Latest news with #RoyalCaribbean
Travel Weekly
3 hours ago
- Business
- Travel Weekly
All paws on deck! Meet Royal Caribbean's 'chief dog officers'
Royal Caribbean International's next ship, Star of the Seas, is getting ever closer to its debut. And one of its most important crew members has sounded her first "woof." Sailor, a 3-month-old golden retriever, will be the ship's resident puppy and the cruise line's second "chief dog officer." The concept debuted with chief dog officer Rover on the Icon of the Seas, the first ship in the Icon class, as a way to bring a different element of joy and fun onboard for guests and crew members, said Kara Wallace, Royal Caribbean International's chief marketing officer. Rover has since become a cruise highlight for many young guests, and the two canines are social media celebrities, thanks in part to an Instagram page that has garnered more than 50,000 followers. Kara Wallace "We build big, iconic, bold ships with features that people can't really even dream up, but we don't let the small things go to waste," Wallace said. "There's always an opportunity to bring depth and richness to the experiences, and this is another way that we did it." Rover, and soon Sailor, don't have meet-and-greets or special schedules to interact with guests, making those interactions spontaneous and organic, Wallace said. She said the dogs are not mascots but crew members that might serve as a pet at sea for the human crew and similarly help young guests who might be missing their companions while on vacation. "That was the primary driver of it," Wallace said, "creating this home away from home." It's cruising cats and dogs Having animals on cruise ships isn't entirely novel but is certainly rare. Bug Naked, a hairless cat, could for years be found onboard Celebrity ships, Royal's sister line, thanks to Capt. Kate McCue, who brought Bug on as a companion in 2017. Like Rover, Bug became a ship celebrity and darling of the crew. Cunard Line's Queen Mary 2 allows transatlantic guests to bring pets on as passengers via 24 kennels that are in high demand. But Royal's decision to bring animals onboard for guest and crew enjoyment is likely a first. It's a small offering compared to other projects Royal is investing in simultaneously, like building the tallest waterslides in North America and new private destinations across the world. But that attention to offering small details is a point of pride for Royal, Wallace said. Though Wallace said she thinks it's unlikely that guests will book cruises with Royal just because of Rover or Sailor, they are a differentiator. "I have colleagues here who have young kids, and they came back and all they could talk about was, 'We met Rover,'" she said. "It was an amazing ship that went to all these places, but it was one of the highlights of their cruise. … I think that that's a testament to the power of bringing this warm, family-oriented addition to round out that whole experience." Royal Caribbean International CEO Michael Bayley was the one to posit the idea of having a dog onboard, Wallace said. From there, the team explored the possibility with the American Humane Society, which has been its partner in the program ever since. There was plenty of planning involved, from choosing a breed to designing the dogs' accommodations and selecting a designated onboard caretaker. What started as one more way to enhance the guest and crew experience expanded into an opportunity to keep the Icon experience in guests' social media feeds every week, as they watch Sailor grow and Rover travel the world. On their Instagram page (@chiefdogofficers), you'll find a video of Sailor being lovingly cuddled and cooed at during her first visit to Royal Caribbean's corporate office as well as videos comically captioned in typical TikTok and Instagram form (in a recent post, a video of Sailor dozing off is accompanied by the text "How I sleep knowing I have a full-time job secured"). "We were just going to see what happens and see how people responded," Wallace said of the social media account. "I don't know that there was really an expectation in terms of, 'Oh, we're going to grow this to be a million followers.' That's not why we did this, but it's more kind of, 'How can we share Sailor and Rover with the world and let people see what we see?'"
