Health And Safety Protocols On Royal Caribbean Cruises
Everything Royal Caribbean does, onboard and on land, is about safeguarding the guests and crew. Royal Caribbean ships provide a worry-free vacation! Here are some steps we are taking to ensure we keep you healthy. Royal Caribbeany has developed a comprehensive plan to respond to COVID-19 situations, just in case. Preparedness is key! If someone should fall ill or display symptoms while sailing, Royal Caribbean has rigorous protocols in place, including intensified cleaning, air filtration, and sanitizing procedures and medical isolation. Each ship has reviewed their inventory and are all well-equipped with supplies and personal protective equipment, such as masks and medicine.
REDUCED TRAVEL TO IMPACTED COUNTRIES
Along with a team of medical experts and guidance from health organizations, Royal Caribbean is monitoring the situation and either canceling or modifying itineraries to impacted areas.
ENHANCED BOARDING SCREENING
At the pier, all guests participate in mandatory screenings that include exclusion due to travel based on temporary restrictions and even a thermal scan to check everyone’s temperature. Some guests may be subject to a secondary review. Dependent of screening results, some guests may be denied boarding to ensure Royal Caribbean is keep their ships healthy and safe.
HEIGHTENED SANITATION AT CRUISE TERMINALS
ADDITIONAL SANITATION SAFEGUARDS ONBOARD SHIPS
HAND SANITIZERS EVERYWHERE
ENHANCED MEDICAL PROTOCOLS
STATEROOM CLEANLINESS
Inside Cabins On Royal Caribbean Ships
These are the cabins you stay in when youre on a tight budget. On any Royal Caribbean ship, they almost always are the least-expensive option when youre booking a cabin, and you often can save considerable money by booking an inside cabin versus an ocean-view or higher-level cabin.
What youll give up, of course, is that ocean view. Your room will have four walls and no windows offering a glimpse of the outside world .
Youll also be in a very small room. Inside cabins on Symphony of the Seas measure just 149 square feet, quite a bit less than the typical ocean-view cabin on the vessel . The typical balcony cabin on Symphony of the Seas is 182 square feet, not including a 50-square-foot balcony.
As I hinted at above, there is one way to get a glimpse of the outside world from an inside cabin on a Royal Caribbean ship. In one of the great cruising innovations, Royal Caribbean has created some inside cabins which have a virtual balcony that offers a view of the outside.
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The virtual balcony is a high-definition screen built into one end of the windowless room that projects a real-time view of the ocean outside. Its designed to make you think youre actually in a balcony cabin with a view, and it is quite realistic-looking.
Just dont try to walk through the faux balcony opening.
Rci’s Shipboard Kids And Teen Programming
Also complimentary the company offers to kids and teenagers supervised activities at dedicated facilities and youth counselors on each vessel.
For toddlers on each liner are provided at-fee nursery services via highly experienced and professionally trained staff.
RCI’s children program covers ages 2-17 and features brand partnerships , 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 . Service’s only alternatives still available are the shipboard nursery and group sitting . The other two kids programs remained unchanged.
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How Much Are Gratuities On Royal Caribbean Cruises
Royal Caribbean gratuities cost $14.50 per person, per day for guests staying in Junior Suites and below and $17.50 per person, per day for guests in Grand Suites and above. This applies to guests of all ages, including children and babies.
You can choose to pre-pay your gratuities before your cruise or have them added to your onboard account to pay at the end. No further tipping is required or expected on board, although some people do sometimes give cash tips as well to recognise exceptional service.
If you have any questions about Royal Caribbean gratuities, youll find those answered here: Royal Caribbean gratuities.
Available On Oasis Allure Harmony Anthem And Ovation Of The Seas
For the ultimate luxury experience at sea, upgrade to Royal Suite Class and wow your guests with a truly unforgettable voyage that exceeds every expectation. With unique experiences, exclusive access, and inclusive amenities all fully customizable to your clients needs and preferences Royal Suite Class delivers an unmatched, unforgettable, upscale experience for guests who deserve the very best.
We offer three unique Royal Suite classes: Star Class, Sky Class, and Sea Class. Take a look at the benefits each Class offers.
| Suite Benefits |
|---|
| Exclusive Access to Barefoot Beach Club in Labadee |
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Purchase An Extra Package And Enjoy Bottomless Sodas And Cocktails
The only drink available for those sailing on one of the biggest cruise lines in the world is complimentary water and juice. However, for an additional daily fee per sailor, everyone can pair their perfect meals with the most refreshing twist of a mocktail, cocktail or soda.
There are different drink packages that range in prices from $12.99 to $89 per day, per person. The lowest tier is the bottomless soda package which also includes a souvenir cup. This includes unlimited refills at any of the pool stations or restaurants. Then, there are the refreshing refreshment packages which include any of the sodas and fountain drinks, mocktails, sparkling water and bottled water, freshly squeezed juices and unlimited coffees and teas.
Lastly, and most importantly, the deluxe package which includes all of the above and then the fun spirits, cocktails, wines, and beers. Best of all, all passengers with the deluxe package can purchase bottles of wine for an additional 40% off.
