The Pause In Bookings Is To Assist In Social Distancing On Ships
Meena Thiruvengadam is a lifelong traveler with nearly two decades of experience in journalism. She has visited more than 50 countries, 47 U.S. states, and six continents. Meena has road-tripped across the U.S., taken trains through Europe, traveled India by train, plane, and automobile, and gone off the grid in Alaska via helicopter. She has lived in New York City, Chicago, London, and Washington, D.C. * Nearly 20 years of experience in journalism with brands including Hearst, Bloomberg, Business Insider, and Yahoo * Received a master’s degree in journalism from Northwestern University * Bylines in The Wall Street Journal, Departures, TripSavvy, and more * On-air contributor for KENS-5 TV and Wsj.com * Wrote inaugural Skift research report on the future of in-room entertainment
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Royal Caribbean will not be accepting new bookings on cruises departing in the next few weeks, the cruise line confirmed to Travel + Leisure on Thursday.
“Cruises departing through early January 2022 are unavailable to new reservations because our ships will continue sailing with a limited capacity to accommodate physical distancing,” the cruise line said in a statement to T+L. “These sailings were removed from our website as we’ve done with previous cruises in 2021.”
The earliest departure date available on the Royal Caribbean website is Jan. 10, , . Customers who already have bookings between now and then will still be able to make upgrades and room changes.
Berlin Christmas Market Kaiser Wilhelm
Berlin is the state’s capital city and the capital of Traditional Christmas Market. That is what Berlin could be described as, if judged on quantity, as every year it has more than fifty Christmas markets across the city.
The most popular is Kaiser Wilhelm Gedachtniskirche , who come for the jewellery, artwork and decorations on sale as well as to indulge the cliched seasonal treats – mulled wine and chestnuts. When is open: 24 Nov-1 Jan.
Shipboard Vip Passenger Program The Key
On two liners is currently being tested a new VIP passenger access program . The program’s test period was November 2018 through March 2019. It has limited quantity and is 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 .
“The Key” VIP package is inclusive of:
- Carry-on luggage service – drop off at Royal Theater or MDR , cabin delivery
- Welcome MDR lunch on embarkation day between 11:30 am and 1:30 pm. Dining reservations are not required.
- Daily private visits at signature shipboard facilities – including FlowRider, Rock-Climbing Walls, Ice-Skating Rink. VIP seating at live shows must be reserved online prior departure.
- Early access at the cruise terminal, priority check-in and tendering service at call ports without docking facilities.
- Complimentary room service
- 25% discount on all shipboard dining purchases
- Early access at the Theater’s shows
- Complimentary VOOM Internet .
- Priority debarkation with exclusive a la carte breakfast .
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.
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Rci’s Wedding Packages & Vow Renewals
Standard wedding packages include priority services , non-denominational officiant, pre-recorded music, 3-tier cake, chocolate-covered strawberries, a specialty restaurant dinner and in-bed breakfast , themed cabin decorations, 1-hour photo service, 1x champagne bottle , keepsake wedding certificate .
Wedding package add-ons may include beauty services , live music, DJ , cocktail reception .
Wedding packages are priced between USD 2000-5600 .
New Internet Packages Cost
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:
- Note: All below listed unlimited Internet package prices are “Cruise Planner” booking rates and include the 30% pre-cruise booking discount. Packages can be purchased onboard and also pre-purchased via RCI’s “Cruise Planner” booking system.
- “Voom Surf Voyage” is the “light package” providing high-speed Internet for general web browsing, e-mails and social media platforms . The “Voom Surf Voyage” Internet package cost depends on the number of mobile devices using it. “Voom Surf” pricing is as follows: $13 , $12 , $10 and $20 .
- “Voom Surf + Stream” is the “real deal”, offering unlimited Internet activities, including high-speed video streaming . The “Voom Surf + Stream” Internet package cost also depends on the number of mobile devices included. Voom Surf + Stream pricing is as follows: $18 , $16 , $14 and $28 .
Occasionally, Royal Caribbean offers VOOM package discounts for passengers with pre-purchased online internet packages. Discounts are also offered for Royal Caribbean loyalty program members when the VOOM package is purchased onboard.
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Munich Christmas Market Marienplatz
Many people associate the Bavarian capital with Oktoberfest, but Munich also holds fantastic Christmas market in center of the city on Marienplatz. The Munich market surrounds enormous Christmas tree with 2,500 lights. Visitors can find traditional Bavarian gifts – wood carvings or gingerbread called lebkuchen, while sipping on beer or gluhwein .
Throughout the city there are smaller markets – one unique is Manger Market, selling the components for those who try to build authentic manger.
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 .
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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.
Panama Canal Cruises 2023
For winter 2023-2024, Rhapsody OTS has scheduled an RCI-first Caribbean and Latin America program based on 3x homeports – two in Panama and one in Colombia .
