Navigator of the Seas to Host Two Taylor Swift Themed Cruises in 2024

Navigator of the Seas to Host Two Taylor Swift Themed Cruises in 2024

Royal Caribbean’s Navigator of the Seas will host special Taylor Swift-themed cruises in 2024, sailing from Los Angeles, according to a press release from the travel agency organizing the cruises.

Inspired by the singer’s tour and concert movie, four travel agents teamed up to plan a celebration of Swift at sea, calling it the Bestie Cruise. They noted they are not affiliated with Taylor Swift or TASRM.

The four-night sailings to Catalina Island and Ensenada, Mexico depart on April 29 and July 22, 2024.

“Fora Travel takes care of it all. From selecting cabins and booking pre/post cruise hotels, to planning dance parties, friendship bracelet making and other fun activities, we handle the details so you can focus on the fun. Our curated activities will celebrate all things Taylor, and there’s even a special surprise in store! Visit BestieCruise to learn more and sign up. We’ve got Blank Spaces; will you write your name?,” the company said in its statement.

The two sailings are in addition to the previously announced fan-led cruise for “Swifties” departing aboard Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas from the Port of Miami on October 21, 2024.

Royal Caribbean’s Navigator of the Seas Turns 20 Years Old

Royal Caribbean’s Navigator of the Seas Turns 20 Years Old

The Navigator of the Seas completed its 20th year in service this month. Part of Royal Caribbean International’s Voyager Class, the 132,000-ton vessel departed on its maiden voyage on December 14, 2002.

At the time as the world’s largest cruise ship, the Navigator debuted in the Caribbean, offering week-long cruises departing from Miami.

Sailing to both the Eastern and Western Caribbean, the itineraries featured visits to popular destinations, including St. Thomas, San Juan, Grand Cayman and Cozumel.

The program also included regular calls to Labadee, Royal Caribbean’s private island destination in Haiti.

After losing the title of the world’s biggest ship to the Queen Mary 2 in 2004, the Navigator continued to sail year-round cruises in the Caribbean through 2007 – when it debuted in Europe.

For its first season in the Old World, the ship offered a series of Northern and Western Europe itineraries departing from Southampton, England. After sailing in additional destinations over the years, the Navigator of the Seas marked the return of Royal Caribbean International to regular operations on the West Coast in 2021.

For the first time in the region, the 3,100-guest ship started a year-round program of cruises to the Mexican Riviera and Baja California sailing from the World Cruise Center in Los Angeles.

The deployment features a variety of short three-, four- and five-night cruises to Catalina Island and Ensenada, in addition to week-long itineraries to Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlán and more.

Last drydocked in mid-2021, the Navigator underwent a large modernization in 2019. Part of the Royal Amplified program, the $115-million refit added new attractions to the ship, including a resort-style Caribbean pool deck, the three-level signature bar The Lime & Coconut and the first blow-dry bar at sea To Dry For.

One of the vessel’s most iconic features, the Royal Promenade was also reimagined with the creation of new restaurants, retail and nightlife.

What We Know About Royal Caribbean’s Free Test Cruises

Thanks to https://www.cruiseindustrynews.com/ 

Significant demand was born as a result of Royal Caribbean International’s announcement for the search of volunteers to go on its first test sailings prior to returning to sea in the U.S.

So much that a form has been created to sign up, which saw more than 150,000 hopeful cruise lovers leave their details.

“It's a good feeling knowing that so many people want to get back on ships,” said Vicki Freed, senior vice president for sales, trade support, and service at Royal Caribbean International, on Dec. 8 in response to the demand.

The company has also launched a website for potential volunteers to sign up.

Cruise Industry News breaks down what is known about the sailings. 

What are they?

The test sailings are part of the new Conditional Framework by the CDC, which came in place of the "No Sail" order. They will include the company having a number of trial cruises using employees and volunteers as stand-in passengers to test safety and health protocols. 

Trial sailings are said to be monitored by company officials, a third-party class society, as well as the CDC.

When will they take place?

Likely the first quarter of 2021, possibly even January. Here’s a quote from Freed at Virtually Yours forum organized by Cruise Planners:

“We don't know exactly when the test sailings are going to happen – we think in Q1, and we're hoping for January.”

Which vessels will be taking part?

