The much anticipated day on which the RCG crew members can stop wearing masks on cruise ships at all times has finally arrived. From today, Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises crew can remove their masks in all guests and crew, indoor or outdoor areas. The obligation for the crew to wear face masks is the latest COVID-19 measure to be relaxed as the cruise industry continues on its path to normality following the COVID pandemic.

Welcome to CruiSea, the most advanced social app for guests and crew to meet, connect and benefit from the discounts in ports or aboard the ships.

After years in preparation by cruise industry seasoned professionals and IT specialists, CruiSea is proud to present its final product of this unique app. CruiSea bringing the cruise community together and boosting the social ship life.

As the health situation related to COVID-19 continues to improve across the U.S., Royal Caribbean International started to relax mask restrictions for its crew. Crew Center received a message from a crew member saying that masks are now optional for the crew in the crew areas. The crew member said that the loosening of the mask requirements in the crew areas is now implemented aboard Ovation of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean International announced that the company has hired 10,000 new crew members since the start of this year, who have already joined the cruise ships in operation. As of September 2022, RCI reported that there is a total of 34,819 crew aboard its 26 cruise ships, meaning that each 3rd crew member is a newly hired employee.

After receiving an invitation by Aida Cruises, the Captain of Celebrity Beyond Kate McCue, and her fellow officers boarded it’s next-door neighbor, the cruise ship Aida Cosma, for a day visit at the port of La Spezia, Italy. AidaCosma Captain Vincent Cofalka and General Manager Heidi Rothe hosted an extensive tour of the ship which included a visit to the bridge, lunch at the ship's Beach House Restaurant, and other attractions the vessel has to offer.

Spanish police arrested three guests sailing aboard the world's largest cruise ship Wonder of the Seas, under charges of fraud and cheating at the onboard casino.

Royal Caribbean Group announced its plan to implement SpaceX's Starlink – making it the first in the cruise industry to adopt the high-speed, low-latency connectivity for a better onboard experience for guests and crew across the fleet. The innovative broadband internet service will be installed on all Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Silversea Cruises ships, along with all new vessels for each of the brands.

Royal Caribbean Lifeguards have had a busy start to the year. This year, they have assisted over 160 guests in pools on board across the fleet. However, it is not always at the pools that lifeguards jump into action. 

Starting September 7, 2022, Royal Caribbean International will increase the onboard gratuities that guests will pay for the service they receive from crewmembers.

Gratuities for guests occupying standard cabins (Junior Suites and below) range from $14.50 to $16.00 per day per person. The previous Suite gratuity rate of $17.50 will increase to $18.50 per day per person.

Royal Caribbean International embarks on a major marketing campaign for the new class of ship, joining the fleet in Fall 2023. The Icon of the Seas is scheduled to go into service as the first ship in this series in the fall.