Voyager OTS (from Port Canaveral) during winter offers 4-5-night Eastern and Western Caribbean voyages to CocoCay, Nassau, Cozumel, Amber Cove, Labadee. 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. In October 2021, RCI announced the company's first World Cruise, which is also one of the world's longest. The new policy transitions from 1 day / 24-hour prior to land tour departure date to 48-hours prior to cruise port arrival date. In 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. IMPORTANT: In mid-December 2020, RCI sold the ships Empress OTS and Majesty OTS to an Asian company. In December 2018 was trademarked the name "Fly Rider" (amusement park ride/similar to a zip-line roller coaster ride). DreamWorks characters meetings and greetings (with photo ops). Other call ports include Philipsburg (St. Maarten), Isla Roatan (Honduras), Cozumel (Mexico). Caribbean Cruise Itineraries | Royal Caribbean Incentives Since its possible to tour the entire island of Cozumel in one day, the best activity is a combo tour that circles the island and includes some of the best local activities such as snorkeling, the national park, and tequila tasting. Explorer OTS sailing from Ravenna offers 7-night Med and Aegean itineraries visiting Chania (Crete), Argostoli (Greece), and Kotor (Montenegro). 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). NextCruise allows passengers to book a future RCI itinerary while on the ship. 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). 25 BEST Western Caribbean Cruises 2023 (Prices - Cruise Critic Follows a review of the Royal Caribbean itinerary program for 2022-2023 scheduled itineraries. I have fond childhood memories taking Caribbean cruises with my extended family. 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). (summer 2023) homeported in Southampton (England UK). If a destination is known for beaches, Ill opt to explore on my own and spend time relaxing. 26-days (Dec 10, 2023 - Jan 5, 2024) "Ultimate Caribbean and South America" itinerary (Miami to Buenos Aires) visits CocoCay Bahamas, Cozumel Mexico, Oranjestad Aruba, Willemstad Curacao, Kralendijk Bonaire, Bridgetown Barbados, St George Grenada, Cayenne (Devil Island French Guiana), Brazil (Fortaleza, Recife, Rio de Janeiro, Copacabana) and Montevideo Uruguay. For more details on Costa Maya, check out my quick guide to the port. 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. The ship's 6-night trips in the Western Caribbean call at CocoCay Bahamas. The ship cruises to ports in the Caribbean, Bahamas, Bermuda, and Canada-New England. 16-days (Apr 8-24) "Ultimate Japan, Vietnam and Singapore" itinerary (Beijing to Singapore) visits ports in Japan (Nagasaki, Kagoshima, Yokohama-Tokyo, Shimizu, Osaka-Kyoto) and Vietnam (Nha Trang, Phu My-Saigon). 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. Costa Maya is a port destination on the Yucatan peninsula of Mexico. I learned a ton on this tour and enjoyed seeing the ancient Mayan pyramids. The below tips are other tidbits Ive learned over the years that can make your trip even more enjoyable. It was in limited quantity and available on select voyages. (2024-2025) from Los Angeles CA: 3-, 4- or 7-night voyages to Catalina Island, Puerto Vallarta, Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan, and Ensenada, Mexico. 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. By combined expedition cruise berths, RCCL is ranked the world's 4th largest operator - following Ponant, Hurtigruten and Lindblad. operates on roundtrips to South Pacific Islands itineraries (Fiji, New Caledonia, Vanuatu). Starlink Internet installations were scheduled to be completed fleetwide in 2023-Q1. Next aerial photo shows a Voyager-class ship (Adventure, Explorer, Mariner, Navigator, Voyager). While visiting CocoCay isnt going to be a cultural experience, it offers an incredible day of relaxation that rivals the most luxurious resorts Ive stayed in. 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 5 best destinations you can visit on a Royal Caribbean cruise Support/companion animals are not recognized by ADA. The program allows 3-year, interest-free loans (max US$250,000) via CruisingPower.com. On both affected RCI liners (Majesty OTS and Empress OTS) all Cuban ports were substituted with alternative Caribbean ports. On two liners (Liberty OTS and Oasis OTS) was tested the new VIP passenger access program "The Key". I alternate between the two based on what is offered and what sounds interesting. Specifications of Allure Of The Seas Itineraries Review Wiki Allure Of The Seas Itineraries 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. Unfortunately, the app works only on Quantum- and Oasis-class ships. These are wearable tracing bands used on RCG ships for identifying the close contacts of a COVID-positive passenger/crew. 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). 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. Beginning November 2022, Allure OTS offers 7-night Western Caribbean roundtrips from RCI's new terminal in Galveston. 