Royal Caribbean Blog
Blessed Sunday! We hope you are having a wonderful weekend and we cannot wait to share with you all the arousing Royal Caribbean news from this week!
Royal Caribbean’s Liberty of the Seas returned to Galveston this week, following a week-long detour to avoid Hurricane Harvey.
The Port of Galveston re-opened to cruise ship traffic earlier in the week, and Liberty of the Seas arrived on Friday.
Liberty of the Seas is planning to depart on September 3rd for her regularly scheduled sailing.
Royal Caribbean News
- Allure of the Seas had her itinerary switched due to Hurricane Irma.
- Royal Caribbean updated its booking engine on its website.
- We collective twenty five tips for a superb day at Labadee.
- Royal Caribbean kicked off a Labor Day cruise sale and cruise planner sale.
- Here is a look at the Thermal Spa on Harmony of the Seas.
- We had a live blog from Majesty of the Seas.
Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast
The 213th scene of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where we share a first-time Royal Caribbean cruiser’s review of Oasis of the Seas.
In this scene, Mike and Michelle talk about their very first Royal Caribbean cruise practice after years of cruising with Disney Cruise Line.
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.
Royal Caribbean Around the Internet
Royal Caribbean switches Allure of the Seas’ itinerary due to Hurricane Irma
Royal Caribbean announced it has switched the scheduled itinerary for Allure of the Seas due to the recently developed Category two hurricane.
Hurricane Irma is expected to begin a northwest turn just before Saint Maarten on Wednesday, according to Royal Caribbean Chief Meteorologist James Van Fleet.
For those on #AllureoftheSeas leaving 9.Trio: due to #HurricaneIrma, the E.Carib itinerary is now W.Carib. Updates on https://t.co/ANopt1JnOy
— Royal Caribbean (@RoyalCaribbean) September 1, 2017
Given the storm’s location and for the convenience and safety of our guests and squad, Royal Caribbean felt it necessary to alter the presently scheduled Eastern Caribbean itinerary for Allure of the Seas September three to a Western Caribbean itinerary. The fresh itinerary is outlined below.
Pre-booked shore excursions for our previous ports of call will be cancelled and refunded to the guest’s original form of payment while onboard. Guests will also have the capability to book shore excursions for our fresh ports of call at the Shore Excursions desk onboard Allure of the Seas.
Royal Caribbean noted they do not expect to make any further itinerary switches, but it may happen depending on the path of the storm.
James Van Fleet will proceed to suggest more frequent updates on his twitter account.
Friday Photos
This week’s batch of beautiful Royal Caribbean photos is here and it’s always joy to share with all of you the superb photos our readers take while on their cruise vacation.
The photos we have to display this week are joy and of course anyone can send us their Royal Caribbean photos to use as well!
We begin with Joe Carolan’s photo of Enchantment of the Seas in Nassau, Bahamas. If you look close enough you can see the Majesty’s Viking Crown Lounge.
Next, here is a photo from Navigator of the Seas by Irina. I have been on Navigator a number of times, but do not recall ever finding this.
Phillip Webster took this photo while in Havana, Cuba, on Empress of the Seas. They took the photo in a one thousand nine hundred fifty two Buick.
Karina D’Avignon took this photo while snorkeling in Bonaire, while on Navigator of the Seas.
Here is a shot of Allure of the Seas, taken in Port Everglades while Ken was aboard Freedom of the Seas.
Check out this photo in Wonderland on Harmony of the Seas, taken by George Alcázar. Excellent view of the Boardwalk!
Our last photo this week comes to us from Thomas Lemmer. It is of Anthem of the Seas docked in Labadee.
Do you have Royal Caribbean photos that you want to share? We’d love to feature them so send them in by using our nifty subordination form and maybe your photos will display up in next week’s edition!
Royal Caribbean suggesting up to 30% off Cruise Planner purchases with Labor Day Weekend sale
Royal Caribbean is suggesting up to 30% off certain Cruise Planner purchases during its Labor Day Weekend sale.
Guest that log into the Cruise Planner will find certain items discounted. The exact discount available will vary from sailing to sailing, but we spotted the Royal Refreshment package discounted 30% off, along with similar discounts for many spa treatments and some shore excursions.
Based on the countdown timer, the sale expires at midnight on Tuesday, September five 2017.
Royal Caribbean suggesting BOGO 50% off 2nd guest, discount for kids and bonus spending during Labor Day Sale
Royal Caribbean’s Labor Day Sale is suggesting guests 50% off the 2nd guest, kids sail for less, and up to $250 in spending money onboard.
The Labor Day Sale is valid on cruises must booked inbetween September 1, two thousand seventeen through September Five, two thousand seventeen at 12:00 AM EST and applies to sailings departing on or after October 1, 2017. Suggest excludes China departures.
- 50% off cruise fare of 2nd guest who must be booked in the same stateroom as a very first guest who books at total fare.
