Royal Caribbean International has held a keel-laying ceremony for the highly anticipated cruise ship, Icon of the Seas at Finnish shipyard Meyer Turku. The traditional ceremony marks the start of construction of the Icon of the Seas, and involved a 3,000-ton crane lifting the first massive steel block that is placed into the new ship's building dock placing a newly minted coin under the keel for good luck. 

A 42-year-old Filipino crew member has died on board the Royal Caribbean cruise ship Quantum of the Seas, according to a crew member who wishes to remain anonymous.

The ship’s medical team were called this afternoon to report of a cardiac arrest and Code Alpha was sounded on the PA system.

Following the latest announcement by the CDC downgrading the cruise ship travel warning to a moderate Level 2, Royal Caribbean has decided to ease crew restrictions, gradually returning to the pre-pandemic times. The cruise line informed its crew about the protocol updates which include changes to the mask policy, crew shore leave, as well as the return to the onboard benefits and the popular Friends and Family cruise program.

Crew Center received a message that a 36-year-old Indonesian crew member has died onboard the Royal Caribbean cruise ship Oasis of the Seas. According to our source, last night Code Alpha for medical emergency was sounded aboard the ship when the crew member was found dead. The crew member was working as a waiter and was already 9 months on the Oasis of the Seas, as he extend his current contract several times.

On Tuesday Puerto Rico welcomed Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas, the world’s largest cruise, at the port of San Juan. During the visit Wonder of the Seas Captain Rob Hempstead and his crew were joined by Pedro Pierluisi, the Governor of Puerto Rico, for a traditional plaque and key ceremony to mark the maiden call.

Since returning to operations more than a million guests have sailed onboard Royal Caribbean International cruise ships. More than 28,000 crew members have been brought back to sea.

Making its official debut in the United States Royal Caribbean’s latest and highly anticipated cruise ship Wonder of the Seas set sail on March 4 for the Caribbean from Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

As the world turns towards Ukraine with prayers and support, loyal cruise ship guests reach out to the cruise lines' Head Quarters with inquiries about the safety, support and concern of Ukrainian crew members. Each company responds to the cruise guests with understanding of their concerns, addressing the same and reminding that the companies are focused on the wellbeing and support of both Ukrainian and Russian crew members.

Some good news is coming from Royal Caribbean regarding the easing of the health and safety protocols for the cruise ship crew. With the latest announcement that masks will be optional for fully vaccinated guests sailing from U.S. ports, the cruise lines has also updated protocols for crew which will go into effect for new sailings, starting Friday, February 25.