Royal Caribbean Drops Vaccine Requirement For Some Cruises
Royal Caribbean drops its vaccine requirement for some cruises starting with September 5th departures, not including FL sailings.
Just two weeks ago, Royal Caribbean published updates to its testing requirements. The cruise line indicated that these protocols better aligned with the travel and hospitality sector and met destination regulations. Now, Royal Caribbean drops vaccine requirements for some cruises as well.
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Other Interior Attractions And Activities
In addition to entertainment spaces, the interiors of Royal Caribbean ships are loaded with other venues where passengers can kick back and let loose day and night, including a seemingly endless array of bars, lounges and nightspots.
Every Royal Caribbean ship has a casino, and on the lines bigger vessels, these are big operations. The Casino Royale on Oasis of the Seas sprawls with 450 slot machines, 27 table games and a poker room, plus its very own bar.
The 12 vessels that are part of the Voyager, Freedom and Oasis classes also have Royal Promenades indoor, mall-like spaces that are home to some of the coolest bars at sea as well as food outlets and retail shops.
The version of the Royal Promenade on Oasis of the Seas, for instance, offers the Bionic Bar, where a robot makes the drinks, along with the equally innovative Rising Tide Bar, which rises between the Royal Promenade and the outdoor Central Park area three decks above while you drink. Theres also a British pub, a karaoke lounge, a Latin-themed nightspot and located one deck up in a balcony area the lines signature Schooner Bar.
The lines five Quantum Class vessels have a much smaller version of the Royal Promenade called the Royal Esplanade that transitions into another indoor area called The Via.
Bringing Your Own Beverages Aboard A Royal Caribbean Cruise
One simple way to save money on cruise beverages is to bring some onboard yourself. And, Royal Caribbean allows guests to BYOB as to a limited quantity of non-alcoholic and/or alcoholic beverages.
Royal Caribbean permits guests to bring two sealed bottles of wine or champagne per stateroom. Note that boxed wine and other containers are prohibited. And, Royal Caribbean prohibits guests from bringing any kind of beer or hard liquor onboard for consumption or any other use.
Depending on how much wine you typically drink, two full bottles may be sufficient for your entire cruise. Royal Caribbean conveniently provides a corkscrew so that you can enjoy it in your room. Or, alternatively, you can bring it with you to dinner and pay a corkage fee of $15 per bottle. If you dont finish the bottle, the dining room staff will hold it for you for the next night.
These BYOB allowances for alcohol only apply at embarkation. The crew will confiscate any alcohol purchased while you are in port after sailing. They will store it until the end of your cruise.
What About Sneaking On Alcoholic Beverages?
Be forewarned: A harsher rule applies if you try to bring on or sneak on excess alcohol at embarkation.
Alcoholic beverages seized on embarkation day will not be returned.
Guests may also carry on 12 cans or cartons of non-alcoholic beverages in their hand luggage.
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Royal Caribbean Loyalty Program
Royal Caribbean has a point-based frequent cruiser program, the Crown & Anchor Society, that has six tiers ranging from Gold to Pinnacle Club .
Members earn points for every night they sail on one of the lines ships, with double points awarded to passengers staying in suites. To hit the first tier, Gold, takes one cruise. Reaching the second tier, Platinum , would take five cruises if youre doing seven-night trips .
Lower tiers dont bring all that much in terms of truly valuable benefits. Youll get things like priority check-in and a private departure lounge with Continental breakfast at the end of a trip. But higher levels of the program start to be enticing.
The second-to-highest tier, Diamond Plus , brings Concierge Club access, priority seating at onboard shows, an exclusive number to call for bookings and reduced rates for solo travelers, plus other things. The top Pinnacle Club level brings free cruises after hitting key milestones.
Note that, in contrast to airline frequent flyer programs, cruise line loyalty programs do not require you to requalify for status every year. So, yes, the perks with lower tiers arent great. But its not as difficult as it might at first seem to hit the more rewarding higher level tiers in just a few years if youre cruising a lot.
A passenger staying in suites could get to the Diamond Plus level with just 13 seven-night cruises. Take a few longer voyages, like a transatlantic sailing, and you could reach it even sooner.
Royal Caribbean Cruise For Kids And Teens
Fun isnt just for adults, says the Royal Caribbean, as it offers a wide range of kids and teens activities on the cruise.
A family fun place where they can take a nostalgic turn on the Handcrafted Carousel. It is colorful and full of charm that brings your beloved infant remembrances to sea.
Adventure Ocean Teens & Kids Club offers a UP and Away in the first-ever glow-in-the-dark musical at sea. Here you can follow the puppets Max and Mia, who are landing down to the ocean floor searching for treasure hidden deep beneath the waves.
Adventure Ocean Youth Program is specially designed to ignite the imagination. Here kids have plenty of options to choose their own immersive adventure. These spaces to call their own at the hangout.
Adventure Ocean Youth Programs is not only entertaining kids on board, but it will be educational too!