Industry sources previously stated that they expect the Mariner and Navigator of the Seas, the company's recently-refurbished "short Caribbean" ships, to be the vessels pressed into service.

On what itineraries?

Freed said in November that the first cruises will be short sailings to CocoCay, which would allow the company to operate in a bubble on its own private island.

Who gets to go?

More than 150,000 people signed up, according to Royal Caribbean International, so it will be tough to choose from them. Apart from cruise line workers and CDC staff, the cruise line is likely to choose volunteers among its most loyal customers.

"We haven't figured out our protocols yet for the volunteers but certainly loyalty status will be a key selector," said Michael Bayley, Royal Caribbean Cruises’ president, and CEO during the International Cruise Summit that took place on Dec. 1-2. “Our top tier has the name of Pinnacle and they've cruised with us a gazillion times … they'll be amongst the first to receive the invitation."

Freed said on Dec. 8 that the company’s travel partners will be invited, too.

What about safety?

Royal Caribbean is working on ensuring they are conducted safely and in compliance with the regulations.

“While we review the requirements proposed by the CDC and consider when we can host our simulated trial sailings, we are gathering information from those who have shown interest on our Volunteers of the Seas Facebook page. Our priority is to ensure that we can exercise our comprehensive set of measures in a safe and healthy manner while making sure we provide a memorable vacation experience,” Royal Caribbean said in a statement.

Yet a lot of information is still to be released about the sailings.

“We will be announcing more as we get more information,” Freed said. “So, we look forward to it; we're looking forward to it.”

Cruise Lines Make More Hurricane Adjustments

The three major cruise lines announced more itinerary changes due to Hurricane Dorian following Thursday's itinerary change news, and more adjustments are expected to follow on Friday as the storm develops.

Carnival

The Carnival Paradise will now leave Tampa early on August 31, with Carnival asking guests to arrive at the cruise terminal between 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM.

For the Carnival Miracle, with the anticipation of a potential port closure on Sunday, this sailing will now operate as an eight-day sailing, departing on Saturday evening. 

Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean has modified more sailings as a result of the impact of Hurricane Dorian.

Guests aboard the Navigator's August 30 sailing are now returning to Miami on Sept. 4 as opposed to Sept. 2, meaning the ship's Sept. 2 sailing will leave two days later.

The Empress will see guests get multiple days added to the itinerary. Unable to return to Miami this Sunday, the cruise now will add a call to Roatan, spend two days at sea, call in Nassau and then return to Miami on Sept. 4.

The Mariner will also get two days added to its current itinerary, returning to Port Canaveral on Sept. 4 as opposed to Sept. 2.

Norwegian

The Norwegian Breakaway will extend its port time in Cozumel until Sept. 1, giving guests a chance to disembark and return home or remain onboard if they choose.  Guests who choose to end their cruise in Cozumel will receive a 25% future cruise credit.

The  Norwegian Sun departed from Port Canaveral, Florida Thursday, August 29, 2019, as scheduled. The calls to Nassau, Great Stirrup Cay and Freeport, Bahamas have been cancelled. Instead, the ship will spend a day at sea on Friday, August 30 and will call to Cozumel, Mexico on August 31. She will remain at sea on September 1 and is scheduled to return to Port Canaveral on September 2.

Royal Caribbean voyages to double the fun at the private island

CocoCay's waterpark opened earlier this year.

Royal Caribbean International has added nearly 40 sailings in the coming year that will feature two stops at its Perfect Day at CocoCay private island.

The four-day cruises on Navigator of the Seas from Port Canaveral and Mariner of the Seas generally sandwich a stop in Nassau between the two visits to nearby CocoCay. 

Royal Caribbean will sail three Navigator cruises that stay at CocoCay late into the night.

Entertainment will include traditional Bahamian-inspired activities, including a Junkanoo Jam Up Party, an island barbecue and performances by a calypso band and fire dancers, topped off with fireworks. 

Both Virgin Voyages and MSC Cruises are preparing to offer private beach attractions in the Bahamas that provide evening activities.

Royal Caribbean’s CocoCay Drives Rate and Short Market

“To describe Perfect Day as a home run wouldn't do it justice. It really resets the bar in the short cruise market,” said Richard Fain, chairman and CEO, Royal Caribbean Cruises, on the company’s second-quarter earnings call.

