RCI (Royal Caribbean International) is a subsidiary company and largest brand of RCG (Royal Caribbean Group, fka RCCL-Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd). This Norwegian-American corporation is currently ranked the world's second-largest passenger shipping company (after Carnival Corporation/39% market share). However, RCG owns the world's biggest passenger ships. As of 2020, RCG controlled ~24% of the global ship cruising market (fleet passenger capacity), had full ownership of 4 brands (RCI, Celebrity, Silversea, Azamara), 49% stake in Pullmantur (51% owned by Springwater Capital), 50% stake in TUI Cruises (50% owned by TUI AG), 19% stake in Wamos Air (fka Air Pullmantur) Show
Company HistoryRCG-Royal Caribbean Group (royalcaribbeangroup. com / renamed in 2020 from RCCL-"Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd") is based in Miami (Florida USA) and incorporated in Liberia. The company was formed in 1997 when RCCL (Royal Caribbean Cruise Line/1968-established) purchased Celebrity Cruises (1988-established). A decision was made to keep the two brands separate. As result, RCCL was re-branded RCI-Royal Caribbean International (RoyalCaribbean. com) and RCCL was founded as the parent company of RCI and Celebrity Royal Caribbean Group's current management team is led by Jason Liberty (RCG's Chairman, President, and CEO since January 2022) and includes Palle Laursen (RCG's Executive VP), Naftali Holtz (RCG's CFO), RCI's Michael Bayley (President and CEO), Jim Berra (Chief Marketing Officer, Senior VP Marketing), Vicki Freed (Senior VP Sales), Michael Goldner (VP Revenue Management), Jessie Ortiz (VP Finance and Administration), Gregory Purdy (Senior VP Marine Operations), Nick Weir (Senior VP Entertainment), Sean Treacy (Senior VP Hotel Operations), Laura Hodges Bethge (Senior VP Product Development), Bert Hernandez (President of Royal Caribbean China). RCG's Managing Director for China and Asia is Zinan Liu  The name RCCL (initially "Royal Caribbean Cruise Line AS) was officially accepted in 1969 (on January 31st). Other suggested names for the company included "Pleasure Cruise Line" (PCL), "Holiday Cruise Line" (HCL), "Crown Cruise Line" (CCL), "Royal Caribbean Line" (RCL). RCCL's "crowned anchor" logo was designed by Morits Skaugen and accepted in March (1969) Around 55% of RCI's total revenue comes from the USA. The brand's other major markets are Europe, Latin America and Asia-Pacific. As of 2020, RCI ships visit a total of 322 call ports worldwide, offering 4500+ shore excursions through local tour companies Since 2017, Royal Caribbean has joint ownership of Grand Bahama Shipyard (Freeport), where major drydock refurbishments and ship maintenance works take place Company changes 2023In January RCI opened a sales office in Limassol Cyprus and Spectrum OTS was reflagged from Bahamas to Cyprus Since January 2023, RCI's onboard messaging system is complimentary (provided free of charge fleetwide/via Royal App) regardless of cabin category and during the entire voyage. The service used to cost US$2 per day per device Since March 2023, RCI provides fleetwide once-per-day cabin housekeeping service to all staterooms in non-suite categories. The service is provided either in the morning or in the afternoon (at the passenger's discretion) There are rumors that RCI may bring back the RFID bracelets (aka WOW bands) fleetwide. They were reintroduced in early 2023 (on all OASIS- and QUANTUM Class boats) at the cost of US$10 per bracelet. WOW bands are still provided complimentary to all passengers occupying Sky Class and Star Class suites RCI announced that starting in April, the Sky Pad Bungee Trampoline will be removed fleetwide, and the facility will be replaced with a new venue (tba) In 2023, the music clubs "Jazz on 4" of all OASIS-class liners were converted into non-smoking Casino Rooms, each fitted with 40x slot machines, 1x blackjack table, and 1x 3-card poker table On August 25th, RCI announced the exclusive partnership with Inter Miami CF (2018-established soccer club) to become its Official Vacation Partner. In July, Lionel Andres Messi (1987-born Argentine footballer) joined Inter Miami and the club won "2023 Leagues Cup" (an international tournament between MLS and Liga MX/held in Jul 21-Aug 19). 2023 Leagues Cup's 47 teams played at 29 stadiums (77 matches, 251 goals) and Messi was the top-scorer (with 10 goals) Since October 2023, the Diamond Lounge has been renamed Crown Lounge (fleetwide) Company changes 2022Since September 7th (2022), RCI's daily gratuities per person (both adults and kids) are increased to US$16 (interior, oceanview, balcony staterooms/Junior Suites and below categories) and to US$18,50 (Grand Suite and above categories) On August 30th, RCG signed a deal with SpaceX/Space Exploration Technologies Corporation (2002-founded by Elon Musk) for using Starlink's satellites to provide faster and low-latency Internet connections across the global fleet (Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity, and Silversea ships). Trials on the new Starlink Internet services were successfully conducted on Freedom OTS in June. Starlink Internet installations were scheduled to be completed fleetwide in 2023-Q1 On June 15th, RCG signed with Eagle LNG Partners LLC (Eagle LNG) a contract for providing LNG (liquefied natural gas) and bunkering services to RCI liners, the first of which is Icon OTS. The gas supply is sourced from Eagle LNG's facilities in JAXPORT-Jacksonville Florida, shipped throughout the Caribbean and bunkered by Eagle LNG-owned newbuild vessels In March was launched the online booking service "Royal Caribbean Hotels" via partnership with Priceline (1997-founded online booking agency specializing in travel-related products/flights, hotels, cruises). The program (available only for residents of the USA, Canada, and Mexico) allows booking pre-/post-cruise hotel stays (in all RCI ports, including in Europe, Asia-Pacific. Caribbean-Americas) with exclusive discount rates and the guarantee that RCI will cover any hotel cancellation fees if the voyage is canceled or the itinerary modified Company changes 2021RCG's 2021-Q3 report included Adjusted Net Loss USD 1,2B ($4,91 per share), liquidity ~$4,1B ($3,3B cash), 40 ships in operation (~65% fleet capacity), ~USD 2,8B in cruise deposits (of which ~1/3rd in FCCs/future credits) In October was announced RCI's first "World Cruise" scheduled for Serenade OTS. The 274-night itinerary (Dec 10, 2023, thru Sept 10, 2024) is roundtrip from PortMiami and visits 150 ports/islands (57 new for RCI), 65 countries, 7 continents Since 2021, on all RCI ships passengers can use for US$ 2 per person per day a "guest-to-guest chat" feature (part of the Royal App) without purchasing Internet packages. The feature allows chatting between guests one-to-one, as well as group chats In September RCG signed with USVA (US Virgin Islands) an MoU for two future port developments - Crown Bay (St Thomas Island) and Frederiksted (St Croix Island). The agreement included increased calls to both islands and guaranteed by RCG minimum revenues In September RCG signed with TraceSafe a 2-year contract for "Tracelet" (trademarked by RCG in October 2020). These are wearable tracing bands used on RCG ships for identifying the close contacts of a COVID-positive passenger/crew. The technology was introduced on Quantum OTS when the boat restarted operations from Singapore On May 20th RCI patented "WATER-BASED PYROTECHNIC ILLUSION". The patent (number 20210146396) is about "systems and methods for firework water illusions" and includes a device with at least 1 rotating nozzle spraying water in a radial direction, with a system to illuminate the water and create an illusion of pyrotechnics RCG's 2020-Q4 financial report revealed US GAAP Net Loss of USD 5,8 billion (EUR 4,774B, or US$27,05 per share) and Adjusted Net Loss of USD 3,9 billion (EUR 3,21B, or US$18,31 per share). In 2020, RCG raised ~USD 9,3B (~EUR 7,655B) through bond issuances, loans, public common stocks) and as of Dec 31 had liquidity ~USD 4,4B (EUR 3,62B, including $3,7B in cash-cash equivalents plus $0,7B from a year loan) In mid-February RCG established a USD 40 million fund for USA-based qualifying travel agencies. The program allows 3-year, interest-free loans (max US$250,000) via CruisingPower. com On January 19th RCG announced an agreement to sell the brand Azamara Cruises for USD 201 million (~EUR 165,8 M / ~GBP 147,6 M / carve-out transaction) to Sycamore Partners. Sycamore Partners acquired the entire brand and its 3 ships, plus all the associated intellectual property rights and goodwill. The all-cash transaction was closed on March 19, 2021. Azamara's CEO (Carol Cabezas) was appointed President. The deal was assisted by Perella Weinberg Partners (financial advisor for RCG), Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer (legal counsel for RCG) and Kirkland & Ellis (legal advice to Sycamore) After selling 8 ships - 3x Pullmantur (Horizon, Monarch, Sovereign), 3x Azamara (Quest, Journey, Pursuit), 2x RCI (Empress, Monarch), RCG's global fleet capacity decreased by 12316 berths (5984+2138+4194) Company changes 2020In February RCG purchased land ("multiple real estate parcels") on Paradise Island's (Bahamas) western coast, at the cost of ~USD 54 million (~EUR 50 million). In mid-March 2020 was announced RCI's second private resort property (after Fort James in St Johns Antigua) - Royal Beach Club Bahamas (at Paradise Island, close to Nassau) On March 23rd RCG loaned USD 2,2 billion (~EUR 2,03 B) with maturity in March 2021 and an optional extension for 364 more days (till March 2022). With the new financing, RCCL now has USD 3,6+ billion of liquidity (cash deposits plus undrawn credit facilities). The money was secured term-loaned from 3 US banks (JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America Corporation, Goldman Sachs Group) plus the French banking group BNP Paribas On July 30th RCG was officially renamed to "Royal Caribbean Group". The logo was also changed In late-July RCI introduced "Muster 2. 