When Royal Caribbean's Ovation of the Seas debuts next year, guests can look forward to seeing a brand new show onboard called, "The Dream".

There is not much information yet as to what the show is about, but Royal Caribbean announced auditions for the show, which confirms its existence.

Ovation of the Seas is under construction at the Meyer Werft ship yard in Papenburg, Germany. Ovation of the Seas will be debuting in April 2016 and will be offering cruises in Asia and Australia.

Royal Caribbean's specialty restaurants are one aspect of the cruise experience many guests look forward to each sailing, but just because you have children with you does not mean you cannot enjoy these restaurants.

Royal Caribbean welcomes children younger than 13 in all of its specialty restaurants (when accompanied by an adult) and even offers them special pricing.

How much does it cost for children to eat at specialty restaurant?

Kids ages 6-12 can dine at specialty restaurants for a $12.99 cover charge.

Kids 5 years old and under eat free.

Is there a special menu for kids?

Kids 5-12 have a modified adult menu, which is a round-up of kid-friendly favorites from the regular menu.

Kids under 5 are free and have a kiddies menu similar to the kids menu in the main dining room.

Some restaurants do not have kids menus and so kids order off the regular menu.

Royal Caribbean specifies restaurants such as Wonderland Imaginative Cuisine, 150 Central Park, and Chef's Table do not have kids menus, as those experiences are better suited for guests age 13 and older. 

What if my kids want to eat off the regular adult menu?

In this scenario, you may be charged full price for your children.

It is worth discussing with your waiter, as we have heard of situations where they still charge the children pricing.  

Your mileage may vary, but expect to pay full price for children ordering off the regular menu when there is no kids menu option.

How do I make reservations at a specialty restaurant if I am bringing children?

If you book in advance, you will pay the full price but then it will be adjusted for the children's price as a credit on your SeaPass on board.

Bookings made on board will be charged the reduced rate when booked.

Because the Cruise Planner does not offer pricing for children, we recommend making reservations for a party size that omits the children and then showing up to the reservation with the children and informing the staff your dining party has grown.

This strategy allows guests to not overpay for their dining reservations and require an adjustment later.

What is the pricing for children at a la carte specialty restaurants?

At a la carte specialty restaurants, children are charged based on what they order off the regular menu.

Of all the entertainment shown in Two70 on Royal Caribbean's Anthem of the Seas, "Leonardo's Dreams" blew me away from a visual aspect and today we have an inside look at how this film was created.

Leonardo's Dreams is a five-minute Vistarama and Roboshow display onboard Anthem of the Seas that takes a look at the ideas Leonardo Da Vinci created and turns them into reality.

The highlight of the show is a simulation of Da Vinci's flying machine that soars over the rooftops of Rome.

Something we discovered (and is new to us) are Royal Caribbean shore excursions that combine individual shore excursions across multiple port stops into one package.

On an upcoming Allure of the Seas Western Caribbean sailing, the Cruise Planner is offering a "Caribbean Must-Dos Package - Labadee, Falmouth, Cozumel" combination package that includes these excursions:

• Labadee: Dragon's Breath Flight Line
• Falmouth: Best of Jamaica
• Cozumel: Tulum Mayan Ruins Express

The combination shore excursion package does appear to save guests a little bit of money.  For an adult, the combination saves $30.50 compared to booking the three shore excursions individually.

The idea to offer a combination shore excursion option is part of a larger fleet-wide initiative lately to bundle aspects of the cruise experience together, with beverage packages and dining packages offered to guests recently.

Would you book a combination shore excursion package? Tell us in the comments!

Good news, we are all one week closer to our next Royal Caribbean cruise!  In case you missed any of the Royal Caribbean fun from this week, here is our weekly round up!

The one day no one looks forward to is that last morning of the cruise, when it is time to go home.  But that does not mean you cannot do a lot of fun things on your last day!

This week, we listed six things to do on the last morning of your Royal Caribbean cruise to help you make the most of the last few hours onboard.

Frankly, there are some good options including seeing the sunrise, enjoying the benefits of your unlimited drink packages and enjoying one last meal in the Windjammer.

Here is the rest of the Royal Caribbean news you may have missed this week.

• Royal Caribbean promoted Lori Cassidy to be its new AVP of Global Corporate, Incentive & Charter sales.
• What you need to know about snorekling at Labadee.
• Legend of the Seas arrived in Brisbane, Australia for the start of the seas.
• Here is a quick video on how to get free money for eating at specialty restaurants.
• We have two photo tours of staterooms on Brilliance of the Seas: Category N Interior & Category E2 Balcony.
• Five things you will love about Wonderland specialty restaurant.
• We reviewed Rita's Cantina on Brilliance of the Seas.
• 5 reasons Royal Caribbean's unlimited drink packages are awesome.

