For a limited time, Royal Caribbean is offering its high speed internet service, Voom, for free to those that book qualifying Harmony of the Seas cruises.

Royal Caribbean is tacking on free Voom internet for two guests on top of its popular BOGO Plus deal that is currently available.

Guests staying in an ocean view, balcony or suite stateroom will receive Voom unlimited internet package for two devices.  A two-device Voom package would ordinarily cost $22.50 per day for the duration of the cruise.

The Harmony of the Seas cruise must be booked between August 17 and October 11, 2015.

Offer applies to all Harmony of the Seas sailings departing between May 29 - Oct 16, 2016.

Offer includes one Voom internet package for two devices. Offer applies to ocean view, balcony, and suite staterooms. Voom unlimited internet package applicable to guest 1 and guest 2.

Offer does not apply to third and higher occupancy guests.

Offer available to residents of United States and Canada.

Happy Labor Day weekend to everyone celebrating!  Hope many of you are getting a chance to enjoy some time with family and while you are relaxing, here are all the Royal Caribbean news from this past week!

Royal Caribbean named a new Chief Information Officer this week, Michael Giresi.

Michael joins Royal Caribbean as its new Senior Vice President & Chief Information Officer and will report directly to Royal Caribbean President and COO Adam Goldstein.

Giresi was mostly recently the senior vice president and CIO for Tory Burch, where he was responsible for the implementation of new infrastructure and technology initiatives for one of the fastest growing fashion brands in the world.

Royal Caribbean News

• Some Quantum of the Seas passengers had to be removed from the ship when the cruise was over.
• Royal Caribbean study shows family time is most important reason to book a vacation.
• We previewed the family fun on Harmony of the Seas.
• Explorer of the Seas is offering a new dining package.
• 8 things you must do at Labadee.
• Everything you wanted to know about Royal Caribbean sushi.
• The first President's Cruise date has been changed.
• 6 reasons to stay in a balcony stateroom.
• Royal Caribbean will test Wollongong as a homeport alternative to Sydney.
• Our 10 favorite Royal Caribbean crew members.
• Have you tried Starbucks on Royal Caribbean?

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 108th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available and this week, we preview a listener's back to back cruise on Independence of the Seas.

In this episode, Susan joins Matt to preview her upcoming cruises on Independence of the Seas.  We discuss why Susan booked back to back cruises and what she has planned onboard.

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.

Join us aboard the largest cruise ship in the world!

We're so excited to announce the next group cruise for readers and staff of RoyalCaribbeanBlog.com aboard Allure of the Seas!  This is an exclusive group where we are inviting you, our readers, to join us on a fantastic Allure of the Seas sailing on an 7-night cruise to the Western Caribbean.

This Royal Caribbean Blog group cruise is all about enjoying a fun Royal Caribbean cruise along with other fans who are big fans of Royal Caribbean.  Don't miss this opportunity to check out the amazing ship as well as be a part of exclusive events for those that book with our group!

For more details on booking the cruise, the itinerary and prices, check out the Royal Caribbean Blog group cruise page and if you have any questions, email me!

Royal Caribbean Around the Internet

Royal Caribbean has a list of the most romantic spots on Anthem of the Seas.

Michael Poole posted a video of the Aqua Show on Oasis of the Seas.

Eat Sleep Cruise has a list of the top 10 things to do on embarkation day.

Guests sailing on Royal Caribbean's Explorer of the Seas can purchase a dining package that gets them access to three specialty restaurants for one low price.

Photo by sky0000547

The Fine Dine package costs $45 per person, per cruise and includes 

• 1 dinner at Chops Grille
• 1 dinner at Giovanni's Table
• Unlimited 20% off at Izumi

Royal Caribbean claims dining at these venues without the package would cost $75, netting guests a $30 savings.

Fliers for the packages are available on Explorer of the Seas and started appearing onboard earlier this summer.

Royal Caribbean has been experimenting with offering dining packages throughout this year.  Earlier this year, unlimited dining packages have been offered on a few Royal Caribbean ships.