- 25% cruise fare savings for 3rd guests and higher booked in the same stateroom as the very first two qualifying guests.
- Labor Day sale provides onboard credit determined by category booked and sailing length:
- $25 to spend onboard for interior and oceanview on sailings five nights or less
- $50 to spend onboard for balconies and suites on sailings five nights and less
- $50 to spend onboard for interior and oceanview on sailings six nights and longer
- $75 to spend onboard for balconies on sailings six nights or longer
- $100 to spend onboard for suites on sailings six nights or longer
BOGO suggest is combinable with NRDB OBC, promotional OBCs and instant savings, NextCruise offers, restricted discounts (for example, Senior, Resident, Military), Crown and Anchor discounts and Shareholder Benefits. Deck the Holidays sale is combinable with NextCruise offers, NRDB OBC, and restricted discounts (for example, Senior, Resident, Military) but is not combinable with Shareholder benefits and Crown and Anchor discounts. BOGO50 bookings made for China departures are combinable with NextCruise offers and Crown and Anchor balcony/suites discounts only. All offers are not combinable with any other suggest or promotion, including, but not limited to, Standard Group, Interline, Travel Agent, Travel Agent Friends and Family, Weekly Sales Events, Net Rates.
Port of Galveston reopens for come back of Liberty of the Seas
The Port of Galveston announced the Captain of the Port has opened the Port of Galveston (Galveston Ship Channel) and surrounding area to all inbound/outbound vessels with a draft of 33ft or less in daylight only.
The re-opening of the port means cruise ships, like Royal Caribbean’s Liberty of the Seas, are able to dock there once again following the devastation caused by Hurricane Harvey.
Liberty of the Seas is on her way back to Galveston, and is due to arrive on Friday morning. Royal Caribbean is expecting Liberty of the Seas’ next sailing to take place on Sunday, September 3rd.
Royal Caribbean recommends those traveling to Liberty of the Seas review the latest information on road conditions at the Texas Department of Transportation’s website.
Both of Houston’s airports, George Pubic hair International Airport and Hobby Airport, resumed operations with limited domestic airline passenger service yesterday afternoon. Authorities at both airports are expecting to resume utter service by this weekend.
Royal Caribbean’s Chief Meteorologist, James Van Fleet is onboard Liberty of the Seas and will proceed to monitor the situation in the Galveston/Houston area.
Royal Caribbean has a phone number open for guests that have questions about their upcoming Liberty of the Seas sailing, or if you are coping with significant storm impacts that affect your capability to get away for your cruise. The phone number is 1-800-256-6649.
Royal Caribbean updates website with fresh look to booking engine
Royal Caribbean has updated the look to the part of its website where visitors can book their cruise.
The updated look makes quickly comparing prices inbetween different sailings simpler, as users can click inbetween different sail dates and see pricing without leaving the search result page.
Do you like the fresh design for the cruise booking engine? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Very first timers attempt Oasis of the Seas on Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast
Our newest podcast gig is out to help give you a quick “audio escape” to a Royal Caribbean cruise!
Scene two hundred thirteen is available for downloading, which has a review of Oasis of the Seas by two very first time Royal Caribbean cruisers.
Matt has attempted for years to woo two of his friends to ultimately attempt Royal Caribbean after only cruising Disney Cruise Line. This week, Mike and Michelle share their practice on their very first Royal Caribbean cruise from onboard Oasis of the Seas. They share what they liked and did not like about their very first time on Royal Caribbean.
Here’s the podcast page for Gig 213. And don’t leave behind 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!
25 tips for a good day at Royal Caribbean’s Labadee
Royal Caribbean’s private destination of Labadee in Haiti has been a popular cruise destination for many years, and whether you are planning a day for the very first time or fifteenth time, it seems like there is so much to see and do.
We determined to share our top tips for the best things to see, do, eat, and explore on Labadee.
1. Labadee is fairly beautiful when you see it in person and via photos, but underneath that gorgeous blue water are some rocks. You should consider buying water boots to use in Labadee (and other beach stops during your cruise). Water boots are effortless to pack, fairly inexpensive, and make exploring the underwater world of Labadee super effortless. It also makes getting around Labadee, both on land and in the water, simpler and lighter.
For adults, attempt the Aleader brand water boots for boys and women because not only do they protect your feet, they also do not look like typical water boots. For the kids, attempt the Northside Brille II Water Shoe for women and the Aleader Boys Water Footwear.
Two. There is no need to worry about being thirsty on Labadee, because Royal Caribbean provides lunch on the island at three different locations. Lunch on Labadee consists of salads, burgers, hot dogs, chicken and more freshly ready food. Lunch starts serving at 11:00am.
Trio. Just like onboard your Royal Caribbean ship, the SeaPass card is the primary method of purchasing things on Labadee. The only exception are the craft markets, where locals sell items to you. It is very likely a good idea to bring a little bit of cash with you, but your SeaPass card works in most places too.
