Royal Caribbean Connect » Cruise Packing Secrets from Style Bloggers | Royal Caribbean Connect Connect With Royal Caribbean International 2015-12-01T14:53:06Z /connect/feed/atom/ John Mannelly http://www.webershandwick.com/ <![CDATA[Cruise Packing Secrets from Style Bloggers]]> http://connect.royalcaribbean.com/connect/?p=11511 2015-12-01T14:53:06Z 2015-11-24T20:33:53Z In a style rut? Sometimes you just need a little inspiration – especially if you’re stressing about how to look fashionable on vacation. We tapped some of our favorite style bloggers to find out which essentials they brought on recent Royal Caribbean vacations. Keep these tips in mind:

Go neutral. To feel chic anywhere start with a neutral base and accent with color. (Photo by A Lonestar State of Southern)

 

Don’t forget your poolside reading. In the mood for self-improvement? Try Better than Before by Gretchen Rubin, seen here. (Photo by Rarely Taken Seriously)

 

Bring a bold ensemble. Take inspiration from your destination. For a bold port-of-call like Falmouth, Jamaica, pack an outfit that makes a statement. (Photo by A Lonestar State of Southern)

 

Bring unique accessories. Take your look from fine to fun with accessories. They can pack a lot of outfit options into just a little corner of your suitcase. (Photo by Rarely Taken Seriously)

 

Solid jewel tones. Jewel tones are a classy, sassy choice to complement a vacation tan, just don’t forget the sunscreen! (Photo by The Darling Detail)

 


Choose a casual but photo-friendly outfit for port days. What makes the best outfit for photos? One that makes you feel like your fiercest self – trust us, it will show. (Photo by Side Smile Style)

 

Sandals with fringe are the only accessory a patterned bikini needs. Know when to edit an ensemble, sometimes just a little flare is enough. (Photo by Side Smile Style)

 

Show off sun-kissed skin. You will be feeling fit and fabulous with all that fresh air and sunshine. Sleeveless tops and fit, flare dresses for evening will showcase your relaxed glow. (Photo by B Soup)

 

Totes McGotes. Best woven beach bag with elephant #tassel 🌺🐘 #LTKunder50 @liketoknow.it www.liketk.it/1tpnb #liketkit

A photo posted by Bethany // B SOUP (@b_soup) on

Carry a big tote. It can double as your carry-on bag and a daypack for pool days or shore excursions. (Photo by B Soup)

 

Once you’ve mastered these cruise packing secrets, check out some tips for taking Instagram-worthy photos of your adventure.

]]> 0 John Mannelly http://www.webershandwick.com/ <![CDATA[VIDEO: The Tech Behind Anthem of the Seas’ Groundbreaking Entertainment Space]]> http://connect.royalcaribbean.com/connect/?p=11498 2015-11-19T21:01:31Z 2015-11-19T21:01:31Z

 

On any given day, the view from Anthem of the Seas’ Two70 entertainment venue is breathtaking, thanks to the three-story, floor-to-ceiling windows that give guests a 270-degree panorama of the sky and sea. You’d think that impressive daytime views are enough, but this space pulls double duty—every night, Two70 is transformed into a high-tech entertainment space like you’ve never seen.

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When the curtain goes up, you’ll find more than just talented live performers. Six graceful Roboscreens controlled by robotic arms and 18 video projectors create an immersive experience that feels like a 3-D movie and a Broadway show combined. Incredibly, the budget for the technology alone on this ship is more than the original cost of Royal’s Caribbean’s entire first vessel.

Technology featured in Two70 is truly groundbreaking. In terms of robotics, it is the most complex project on the planet right now. Robot experts (yes, they exist!) said that screens like these wouldn’t function at sea because of the ship’s movement, but the engineers at Robotic Arts refined the technology to keep the robots moving flawlessly.

Can’t believe it? See the creative complex for yourself in this video.