Fain highlighted Perfect Day CocoCay as part of Royal Caribbean’s strength to adapt to an ever-changing business environment.

“We continue to do well because we continue to adapt our product to the changing desires of our current and future guests and the changing environment which we operate,” Fain added.

Michael Bayley, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International, said that through 2020, 11 Royal Caribbean ships will call at the private island that now features an expansive water park. 

“If you may recall, we put Mariner, Navigator and Independence through Royal Amplified and we completely changed the product offering in the short cruise market and literally put the biggest best ships in that short market, which is about 20-something per cent of the entire American cruise market,” Bayley said. “So we already started to see demand increasing for those products because they are truly great products.”

Bayley said that since May when the new experience opened, the company has taken around 350,000 guests to CocoCay.

“It's now rated the number one resort globally for Royal Caribbean. It's knocking it out of the park in terms of truly delivering a phenomenal day. The guest satisfaction is extremely high. And so the demand that we're seeing is coming from all segments. It competes very well with Orlando,” Bayley said, adding that 40 per cent of guests in the short cruise market was new-to-cruise.

“We’re seeing both significant increase in volume and of course that's driving rate,” Bayley noted.

Navigator of the Seas Arrives in Miami Following Huge Refit

Royal Caribbean International’s newly amplified Navigator of the Seas is in Miami following a $115 million refit aimed at the important short-cruise market.

Among the features are new waterslides, a new poolside area, new retail and restaurants and much more.

“We have really dialled up the adventure and Caribbean vibes in ways that will make Navigator of the Seas the ultimate getaway to take from Miami,” said Michael Bayley, President and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. “Independence and Mariner of the Seas, the first two modernized ships in our Royal Amplified program, have quickly become standout hits, and Navigator builds on this momentum with a combination of new, exciting features and signature Royal Caribbean offerings that will surprise and delight guests cruising with us for the first time and those who have vacationed with us before.”

The Navigator of the Seas is the third ship to be reimagined as part of the Royal Amplified modernization program, an investment of more than $1 billion in the cruise line’s fleet and part of the booming drydock market.

The effort spans 10 ships in four years and touches every facet of the guest experience with the introduction of a wide range of new thrills and Royal Caribbean staples meant to appeal to every generation, the company said. 

Beginning Friday, March 1, Navigator will sail five- and 9-night Caribbean itineraries through May 2019.

The ship will then set course for The Bahamas with three-night weekend and four-night weekday cruises, including visits to the cruise line’s private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Beginning May 2019, each sailing onboard Navigator of the Seas will visit Perfect Day at CocoCay

Navigator of the Seas undergoes US$115M refit

Royal Caribbean's Navigator of the Seas' refurbishment includes installing the world’s longest waterslide at sea

Royal Caribbean International has revealed plans to install the world's longest waterslide at sea on its ship Navigator of the Seas. 

The ship will relaunch on 24 February after a US$115M refit.

The waterslide – called The Blaster – will propel a two-person raft through more than 244 m of hills, drops and straightaways including a section that extends over the side of the ship.

"Each Royal Caribbean ship brings a new adventure uniquely designed to deliver on our guests' preferences from A to Z," said Royal Caribbean International president and chief executive Michael Bayley. Every detail matters and we've mapped out an unmatched combination of innovative features and experiences for this top-to-bottom transformation of Navigator of the Seas."

Navigator of the Seas' multi-million dollar makeover also includes:

• To Dry For, the first standalone blow-dry bar at sea.
• Planet Z glow in the dark laser tag.
• The Observatorium, Royal Caribbean's escape room.
• The Lime and Coconut two-level signature cocktail bar.
• New restaurants, bars and coffee shop.

Navigator of the Seas will be the first in the Royal Caribbean fleet to visit Perfect Day at CocoCay, the debut destination in the cruise line's recently announced private island collection, opening in May 2019.

Reimagined Navigator of the Seas Will Introduce New Onboard Adventures

PHOTO: Perfect Storm pool deck on Navigator of the Seas (photo courtesy Royal Caribbean)

A newly modernized Navigator of the Seas will debut February 24, 2019, and, onboard, passengers will find a number of new adventures available.

