Royal Cruise Blog is an unofficial blog for fans of Royal Caribbean Cruise Line. You can expect to find tips and tricks, Royal Caribbean cruise reviews, sail away livestreams and more. The Royal Cruise Blog and RoyalCruiseBlog.com is not affiliated with Royal Caribbean Cruise Line
Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. policy regarding pregnancy is derived from the Cruise Lines International Association endorsement of the American College of Emergency Physicians Health Care Guidelines for Cruise Ship Medical Facilities, which can be found at https://www.acep.org/administration/resources/cruise-ships/prep—health-care-guidelines-for-cruise-ship-medical-facilities/. This includes the guideline that “Pregnant women who have entered the 24th week of estimated fetal gestational age at any time during the cruise should not be eligible to sail with the ship.
It is Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. policy that any Guest who will have entered her 24th week of pregnancy or greater, at any time during the cruise, will be prohibited from sailing.
The Guest and treating physician should consider before any cruise that there is no Obstetrician/Gynecologist available on the ship, and that pregnancies, when unstable and poorly controlled, are potentially life-threatening, especially without back up. A Guest may be at sea for several days without any immediate hospital and/or specialist back up, and that since the proposed itinerary is not within the U.S., and the availability of specialized shore side facilities can be problematic.
All guests are required to sign a health questionnaire at check-in to ensure they are aware of our pregnancy policy. If you have already booked a cruise or cruise tour and do not meet this requirement, please contact your Travel Advisor or call Royal Caribbean at (866) 562-7625 and request a Resolution Agent.
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Ethisphere recognizes companies that strive to create positive change in global communities. Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. has been recognized by Ethisphere, a global leader in defining and advancing the standards of ethical business practices, as one of the 2020 World’s Most Ethical Companies.
This year 132 companies are recognized for setting the global standards of business integrity and corporate citizenship. The honorees span 21 countries and 51 industries and includes 14 first-time honorees and seven companies that have been named to the list every year since it’s inception.
“At Royal Caribbean ethical values have helped make us into who we are,” said Richard D. Fain, chairman and CEO, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. “We value this honor and will work to demonstrate these core, ethical values day in and day out.”
AARP, Canon, Cleveland Clinic, Cummings, Best Buy Co., Inc., Hilton and illycaffè to name a few, are part of this list. Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. has been recognized since 2015 and is the only honoree in the Leisure & Recreation industry.
“Congratulations to everyone at Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., for earning this recognition,” said Timothy Erblich, CEO, Ethisphere. “This is a moment to acknowledge the leaders working to advance corporate cultures defined by integrity and affirm those companies contributing to broader societal imperatives and the greater good.”
Companies are scored through the Ethisphere’s proprietary Ethics Quotient®. The World’s Most Ethical Companies assessment process includes more than 200 questions on culture, environmental and social practices, ethics and compliance activities, governance, diversity and initiatives to support a strong value chain. The process serves as an operating framework to capture and codify the leading practices of organizations across industries and around the globe. Best practices and insights from the 2020 honorees will be released in a report and webcast in March and April of this year.
All companies that participate in the assessment process receive an Analytical Scorecard providing them a holistic assessment of where their programs stand against the demanding standards of leading companies.
Royal Caribbean International is the only cruise line to be named with this honor. The full list of the 2020 World’s Most Ethical Companies can be found at https://worldsmostethicalcompanies.com/honorees.
About the Ethisphere Institute
The Ethisphere® Institute is the global leader in defining and advancing the standards of ethical business practices that fuel corporate character, marketplace trust and business success. Ethisphere has deep expertise in measuring and defining core ethics standards using data-driven insights that help companies enhance corporate character and measure and improve culture. Ethisphere honors superior achievement through its World’s Most Ethical Companies recognition program and provides a community of industry experts with the Business Ethics Leadership Alliance (BELA). More information about Ethisphere can be found at: https://ethisphere.com.
SOURCE Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.
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One of the most popular add ons when you book a Royal Caribbean cruise vacation is Royal Caribbean’s Deluxe Beverage Package. The beverage package can be pricey, but could it could also be a fantastic value. One of the the questions that consistently comes up in our Facebook Group, Royal Cruise Group is “Should we buy the drink package?” Well we’ve prepared 12 tips that will help you decide if the package is right for you.
1. Pre-purchase your beverage package online
Pre-purchasing your beverage package online through the Cruise Planner is the best way to get the lowest price on beverage package! Royal will generally offer you 30% off the beverage package and will occasionally go to 40% off on select sailings. You should book the package early and if the price happens to drop you can cancel and re-book at the lower price point. Now it’s important to remember the package is priced per person, per day and they will add an 18% gratuity to the total.
