Author Image
Facebook URL
https://www.facebook.com/royalcaribbeanblog

Royal Caribbean to call at the Kingdom of Tonga for the first time

In:
26 Sep 2016

Royal Caribbean announced it will offer cruise stops at the Tongan ports of Vava'u on December 12, 2016 and Nuku’alofa on December 13, 2016 for the very first time.

Radiance of the Seas will offer these new stops in the 2016/2017 cruise season, as part of a 13-night South Pacific, Fiji and Tonga journey.  The cruise begins in Sydney on December 3 2016, and calls at the Isle of Pines in New Caledonia, Lifou in the Loyalty Islands, Suva and Lautoka in Fiji, as well as Tonga, before arriving in Auckland. 

The two new destinations offer a host of experiences unique to Tonga for guests to enjoy, such as the islands of Vava’u are renowned for their coral gardens and sparkling lagoons, while Nuku’alofa, capital of Tonga and home to the only royal family in the Pacific Islands, is a thriving hub of island charm and regal tradition. Guests will have the opportunity to explore the islands further with a range of optional excursions, including whale-watching and snorkeling in Vava’u and a cultural tour in Nuku’alofa.

"We’ve had our eye on Tonga as a destination for our guests for some time, with its vibrant culture, diverse marine life and stunning natural beauty," says Adam Armstrong, managing director for Royal Caribbean International in Australia and New Zealand.

"Radiance of the Seas is the perfect size for us to explore new ports in our region, paving the way for a number of new, exciting destinations for our guests."

Royal Caribbean Post Round-Up: September 25, 2016

In:
25 Sep 2016

Happy Sunday! We are celebrating the first full weekend of fall with our pumpkin-flavored coffee and sharing all of the Royal Caribbean news from this week!

Sit back, and enjoy this week's round-up.

The big Royal Caribbean news this week is the announcement that all three Oasis class ships will meet in early November for an epic photo opportunity.

Royal Caribbean President and CEO Michael Bayley made the announcement onboard Allure of the Seas that Oasis of the Seas, Allure of the Seas and Harmony of the Seas will appear together on November 4, 2016.

Royal Caribbean will have a helicopter ready to shoot photos and videos of the event, which is sure to be an incredible sight.

Royal Caribbean News

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 164th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where we review the changes to Royal Caribbean's beverage packages.

In this episode, Matt provides an update on the revamped drink packages that debuted the other week.  Royal Caribbean has simplified the offerings and Matt breaks down what the changes are and if a drink package is something you should purchase.

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 shares their ideas for what to wear onboard.

Express interviewed a surfing champion, who says everyone should learn to surf on a Royal Caribbean cruise.

International Travel Report reports Grandeur of the Seas received a perfect health score from the CDC.

In Africa and Beyond shares the magic of cruising, as experienced on Splendour of the Seas.

Friday Happy Hour: Margaritas at Sabor on Royal Caribbean's Freedom of the Seas

In:
23 Sep 2016

Looking for an unique margarita? Well, look no further than Sabor Modern Mexican!

Located on Royal Caribbean's Freedom of the Seas, Liberty of the Seas and Navigator of the Seas, this contemporary take on Mexican cuisine is something of a hidden gem.  Word is getting around about Sabor among Royal Caribbean fans, but guests new to Royal Caribbean may not yet know about the frankly amazing food and drink at Sabor.  

Sabor Modern Mexican has earned itself a solid reputation for its fresh, authentic food that boasts an impressive selection of Mexican dishes across their menu (including some amazing tuna tacos), and a staff with a passion and knowledge about what they serve.

When you talk about a Mexican meal, margaritas may quickly come to mind and if you have a reservation to dine at Sabor on your next Royal Caribbean cruise, then you need to need to treat yo self and indulge in their margarita list!

So, join me as I try the various margaritas found on the Sabor Modern Mexican menu.