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. Only the first and second passengers in the cabin are charged the extra - regardless room's grade and max occupancy. The 7 Night Western Caribbean & Perfect Day visits Miami, Florida; Perfect Day at CocoCay, Bahamas; Nassau, Bahamas; Falmouth, Jamaika; Labadee, Haiti and Miami, Florida. For toddlers (2-3 yo) on each liner are provided at-fee nursery services (hourly charge) via highly experienced and professionally trained staff. Next are listed all RCI boats and the itinerary dates (2017) when each implemented the new lifeguard service. The ship operates alternating Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries (7-day roundtrips from Miami), all visiting CocoCay Bahamas. 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. The ban relates to "private and corporate aircraft, cruise ships, sailboats, fishing boats, and other similar aircraft and vessels". 11- to 14-night ex-UK roundtrips visit also the Canaries. Your ship - Royal Caribbean Cruises "Quantum Class" (Quantum, Anthem, Ovation) and "Quantum Ultra Class" ships (Spectrum, Odyssey) feature North Star (top-deck, mobile observation capsule), RipCord (sky-diving simulator), Seaplex (large indoor sports complex), Two70 Lounge (3-deck high), Loft Suites, Music Hall (2-deck venue). Royal Caribbean International Cruise Destinations - Travel Weekly Cruises 1 to 4 nights-long canceled between 74 and 61 days out incur a fee of 50% of the total price. 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). Rhapsody of the Seas will sail round-trip seven-night Western Caribbean itineraries out of Tampa, Florida during the winter season. "DreamWorks Experience" was a family-themed program via a partnership between Royal Caribbean International and Amblin Partners (DreamWorks SKG's owner company). Daytime During the day on a cruise, you will either be onboard at sea or exploring a port. Participants are required to wear pants and closed-toed shoes, and are provided with earpieces to hear the tour guide's narration. Since 2015, RCCL/RCG invests huge money in the corporation's private Bahamian island CocoCay. I recommend booking early because they will sell out. If there is a potential threat to any of our guests or ships, the itinerary may be altered to try to avoid any int *Please see all applicable Terms & Conditions for Promotions. Under the old policy, travelers booked on 1 to 5 night long itineraries could cancel up to 60 days prior to departure without a cancellation fee. 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. Keep reading this guide for Western Caribbean cruise tips, port guides, general cruising advice, and everything you need to successfully plan a Western Caribbean cruise of your own. The Bahamas roundtrips were planned to visit Key West Florida, Nassau and CocoCay. This buggy tour I took during my recent trip is a great way to do all of this! These memories involve playing in the kids club, eating a huge family dinner with unlimited food, visiting many great ports, and spending time with loved ones. Cruise #: 1540996 Sail Date: Saturday, Jul 22, 2023 Return Date: Saturday, Jul 29, 2023 See More Dates > Room Types & Rates: *Prices are per person based on double occupancy Click the "View Lowest Prices" button to view all room rates including Senior, Military, and Resident promotions. (May 9 - July 10) "Middle East Treasures and Marvels of the Med Expedition" itinerary visits 44 ports, 3 continents, and destinations in Arabia (Dubai, Jordan), Africa (Egypt), Mediterranean (Turkey, Greece, Italy, France, Spain), Adriatic (Croatia). In case non-refundable fare bookings are canceled, "Future Cruise Credit" will not be issued. This tour will allow you to leave Cozumel feeling like you saw everything. All RCG-owned vessels are serviced by Wartsila (Helsinki Finland-based corporation, marine equipment manufacturer and maritime services provider). Since CocoCay is Royals Island, all excursions and activities must be booked directly. Caribbean's biggest freshwater swimming pool (named Oasis Lagoon) has a swim-up bar and water loungers. Some of these events are also listed in the "Cruise Compass". . Jewel OTS from Amsterdam Holland offers 12-night roundtrips to the Arctic Circle, UK-British Isles, Ireland, Iceland. Check out my complete packing guides for more outfit ideas: Mens Packing Guide & Womens Packing Guide. RCI's newest vessel - Icon OTS (debuting 2024 January) will be homeported in Miami. Royal Caribbean Western Caribbean Cruise Tips and Itinerary on January 7, 2022 Growing up, some of my favorite family vacation memories are on cruises. On May 20th RCI patented "WATER-BASED PYROTECHNIC ILLUSION". 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). Symphony OTS is homeported in Port Everglades/Fort Lauderdale after the relocation from Europe in November 2023. Quantum OTS (out of Brisbane) offers 12 different itineraries (7-8-nights) visiting Mystery Island,Port Vila (Vanuatu), andNoumea (New Caledonia). Page 2 lists more onboard events, sales, and special offers. The program's test period was between November 2018 and March 2019. 