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Royal Caribbean's Anthem of the Seas propulsion damaged by major storm

In:
12 Feb 2016

UPDATE: 3:58PM: Coast Guard officials have said the damaged azipod has been replaced and Coast Guard officials are examining it along with the ship's lifeboats and other safety equipment to see if they meet standards. The ship can safely maneuver with one azipod, Rowe said.

The United States Coast Guard reports that the major storm Royal Caribbean's Anthem of the Seas ran into last week damaged part of its propulsion system.

Coast Guard spokesman Charles Rowe says the Anthem of the Seas' left azipod was rendered inoperable during the storm. An azipod is a propeller that's mounted to a steerable pod that contains an electric motor.

According to Rowe, Royal Caribbean informed the Coast Guard prior to the ship returning to its homeport of Bayonne.

Despite the damage, Rowe indicated the ship can safely maneuver with a single azipod.

The Coast Guard says the ship sustained largely cosmetic damage, including broken glass, china and balcony doors.

Anthem of the Seas encountered a major storm last weekend that saw hurricane-strength conditions and forced the ship to return home early.

The top decadent Royal Caribbean snacks

In:
11 Feb 2016

When you are on a Royal Caribbean cruise, that means you are on vacation and splurging here and there is what makes being on vacation so much fun.

In addition to the terrific entertainment onboard and the ports you will visit, there are a lot of tasty snacks you can enjoy that just are not worth worrying about how many calories they have.  This is about enjoying your vacation!

Let us look at some of the most decadent snacks available to binge on during your Royal Caribbean cruise.

Sorrentos Pizza


There is no doubt that the pizza at Sorrentos will not win any awards, but sometimes you just need a slice of pizza and Sorrentos fits that requirement.

Sorrentos pizza comes in a few different varieties, depending on what they are cooking, and it is included in your cruise fare.

For most guests, grabbing a slice of pizza is the perfect pit stop as you move from one end of the ship to the other.  And after a night of partying, pizza really hits the spot!

Kummelweck Sandwich

A Royal Caribbean classic offering is the Kummelweck sandwich, which offers slices of seasoned slow-roasted beef, sliced to perfection that is available to guests at Park Cafe.

The Kummelweck sandwich was first offered on Oasis class ships, but Park Cafe has spread to other ships in the fleet since then.  It's also available on Quantum class ships at Cafe@270.

Guests are served a rare, thin cut of beef dipped in au jus accompanied by a secret sauce.

If it sounds mighty tasty, that is because it really is and something that is a must-try (at least a half dozen times) for any guest.

Dog House hot dog

When Royal Caribbean designed its Dog House hot dog offerings, they did not just settle on one style of dog.

The Seaplex Dog House and Boardwalk Dog House offers four kind of hot dogs:

  • Big apple: Chicken and apple
  • German: Thuringer (Pork - genuine old world style)
  • Smoke House: Smoked Bratwurst (pork - traditional spices)
  • Coney Island: Classic American all-beef Kosher hot dog

No matter which dog you pick and what sides you toss on them, it is a tasty quick snack that really "hits the spot."

Chips and salsa

There are two spots on Royal Caribbean that regularly serve up some great chips and salsa: Sabor and Rita's Cantina.

Regardless of which one you visit, be sure to enjoy the perfect finger food that is great for groups.  Bonus points if accompanied by a margarita!

There is an additional fee to dine at either restaurant, but when you are in the mood for a great Mexican snack, this is your best bet.

Johnny Rockets milkshake


Johnny Rockets has locations around the world, including Royal Caribbean cruise ships, and the chain has a reputation for amazing classic American food, including its milkshakes.

The milkshakes at Johnny Rockets are made with hand-dipped premium ice cream and are as good as they sound.

Milkshakes come in three flavors: vanilla, chocolate or strawberry.

There is an additional cost to the milkshakes, but it might be one of the best, inexpensive splurges available on your Royal Caribbean cruise.

Sandwiches from Cafe Promenade

It never ceases to amaze me how I will not feel hungry, but as soon as I walk by Cafe Promenade and see the amazing sandwiches waiting to be picked up, I instantly become famished.

Each day, Royal Caribbean offers a different variety of sandwiches, from wraps to shrimp rolls, to Greek salad rolls and more.

A visit to Cafe Promenade often begins with the words, "let me just see what they have..." and before you know it, you have a plate full of mini-sandwiches to enjoy.

What is your favorite snack that is worth every single calorie? Leave a comment and share with us!

A look at new art feature coming to Royal Caribbean's Harmony of the Seas

In:
11 Feb 2016

Art and architecture firm Marc Fornes & Theverymany has provided a preview of one piece of art they are working on for Royal Caribbean's newest cruise ship, Harmony of the Seas.

Entitled, "Ivy", the art was created by Marc Fornes and is a 40m high permanent aluminum structure within the elevator lobby of Harmony of the Seas.

There is an interesting look at the initial sketches and the development in progress.

Tip of the hat to Frank Ireland for alerting us to this information.