Royal Caribbean’s $115 million upgrade includes a new Caribbean poolscape, two waterslides, a new blow-dry bar, and Insta-worthy nightlife and dining opportunities.

"Each Royal Caribbean ship brings a new adventure uniquely designed to deliver on our guests' preferences from A to Z," said Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. "After launching our Royal Amplified modernization program with Independence of the Seas and then redefining short getaways with Mariner of the Seas, we are challenging ourselves to take it to the next level. Every detail matters, and we've mapped out an unmatched combination of innovative features and experiences for this top-to-bottom transformation of Navigator of the Seas."

Top Deck

A pair of new waterslides dominates the newly refurbished top deck of Navigator of the Seas. The Blaster is the cruise line's first-ever aqua coaster and the longest waterslide at sea, and the Riptide is the industry's only headfirst mat racer.

The entire poolscape has been modernized with a Caribbean theme and includes a Splash Pad for children, as well as signature Royal Caribbean features like the FlowRider surf simulator and a rock-climbing wall.

Guests can also enjoy Lime and Coconut, a two-level signature bar that offers sunset views, live music and cocktails. Grab-and-go dining also features Mexican street fare at El Loco Fresh and American fare at Johnny Rockets Express.

New Dining and Nightlife

Guests will be able to grab drinks and a bite to eat at several new establishments. The Polynesian-inspired Bamboo Room, which made its debut on Mariner of the Seas, will be serving up kitschy-cool cocktails onboard. Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade is the place to catch the game. There will be 50 big-screen TVs, tabletop games, tournaments, trivia, a new Owner's Box VIP room, and a menu of classic bar fare with a twist alongside ice-cold brews.

For good eats, passengers can visit Jamie's Italian for a taste of celebrity chef Jamie Oliver's rustic Italian dishes. New England-inspired dishes like lobster, crab claws, local fish and just-shucked oysters can be found at Hooked Seafood.

Coffee-lovers will be happy to note that there will also be a Starbucks onboard for pick-me-ups.

Amped-up Family Adventure

Families will have a lot to look forward to when it comes to sailing onboard the Navigator of the Seas. Royal Caribbean hits such as glow-in-the-dark laser tag with Battle for Planet Z in Studio B, mini-golf and the Royal Escape Room: The Observatorium will keep kids busy.

A reimagined Adventure Ocean youth program includes an open, free play space with organized activities. Teen areas have a hidden entrance and include a living room-style hangout as well as outdoor areas.

When the Navigator arrives in Miami, she will sail five- and nine-night Caribbean itineraries before offering three-night and four-night sailings to the Bahamas, including Royal Caribbean’s private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay, starting in May.

Major emergency at sea as Navigator of Seas cruise liner takes on water after leaving UK

Major emergency at sea as Navigator of Seas cruise liner takes on water after leaving UK

Photo of the Navigator of the Seas leaving Southampton, by Dave Jones

PANIC engulfed a cruise liner when staff wearing life jackets rushed to deal with a flood after the ship began taking on the water in the Atlantic Ocean.

Passengers onboard the Navigator of the Seas vessel, part of the Royal Caribbean International company, described hearing a “loud bang” at about 3am on Sunday before the ship began to take on water.

A crew member onboard said a "Bravo code" was used, which many cruise lines use to alert the crew to a fire or other serious incident on board without alarming passengers.

The crew member told site Crew Centre: “Captain announced bravo code at night, the crew bar was full and suddenly everyone started running.

“One of the stabilisers on the Navigator of the Seas broke and made a hole at the hull, they had to close an entire fire zone because it was leaking water like crazy.

“They sounded the alarm and there was crew walking around with life jackets.”

The ship, which had set sail from Southampton on October 26 for a 10-night tour to the Canary Islands, was forced to make an emergency stop at the nearest port.

Crew members had managed to make a temporary repair until it arrived at the port of Vigo, north-west Spain.

Passenger Paul Edwards from Worcestershire said: “We were experiencing rough sea last night, and then in the early hours last night we heard a bang.

“We were told there was a minor technical fault with the stabilisers and we had to dock in the Port of Vigo, Spain for 24 hours while they fixed it.