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Cruise industry files lawsuit against popular Royal Caribbean port
Cruise industry files lawsuit against popular Royal Caribbean port originally appeared on Come Cruise With Me. As Royal Caribbean's popular Quantum Class cruise ship Anthem of the Seas embarks on its first-ever adventures in the Last Frontier this summer, a new battle is heating up between the cruise industry and one of its ports of call. A total of four Royal Caribbean ships are sailing in Alaska this summer, taking adventurous cruisers to explore sought-after ports like Sitka, Juneau, and of their popularity with cruise travelers, all three of these Alaska ports have been grappling with how to effectively manage cruise tourism to protect the environment and quality of life in their communities. Although Alaska ports have mostly been working collaboratively with cruise lines on measures to regulate cruise tourism and offset its impacts, one port recently adopted a controversial cruise ship ordinance, igniting a fight that will now be settled in court. Doug Parker shared details on the Alaska cruise port lawsuit, and other cruise news including significant cruise schedule changes made by Carnival Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean, on the May 29th edition of Cruise News Cruise News Today with Doug Parker. Good morning, here's your cruise news for Thursday, May 29th. Carnival Cruise Line has canceled seven sailings aboard Carnival Conquest in January over a rescheduled dry dock. Now the impacted cruises — originally three and four-night Bahamas sailings from Miami — are now off the website and not open for booking. Impacted guests can rebook comparable sailings with price protection, onboard credits, and possible airfare reimbursement. Full refunds are also available. No reason was given for the dry dock shift, but the original dates are now offered as casino sailings. Similar dry dock changes have also recently impacted Carnival Magic and Carnival the cruise industry is suing the town of Skagway in southeast Alaska over a new tax ordinance. Yeah, the policy passed late last year allows Skagway to collect sales tax on full-price cruise excursions, including commissionable fees. The Cruise Line International Association argues that this violates state and federal law, calling it unfair. Skagway officials say it ensures consistent taxation for all tourists, regardless of how they're booked. The lawsuit filed in state court seeks to overturn the ordinance and recover legal Royal Caribbean's Star of the Seas is arriving ahead of schedule again and adding another sailing. Yeah, the cruise line has announced a new four-night showcase cruise departing Port Canaveral on August 16th. This will be visiting CocoCay and offering two days at sea. This is the fourth preview sailing ahead of the ship's official seven-night Caribbean cruise on August 31st. Guests booked on later cruises can now join this cruise if they'd cruise line stocks were down on Wednesday. Carnival Corporation: down two and a half percent, 23.00, Royal Caribbean: down two percent, 250.80, Norwegian: down three percent, 17.54, and Viking: down 1.3 percent, 44.32. If you have a lead on a story, let us know, tips@ This week's Cruise Radio Podcast: a review of Carnival Jubilee, where you listen to your favorite podcasts. I'm Doug Parker with Cruise News today. Have yourself a great Thursday. This story was originally reported by Come Cruise With Me on May 30, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Royal Caribbean and Carnival are racing to grow their private islands and resorts. Here's how their new cruise destinations compare.
Large cruise lines are expanding their collections of private islands and resorts. Royal Caribbean has been a leader with its themepark-like island. Now, competitors like Carnival are coming. Here's how Carnival's Celebration Key and Royal Caribbean's Perfect Day Mexico compare. Royal Caribbean might need to post a lookout from its theme park-like private island: Its biggest competitor is steaming straight ahead. Carnival is set to open a multi-complex resort, Celebration Key, in July on the Grand Bahama Island. And it'll be packed with amenities that so far have been decidedly Royal Caribbean's turf: water slides, swim-up bars, and pay-to-enter clubs. It's not alone: Almost every major cruise company is rushing to develop its collection of private destinations. Norwegian is building a pier and new resort-like amenities at its Caribbean island, Great Stirrup Cay. And MSC is building a second, smaller island next to its first, Ocean Cay. They all come on the heels of Royal Caribbean's wildly successful island, Perfect Day at CocoCay, which arguably kickstarted the cruise-to-resort boom when it launched in 2019. Royal Caribbean has invested $350 million into enhancing the island with features like a ticketed adult-only lounge. Emphasis on "ticketed" — it's a key reason cruise companies are expanding their resort portfolios. These in-house warm-weather retreats both maximize profits and reduce fuel expenditure due to their proximity to Florida's major look at how Royal Caribbean and Carnival are going head-to-head with their coming destinations. undefined Celebration Key and Perfect Day Mexico: sisters, not twins. Both cruise-owned resorts are