0" (patented, Internet-based safety drill conducted via the eMuster mobile app). The patent was filed on September 12, 2019 (issued March 3, 2020) Company changes 2019In April RCG partnered with IDEMIA (fka Morpho) - Paris-based French company specializing in security and identity solutions. In 2017, Morpho merged with Oberthur Technologies. IDEMIA's services will help speed up RCCL passenger disembarkation at select US homeports via the company's MFACE (high-speed 3D facial recognition) technology. The list of homeports, for now, includes NYC (Cape Liberty NJ) and PortMiami, with more Florida homeports to me added by the end of 2019. MFACE compares disembarking passenger's facial identity with those of embarking passengers, also matching against US Customs and Border Protection provided TVS (Traveler Verification Service). Passenger privacy is guaranteed as no photos are stored either by RCCL, IDEMIA or US Customs after the cruise's completion On June 4th the USA banned travel to Cuba (effective immediately). On June 5, RCCL officially canceled all pre-scheduled for 2019 Cuban cruises. On both affected RCI liners (Majesty OTS and Empress OTS) all Cuban ports were substituted with alternative Caribbean ports. All affected customers were provided with the option to either remain on the revised cruise and receive 50% refund (in OBC) or cancel the booking with a full refund In late-July on Symphony OTS was introduced "Fast Track" - expedited boarding program offered in all call ports of the current itinerary. Fast Track is available for passengers in Star-Sky Class suites, Pinnacle members, "The Key" (pre-purchased daily package that includes lunch at Chops Grille, Jamie's or Giovanni's specialty restaurants), disabled passengers, and families with strollers In October 2019 were open for booking RCI's new "Spa Cabins" offered fleetwide in the ship classes Radiance-Voyager-Freedom-Quantum-Quantum Ultra-Oasis. The new Spa staterooms (available since 2021) offer as bonus amenities priority Spa reservations, 50% discounted Spa treatments (1 per cabin), daily room service (coffee/tea), BOSE Bluetooth speaker, tranquil artworks (on the walls), plush bedding, feather pillows, upgraded bathroom amenities (Jacuzzi showerhead, premium brand toiletries, luxury slippers and bathrobes), cushioned balcony furniture, Welcome Aboard gift (fresh fruits) In November RCI signed a 5-year partnership deal (until 2024) with Singapore Tourism Board (under Singapore's Ministry of Trade and Industry) and Changi Airport Group (Singapore airport operations and management). This 3-party deal is for promoting fly-cruises to Singapore mainly (from China, India, Southeast Asia, USA) on Quantum OTS with expected ~623,000 international tourists spending ~USD 430+ million on flight+cruise packages. This is ~60% growth in comparison to the previous tripartite partnership (2015-2018) when in Singapore was homeported Mariner OTS In December RCI sighed with Port Galveston an agreement for building Cruise Terminal 3. The new (USD 100 million) facility is scheduled for inauguration in November 2021 Company changes 2018Since March 2018, RCCL offers one login for RCI and Celebrity websites and mobile apps. The new policy allows one account to be used for loyalty program benefits, bookings, and reservations with both brands. Account security was also simplified and strengthened to ensure customers' personal data Since May 2018 fleetwide are used only cage-free eggs and gestation stall-free pork. By the year 2024, for all its USA-based ships, RCCL will purchase poultry only from GAP-certified producers/dealers. The corporation will require chickens to be slaughtered and processed in a manner that doesn't involve live dumping and shackling, thus eliminating conscious throat-slitting and scalding Since June 2018, RCI's ship bars serve cocktails with optional plastic straws (not by default) - a new policy aiming to reduce sea pollution. "Why no straws?" signs at onboard bars fleetwide now indicate that drink orders will not automatically receive a straw, but only upon request In June-July RCCL acquired 2/3 of the top-luxury brand Silversea. On June 14, 2018, RCCL and Manfredi Lefebvre D'Ovidio (Silversea's majority stock owner) announced an agreement for RCCL to acquire 66,7% equity stake in Silversea, at purchase price ~USD 1 billion. At the time, Silversea was valued ~USD 2 billion. RCCL financed the deal (through debt) in October. In addition to the cash money, Lefebvre family received ~472,000 RCCL shares. With the addition of Silversea (4 expedition ships) and the newbuild Celebrity Flora (Galapagos), RCCL's expedition fleet in 2019 grew to approx 2,5% of the corporation's combined fleet (compared to 0,5% in 2018). By combined expedition cruise berths, RCCL is ranked the world's 4th largest operator - following Ponant, Hurtigruten and Lindblad. In July 2020, RCCL-Royal Caribbean Group purchased Silversea's remaining shares from Heritage Cruise Holding Ltd. The purchase was in the form of 5,2 million RCL shares (~2,5% of RCCL's total common stock) (deposit program changes) Since November 2018, RCI customers booking non-refundable deposit fares don't receive onboard credit (US$100) per stateroom. Instead, they are promised the lowest pricing on the fare RCCL has a call center in Springfield OR, operated since 2006. The customized office resembles a cruise ship. In 2014, the company employed there over 700 people. In August 2018 was announced that RCCL plans to outsource most of its Springfield jobs (~90%, excepting only sales employees) to the company's call centers in Jamaica and Guatemala. This means that US sales agents will do the bookings, but when customers call back with issues they will be re-routed overseas On October 1st RCI announced that the company's 50th birthday cruise (themed "50 Years Bold Birthday Cruise") will be held on Symphony OTS (November 2-9, 2019). The 7-day Eastern Caribbean itinerary from PortMiami visited St Maarten, San Juan Puerto Rico, CocoCay Bahamas, and featured unique programming, special events, surprise guest performers All RCG-owned vessels are serviced by Wartsila (Helsinki Finland-based corporation, marine equipment manufacturer and maritime services provider). In 2018, RCCL and Wartsila extended their service agreement to 2028. Under the agreement, Wartsila optimizes machinery efficiency through improved Turbocharger maintenance, also provides OEM (original equipment manufacturer) spare parts, workshop services, technical assistance for the entire RCCL fleet. The deal covers a total of 196 marine diesel engines on 46 vessels. Most RCCL liners are equipped with Wartsila-developed monitoring technology sending real-time engine data to a land-based center for analysis Royal Caribbean International (RCI)Royal Caribbean is in the top 3 "best family cruise lines" (together with CCL-Carnival and DCL-Disney) and owns the world's largest and some of the most popular ships for young adults, kids, and teens. As a mass-market company, RCI is recommended mostly for young and middle-aged, active and sports-oriented travelers A signature feature of RCI ships is the "Viking Crown Lounge", introduced in 1970 with RCI's first ship MS Song of Norway (2013-scrapped as "Formosa Queen"). As RCI ships grew in size, this top-deck observation lounge also grew. On the VISION-Class ships (1995) its location was changed - from forward to midship-aft (near the smokestacks) allowing more space to be allocated for new amenities and entertainment In 2014 and 2015, RCI introduced the Dynamic Dining concept that replaced the Main Dining Room concept on QUANTUM-class ships
The company had planned to extend the Dynamic Dining to OASIS-class liners. During 2014-2015 drydock refurbishments, decor and signage were installed on the 3 levels of the MDRs of Allure OTS and Oasis OTS to prepare them to function as separate restaurants ("The Grande", "Silk", "American Icon Grill"), although the 3 levels continued operating as a single MDR. The suite-only restaurant Coastal Kitchen was also installed. However, on July 15, 2015, RCI announced that the dynamic dining concept would not be rolled out fleetwide Besides the multi-deck MDRs, RCI also features the "Chops Grille" (steakhouse(, "Windjammer Cafe" (Lido buffet restaurant), Johnny Rockets, Izumi (Japanese/Asian), poolside bars, 24-hour Room Service. "Cupcake Cupboard" is a ship bakery (available on the newest and refurbished ships) offering 30 gourmet cupcakes. Select RCI ships offer Starbucks Coffee at Sea RCI's new alcohol policy allows passengers to bring their own wine onboard and consume it in cabins (for free) or for a corkage fee (additional charge) in public areas (trademarks) New services, venues, trademarked ship namesNote. OTS="Of The Seas" In January 2017 were trademarked (USPTO-registered) the ship names Valhalla OTS, Sunrise OTS, Icon OTS, Symphony OTS. On September 15, 2014, RCCL trademarked the ship names Spectrum OTS, Harmony OTS, Emblem OTS, Joy OTS, Apex OTS. In September 2015 were abandoned the trademarks Emblem OTS, Passion OTS, Pulse OTS, Apex OTS, Joy OTS, Spectrum OTS. Other currently trademarked by Royal Caribbean ship names include Gallant OTS, Phenom OTS, Valhalla OTS, Sunrise OTS In September 2018 were trademarked 3 ship names (could be used for future newbuilds) - Eon OTS, Gallant OTS, Phenom OTS. In October was trademarked Metropolis OTS In September 2018 was trademarked the OASIS-Class ships' smokestack area (located top-deck midship). The design features a crown-shaped bottom section with 2 slanted funnels above. In October 2018 was trademarked the hull's oblong-shaped stern. The design features AquaTheater Suites (with balconies), Ultimate Abyss (2 cascading waterslides) and RCCL's logo. In December 2018 was trademarked the name "Fly Rider" (amusement park ride/similar to a zip-line roller coaster ride) In October 2019, RCI partnered with Funky Buddha Brewery (Oakland Park FL) for an exclusive beer label available only on CocoCay Island. The private beer label ("Chilla Thrilla") was trademarked on July 8, 2019. The craft beer (5% ABV) is a tropical ale (with mango and guava) packaged in 12-oz cans and is offered in different labels themed after CocoCay's areas In April 2020, RCG filed a trademark application for "Seaface" - its own sanitary mask brand ("medical apparatus") intended for cruise ship services In October 2020 were trademarked the names of 4 new shipboard venues - Vue Bar, Cask & Clipper (pub restaurant?), Wonder Playscape (kids playground?), Cantina Fresca (Mexican food bar) In January 2020 were trademarked 15x names for new services and shipboard venues - Go Green, Roosevelt's Table, Royal Dueling Pianos, Royal Suite Club, Cloud 17 (adults-only sundeck), Lou's Jazz Club, Playaway Park (kids), The Overlook, The Yard, The Lemon Post (bar), Absolute Zero (ice bar), Challenger's (bar), Surfside (bar), Salty Sip (bar), AquaDome (glass roof over the pool deck) In March 2021 was trademarked the phrase "America's Cruise Line" (software-related) In October 2021 were trademarked 3x shipboard BBQ restaurant names ("The Mason Jar", "Savannah's Table", "Palmetto Room"), as well as "RCTV" (in-cabin TV programming), "Cruise Compass" (daily onboard newspaper), "RCG" (abbrev) and "Royal Caribbean Group" (shipowner) In November 2021 were trademarked 6x names for ship waterslides - "Perfect Storm", "Hurricane Hunter", "Category 6", "Pressure Drop", "Storm Surge", "Storm Chasers" In December 2021 were trademarked 23x possible ship names (all with OTS) - Magnificence, Melody, Fantasia, Paradise, Vibrance, Splendor, Grace, Sanctuary, Illumination, Unity, Intrigue, Aria, Awe, Aura, Eternity, Eden, Euphoria, Bliss, Utopia, Marvel, Nirvana, Haven, Divine. Also was trademarked "Royal Beach Club" (Nassau) In January 2022 was trademarked "Accessory Place" (retail shop services that include selling jewelry) and "Cruiseverse" (virtual cruise ship services) In June 2022 were trademarked the ship names Hero OTS, Majesty OTS, Marquee OTS, Monarch OTS, Nova OTS, Splendor OTS, Star OTS, Sun OTS, Titan OTS In September 2022 was trademarked "Icon of Vacations" RCI cruise ships classesRCI's fleet has vessels in the following classes Note. All vessels have an Outdoor Movie Theater (poolside large LED screen for movies), Solarium (adults-only pool deck), Aqua Park, Rock Climbing Wall, FlowRider (surf simulator), 3D Cinema, Virtual Balcony Staterooms