One of the most popular foods these days has to be sushi and on a Royal Caribbean cruise, guests can enjoy sushi throughout their cruise.

Sushi is a healthy and incredibly tasty meal that seems to becoming more and more popular.  Here is where you can get sushi on a Royal Caribbean cruise, how much it will cost and everything else important to know.

Izumi

When Royal Caribbean launched Oasis of the Seas back in 2009, the cruise line added a brand new specialty restaurant dedicated to sushi and Japanese cuisine, Izumi.

Izumi specialty restaurants have spread like wild fire to many other ships in the fleet and each Izumi restaurant offers guests popular sushi rolls, sashimi, hot rock (Ishiyaki) plates, sukiyaki and more.

For sushi lovers, Izumi is the place onboard Royal Caribbean to get sushi because of the quality and variety available.

The following Royal Caribbean ships have Izumi available onboard

• Oasis of the Seas
• Allure of the Seas
• Harmony of the Seas
• Quantum of the Seas
• Anthem of the Seas
• Ovation of the Seas
• Navigator of the Seas
• Radiance of the Seas
• Rhapsody of the Seas
• Brilliance of the Seas
• Serenade of the Seas
• Splendour of the Seas
• Voyager of the Seas
• Explorer of the Seas
• Grandeur of the Seas
• Legend of the Seas
• Vision of the Seas

Izumi is a specialty restaurant that charges a la carte for items on the menu.  There is no cover charge, and instead you are charged for what you order.

Izumi is open for dinner on every night and lunch on sea days.

Izumi Hibachi & Sushi

Royal Caribbean re-imagined Izumi in recent refurbishments for the Oasis class ships, that combines what you would typically find in Izumi on other ships with a hibachi experience.

In addition to the sushi rolls and sashimi offered at Izumi, guests can also order from a full teppanyaki menu.

The hibachi meals have a cover charge that includes the entree. Choices include Beef, Chicken, Lobster or Shrimp.

Each meal includes soup or salad, edamame app, fried rice or lo mein noodles, cooked veggies and dessert.

Essentially, the restaurant is divided in two sections: one section for sushi and the other section for the hibachi.

Sushi is priced exactly the same at Izumi Hibachi & Sushi, with sushi priced for each individual roll or piece.

Izumi Express

As of July 1, 2016, all Royal Caribbean ships also offer an Izumi Express option, where guests can purchase take-out sushi.

Izumi Express is a takeaway service that offers packaged sushi, ready to go, at a very discounted price.

Jade

On some Royal Caribbean ships, there is a section in the Windjammer called Jade, where guests can enjoy Asian food of all kinds.

In the evenings, Jade usually offers sushi rolls to guests that are complimentary.

The selection of sushi available at Jade is more limited than Izumi, with usually a half dozen hand rolls available at any given time. There is no nigiri sushi and none of it is made to order.

The chief benefit to Jade is that it is complimentary and available in the evening for dinner.  

Jade sushi was Royal Caribbean's first foray into sushi but has largely been replaced or superceded by Izumi.  

Jade is still available on a number of Royal Caribbean ships, mostly those ships that lack an Izumi.

Which sushi have you had on a Royal Caribbean cruise? Tell us in the comments!

Royal Caribbean Crown and Anchor Society sent an update out to its members that it will be changing the date of its planned 2016 President's Cruise and offer a new itinerary.

The President's Cruise was originally scheduled for September 11, 2016 on Allure of the Seas but has now been changed to September 18, 2016.

Royal Caribbean cites the reason for the change being they received "an overwhelming response to our 'Save the Date' email survey'.

The new itinerary will sail out of Fort Lauderdale, Florida and call in Nassau, Bahamas, an extended call in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and spend the day in Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas before returning to Fort Lauderdale, Florida.  This is an itinerary that Allure of the Seas has never offered previously.

The President's Cruise is a new event for Royal Caribbean, in which Crown and Anchor Society members have been invited to cruise with Royal Caribbean CEO Michael Bayley and will be invited to exclusive events.

