Welcome to March! We hope you are having a great weekend and are ready to sit back, relax and catch up with all the latest Royal Caribbean news!

Royal Caribbean released its summer 2017 European itineraries this week, allowing guests to book cruises for this upcoming season.

Guests can enjoy cruises all over Europe, on 8 of the line's cruise ships, including Freedom of the Seas for the first time.

Royal Caribbean is offering cruises to the Mediterranean, Canary Islands, Northern Europe and more in 2017.

We have a full breakdown of where each Royal Caribbean ship is going in summer 2017, so you can pick the right itinerary for you.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean updated and simplified its cruise cancellation policy.
• Our full review of Izumi on Allure of the Seas.
• Tidal Wave slide on Liberty of the Seas remains closed.
• Anthem of the Seas ended a cruise early again, due to a forecasted storm.
• The CDC confirmed Anthem of the Seas had a gastrointestinal illness outbreak.
• We shared 5 beautiful photos of Ovation of the Seas.
• Royal Caribbean Australia saw record-breaking bookings.
• Royal Caribbean signed a deal with Cintas to provide uniforms.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 135th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, and we have a roundtable review of our group cruise aboard Allure of the Seas.

Int his episode, Matt and everyone that was aboard the Royal Caribbean Blog group cruise recorded a review of Allure of the Seas, live at Vintages.  The group discussed their experiences onboard, discuss what they think of a ship the size of Allure of the Seas and discuss some of the fun experiences from our week aboard.

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.

99 Days of Harmony

To celebrate the countdown until Royal Caribbean's Harmony of the Seas debuts, we kicked off a brand new blog series, 99 Days of Harmony, that looks at what makes this new ship so amazing.  

Each day we are posting a new blog post all about Harmony of the Seas, so here's what you might have missed this week.

• FlowRider
• Columbus, The Musical!
• Coastal Kitchen
• Bionic Bar showcased at South Beach Wine & Food Festival
• Voom

How you can support Royal Caribbean Blog

So many of our readers have reached out to us to ask how they can help the blog and we are introducing the Royal Caribbean Blog Insiders for just that reason.

The Insiders group is a way readers can contribute to Royal Caribbean Blog and help fuel some of the really amazing ideas, projects and new content that we have lined up.

As a way of saying thank you for your contribution, there are some fun rewards for being a member of the Royal Caribbean Blog Insiders.

Becoming a member of the Royal Caribbean Blog Insiders is completely up to you and you can cancel at any time. No questions asked! 

As always, thank you for visiting Royal Caribbean Blog and being a part of our community!

Royal Caribbean Around the Internet

Porthole Magazine has a look at the design of Royal Caribbean's smart ships (written by me!).

Travel Pulse criticizes the way the media has unfairly reported on cruise news lately.

CNBC posted a video interview with Royal Caribbean COO Adam Goldstein about Ovation of the Seas.

Captain Greybeard wonders why cruising has such an image problem.

Shermans Cruise tried the White Truffle Dinner on Anthem of the Seas.

The brand new Tidal Wave water slide on Royal Caribbean's Liberty of the Seas remains closed to guests, despite the ship returning to service following a dry dock nearly a month ago.

The Tidal Wave is the first Boomerang style slide at sea, but has never opened to guests in the voyages since the ship resumed sailings.

At a Captain's Corner talk event on Liberty of the Seas this week, the ship's Chief Engineer commented that their team discovered the variation of guest weight, and the position a person may take on the tube you ride on, makes a wide range of operation. In order to ensure that it is strong enough for all, there is a good chance that people will hit the top of the slide with some regularity. Not hard, but still make contact.

Royal Caribbean has had to design padding for the areas where guests may impact the slide, and that is being built currently.  

The Chief Engineer indicated they hope some pieces of this new padding waiting in Galveston, when the ship returns there on Sunday.

After all padding parts are delivered, the team will install and paint them.  The Chief Engineer estimated that he doesn't see the Tidal Wave running for a few more sailings yet.

The new hair-raising slide features a steep drop that propels riders up a near vertical wall for a moment of weightlessness and into free fall.

Special thanks to Royal Caribbean Blog reader Paul Crow for conveying the update to us.

Royal Caribbean has signed a three-year contract with U.S.-based Cintas to produce, provide and maintain employee uniforms across the fleet.