The Voyager-class, Freedom-class, and Oasis-class vessels have Royal Promenade. It is a centerline promenade in a multi-deck Atrium with a pedestrian (shopping mall-like) area lined with restaurants and shops. At night, the Royal Promenade turns into an entertainment venue hosting live parades and dance parties. Royal Promenade's upper levels have "Promenade Staterooms" (each with a large window overlooking the promenade below) All RCI ships have an Escape Room (team-building, adventure gaming experiences/$20 pp), Flowriders (surfing simulator/private lessons cost $69-500), Gaming Arcades ($1-3 per game). Optional are the Behind the Scenes (ship tour/costs $49-129 pp), fitness classes ($12 pp), cooking classes ($35-70 pp) The next aerial photo shows a VOYAGER-class ship (Adventure, Explorer, Mariner, Navigator, Voyager) On February 18, 2019, RCI signed a shipbuilding agreement with STX France (Chantiers de l'Atlantique Shipyard in St Nazaire) for a 6th OASIS liner (yard's 23rd vessel built for RCG). The ship (Utopia OTS) has volume 236857 GT-tons, LOA 362 m (1188 ft) and 2834 cabins (capacity 5634-6788 passengers) On April 24, 2019, STX France started construction works on the 5th OASIS unit (Wonder OTS/2022), and on July 1st, 2022, on the 6th unit (Utopia OTS/2024) The next aerial photo shows an OASIS/OASIS PLUS-class ship as looked from above Instead of Royal Promenade, Quantum-class liners have "Royal Esplanade" - a 2-deck high shopping complex without any overlooking "Promenade cabins" Royal Caribbean ships offer a wide list of onboard facilities, the main of which include Grand-style productions Theatre, Live Comedy Club, Disco/Nightclub, Casino Royale, Library. Sports facilities include Studio B/Ice-Skating Rink, Rock Climbing Wall, FlowRider/surfing simulator, a Multiple Sports Court, Walking/Jogging Track, Golf Simulator, ZIP-Line, H2O Zone (Waterpark with Waterslide), Adventure Beach. Only Quantum ships have Bumper Cars, Skydiving Simulator, North Star/rotational capsule In 2016, RCI entered the "Guinness Book of World Records" in the category "Highest Viewing Deck on a Cruise Ship". The record was because of the "North Star" glass-walled observation capsule rising over 300 ft (91 m) above sea level and rotating upwards and over the ship's sides providing 360-degree views Next photo shows an ICON-class ship Families cruising with infants and toddlers benefit from RCI's nursery programs "Royal Babies" and "Royal Tots". Supervised children's club activities are available by RCI's children's program "Adventure Ocean" CocoCay Island refurbishments 2018-2019 expansionSince 2015, RCCL/RCG invests huge money in the corporation's private Bahamian island CocoCay In March 2018 was announced a USD 200-million project (named "Perfect Day Island Collection") for developing private land destinations in the regions of the Caribbean, Asia, and Australia-Oceania. As part of this project, on CocoCay will be built unique water attractions
Thrill Waterpark attraction has 2 water towers (Daredevil's Tower, Family Tower) with a total of 13 slides. The Daredevil's Tower complex consists of North America's tallest waterslide (named Daredevil's Peak, height 135 ft / 41 m), Dueling Demons (2 drop slides), Manta Raycers (2 high-speed slides), Screeching Serpent (fully vertical slide), Green Mamba (coiling slide), as well as Caribbean's largest wave pool (Adventure Pool ) with obstacle course (lily pads), rock-climbing wall, . The Family Tower complex consists of all 6 waterslides, including 1 tubed (The Twister, capacity 2 persons sharing 1 raft), 1 zero-gravity (The Slingshot, capacity 4 persons) and 1 racing (Splash Speedway, with 4 lanes) Caribbean's biggest freshwater swimming pool (named Oasis Lagoon) has a swim-up bar and water loungers Caribbean's only Zip-line with water landing has length 1600 ft (488 m) and crisscrosses the island at heights up to 50 ft (15 m) The Bahamas' highest vantage point (an attraction named "Up, Up and Away") is a helium balloon flying up to 450 ft (137 m) above ground Newly added amenities include wave runner and boat tours, snorkeling, private cabanas and daybeds for rental, several beach bars with upgraded menus CocoCay has 3 new beaches - Chill Island Beach (private cabanas, daybeds), South Beach (designed for beachside activities/volleyball, basketball, soccer, paddleboards, glass-bottom sea kayaks, zorbs, has bungalows, daybeds, teepees/cone-shaped tents) and Coco Beach Club (overwater cabanas/rentals are inclusive of 1 hammock, 1 waterslide, dedicated service by an attendant). The complex also has a freshwater infinity pool, full bar, restaurant In May 2018 were announced plans to build permanent accommodations on CocoCay allowing Suite passengers to stay on the island overnight (or longer). The concept includes premium cabanas serving passengers on any of the RCI ships calling at CocoCay In 2017-2018 was constructed a new pier (can handle RCI's largest boats), as well as a basketball court, bocce ball court, bowling court, volleyball nets, large-size pool table In 2016 CocoCay was upgraded with a swim-up bar at Barefoot Beach, new cabanas, new island dock (for tenders), 35 beach bungalows (capacity 6 persons each) at Barefoot Beach In 2015, the island was upgraded with new trams (quieter and taller) and was added a new / shorter tram route and a new freshwater shower (at Barefoot Beach) (NEW) Lucaya Resort BahamasIn March 2019, the joint venture company Holistica Ltd (RCCL and ITM Group / Mumbai India) signed a letter of intent with The Bahamas government for the purchase of Grand Lucayan Resort (an all-inclusive resort complex) and redevelopment of the Bahamian cruise port Freeport Harbor. The 2-year, USD 195 million project includes Grand Lucayan Resort's purchase (USD 65 million) plus USD 135 million for development works. The new (RCL-exclusive) cruise port is expected to bring ~2 million additional tourists to Grand Bahama Island annually. The project includes the construction of a theme park and a 5-star hotel. Grand Lucayan Resort suffered significant damages during Hurricane Matthew (October 2016) and was forced to close 2/3 of its property On June 24, 2019, RCCL and ITM Group established the Miami-headquartered joint venture company "Holistica" which specializes in cruise port development projects worldwide. Holistica's first project was the USD 275 million Grand Lucayan Resort in Freeport Bahamas. Developments by Holistica were also planned for Costa Maya (Mexico), Roatan Island (Honduras) and Kumamoto (Kyushu Island, Japan) On March 2, 2020, RCCL officially announced Holistica's USD 300 million private cruise resort project "Lucaya Property". The investment includes redeveloping (expanding) the Freeport Cruise Terminal (to be renamed to "Harbour Village") and building a leisure complex with a large hotel (526 rooms), wellness facilities, shopping village, convention center (sized 40,000 ft2 / 3720 m2), theme park (with water slides, outdoor playgrounds, zip-lines) Lucaya Property is approx 9 mi (15 km) west of Harbour Village (Freeport Cruise Terminal). At Harbour Village for tourists will be introduced new shopping and dining venues (bars, restaurants), live entertainment and nightlife programming, beach zones, new shore excursions, new transport infrastructure (serving ferries, buses, passenger vehicles). The Lucaya Property project is planned for completion in 2022-Q4 RCI "VOOM" InternetVOOM is the trademarked name of RCI's high-speed Internet service providing faster connectivity at sea, with almost the same Internet speeds as on land. The new satellite technology utilizes each ship specifically VOOM Internet has latency 120 ms, ping ~300 ms, download speed ~4,6 Mbps, upload speed ~5,2 Mbps. VOOM allows fast streaming of music and movies (incl YouTube, Netflix), uploading multiple (incl big-sized) pictures, also video chatting (FaceTime, Skype, conference calls), checking email, web surfing, stable and fast VPN connections. The onboard system is based on the 802. 11b wireless connection (theoretical bandwidth peak of 11 Mbps)
In August 2022 RCG signed a deal with SpaceX (2002-founded by Elon Musk) for using Starlink's satellites to provide faster and low-latency Internet fleetwide (RCI, Celebrity, and Silversea). The project was completed in 2023-Q1 New Internet packages cost (2023 prices)RCI's ship internet offering was revamped from only one plan into different per day packages with pricing based on the number of included devices. Two new packages are currently available for booking