]]> 0 John Mannelly http://www.webershandwick.com/ <![CDATA[Unlimited and Unscripted: Tune in to Periscope today to Come Seek LIVE]]> http://connect.royalcaribbean.com/connect/?p=11469 2015-11-17T23:17:24Z 2015-11-17T15:24:35Z

 

The world’s most revolutionary ship is redefining the travel experience and you can actually see it for yourself – thanks to the live-streaming app Periscope. Follow the adventures of entrepreneurial action heroes High On Life and a Periscope wizard Dan Moore as they “Come Seek Live” on Anthem’s inaugural cruise from New York.

Periscope’s live-action video-streaming allows you to see the world through someone else’s eyes and puts you in control of the onboard influencers adventures via real-time comments. You decide what happens next as the seekers travel across five Caribbean islands in 13 broadcasts, with each adventure unfolding live and open for participation via the app.

 

Head first or feet-first down the Las Playas natural water slide in Puerto Rico? Backflip or swan dive off a cliff in Barbados? Custom drink or signature cocktail from the robot bartenders at Bionic Bar? It’s all up to you to decide. Maybe you would like to see what they learned about rum distilling. You can see their posts and more about their adventures at High on Life (@sundayfundayz) and @danandmoore.  


The experience will be broadcast onto subway displays and newsstand screens across New York, a feat that only Anthem’s cutting-edge onboard Wi-Fi system, VOOM—the fastest internet at sea—is capable of.

Follow @RoyalCaribbean on Periscope or tune in to periscope.tv/royalcaribbean and watch for #COMESEEKLIVE.

Want to see more? Check out this video.

]]> 0 John Mannelly http://www.webershandwick.com/ <![CDATA[A Very Royal Recipe: Crispy Polenta Fries]]> http://connect.royalcaribbean.com/connect/?p=11446 2015-11-13T21:11:16Z 2015-11-13T21:10:39Z If you’re looking for a mouth-watering, crowd-pleasing party recipe that’ll put a gourmet twist on your usual game-watching fare, try this modern spin on the classic French fry. This crunchy finger food from Michael’s Genuine Pub on Anthem of the Seas is an onboard favorite—and it’s not hard to see why.

James Beard Award-winning chef Michael Schwartz, the man behind the gastropub-style menu at Michael’s Genuine Pub, explains: “Golden and crisp on the outside with a moist, creamy interior, these fries make a satisfying late-night snack or finger food.”

Feeling nervous about making your own polenta? Chef Schwartz’s pro tip: “It’s not as laborious as some would have you believe. It’s not necessary to stand over the pot for an hour constantly stirring. The key to making perfectly cooked polenta is to stir often, running a wooden spoon along the bottom of the pot so the cornmeal doesn’t stick and burn.”

Ease up your game day prep and make the fries ahead. “Prepare the polenta the morning of your party and cut into sticks just before frying,” says the chef. “If you’re having an outdoor barbecue, try putting the polenta on the grill instead of frying. Grilling the fries adds a phenomenal smoky flavor too.”

Craving more foodie adventures? Check out the best gourmet experiences you can have while traveling with Royal Caribbean.

 

Crispy Polenta Fries with Spicy Ketchup      

Makes 2 dozen

1 quart whole milk, preferably organic

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

2 cups yellow cornmeal (not quick cooking), medium grind

1 cup grated Grano Padano or Parmesan cheese

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Canola oil, for frying

Spicy Ketchup (recipe follows)

 

Line a 13 x 9-inch baking dish with plastic wrap, letting excess hang over the sides. Set aside.

Bring the milk, 1 cup water, and butter to a simmer over medium heat in a large pot. Gradually whisk in the cornmeal in a slow steady stream. Reduce the heat to medium-low and switch to a wooden spoon. Cook, stirring often, until the polenta is very thick and pulls away from sides of pot, about 15 minutes. Remove from the heat. Stir in the cheese until incorporated; season with 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper.

Pour the polenta into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly with a rubber spatula; it should be about 1/2-inch thick. Refrigerate until completely cool and firm, at least 1 hour or even better, overnight. It’s important that the polenta sets up completely and gets quite dense, so it’s easy to cut into strips that won’t fall apart in the hot oil when fried.

Heat 3 inches of oil to 350˚F in a countertop electric fryer or deep pot. If you don’t have a deep-fry thermometer, a good way to test if the oil is hot enough is to stick the end of a wooden spoon or chop stick in it, if bubbles circle around the end then you’re good to go.