Four. The premier attraction in Labadee is the Dragon’s Breath Flight Line. From the mountaintop launch point, guests slip down the zip line over the ocean at speeds of forty to fifty mph. It is not just a joy thrill, but also provides the best view of Labadee available.
Five. If you are interested in having some extra privacy, or cushier accommodations in Labadee, then you should consider renting a cabana or beach bungalow. Each provides a secluded spot for you and your family to love. Guests can reserve a cabana or beach bungalow before their cruise, by visiting Royal Caribbean’s Cruise Planner. They can also be rented once onboard the ship, but they tend to rent quickly.
6. If cabanas or bungalows are a bit out of your price range, beach beds and beach loungers are two inexpensive rental options that also provide a more convenient day in Labadee.
7. If you are looking for a bit of nature, be sure to check out the nature trails, located across Labadee. Labadee has a lot of natural beauty to behold and walking around will give you a good sense of the layout of the beaches as well as an appreciation for the natural wonders. Be sure to bring your camera.
8. Columbus Cove is the least crowded beach in Labadee, but can be a far walk to get to. Look for a complimentary ferry rail that takes guests from the dock that your cruise ship is docked at, and brings you right to Columbus Cove. Not only is it quick and convenient, but it provides a beautiful view of Labadee.
9. If you need to get around Labadee without walking, Royal Caribbean provides a complimentary shuttle service that takes guests all along the middle of Labadee. There are clearly marked tram stations, where you can grab the next shuttle.
Ten. Youthful children may find a lot of joy at the Escapade Ocean Oasis, located harshly in the middle of Adrenaline Beach. This is a splash pad area, with fountains, geysers, and buckets of water dumping everywhere. It can be the ideal spot for children to play, and for you to cool off.
11. Speaking of Venture Ocean, Royal Caribbean’s award-winning children’s programming, Venture Ocean, will be open while the ship is docked in Labadee. This can be a excellent option for adults who want to take in an excursion, but need supervision for their children.
12. Your Royal Caribbean drink packages will work while in Labadee, just like they do onboard the ship.
13. Kids (and those youthful at heart) will gravitate towards Arawak Aqua Park, which is an aqua park in Columbus Cove. There, you will find floating trampolines, pyramids and water slips.
14. There is also the Dragon’s Splash Waterslide located nearby to the Aqua park and features a 300-foot slide that drops you into a 18-foot splash zone.
15. Royal Caribbean provides two major catches sight of to do some shopping in Labadee: the Artisan Market and the Artisan Village. The Market is more of a store, with pre-set prices and suggesting hand-made goods. The Village is more of an open air market, where guests are expected to haggle with the vendors. Keep in mind that both places take cash only.
16. A day in Labadee offers a lot, but you will want to pack water resistant sunscreen, hats and sunglasses for a day in Labadee. You may also consider bringing your camera, beach fucktoys, and other joy options. If you leave behind something in your stateroom, you can always go back and get it!
Consumer Reports recommends two sunscreens that are fine for use at the beach. If you choose a lotion, attempt the Coppertone Water Babies SPF 50. If splash sunscreen is more your style, the Neutrogena Beach Defense Water + Sun Protection SPF seventy received high marks.
17. Barefoot Beach is reserved for guests residing in Grand Suites and above. It is an off the hook perk for suite guests, and the only area in Labadee where all guests cannot go. If you happen to be staying in a suite, Barefoot Beach is a superb choice for the smaller crowds. Plus, there is an off the hook lunch buffet reserved just for suite guests.
Legitimate. Labadee itself has an interesting past. It was named after the marquis de La Badie, a Frenchman who very first lodged the area in the 17th century. The peninsula was named Labadie, albeit Royal Caribbean spells it “Labadee” to make it lighter for English-speakers to pronounce.
Nineteen. There is a swim-up bar at Adrenaline Beach, where guests can wade through the ocean to the bar, climb up and order and love a drink.
20. If you are looking for other joy excursions in Labadee, consider parasailing, renting a jet ski, deep sea fishing, or even taking a rail on the alpine coaster. All can be reserved prior to your cruise, via the Cruise Planner.
21. The official drink of Labadee is a Labadoozie. It is a fruit concoction, that is served with rum. You can order them without rum as a cold treat for kids.
22. Royal Caribbean added in two thousand sixteen a DreamWorks photo safari excursion, which might be a good family activity on Labadee. There are two excursions to choose from, both of which include a DreamWorks photo safari for kids to love.
23. A good way to stay hydrated is to bring bottled water with you to Labadee. There are water fountains around Labadee, but the convenience of having water bottles is a good perk. Bottled water is included with the Deluxe and Refreshment packages.
24. There are not many of them, but towards the interior of Labadee you can find hammocks to love. Go early if you want to grab one.
25. Read the Labadee map before you arrive to get a basic understanding of where things are located, how to get to the area you want, and get a good understanding of what is available in Labadee. All too often, we spot guests arriving in Labadee that are unaware of where things are located.