Sabor Modern Mexican on Freedom of the Seas

Once seated at Sabor for lunch or dinner, your waiter will provide you with a menu of the available margaritas.  Some of the margaritas are hand crafted at your table, while the others are freshly made behind-the-scenes.

Margarita list

Featured margaritas are made table side

Of course, for "research purposes," we have no choice but to try all the margaritas from the margarita menu.  Across various Royal Caribbean ships, we have tried these great cocktails and it is easy to find a favorite.

We will begin with my personal favorite, the Avocado Margarita.  It is smooth, flavorful and has (a lot of) smooth Patrón tequila.

The Avocado Margarita consists of Patrón Silver tequila, orange liqueur, avocado and lime juice. Rimmed with Aleppo pepper/lime salt.  I dare you not to like this one.

If you are more of a traditionalist, there are two good choices for you.  First up, is the Sabor Grand Margarita.

The Sabor Grand is great for anyone who is either new to margaritas or prefers a fruitier taste to their fine Mexican beverages.  It is made of Patron Reposado tequila, Grand Marnier and Cedilla Acai liqueurs with lime juice.  The Cedilla Acai is what gives this drink its red color, and also adds a pleasant flavor.

The Simply Perfect Margarita is very similar, but more of a classic look and taste.

With a name like Simply Perfect, there are some high expectations set and I am happy to report it does not disappoint.  Unlike many conventional margaritas, there is no compromising on the tequila or flavor of the drink.  Patrón Reposado tequila, Patrón Citrónage liqueur with lime and orange juice makes for a very solid beverage.

If you fancy yourself a more adventurous margarita drinker, there are two margaritas that are great for you.

First up is the Sweet and Spice Margarita.  As the name implies, it starts off with a sweet, traditional margarita taste but once the drink passes by your lips, your mouth will be left with a little kick to it.

The Sweet and Spice Margarita is definitely a different kind of drink, and perfect for anyone that wants something different from the usual kind of drinks one might get a restaurant.  Different does not have a negative connotation, rather, it means there is little like this unique margarita.

Speaking of spice, if you prefer a little less sweet and a little more spice, go for the Jalapeño-Cucumber Margarita.

When you have bits of jalapeño floating in the drink, rest assured that this is not a wimpy drink.  It is made of Don Julio Plata tequila. Cointreau liqueur, cucumber, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice and for fans of spicy, this is the perfect margarita to compliment the food that can also be ordered spicy.  A good tip is to ask your waiter to make the table side guacamole extra spicy too, and you are sure to destroy many of your taste buds by the end of the meal!

You might note that we have included all of the margaritas from the menu, but we have a bonus margarita to share!  While dining at Sabor Modern Mexican a third time during our cruise (I'm only human!), our waiter inquired if we wanted to try a margarita that is not listed on the menu, the Mezcal Margarita.  Not being one to shy away for hard-hitting "research," I bravely ventured forth into this brave new margarita world.

Our waiter explained that Mezcal is agave-based liquor. Tequila must be made from the Blue Agave. Mezcal, on the other hand, can be made from more than 30 varieties of agave, including the Blue Agave. What you need to know is that Mezcal has a smoky flavor to it, and it is unlike any other margarita on Sabor's menu.  I really enjoyed it and only wish I knew about it earlier!

I cannot be certain the Mezcal Margarita will be available on your sailing, but if you want something different, there is no harm in asking for it. 

Since Sabor Modern Mexican opened on Navigator of the Seas, the restaurant catapulted to the top of my favorites list and I look forward to seeing (and tasting) whatever come up with next!

What is your favorite margarita flavor? Please let us know with a comment below!

Friday Photos

In:
23 Sep 2016

Welcome to this week's edition of Friday Photos, where we showcase our readers favorite Royal Caribbean photos.  If we all cannot be on a Royal Caribbean cruise at the moment, then the next best thing is to look at photos of a cruise longingly as a means of getting a "cruise fix."

If you want to submit your photos for a future Friday Photos post, be sure to send them to us via this form.

