Royal Caribbean Cruise Ltd released its 2014 Sustainability Report, which documents the Company's commitment to environmental stewardship and showcases improved efficiencies across its fleet.

Royal Caribbean highlighted in its report the delivery of its Quantum-class ships, the expansion of its Advanced Emissions Purification program and its plans to update its Save the Waves goals into the next decade.

Royal Caribbean has looked to emerging tech, such as RCL's air lubrication system, which creates a reduced friction layer of billions of microscopic air bubbles on a ship's hull, have helped Royal Caribbean launch some of the lowest-emission ships in the industry. RCL's new Quantum-class ships, for example, emit about 20 percent less carbon dioxide than previous designs.

One interesting success was Royal Caribbean's Florida-based ships achieved a major milestone of not landing anything to a traditional landfill and a 114 percent increase in waste recycled across the fleet.​

"At Royal Caribbean, we are working to ensure that sustainability remains at the heart of our business," said Richard D. Fain, Chairman and CEO, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. "We bring 5,000,000 guests to nearly 500 ports around the world every year, and we understand the need to act responsibly towards the oceans that we sail and the places we visit. Our mantra is continuous improvement and we constantly strive to find new and better ways to meet those goals."​

For the second year, the Company developed its sustainability report in accordance with the internationally recognized GRI G4 guidelines. Additional highlights from the report include:

• 2014 greenhouse gas emissions are 21.4 percent lower than the 2005 baseline.
• Royal Caribbean International became the first cruise line to launch a specialized autism initiative, in collaboration with Autism of the Seas, to make the ships a more welcoming environment for autistic guests and their families.
• The company increased responsible local sourcing in Europe, Asia and Australia and New Zealand, with a 20 percent increase in Australia and New Zealand.
• RCL also received a first-ever certification from RAINN, the largest anti-sexual violence organization in the United States, recognizing the company's professionalism in preventing and responding to security incidents.

Royal Caribbean's Anthem of the Seas offer so much for guests to enjoy, but of all the experiences onboard, which one stands out as the best?

Matt counts down his top seven experiences while he was onboard Anthem of the Seas to give you a look at what this new ship has to offer.

Royal Caribbean's online destination for purchasing gifts, decorations and everything that can be delivered to your cruise ship, Gifts and Gears, has gotten a new web site design.

As part of Royal Caribbean's overall redesign of their web site, the Royal Gifts section of the site now has a new look to go with the new name.

From here, guests can 

• Rent tuxedos
• Order gifts to their home
• Order gifts and products to their stateroom
• Purchase items from the bedding collection
• Purchase gift certificates
• Shop Royal Weddings
• Shop Royal Celebrations

Over the last few months, Royal Caribbean has been updating the look and feel of its website and the Royal Gifts section is the latest section to receive the update.

Orders for ship delivery are accepted up to 48 business hours before debarkation (with the exception of flowers and packages containing flowers).

Royal Caribbean's Independence of the Seas rescued a group of Cubans that were spotted at sea on Sunday morning.

Daily Mail reports the Cubans were spotted in a makeshift raft and taken onboard until the US Coast Guard arrived to take custody of them.

Independence of the Seas is on a 5-night Western Caribbean cruise that left Port Everglades, Florida on Saturday.

We are more than halfway through November and this week marked a first, with the opening of first Tiffany & Co. store at sea on Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas.

Tiffany & Co. store is available for guests to shop at in the Central Park neighborhood of the ship.

The Tiffany & Co. boutique will extend 875 square feet and feature meticulous attention to detail and noble materials, including marble, glossy lacquers, polished metals, cerused walnut paneling, velvet drapery and upholstered walls.

We have a lot more to share, so let's jump right in!

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean is possibly returning to Panama.
• We share how to find the best deal on a Royal Caribbean cruise.
• We posted new Oasis 4 construction photos.
• And there are also new Harmony of the Seas construction photos.
• Royal Caribbean has been named the Best Cruise Line by Food & Travel Reader Awards.
• Here are five North Star secrets.
• Harmony of the Seas will offer over 30 onboard sports activities.
• Everything you need to know about the Solarium.
• 5 reasons you will love Johnny Rockets.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 120th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available and this week, and talk with listener Marc about how he got a free cruise on Liberty of the Seas.

In this episode, Marc shares how managed to get a free Royal Caribbean cruise as well as sharing his thoughts on his recent Liberty of the Seas 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.

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

Cruise Dudes interviewed Matt all about his recent Anthem of the Seas cruise.

Creativity Online talks about Royal Caribbean's use of Periscope to show off their cruises.

Cruise Radio shares 7 things to know about Anthem of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean has five of the best ways to Instagram your vacation.

Royal Caribbean could be returning to Panama after a two year absence.

A Panamanian delegation, led by Panama President Juan Carlos Varela Rodriguez met with Royal Caribbean officials in Miami to discuss future plans for the cruise company in the region.

Royal Caribbean International CEO Michael Bayley, Panama President Juan Carlos Varela Rodriguez & Royal Caribbean Ltd CEO Richard Fain (Photo by Royal Caribbean)

The Tourism Authority of Panama (ATP) wants Royal Caribbean, and other cruise lines, to offer departures from the Central American country.

Royal Caribbean had offered cruises from Colon, Panama for about six years prior to the company halting further cruises from the area.

Subsequent meetings between Royal Caribbean and the ATP will be held to plan some of the new cruise routes.

Tiffany & Co. opened their first store at sea this week on Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas and we have photos from all around this new spot.

