Happy Mothers Day! All the moms out there deserve a big hug, thank you, and hopefully a new cruise booking too.

The next new Royal Caribbean cruise ship is on her way to completion.

Utopia of the Seas began her sea trials this week, which is a major milestone in the construction of any cruise ship.

On May 7, Utopia of the Seas departed from the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in France for a 5-day sea trial during which the ship will sail more than 1,000 miles. 

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean Slashes Prices on Icon of the Seas' New Ropes Course by Almost 75%
• Royal Caribbean will hire 10,000 workers this year to meet booming demand
• I tried the Miami hotel everyone says is the best pre-cruise option. It was comfortable, but my stay had some issues
• I went on Royal Caribbean's newest cruise ship and saw why the surging hype is real
• Empty cruise ship is sailing without passengers and it's a more relaxed atmosphere for crew members
• I spent $2800 for 7 nights in a 157-square-foot room on the world's largest cruise ship. Take a look inside my tiny cabin
• I got to blow this cruise ship's horn on Odyssey of the Seas. Here's how I did it.
• Can you upgrade your room after final payment on my cruise?

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 533rd episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available!

With a special guest, Emma, we discuss how to approach planning a European cruise for the first time.

Please feel free to subscribe via iTunes or RSS, and head over to rate and review the podcast on iTunes if you can! We’d appreciate it.

10 Fun Royal Caribbean upgrades under $50!

Have you subscribed to the Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube Channel? We share some great videos there regularly, all about taking a Royal Caribbean cruise! This week, we are sharing our latest video — 10 Fun Royal Caribbean upgrades under $50! — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Simple tips to safely take a cruise ship shore excursion

How can you stay safe while trying a new tour in a foreign location?

Royal Caribbean cruises take you to fascinating ports of call, but it still takes preparation and an alert awareness to protect yourself.

Here are some extra tips before your next cruise ship shore excursion.

9 easy ways to save money on a European cruise

A cruise to Europe could be cheaper than you'd think.

With these easy ways to save money on your cruise, you can customize your experiences for any budget.

European cruises don't have to break the bank, and a few adjustments, there are countless ways to save money.

4 mistakes I saw other people make on Icon of the Seas—and 2 mistakes I made

Calista recently sailed on Royal Caribbean's newest ship, but she noticed it takes some adjustment from everyone.

To make the most of your cruise on the world's largest vessel, it's important to prepare and learn from others' mistakes.

From what to pack to how to use the elevators, here are 6 mistakes you shouldn't make.

Royal Caribbean saved a passenger's life

Crew members on Ovation of the Seas saved a passenger's life after he had a cardiac arrest.

Thanks to the swift response of crew members, they successfully stabilized the patient and coordinated with the US Air Force for a medical evacuation via helicopter.

The passenger's daughter posted her thanks to the medical professionals, saying she is "in awe" of Royal Caribbean's response.

Stay up-to-date with all the Royal Caribbean news from this week with our roundup of all this week's news.

One of the best things about Icon of the Seas could be coming to more Royal Caribbean cruise ships.

Passengers on Allure of the Seas noticed a Royal Caribbean team working on testing destination elevators.

Destination elevators are a more efficient type of elevator first added to a Royal Caribbean ship with Icon, and it's substantially reduced waits.

Royal Caribbean News

• First look at Royal Caribbean's new weekend party cruise ship
• New Royal Caribbean cruise ship to begin sea trials
• Royal Caribbean confirms cruise ship fixed its propulsion problem
• Passenger on 9-Month Cruise Is Half Done and Shares Surprising Things
• My Alaska cruise was cancelled after I boarded the ship
• 8 Royal Caribbean cruise questions guests are too embarrassed to ask
• I went on Harmony of the Seas cruise ship and these are the 7 mistakes I saw people make
• What is the wellness check?
• We asked our readers their favorite snack on a Royal Caribbean cruise

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 532nd episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, previewing the new beach club concept.

Royal Caribbean has plans for two Royal Beach Clubs (Nassau and Cozumel). What are they and what can you expect?

Please feel free to subscribe via iTunes or RSS, and head over to rate and review the podcast on iTunes if you can! We’d appreciate it.