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). After 340 points is offered lunch with an officer (in the MDR/main dining room), with a special menu (champagne and wine included). All above levels receive these perks by default. Before 2017, RCI offered photo packages for online purchasing on a separate website. The website provides full tour information, including duration, activity level, languages, etc. Starting July 2024, Allure OTS from Miami operates the same Bahamian short breaks (Nassau+CocoCay). The 7-night roundtrips also visit Panama Canal and The Netherlands' ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao) in the Leeward Antilles. Royal Caribbean Cruises. This guide focuses on Western Caribbean itineraries that visit countries such as Mexico, Belize, Honduras, and the Bahamas. The itinerary starts on 23 Jun, 2023 and ends on 30 Jun, 2023 . In July 2020, RCCL-Royal Caribbean Group purchased Silversea's remaining shares from Heritage Cruise Holding Ltd. If you have more questions, comment them below! 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). I am luxury travel blogger providing insider tips for visiting destinations across the globe. Due 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. Owned and privately held by Hornblower Group, the global leader in world-class experiences and transportation, Venture Ashore offers unique small group and affordable private shore excursions dedicated to bringing you the best experiences in port. offers 7-day roundtrip itineraries to Juneau, Fire safety fears delay the launch of Explora Journeys' inaugural ship Explora 1, RCI-Royal Caribbean opens exotic cruises on Spectrum OTS for bookings, RCI-Royal Caribbean redesigning crew cabins and facilities on Icon OTS ship, Forum Financial Management LP investing in RCCL-Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd, Virgin Voyages signs with Brenock as port cost management software provider, Jazz clubs converted to smoke-less casinos on 3 RCI-Royal Caribbean ships, VIDEO: 42-year-old woman rescued after going overboard on Royal Caribbeans Mariner OTS, Celebrity Cruises' ships Beyond and Reflection to visit Royal Caribbean's private island CocoCay, VIDEO: Freak storm rip through Royal Caribbean cruise ship Independence OTS in Florida, RCI-Royal Caribbeans ship Icon OTS successfully completes first sea trials, PONANT paving the way towards zero carbon navigation with iconic newbuild, Cordelia Cruises to add major ports in West Asia as stopovers from June 2024, Fred. As of 2020, RCI ships visit a total of 322 call ports worldwide, offering 4500+ shore excursions through local tour companies. Alaska Airlines offers regular nonstop flights to Havana from Los Angeles (California USA). Roundtrips from Israel (Haifa) are also offered in August-November. In port, shorts and a tank top with sneakers or sandals is great depending on if you are doing adventure activities or casual exploring. (Mediterranean 2022) Brilliance OTS ooperates 7-night voyages to Croatia (Dubrovnik), Greece (Athens), and the Greek Isles (Mykonos, Santorini). 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. Cruise 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). The new choice offers direct booking through RCI (ONLY via Royal Caribbean). Royal Caribbean Cruise to Nowhere (Australia). On July 30th RCG was officially renamed to "Royal Caribbean Group". Complimentary VOOM Internet ("Surf and Stream" package for 1 device). Independently run tours are often more affordable, have more options, and have a more local presence. Kennedy Space Center is an educational and inspirational activity, located on Cape Canaveral near the cruise port. Since May 2018 fleetwide are used only cage-free eggs and gestation stall-free pork. Azamara's CEO (Carol Cabezas) was appointed President. (Dec 10 - Feb 11) "Round the Horn: Americas and Antarctica Expedition" itinerary visits 36 ports/islands, 3 continents, and destinations in the Caribbean, Central and South America, Cape Horn, Antarctica, Rio de Janeiro (New Year's Eve overnight), Los Angeles (overnight). Leaving roundtrip from Miami, the voyage visits 150 ports/islands in 65 countries and on the 7 continents. Themed activities and games (by ship's "Adventure Ocean" / complimentary youth program) included 3D animation workshops, storytime, themed dance parties, character story-based adventure games, regular character visits to kids facilities, onboard parades, meet-and-greets with photo ops (throughout the ship). Anthem OTS has a "Dynamic Dining Classic" option, allowing guests to rotate between dining venues but keep the same waiter, assistant waiter, and tablemates. The suite-only restaurant Coastal Kitchen was also installed. June 22, 2023. 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. 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). The logo was also changed. By the new policy, itineraries 5-night or longer must be canceled at least 90 days prior departure date in order to avoid the cancellation fee. 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. Since November 2023, Allure OTS operates 3-4-night short breaks from Port Canaveral/Orlando to Nassau and CocoCay. Both are also deployed during summer 2025 in Alaska, and homeported in Seattle WA. The fleetmate Grandeur OTS operated out of Baltimore between 2013-2020. 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. It will give you extra time to explore the port on your own or head back to the ship for some pool time. 22-days (Aug 19 - Sep 10) "Ultimate Iceland, Greenland and Caribbean" Transatlantic itinerary (Amsterdam to Miami) visits Reykjavik Iceland, Greenland (Qaqortoq, Nuuk), St Johns Newfoundland Canada, NYC New York, King's Wharf Bermuda, CocoCay Bahamas.