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!

Edwin Wallace boarded Oasis of the Seas yesterday and his first stop was Sabor for some guacamole and drinks.

Shay Lowe reported it is easy to take photos of the Small Wonders art with your phone.

Here is another top secret document. What is this strange addition to the #AquaTheater? I'm taking big risks for u. pic.twitter.com/PpwRwmoveE

— Nick Weir (@NickWeirShowbiz) December 12, 2015

Nick Weir shared this sketch of this addition coming to the Aqua Theater on potentially Harmony of the Seas.

Announcing the 2017 Royal Caribbean Blog Group Cruise!

We are so excited to announce our 2017 group cruise plans for readers and staff of RoyalCaribbeanBlog.com aboard Navigator of the Seas. This is an exclusive group where we are inviting you, our readers, to join us on the beautiful Navigator of the Seas on an 9-night cruise to the Southern Caribbean.

This Royal Caribbean Blog group cruise is all about enjoying this brand new ship with other fans who are big fans of Royal Caribbean.  Don't miss this opportunity to check out this fabulous cruise 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 Blog Podcast

The 123rd episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available and this week, Matt is sharing twenty, yes twenty, tips to have a better Royal Caribbean cruise!

In this episode, Matt shares a slew of tips, tricks and secrets to get you the most out of your 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 shared 10 tips for a perfect honeymoon cruise.

AFRWeekend shows how Royal Caribbean's smart ship universe surpasses the real one.

Shermans Cruise has 7 myths about cruising.

Royal Caribbean Ltd shared the story of how its vice president of food and beverage operations got to the top of the Royal Caribbean food chain.

Few activities seem to go hand in hand with a Royal Caribbean cruise like some time at the bar.

Royal Caribbean has built a number of fantastic bars across all of its cruise ships and each bar seems to offer a little something different that makes it unique and gives guests reasons to come back.

Today, we're listing our favorite ten bars and lounges across Royal Caribbean's fleet to spend happy hour at.

Boleros

When you combine great drinks with latin music, you get Boleros.  

Let us start with the drinks, which Boleros does extremely well. In fact, Boleros is often the place on your Royal Caribbean ship to get the best mojitos and pina colada.  

Once you have a drink in hand, there is usually plenty of entertainment offered in the evening, with live music playing well into the night.

It seems like there is always a party going on in Boleros and it is a great spot for a pre-dinner drink or somewhere to show off your salsa, merignue or bachata!

Schooner Bar

I would wager to say that the Schooner Bar is a staple of any Royal Caribbean experience because there is always something going on here.

Whether you pronounce it "shooner" or "skooner", we can all agree the Schooner Bar is home to fun trivia, live music and great people.

During the day, you can test your wit with some trivia and at night, most Schooner Bars have a piano that is perfect for playing the songs you love to sing along to.

While many of our bars made this list because of the drinks they serve, the Schooner Bar is here primarily because of all the fun things happening.

R-Bar

With R-Bar, Royal Caribbean went retro and brought classic drink making back to the bar experience.

Each R-Bar offers the usual assortment of drinks, but each also has an unique menu of drinks only available on that particular R-Bar on that particular ship.

When you are in the mood for something different, head to R-Bar because the bartenders here are fantastic at creating new drinks just for you to try.  It is the perfect refuge for the indecisive.

Two70

If you like a view with your drink, head over to Two70 on one of the Quantum class ships because it is hard to beat what you can see here.

Two70's bar offers an expansive view of the ocean during the day and at night, performances galore. Vistarama, Roboshow and evening shows are just the beginning of what is available in Two70 on any given day.

Did I mention they make some really good drinks too? 

What I really like about Two70's drinks are there tends to be a lot less mixes used, which means the quality of the drinks are far superior to other locations. 

Top quality drinks with an unmatched view. How can you go wrong?

Pubs on Royal Promenade

Sometimes you just want a cold beer, some friends to drink with and live music and the best option has to be any of the English style pubs found across the fleet.

Royal Caribbean has added a number of these pubs to its ships in recent years and they have become a huge hit.

Inside, you will find an expansive beer collection that dwarfs the beers available elsewhere onboard.

In the evening, live music is performed and the subject is always drinking songs.  After a few rounds, you are likely to be joining in too!