When someone thinks about taking a Royal Caribbean cruise, odds are they imagine staying in a stateroom that has a large sliding glass door that opens up onto a balcony with a gentle breeze flowing in.  Of course, that is because balcony staterooms have become the idealized way to enjoy a cruise and there is no question that a balcony stateroom offers guests a lot.

We recently looked at the reasons to stay in an inside stateroom but today we are moving on up to a balcony stateroom and listing our top reasons to stay in a room where you can enjoy the outdoors just as much as the indoors!

6. It may not be that much more money

Once upon a time, balcony staterooms were not as common as they are today, and so, prices for balcony staterooms were significantly more than an inside stateroom.

Today, Royal Caribbean is offering more balcony staterooms on its ships than ever before and that means the price difference is generally not as great as it once was.

Odds are you will still pay more for a balcony stateroom compared to an inside or oceanview stateroom, but the cost difference may only be a couple of hundred dollars difference.

It is always worth pricing out a balcony stateroom to see how much more it will cost, because in many cases there is not a large price discrepancy.

5. Some itineraries make a balcony a must

Photo by moknits

The view you get from a balcony stateroom is always impressive but on certain itineraries, past cruisers will tell you a balcony is a must.

Sailings that go to Alaska, the Mediterranean or other scenic destinations mean having a balcony gives you your own private spot to watch glaciers go by or be able to see beautiful ancient architecture.

Having the ability to simply walk out of your stateroom at any time and enjoy the view is an important factor for reserving a balcony stateroom. 

4. Balcony staterooms are bigger

At its core, a balcony stateroom will usually offer more living space than inside or oceanview staterooms.

This means more space to spread out and enjoy the room.  

Instead of doing that "inside stateroom shuffle" to get around people and objects, a balcony stateroom can allow you the space to more casually walk around your stateroom.

In addition, the balcony itself gives you extra square footage of living space to enjoy beyond what you will find inside.

3. Crown and Anchor Society members can get discounts on balcony staterooms

If you are a Platinum or higher member in Royal Caribbean's customer loyalty program known as Crown and Anchor Society, then you can qualify for a balcony discount.

Royal Caribbean offers its repeat customers balcony discounts, with the exact amount depending on your status in the program.

The special rates get you a per stateroom dollars off discount that is open to Platinum, Emerald, Diamond, Diamond Plus, and Pinnacle Crown & Anchor Society members.

The exact discount depends on the length of your cruise, how far in advance you book and your standing in Crown and Anchor Society. 

2. Royal Caribbean balconies are more than the ocean

On Royal Caribbean's Oasis class cruise ships, staying in a balcony can be more than just a view of the ocean.

On these ships, guests can also book balcony staterooms that overlook Central Park, the Boardwalk or the AquaTheater.  

Instead of looking at out the ocean, guests can enjoy the ambiance of these amazingly decorated neighborhoods and get a view that is completely unique to these ships.

These staterooms are perfect for people watching and enjoying a view of what is happening onboard the ship at that moment.

1. Having your own private space outdoors

Most guests that book balcony staterooms over and over again will tell you the reason they do so is to have your own spot outdoors, away from the crowds.

You can have room service bring your meals out there, or perhaps enjoy a nice cup of coffee or tea in the morning and enjoy the sunrise.  

Balconies are also great spots for a nap, reading a book or having the door open to let in the ocean breeze.  These are just some of the experiences that bring balcony cruisers back again and again.

Do you prefer staying in a balcony stateroom? Post your thoughts in the comments!

One of the signature onboard activities that Royal Caribbean has become well-known for is the rock climbing wall.  Since the first rock climbing wall debuted on a Royal Caribbean ship, the experience has spread to every other ship in the fleet making it a favorite among guests.

Rock climbing walls were added to all of Royal Caribbean's ships following great guest feedback.

The 30-foot rock wall offers different tracks for various experience levels and is open for most of the day.  

It's open to kids and adults and Royal Caribbean provides all the safety equipment that you will need, including helmets, harnesses and shoes.  You just need to bring a pair of socks.