2. All guests in the same stateroom must purchase
Royal Caribbean does require all guests over 21 years of age staying in the same stateroom to purchase the deluxe beverage package, even if only one member of your party desires to purchase the package. Now there are exceptions to this rule where they will allow you to substitute a non-alcoholic beverage package, however you will need to call in and speak with a Royal Caribbean representative to discuss your specific needs and options.
3. Will you drink enough to make it worthwhile?
This boils down to your individual habits while you are on vacation. It’s important to remember that the package not only covers alcoholic beverages up $13, but it also covers non-alcoholic drinks such as bottled water, freshly squeezed orange juice, specialty coffee & teas and one of our favorites… energy drinks. With all this in mind, you could easily consume north of 8 beverages a day with a mix of the above mentioned choices and still get your money’s worth.
In our past sailings we’ve started the day with specialty coffee and fresh squeezed orange juice before heading to the solarium where we would enjoy a combination of beers and premium cocktails throughout the day. Then a lot of bottled waters and finishing the day with a glass or two of wine, a redbull to keep us going and then cocktails in the casino to end the night. This ads up to an average of 10 plus beverages a day and we definitely get our money’s worth. At this rate we never felt like we were over indulging.
4. Call your liquor
Your beverage package includes top shelf premium brands. When ordering, instead of asking for a vodka and cran you should specify your liquor by ordering a Tito’s and cran instead as this would be included in the package. There are many premium brands available and they would be included as the package includes beverages up to $13
5. Try some new drinks
You’re on vacation and this is a great time to try out some new drinks and find your new favorite cocktail. Don’t like the taste of what you ordered? Put it down and order something else. We love experimenting with new beverages almost every time we sail.
6. Use your package at private stops
When deciding on whether to purchase the package, a stop at one of the private islands should be a consideration as it greatly increases the value of the package. When you purchase the beverage package you’re also able to use it at Royal Caribbean’s private destinations, Labadee and Perfect Day at CocoCay.
7. Don’t share
A common misconception of the beverage package is being able to share it with other guests. If you have purchased the package it is for you only and you will only be served 1 drink per SeaPass.
8. Don’t over tip
Be careful about over tipping, when you buy the package you are automatically charged an 18% gratuity on the package and that covers all drinks ordered on your voyage. However if you want to tip extra, just remember gratuity has already been included.
9. Do you have to purchase a package?
No, The beverage package is a nice way to splurge but is not required. The free beverages included are tap water, milk, tea, coffee (regular and decaf), lemonade, iced tea, flavored waters, juices (at breakfast and not fresh squeezed) and hot chocolate. If you’re deciding to purchase the beverage package you’ll need to decide whether you will drink enough each day over the entire duration of your cruise to cover the cost of the package. Take into consideration the number of days of your sailing, how many days you’ll be off the ship (excluding the private destinations) and the number of drinks you think you’ll have on a daily basis. These are all very important factors when making a determination on the beverage package. The bottom line is no it’s not required but definitely nice to have if you enjoy adult beverages, premium teas and coffee, sodas and such.
10. Don’t overlook the non-alcoholic beverages
If you’ve ordered the Deluxe Beverage Package it also includes numerous other non-alcoholic beverages on the ship such as: Bottled water, fresh squeezed orange juice, latte’s, espresso, red bull and more.
11. It works at restaurants.
When you sit down for dinner at a specialty restaurant or the main dining room don’t forget your package works there also. You can order anything from a glass of wine to a hand crafted cocktail, even a cappuccino with your dessert. This is something that is easily overlooked when calculating how many beverages you’ll consume daily.
12. It’s truly unlimited
Unlike other cruise lines, Royal Caribbean’s beverage packages are truly unlimited. The only time you can expect not to be served is if you have had too much to drink and you’re really showing it. Just remember to keep it classy!
Let’s break down the 3 beverage package options Royal Caribbean currently offers for 2020.
Classic Soda Package
Coca-Cola souvenir cup and unlimited soda at any venue onboard or at the private islands as well as Coca-Cola Freestyle Fountain beverage refills.
Onboard pricing is currently $12.99 – $15.00/per day for 2019-2020 sailings.