Our first photo this week is from Julie and it is of Empress of the Seas.  A quick anecdote about Empress of the Seas, Royal Caribbean CEO Michael Bayley mentioned earlier this week that in its internal guest satisfaction surveys, Empress of the Seas scored at the top of the list recently.  It is a fun little ship!

Next, we have a photo of Dan's daughter & son-in-law ice skating on Freedom of the Seas.  Cruising is such a great multi-generational vacation experience and ice skating at sea is just plain fun for everyone!

I absolutely never get sick of sunset photos, and here is one from Vision of the Seas as taken by Krisztina Benko.  Beautiful!

Matt shared this photo of his kids, Matty and Kennedy, in Falmouth while cruising on Liberty of the Seas.  Balloon animals and a cruise on a ship with amazing water slides equals an awesome vacation!

Bill Higgins sent us this photo of the Aqua Theater sign on Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas.  Check out the diver in mid-jump behind the sign!

Todd Raucci sent us this photo from CocoCay, waiting to head back their Royal Caribbean ship.  Looks like another beautiful day in CocoCay!

Our last photo this week is from the behind-the-scenes Culinary Tour on Anthem of the Seas. Lauren Ogonowski sent it in, and this is a shot of where all the bread on the ship is made fresh daily.  Pass me a savory bite!

That wraps up this week's edition of Friday Photos. If you want your Royal Caribbean photo featured here, use this form to send them in!

Patti LaBelle performs for guests aboard Royal Caribbean's Allure of the Seas during President's Cruise

In:
22 Sep 2016

Guests aboard Royal Caribbean's Allure of the Seas were treated to a special performance by Grammy award-winning legendary artist Patti LaBelle.

The VIP performance was for guests on the first-ever Royal Caribbean President's Cruise that featured President and CEO Michael Bayley

LaBelle was onboard to treat members of the cruise line’s Crown & Anchor Society loyalty program to an exclusive performance of her best hits including “Lady Marmalade,” “New Attitude,” “On My Own” and “You Are My Friend.”

During the special seven-night Caribbean cruise, sailing round-trip from Fort Lauderdale, FL,  guests onboard Allure are visiting popular ports of call including Nassau, The Bahamas; San Juan, Puerto Rico; and Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas.

Royal Caribbean Fall Escapes Sale offers up to $100 instant savings

In:
22 Sep 2016

Today is the first full day of fall, and Royal Caribbean is celebrating by offering guests up to $100 instant savings combined with their current offer of up to 30% off all cruises.

The Fall Escapes Sale is valid on cruises booked September 22 - 26, 2016 on all sailings departing on or after October 23, 2016 (excluding China departures).

Here are the details of the sale

  • 25% off the standard cruise fare for all guests in a stateroom for 2016 sailings and 30% off the standard cruise fare for all guests in a stateroom for 2017 and 2018 sailings; all stateroom categories.
  • Sailings 5 nights or fewer
    • Interior/Oceanview: $25 off per stateroom
    • Balcony/Suite: $50 off per stateroom
  • Sailings 6 nights or longer
    • Interior/Oceanview: $50 off per stateroom
    • Balcony/Suite: $100 off per stateroom
  • For eligible holiday sailings 5 nights or less departing Dec. 22-31, 2016 and 2017, savings are $50 per stateroom for interior and oceanview and $100 savings per stateroom for balcony and suite categories, For eligible holiday sailings 6-nights or longer, departing Dec. 15-31, 2016 or 2017, savings are $75 per stateroom for interior and oceanview and $200 savings per stateroom for balcony and suites.

Instant Savings Offer is combinable with adjoining Save Now –Sail Later Savings, Holiday Offer, and NextCruise offers. Instant Savings and Save Now – Sail Later Savings are not combinable with Canada Resident Sale or restricted rates (for example, seniors, Residents, and Military). Instant Savings is not combinable with any other offer or promotion, including, but not limited to, Crown & Anchor Discounts, Standard Group, Interline, Travel Agent, Travel Agent Friends and Family, Weekly Sales Events, Net Rates, Shareholder Benefits. Save Now –Sail Later Savings is combinable with Crown and Anchor Discounts.