Grab the ends of the plastic wrap and lift the polenta out of the baking dish and onto a cutting board. Flip the polenta over to remove the plastic. Cut the polenta into thirds and then crosswise into sticks. This should yield 24 large Lincoln Log-like pieces, approximately 3/4-inch wide by 4 inches long . . . yes, they’re huge.

Put the polenta sticks in a fryer basket or spider strainer and carefully lower into the hot oil; do this in batches to avoid overcrowding and to keep the oil temperature constant. Fry the polenta sticks for 3 to 5 minutes, until they are golden brown and crispy, removing the cooked ones to a paper towel-lined platter to drain before adding the next batch. Season lightly with salt while the fries are still hot. Stack the polenta fries like Lincoln Logs on a large platter. Serve with spicy ketchup.

 

Spicy Ketchup

Makes 2 cups

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

1/2 small onion, coarsely chopped

2 garlic cloves, coarsely chopped

1 jalapeño, seeded and chopped

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

2 cups ketchup

1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro

 

Place a small skillet over medium heat. When the pan is hot, coat with the oil. Add the onion, garlic, and jalapeño; season with salt and pepper. Stir until the onions soften and start to take on a little color, about 3 minutes.

Scrape the vegetable mixture into a food processor; pulse until combined but not totally smooth, to keep a chunky texture. Transfer to a bowl and add the ketchup and cilantro. Mix together until well blended; season again with salt and pepper if necessary.

 

Once you’ve perfected this modern twist on an old favorite, try mastering the Vegetarian Greek Farro salad.

 

]]> 0 John Mannelly http://www.webershandwick.com/ <![CDATA[5 Best Ways to Instagram Your Vacation]]> http://connect.royalcaribbean.com/connect/?p=11438 2015-11-12T14:09:55Z 2015-11-12T14:09:55Z Ever feel like your vacation photos just don’t do justice to the amazingness of the trip you went on? Never fear: We’ve collected some tips for taking Instagram-worthy photos that capture the true essence of your adventure. You’ll never say, “You had to be there…”ever again.

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Serene Scenes

Have someone capture a photo of you admiring your surroundings to add a thoughtful edge to your post. You never know what you might see, and sometimes a picture of your reaction makes the boldest statement.

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Captivate With Color

Bright colors and various shapes are guaranteed to get double-taps. While you’re exploring your destination, be it a city scene in St. Thomas or a quiet beachside restaurant in Cozumel, look for shots like this one, which utilizes interesting depth and dimension.

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Flipping Out

Whether you’re with family or friends, a creative pose is a great way to take your photo past the cliche. Come up with a unique symmetrical group pose to give your followers a new perspective on your journey — and make them feel like they’re right there with you.

cruise-with-a-view-royal-caribbean

 

View From the Ship

Have a ton of pictures of the ocean already? #TravelProblems. Mix it up and take one with just a part of the ship in it. A creative angle like this one gives your photo a sense of place and context.

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#FoodPorn

The perfect scoops get all the likes. Stay cool and look cooler by grabbing a swirl of soft serve onboard, holding the cone so close to your camera that people can practically taste the chocolate, and then get the shot before it starts to melt. Extra credit if your mani is on point!

 

Need some more inspiration? Tune in to  our Periscope channel to participate in an epic LIVE adventure, starting 11/13/15.

]]> 0 John Mannelly http://www.webershandwick.com/ <![CDATA[A Very Royal Recipe: Vegetarian Greek Farro Salad]]> http://connect.royalcaribbean.com/connect/?p=11409 2015-11-16T20:45:19Z 2015-11-06T20:33:24Z Consider this recipe the cure for the common salad. No boring, overdressed greens here: This farro salad fills you up with complex flavors, a nice salty bite, and a heaping serving of healthy vegetables.

Featured on the menu at Michael’s Genuine Pub on Anthem of the Seas, this tasty recipe includes farro, an ancient wheat grain that has roots in Roman times. James Beard Award-winning chef Michael Schwartz, the man behind the gastropub-style menu, loves farro for its “chewy-grainy goodness.”