Refreshment Package
A Coca-Cola souvenir cup
Unlimited soda at any venue onboard or at the private islands and Coca-Cola Freestyle beverage refills
Non-alcoholic cocktails (mocktails)
Bottled still and sparkling water
Premium coffees and teas
Fresh-squeezed juices
Onboard pricing is currently $29.00 – $38.00/per day for 2020 sailings
Deluxe Beverage Package
A Coca-Cola souvenir cup
Unlimited soda at any venue onboard or at the private islands and Coca-Cola Freestyle beverage refills
Non-alcoholic cocktails (mocktails)
Bottled still and sparkling water
Premium coffees and teas
Fresh-squeezed juices
Spirits and Liquor cocktails
Beer
Wine by the Glass
A 40% discount on bottled wines priced up to $100
and 20% discount on wine bottle prices above $100
Onboard pricing is currently $63.00 – $89.00/per day for 2020 sailings
Average Beverage Costs Without a Beverage Package Before Gratuity
Cappuccino $4.00
Espresso $2.50
Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice $4.95
Red Bull $4.50
Wine White/Red/Sparking $10.00-$16.00
Beer $6.50
Cocktails/Frozen Drinks $11.00
Water Bottle $3.25
Sodas $2.95
Beverage Cost Breakdown
We have created a sample beverage cost breakdown of a typical cruise based on what we consume on a 7 day cruise with 3 stops and one of which is a private island.
Onboard pricing is currently $63.00 – $89.00/per day for 2020 sailings so let’s find a number right in the middle and say they are $76 per person per day for the purposes of this cost breakdown.
We hope this has helped you when deciding whether or not to purchase the beverage package.
If it has, please consider subscribing on YouTube and to our e-mail list so you get notified right away the next time we post.
Watch the video here
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Royal Caribbean has announced it has signed an agreement with the government of Antigua and Barbuda to bring the Royal Beach Club to the island of Antigua.
Created exclusively for Royal Caribbean guests, the Royal Beach Club at Antigua will sit along more than a half-mile of pristine beachfront and combine the island’s striking beaches with the cruise line’s signature service and amenities. The ultimate beach club experience will offer guests exceptional views from private cabanas and a stunning pool with a swim-up bar, complemented by locally inspired experiences. Featuring regional fare, island-style BBQs, live music, along with thrills such as jet skis, paddle boarding, snorkeling, and a family splash pad, the beach club will make for an unforgettable day at the beach.
Symphony of the Seas comes to Antigua
Royal Caribbean also went on to say they are also committed to bringing the Symphony of the Seas to the island. Symphony will be the first Oasis Class ship to visit the island nation with a call on Nov 3rd, 2020 to the capital city of St. John.
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In response to the ongoing Coronavirus crisis in China, Royal Caribbean has announced it will move Spectrum of the Seas to Australia and offer complimentary cruises to first responders as a way to give back to those that put forth so much to combat the wildfires.
We are in a fortunate position to offer these brave and selfless members of the Australian community the opportunity to join us for a few days and let them relax and unwind in the company of other volunteers and first responders,” said Michael Bayley, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International. “By welcoming and accommodating them aboard Spectrum of the Seas, we hope to recognize their contribution and offer them our hospitality.
Royal Caribbean International President and CEO, Michael Bayley also went on to say
We are in a fortunate position to offer these brave and selfless members of the Australian community the opportunity to join us for a few days and let them relax and unwind in the company of other volunteers and first responders,” said Michael Bayley, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International. “By welcoming and accommodating them aboard Spectrum of the Seas, we hope to recognize their contribution and offer them our hospitality.
Bayley noted that the ship and its crew have not been in China for more than two weeks, exceeding public health guidelines.
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Royal Caribbean has announced it is suspending its policy that prevented guests from boarding who held a passport from China, Macau and Hong Kong.
Royal Caribbean released a statement late last night:
“Royal Caribbean has ended its temporary general restriction on holders of passports from China, Hong Kong and Macau. The general restriction was adopted last week in response to numerous ports and governments around the world restricting travel for Chinese passport holders, often with little advance notice.
Now that these governmental restrictions have been clarified, we are able to clarify our own policies. Our 15-day restriction on all individuals who have traveled from, to or through mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau remains in effect, and so do restrictions on individuals who have been in close contact with persons who have traveled from, through or to China, Hong Kong and Macau in the past 15 days.
The cruise line continues to have a policy in place that denies boarding to individuals that have traveled to certain Asian destinations in the past 15 days, or has come into contact with anyone from these areas.
“Until further notice, all ships in the Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. fleet will adopt the following health screening protocols:
1. Regardless of nationality, we will deny boarding to
a. Any guest who has travelled from, to or through mainland China, Hong Kong or Macau in the past 15 days.
b. Any guest who has come in contact with anyone from mainland China, Hong Kong or Macau in the past 15 days. The CDC characterizes contact with an individual as coming within six feet (2M) of a person.