The 7-night roundtrips also visit Panama Canal and The Netherlands’ ABC islands in the Leeward Antilles. The Panama Canal itinerary visits Cartagena, and Costa Rica’s Puntarenas and Quepos.
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What Does Royal Caribbean Do To Celebrate New Year’s
Ringing in the new year is a giant party on Royal Caribbean’s cruise ships, with ample space to celebrate the big day.
You will find a smattering of music parties around the ship. The cruise line will distribute hats, decorations and even noisemakers.
In addition, Royal Caribbean usually reserves certain areas of the ship for purchase to guarantee a spot in the middle of the action. These are usually chairs and tables you can book that provide a reserved spot near the main party.
There is also live television feeds of the New Year’s Eve festivities in Times Square that you can watch in your room or in public venues.
For the ball drop, the big party is usually in the main Promenade, Esplanade or Centrum .
Royal Caribbean Announces Updates To 2021 Summer Cruises
New Itineraries Complement Previously Scheduled Sailings, Bringing Added Variety and Options in Europe and the Caribbean
MIAMI, Sept. 23, 2020* Royal Caribbean International today provides an update to its 2021 summer cruises, announcing upcoming changes in itineraries and homeports. Tapping market research and valuable feedback from guests and travel partners, the cruise line has adjusted its schedule with the goal of providing guests with greater variety for their 2021 adventures.
Highlights of the updated summer cruises for 2021 include new 4- and 5-night Mediterranean getaways from Barcelona, and more island time in the Caribbean with ships sailing from additional, popular U.S. cruise ports next summer including Tampa, Fla. and San Juan, Puerto Rico.
The new itineraries combined with Royal Caribbean ships and crew will deliver the signature vacation experience that guests know and love. Most importantly, the global cruise line is applying the best available public health, science and engineering insights to deliver a safer and healthier cruise vacation.
Guests with confirmed bookings between April and November 2021 and whose cruises are affected by these changes are being notified directly. These existing bookings are covered by Royal Caribbeans Cruise with Confidence program.
New Itineraries and Homeports
Europe
The Caribbean
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Cococay Island Refurbishments 2018
Since 2015, RCCL invests huge money in the corporation’s private Bahamian island CocoCay. In March 2018, Royal Caribbean announced a USD 200-million project 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.
CocoCay has 3 new beaches. Chill Island Beach offers private cabanas and daybeds. South Beach is specifically designed for beachside activities and offers bungalows, daybeds, teepees . Coco Beach Club is an exclusive beach with overwater cabanas providing premium island vacation experiences. Coco Beach cabana rentals are inclusive of 1 hammock, 1 waterslide, dedicated service . The complex also has a freshwater infinity pool, full bar, restaurant.
In May 2018, RCI announced plans to build permanent accommodations on CocoCay allowing Suite passengers to stay on the island overnight . The concept includes premium cabanas serving passengers on any of the RCI ships calling at CocoCay.
In 2017-2018 was constructed a new pier , as well as a basketball court, bocce ball court, bowling court, volleyball nets, large-size pool table.
In 2016 the private island was upgraded with a swim-up bar at Barefoot Beach, new cabanas, new island dock , 35 beach bungalows at Barefoot Beach.
In 2015, the island was upgraded with new trams and was added a new / shorter tram route and a new freshwater shower .
Health Protocols For December 2021 Cruises
Compared to last month, there is only one change for Royal Caribbean cruises from the United States in December.
Beginning December 17, 2021, unvaccinated guests age 2 – 11 will need to get a negative PCR test result before the cruise. Antigen tests will not be acceptable any longer for this age group.
PCR test must be taken no more than 3 days prior to sailing but not on boarding day. Antigen tests are not accepted for unvaccinated guests.
Keep in mind the protocols do differ if your ship sails from Puerto Rico or Barbados.
Royal Caribbean requires all passengers 12 years old and older to be fully vaccinated and provide proof of vaccination at check-in.
Guests under 12, who are currently ineligible for the vaccine, can still cruise as long as they continue to provide a negative test result at boarding and follow certain health and safety protocols.
For guests departing from Florida homeports, this vaccine requirement is the policy of several international governments for a cruise ship to enter their waters.
Depending on where your ship departs from, the exact requirement for a pre-cruise test will vary. However, a pre-cruise test is required for all passengers, regardless of vaccination status.
Masks are NOT required to be worn:
Masks ARE required to be worn:
- While indoors onboard the ship, unless seated and actively eating or drinking
- While visiting public ports of call, where local regulations may require them
All Guests Ages 2 Years & Older
You can review all of the .