The move is intended to service its own expansion in the Chinese market and to benefit the Chinese economy. Specifically, the Tianjin Economic-Technological Development Area, or TEDA, issued a letter of endorsement to Cintas for the contract’s support of the Chinese economy.

Royal Caribbean global supply chain officer, Mike Jones, says the new deal with Cintas had its beginnings early last year, when the line’s board of directors expressed interest in developing more partnerships in China to demonstrate its commitment to the region, beyond basing more ships there.

“As part of that request, the executive committee asked supply chain to go out and identify several key partnerships that have an impact on employment and what we spend there, and would be recognized by the government as a contribution to the overall economy,” Jones explains.

“Cintas refocused their efforts on sourcing from factories in China, and they’re increasing their production there,” Lisa Ghai, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. manager of hotel procurement, says of the multimillion-dollar deal. “At the same time, we’re able to offer our internal customers significant savings on some of their highest volume items, so it was a win-win.”

To celebrate the launch of Royal Caribbean's Harmony of the Seas in less than 100 days, we're counting down each day with some really cool about the ship.  Check out our blog each day for a brand new post all about Harmony of the Seas.

FlowRider

What is better than a FlowRider? How about two FlowRiders!

On Royal Caribbean's Harmony of the Seas, guests will have the opportunity to experience what has become a fan-favorite activity: the surf simulator known as the FlowRider.

Onboard Harmony of the Seas, you will find two FlowRider surf simulators on the aft of the ship, where you can try your hand at stand-up surfing or boogie boarding.

The FlowRider has become an incredibly popular activity on Royal Caribbean ships, both to experience as a participant or as a spectator.

There will also be stadium seating available to enjoy watching others (talented or not) give it their best effort on the FlowRider.

The FlowRider is a complimentary activity, where you simply need to line up and wait your turn to ride.  In addition, Royal Caribbean offers private and group lessons for a nominal fee, if you feel the need to learn quicker.

Stay tuned for tomorrow's post as we celebrate 99 days of Harmony!

Royal Caribbean is getting into the "summer mood", by rolling out a new bonus offer of up to $100 onboard credit, plus 50% off your deposit.

The Summer Splash Sale allows guests to combine with the 30% off every guest deal that is currently ongoing.  With this new limited time offer, guests can enjoy

• 30% off every guests, every ship
• Free onboard credit
  • 5 nights or less sailings
    • Interior & Ocean view staterooms: $25 onboard credit
    • Balcony & Suite staterooms: $50 onboard credit
  • 6 nights or longer sailings
    • Interior & Ocean view staterooms: $50 onboard credit
    • Balcony & Suite staterooms: $100 onboard credit

Cruise must be booked Mar 4-8, 2016 and applies to Caribbean, Bahamas and Bermuda sailings departing May 1-Sep 30, 2016.  Offer excludes all China sailings.

30% Savings is combinable with Crown & Anchor discounts, NextCruise offers, and Shareholders benefits. Any dollar off discounts or promotions, such as Crown & Anchor discounts, are applied first, followed by Offer, which is applied to final balance. Caribbean Sale OBC Offer is combinable with 30% Savings and restricted rates (for example, Seniors, Residents, Military). All Offers are not combinable with any other offer or promotion, including, but not limited to Canada Sale, Standard Group, Interline, Travel Agent, Travel Agent Friends and Family, weekly Sales Events, Net Rates.

Offer available to residents of the United States and Canada.

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

Happy Friday! Each week we invite everyone reading to submit your favorite Royal Caribbean cruise photos, so that we can share them right here on the blog!

Here are some photos that we have to share this week!

We will start things off with this photo of Allure of the Seas in Cozumel, by Dave Rimington.  Great colors!

In our next photo, we are getting up close and personal with Anthem of the Seas.  Denny C sent this photo from a recent cruise, where he "enjoyed every minute" of the experience.

I love a good sunset at sea photo, and we have one from Susan Widdowson.  Susan took this photo on Independence of the Seas, back in September.  Beautiful!

Speaking of Independence of the Seas, Ken Slusser shared this photo of the Royal Promenade lit up for evening activities during his recent March 2015 cruise. Love that Royal Promenade!

Check out this photo of Jewel of the Seas' Captain Thore Thorolvsen dancing during the "Flag Parade" event.  Jan-Arild Knutsen says the Captain was dancing a Norwegian folkdance, "HALLING".  Bra jobba!