Occasionally, Royal Caribbean offers VOOM package discounts for passengers with pre-purchased online (via CruisePlanner) internet packages. Discounts are also offered for Royal Caribbean loyalty program members (Crown and Anchor Society) when the VOOM package is purchased onboard RCI's Cruise Planner packages & pricesCruise Planner is an online booking system for adding/pre-purchasing shore excursions, specialty restaurants, beverage packages, internet packages, photo packages, gifts and gear, onboard activities (ship tour, special events), The Key (VIP access program), as well as making wellness reservations (massage and body therapies, treatments, teeth whitening, beauty services, fitness classes, personal training, etc) Specialty restaurant dining packages currently offered by RCI include "Unlimited" (lunches, snacks, dinners), "3-Night" (3x dinners) and "Chops+1" (1x Chops Grille dinner plus 1x dinner at another restaurant) Drink packages include Deluxe (all-inclusive), Refreshment (non-alcoholic) and Soda (unlimited refills with included a Coca-Cola souvenir cup) The Key (VIP program offering exclusive onboard perks) must be purchased prior the voyage and is priced US$20-35 per person per day Arcade Gaming credit packages via CruisePlanner cost less ($20 vs $25, $40 vs $50, $80 vs $100) Loyalty program (Crown and Anchor Society)Through this program, regular customers accumulate points (booking 7-day and longer voyages) to become members and earn discounts and gifts Since January 2013, RCI's exclusive partnership with MGM Resorts International provides benefits to members of both companies' loyalty programs (Crown & Anchor Society/M life) and access and rewards at MGM Resorts' properties in the USA (casino gaming, hotel accommodations, dining, spa) and onboard RCI's liners. MGM Resorts' portfolio of resort brands includes properties in Las Vegas (Bellagio, MGM Grand, ARIA, Vdara, Mandalay Bay, Delano, The Mirage, Luxor, New York-New York, Excalibur, Park MGM, NoMad), Detroit (MGM Grand), Mississippi (Beau Rivage, Gold Strike Tunica), Atlantic City NJ (Borgata), Oxon Hill MD (MGM National Harbor), Springfield MA (MGM Springfield) GOLD Level (3-29 points)Gold level members receive loyalty program-only benefits (Onboard Offers, Exclusive Rates, Desk for inquiries, member newsletter, exclusive email offers), priority notices (promo offers, new ships/itineraries), additional points (for bookings Suites and/or single cabins), various onboard discounts All above levels receive these perks by default These are exemplary discounts for Gold level members - up to 50% off wine-beer-soda by the glass/2x coupons per voyage, -25% Coffee Beverage/excluding Starbucks, -50% Johnny Rockets Milkshakes/2x coupons per voyage, -10% any VOOM-Internet Package, -10% Logoed Products/min purchase US$25, -10% any Spa Service/excluding Medi-Spa) PLATINUM Level (30-54 points)Platinum level members receive robes (onboard use only), Signature Lapel Pin, booking discounts (on Balcony cabins and Suites) EMERALD Level (55-79 points)Emerald level members receive Welcome Waters & Snacks (with Beverage Selection) and bigger booking discounts (on Balconies and Suites) DIAMOND Level (80-174 points) perks
DIAMOND PLUS Level (175-699) perks
After 340 points is offered lunch with an officer (in the MDR/main dining room), with a special menu (champagne and wine included) Lifeguards on RCI shipsSince 2017, all RCI ships have onboard licensed lifeguards by the line's "water safety program", implemented fleetwide. By the new program, water safety signs are placed throughout the ship Ship's lifeguards are dressed in special uniforms (in bright red and white) and stationed at every swimming pool, including the Solarium (adults-only retreat) during the complex's opening hours. All Royal Caribbean lifeguards are trained through the RCI's partnership with StarGuard Elite (Florida-based lifeguard training center)
RCI's water safety program was rolled out fleetwide in 2017 (February-June). Next are listed all RCI boats and the itinerary dates (2017) when each implemented the new lifeguard service
The news made RCI the 2nd major cruise company with shipboard lifeguards - following DCL-Disney (employing certified lifeguards since 2013) and followed by NCL-Norwegian (in 2017 summer) starting with NCL's 4 largest vessels and employing onboard lifeguards fleetwide by 2018 Shipboard poolside activities (listed in the newsletter "Cruise Compass") vary, but some of the common ones include watching movies (on the LED screen), playing bingo, hosting fun competitions, games, classes (scuba, fitness, dance, yoga, etc) RCI "NextCruise" (onboard booking)In August 2017, Royal Caribbean changed "Next Cruise" (onboard cruise booking program). NextCruise allows passengers to book a future RCI itinerary while on the ship. The old program included booking with reduced deposits Since August 2017, the deposit required for onboard booking is the same as the deposit required with shore bookings (ranging between USD 100-450 per stateroom, depending on itinerary length) Since December 2017, NextCruise shipboard booking customers are eligible to pay a reduced deposit (USD 100 pp) regardless of voyage length - but only if they book with non-refundable fares. Refundable fare bookings still require a full deposit. This offer is available on all RCI cruises - excluding only China roundtrips. The USD 100 pp deposit is applicable when booking Interior Cabin up to Junior Suite
Currently, the only benefit from onboard cruise booking is the future onboard credit (abbrev OBC), which is based on cabin type
In May 2019, RCI introduced the "Book Later" booking option available at all ships' NextCruise Offices, in addition to "Book Now" (booking a specific itinerary). Book Later allows future bookings up to 2 months thus providing more time to consider itineraries while retaining the shipboard booking discount/bonus. Book Later requires a non-refundable deposit of USD 200 per stateroom (US$100 per cabin if booking a specific itinerary) and gives up to USD 600 in OBC or instant savings. Book Later deals expire within 1 year (after creating the onboard reservation) and the deposits paid will be lost RCI Cruise Cancellation PolicyStarting April 18, 2018, Royal Caribbean passengers who want to cancel an upcoming cruise without penalty have to do so farther out from the departure date than before. The new RCI cruise cancellation policy simplifies the penalty fee schedule by reducing the number of itinerary categories from 5 to 2. those of 1 to 4 nights and those 5 nights or longer
The previous time when RCI updated its cancellation policy was on March 7, 2016 Shore Excursions Cancellation PolicyOn June 15, 2017, Royal Caribbean International implemented a new "Shore Excursions Cancellation Policy" fleetwide. The new policy transitions from 1 day / 24-hour prior to land tour departure date to 48-hours prior to cruise port arrival date
At the end of March 2017, RCCL corporation launched its own land tour travel website - GoBe. com. The website is non-cruise travel-related and allows international travelers to book tours and excursions in 97 countries and 896 cities worldwide
On select voyages, RCI offers a behind-the-scenes "crew life" tour with duration 2 hours. The "All Access Crew Life Tour" (priced USD 79 pp) can be booked via CruisePlanner and offers a glimpse of what it is like to work and live on the ship RCI fly-cruise packages are via the company's Air2Sea program Non-Refundable Cruise Deposit PolicyOn July 1, 2017, RCI implemented fleetwide a new, non-refundable cruise deposit program
In late February 2017, the RCCL corporation imposed a fee of USD 65 pp in case of leaving the cruise early (whatever the reason might be). Passengers who refuse to pay face the prospect of being banned from RCCL cruise ships FOREVER RCI pet/animal policyIn August 2018, RCI updated its "emotional support animals" policy by banning such animals fleetwide. Support/companion animals are not recognized by ADA. By definition, these are pets determined by a medical professional as providing benefits for handicapped people (cruise passengers with disabilities) In an officially issued statement, RCI explained as the main reason for its policy change to differentiate support from service animals, the latter of which are trained and certified to actually help the disabled. Service animals traveling with physically / non-physically disabled passengers are still allowed on the ships. Pets are not allowed on RCI ships Photo packages pricesIn late June 2017, RCI added two photo packages (available for online purchasing at CruisePlanner) both including two options - digital (unlimited photos are uploaded on a USB stick) and printed
Before 2017, RCI offered photo packages for online purchasing on a separate website Private photo sessions can be also booked RCI "Cruise Compass" (onboard newsletter)"Cruise Compass" is named the RCI's onboard newsletter delivered by cabin attendants each evening. This is a daily guide for news, onboard events, and activities on the cruise ship scheduled for the next day The newsletter also provides valuable information regarding forecasted weather, bars with drink specials, itinerary ports of call and shore excursions info, themed events (parties, lectures, seminars, etc), sporting events
The "Royal iQ" app is available on some RCI ships and features a "Cruise Compass" digital copy. This mobile app allows adding specific events directly to your own digital calendar. Via the app, you can make reservations (spa, dining, etc) or add activities directly from the "Cruise Compass" to your own calendar. Your own daily schedule will be automatically updated. Unfortunately, the app works only on Quantum- and Oasis-class ships RCI's shipboard All Access Tour (aka behind-the-scenes tour)Like most mainstream brands, RCI offers a behind-the-scenes tour of the ship providing access to areas where passengers are otherwise not allowed to visit Conducted only on a sea day, the 2-hour "All Access Tour" is a walking tour of 6x areas - Galley/Kitchen, Navigation Bridge (the Wheelhouse and both bridge wings), Engines/control room, waste management (trash separation and disposal), laundry room (deck 1), food storage rooms, the Royal Theater (backstage). Participants are required to wear pants and closed-toed shoes, and are provided with earpieces to hear the tour guide's narration. The tour leader also often hands off the technical explanations to a crew working in the visited area for more detailed information on the facilities RCI's shipboard "DreamWorks Experience" program"DreamWorks Experience" was a family-themed program via a partnership between Royal Caribbean International and Amblin Partners (DreamWorks SKG's owner company). Universal Pictures is the distributor of DreamWorks movie productions through its subsidiary company Touchstone Pictures RCI's DreamWorks programming featured 3D movies and DreamWorks characters meets-and-greets. It was introduced in June 2010 and terminated in March 2019. This new entertainment program was geared toward families and offered DreamWorks movie-themed activities on only 9 RCI ships (Allure, Oasis, Harmony, Anthem, Ovation, Quantum, Freedom, Liberty, Voyager). The list of such activities included