Offer available to residents of the United States and Canada.

Royal Caribbean removes Starbucks inclusion on its unlimited drink packages

In:
21 Sep 2016

Royal Caribbean has seemingly reversed course with one aspect of its newly revamped unlimited beverage packages by now stating Starbucks beverages are not included in any of the packages.

An updated Royal Caribbean document clearly states that Starbucks beverages are not included in any drink package.

Here is a copy of that same document as it appeared earlier this month, with an indication that Starbucks beverages were included.

Earlier this month, Royal Caribbean completely overhauled its drink package offerings in an effort to simplify their offerings to guests and make it easier on crew members to understand as well.

Photo tour of the beach cabanas at Nellie's Beach on Labadee

In:
21 Sep 2016

At Royal Caribbean's private destination of Labadee, guests can reserve a cabana at Nellie's Beach to enjoy a secluded beach experience. The cabanas have become very popular with guests, and we had the chance to try the beach cabanas on a recent visit.

There are two types of cabanas available: over the water and beach cabanas. In the past, we have rented the over the water cabanas, but wanted to try the beach cabanas.

The beach cabanas are recessed at the rear of the beach, in a secluded area.  Beach cabanas cost $395 (for up to six guests).  Unlike the beach cabanas at the suite-only Barefoot Beach, the beach cabanas at Nellie's Beach are located in a private area, separated by a short wall.

There are two sub-types of beach cabanas: regular and handicap accessible.  The handicap accessible cabanas feature a ramp instead of stairs that lead to the cabana.

All the Labadee cabanas are equipped with two lounge chairs and a large seating area inside the cabana that features a fan and electric outlets. Cabana guest also get to enjoy complimentary bottles of water (in a cooler), two floating beach mats, snorkeling gear and towels. A cabana attendant is also assigned to you, who can assist you with any requests you may have.

Part of the reason we booked the beach cabanas instead of the over the water cabanas is because the over the water cabanas have a private staircase leading to the water, which is a bit too steep for my young children to navigate. The beach cabanas lead to the ocean via the beach, which was very easy for the kids.

Cabana guests at Nellie's Beach also have access to private golf cart transportation. Simply indicate to your cabana attendant that you would like to go somewhere (back to the ship, to the buffet, shore excursions, etc) and a golf cart will be brought to your cabana for your comfort and then you will be driven to your destination.

In short, we really enjoyed the beach cabanas at Nellie's Beach.  The over the water cabanas offer arguably a better view, but the beach cabanas still provide privacy and come in $100 cheaper.  For families that want a private beach experience, the beach cabanas at Nellie's Beach are a great choice.

Update to the drink packages on Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

In:
21 Sep 2016

Our newest podcast episode is out to help give you a quick "audio escape" to a Royal Caribbean cruise!

Episode 164 is available for downloading, where we discuss the overhaul of Royal Caribbean's drink packages.

It seems like everyone is curious about Royal Caribbean's drink packages, and this week, Matt shares what has changed in the beverage package lineup and if you should buy one for your next cruise.

Here’s the podcast page for Episode 164. And don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast via RSSStitcher 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 Blog Podcast Episode - Update to Royal Caribbean's drink packages

In:
21 Sep 2016

Listen to the Show

Royal Caribbean is at it again, with a complete overhaul of its unlimited drink packages and this week, we will discuss what the changes are and if it makes sense for you to purchase a drink package for your next cruise. Unlimited drink packages have never been more popular, and if you are wondering if it would be a good choice for your upcoming sailing, or if you are just curious about what the changes are, then you will want to listen to this week’s episode. We also have more of your great listener feedback.

Share with me your thoughts, questions and comments via...

On this episode:
Running time:
Subscribe to Matt Hochberg