intended to be complimentary to enter. But it's not all free: Guests will encounter add-on fees for different amenities. They'll also each have more than 30 food and beverage options scattered throughout different districts, designed for different travelers. At both resorts, five segments are fairly comparable: an arrivals area, a premium club, stretches of beaches, an adult-only lounge, and a laid-back family-friendly pool. Only Carnival's Celebration Key plans to have a shopping district. The open-air retail center, called Lokono Cove, is set to carry a variety of gift shop inventory made by local Bahamian artists. Royal Caribbean says Perfect Day Mexico will also sell locally made souvenirs, although it's unclear where these stores will be. Similarly, only Royal Caribbean's Perfect Day Mexico is expected to have a complete waterpark. Royal Caribbean is recreating Perfect Day at CocoCay's best amenity — its 14-slide waterpark, which can cost about $100 per person to enter — at Perfect Day Mexico. Plans for the new Loco Waterpark span over 30 rides, including a six-person raft slide and two 170-foot-tall, over two-minute-long racing slides. There will also be a kids' section and various pools for the youngest guests. Carnival's Celebration Key isn't expected to have a waterpark, although the company does say its family pool, Starfish Lagoon, will have a children's water play area and two 350-foot-long, 10-story-tall slides. Starfish Lagoon is Carnival's take on a kid-friendly resort pool. In addition to the water amenities, Carnival says Starfish Lagoon will have outdoor games and sports, a swim-up bar, hammocks, and both floating and on-land cabanas — all centered on a large pool. Royal Caribbean's family area, Splash Cove, should look drastically different — and lazier. In addition to a 100,000-square-foot pool and a water playground, Perfect Day Mexico's Splash Cove is said to have the cruise line's first lazy river, dotted with in-water bars, rentable cabanas, and a high-energy path with waves and rapids. Looking for an escape from the kids? Royal Caribbean promises El Hideaway — and Carnival promotes Calypso Lagoon. Calypso Lagoon shares Starfish Lagoon's large pool and sports amenities. To make it grown-up-friendly, its plans also include a bar with 50 swinging seats and an adult-only section marked by a DJ, plenty of lounge chairs, and, of course, rentable cabanas. Both Calypso and Starfish share a mile-long beach. Perfect Day Mexico's beach is set to be about twice as long. Unlike Calypso Lagoon, Perfect Day Mexico's adult-only El Hideaway would require a day pass (likely with a fee) to enter. Once inside, Royal Caribbean says guests will have amenities like a swim-up bar, a DJ, and a rentable 20-person cabana with a private pool and bar. If you want to spend big, pay for the premium beach clubs: Perfect Day Mexico's Costa and Celebration Key's Pearl Cove. Perfect Day Mexico's Costa Beach Club and Celebration Key's Pearl Cove Beach Club are expected to operate as upscale waterfront lounges with high-end restaurants and infinity pools. Carnival's is meant to be adult-only. Both resorts could become the centerpiece of their cruise lines' itineraries. Carnival says it will continue expanding Celebration Key after its July debut, including building a $100 million pier extension to simultaneously accommodate four of its largest ships by 2026. Almost all of the company's vessels are currently scheduled to visit Celebration Key. By 2028, Carnival says the resort will be capable of welcoming 4 million travelers annually. Similarly, Cruise Critic reported that Perfect Day Mexico will be able to accommodate up to 21,000 guests daily. And by 2027, 90% of Royal Caribbean's Caribbean guests will sail to a Perfect Day resort: CocoCay, Mexico, or both. Read the original article on Business Insider
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Carnival and Royal Caribbean both have this surprising extra charge
Carnival and Royal Caribbean both have this surprising extra charge originally appeared on Come Cruise With Me. No matter which cruise line you sail, there's no shortage of food included in your fare. Passenger meals are unlimited in most onboard dining venues and cruisers can typically find food available at all it comes to snacking, cruisers can hit up the onboard buffet as often as they like, and enjoy unlimited soft-serve ice cream cones poolside, too. Not every food served on board is included, however. Certain meals, snacks, and desserts are available for an extra charge on a cruise, but most of those are upgrades like specialty dining experiences and gourmet treats. With so much food included in a standard cruise fare, many cruisers are surprised to find out that one popular snack that costs very little to make will cost you extra on some cruise lines' ships. The seemingly unnecessary charge for this snack leaves a bad taste in the mouths of some cruisers, often leading to accusations of cruise line popcorn was once offered at no additional cost during Carnival Cruise Line's Dive-In Movies under the stars, passengers now have to pay $4 to enjoy popcorn with their poolside movie. Similarly, on Royal Caribbean cruises, popcorn that's offered for shows and events on board costs around $3.50. Even on Disney Cruise Line, which doesn't even charge extra for sodas like other lines do, popcorn isn't Disney Cruise Line ships, popcorn is available for purchase at a snack bar located outside of the main theater as well as the onboard movie theater. A regular cup of popcorn costs around $4. Disney Cruise Line also offers souvenir popcorn buckets, which usually range in price from $8 to $25, depending on their design. Popcorn bucket refills cost around $ Cruise Line Brand Ambassador John Heald regularly receives questions and complaints about the cruise line's popcorn charge on his popular Facebook page, where he responds to hundreds of questions and concerns from passengers every day. 