Here is a great shot of Central Park at night on Allure of the Seas, by Sebastian Söderström.  After seeing this view every evening last week, I can tell you it is even more beautiful in person!

We will wrap up this week's photos with this one of Anthem of the Seas in Labadee, by Matthew Hull.  Two of my favorite places in one photo!

Thanks to everyone who sent in their photos this week. Have a great weekend and be sure to send us your photos so we can post them next week by using this form.

Royal Caribbean released its summer 2017 itineraries today and bookings for the European season will open on Friday, March 4, 2016.

Here is a breakdown of the deployments by ship.

Jewel of the Seas

Jewel of the Seas will sail from Italy on seven- and nine-night voyages that visit Greece and Turkey, as well as seven-night sailings through the Western Mediterranean – offered more frequently with additional departures dates in 2017 – visiting France, Spain and Italy.

Freedom of the Seas

Freedom of the Seas will host guests on seven-night sailings through the Western Mediterranean, departing from Barcelona, Spain.

Brilliance of the Seas

Brilliance of the Seas will offer eight European destinations with a 12-night itinerary, departing from Barcelona, Spain.

Independence of the Seas

Independence of the Seas will sail the Mediterranean and the Spanish Canary Islands from Southampton, England with itineraries that extend from 7 to 14 nights.

Navigator of the Seas

Navigator of the Seas will sail the Mediterranean and the Spanish Canary Islands from Southampton, England with itineraries that extend from 7 to 14 nights.

Serenade of the Seas & Vision of the Seas

Both ships will head to northern Europe with a checklist of ports that includes Copenhagen, Denmark, Tromso, Norway and Stockholm, Sweden.

2017 Europe Adventure Collection Deployment Summary Guide

We're counting down the days until Harmony of the Seas debuts later this year with our 99 days of Harmony blog series. Each day we will post something about Harmony of the Seas to share with all of you!

Columbus, The Musical!

Royal Caribbean has built a reputation in the cruise industry for offering some of the best onboard entertainment, and that reputation is sure to rise with its brand new original show coming to Harmony of the Seas.  The musical was created in the spirit of “Spamalot” and “Something Rotten."

Columbus, The Musical! is a new Royal Caribbean original production that tells the tale of Christopher’s luckless distant cousin, Marvin, on a madcap voyage to the Caribbean.

Marvin Columbus is the very, very, very, very, very distant relative of Christopher and spent his entire life ‘neath Chris’ shadow. Marvin’s disappointed nobleman father, sends him on a voyage to find his destiny. Storms, pirates, and even flying sharks – all lead Marvin to his greatest discovery; himself. Romance, adventure, and ‘happy ever after’ are on the map, as Marvin Columbus finally finds his destiny.

A breathtaking and revolutionary set design, transporting the audience across the Atlantic to the Caribbean, will awe the entire family and adults will thoroughly enjoy the smart, nuanced humor.

As promised... #ColumbusTheMusical #TheShip #SneekPeek pic.twitter.com/uZrzwubXWV

— Nick Weir (@NickWeirShowbiz) March 1, 2016

#RoyalCaribbean #HarmonyOfTheSeas #ColumbusTheMusical #Ornicycle #DesignDuo A clip of the model of the Ornicycle pic.twitter.com/Ea545bRmb6

— Nick Weir (@NickWeirShowbiz) February 21, 2016

Stay tuned for tomorrow's post as we celebrate 99 days of Harmony!

Watch this time-lapse video Royal Caribbean released of the North Star installation on Ovation of the Seas at Meyer Werft Shipyard in Germany.

Perhaps no Royal Caribbean specialty restaurant has spread as quickly and has been as well received as Izumi.

Izumi has become a favorite go-to restaurant for me on my Royal Caribbean cruises, and on Allure of the Seas, I had the chance to dine there on three separate occasions.

Izumi offers guests high quality sushi at a reasonable price and has been well received by guests and crew members alike.  

It is well worth a visit for lunch, dinner or just a quick bite to eat and is conveniently located on deck 4, near the main dining room.

Let's take a look.

Atmosphere

Guests who have sailed on Allure of the Seas in years past may remember Izumi being located high up on deck 16, overlooking the pools.  

In a somewhat recent ship refurbishment, Royal Caribbean moved Izumi down to deck 4 to give it much more room and a better location.

The restaurant is located near the Grande dining room, near the stairs on the port side of the ship.

