After completing the world's largest cruise ship Oasis of the Seas, and with sister ship Allure of the Seas due to sail later this year, the increased capacity helped the cruise line reverse it's loss of $35 million during the same quarter in 2009.

Royal Caribbean's overall sales were up by around 19% from $1.35 billion to $1.6 billion for the three months to the end of June 2010. The strong performance of the brand beat city analysts' forecasts resulting in shares increasing by 7% to more than $26 during trading on Wall Street yesterday.

Richard Fain, chairman and chief executive, said: "What a difference a year makes. It is gratifying to post another solid quarter with improvement in yields and strong cost control.

"Despite ongoing uncertainty with the economy, our profitability continues to improve and our booking environment continues to be remarkably stable.

“We remain focused on strengthening our financial position and I am encouraged about the tremendous global response to our brands."

The completion of the new Oasis class ships, should not only help reduce cost, but the increased capacity should enable the cruise line to sustain profit throughout the year.

2010 is proving to be another great year for the world of cruising.

Written by Charlie Hamilton-Beaufort

On June 26th the 225,282-ton, 5,400-passenger ship passed the exam with a perfect score, an improvement on the 97% scored in their first exam back in January.

The Oasis of the Seas is one of eight cruise ships to have earned a 100% pass mark in the past three months, with no failing scores (under 86) over the same period. Other ships were cleanliness-is-king are the Caribbean Princess, Diamond Princess, Radiance of the Seas, Norwegian Pearl, ms Zuiderdam, the ms Oosterdam and the Carnival Freedom.

The CDC, through its Vessel Sanitation Programme, is a US agency that monitors public health and hygiene. Inspections take place twice a year on all cruise ships that call in on US ports. The inspections are conducted to ensure all vessels maintain an adequate level of sanitation and provide guidance to vessel staff when need.

Written by Stephen Adam

Royal Caribbean, the second largest cruise company in the world, are offering some superb incentives to book onto one of their 2010 cruises. On top of superb savings any cruise booked for 2010 in England, Scotland and Wales will place the customer into a daily prize draw to win a Spain and the Canaries cruise onboard the Independence of the Seas.

Winners will receive an 11 day night cruises with either in inside or oceanview stateroom, depending on availability, on Royal Caribbean's largest European based ship the Independence of the Seas. With the chance to head out to the Canary Islands on selected dates, expected to be autumn 2010, spring 2011 and autumn 2011.

With fly cruises to the Med starting at £369 per person you have the opportunity of enjoying two fantastic cruises for absolute pennies, if you win of course.

This fantastic offer will run for the whole of July, finishing on the 31st. So if you are thinking of a Royal Caribbean Cruise for this year book your holiday this month and cross those fingers!

Written by Troy McGuire

The changes to the itineraries include a further two months of sailings, with cruises from Dubai beginning in November 2011 and longer itineraries of 12 and 18 nights along with the very popular 7 nights cruises. Jo Rzymowska, associate vice president and general manager, Royal Caribbean International, UK and Ireland, commented:

“Dubai is very popular with UK & Irish travellers, and cruises consistently offer significant value for money. We have adjusted the itinerary based on our trade partner feedback and replaced Bahrain with an overnight stay in Muscat.  Also included within this cruise itinerary is an overnight stay in the city onboard the ship at the end of the cruise which makes this an affordable way to enjoy this fascinating Emirate. The chance to explore more of the Middle East, Arabian Sea and even India make these additional longer sailings truly exciting options..."

Royal Caribbean will be offering some fantastic new cruises during the Dubai season that include a 12-night Dubai and India sailing, visiting the ports of Muscat, Oman; Cochin, Goa and Mumbai, India, as well as their first ever call to the New Mangalore port in Panambur on the west coast of India.

With these exciting changes and additions the Dubai winter cruises season is sure to become increasingly popular year-on-year and offers a great alternative for both its winter sun and cultural delights.

Written by Stephen Adam.