Passengers onboard described hearing a “loud bang” (Image: Paul Edwards – GETTY


Passengers onboard described hearing a “loud bang” (Image: Paul Edwards – GETTY)
cruise Southampton canary islands Navigator of the Seas floods Royal Caribbean

Crews pump water out of the Navigator of the Seas (Image: Paul Edwards)

“But, it was a major problem and we were on a ship hundreds of miles from land taking on water.

“But what I am really angry about is that they are trying to keep it hush, hush.”

The vessel was due to arrive in Vigo on November 3 as a final port of call before heading back to the UK.

Guests onboard were told the Captain is due to make an announcement about the rest of the scheduled cruise.

cruise Southampton canary islands Navigator of the Seas floods Royal Caribbean

Guests onboard were told the Captain is due to make an announcement about the rest of the scheduled (Image: GETTY)
The ship is still docked in Vigo with passengers offered only a 25 per cent of their fare to spend on board the ship and 25 per cent off any future fare with the company as compensation.

Some fear they could be charged for extra days, with passenger Tina blasting on Twitter: “Currently on Navigator of the Seas, can totally appreciate the ‘technical problems’ but this change of itinerary is a joke!

“Just seems like a money maker for Royal Caribbean to me with the extra days at sea. 25 per cent onboard credit?!”

Mr Edwards added: “It feels like being in prison. Can’t do anything, can’t go anywhere.”

Royal Caribbean said in a statement: “Navigator of the Seas is making repairs to resolve a technical issue. The ship is fully operational with no impact on its manoeuvrability or the safety of our guests and crew. However, because of time needed to make the repair, it was necessary to modify her current itinerary.

“Navigator will now call on Vigo, Spain for an overnight stay on Sunday, October 28. It will then sail on to Gran Canaria, the Canary Islands on Wednesday, Oct 31 and Tenerife, the Canary Islands on Thursday, November 1. The ship will return to Southampton, England on Monday, November 5 as scheduled.”

Check Out 2018's Blues and Rock-Themed Cruises

Fans of blues and rock can head out to sea in 2018, simultaneously getting their musical groove and vacation on aboard three new themed cruises.

Cruise to the Edge 2018

Cruise to the Edge 2018 will be aboard Royal Caribbean International’s Brilliance of the Seas for five nights from February 3-8. Prog-rock's biggest festival at sea will be hosted by YES as it sails from Tampa, Florida to Belize City, Belize and Costa Maya, Mexico prior to returning.

There's also a complimentary pre-cruise party optional to guests.

Joining YES will be Marillion, Steve Hackett, Mike Portnoy and Derek Sherinian, Carl Palmer's ELP Legacy (honoring Keith Emerson and Greg Lake) and Marin Barre (of Jethro Tull), Saga, Anathema, Gong, Haken, Glass Hammer, Adrian Belew Power Trio, Lifesigns, Knifeworld, Stick Men with special guest violinist David Cross, Sound Of Contact, Moon Safari, IO Earth, Bad Dreams, Thank You Scientist and Baraka.

UK journalist and preeminent YES expert, Jon Kirkman, will also be joining the sailing.

Experiences onboard will include artist/cruiser photo experiences, Q&A sessions, theme nights and more. One main event will be CTTE Late Night Live with the opportunity to potentially jam with a headliner, watch fans and artists performing together, see a guest showcase or have your song selection played.

The Brilliance of the Seas beckons guests with a nine-deck atrium, glass-enclosed elevators, Solarium pool, Vitality Spa, rock-climbing wall and plenty of other venues and Prog Performances stages.

Keeping the Blues Alive at Sea IV

From February 26 to March 2, 2018, Keeping the Blues Alive at Sea IV will be presented by Keeping the Blues Alive Foundation, Joe Bonamassa and Sixthman aboard Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Jade.

The four-day voyage will naturally showcase Bonamassa and others as the ship departs roundtrip from Miami, Florida to Montego Bay, Jamaica.

“We’ve had a blast this year and we’ve had a blast every other year…There has been some great music this year and we will carry it on to next year,” said Bonamassa, in a press release.