I hate these things about a cruise

Have you subscribed to the Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube Channel? We share some great videos there regularly, all about taking a Royal Caribbean cruise! This week, we are sharing our latest video — I hate these things about a cruise — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Lessons Learned After Trying a Mediterranean Cruise

After a few Caribbean cruises, Calista tried a European cruise, and it was different in many ways.

Planning a Mediterranean cruise is unlike a Caribbean cruise in many regards, especially logistics within the trip.

Here are the important lessons she learned trying a European cruise.

Things I Don't Pay Extra for on Royal Caribbean Cruises To Save Money

Money saved by not spending it is more money to for your next cruise!

While a lot is included in your cruise fare, Royal Caribbean has a seemingly endless amount of add-ons that you can pay extra for to enhance your cruise experience.

Here are all the things you could skip paying for in order to save money for later.

Why you should book a 2025 cruise now

The days of waiting for a last-minute cruise deal might be behind us.

After last week's earnings call with investors, it's clear Royal Caribbean Group is seeing record demand that shows no signs of slowing down.

If you're going to take a cruise vacation next year, you should consider booking it now, rather than waiting.

Answers to your really dumb cruise ship dining questions

In case you're wondering, there's no shame in asking questions about eating on a cruise ship that you may be too embarrassed to ask.

What seems like basic knowledge to frequent cruisers can cause confusion for first time cruisers. So much confusion, unsurprisingly, leads to a lot of questions about dining on a cruise ship.

To make your first cruise experience stress-free, we’re answering 17 of your really dumb cruise ship dining questions.

Happy weekend! In case you missed any Royal Caribbean news, here is a look at everything that happened this week!

After suffering a propulsion issue mid-cruise, Radiance of the Seas next sailing has been cancelled.

After initially delaying the sailing's departure by two days, Royal Caribbean informed guests their cruise would be cancelled.

Passengers had already boarded the ship while the vessel underwent work in port for an additional two days, however, the decision was made to cancel the cruise altogether.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean would consider offering river cruises
• "What a great start to the year" Royal Caribbean reports strong first quarter earnings
• Royal Caribbean touts "significant progress" in decarbonization reduction target
• Royal Caribbean executives talk amazing demand, beach club, ordering new ships and more
• Royal Caribbean breaks ground on new beach club in Bahamas reserved for its passengers
• Royal Caribbean eliminated norovirus outbreaks on its cruise ships last year after making big changes
• Royal Caribbean cancels more visits to Labadee, Haiti into the fall
• This Royal Caribbean drink package workaround saves so much money if you're not a heavy drinker
• "Should be illegal": Crew member shows off daring high dive on cruise ship

New RCB Video: Why Royal Caribbean's customer loyalty perks are in trouble

Have you subscribed to the Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube Channel? We share some great videos there regularly, all about taking a Royal Caribbean cruise! 

This week, we are sharing our latest video—Why Royal Caribbean's customer loyalty perks are in trouble—don’t forget to subscribe to our channel!

I went to Royal Caribbean's private island on a Celebrity cruise ship. Here's what surprised me about this visit

Celebrity Cruises took its first visit to Royal Caribbean's private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay, and Elizabeth went onboard to see what it was like.

Celebrity Reflection and Celebrity Beyond are both scheduled to regularly visit the island on future itineraries.

Elizabeth sailed on Celebrity Reflection and saw frequent advertisements for Perfect Day at CocoCay onboard.

Here's everything that surprised her on the visit to Perfect Day at CocoCay with Celebrity Cruises. 

Almost 1 in 2 Royal Caribbean cruise ship passengers are millennials

When you picture the average Royal Caribbean fan, do you visualize a young, hip millennial?

Recent statistics show that over half of passengers on Royal Caribbean cruise ships are between 43-28 years old, or even younger.

Jason Liberty, Royal Caribbean Group's CEO, said that "almost  1 in 2 guests are millennials or younger."

"It's a very powerful statement."

Royal Caribbean Oasis Class Ships by Age

Royal Caribbean's Oasis Class ships have been record-breaking, expectation-setting vessels ever since their inception.

With Utopia of the Seas launching this summer, and the introduction of a new Oasis Class ship to be released in 2028, how many Oasis Class ships are there?