Aquanauts give endless ways to keep the little cruisers busy while their parents want some quality time. It offers bubbling science experiments and dino-size secrets that are just waiting to be uncovered.
At H20 Zone, kids can get drenched, splashed, and sprayed all day long, including interactive geysers, climbable sculptures, water cannons, pools, and waterfalls.
Explorers have no end to activities that engage young imaginations. It includes science experiments, Fossil Fever, Space Mud, Meteorology Madness, Art and Craft activities and deck parties.
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Did We Enjoy The Food
We loved the number of food venues included in the cruise fare and we had some great meals in the buffet and other locations. The free room service breakfast was a great perk and we definitely werent ever hungry during the cruise.
Royal Caribbean do desserts particularly welland the 24/7 access to cookies was AMAZING.
We were disappointed by the quality of the food in the main dining room, as were many others on the cruise but perhaps our expectations were too high.
I hope that Royal Caribbean will continue to improve their vegetarian options but overall we definitely enjoyed the food on the cruise.
To find out more about my Royal Caribbean cruise onboard Anthem of the Seas, check out this video:
Carnival Royal Caribbean And Celebrity Cruises Are The Latest To Relax Coronavirus Protocols
Three giant cruise companies are dropping vaccine requirements for some ships, following a wave of recent moves to ease pandemic-era restrictions that precluded some travelers from boarding.
Sister cruise lines Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises said on their websites that as of Sept. 5, everyone regardless of vaccination status would be able to sail on specific cruises as long as they met testing requirements.
For Celebrity, that means cruises leaving from Los Angeles, the United Kingdom and Europe . Royal Caribbean cruises that dont require vaccination include sailings that leave from European ports, Los Angeles, Galveston, Tex. and New Orleans.
Bahamas and Caribbean cruises that leave from Florida ports the busiest in the world still have vaccine rules in place.
Carnival Cruise also announced Friday that unvaccinated guests are welcome on board starting Sept. 6, though they will still need to provide a negative coronavirus test result taken three days before sailing. Proof of vaccination will remain required for cruises to Australia and voyages longer than 16 nights.
Vaccinated guests will no longer need to test, Carnival said, with the exception of sailings to Canada, Bermuda, Greece and Australia, per local guidelines, and on cruises longer than 16 nights.
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Most Of The Food But Most Importantly The Buffet
Each stunning ship is filled to the brim with a wide range of bistros, lounges, and restaurants. With each reservation, whether for a child or an adult, comes with a long list of restaurants that are complementary like the all-you-can-eat buffet, the burger shack, a smaller version of their famous steakhouse, a hot dog joint, cafes and so many more. The total count of restaurants that are offered for free onboard Royal Caribbean cruise ships come up to fourteen. In addition, there are another seven kid-friendly restaurants and twenty after-hours bars and lounges.
There are twenty-eight additional restaurants for those that are craving some specific, though these come with low to hefty price tags. The most exclusive restaurant is the famous Jamies Italian, created by the famously acclaimed Chef Jamie Oliver.
Adventure Of The Seas
Royal Caribbean has taken cruising to a whole new level. Enjoy one-of-a-kind features like an ice-skating rink, the Royal Promenade and a rock-climbing wall just for starters. How did they accommodate all of these innovative ideas on one cruise ship? Simple. They built a bigger ship, the 3,114-guest Adventure of the Seas. If you’ve been in search of the ideal cruise to board for your much needed and deserved vacation, look no further.
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Rci’s Shipboard Dreamworks Experience Program
“DreamWorks Experience” was a family-themed program via a partnership between Royal Caribbean International and Amblin Partners . Universal Pictures is the distributor of the 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 . The list of such activities included:
- DreamWorks characters meetings and greetings . The list of characters included Po , Shrek, Fiona, Puss , Alex, Gloria, King Julien, penguins .
- Character Breakfasts were offered in the Main Dining Room restaurant.
- 3D DreamWorks movie screenings were available in the Royal Theater , including first-run movies which premiered on the ship were on the same day they went at land-based theaters. Among the films were “Shrek”, “Madagascar”, “How to Train Your Dragon”, “Kung Fu Panda”.
- DreamWorks channel was part of the in-cabin TV programming.
- Themed activities and games 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 .
- DreamWorks shows were available in Studio B and AquaTheater .
Rci’s Shipboard All Access Tour
Like most mainstream brands, RCI offers a behind-the-scenes touring 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 , Engines/control room, waste management , laundry room , food storage rooms, the Royal Theater . 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.
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Are There Sundecks Private Areas Not Included With Your Cruise
Most cruise lines do have an area that is more private, either reserved only for suites, or an adult only area that is additional.
Private spa like areas, such as Princess Cruises Sanctuary, has a beautiful and luxurious space with a limited number of reserved lounge chairs. Theres a lovely spa menu available and included with the price, for either a half or full day.
Other cruise lines may have private adult only areas, that have different offerings, so do check the specifics of your cruise ship.
Tip: Towels are also given to you complimentary, so definitely dont pack these from home.
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