'I remember the good old days on Carnival when there wasn't an up-charge for every little thing,' Penny Kinder Strate recently wrote to the brand ambassador. 'I actually got the 2 cups of popcorn in the little bags while watching the outdoor movie for free. Now it is a ridiculous $4.00.' Although Heald could choose to ignore comments like this, he and his colleague Jacinta endeavor to respond to every cruiser who comments on a dedicated Facebook post that the brand ambassador opens for questions and requests each day. 'Thank you, well hopefully you won't base your cruise experience on popcorn, and I mean that with the greatest respect,' Heald replied. 'You don't have to buy it and there is so much complimentary food, especially [in the Lido] deck area.' More Carnival cruise news:Heald also explained why the cruise line began charging for popcorn some time ago. 'And the reason we charge is when it was free, it became a mess with people grabbing so much and wasting most of it,' Heald noted. Whether on the Lido deck or in a theater, popcorn can easily create big messes, especially when it's served to kids. Royal Caribbean and Disney Cruise Line haven't publicly explained why they charge for popcorn like Carnival has, but some passengers speculate that it's for a similar reason. (The Arena Group will earn a commission if you book a cruise.) , or email Amy Post at or call or text her at 386-383-2472. This story was originally reported by Come Cruise With Me on May 26, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Video: Royal Caribbean's Star of the Seas clears sea trials
Video: Royal Caribbean's Star of the Seas clears sea trials originally appeared on Come Cruise With Me. With Icon of the Seas, Royal Caribbean created a new standard for megaships. It built a new class completely from scratch. The cruise line started with a blank piece of paper and considered every aspect of the the end, Icon did bring back some features from earlier classes, like the redesigned Central Park and the Royal Promenade, but it was a very unique ship. Now, its sister ship, Star of the Seas, is getting close to its first sailing. "Sailing one step closer to its debut, Royal Caribbean's highly anticipated Star of the Seas has taken to the open ocean for the first time. This week, the next combination of the best of every vacation embarked on a series of sea trials, marking a key construction milestone before the new Icon Class ship makes its way to Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida, for its August 2025 debut," the cruise line shared on its webpage. A sea trial is a very comprehensive test. "Over 11 days, more than 2,000 experts from the naval architecture, engineering, navigation and design spaces are putting Star to the test across a wide range of technical examinations to ensure it's in ship shape," it added. "From testing how the ship moves through the open water to pushing its engine performance to the limits and more, Star's journey will cover hundreds of miles before the ship enters its final phase of construction at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Turku, Caribbean's Star of the Seas clears sea trials (0:45) Royal Caribbean has not shared who the godfather will be for Star of the Seas or when it will have its official naming ceremony. Because the ship is actually arriving early, it will sail three pre-inaugural sailings in August with paying passengers before its actual inaugural sailing. The cruise line shared some hype on its upcoming ship. "Doubling the world's best vacation count this summer, Star will deliver more of the revolutionary Icon Class combination introduced by Icon, with new twists and signature favorites. Across eight neighborhoods that are destinations in themselves, there are ways for families and vacationers of all ages to make memories with a lineup of thrills — like the fastest and tallest waterslides, unrivaled chill at seven pools for every vibe and mood, and more than 40+ ways to dine, drink, and be entertained. Plus, adventurers can island-hop on 7-night vacations visiting Eastern or Western Caribbean destinations, including the vacation brand's top-rated destination at Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas." Every Star of the Seas trip from Port Canaveral will stop at Perfect Day at CocoCay. Royal Caribbean has made it clear that it will not call Star of the Seas "The World's Largest Cruise Ship," although it's technically the same size as Icon, which has made that claim. (The Arena Group will earn a commission if you book a cruise.) , or email Amy Post at or call or text her at 386-383-2472. This story was originally reported by Come Cruise With Me on May 28, 2025, where it first appeared.