“This bright, refreshing salad makes a great little vegetarian lunch,” he says.

Not so into veggies-only dishes? Chef Schwartz says the salad also pairs wonderfully with a grilled leg of lamb.

Enjoy! Craving more foodie adventures? Check out more culinary experiences you can have while traveling with Royal Caribbean.

 

Greek Farro Salad

Serves 4 to 6

 

1 cup farro

1 large tomato, cut into chunks

1 English (hothouse) cucumber, halved, seeded, and cut into chunks

½ red onion, diced

1 yellow bell pepper, halved, cored, and cut into chunks

½ cup pitted Kalamata olives

6 large basil leaves, torn into pieces

½ cup extra-virgin olive oil

Juice of lemons (1/3 cup)

2 teaspoons kosher salt

1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

2-ounce block Greek feta

 

Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Add the farro, reduce the heat to medium-low, and cover. Simmer until the farro is tender and the grains have split open, about 20 minutes. Drain and rinse with cool water. Put the farro in a mixing bowl.

Add the tomato, cucumber, onion, bell pepper, olives, and basil. Toss with the oil and lemon juice; season with the salt and pepper. Toss the salad to evenly distribute the ingredients. Put the salad on a nice oval platter, break up the feta with your hands, and scatter the chunks on top. The farro salad can be made a day or two in advance.

]]> 0 John Mannelly http://www.webershandwick.com/ <![CDATA[This is NOT a Cruise, this is the new Anthem of the Seas]]> http://connect.royalcaribbean.com/connect/?p=11419 2015-11-04T21:43:08Z 2015-11-04T19:42:01Z New York’s newest resident, Anthem of the Seas, has officially arrived after crossing the Atlantic from Southampton, U.K. We know what you’re thinking: We’ve seen that before. But this is not just a cruise ship. Anthem is a gateway to new adventures, inspired food, and imaginative entertainment.

Anthem is… a technologically advanced entertainment destination. Whether you want thrills or prefer to just chill, there’s an onboard activity for every seeker—from skydiving to surfing and everything in between.

Anthem is… a futuristic, thirst quenching machine. At the Bionic Bar, two robots mix, shake and stir your favorite cocktails. Just try to stump them, they remember every recipe.

 

Anthem is… a voyage of (and to) new heights. Insta-boast with a pic or two while taking in the views from 300-feet above the ocean in the North Star.

North Stat on Anthem of the Seas. Photo by @markatthekop

A photo posted by Royal Caribbean Blog.com (@royalcaribbeanblog) on


Anthem is… a #Foodstagram poster’s paradise.

Your adventurous palate (and Instagram feed) will love the 18 world-class restaurants, from Jamie’s Italian by Jamie Oliver to Michael’s Genuine Pub to dining experiences like Wonderland, where the menu mixes the freshest ingredients with pure imagination and whimsy.

#vegtables #gardenveggies #garden #food #wonderland #cruise #royalcaribbean #anthemoftheseas #cuisine A photo posted by Nads (@nadsbrooks) on


Ready for your next great adventure? Anthem of the Seas will be sailing year-round from Cape Liberty.

]]> 0 John Mannelly http://www.webershandwick.com/ <![CDATA[6 Spooky Adventures For Thrill-Seekers]]> http://connect.royalcaribbean.com/connect/?p=11379 2015-10-29T13:12:45Z 2015-10-29T13:11:30Z If you’re a scary movie buff, why not plan your next vacation around getting a little bit of a fright? These adventures at 6 haunted historical spots — be they spooky, macabre, or just plain weird – will delight anyone who loves a bit of a thrill.

san-juan-puerto-rico

A Haunted Hotel

San Juan, Puerto Rico

The Scare: Before Hotel El Convento was a glam four-star hotel, it was a 15th century convent. Legend has it that ghostly nuns, including the Mother Superior, Dona Ana de Lansos Menendez de Valdez, still roam the halls and startle unsuspecting guests — and you can still hear the swishing of their robes. 

How to See It: Soak up full architectural mix of San Juan — neoclassical, Art Deco and colonial — during the Old and New San Juan City Tour. You’ll get a feel for the place, and there’s still enough free time on the schedule for brave souls to check out the hotel.