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Christmas Cruises 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 New Year’s Eve
At CruiseMapper’s “Christmas New Year Cruise” hub you can compares all major cruise companies’ December Holiday offers as itineraries and prices. Our Xmas cruise finder allows searching by departure ports, countries and company, also allowing you to choose vessel type and a preferable call port along the itinerary.
Summer 2021 Heats Up With New Royal Caribbean Cruises From Bermuda
MIAMI, March 23, 2021* Vacationers looking to soak up the sun and walk the pink sand beaches of Bermuda and the white sandy beaches of The Bahamas this summer need look no further than Vision of the Seas. Beginning June and through August, Royal Caribbean International will bring more adventure to the tropics with a series of new 7-night cruises from first-time homeport Bermuda. In store for guests who sail on Vision is an overnight to explore Bermudas culture, history and cuisine as well as a full day at Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbeans top-rated private island destination in The Bahamas.
The new 2021 summer itineraries from Bermuda will open for bookings on Monday, March 29 and depart as soon as June 26. Sailing with vaccinated crew, the cruises at this time will be available to adult guests who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and those under the age of 18 with negative test results. This current health and safety measure, like others, may evolve as they are evaluated on an ongoing basis.
Bermuda has safely and responsibly managed the reopening of its tourism economy by air, and we will meet the challenge of doing the same for the cruise industry. We look forward to homeporting Royal Caribbeans Vision of the Seas this June as part of the islands strategic tourism recovery planning which, as always, is guided by science, said Premier the Hon. E. David Burt, JP, MP, Bermuda.
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European Christmas Market River Cruises
“Christmas Market” themed cruises are Europe’s best Holiday travel deals. They offer ship travel on the largest European rivers and major inland waterways , as well as France’s rivers and navigational canals .
All larger-sized European riverboats dock in big cities and visit some of the most popular ports in France, Germany, Holland, Belgium, Austria, Hungary, Czechia. Deals are generally all-inclusive – pre- and post-cruise hotel stays, ship transfers, coach travel , gratuities, staterooms with luxury amenities, gourmet meals , 24-hour specialty tea-coffee bar with snacks, complimentary city tours , themed onboard enrichment and live entertainment , complimentary use of walking sticks and bicycles. Some deals are also inclusive of international flights.
Another reason to choose Christmas Market travel is the opportunity to see some of Europe’s largest cities in their glorious snow-cover. Unlike the full-body contact USA Christmas shopping frenzy, Europeans prefer shopping at open-air markets, opposed to the shopping malls. Christmas Market cruising in Europe perfectly combines luxury travel with the traditional Xmas shopping. Dining options ashore feature the seasonal specialties apple cider, mulled wine , sweet gingerbread, all kinds of handmade sweets, chocolate and cookies, the perfectly cold beer and the steaming hot sausages.
Next are listed itineraries that visit some of the best European Christmas Market cities.
Rhine River
Danube River
Main River
Passenger Shipping Pause 2020
Due to the Coronavirus crisis, RCG-Royal Caribbean Group suspended its entire fleet’s passenger shipping operations 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 , ALLURE OTS , ANTHEM OTS , BRILLIANCE OTS , ENCHANTMENT OTS , EXPLORER OTS , FREEDOM OTS , GRANDEUR OTS , HARMONY OTS , INDEPENDENCE OTS , JEWEL OTS , LIBERTY OTS , MARINER OTS , NAVIGATOR OTS , OASIS OTS , ODYSSEY OTS , OVATION OTS , QUANTUM OTS , RADIANCE OTS , RHAPSODY OTS , SERENADE OTS , SPECTRUM OTS , SYMPHONY OTS , VISION OTS , VOYAGER OTS , WONDER OTS .
All affected bookings received full refunds , including on prepurchased through RCI cruise packages and services. With rebooking are offered 125% refunds in FCC 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 must be done by March 31, 2021. Within 45 days , all taxes, port fees and pre-purchased packages-amenities are automatically refunded to the original form of payment.
RCI’s Cancellation Policy was extended to allow penalty-free cancellations up to 48 hours prior departure and receive an FCC. The policy was also enhanced with two new rebooking options – “Best Price Guarantee” and “Lift and Shift” .
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Does Royal Caribbean Do Anything Special For Christmas
If your cruise happens to sail over Christmas Day, Royal Caribbean usually offers a few different Christmas-themed activities onboard.
Keep in mind the exact offering of activities will vary from sailing to sailing and these events are usually only offered on Christmas Day sailings.
Examples of activities Royal Caribbean has offered in the past include:
- Special appearances by Santas elves
- Gingerbread-cookie decorating
- Ugly sweater contests
- Scavenger hunts
A priest will be onboard to conduct mass services on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day during a Holiday cruise.
A special Christmas day menu is available in the main dining room, as well as the specialty restaurants.
Read more: A look at Christmas on Royal Caribbean