Here's every Oasis Class ship by age, oldest to youngest—and what makes each one special.

New casino partnership

Royal Caribbean Group announced on Friday that it will be partnering with Hard Rock International and Seminole Gaming to provide deals and added perks to loyalty members.

Members of Royal Caribbean's Club Royal, Celebrity Cruises' Blue Chip Club, and Hard Rock's Unity loyalty programs will receive extra benefits thanks to this partnership.

Essentially, cruisers who have status in Royal Caribbean or Celebrity Cruises' casino loyalty programs can now gain benefits at Hard Rock Casinos—and vice versa.

Cruise advice that makes sense until you get on your ship

You'll hear lots of cruise tips before you sail, but a few of them seem to make sense until you get onboard.

There's merit in these cruise tips, but in practical terms, they just don't work well. Whether because they're too limiting or impractical, these are the cruise tips you might want to think twice about embracing.

Here's my list of cruise tips that aren't as good as they sound.

12 reasons to eat at the buffet instead of the dining room

Whether you're a picky eater or not, the cruise ship buffet is an underrated option for dinner.

There are advantages to eating at the Main Dining Room or Windjammer, including convenience, variety, and service.

To help make this decision easier, here are 12 reasons to eat at the buffet instead of the dining room on your cruise.

Did you miss any of this week's Royal Caribbean news? No worries, because we have you covered with our wrap-up of cruise news!

Royal Caribbean crew members are often praised for going above and beyond, and this Windjammer employee is a cut above the rest.

Reminding guests to wash their hands is a simple task, and Stacian makes it entertaining like no one else can.

She is one of the many members with the "Washy Washy" assignment, and has worked on Royal Caribbean cruise ships for 20 years.

Royal Caribbean News

• 24 Alaska cruise tips to follow in 2024
• Royal Caribbean cancels cruise because of Houthi Attacks in Red Sea
• 6 mistakes to avoid while planning a cruise and sharing a cabin with a friend
• Is Royal Caribbean still going to Labadee, Haiti?
• Royal Caribbean will have a dog that lives on Star of the Seas
• 4 mistakes people make when booking another cruise onboard their ship
• Royal Caribbean's Newest Ship to Feature an Epic '80s Music Spectacular
• 8 Useful Apps Every Cruiser Should Know About
• Toilet paper: The unspoken downside of going on a cruise ship

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 531st episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available! 

How do you get a free Royal Caribbean cruise from gambling? And is it worth it?

Matt answers all your questions about the Casino Royale deal—the best one out there—in this episode.

Please feel free to subscribe via iTunes or RSS, and head over to rate and review the podcast on iTunes if you can! We’d appreciate it.

New RCB Video: The WORST Royal Caribbean Deals

Have you subscribed to the Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube Channel? We share some great videos there regularly, all about taking a Royal Caribbean cruise! 

This week, we are sharing our latest video—The WORST Royal Caribbean Deals—don’t forget to subscribe to our channel!

16 things to ask your cruise ship cabin attendant

What kind of special requests can you make to your stateroom attendant?

Whether you need a sharps container, extra towels, or even furniture moved out of your way, your stateroom attendant can tend to all your concerns.

To ensure you have the most comfortable stay, here's everything you can ask your cabin attendant for.

Follow our NEW Facebook page!

We have a new Facebook page, so please follow us there too!

Unfortunately our old Facebook page was removed, so you'll need to follow us on our new Facebook page so you don't miss any updates!

Celebrity will visit Royal Caribbean's private island

Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean will be bringing their close sisterhood even closer.

On Monday, April 22nd, Celebrity ships begin visiting Royal Caribbean's private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay.

The move is symbolic of the sister lines' closer relationship.

Because of the high demand for Bahamas and Caribbean cruises, Celebrity will begin visiting the region, with occasional stops at CocoCay.

What happens on Turnaround Day on a Cruise?

How do cruise ships go straight from one sailing to the next?

Turnaround day is when the previous guests disembark from a cruise and the incoming guests board.

Behind the scenes, crew members and cruise terminal staff work tirelessly to get it all down in just a few hours.

This is the entire process of turnaround day, and how the crew gets it all done.