 

The Wicked Witch

Falmouth, Jamaica

The Scare: Brave a visit to Rose Hall, a sprawling, unoccupied estate, and you might just have a run-in with the ghost of Annie Palmer. A beautiful Irish-English woman who learned voodoo as a child from her Haitian nanny, Palmer was known as “the White Witch of Rose Hall” for her cruelty to slaves and penchant for murdering her wealthy husbands.

How To See It: For optimal creepiness, take the guided tour of Rose Hall on your own during a free day during your stop in Falmouth.

CZK8 Chichen Itza Mayan Ruins

Ancient Ruins With a Dark Side

Cozumel, Mexico

The Scare: Now a Wonder of the World, the Chichén Itzá ruins have a long (and somewhat bloody) history. The 6-square-mile Mayan site has several hundred buildings, including a ball court that has ancient drawings of losing teams being sacrificed, and a sacred Cenote (sinkhole) where human sacrifices may have been made. It’s a safe assumption some unhappy spirits remain there.

How to See It: Explore the ruins during this 90-minute tour, departing from Cozumel, which includes time to check out the great pyramid of Kulkulcan, a temple of warriors, the observatory and more

Forts & Pirates Forts & Pirates

Phantom Pirates

Nassau, Bahamas

The Scare: The spirit of infamous pirate Blackbeard supposedly stalks the remains of Old Fort Nassau, his destroyed former stomping ground. Blackbeard was a notorious guy — reportedly he would light his signature black beard on fire during battles to intimidate his enemies, and he and his crew were known for their cruelty. (So if you see him, maybe turn around and run the other way?)

How to See It: See the historic forts of Nassau during your jam-packed day on the Discover Nassau Land and Sea tour, three hours of historical sightseeing that concludes at the world-famous Atlantis Paradise Island.

ghosts-and-gravestones-fright-seeing-tour-KW76-mosaic

Freaky Florida

Key West, Florida 

The Scare: Take a creepy ride on the “Trolley of the Doomed,” then get the willies at Martello Tower, a Civil War fort haunted by the ghosts of wounded soldiers. There you’ll also find Robert — the world’s most haunted doll and inspiration for the Chucky movies. Is there anything more terrifying?

How To See It: Test your bravery on the 2-hour Ghosts and Gravestones Frightseeing Tour and find out why the Travel Channel named Key West one of America’s most haunted locations.

royal-caribbean-charleston

Dungeon of Doom

Charleston, South Carolina

The Scare: Venture to the depths of pre-Revolutionary Provost Dungeon and sense the restless spirits of pirates and turncoats who were imprisoned by the British. Then watch for paranormal activity in Charleston’s oldest graveyard, located at Circular Congregational Church. Wind down with a glass of wine at Bocci’s, an Italian spot rumored to have a haunted third floor.

How To See It: The 2-hour Haunted Charleston tour is a bone-chilling exploration of the city’s Historic District and its rich heritage of Lowcountry superstitions.

 

If ghosts aren’t really your thing, be sure to check out other heart-stopping adventures that might be more your speed, like these experiences just for adrenaline junkies. And there’s always iFly.

]]> 0 John Mannelly http://www.webershandwick.com/ <![CDATA[Top 10 Most Amazing Zip Lines on the Planet]]> http://connect.royalcaribbean.com/connect/?p=11286 2015-10-27T13:37:06Z 2015-10-27T13:37:06Z For adventure lovers, there’s nothing quite like a zip line — it’s the perfect combination of gorgeous views and adrenaline-pumping thrills. We’re counting down the most incredible zip lines from around the world. Add them to your travel bucket list and start soaring.

#10: Honduras Adrenaline Zipline

Soar between mountains, with views of exotic plants, giant African palms and beautiful landscapes from above. You’ve got 12 zip lines to choose from, as well as a hanging bridge to stroll.

Find It In: Roatán, Honduras

honduras-zipline-royal-caribbean

#9: Tree Limin’ Extreme Zip Line

Zip with a friend! Two people can zip together on this line that goes above the canopy of the Caribbean rainforest, allowing you both to gaze at beautiful island views. You can even zip backwards and forwards on the world-famous “Yo-Yo” line.