Guests can shop at the Tiffany shop and get their own blue box by going to the Central Park neighborhood.

Special thanks to Brooks Ehrhart for sending these photos to us!

Royal Caribbean in Mexican was voted,  “Best Cruise Line Overall” in the Food and Travel Reader Awards 2015.

This is the second time Royal Caribbean has won the award by Food & Travel, which is one of the top magazines in Mexico.

Royal Caribbean Mexico General Manager André Pousada commented on the win, “We are thrilled to be awarded for the second consecutive year andare thankful for Food and Travel readers who voted for Royal Caribbean, the cruise line that features innovative amenities and entertainment for the whole family."

Food and Travel, the leading tourism and lifestyle magazine that combines adventure, gastronomy and photography with recipes and insider tips for travelers, announced the winners last night at an event held in Mexico City. The Food and Travel Readers Awards pays tribute to the best in the industry, recognizing restaurants, chefs, tourist destinations and travel companies for their outstanding achievements.

The winners are determined by readers and individuals who are invited to nominate and vote for the best in 21 categories representing different segments of the tourism industry.

Everyone is looking for a deal when they book a Royal Caribbean cruise and there are definitely some good ways to save money.

Getting a deal on a cruise has a lot to do when you book your cruise and what time of year you are looking to cruise.

Here are a few good ways to save money on your next Royal Caribbean cruise booking.

Time of year

Keep in mind that when you book a Royal Caribbean cruise, the time of year you are looking to cruise has a great influence on the price.

In general, the more people that are also looking to vacation, the higher the prices.

For example, a cruise over a time when there is a school vacation will likely see higher prices than similar sailings in the weeks before or after.

For a good starting point, consider when schools are on vacation as times to avoid, since that is when a lot of families look to travel.

The best months for the lowest fares include

• January (except New Years)
• February (except Presidents Week)
• First two weeks of March
• October
• November (except Thanksgiving)
• First two weeks of December

Where you want to go

Just like the time of year, where you want to cruise can factor into the prices.

Summer in the Mediterranean, summer in Alaska, winter in the Caribbean are all good examples of high season demand, and that leads to higher prices.

By looking at different months, you can swing a much better rate.  

Look for what's known as "shoulder months", which are the times of year at the beginning or end of the prime season, when demand is less and prices are lower.

Use a travel agent

A good travel agent can really help you nail down some great rates because they are "in the loop" for all the promotions available today, as well as any new promotions that can be applied to your reservation.

Keep in mind that the price of a Royal Caribbean cruise is the same everywhere.  

The difference is a travel agent can help you figure out which discounts and booking incentives will benefit you the most, and assist with ensuring that any new promotions that come out will be applied to your booking.

When you book

These days, Royal Caribbean cruises have never been more popular, so the key to getting the best rates is to book as early as you can.

Ideally, booking your cruise 9, 12, 18 or 24 months in advance is the best way to lock in low prices.

Cruise fares are a lot like airfare, where the more folks that book, the less capacity there is and therefore, prices rise.

The days of last minute discounts are being eliminated, so you definitely want to book as early as you can to ensure you have the lowest rates.

What are your best tips on the cheapest time to book a cruise? Share them in the comments!

Few innovations on Royal Caribbean's Anthem of the Seas are as impressive to look at and take part in, as the North Star.

North Star is an observation pod that is attached to a giant arm on top of Quantum class ships, such as Anthem of the Seas.

North Star takes guests 300 feet above sea level and gives them views that have never been available until now.

Understandably, North Star is quite popular and long lines have been known to develop.  Luckily, we have five secrets to share with you for the best possible experience!

5. Shortest lines for North Star

In general, you will find the shortest lines for North Star on days when your ship is docked in port.

Since most guests are off the ship and exploring the port of call, there are far less guests to compete with.  This means shorter lines compared to sea days.

Lines may still exist on port days, but there tends to be ideal in the morning hours before many guests start returning to the ship after their shore excursions are complete.

4. Second shortest lines for North Star

If you need the absolute, positively best time to go for a ride on North Star with short lines, go for the first ride of the day.

Check your Cruise Compass for what time the first North Star ride will be, and then plan on arriving 10-15 minutes before that time to get in line.  

By arriving a little early, you will ensure a minimal wait.  In fact, you will likely be in the first ride given most guests start arriving after the North Star star rides begin.

3. Voom works in North Star

While you are enjoying the amazing views from North Star, you can use Royal Caribbean's Voom high speed internet to share the experience with friends and family onboard.

Just like anywhere else on your ship, Voom works throughout the entire experience, so feel free to post photos or video on your favorite social media networks or call someone on Facetime and share the experience live.

2. North Star is limited while in port

Remember our first tip about there being shorter lines while your Royal Caribbean ship is in port?  There is a small catch.

While your ship is in port, North Star is restricted in how far it can go over the side of the ship.

Experiencing North Star while in port is still a very fun experience, but keep in mind you will not move all the way over the side of the ship like you would while at sea.

1. You can prebook North Star online

Recently, Royal Caribbean started allowing guests to book North Star rides online via the Cruise Planner.

Once you have Anthem of the Seas (or any Quantum class ship) booked, log into your My Cruises section of Royal Caribbean's web site and head to the Cruise Planner.

Look for activities under the Cruise Planner and you will spot North Star.

With this option, you can assure yourself of a front-of-the-line spot to experience North Star.

Are you excited to try North Star?  Tell us about why in the comments!