, Australia’s Got Talent. 

The popular television show premiers tonight (February 1) in Australia on Channel Nine and celebrates the unique and brilliant talents of Australians from all walks of life.

Royal Caribbean is the major sponsor of Australia’s Got Talent’s “Wildcard” entries. Contestants who are not taken through to the semi-final by the celebrity judges can be voted back into the finals by viewers as Wildcards.

The winning Wildcard entrant will receive a cruise on Explorer of the Seas – Australia’s biggest, newest and most technologically advanced megaliner – plus Royal Caribbean will also offer one lucky Wildcard voter playing from home the chance to win a cruise for two on the same voyage: an 11-night cruise to New Zealand in April 2016, sailing roundtrip from Sydney and including return economy airfares.

“Royal Caribbean is incredibly proud of its world-class onboard entertainment so we’re thrilled to partner with one of Australia’s favourite television programs and showcase the very best of Aussie talent,” said Adam Armstrong, commercial director, Royal Caribbean International.

“We can’t wait to support Australia’s best talent. Explorer of the Seas is Australia’s newest and biggest cruise ship, packed with entertainment for all the family, so it’s a fitting prize for such an incredible competition,” he continued.

Australia’s Got Talent will premiere at 7.30pm on Channel Nine from Monday 1 February 2016.

Royal Caribbean produces a lot of commercials, and one of its newer commercials features a gay couple getting married on a Royal Caribbean ship.

Royal Caribbean wants everyone to consider getting married on a Royal Caribbean ship, and uses couple "Gabriel and Blair" to show how fun and special a wedding at sea can be.

Royal Caribbean describes this advertisement simply as, "You’ve never settled for the ordinary. Your greatest adventure yet should be no different. Venture far from the beaten path with a Royal Caribbean wedding ceremony. Royal Weddings amenities include complimentary planning to ensure every moment becomes a cherished memory for you and your special someone. Discover the breathtaking possibilities onboard and across the world."

Tip of the hat to Instinct Magazine for alerting us to this commercial.

Happy last day of January! It’s time to sit back, relax, and enjoy our weekly round-up of the best Royal Caribbean news.

Royal Caribbean and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) announced earlier this week a five-year global partnership to help ensure the long-term health of the oceans.

The partners will set measurable and achievable sustainability targets that will reduce Royal Caribbean’s environmental footprint, raise awareness about ocean conservation among the company’s more than five million guests, and support WWF’s global oceans conservation work.

The targets announced focus on supply chain sustainability and emissions reductions through 2020.

We have a lot to share with you this week, so let’s jump right in…

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean ships were able to resume stops at Labadee.
• Royal Caribbean is offering new perks for neigborhood balcony staterooms on Oasis class ships.
• Harmony of the Seas will feature all-new family entertainment for guests.
• Four questions you need to ask yourself before buying an unlimited alcohol package.
• We had two stateroom photo tours: Loft Suite and Larger Panoramic Ocean View Stateroom.
• A look at a "secret" stateroom on Freedom of the Seas.
• Five things you will love about Giovanni's Table.
• Spotlight on the Royal Caribbean dining packages.

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!

Royal Caribbean Cruise Director Jerome Sueur posted a photo with comedian Kathy Griffin on Navigator of the Seas.

Robin Rinkewich‎ shared this photo of her finding the Central Park gnome on Oasis of the Seas.

Jared Grauvogel posted this photo of the water slides being added to Liberty of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 130th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available and this week, we are reading our listener's emails

In this episode, Matt reads emails that listeners have sent in about all aspects of a Royal Caribbean 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 UK lists 15 reasons why you shouldn't go to Ajaccio this summer.

Cruise Radio has a review of Oasis of the Seas.

Beyond Ships has a conversation with Serenade of the Seas hotel director.

ShermansCruise has a guide to picking a cabin on Anthem of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean's Panoramic Ocean View Staterooms are relatively new to the fleet, but already many guests are reporting back just how impressive a space they are.

Royal Caribbean Blog reader Hunt Lewis shared with us his photos from his Category P1 stateroom on Freedom of the Seas.

Large Panoramic Oceanview staterooms feature floor-to-ceiling wrap-around windows and these category P1 rooms feature even more space than usual.

This photo tour was of stateroom 1864 on deck 12 of Freedom of the Seas.

The larger panoramic ocean view staterooms feature 283 square feet of space and can accomodate up to 3 guests.

They have two twin beds that convert to a Royal King-sized bed.

Each stateroom also has its own flat-screen television, thermostat controlled air-conditioning, internet access, direct-dial telephone, radio, mini bar, individual safe, and 24 hour room service.