Besides Bonamassa, set to perform across multiple onboard stages are Black Country Communion (Bonamassa, Glenn Hughes, Jason Bonham and Derek Sherinian), Los Lobos, JJ Grey & Mofro, Ana Popovic, North Mississippi Allstars, Sister Sparrow & The Dirty Birds, The James Hunter Six, Matt Andersen, Kirk Fletcher & Josh Smith, Marcus King Band, Greyhounds, Toronzo Cannon, Larkin Poe, Madisen Ward and the Mama Bear, New Orleans Suspects, The Steepwater Band, Jerron “Blind Boy” Paxton, Jack Broadbent, The Bros. Landreth and Juzzie Smith.

More are expected to be announced.

The Norwegian Jade will be newly refurbished by the time the music festival kicks off with musical group collaborations, a Black Country Communion reunion, artist activities and lots of live performances. The ship itself will feature new restaurants, bars, lounges and updated interior design.

Monsters of Rock Cruise 2018

The Monsters of Rock Cruise 2018 is scheduled for five nights aboard Royal Caribbean International’s Navigator of the Seas roundtrip from Miami, Florida to Falmouth, Jamaica and Labadee on February 11-16. The hard rock/heavy metal festival will additionally feature two pre-cruise parties.

Artists include Tesla, Queensrÿche, Thunder, Lita Ford, Winger, British Lion featuring Steve Harris of Iron Maiden, Doro, KIX, Y&T, Vixen, Great White, Beasto Blanco, LA Guns, The Pretty Maids, Lynch Mob, Firehouse, Loudness, Michael Sweet (of Stryper), The Quireboys, Tyketto, Dangerous Toys, Junkyard, Keel, Raven, Madam X, Rhino Bucket, John Corabi, Autograph, Lillian Axe, Rough Cutt, Mitch Malloy, The Iron Maidens, Kickin' Valentina, Jared James Nichols, Thee Rock 'N Roll Residency, Atomic Punks and more to be announced.

Hosting the cruise and moderating Q&As and other events will be Eddie Trunk and comedian Don Jamieson (VH1's "That Metal Show”), as well as radio host Nikki Blakk and Luc Carl (SiriusXM's "Hair Nation”). 

Additional activities will extend to artist photo-ops, Gong Show Karaoke, My Bloody Valentine Fantasy Ball, "So You Think You Can Shred" and Cooking with Rock Stars hosted by Lisa Tirone and more.

As a Voyager-class ship, Navigator of the Seas showcases the Royal Promenade and attractions such as a FlowRider surf simulator.

What's Next for Royal Caribbean International?

PHOTO: Three Oasis-class ships sailing together. (photo courtesy of Royal Caribbean International)

2018-2019 Deployments

When Symphony of the Seas, (already open for reservations), sets sail as the fourth Oasis-class ship, it will mark the line’s biggest-ever lineup ever from Florida, as Royal Caribbean will soon have a new terminal at PortMiami.

Besides the Caribbean, the line will also head to Alaska, Europe, China and exotic locales.

The Symphony will arrive at PortMiami on November 9, 2018, and will depart on its 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries starting on November 17, 2018. While the ship will be the same length as its sister Harmony of the Seas, it will carry an extra 28 cabins and measure in as the largest cruise ship in the world at 230,000 gross registered tons.

Joining Symphony in Miami will be Allure of the Seas in November 2018 as well. Oasis of the Seas will continue to leave from Port Canaveral, Florida and Harmony of the Seas will continue to depart from Port Everglades, Florida.

Cuba and the Caribbean

Later this month, Royal Caribbean International will visit Cuba for the first time, sailing a 5-night cruise from Miami on April 19, 2017. It will send the newly revitalized Empress of the Seas to Havana for overnight experiences and a visit to a UNESCO World Heritage Site on its Cuban sailings. Other opportunities will include seeing Cojimar and the Tropicana and riding in classic cars.

The Empress of the Seas will also feature 4- and 5-night cruises from Tampa in summer 2017 along with Rhapsody of the Seas and Brilliance of the Seas' 5- to 7-night Caribbean voyages. Meanwhile, Adventure of the Seas will also depart from Puerto Rico on 7- to 10-night Southern Caribbean itineraries.

From the Northeast, Rhapsody of the Seas will team up with Anthem of the Seas from Cape Liberty, New Jersey in 2017. In the summer, Rhapsody will head out on 7-night cruises to the Bahamas, while Anthem will sail to Bermuda, with the latter to the Caribbean year-round as well on 5-, 7- and 9-night departures.