Michael's Genuine Pub

Speaking of beer, how about a craft beer?

Michael's Genuine Pub will pour a craft beer for you, and it is the only place on any Royal Caribbean ship where craft beer is sold with this much selection.

In fact, Royal Caribbean has gotten into the craft beer game with a beer by the pub's namesake, Michael Schwartz.  Michael's Genuine Brew is a great choice and inexpensive too!

No visit to Michael's Genuine Pub is complete without a few "finger foods" that can be ordered such as a jar of pickles, falafel or deviled eggs.

Rising Tide Bar

There is something undeniably cool about a bar that moves between decks, and on Oasis class ships, the Rising Tide bar does just that.

Royal Caribbean built bars that spin very slowly on its Radiance class ships, but the honors of best moving bar have to go to the Rising Tide Bar because this makes for the perfect photo opportunity.

The Rising Tide Bar continuously moves between the Royal Promenade and Central Park, offering some great views while you enjoy your favorite cocktail.

There's just something very cool about being on a bar that moves through the air and with a drink in hand, it's a great place to watch all those people that are watching you.

Solarium Bar

Let's head to the pool deck and a bar that offers some great drinks just steps away from either a cushioned lounge chair or pool, the Solarium Bar.

What is great about the Solarium Bar is its indoor, yet outdoor, location means it is always the perfect weather for a visit here.

Given that the Solarium is a great place to relax and forget about everything, getting your drinks at the Solarium Bar makes natural sense too.

Oasis Bar

Pool bars in general are usually a fun time, but one bar combines the pool and the ocean: the Oasis Bar on Enchantment of the Seas.

What makes the Oasis Bar on Enchantment of the Seas really cool is it faces the ocean, allowing you to enjoy the view of the ocean as you partake in your preferred adult beverage.

There isn't a whole lot of seating available, but if you get the chance, be sure to enjoy this unique bar experience that cannot be found on any other Vision-class ship.

Sabor Bar

I freely admit the Sabor Bar made this list handedly purely because it is associated with my favorite specialty restaurant ever, Sabor Modern Mexican.

The reason the Sabor Bar is worthy of your time each and every time you want a drink is simple: it offers quality beverages and the best darn guacamole known to man (if there was a way to convey dropping the mic in a blog post, it would be posted right here).

If you have not sampled the guacamole from Sabor yet, it is hand crafted guacamole made fresh on the spot and it is slap your grandma good!

Which bar is your favorite? Tell us about in the comments below!

Royal Caribbean's specialty restaurants offer some amazing food and many guests love to go back again and again to enjoy them.

But with so many great choices, did you know about a trick to get free onboard credit just by making plans to eat at specialty restaurants?

We share the secret to getting free onboard credit just for booking Royal Caribbean's specialty restaurants before your next cruise.

Some guests may be quick to group all of Royal Caribbean's specialty restaurants together as offering similar experiences, but there is one restaurant that breaks the mold.

Wonderland was introduced on Royal Caribbean's Quantum class ships and has quickly become a favorite for its whimsical, over-the-top experience it offers alongside some really good food.

For guests looking to try something different and bring a bit of "show" into their meals, Wonderland is a superb choice and it promises to be a dining experience you will be talking about for a while.

Here are five things guests will love about Wonderland restaurant.

5. The décor

Someone at Royal Caribbean spent a lot of time on the look of Wonderland and it definitely shows!

Before you even set foot inside the restaurant, there are odd features surrounding the entrance that draws attention and gets people thinking about what the heck is inside.

Upon entering Wonderland, there is stuff everywhere.  

Candelabras, odd glasses, all sorts of chairs, mirrors and more.  It all combines to send a message to guests of, "this is not your typical restaurant".

4. The eccentric staff

Much like the decorations, the staff working at Wonderland are as fun to interact with as they are attentive in their duties.

Your waiter is your guide through the Wonderland experience.  He or she will take you along each step of the meal, and many add an element of wit to the experience.

Dining at Wonderland is more than just another place to eat.  Rather, it is an opportunity to try something completely different and the wait staff is part of the experience as much as the food.

The fun thing about the wait staff is they will make jokes, offer suggestions and immerse themselves in the role.  It all combines to make for an unique experience.

3. Painting your menu

There is something undeniably cool about how you get your menu at Wonderland.

After being seated, your waiter will present a blank canvas to you along with a paintbrush and you are encouraged to dip your paintbrush in the water provided and start painting.

Spoiler alert: your brush strokes reveal the menu at Wonderland it is just plain cool!