The DreamWorks-themed shows at Studio B and AquaTheater were replaced with new Royal Caribbean Productions. All cruises departing before April 1 (2019) had the DreamWorks program available for the entire voyage
RCI's shipboard kids and teen programmingAlso complimentary the company offers to kids and teenagers supervised activities at dedicated facilities and youth counselors on each vessel For toddlers (2-3 yo) on each liner are provided at-fee nursery services (hourly charge) via highly experienced and professionally trained staff RCI's children program (named "Adventure Ocean") covers ages 2-17 and features brand partnerships (with Fisher-Price, Crayola), Family Disco Hour. dedicated areas and facilities, including toddlers-only pools, computer rooms, video game arcades, separate kids- and teen-only clubs On September 30, 2018, RCI discontinued fleetwide its in-cabin babysitting service ("Sitters at Sea" program served by crew members, upon request). Service's only alternatives still available are the shipboard nursery (on some liners only, serving toddlers and kids up to 3 yo) and group sitting ("Late Night Party Zone" program for kids 3-11 yo, served by Adventure Ocean staff). The other two kids programs (Adventure Ocean, Royal Babies, and Tots) remained unchanged
Shipboard VIP passenger programCurrently, RCI offers two VIP packages available for prepurchasing before boarding the ship - "The Key" and "Premier Pass" VIP package The KeyOn two liners (Liberty OTS and Oasis OTS) was tested the new VIP passenger access program "The Key". The program's test period was between November 2018 and March 2019. It was in limited quantity and available on select voyages The VIP package is available for purchase only via CruisePlanner. Currently, the package's cost is USD 25,99 per person per day. However, all roommates ages 6 and older must purchase the package to receive its benefits (available via SeaPass cards and starting on embarkation day) "The Key" VIP package is inclusive of
IMPORTANT. Currently, "The Key" package is not offered only on Majesty OTS, Quantum OTS and Voyager OTS. Priority check-in and boarding are not offered in Vancouver BC Canada and at Australian homeports VIP package "Premier Pass"The "Premier Pass" package is for two passengers (sharing a stateroom) and includes the following perks
The VIP package Premier Pass was introduced in March 2023 Premier Pass costs US$89 (US$44,50 pp) (NEW) RoyalUp - cabin upgrade biddingOn November 28, 2018, RCI introduced fleetwide bid-based cabin upgrade program called "RoyalUp". Booked customers receive an email if their cruise is eligible. They can browse through available for booking higher-grade staterooms on that voyage. Then select their bidding price for a particular cabin upgrade and submit the bid RoyalUp upgrades are priced per person, for the entire voyage, based on twin share. Only the first and second passengers in the cabin are charged the extra - regardless room's grade and max occupancy. These upgrades are based on availability. Cabin location can't be specified Group bookings are also included but without a guarantee that all reservations will be upgraded. If all reservations are upgraded, RCI doesn't guarantee that all upgraded staterooms will be located close together Booked customers are allowed to bid multiple cabin categories. Travel agents are also allowed to bid for their clients. Upgrade bids are accepted until 2 days prior departure. Passengers with accepted RoyalUp biddings are notified via email. They are allowed also to modify or cancel the upgrade (until 2 days prior departure) if the offer is not been accepted by RCI and their credit card is not been charged RCI's wedding packages and vow renewalsCall port/ashore or onboard cruise ship weddings and vow renewals are available by contacting RCI's weddings department a minimum 90 days before the itinerary's departure date. The company assigns dedicated coordinators for customizing the ceremonies and the reception events, as well as assisting with marriage licenses Standard wedding packages include priority services (dockside check-in and boarding), non-denominational officiant, pre-recorded music, 3-tier cake, chocolate-covered strawberries, a specialty restaurant dinner and in-bed breakfast (onboard), themed cabin decorations, 1-hour photo service, 1x champagne bottle (Moet & Chandon), keepsake wedding certificate (listing the ship/cruise port) Wedding package add-ons may include beauty services (haircuts/styling, nails, barber), live music, DJ (private party), cocktail reception (at a VIP venue with bar service) Wedding packages are priced between USD 2000-5600 (the couple plus 10-75 guests) (Coronavirus crisis) passenger shipping pause 2020-2021Due to the COVID pandemic, RCG suspended its global fleet's passenger shipping operations (RCI-Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity, Silversea) worldwide by canceling all voyages with pre-scheduled departures in the period March 15, 2020, through early-July 2021 Next are listed all RCI ships and their first departure dates/regions/homeports - ADVENTURE OTS (June 12, 2021/Caribbean from Nassau Bahamas), ALLURE OTS (Aug 8, 2021/Port Canaveral), ANTHEM OTS (July 7, 2021/Europe-UK from Southampton), BRILLIANCE OTS (Dec 16, 2021/Tampa), ENCHANTMENT OTS (Dec 23, 2021/Bahamas-Caribbean from Baltimore), EXPLORER OTS (Nov 7, 2021/Caribbean from San Juan Puerto Rico), FREEDOM OTS (July 2, 2021/Miami), GRANDEUR OTS (Dec 5, 2021/Caribbean from Bridgetown Barbados), HARMONY OTS (Aug 15, 2021/Mediterranean from Barcelona), INDEPENDENCE OTS (Aug 15, 2021/Galveston), JEWEL OTS (July 10, 2021/Mediterranean from Limassol Cyprus), LIBERTY OTS (Oct 3, 2021/Galveston), MARINER OTS (Aug 23, 2021/Port Canaveral), NAVIGATOR OTS (Nov 19, 2021/Mexican Riviera from Los Angeles), OASIS OTS (Sept 5, 2021/Florida-Bahamas from NYC), ODYSSEY OTS (July 31, 2021/Fort Lauderdale), OVATION OTS (Aug 13, 2021 and May 5, 2022/Alaska from Seattle), QUANTUM OTS (Dec 1, 2020/cruises to nowhere from Singapore, and May 4, 2022/Alaska from Seattle), RADIANCE OTS (April 23, 2022/LA to Vancouver-Alaska), RHAPSODY OTS (May 23, 2022/Europe-Mediterranean from Rome), SERENADE OTS (July 19, 2021/Alaska from Seattle), SPECTRUM OTS (Oct 14, 2021/cruises to nowhere from Hong Kong China), SYMPHONY OTS (Aug 14, 2021/Miami), VISION OTS (March 7, 2022/Fort Lauderdale), VOYAGER OTS (April 15, 2022/Europe), WONDER OTS (March 4, 2022/Maiden Voyage/Caribbean from Fort Lauderdale)
All affected bookings received full refunds (100%), including on prepurchased through RCI cruise packages and services. With rebooking are offered 125% refunds in FCC (future cruise credit) to be used on itineraries that depart up to September 30, 2022. The FCC must be redeemed by December 31, 2021. Full cash refund or changing the FCC to a monetary refund (100%) must be done by March 31, 2021. Within 45 days (from the cancellation date), all taxes, port fees and pre-purchased (if any) packages-amenities are automatically refunded to the original form of payment RCI's Cancellation Policy (Cruise with Confidence) was extended to allow penalty-free cancellations up to 48 hours prior departure (all itineraries) and receive an FCC. The policy was also enhanced with two new rebooking options - "Best Price Guarantee" (you can change the price and promo offers on the booking up to 48 hours prior departure) and "Lift and Shift" (you can rebook the same itinerary departing within 1 month from the canceled date, with protected original price and promo offer and keeping the same cabin category) In the period August-December 2021, all unvaccinated passengers (12 and older) on RCI cruises from Florida ports were required to have a valid insurance policy of a minimum USD 25,000 pp (medical expense coverage) and USD 50,000 pp (for onboard quarantine and COVID-related medevac). Before this new policy, RCI covered up to USD 20,000 per person for Coronavirus-related costs. The money was for shipboard medical treatments and safe quarantine plus providing safe return-to-home travel arrangements. If a passenger tested COVID-positive while on the ship, RCI also provided a full monetary refund (100% of the cruise price) for the infected and his/her travel companions In mid-December 2020, RCI sold the ships Empress OTS (30-years-old) and Majesty OTS (28-years-old) were sold to an Asian company (undisclosed shipowner) In Aug 2022, RCI announced that allows unused FCCs (future cruise credits left from a booking/remainder balance) to be redeemed as OBCs/onboard credits Itinerary of Royal CaribbeanRCI offers year-round roundtrip departures from Baltimore MD (South Locust Point Terminal) where is currently homeported Enchantment OTS. The ship cruises to ports in the Caribbean, Bahamas, Bermuda, and Canada-New England. The fleetmate Grandeur OTS operated out of Baltimore between 2013-2020 Comic-Con Cruise 2025Serenade OTS is RCI's first ship to host a Comic-Con - an annual event by San Diego Comic-Con International (1970-inaugurated as "Golden State Comic Book Convention") The special voyage (February 5-9, 2025, roundtrip from Tampa Florida) is a full-ship charter by Entertainment Cruise Productions (Clayton Missouri-based company) specializing in themed voyages Royal Caribbean's Comic-Con cruise ship experience will feature various small group events (including Q&A sessions, trivia, fun contests), video gaming competitions, parties (dancing, karaoke, cosplay/costume play, DJs) When the announcement was made (in July 2023) prices (per person) varied between US$990 (interior cabin) and US$5620 (Royal Suite) with double occupancy, while single occupancy was US$1240 (interior) IMPORTANT/Itinerary changes 2023-2024-2025 (Europe-Caribbean-Alaska-Australia)In late-July 2022, RCI announced fleet deployment changes, moving 2 ships out of Europe (Brilliance, Enchantment) and 2 ships out of Australia (Adventure, Voyager) due to IMO's new vessel speed regulations/max-speed restrictions