Climbers need to be at least 6 years old and sign a waiver.  Climbing the rock wall is free and no reservations are required.

For advanced climbers, Royal Caribbean will offer advanced climbing sessions, speed-climbing competitions and for teens, teen tournaments.

Photo by Dale Morton

On the Oasis class cruise ships, you will find two rock climbing walls, which offer double the capacity of climbers compared to other ships in the fleet.

What makes the rock climbing wall so much fun is that it is an exhilarting challenge to try and climb up all the way to the top and ring that bell to let everyone around know you conquered it.

There are different paths on the rock wall to allow beginner climbers and advanced climbers alike have a go at it.  Once you conquer one side, try the next side!

Royal Caribbean's rock climbing walls are a great way to stay active, challenge yourself and have fun all at the same time!

Have you tried the rock climbing wall yet? Tell us how you did in the comments!

Royal Caribbean is kicking off a Labor Day weekend sale that will give guests up to $50 in bonus onboard credit for cruises booked this weekend.

The Labor Day weekend sale applies all new bookings made September 4-8, 2015 for all sailings departing on or after October 4, 2015, excluding China departures.

Bookings made during this sale will receive

• Inside & oceanview staterooms: $25 onboard credit per stateroom
• Balcony & suite staterooms: $50 onboard credit per stateroom

Offer is combinable with current standard/full fare rates, restricted rates (for example, Seniors, Residents, Military, BOGO, Upgrade offers), and Next Cruise offers.

Offer is not combinable with any other offer or promotion, including, but not limited to, Interline, Travel Agent, Travel Agent Friends and Family, weekly Sales Events, Net Rates, Crown & Anchor Discounts, and Shareholder benefits.

Offer available in the United States and Canada.

Royal Caribbean is testing out a new homeport in Australia at Wollogong's Port Kembla Harbour that could replace Sydney.

Photo by Sap

Radiance of the Seas will make a port stop here in October 2016 as part of a 7-night East Australian Coast and Tasmania cruise.

Royal Caribbean Regional Vice President Gavin Smith says Radiance of the Seas' stop here is the first step in a possible new partnership between the cruise line and the port, "I’m thrilled to announce we will be bringing one of the largest and most feature-packed mega liners in Australian waters to the South Coast of NSW, when Port Kembla becomes the newest destination for Radiance of the Seas."

"Including Port Kembla on our itineraries will provide our guests the opportunity to sample all that Wollongong and the South Coast has to offer. At the same time, it will give us the chance to investigate Port Kembla as an alternative home port, as an overflow to congestion in Sydney Harbour."

Royal Caribbean is particularly interested in Wollongong as an alternative home port because of the congestion problem in Sydney harbor.

A Royal Caribbean cruise just would not be possible without the amazing crew members.  These are the hard working folks that make our cruise vacation so very special and in many cases, it is their personal touch that make the memories we will remember for years to come.

Unfortunately, many of them don’t receive the recognition that they deserve. Here are ten crew member jobs that are under appreciated.

10. Windjammer greeter

Photo by Lois Evensen

Nothing says "good morning" better than the crew member at the entrance to the Windjammer that welcomes you with a friendly smile, a warm greeting and a reminder to wash your hands.

It is hard to beat starting your day on a Royal Caribbean ship with a visit to the Windjammer, and the crew member working the entrance is responsible officially for counting guests and reminding them to wash their hands, but we also love the ones that give us high-fives, welcome our kids and have a smile on their face.

Some of them dance, some sing and others act silly.  But it's a welcome treat to have a friendly face to say hello to each day.

9. Crew members welcoming you back from shore excursions

Odds are it will be quite hot on your Royal Caribbean cruise and that includes the ports you will visit.  After a long day exploring beaches, ruins, cities and more, someone with a towel or a drink really makes a difference.

Royal Caribbean often will station a table with water, towels and even ice covered towels near the gangway to welcome back guests returning to the ship.

That little gesture of providing some relief from the hot sun always makes a big difference and it can transform even the most miserable sweaty time into a better situation very quickly.