Find It In: Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas

yo-yo-zipline-royal-caribbean

#8: Dragon’s Breath Flight Line

Hit the air 500 feet above the picturesque beaches of Labadee, Royal Caribbean’s private destination. Enjoy amazing views as you fly more than 2,600 feet on the longest over-water zip line before landing at Dragon’s Breath Rock.

Find It In: Labadee, Haiti

Labadee Dragon's Breath Flight Line

#7: Waiheke Island Zipline

After a ferry through Hauraki Gulf, you’ll gear up for side-by-side zip lines through the native bush on this stunning New Zealand island. After soaring through the flora and fauna, you’ll learn about the ecology on the walk back to camp.

Find It In: Auckland, New Zealand

waiheke-island-zipline-royal-caribbean

#6: Reversing Rapids Zipline

Take a thrilling zip-line ride on five hillside lines, including one where you’ll soar 100 feet above a turbulent tidal cove. You’ll get a bird’s-eye view of the Reversing Rapids, where the St. John River and the Bay of Fundy come together and push the flow of the river and rapids backwards.

Find It In: Saint John, New Brunswick

Reversing Rapids Zipline Adventure

#5: Jaguar Cave Zipline

See the spectacular Belizean wilderness up close as you cross ancient Mayan caves. Zip under the jungle canopy, between the stalactites and stalagmites and through the open-air caves of Jaguar Cave.

Find It In: Belize City, Belize

jaguar-cave-zipline-royal-caribbean

#4: Zipline through Paradise

Fly through the native Hawaiian rainforest and over the many gorgeous waterfalls of the Honolii River. Eight zip lines cover almost two miles of tropical river gorges, and the longest line is more than 2,400 feet long.

Find It In: Hilo, Hawaii

Kapohokine-zipline-royal-caribbean

#3: Icy Strait ZipRider

Take the world’s longest zip-line ride (depending on whom you ask!) over the lush green rainforest near Hoonah, Alaska, traveling more than a mile and topping 60 mph before landing softly on a harbor side beach.

Find It In: Icy Strait Point, Alaska

IC

#2: Naples Cistern

Experience Neapolitan history underground: Venture into the Tunnel Borbonico, which was built in the 19th century to connect the Royal Palace to the barracks, then zipline below street level over a 16th-century reservoir.

Find It In: Naples, Italy

Borbonic Tunnel

#1: Toro Verde Adventure Park

Travel through the canopy on this ecotourism park’s 8 zip lines nestled in the lush mountains of Puerto Rico. You’ll fly down 4,700 feet of line headfirst and belly down, AKA “Superman style”, on “La Bestia”, one of the world’s highest and longest zip lines.

Find It In: San Juan, Puerto Rico

toro-verde-adventure-park-zipline-royal-caribbean

 

Ready to get zippy? See all of our active adventures here.

]]> 0 John Mannelly http://www.webershandwick.com/ <![CDATA[5 Formal Cruise Outfit Ideas from Style Bloggers]]> http://connect.royalcaribbean.com/connect/?p=11319 2015-10-23T16:40:00Z 2015-10-23T16:40:00Z You don’t have to rock a floor-length, sequined, red-carpet-worthy gown to be ready for formal evenings onboard a cruise ship (though if that’s your thing, go for it!). In fact, you can be appropriately dressed and have fun with fashion—just ask some of our favorite style bloggers who recently took Royal Caribbean cruises.

 

  1. Try a little white dress with minimalist heels.

(Photo by A Lonestar State of Southern)  

    1. Go for an off-the-shoulder style in a bold but classic color.

(Photo by The Darling Detail)

  1. Choose an LBD in a modern shape, like this strappy number. Can be dressed down with a hat for the day, which you can simply stash in your room before heading to dinner.

(Photo by Side Smile Style)  

    1. Opt for a sexy-but-sweet bow top with a coordinating skirt.

(Photo by B Soup)

  1. Put on a breezy dress with a surprising back detail.

(Photo by Ruffled Snob)

 

Have a favorite evening-wear outfit? Make sure to post it on Instagram and tag it #ComeSeek.

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