RCI's Australia 2023-2024 season is based on 2x liners/homeports - Ovation OTS/Sydney NSW (9-11-night roundtrips, including around New Zealand), Quantum OTS/Brisbane QLD (3-13-night roundtrips). Enchantment OTS Sydney NSW schedule (8-11-night roundtrips) was canceled The Australian 2024-2025 season is again based on the ships Quantum (Brisbane) and Ovation (Sydney) Ultimate World Cruise 2023-2024 (Serenade OTS)In October 2021, RCI announced the company's first World Cruise, which is also one of the world's longest The 274-night itinerary (themed "Ultimate World Cruise"/December 10, 2023, through September 10, 2024) is scheduled for Serenade OTS/wiki section The roundtrip from Miami visits 150 ports/islands (57 new for RCI) in 65 countries and on all 7 continents Shorter segments included
Full-paid early bookings (made by January 6, 2023) received a 10% discount. Additional costs include taxes-fees-port charges (USD 4667 USD pp) A Balcony stateroom cost USD 75,000 ($136 pp per day), the 4-passenger Royal Suite cost USD 760,000 In April 2023, RCI opened for booking more shorter segments of the Ultimate World Cruise 2024
RCI's World Voyage 2024 fares are inclusive of business class flights, land transportation, pre-cruise 5-star hotel overnight. Loyalty program's Platinum and above members (Emerald-Diamond-Diamond Plus-Pinnacle Club) receive as perks shore excursion package, Deluxe Beverage package, free Internet (VOOM Wi-Fi), free laundry service Panama Canal cruises 2023-2024 (Rhapsody OTS)For winter 2023-2024, Rhapsody OTS has scheduled an RCI-first Caribbean and Latin America program based on 3x homeports - two in Panama (Colon, and Panama City/Fuerte Amador) and one in Colombia (Cartagena) The 7-night roundtrips also visit Panama Canal and The Netherlands' ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao) in the Leeward Antilles. The Panama Canal itinerary (8x departures from Fuerte Amador) visits Cartagena, and Costa Rica's Puntarenas and Quepos Asia 2024-2025 ships and itinerariesIn 2024-2025 (November-March) Anthem OTS is homeported in Singapore, replacing Spectrum OTS, which will be redeployed to China and homeported in Shanghai and Hong Kong Starting in April 2024, Spectrum OTS from Shanghai offers roundtrips to Japanese ports, including Yokohama, Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka, Nagasaki Starting in December 2024, Spectrum OTS has scheduled 8x roundtrips from Hong Kong (China) to ports in Japan, Taiwan and Vietnam Anthem's ex-Singapore itineraries are 3-4-5-night roundtrips visiting Malaysia (Penang) and Thailand (Phuket). The new 8-night "Bali Getaway" itinerary visits Bali Indonesia's ports Celukan Bawang and Benoa Harbour, as well as Lombok Indonesia's port Lembar. Another new itinerary is the 10-night "Vietnam and Thailand" voyage that visits Vietnam's ports Nha Trang, Phu My-Saigon, and Chan May-Da Nang, and Thailand's port Laem Chabang-Bangkok (overnight stay) UK-Europe 2023-2024 summer deploymentRCI's 2023 European summer program initially included 9x ships visiting 25+ countries. Destinations range from the Holy Land to Italy's Amalfi Coast, UK's British Isles, Adriatic/Croatia, Spain's Canary Islands, Greece, Israel, Iceland The program is based on 35 different itineraries and starts in May 2023. Voyages range between 5 and 12 nights
Note. In July 2022, RCI canceled Serenade's 2023 Baltic schedule (based on homeporting in Copenhagen and Stockholm) RIC's European summer 2024 schedule lists 8 ships and 11 homeports. The program features the European debut of Oasis OTS (5- to 17-night itineraries). Odyssey OTS and Anthem OTS return to Rome and Southampton, respectively Europe Summer 2024 highlights include
Enchantment OTS was to be deployed first in Australia (from Sydney) and in Alaska but was redeployed in Europe Australia 2023-2024-2025 summer deployment (2 ships)RCI's 2023-2024 Australian schedule lists 2 liners (Ovation OTS and Quantum OTS) homeported, respectively, in Sydney NSW and Brisbane QLD Enchantment OTS was planned to join the Australian fleet (debuting from Sydney) but was later deployed in Europe (during summer 2023) for 7-day voyages leaving from Greece (Piraeus-Athens), Italy (Civitavecchia-Rome, Ravenna) and Spain (Barcelona) Quantum OTS (from Brisbane) offers 3- to 13-night Queensland roundtrips to Airlie Beach and Cairns, or discover the South Pacific by visiting Port Vila (Vanuatu) and Noumea (New Caledonia) Ovation OTS (from Sydney) starts its 5th Australian season - with 20 voyages, including 9- to 11-night roundtrips to New Zealand (Bay of Islands, Milford Sound, Wellington), 3- to 9-night voyages around Australia (Adelaide, Eden, Hobart Tasmania), as well as sailings to the South Pacific islands RCI's Australia 2024-2025 season (October thru April) is again based on Ovation OTS and Quantum OTS and groups a total of 45 departures Quantum OTS (out of Brisbane) offers 12 different itineraries (7-8-nights) visiting Mystery Island, Port Vila (Vanuatu), and Noumea (New Caledonia). Five sailings visit the Great Barrier Reef, while a 14-night voyage visits New Zealand Ovation OTS offers NZ and South Pacific voyages Both Australian ships also have scheduled 2-night and 3-night weekend getaways. Both are also deployed during summer 2025 in Alaska, and homeported in Seattle WA Caribbean 2023-2024-2025 deploymentRCI's 2022-2023 Caribbean mini-cruise program is based on 8 ships (2 year-round, 4 seasonal), 5 homeports, 3- to 5-night itineraries (17 total) Freedom OTS (from Miami) and Independence OTS (from Port Canaveral and Miami) visit The Bahamas (Nassau+CocoCay) with 3- and 4-night roundtrips year-round During winter 2022-2023, Liberty OTS (from Fort Lauderdale) alternates 3-4-night voyages to The Bahamas (CocoCay and Freeport Grand Bahama), while Mariner OTS (from Port Canaveral) visits CocoCay and Western Caribbean ports. Brilliance OTS (from Tampa) offers 4-5-night Western Caribbean itineraries, with select 4-night roundtrips to Nassau and Key West Rhapsody OTS (from Tampa) is scheduled for 4-5-night roundtrips to Cozumel and Grand Cayman/George Town (in spring-early fall), with a 7-night itinerary (during the summer) to Isla Roatan, Belize City, Cozumel, Costa Maya Adventure OTS (from Galveston TX) operates 4-5-night roundtrips to Mexico (Cozumel and Costa Maya). In summer 2023, Grandeur OTS operates from Tampa short breaks (4-5-night roundtrips) to Mexico (Costa Maya-Cozumel) and Bahamas (CocoCay-Nassau) For the first time ever, RCI is homeporting in Galveston Texas an Osis-class vessel. Beginning November 2022, Allure OTS offers 7-night Western Caribbean roundtrips from RCI's new terminal in Galveston. In Florida RCI is homeporting three Oasis-class boats - Harmony, Oasis, and Symphony. Itineraries combine popular seaports like Nassau Bahamas, Cozumel Mexico and Falmouth Jamaica, Basseterre St Kitts, Philipsburg St Maarten, Charlotte Amalie St Thomas USVI In Florida (PortMiami and Port Canaveral-Orlando) are homeported two Oasis-class vessels. From Miami, Symphony OTS offers 7-night Eastern Caribbean (St Maarten and St Thomas and Western Caribbean (Costa Maya, Cozumel, Roatan Honduras), all visiting CocoCay. From Port Canaveral, Harmony OTS offers 7-night Eastern Caribbean (St Thomas, St Maarten, St Kitts) and Western Caribbean (Nassau, Falmouth Jamaica, Labadee Haiti) - all visiting CocoCay From Galveston (for the first time) beginning November 2022, Allure OTS offers 7-night Western Caribbean itineraries to Roatan and Mexico (Cozumel and Costa Maya) After the summer homeporting in NYC, Oasis OTS relocates to Miami for 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries (all with CocoCay) between November 2022-April 2023. Eastern Caribbean roundtrips visit Labadee, Charlotte Amalie, San Juan, Western Caribbean - Costa Maya, Cozumel, Roatan Following a short season in Northeast USA, Voyager OTS relocates from Boston to San Juan (Puerto Rico) in November 2022, with scheduled 7-night Southern Caribbean roundtrips to Barbados, St Lucia, St Croix, Curacao RCI's 2023 Caribbean schedule features the OASIS Plus-class Wonder OTS joining in Port Canaveral/Orlando Mariner OTS, while the sistership Harmony OTS homeports in Miami for the first time 5-night sailings and 7- to 8-night voyages to Bermuda and the Eastern, Western-Southern Caribbean (April through October 2023) include the Netherlands' ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao), Puerto Rico, Mexico, St. Kitts, as well as Bahamas/CocoCay On March 1, 2022, were released new itineraries in the Caribbean (2023-2024 season) including the world's largest and newest liners
Starting October 2023, Allure OTS has regularly scheduled 3-4-night voyages out of Port Canaveral to The Bahamas (Nassau and CocoCay). Allure became the first Oasis-class liner to offer Caribbean mini-cruises. Starting July 2024, Allure OTS from Miami operates the same Bahamian short breaks (Nassau+CocoCay) RCI's newest vessel - Icon OTS (debuting 2024 January) will be homeported in Miami RCI's 2024-2025 Caribbean schedule lists 8 ships and 20+ Caribbean destinations
Caribbean short breaks 2024-2025RCI's Caribbean short break 2024-2025 itineraries are scheduled for 8 ships, including 1x OASIS-class (Allure OTS from Port Canaveral) Year-Round 2024-2025 Short GetawaysAllure OTS (from Port Canaveral and PortMiami) is the first OASIS-class boat with year-round season of 3-4-night itineraries. Allure OTS sails from Port Canaveral to The Bahamas (Nassau+CocoCay) until July 2023, then repositions to Miami for the remainder of the year Independence OTS (from Miami) offers 5-night Western Caribbean plus CocoCay voyages, as well as 4-night Eastern Caribbean (with Labadee Haiti) Mariner OTS (from Galveston Texas) offers 4-5-night roundtrips to Mexico (Cozumel+Costa Maya) Navigator OTS (from Los Angeles California) offers 3-4-7-night voyages to Catalina Island, Puerto Vallarta, Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan, Ensenada Seasonal 2024-2025 Short Cruises from FloridaEnchantment OTS (from Tampa Bay) offers 4-5-night Mexico (Cozumel+Costa Maya), and 7-night summer voyages (Roatan, Belize City, Cozumel, Costa Maya, CocoCay) Grandeur OTS (from Tampa and Fort Lauderdale) offers 4-5-night Bahamas and Mexico (CocoCay, Cozumel) and during winter 5-night roundtrips to Labadee and Amber Cove Dominicana Liberty OTS (from Fort Lauderdale) offers 3-4-night roundtrips to Bahamas (CocoCay+Nassau) Voyager OTS (from Port Canaveral) during winter offers 4-5-night Eastern and Western Caribbean voyages to CocoCay, Nassau, Cozumel, Amber Cove, Labadee RCI-Royal Caribbean itineraries by shipFollows a review of the Royal Caribbean itinerary program for 2022-2023 scheduled itineraries. For sailing dates (departures, arrivals), ports of call times and RCI cruise prices per person follow the ship pages listed below Ship NameHomeportsItineraries ChangesAdventure OTS San Juan Puerto