8. The Captain

Perhaps no crew member is more visible (or audible) than your Royal Caribbean ship's Captain.

Every day of your cruise, the Captain is around the ship to give updates, answer questions and pose for photos.

After all, the Captain is in charge of the ship and with the lofty responsibility comes also a friendly face to see.  Many of the Captains have a great sense of humor and you will often see him or her around the ship quite often.

7. Loyalty ambassador

When you get on a Royal Caribbean ship, pretty soon you will begin thinking about booking another Royal Caribbean cruise and the Loyalty Ambassador is there to make that as easy as possible.

Let's face it, the Loyalty Ambassador is your "chief enabler" and someone who can not only answer questions you may have but be your friend all along the way.

It is always fun to stop in and speak with the Loyalty Ambassador on your cruise to discuss upcoming itineraries and sailings that may be of interest, as well as see if they have any news to share about what else is coming around the corner from Royal Caribbean.

6. Main dining room waiters

Among the hardest working crew members on your Royal Caribbean ship are the main dining room waiters.

Your waiter and assistant waiter are there for you every day to make your dining room experience exceptional.  They remember your preferences, call you by name and bring you extra servings of coffee ice cream when available (maybe that is just me).

The main dining room wait staff are a very friendly bunch and they will often tell jokes, do magic tricks for kids (and kids' parents) and give recommendations on what is best to eat.  

What always strikes me about the wait staff is they will go out of their way to make your cruise better.  Want an extra entree? Think something needs to be heated more? Need something from the Windjammer? They always are there to help.

5. Drink servers

Let's face it, when you are lounging by the pool or at a Royal Caribbean private destination and enjoying the sun, breeze and sounds around you, the last thing you want to do is get up and go to the bar.

The drink servers that walk all around the pool decks and beaches are your best friend in this situation and they make enjoying some time by the water much easier on you.

Just like the main dining room waiters, the drink servers often have a great attitude and a good sense of humor.  Getting to know them is always a great idea!

4. Performers and entertainers

Royal Caribbean has always valued offering high quality entertainment on their ships that mirror what you might find on Broadway or in Las Vegas and it is their performers and entertainers that make these shows so memorable.

Each cruise, you will find a feature performance in the Royal Theater or at Studio B ice rink, or Two70 or in the AquaTheater and the crew members in each of these shows are tremendously talented.

Dancers, singers and acrobats are just some of the crew members that bring these shows to life.  When you can spot one on the ship somewhere, it's almost like meeting a celebrity because you will inevitably get star struck byt the fact you are seeing someone from the show the other day.

3. Cruise director and their staff

The Cruise Director's job is to make all guests onboard have a great time and it is a task they always seem to do so well.

Each day of your cruise, there are so many fun activities to choose from and it is the Cruise Director and their staff that make them all happen.

Bingo, trivia, game shows, belly flop competitions and more are just a few of the shows the activities staff puts together every day of every cruise.  

It's a tough job and frankly, it is amazing to see how quickly the Cruise Director can get from one event to another and they always have a big smile on their face and infused with enthusiasm.

2. Guest relations

Every cruise there can be something that needs to be remedied and the Guest Services crew members are available 24 hours per day to assist with any of it.

There are lots of things guests go to Guest Services for and the staff there are always available to help and try to make things right.

Most issues can be easily resolved and for the more difficult problems, they will try their very best to make sure guests are satisfied.  Having someone there to at least look at all your options and give some guidance is always appreciated.

1. Stateroom attendant

Perhaps no other crew member is as important to guests as their stateroom attendant.

Twice per day, they come to your messy stateroom and help clean everything up, give you new towels and turn down your beds at night. 

This is the kind of service that you rarely see on land these days and your stateroom attendant does it with a smile and the open question of if there is anything else they can do for you.

These dedicated people work a lot and when you walk through a deck, odds are you will run into a few of them and each of them is there with a smile and a "hello".

Who is your favorite Royal Caribbean crew member? Tell us in the comments!