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!

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 RSS, Stitcher 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!

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.

#LibertyoftheSeas slides! Meet Typhoon and Cyclone, ready to race! @VickiLovesTAs pic.twitter.com/KoGRY69Xj5

— Galen Mathews (@MathewsGalen) February 7, 2016

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.

How do you prep the scenes for a spectacular theatrical performance in the world's most unique state-of-the-art entertainment venue with the sea as it's backdrop? Watch as Royal Caribbean takes you behind-the-scenes above and below the performers in the vertical pre-show areas of Two70.

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 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

Royal Caribbean's Anthem of the Seas is returning home to Cape Liberty, New Jersey after encountering a severe winter storm in the Atlantic.

Royal Caribbean announced the ship will return to her homeport out of concern for guests' comfort due to the weather forecast in the area.

Royal Caribbean issued a statement, where it explained that th decision was made, "due to weather forecasted for the next few days that is likely to impact the ship’s original itinerary. We are also sensitive to the fact that our guests have already been through an uncomfortable ride. Returning to Cape Liberty minimizes the risks of further bad weather affecting our guests’ voyage; we are optimistic that they will have a smooth sail home."

Royal Caribbean is giving all guests aboard Anthem of the Seas a full refund and a future cruise certificate worth 50% of the cruise fare paid.

Royal Caribbean also reitterated its commitment to the safety of its guests, crew and ship, "Safety is our highest priority and ships are designed to withstand even more extreme circumstances than Anthem of the Seas encountered. While the weather was unpleasant, the ship remained seaworthy at all times."

We appreciate our guests’ patience and cooperation. We know it was tough day on Sunday apologize for their discomfort. #AnthemoftheSeas

— RCLcorp (@RCLcorp) February 8, 2016

Anthem of the Seas encountered a sever winter storm off on Sunday that had to deal with waves over 30 feet in height and wind speeds exceeding 100 miles per hour.

Royal Caribbean's Anthem of the Seas was caught in a big winter storm over the weekend that reportedly had waves of over 30 feet and hurricane force winds.

Royal Caribbean spokeswoman Cynthia Martinez released a statement regarding Anthem of the Seas situation, "On Sunday, February 7, while sailing to Port Canaveral, Florida, Anthem of the Seas experienced extreme wind and sea conditions, with wind speeds higher than what was forecasted. In an abundance of caution, the Captain asked all guests to stay in their stateroom until the weather improved. "

"At this time there have not been any serious injuries reported. The ship has sustained some damage to the public areas and guest staterooms, which in no way affect the sea-worthiness of the ship."

Photos sent to us by a Royal Caribbean Blog reader.

3:10 PM Eastern time, the calm before the Hurricane.#anthemoftheseas #royalcarribean pic.twitter.com/YI7qXxTv4k

— Jacob Ibrag (@jaybrag) February 8, 2016

Yesterday, #AnthemoftheSeas encountered an unexpectedly severe storm off Cape Hatteras. Weather has improved & the ship is operating safely.

— RCLcorp (@RCLcorp) February 8, 2016

#AnthemoftheSeas sustained some damage to public areas & cabins, but ship remains seaworthy. Four injuries have been reported, none severe.

— RCLcorp (@RCLcorp) February 8, 2016

Reports on social media indicate passengers were instructed to remain in the stateroom during the worst of the storm, with complimentary in-room movies offered as well as access to the minibar.

Royal Caribbean also reports that due to the weather, Anthem of the Seas' arrival to Port Canaveral has been delayed.

The good news is the weather forecasted for the rest of Anthem of the Seas voyage past Port Canaveral appears to be much calmer.

UPDATE: Royal Caribbean is sending Anthem of the Seas back to Cape Liberty and offering passengers refunds.

Royal Caribbean's Liberty of the Seas returned to service after a nearly month-long refurbishment and offered her first sailing to guests beginning today.

Royal Caribbean Blog reader Chris Bowers is aboard Liberty of the Seas and shared with us photos of the more noticable changes.

Chris noted that the new water slide area is closed until Tuesday.

Water slides. Photo by Royal Caribbean International

The Perfect Storm lives up to its name! Today was inspections, next time it will be for vacation! #LibertyoftheSeas pic.twitter.com/x8xX3pKN6n

— Nick Weir (@NickWeirShowbiz) February 7, 2016

Will we ever tire of a view like this? Nah... Never! This view says... "vacation"! pic.twitter.com/wSDzXo4Btk

— Nick Weir (@NickWeirShowbiz) February 7, 2016

Mini Golf, is beautiful. It's all new! Warm, friendly, fun. FAMILY. Yay!! pic.twitter.com/Wzeoou89Ao

— Nick Weir (@NickWeirShowbiz) February 7, 2016

#LibertyDunes pic.twitter.com/jr9yYE3hC1

— Nick Weir (@NickWeirShowbiz) February 7, 2016

Splashaway Bay aqua park

Splash away bay! ...is incredible. Such a fun place for he kids to p p p p playyyyyy! pic.twitter.com/Ibj4ffYmGj

— Nick Weir (@NickWeirShowbiz) February 7, 2016

Was in the design meetings, (long ago) but the execution is soooo great in real life #splashawaybay #royalcaribbean pic.twitter.com/4RQciOL2OF

— Nick Weir (@NickWeirShowbiz) February 7, 2016

Sabor Modern Mexican specialty restaurant

Giovanni's Table specialty restaurant

R-Bar

Unless otherwise noted, all photos by Chris Bowers