Looking For Royal Caribbean Southern Caribbean Cruise From Florida In 2022
Florida welcomes many cruise ships throughout the year at Floridas Jacksonville, Orlando , Fort Lauderdale, Tampa and Miami cruise terminals offering best itineraries to Southern Caribbean in 2022. On Royal Caribbean 2022 Southern Caribbean cruises you can combine a glamorous vacation at an upscale resort with the charming allure of a small town. Boasting one of the worlds largest underwater cave systems, three national parks, endless beaches and crisp blue water, Southern Caribbean has it all.
The Southern Caribbean is one of the most popular cruise destinations in the world. With miles of stellar beaches, chic shops, luxurious resorts, quaint towns, and friendly people, its easy to see why travelers come from around the globe to experience our islands.
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” .
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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Lifeguards On Rci Ships
Since 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 and stationed at every swimming pool, including the Solarium during the complex’s opening hours. All Royal Caribbean lifeguards are trained through the RCI’s partnership with StarGuard Elite .
- The water safety program includes a 15-min presentation . The instruction is for by both kids and parents and held during Adventure Ocean’s open-house session.
- Swim vests for all kids are readily available. Additional signage is added around swimming pool areas and in all cabins to encourage parents to use them.
- Kids under 12 require a parent or guardian to be present when swimming in any of the cruise ship’s pools.
RCI’s water safety program was rolled out fleetwide in 2017 . Next are listed all RCI boats and the itinerary dates when each implemented the new lifeguard service.
The news made RCI the 2nd major cruise company with shipboard lifeguards – following DCL-Disney and followed by NCL-Norwegian starting with NCL’s 4 largest vessels and employing onboard lifeguards fleetwide by 2018.
Shipboard poolside activities vary, but some of the common ones include watching movies , playing bingo, hosting fun competitions, games, classes .
Southern Caribbean Cruise Port Guides
The below Caribbean cruise port guides are based on the ports I visited on my recent Royal Caribbean southern Caribbean cruise. If you are visiting ports that are not listed below, I highly recommend learning about them through travel blogs and vlogs before visiting. Research is key for visiting cruise ports to maximize your one day at the destination.
When selecting activities, decide if you want to take a planned excursion or tour, or explore the port on your own. If there is one key activity or site to see in a destination, I typically opt for a tour since it allows you to learn more in a short amount of time and takes away the stress of planning. If a destination is known for beaches, Ill explore on my own and spend time relaxing.
When deciding between a cruise excursion and an independently run tour, there are a few things to consider. Cruise excursions are typically more expensive, and there are limited options, but they are easy to plan, have guaranteed quality, and the ship will wait for you if you are running late.
Independently run tours are often more affordable, have more options, and have a more local presence. However, it can be difficult to coordinate your tour with the ship. I alternate between the two based on what is offered and what sounds interesting.
Below, I have broken down what to do in each port by the top activity and some other great options.
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La Romana Dominican Republic
Cruise to La Romana. La Romana is a city on the Dominican Republics Caribbean coast and a gateway to nearby resort areas. Casa de Campo International Tourist Port , located on the West Bank of
Day 4
Cruise to Aruba. Aruba, a tiny Dutch Caribbean island off the coast of Venezuela in the southern Caribbean Sea, has dry, sunny weather, blond beaches and gentle surf. Aruba is a popular port of call for cruise ships. Ships dock
Day 5
Cruises to Curaçao. Curaçao, a Dutch Caribbean island, is known for its beaches tucked into coves and its expansive coral reefs rich with marine life. Curaçao has two main docking spots,: the new Curaçao Mega Pier is designed for mega
Day 6 At Sea cruising
There are plenty of daily activities on board Odyssey of the Seas to keep you busy. Odyssey of the Seas has everything a discerning cruiser could want, bars, pools, sports venues and shops.
Day 7 At Sea cruising
Experience the relaxed ambience onboard Odyssey of the Seas attentive service from a friendly staff that knows what hospitality means, youll find your Royal Caribbean ship truly is your home away from home.
Day 8
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 .
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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 .
Review Of Royal Caribbean
RCI is a subsidiary company and largest brand of RCG . This Norwegian-American corporation is currently ranked the world’s second-largest passenger shipping company . However, RCG owns the world’s biggest passenger ships. As of 2020, RCG controlled ~24% of the global ship cruising market , had full ownership of 4 brands , 49% stake in Pullmantur , 50% stake in TUI Cruises , 19% stake in Wamos Air .
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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.
Amazing Southern Caribbean Cruise Destinations
The part of the Caribbean located furthest from popular cruise ports in Florida, such as Fort Lauderdale, Tampa and Miami, the Southern Caribbean is less-visited than the Western and Eastern Caribbean. Thats not to say its also less beautiful, though. Rather the contrary, in fact, it boasts gorgeous tropical islands, fascinating cultural heritage, and that laid-back vibe that makes the Caribbean such a popular cruise destination. Lets check out some of the best destinations to visit on Southern Caribbean cruises.
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Royal Caribbean Releases Schedule For Remaining Ships Returning To Sailing
Global Cruise Line to Bring Back Full Fleet
MIAMI, Aug. 3, 2021* Royal Caribbean International today announced that its complete lineup of ships will be sailing by spring 2022. Spanning cruises from the Big Apple to the Down Under, the next group of returning ships and itineraries will begin to safely set sail in September with Oasis of the Seasfirst sailing from the New York area a 7-night itinerary to the cruise lines private island destination, Perfect Day at CocoCay, The Bahamas. The cruise lines continued comeback builds on its months-long success in delivering memorable and safe cruise vacations across Alaska, Asia, The Bahamas, the Caribbean and Europe, and each ship now returning will cruise with the health measures that have safeguarded the well-being of guests, crew and destination communities to date. All 2021 and 2022 cruises are open to book here.