This weekend marked the grand opening of Universal Orlando^®’s new Wizarding World of Harry Potter™. The amazing new theme park in Orlando was officially opened on the 18th June 2010. Queues started backing up from early Friday morning with fans eager to get the first look inside. The writer of the Harry Potter™ books, J.K Rowling, has teamed up with Universal Studios^® to create this park, paying attention to even the tiniest details. The park now includes Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Zonko’s Joke Shop, Ollivander’s Wand Shop, Honeydukes sweet shop and the new Harry Potter^™ and the Forbidden Journey ride. So far feedback is great, with people raving about their overall 'truly magical' experience and even the $2.50 'Butterbeer'. Prices for a theme park ticket range from $70 per child and $89 per adult for a day pass (preordering tickets will save a great deal of money).

Now you can enjoy the wonders of your favourite magical tale ontop of a cruising experience on Freedom of the Seas. This deal offers a 7 night Caribbean fly cruise on this amazing ship, with theme park dates either before or after your cruise. The options include both on and off park accommodation, express pass park tickets and the cruise, flights and transfers. This is a chance to sit back, relax and enjoy the ride as you embark on a fun packed holiday for all the family.

“Royal Caribbean and DreamWorks Animation share many of the same philosophies when it comes to high-quality family entertainment, so there is quite a lot of synergy going into this strategic alliance,” said Adam Goldstein, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. “We are constantly striving to offer dynamic and engaging programming onboard our ships and couldn't think of a better brand than DreamWorks Animation to help take it to the next level.”

The new entertainment package will start life onboard the Allure of the Seas in December with the line intending on rolling out the program on board the Oasis of the Seas, Freedom of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas. The ships will feature celebrity characters including the Penguins from Madagascar, Po from Kung Fu Panda and Puss In Boots from Shrek on board offering unique experiences, energetic parades, interactive character meals and plenty of photo opportunities.

With the introduction of 3D movies, once Royal Caribbean installs the new 3D screens in the ship theatre, guests will be able to experience current favourites and new films from DreamWorks Animations in all their glory. Royal Caribbean's decision to team up with DreamWorks Animations keeps them at the top of their game in family cruising and in competing with the likes of Disney Cruises for family entertainment.

Written by Troy McGuire

Senior Vice President of Marketing, Betsy O'Rourke: “We listened to our member guests and are launching program enhancements to reflect what they told us matter most to them... The new exclusive benefits will add to those that members have enjoyed in the past and reflect Royal Caribbean's commitment to recognize and reward our loyal members who cruise with us again and again. There has never been a better time to be a Crown & Anchor Society member, and there is more to come.”

Other new features include priority notification of exclusive member special offers, added value offers in the Crown & Anchor Society Ultimate Value Booklet, and members will also be able apply their Crown & Anchor Society Savings Certificates and receive onboard credit for their future bookings.

The Loyalty Staff members will be onboard to help with customer queries, help them book future cruises and to deliver a more personalised service to each member guest. The Ultimate Value Booklet will be filled with on board savings for beverages, internet packages, photo merchandise and spa discounts.

Written by Troy McGuire

Following the success of the award winning Hairspray production on the Oasis of the Seas and the anticipated success of Chicago: The Musical that will debut on the Allure of the Seas Royal Caribbean have announced more Broadway productions. Liberty of the Seas is set to receive the yet un-named show.

Inspired by the Aqautheatre onboard Oasis of the Seas both of the Freedom class ships will be receiving huge outdoor screens. The 18.5ft screen will take centre stage overlooking the main family pool and will feature a wide selection of films and entertainment.

Another popular feature to grace these ships will be the Royal Babies and Tots Nursery. These childcare programs run from 6 to 36 months and also offer a fun and safe environment for toddlers too.

Other additions to the Liberty of the Seas and Freedom of the Seas include the Vintages Lounge, for fine wines and the Cupcake Cupboard, offering fresh boutique styled pastries and cup cakes.

These exciting new additions will give the already fantastic Freedom class ships a decadent facelift and will keep Royal Caribbean at the top of their game.