Alaska and Europe

Explorer of the Seas and Radiance of the Seas will return to Alaska this season. Explorer will showcase 7-,10- and 12-night round trips from Seattle, Washington, while Radiance will alternate 7- to 14-night voyages to and from Vancouver, BC and Seward, Alaska.

In Europe, Jewel of the Seas will sail 9-night Greek Isles itineraries from Rome, Italy, plus 7-night Western Mediterranean plans, as well as 7-night itineraries on the Freedom of the Seas from Barcelona, Spain. The Serenade of the Seas and Vision of the Seas will also traverse Northern Europe and ports such as Copenhagen, Denmark.

Future Fleet

Looking to 2019 and beyond are several more new ships that Royal Caribbean will deploy internationally, starting with a fourth Quantum-class ship in 2019 and a fifth to follow during 2020.

Joining the four aforementioned Oasis-class ships will be a fifth in 2021, and then an entirely new class of vessel will emerge by 2022. Two fuel cell and LNG-powered Icon-class ships will first set sail during 2022 and 2024.

Royal Caribbean cancels another cruise ship stop in Labadee due to local protests

Royal Caribbean has decided to cancel today's scheduled stop for one of its cruise ships at the cruise line's private destination of Labadee in Haiti due to ongoing protests.

Photo by Michael C.

Navigator of the Seas was scheduled to stop at Labadee on Thursday, January 21, 2016, but Royal Caribbean canceled the port call and withdrew all employees from the site.

This is the second cruise ship to skip a stop in Labadee, after protests prevented Freedom of the Seas from allowing its guests to go ashore earlier this week.

In a statement, Royal Caribbean commented further on the situation, "Royal Caribbean has not received any guarantees or assurances that there will not be any protests in the future. If a protest takes place while a ship is port, there would be a significant impact on our guests’ ability to enjoy Labadee, or we may have to cancel the visit completely."

In regards to upcoming stops in Labadee, Royal Caribbean noted, "We will continue to closely monitor the situation and are in close communication with local and government officials in Haiti. At this time, we have not made any decisions regarding any additional upcoming port calls to Labadee. The next schedule call is Vision of the Seas, on Sunday, January 24."

Everything we know about the virtual balcony

Aug2013

If there's one feature of Royal Caribbean's next-generation cruise ship that is just starting construction, Quantum of the Seas, that is capturing people's imagination the most, it's likely the virtual balconies.  These 80-inch LED screens attached to a wall are promising to deliver an innovative take on the inside cabin.  

Understandably, there's a lot of intrigue regarding this new kind of cabin and people want to know what it is exactly and what to expect.  We don't know everything quite yet, but here's a listing of all the information on virtual balconies that we do know in one place.

What is a virtual balcony?

The virtual balconies will be 80-inch LED projection screen that stretches from floor to ceiling.  They will offer digital real-time views of the ocean and destinations visible from the ship’s exterior.  

It will be displayed in high-resolution color on a giant 80-inch LED screen on the wall of an otherwise windowless stateroom.  It will work at sea and in port.

Will virtual balconies cost extra?

When they were announced, Royal Caribbean CEO Adam Goldstein said there will not be a specific surcharge for interior cabins with virtual balconies, but added that he hopes they will bring higher yields.

How many inside cabins on Quantum of the Seas will have virtual balconies?

There will be 373 inside cabins on Quantum of the Seas that will offer the virtual balcony feature.

Will any ships other than Quantum of the Seas have virtual balconies?

It's a safe bet sister ship Anthem of the Seas will have virtual balconies along with the unnamed third Quantum-class cruise ship Royal Caribbean has on order.  

In addition to those ships, Navigator of the Seas will receive virtual balconies as part of a previously planned refurbishment.  Navigator of the Seas will go for its refurbishment in December 2013. It is scheduled to sail from Galveston when the upgrades are complete.  Royal Caribbean will use Navigator of the Seas as the "testing ground" for this brand new innovation.

In addition to Navigator of the Seas, virtual balconies will be included as part of scheduled refurbishments for Voyager, Adventure and Explorer of the Seas.  Those ships are set to undergo the revitalization process in 2014-15.

Will the virtual balcony projection be on all the time?

