Royal Caribbean Inks Shanghai Rolex Masters Sponsorship

Posted on 12 May, 2026 by Spacejunkie2

Royal Caribbean Inks Shanghai Rolex Masters Sponsorship

Royal Caribbean International has solidified its commitment to the Chinese market by renewing its partnership with the Shanghai Rolex Masters tennis tournament.

The cruise line will continue as the Official Cruise Line Partner for the 2026 and 2027 editions of the event, marking a strategic extension of its high-profile sports marketing initiative in the region.

The renewed multi-year deal sees Royal Caribbean retaining its title sponsorship of the “Royal Caribbean Masters Practice Court” at the Qizhong Forest Sports City Arena and maintaining its exclusive branded skybox, offering guests premium viewing and interactive experiences.

This collaboration aims to fuse the world of elite sports with the brand’s signature “Live. Love. Cruise.” vacation lifestyle.

Benjamin Bouldin, Vice President and Managing Director, Greater China at Royal Caribbean International, stated that the partnership aligns with the brand’s mission to create deep connections with consumers’ passions.

“As an international brand also rooted in Shanghai, we are honored to renew our partnership with this iconic tennis event,” Bouldin said. “We believe exceptional experiences are not just about ‘arriving,’ but about resonating deeply with what people love”.

Michael Luévano, Tournament Director of the Shanghai Rolex Masters, welcomed the continued alliance, noting Royal Caribbean’s success in integrating its vacation concept into the event last year and creating memorable fan interactions.

Three Royal Caribbean Ships in Drydock at Same Time

Posted on 11 April, 2026 by Spacejunkie2

Three Royal Caribbean Ships in Drydock at Same Time

Three ships in the Royal Caribbean International fleet are currently undergoing drydocks in Europe and Asia.

While two vessels are also getting significant updates as part of the company’s Royal Amplified refit program, a third is undergoing routine maintenance.

As previously reported by Cruise Industry News, the Ovation of the Seas was the first of the brand’s vessels to enter drydock recently.

The Quantum-class ship is currently in Singapore to undergo major refurbishment work that includes a series of enhancements and updates.

The project is highlighted by the expansion of the ship’s Casino Royale, as well as the introduction of new dining venues and features.

Other changes coming to the 2016-built vessel include the addition of 40 new staterooms, which will take over areas that were previously occupied by public and technical rooms.

The Ovation is scheduled to welcome guests back on April 17, 2026, kicking off a repositioning voyage to North America.

As part of the Royal Amplified program, the Harmony of the Seas is also getting updates at a shipyard in Spain.

The Oasis-class ship arrived at the Navantia shipyard in Cadiz in early April for a refurbishment that will see the addition of the fleet’s largest casino.

Other changes include the addition of new specialty restaurants, as well as a refreshed solarium and pool deck.

The 227,625-ton vessel is scheduled to resume service on May 21, 2026, ahead of a spring season in the Mediterranean.

After crossing the Atlantic in March, the Odyssey of the Seas became the latest Royal Caribbean ship to enter drydock.

The 2021-built vessel is presently at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard to undergo routine maintenance.

Set to spend the summer sailing in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Aegean, the ship welcomes guests back on April 16, 2026.

As part of the Royal Amplified program, a fourth ship, the Liberty of the Seas, is scheduled to enter drydock later this month.

Royal Caribbean Swaps Ships for 2027 Season in Southampton

Posted on 4 April, 2026 by Spacejunkie2

Royal Caribbean Swaps Ships for 2027 Season in Southampton

Royal Caribbean International confirmed that the Freedom of the Seas will replace the Mariner of the Seas for the 2027 season out of Southampton.

As previously reported by Cruise Industry News, the Freedom was expected to serve the British market after having its deployment for the timeframe cancelled.

Originally set to offer itineraries from Miami during the summer of 2027, the 3,960-passenger vessel is slightly larger than the Mariner and entered service in 2006.

According to statements sent to booked guests, the Freedom will offer cruises departing from Southampton on the same dates as the Mariner.

Some of the original itineraries were reportedly adjusted, with selected ports of call being changed or dropped.

Sailing from its new homeport, the ship will offer a series of cruises to Northern and Western Europe between May and October 2027.

“As part of our ongoing itinerary planning process, which sometimes requires flexibility due to scheduling, port agreements or operational needs, the Mariner of the Seas will be redeployed for our summer 2027 season,” Royal Caribbean said in its statement.

“We know how much effort goes into planning your vacation and apologise for the inconvenience,” the company added.

Passengers are being offered three options, which include moving their reservations to other cruises in the company’s portfolio.

In this case, the company will waive the non-refundable deposit change fee, but guests will be responsible for any price difference.

Royal Caribbean will also allow passengers to cancel their reservations and receive a full refund of any portion of their cruise fare.

Guests who do not wish to cancel or reschedule will be automatically moved to a like-for-like stateroom onboard the Freedom of the Seas.

While Royal Caribbean did not confirm a new deployment for the Mariner of the Seas, the ship is now set to offer a trans-Atlantic crossing to the Mediterranean ahead of the summer of 2027.

The 17-night repositioning voyage sails from New Orleans on April 24, 2027, and features destinations in Morocco and Spain before ending in Barcelona. Ports of call set to be visited include Casablanca, Tangier and Málaga.