While the trick may be relatively simple, it is something no other Royal Caribbean restaurant offers and is part of why Wonderland is so much fun.

2. The terroir beef

Of all the food available in Wonderland, our favorite is the fall-off-the-bone terroir beef.

This is a slow cooked beef dish that is served still on the bone, accompanied by river stone potatoes with a bordelaise sauce.

Essentially, this is a super-soft cut of beef that will melt in your mouth.  Oh, and it is really, really tasty too!

1. The desserts

There is a lot of food to try at Wonderland, but if you are going to be adventurous for one part of the meal, make sure it is at dessert.

Wonderland offers a lot of favorites that have been altered slightly, such as yogurt pops, basked Alaska and Boston cream pie maze. 

The strategy for dessert is simple, try them all and leave your belts in your stateroom.

Royal Caribbean announced it has promoted Lori Cassidy to Associate Vice President of Global Corporate, Incentive & Charter Sales. 

In her her new role, Cassidy is responsible for all sales, service, and marketing efforts pertaining to global meeting, incentive and full-ship charter business, as well as the Royal Caribbean loyalty gift card and individual incentive certificate programs. 

Cassidy will lead the Global Corporate, Incentive & Charter Sales and Service team in managing, developing and servicing meeting, incentive and group event opportunities with incentive houses, brokers, independent meeting planners, corporate planners and travel planners around the world. 

Cassidy began working with Royal Caribbean in 2008 as Director, Corporate, Incentive & Charter Sales, and has since taken on increased responsibility and successfully grown the meeting, incentive and charter sales channel for the international cruise line.  Cassidy continues to report directly to Vicki Freed, Senior Vice President, Sales and Trade Support & Service, Royal Caribbean International. 

"Lori is an asset to our group travel partners and a respected member of our organization.  Her incredible experience, skill and instinct for the business make her a strong leader for her team, resulting in continued momentum and stronger relationships around the world,” said Vicki Freed, Senior Vice President, Sales and Trade Support & Service, Royal Caribbean International.  “This is a hard-earned, well-deserved promotion within the Royal Caribbean Sales and Trade team, and we look forward to her continued success.” 

Cassidy has been in the cruise industry for over 22 years. Prior to joining Royal Caribbean International, she was with Carnival Cruise Lines for 15 years holding Director positions in Corporate & Incentive Sales for five years and Business Development for 10 years, respectively. 

There is so much to do on Royal Caribbean's private destination of Labadee and snorkeling is something a lot of guests look to try.

Labadee's clear and calm waters are great for giving snorkeling a try, and if you are interested in going snorkeling on your next visit, here is what you need to know.

Can I rent snorkeling gear on Labadee?

Guests cannot go to Labadee and rent snorkeling gear on the island, but guests can get snorkeling gear via any of the snorkeling excursions.

On many Royal Caribbean ships, there will be snorkeling gear to purchase onboard the ship.

Guests staying in a cabana will receive complimentary snorkeling gear to use.

Can I bring my own snorkeling gear?

Yes, guests can bring their own snorkeling gear to Labadee for use in the water.

How "good" is the snorkeling at Labadee?

While the ocean water is clear and fairly calm at Labadee, the snorkeling in the areas immediately surrounding the beach do not have a great deal of underwater sea life to see.

The excursions Royal Caribbean offers brings guests to some of the better spots nearby for snorekling, where there is more to underwater life to see.

Given Labadee is often the first port stop, veteran snorkelers often use Labadee as a chance to check their snorkel gear to make sure it all worked properly.  For those new to snorkeling, Labadee can be a great place for getting some practice in before snorkeling in other ports.

The real benefit of Labadee is that the ocean depth is pretty shallow. Often, you will be swimming in water of 1' to 5' of water, which is much shallower than other snorkeling ports and allows  to swim around coral in many places.

There is a lot of coral and a good variety of fish. There are lots of urchins including some big basketball size ones. It is a unique experience you don't get at the other places.

Where is the snorkeling?

The snorkeling area is off of Adrenaline Beach, on the north east side.

Getting there is fairly simple and about a 10 minute walk once on Labadee. Guests can follow the path or take the tram to bring you closer.

There is also some decent snorkeling at Nellie's beach, closest to the rope on the ship side.

What are some tips for anyone looking to snorkel at Labadee?

• Go early for optimal water conditions. As the day progresses, the water can get hazy due to guests kicking up the sand.
• Due to the rockiness, be sure to wear water shoes or fins.

Have you gone snorkeling in Labadee? Tell us about your experience in the comments!