Vacationers and their families can again seek out adventure in Royal Caribbeans diverse range of ships and itineraries that offer a variety of lengths and destinations around the world. The plans for the return of all 26 ships add to previously announced Royal Caribbean milestones coming later this year, including the cruise lines return to California and the start of the first full winter season from Barbados.
Upcoming 2021-2022 Adventures
The complete list of Royal Caribbeans 2021 cruises is available here.
Royal Caribbeans Health and Safety Measures
Royal Caribbean Adds Longer Cruises To The Caribbean
Royal Caribbean has added longer cruises to the Caribbean in 2022-2023 that range from six to eleven nights on five cruise ships.
The six night sailings will visit the Western Caribbean while the eight to 11 night cruises will stop in ports in the Southern Caribbean.
The following new cruises from Royal Caribbean in 2022-2023 are now open for bookings.
Royal Caribbeans all-new Odyssey of the Seas will say ciao to Rome, Italy and set off on a 13-night transatlantic to her winter homeport in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Once stateside, the cruise ship will sail eight night Southern Caribbean itineraries that visit destinations such as Labadee, Haiti a Royal Caribbean private destination Oranjestad, Aruba Willemstad, Curacao and La Romana, Dominican Republic.
The Quantum Ultra Class cruise ship will alternate eight night Southern Caribbean cruises with six night Western Caribbean sailings that visit island gems Falmouth, Jamaica George Town, Grand Cayman and Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas on every cruise.
Vision of the Seas will join Odyssey of the Seas in the Venice of America to sail 10 and 11 night Southern Caribbean itineraries from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, beginning November 2022.
These wanderlust-worthy sailings are perfect for adventure seekers who have been saving their vacation days to experience an epic mix of the Caribbeans most picturesque beaches and pulsing ports.
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Rci Cruise Ships Classes
RCI’s fleet has vessels in the following classes:
- Note: All vessels have an Outdoor Movie Theater , Solarium , Aqua Park, Rock Climbing Wall, FlowRider , 3D Cinema, Virtual Balcony Staterooms.
- “Oasis Class” ships feature Neighborhoods, AquaTheater, 3D Movies, Waterslides , Zip Line, 2 FlowRiders, 2 Climbing Walls, Carousel, Ice-Skating Rink, Loft Suites .
- “Icon Class” is a new design vessel with GT ~200K tons and passenger capacity 5000 .
- “Quantum Class” and “Quantum Ultra Class” ships feature North Star , RipCord , Seaplex , Two70 Lounge , Loft Suites, Music Hall .
- “Freedom Class” feature Ice-Skating Rink, Royal Promenade .
- “Radiance Class” feature Glass Elevators, Gyroscopic Self-Leveling Pool Tables, Mini-Golf Course.
- “Vision Class” ships is the fleet’s oldest, excepting only the “Sovereign Class” ships Majesty and Empress.
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 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” . Next aerial photo shows a Voyager-class cruise ship .
Next aerial photo shows an Oasis-class cruise ship as looked from above.
Next is shown a Quantum-class ship as looked from above.
Southern Caribbean Cruise Highlights
Underwater Adventures
You cant go wrong diving or snorkeling along the coast of nearly any Southern Caribbean island. Learn how to scuba dive in Bonaires National Marine Park, one of the top-rated dive sites in the world. Paddle over Grenadas vibrant coral reefs on a glass-bottomed kayak. In Aruba, you can explore a mysterious shipwreck via submarine or admire the sunset on board a wooden schooner. In any port of call, wading into the warm Caribbean Sea and marveling at the breathtaking coastline around you is always a good idea.
Natural Wonders
These stunning islands are filled with lush mountains and tropical landscapes. Meander along a rainforest trail in St. Kitts, tasting local fruit as you go. In Barbados, go underground and witness the fascinating stalactite and stalagmite formations of Harrisons Cave. Head to Bonaires dense mangrove forests for a peek at the rose-colored flamingos. Perhaps the most iconic sight of the region is the dual Pitons of St. Lucia, where you can hike to the summit or admire them from afar while lounging beachside.
Rich Foodie Experiences
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What Are Some Things To Do In The Southern Caribbean
Many Southern Caribbean ports — like Bonaire — are less commercialized than Eastern and Western Caribbean ports — tour significant historic sites like Nelson’s Dockyard in Antigua and Willemstad in Aruba, which has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. But these ports still offer the opportunity for glorious beach days, spectacular snorkeling and diving, shopping at local craft markets and engaging in water sports. For more on where to get in the water: Southern Caribbean: Top 10 Cruise Ports to Snorkel & Dive.
Royal Caribbean Cruises To Cuba From Florida
Royal Caribbean operated Cuba cruises with the Miami-homeported ship Empress of the Seas. The first Cuban cruise was on April 19, 2017 .
The newly-refreshed Empress OTS had scheduled a total of 58 voyages 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 . For the winter 2018-2019 season, the ship repositioned to Port Everglades .
On December 1, 2017, RCI added 2 new Cuban ports 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 . 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 leaving roundtrip from Tampa and from Fort Lauderdale . 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.
Alaska Airlines offers regular nonstop flights to Havana from Los Angeles . An 80-min ling JetBlue flight from Fort Lauderdale to Havana costs less than USD 100. Previously, air travel from the USA to Cuba was thought charter flights only.
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