Rico Cape Liberty (Bayonne NJ) NYC New York Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades) Florida Nassau Bahamas operates on roundtrips to Eastern Caribbean (St Croix, St Kitts, St. Maarten, St Thomas, Dominica, Martinique) and Southern Caribbean (Antigua, St Lucia, Grenada, Curacao, Bonaire) Adventure OTS returns to Cape Liberty (NYC) in 2022 with various 5- and 9-night summer and fall itineraries to the Bahamas, Caribbean, Bermuda, Canada, and New England (May 2022 - April 2023) Adventure OTS is homeported in NYC-Bayonne for roundtrips to Bermuda, Caribbean and Canada 2022-2023. Adventure OTS is due to sail from Galveston TX for 4- and 5-night trips to the Western Caribbean visiting Cozumel and Costa Maya Allure OTS Galveston TX Port Canaveral Miami Since November 2022, Allure OTS is homeported in Galveston Texas for 7-night Western Caribbean voyages visiting Costa Maya, Cozumel and Roatan Island Since November 2023, Allure OTS operates 3-4-night short breaks from Port Canaveral/Orlando to Nassau and CocoCay Since July 2024, Allure OTS offers the same mini-cruises to The Bahamas but out of Miami (short breaks to Nassau plus CocoCay) Anthem OTS Cape Liberty (Bayonne NJ) NYC New York Southampton (England UK) (summer 2023) homeported in Southampton (England UK) In the period Nov 2023 thru Mar 2025, Anthem is homeported in Singapore for 3-4-5-night roundtrip itineraries visiting Malaysia (Penang) and Thailand (Phuket). The 8-night "Bali Getaway" visits Bali Indonesia (Celukan Bawang, Benoa Harbour) and Lombok Indonesia (Lembar). The 10-night "Vietnam and Thailand" itinerary visits Vietnam (Nha Trang, Phu My-Saigon, Chan May-Da Nang) and Thailand (Laem Chabang-Bangkok/overnight) Brilliance OTS Tampa Florida Amsterdam Holland Barcelona Spain operates on roundtrips out of Tampa to Western Caribbean (4-day Cozumel Mexico, 5-day Key West FL, Cozumel) REPOSITIONING (Transatlantic) In the summer, the ship operates in Europe on Mediterranean roundtrips out of Barcelona (Italy, Greece, Turkey, Malta, Adriatic Sea) (Mediterranean 2022) Brilliance OTS ooperates 7-night voyages to Croatia (Dubrovnik), Greece (Athens), and the Greek Isles (Mykonos, Santorini) (winter 2022-2023) Brilliance OTS is homeported in Tampa for 4-5-night Western Caribbean itineraries, with select 4-night roundtrips to Nassau and Key West (Europe 2023) from Civitavecchia (Rome), Venice (Italy), Athens (Piraeus, Greece), and Barcelona (Spain) Empress OTS sold/left the fleetIMPORTANT. In mid-December 2020, RCI sold the ships Empress OTS and Majesty OTS to an Asian company. A total of 40x Empress OTS cruises (itineraries scheduled between March 6, 2021, and April 16, 2022) were canceled The Empress ship's planned by RCI 2021-2022 itinerary program included voyages in the Eastern-Western Caribbean (7-day roundtrips from PortMiami / March 6 through April 25, 2021), roundtrips from NYC New York to Bermuda (April 5 - August 9, 2021), four 7-day Canada and New England cruises (NYC roundtrips, May 24, June 21, July 19, Aug 16, 2021), 10-11-day Canadian cruises out of Montreal (September 2 - October 4, 2021) and the rest were 7-day Southern Caribbean cruises from homeport San Juan Puerto Rico (November 6, 2021, through April 16, 2022) Enchantment OTS Tampa FL (summer 2023) the ship is deployed in Europe/Mediterranean for 7-day voyages leaving from Greece (Piraeus-Athens), Italy (Civitavecchia-Rome, Ravenna) and Spain (Barcelona). Following the Mediterranean deployment, Enchantment OTS changes homeporting with Tampa Florida, for 7-day roundtrips to Western Caribbean ports visiting Mexico's Cozumel and Costa Maya, Honduras' Roatan Island, and Belize City (2023-2024-2025) from Tampa are operated 4- and 5-night short breaks to Cozumel and Costa Maya, Mexico; 7-night summer voyages to Roatan, Belize City, Cozumel, Costa Maya, and CocoCay Explorer OTS Sydney NSW Australia Seattle WA operates on South Pacific Islands itineraries (Fiji, New Caledonia, Vanuatu) and also on Cruises to Nowhere (out of Sydney AU) (winter 2021-2022) 7-night Southern Caribbean roundtrips from San Juan Puerto Rico. The ship replaced the previously scheduled voyages on Freedom OTS (summer 2022) Explorer OTS returns to Miami FL to sail alternating 8- and 6-night itineraries exploring the ABC Islands (Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao) with more time in Willemstad, Curacao and Oranjestad, Aruba on every 8-night cruise. The ship's 6-night trips in the Western Caribbean call at CocoCay Bahamas (Europe 2023) from Venice (Italy) Freedom OTS Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades) Florida San Juan Puerto Rico NYC-Bayonne operates on 7-day roundtrips to Eastern Caribbean (Labadee Haiti, Puerto Rico, St Maarten, St Kitts) and Western Caribbean (Costa Maya and Cozumel Mexico, Jamaica, Grand Cayman, Belize, Roatan) (2022-2023) 3-4-night roundtrips from PortMiami to Nassau Bahamas, visiting Royal Caribbean's private island in the Bahamas, Perfect Day at CocoCay Grandeur OTS Florida (Miami and Tampa) (2023) from Miami are offered 5-day "Eastern Caribbean" itineraries (Key West Florida and Labadee Haiti) and 9-day "Southern Caribbean" itineraries (St Maarten, St Croix USVI, Puerto Rico, Dominicana, Labadee). During summer 2023 from Tmapa are offered 4-day Mexico (Cozumel) and 5-day Bahamas (CocoCay + Nassau) (2024-2025) from Tampa and Fort Lauderdale FL. 4- and 5-night sailings to The Bahamas, including Perfect Day at CocoCay and Cozumel, Mexico; 5-night winter trips to Labadee and Amber Cove Dominicana Harmony OTS Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades) Florida Port Canaveral (Orlando) Florida operates on 7-day roundtrips to Western Caribbean (Cozumel Mexico, Jamaica, Labadee Haiti) and Bahamas-Eastern Caribbean (Thomas, St Thomas, St Maarten) The ship offers inaugural season itineraries in Europe out of Barcelona Spain (7-day itineraries to France and Italy) 2021-2022. Harmony OTS from Port Canaveral offers 7-night Eastern-Western Caribbean itineraries (alternating), all visiting CocoCay (summer 2022) 7-night Eastern Caribbean from Port Canaveral to St Thomas USVI, St Kitts, Falmouth Jamaica, CocoCay (2023) PortMiami is Harmony's summer homeport for 7-night Western and Eastern Caribbean voyages visiting St Kitts, St Thomas USVI, Aruba, Costa Maya, CocoCay (2024-2025) from PortMiami offers 5-night Western Caribbean and CocoCay, and 4-night Eastern Caribbean with Labadee Haiti Icon OTS Miami Icon OTS is the first of three ICON-class ships and is planned for delivery in 2023 and inauguration in January 2024. The design is based on volume 250K GT-tons (bigger than OASIS and OSAIS Plus /225-228K GT), and passenger capacity 5600 (lower berths) Icon OTS is year-round deployed in the Caribbean and USA_homeported (in Miami). The Maiden Voyage departs from Miami on January 27, 2024. The ship operates alternating Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries (7-day roundtrips from Miami), all visiting CocoCay Bahamas. Other call ports include Philipsburg (St. Maarten), Isla Roatan (Honduras), Cozumel (Mexico) (2025-2026) 7-day roundtrip Miami itineraries - "Eastern Caribbean & CocoCay" (Puerto Plata Dominicana, San Juan Puerto Rico, Philipsburg St Maarten, Charlotte Amalie St Thomas) and "Western Caribbean & CocoCay" (Costa Maya and Cozumel Mexico, Isla Roatan Honduras) Independence OTS Florida (Fort Lauderdale, Miami)(2023) Short breaks from Fort Lauderdale visit Bahamas (3-4- day to Nassau+CocoCay). Short breaks from Miami visit Western Caribbean (4-5-day to Falmouth Jamaica+Nassau) and Eastern Caribbean (4-day to Labadee Haiti) Jewel OTS San Juan Puerto Rico Civitavecchia-Rome (Italy) Miami Florida operates roundtrips to Eastern-Southern Caribbean (St Thomas, St Kitts, St. Maarten, Dominica, Aruba, Curacao, St Lucia, Antigua). REPOSITIONING (Transatlantic). During summer, the ship operates in Europe on roundtrips out of Rome (Civitavecchia) to Greece and Greek Islands, Turkey, Italy (Sicily) (summer 2023) 12-night cruises to the Arctic Circle, British Isles, Ireland, and Iceland from Amsterdam (Netherlands) Liberty OTS Galveston Texas Miami FL operates on 7-day roundtrips to Eastern-Western Caribbean (Costa Maya and Cozumel Mexico, Roatan Honduras, Grand Cayman, Jamaica) (2023) alternating 3- and 4-night Bahamas roundtrips from Fort Lauderdale visiting CocoCay and Freeport (2024-2025) from Fort Lauderdale FL. 3- and 4-night sailings to The Bahamas, with Perfect Day at CocoCay and Nassau on every cruise Majesty OTS sold/left the fleet IMPORTANT. In mid-December 2020, RCI sold the ships Majesty OTS and Empress OTS to an Asian company. A total of 60x Majesty OTS cruises (itineraries scheduled between March 6, 2021, and April 30, 2022) were canceled Mariner OTS Singapore Miami Florida Port Canaveral (Orlando Florida) Mariner OTS operates on Asia roundtrips out of Singapore (to Thailand and Malaysia) and out of Shanghai (to South Korea and Japan) (2023) Returning to Port Canaveral (Orlando) for the 3rd consecutive summer, Mariner OTS offers short and longer itineraries of 5-7-8-night to Bermuda, the Eastern-Western-Southern Caribbean to destinations like Dominicana, Aruba, Curacao, St Croix USVI. On all 8-night Bermuda and CocoCay cruises, there are 2 nights in Bermuda (2024-2025) from Galveston offers 4-5-night roundtrips to Mexico's Cozumel and Costa Maya Navigator OTS Los Angeles CA (San Pedro) from Los Angeles (San Pedro) Navigator OTS offers 3-4-5-7-night California and Mexican Riviera itineraries visiting Santa Catalina Island, Ensenada, Cabo San Lucas (2024-2025) from Los Angeles CA. 3-, 4- or 7-night voyages to Catalina Island, Puerto Vallarta, Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan, and Ensenada, Mexico Oasis OTS Miami Florida NYC (Cape Liberty, Bayonne NJ) operates on 7-day roundtrips to Western Caribbean (Cozumel Mexico, Labadee Haiti, Jamaica) and Bahamas-Eastern Caribbean (Nassau, St Thomas, St Maarten) Odyssey OTS Fort Lauderdale Florida Civitavecchia-Rome Italy NYC/Bayonne In winter 2024-2025 (November thru April), Odyssey OTS will be homeported in NYC (New York/leaving out of Port Bayonne NJ) replacing Anthem OTS. The new deployment is based on 7- to 12-day roundtrips to Florida (Port Canaveral)-Bahamas (Nassau, CocoCay)-Eastern and Southern Caribbean (Barbados, St Lucia, St Maarten, St Kitts, St Thomas, Antigua, Puerto Rico) (summer 2023) 7- to 9-night cruises from Civitavecchia (Rome) to Naples (Italy), Greek Isles & Turkey, and 12-night Holy Land voyages to Cyprus, Kusadasi (Turkey), Ashdod (Israel) Ovation OTS Sydney, NSW Australia Seattle, Washington REPOSITIONING (Asia-Australia) During summer, Ovation OTS is deployed in Alaska and homeported in Seattle WA. The ship offers 7-day roundtrip itineraries to Juneau, Ketchikan, Sitka, Skagway, Victoria (BC Canada). (Australia 2023-2024-2025 out of Sydney) 9- to 11-night roundtrips visit destinations along New Zealand's coastline (Bay of Islands, Milford Sound, Wellington). Guests can choose from 3- to 9-night voyages around Australia visit Adelaide, Eden, Hobart Tasmania, as well as the South Pacific islands (November 2024-April 2025) six 10- to 11-night cruises to New Zealand and the South Pacific, departing from Sydney. One of the stops is Noumea, along with the deserted Mystery Island in Vanuatu Cruises to Nowhere Australia/2-night and 3-night weekend getaways Quantum OTS Seattle WA Brisbane QLD Australia During summer (2023-2024-2025) the ship is deployed in Alaska for 7-night ex-Seattle roundtrips to Juneau, Ketchikan, Sitka, Skagway, Victoria BC In Australia (2023-2024-2025 from Brisbane) the ship offers 3- to 13-night voyages visiting Queensland (Airlie Beach, Cairns) and the South islands (Port Vila Vanuatu, Noumea New Caledonia) (November 2024-April 2025) eleven 7-8 night cruises to Mystery Island, Port Vila, and Noumea, departing from Brisbane. A 14-night cruise to New Zealand features Milford Sound, the Bay of Islands, Napier, and Wellington Cruises to Nowhere Australia/2-night and 3-night weekend getaways Radiance OTS Vancouver BC Canada Seward AK New Orleans and Galveston TX (Alaska 2023) 7-10 night roundtrips from Vancouver combinable with Land Tours (like Denali NP) (Caribbean 2022-2023 winter/November thru April) Radiance OTS operates Western Caribbean itineraries out of New Orleans and Galveston TX Rhapsody OTS Venice-Ravenna Italy Haifa Israel Tampa Florida Bridgetown Barbados (Europe 2022 and 2023 summers/Aug-Sept) Rhapsody OTS is homeported in Haifa (Israel) and Limassol (Cyprus Greece). The 7-day roundtrips visit ports in Greece (Thessaloniki), Greek Islands (Rhodes, Santorini, Mykonos, Skiathos), Turkey (Istanbul, Kusadasi), Israel (Haifa, Ashdod), and Egypt (Alexandria, Port Said). Roundtrips from Israel (Haifa) are also offered in August-November (Caribbean 2022-2023) 4-5-night roundtrips from Tampa to Cozumel and Grand Cayman. During summer, the 7-night itinerary visits Isla Roatan, Belize City, Cozumel, Costa Maya (winter 2022-2023) Rhapsody OTS is homeported in Bridgetown Barbados (starting November 2022) for 5-7-8-14-night roundtrip itineraries that visit ports in Trinidad, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Columbia, Aruba, St Lucia, Dominica, St. Vincent, Bonaire, Curacao. The 14-night roundtrips offer overnight port stays in Oranjestad Aruba and Cartagena Colombia Serenade OTS Tampa Florida Vancouver BC Canada Serenade OTS restarted operations in the Caribbean from Tampa (4-5-day roundtrips) to Mexico (Cozumel, Costa Maya) and Bahamas (Nassau, CocoCay) Serenade OTS' 2023 Europe/Baltic schedule (homeporting in Copenhagen Denmark and Stockholm Sweden) was canceled in mid-July 2022 CURIOUS (World Cruise 2023-2024) RCI's first such voyage is currently planned as a 274-night itinerary (Dec 10, 2023, thru Sept 10, 2024) for Serenade OTS. Leaving roundtrip from Miami, the voyage visits 150 ports/islands in 65 countries and on the 7 continents Spectrum OTSHong Kong China Shanghai China From Shanghai, Spectrum OTS cruises to japan on 4 roundtrip itineraries
From Hong Kong, Spectrum OTS cruises on 3 roundtrip itineraries
December 2021 through January 2022, Spectrum OTS is homeported in Hong Kong for 4- to 9-night roundtrips (January through October 2022) the ship has scheduled 4-8 days roundtrips from Shanghai and Tianjin-Beijing to ports in Japan (Nagasaki, Fukuoka, Sasebo) Symphony OTS Miami Florida (summer 2023) 7-night cruises to Naples (Italy), Palma de Mallorca (Majorca Island, Balearic Spain), and Aix-en-Provence (France) from Civitavecchia (Rome, Italy) and Barcelona (Spain) Vision OTS Baltimore Maryland Vision of the Seas from Baltimore (since May 2023) visits popular destinations in the Southern Caribbean (12-day to St Croix USVI, St Maarten, Antigua, Barbados, St Kitts, St Lucia, Dominica), Florida and Bahamas (7-8-day to Port Canaveral, Miami, Nassau, Freeport, CocoCay), Bermuda (5-day to King's Wharf/overnight), Bermuda and Bahamas (9-day to Kings Wharf, Nassau, CocoCay), Canada and New England USA (9-day to Boston, Portland ME, Saint John NB, Halifax NS) Voyager OTS Sydney NSW Australia Singapore Tianjin China Los Angeles CA operates on roundtrips to South Pacific Islands itineraries (Fiji, New Caledonia, Vanuatu) The ship was homeported in Singapore for 3- to 9-night itineraries in Southeast Asia (Thailand and Malaysia). The roundtrips from Singapore include
(summer 2022) Voyager OTS starts an inaugural Northern European season based on 7-10-11-night Baltic roundtrips from Copenhagen (May-June and August) and Stockholm (July). Passengers can explore the Norwegian fjords, the oldest European medieval town in Tallinn Estonia, and overnight in Saint Petersburg (October 2022 - April 2023) Voyager OTS is homeported in Boston for 7-day roundtrips to Canada and Maine USA (St John, Halifax, Bar Harbor, Portland) plus 7-day to Caribbean-Bahamas (Dominican Republic, St Thomas USVI, CocoCay) (summer 2023) cruising from Copenhagen (Denmark) and Stockholm (Sweden) for Scandinavian itineraries (winter 2024-2025) from Port Canaveral offers 4-5-night sailings to Eastern-Western Caribbean (Cozumel, Amber Cove, Labadee) and Bahamas (CocoCay, Nassau) Wonder OTS Fort Lauderdale Florida (2023 summer) from Port Canaveral operates 7-night roundtrips to Western and Eastern Caribbean visiting St Maarten, St Thomas USVI, Cozumel, CocoCay Utopia OTS Port Canaveral (Orlando) Utopia OTS is the 5th OASIS-Plus class liner, currently under construction in France and scheduled for delivery in 2024 May From Port Canaveral, the ship operates short breaks to The Bahamas (3- and 4-day roundtrips) visiting Nassau and CocoCay Orbiter of the Galaxies spaceship project The aircraft has confirmed/scheduled launch in 2030. Construction of the "space and cruise ship" hybrid vessel is already underway Royal Caribbean's "Private Journeys" excursionsRCI passengers seeking personalized shore excursion experiences can take advantage of the company's "Private Journeys" program The USD 100 concierge service enables passengers to book port calls tailored to their interests, travel style and budget. Private Journeys (custom-made tours) allow access to 1 of 9 professional Destination Insiders who help planning every detail of the shore excursion before the cruise starts. Activities can include private yachting, cooking with Michelin-starred chefs, food tasting. The USD 100 fee for Private Journeys is applicable to excursion's final cost Private Journeys are offered as a 3rd excursion choice (besides independent and RCI-sponsored group tours). The new choice offers direct booking through RCI (ONLY via Royal Caribbean). Booked passengers have to provide Private Journeys' staff with their idea/basics of what they want (duration, preferred places, activities, meals, etc). Then they work with local (professional) tour guides to design the excursion. The contact with Private Journeys is by email or phone "Private Journeys" RCI tour deals guarantee. priority disembarkation, sure return to the cruise ship (if the tour runs late, the ship waits for you), convenient access to private tour vehicles, quality of service (reputable/insured operators in direct contact with the RCI cruise ship's personnel) Royal Caribbean cruises to Cuba from Florida (Miami and Tampa)Royal Caribbean operated Cuba cruises with the Miami-homeported (later in Tampa) Empress of the Seas. The first Cuban cruise was on April 19, 2017 (5-night Miami to Costa Maya and Havana) The newly-refreshed Empress OTS had scheduled a total of 58 voyages (4- and 5-night itineraries) in the period January 2018 through March 2019, with more than half offering overnights in havana. Empress was homeported in Tampa for summer 2018, for 4- and 5-night itineraries to Key West, Costa Maya, Cozumel and Havana (on most voyages). For the winter 2018-2019 season, the ship repositioned to Port Everglades (Fort Lauderdale) On December 1, 2017, RCI added 2 new Cuban ports (Santiago de Cuba and Cienfuegos) included in 4- to 8-night long Caribbean itineraries on Empress of the Seas. The new 7-night "Best of Cuba" itinerary from Miami visits Cienfuegos, Havana, and Nassau. The 5-night itinerary visits Key West Florida and Havana (overnight). The 8-night itinerary visits Cienfuegos, Santiago de Cuba, Grand Cayman Island, and Labadee Haiti Majesty of the Seas offered 4- and 5-night itineraries to Havana (day visits and overnights) leaving roundtrip from Tampa (in the period April-October 2018) and from Fort Lauderdale (November 2018 through March 2019). In July 2017, RCI unveiled the company's 2nd ship to Cuba - Majesty OTS, homeported in Port Canaveral. Starting March 25, 2019, the liner offered a 4-night voyage calling at Havana On June 4, 2019, the US Government announced new regulations (economic sanctions) that ended group travel to Cuba, including via US-homeported cruise liners, effective immediately. The ban relates to "private and corporate aircraft, cruise ships, sailboats, fishing boats, and other similar aircraft and vessels". The US travel restrictions impacted hundreds of pre-scheduled cruise itineraries, which were adjusted to no longer stop in Cuban seaports Note. According to the current Cuban law, US citizens of Cuban origin (born in Cuba) are not allowed to visit the island country (including on cruise ships). Regardless of their US citizenship status, Cuba-born Americans were denied booking on cruise itineraries visiting ports in Cuba. However, the situation changed in April 2016, after Carnival Corporation negotiated with the Cuban government for allowing ships with Cuban-born passengers, as such US citizens are allowed to visit the country on USA-Cuba charter flights. The Carnival-fathom line started Miami to Cuba cruises in May 2016 Alaska Airlines offers regular nonstop flights to Havana from Los Angeles (California USA). An 80-min ling JetBlue flight from Fort Lauderdale (Florida) to Havana costs less than USD 100. Previously, air travel from the USA to Cuba was thought charter flights only Royal Caribbean related cruise news
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