No, you may turn the virtual balcony feature on or off at your convenience.

Where did Royal Caribbean come up with the idea for the virtual balconies?

According to Royal Caribbean Chairman Richard Fain, they got the idea from Disney Cruise Line's virtual portholes that debuted on their ships a few years ago.

"We actually had looked at the idea, and we didn't think that the technology and the receptivity from the public was there," he says. Disney "proved that the public does value something like this."

Oil spill puts cruises on hold

By Jerry Limone

An oil spill near the Houston Ship Channel has affected the schedules of cruise ships that sail out of Galveston and Houston, Texas.

On Saturday, a collision between a fuel barge and a cargo ship spilled as much as 170,000 gallons of tar-like oil into waters south of Houston.

The Carnival Magic and Royal Caribbean’s Navigator of the Seas pulled into the Port of Galveston about 10 hours late Sunday evening. The ships were ordered to slowly navigate into port so they would not create a large wake that could spread the spill.

The Carnival Triumph returned to port early Monday under the same conditions.

All three ships have not departed for their next cruise from Galveston, plus the Caribbean Princess has been stranded at Houston’s Bayport Cruise Terminal since Saturday, with passengers aboard.

It is not certain when the shipping channel will reopen.

Top 5 Royal Caribbean unlimited alcohol package drink values

Top 5 Royal Caribbean unlimited alcohol package drink values

On my last cruise on Navigator of the Seas I noticed Royal Caribbean offers a lot of alcoholic drinks to choose from and the prices of each vary considerably.  It got me thinking, "Is there a strategy to maximizing the unlimited alcohol packages faster?"

Obviously no one wants to spend money on something they know in advance is a waste of money and there is a physical limit to the amount of drinks anyone can drink.  So I took a look at the most recent Royal Caribbean drink menu to figure out which drinks would give passengers the best value if they are using the unlimited alcohol packages.

What are Royal Caribbean's unlimited alcohol packages?

Royal Caribbean's unlimited alcohol packages are optional add-ons you can purchase to allow you as many beverages as you like for a flat fee per day.

If you do decide to indulge in one of the packages, consider these five drinks as the best ways to get your moneys worth from the investment!

Any margarita from Sabor Modern Mexican - $12

The brand new Sabor Modern Mexican restaurant on Navigator of the Seas specializes in Mexico's most famous liquor, tequila.  Their selection of margairtas is both tasty and a great value for those on the unlimited alcohol packages.

Click here for my review of Sabor Modern Mexican restaurant.

Their margaritas all cost $12, which is by far the most expensive drink we ran across included in the unlimited alcohol packages. 

Besides being a good value for those on the package, it's also a really, really good drink!  The Sweet and Spice Margarita and Sabor Grand Margarita are made at your table for ultimate taste.  The other margaritas offered are also the same price and worth your time as well.

Elderphire - $10.25

If you're a fan of gin, try this drink that was a Bacardi Cruise Competition winner. elderflower, sugarcane and fresh lemon make this a great drink and a great value on the drink package.

Photo by Bacardi Cruise Competition

Ultimate cosmopolitan - $9.50

For something a little smoother, the ultimate cosmopolitan is a great choice and also available fleet-wide.  It's sweet and does the trick for someone who enjoys a good cosmo in the evening.

Photo by Calvin Timothy Leong

Sparkling Peach Martini - $10.50

Vodka and wine, together again.  That's what makes up this drink and when you start combining multiple kinds of alcohol, you drive the price up.  At just over $10, a couple of these will help get you to the "break even" point on your daily alcohol package quest that much easier.

Patron Perfect Margarita - $9.25

While we love the margaritas from Sabor, if you're not on Navigator of the Seas, try the Patron Perfect Margarita that is available on all Royal Caribbean ships.  As the name implies, it uses a better brand of tequila to give you a strong drink.

Photo by Quick_Fox

Honorable mentions

These drinks didn't make our list of the best values but they are still good choices for maximizing your unlimited alcohol package value

• Red Bull & Vodka - $9.00
• Long Island Iced Tea/Long Beach Iced Tea - $9.50
• Hendrick's Gimlet - $9.50
• Luxury martini - $9.50
• Appletini - $9.50
• The Grand Margarita - $9.25
• Grolsch beer - $6.50