2. There will be mandatory specialized health screenings performed on:
a. Guests who are uncertain about contact with individuals who have traveled from, to or through mainland China, Hong Kong, or Macau in the past 15 days.
b. Guests who report feeling unwell or demonstrate any flu-like symptoms.
c. Guests presenting with fever or low blood oximetry in the specialized health screenings will be denied boarding.”
Any guest denied boarding due to these restrictions will receive full refunds.
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On January 31st, 2020 Royal Caribbean officially opened Coco Beach Club, the final neighborhood in the Phase 1 expansion of their private island in the Bahamas, Perfect Day at CocoCay. We’ve put together a full review video of what’s new on the island, including Coco Beach Club with it’s Bora Bora style bungalows, the revamped South Beach and the rest of the neighborhoods on the island. Join us as we dive into everything new at Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s private island in the Bahamas.
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Royal Caribbean is turning away passengers for today’s sailing on the Anthem of the Seas following the Coronoavirus scare this morning. Guests are being told to come back tomorrow.
@RoyalCaribbean supposed to be sailing on #anthemoftheseas today and was told we’re not allowed board and to go home by staff at port. Told to come back tomorrow? Currently driving with a $200 taxi fair as a result. Need a place to stay urgently!! Answers and advice please?
In a press release, the cruse line assured passengers that none of the 4 passengers tested positive for conavirus and that the Anthem of the Seas will depart tomorrow.
“We appreciate the CDC’s abundance of caution and their partnership. We understand CDC intends to test samples from four guests for coronavirus. None of the four guests showed any clinical signs or symptoms of coronavirus while they were onboard our ship. One had tested positive onboard for Influenza A. Our records indicate the guests had not been in China since January 26 — 14 days ago.
All other guests have been permitted to disembark as usual. We have also been cleared by authorities to depart on our next cruise as usual. However, to reassure concerned guests, we will delay our departure until tomorrow, when we expect to receive conclusive test results from CDC.”
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Four Royal Caribbean cruise passengers have been taken to the hospital in New Jersey for observation and 23 more are being screened for the Coronavirus. While none of these Chinese nationals aboard the Anthem of the Seas are from Wuhan, the outbreak’s epicenter, nor have traveled there since the outbreak was first identified, Royal Caribbean Cruise Line is not taking any chances.
In a statement from Royal Caribbean, spokesperson Melissa Charbonneau said the company is participating in “elevated levels of guest screening to check the spread of coronavirus.”
“We are closely monitoring developments regarding coronavirus and have rigorous medical protocols in place onboard our ships. We continue to work in close consultation with the CDC, the WHO, and local health authorities to align with their guidance and ensure the health and wellbeing of our guests and crew,” Charbonneau continued.
Health officials and the CDC took the 23 other passangers, who all happen to be Chinese nationals, off the ship this morning to be taken to the airport and sent back to China. This was just a precautionary measure as there is no indication any of the passengers have the coronavirus.
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Royal Caribbean announced that it has chosen to take additional steps to mitigate the chances of a Coronavirus outbreak on any of the ships in the Royal Caribbean fleet. RCCL released a statement detailing the new measures being taken.
“We continue to closely monitor global developments regarding the coronavirus, and we are fully focused on protecting the health and safety of our guests and crew.
After consultation with medical experts and public health authorities, and in alignment with new, stricter CDC protocols, plus changes in various countries’ requirements and regulations, along with our desire to ensure that we are able to provide a great vacation experience, while we protect our guests and crew – we are implementing the following changes.
Through the month of February 2020, any guest that holds a Chinese, Hong Kong, or Macau passport, will be unable to board any of our ships, regardless of residency.
Additionally, we’ve tightened our health screening requirements and the following guests will need to undergo extra screenings to ensure safety at the cruise terminal:
Anyone that has been in contact with individuals that have traveled from, to, or through mainland China, Hong Kong, or Macau in the last 15 days.
Anyone that feels unwell or demonstrates flu-like symptoms.
Any guest presenting with fever or low blood oximetry in the specialized health screening will be denied boarding.
We know that these steps are very conservative, and we apologize that they will inconvenience some of our guests. We regret to have to do this, but it is our responsibility to maintain a safe and healthy environment onboard our ships, as well as in the ports we visit.”
Since the Coronavirus outbreak began at the end of 2019, it has sickened more than 20,000, left more than 425 dead and sparked and global health emergency. With scientist racing to find a cure, the major cruise lines aren’t taking any chances. Both Carnival Cruise Line and Norwegian Cruise Line have announced that they will be taking similar measures.
Courtesy Royal Caribbean
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