Walking into Izumi, you will be greeted in a room filled with dark reds, browns and blacks.

The restaurant is divided into two sections: one dining area for those eating sushi and other Japanese cuisine, and another section for the hibachi.

This review will focus on the sushi side, but it is worth noting the restaurant offers both experiences.

Once inside Izumi, you quickly get that feeling of being in a Japanese restaurant.

The seating area is comprised of one large room, with optional seating at the sushi bar.

During the day, there are large windows offering a view to the ocean.

Izumi is a colorful restaurant that has its own unique look that is not found elsewhere on Allure of the Seas.  Izumi strikes me as somewhere that certainly evokes a Japanese motif and sets the right tone for the upcoming meal.

Eats

On Allure of the Seas, we dined at Izumi three times during our cruise, both for lunch and dinner.  

Izumi's menu offers a lot of variety and it is not just sushi, although sushi is a big part of it.

Guests can choose from salads, noodle soups, carpaccio and appetizers.  Of course, there is quite a lot of sushi to choose from as well.

Unlike Izumi on other Royal Caribbean ships, Izumi on Allure of the Seas does not feature ishiyake (hot rocks), presumably because of the hibachi option.

There is no cover charge to dine at Izumi, guests are seated at their table and will pay a la carte pricing for all items on the menu.

All guests receive a complimentary bowl of edamame soy beans, sprinkled with salt. It is a delicious appetizer and I highly recommend trying them.

Our group opted for a combination of sushi and non-sushi choices.  Our group ranged from die-hard sushi fans to those who preferred cooked food.

Starting things off was the pork gyoza dumpling that is served with gyoza sauce.

The dumplings were quite tasty and cooked just right (not too hard, not too soft).

To me, no sushi meal is complete without a bowl of miso soup.

The Windjammer offers most mornings a make-your-own miso soup option and suffice to say, the Izumi miso soup was significantly superior.  

One of our friends was vegetarian and ordered the shrimp and vegetable tempura appetizer.

My grandfather used to say that it is difficult for any food that is fried to taste bad, and certainly tempura vegetables follow that rule as well.  Eating your vegetables was never so tasty!

My wife ordered the nabeyaki udon soup, which is a collection of shrimp and assorted Asian vegetables cooked in dashi stock with udon noodles. 

Of course, the focus of our meal was the sushi.

Izumi's sushi ranges in choice from basic nigiri/sashimi rolls, to signature rolls and even a few of the chef's signature rolls.

Izumi also features sushi combination dishes, that offer a tremendous value for the price.

My favorite go-to combination dish at Izumi is the DX Sushi Combo.  Not only is it a great assortment of rolls, but you cannot beat the price.  

The sushi was well-prepared and offered some really great tastes.  What I like about Izumi is that the sushi here is more than just regular sushi that you can find anywhere.  Rather, Izumi offers high quality sushi choices that combine different ingredients to give a really interesting and unique taste.

In addition, the amount of sushi offered in any of the rolls we ordered was quite high.  There is no skimping on quality or quantity when dining at Izumi.

There is also something to be said about presentation, and the sushi chefs at Izumi do a fantastic job at making their food as pretty to look at as it is to eat.

Overall

There is one good way to determine if an ethnic restaurant has good food, and that is if you spot a lot of guests dining there that are originally from that part of the world, where the food is from.  On Royal Caribbean cruise ships, the best way to tell if a specialty restaurant is good is by how many crew members you spot eating there.

Consistently, I have seen many crew members dining in Izumi or stopping by for take out and that is a microcosm of an example that shows how good Izumi really is.

When you consider how quickly Izumi has spread across Royal Caribbean's fleet since the first one debuted on Oasis of the Seas just six years ago, it is quite impressive.

Izumi on Allure of the Seas did not disappoint and continued in the tradition of offering high quality Japanese cuisine that tastes really good.

The staff at Izumi is quite attentive and willing to work with any special requests you may have in order to ensure you have a great time.

In the grand scheme of Royal Caribbean specialty restaurants, Izumi stands out as a fabulous option for a night out or just an afternoon bite to eat.  The prices are quite fair (especially compared to land based sushi restaurants) and the fact it is on a cruise ship does not provide an excuse to compromise on the experience.

If you want great Japanese cuisine (especially sushi), be sure to make a reservation (or three) at Izumi.

What do you think of Izumi? Please let us know with a comment!