Royal Caribbean apologizes for Anthem of the Seas experience and strengthens storm avoidance policy

In:
10 Feb 2016

Royal Caribbean's Anthem of the Seas returned home to Cape Liberty, New Jersey this evening and the cruise line is offering its guests and crew an apology and a promise to avoid similar situations in the future.

In a statement issued by Royal Caribbean, the company apologized for its ship encountering sustained 120-mph winds during a winter storm off the coast of the Carolinas.

"We apologize for exposing our guests and crew to the weather they faced, and for what they went through."

Royal Caribbean also announced new plans to avoid storms like this with improved guidance.

Royal Caribbean, "identified gaps" in their planning system and acknowledged, "what happened this week showed that we need to do better."

Furthermore, Royal Caribbean announced their are strengthening their storm avoidance policy, and have added resources at their Miami headquarters to provide additional guidance ships' captains.

Much of the superficial damage to Anthem of the Seas has been repaired and the company expects Anthem of the Seas to resume her planned itinerary for next week's cruise.

What do you think of Royal Caribbean's response? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Royal Promenade on Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

In:
10 Feb 2016

Episode 132 of the Royal Caribbean Blog podcast is now available for downloading and it is all about a signature aspect of many Royal Caribbean ships: the Royal Promenade.

In this episode, Matt takes a look at what makes the Royal Promenade such a beacon activity on a Royal Caribbean ship, what guests can expect to see and do there and why the Royal Promenade is one of Matt's favorite spots on a cruise.

Here’s the podcast page for Episode 132. 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 - Royal Promenade

In:
10 Feb 2016

Listen to the Show

There are certain aspects of a Royal Caribbean ship that guests associate with being truly a Royal Caribbean feature. Over the years, Royal Caribbean has added a lot to its ships but one particular feature stands out as something unequivocally Royal Caribbean and that is the Royal Promenade. This cavernous hub of shopping, dining and entertainment is an area of many Royal Caribbean ships were it seems guests are always going to spend time.

On this episode:
Running time:

Photos of new Liberty of the Seas racing water slides

In:
09 Feb 2016

Two of Royal Caribbean's newest water slides opened today on Liberty of the Seas.

The racing slides, known as The Perfect Storm, opened on Liberty of the Seas to guests today to enjoy.  The Tidal Wave slide should be open tomorrow.

Typhoon and Cyclone slides

Tidal Wave slide should open tomorrow.

Photo by Chris Bowers

Guests have the choice between riding the green or orange slide.

Royal Caribbean Blog reader Chris Bowers reported there was an LED light in the green slide and it was a "fast ride."  He also noted that if you have a choice, he preferred gren because it had great visuals.

Royal Caribbean offering 30% off every ship and every sailing

In:
09 Feb 2016

Royal Caribbean's next cruise deal will begin next week with 30% off each guest on every ship and every sailing, including Caribbean, Europe, Alaska and exotic itineraries.

The new cruise deal runs between February 16 and April 3, 2016 and applies to all sailings departing on or after March 16, 2016, excluding China departures.

Guests will get 30% off the standard cruise fare for all guests in a stateroom. Single travelers, as well as 3rd and 4th guests in a booking, sailing on applicable sailings are eligible to take advantage of 30% off.

Offer is combinable with Crown & Anchor discounts, NextCruise offers, and Shareholders benefits.

Offer is not combinable with restricted rates (for example, Seniors, Residents, Military) or any other offer or promotion, including, but not limited to, 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.

Royal Caribbean offering deals on trans-continental voyages from Australia

In:
08 Feb 2016

Royal Caribbean is offering deals on repositioning cruises that depart Australia, including cruises to Hawaii and Singapore.

Offer is valid for new bookings made through February 27, 2016 on all Royal Caribbean voyages departing after 3 January 2016 onwards. Offer excludes all China sailings.

Qualifying cruises are eligible for

  • Up to 50% off the total fare of the second passenger who must be booked in the same stateroom as a first passenger who books at full fare. 
  • 50% Reduced Deposit is applicable to bookings made more than 70 days prior to the departure date (90 days prior to departure for holiday sailings).
  • Onboard credit for sailings on Royal Caribbean Australia, New Zealand, South Pacific, Trans-Pacific and Asia Repositioning cruises departing between 03 January 2016 and 22 April 2017 will also receive
    • ​​Interior: US$200 per stateroom
    • Oceanview: US$200 per stateroom
    • Balcony: US$300 per stateroom
    • Suite: US$500 per stateroom

Buy One Get One Up To 50% off promotion is combinable with Standard pricing, Crown & Anchor discounts and Next Cruise offers only.  Offers are not combinable with Standard Group pricing, Cruisetour pricing or any other offer, promotion or restricted pricing including but not limited to: Air Offers, Flash/Mega Sales, Going Going Gone rates, Net rates, Closed User rates, Interline rates, Seniors rates, Military rates, Category Specials, Travel Agent rates, Friends and Family rates or Employee rates unless otherwise stated.

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