Happy weekend! I hope Spring is starting to arrive where you live.  Regardless of the weather, it is time to sit back, relax, and check out the latest in Royal Caribbean news!

Should you cruise to Europe in July? What about October?

Cruising to Europe is a bucket-list item for many.

But before you book that dream vacation, there are some important times to avoid sailing in Europe.

From scorching-hot temperatures to massive crowds, here's how to avoid booking the worst months to cruise to Europe.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean Group CEO talks new private islands, new cruiser demand, innovations & more
• Construction equipment arrives to Royal Caribbean's Bahamas beach club site
• Royal Caribbean cruisers report problems logging into accounts
• Oceanview staterooms on Royal Caribbean guide
• Coast Guard no longer searching for passenger who jumped from Royal Caribbean cruise
• Spotted: Royal Caribbean trademarks new customer loyalty program names
• I stopped booking the upgraded train tickets on Florida's high-speed train from Orlando to Miami. It wasn't much different than coach
• 14 improvements Royal Caribbean developed just for Icon of the Seas
• Choosing the Quietest Cabins on Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 530th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available! 

Matt answers listener questions from his email inbox, addressing all the most pressing concerns.

From choosing your Hideaway cabana location to reef snorkeling at Perfect Day at CocoCay, listen to all the details now.

Please feel free to subscribe via iTunes or RSS, and head over to rate and review the podcast on iTunes if you can! We’d appreciate it.

New RCB Video: 9 things that surprise people on Royal Caribbean

Have you subscribed to the Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube Channel? 

We share some great videos there regularly, all about taking a Royal Caribbean cruise! 

This week, we are sharing our latest video — 9 things that surprise people on Royal Caribbean — and don’t forget to subscribe to our channel.

Should you tell the waiter if you won't be there for dinner? 5 cruise ship etiquette questions

Every new cruiser wants to ensure that they're not a nuisance to crew members and other guests.

Going on a cruise involves a new set of specific manners that can take a little adjustment from first-time cruisers.

Should you let the waitstaff know ahead of time if you won't be in the Main Dining Room? Can you bring a personal Bluetooth speaker?

We went ahead and answered some specific cruise ship etiquette questions in this article.

New Australia cruises released

Royal Caribbean has released its Australia 2025-2025 deployments, with one ship sailing to Australia for the first time.

For the 2025-2026 cruise season, 45 long and short cruises are planned. 

Royal Caribbean is sending two ships in particular: Voyager of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas.

Why some people hate hiding ducks on a cruise ship fad

Hiding rubber duckies onboard is a popular cruise ship trend started by 11-year-old Abby Davis.

But some cruisers are less than happy about the fad. 

Critics complain that rubber ducks can spread germs and diminish the sophisticated cruise atmosphere they hope for.

What regulations do you need to follow to hide a duck onboard? And what do you think of the trend?

Happy April! It was a busy week with Royal Caribbean news, and we have a summary of all of the news from this week so that you don't miss any details.

The big news story this week was a sad report of a man who jumped off a Royal Caribbean cruise ship.

According to reports, an allegedly drunk passenger got in a verbal fight with his family, and then proceeded to jump off the side of the ship. The ship was located near The Bahamas.

Rescue efforts by the ship and the U.S. Coast Guard were unsuccessful.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean delays restart of troubled cruise ship in Australia
• I paid $350 for 3 hours in a private room at Royal Caribbean's sports bar. It made it easy to watch March Madness games, but I wouldn't do it again
• Harmony of the Seas review: What this cruise ship is like in 2024
• How early should I pack for my cruise?
• Royal Caribbean cabins for 5 or more people
• Inside Royal Caribbean's luxury Royal Loft Suite, which start at almost $5k a night
• Cruise hack lets you preview Royal Caribbean add-on costs before you book a cruise
• Royal Caribbean partners with Make-A-Wish

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 529th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available! In it, Matt discusses the top six mistakes he saw other cruisers make on his spring break cruise.

Worried about being that person messing up? Give the podcast a listen to learn from their mistakes.

Please feel free to subscribe via iTunes or RSS, and head over to rate and review the podcast on iTunes if you can! We’d appreciate it.

New RCB Video: Ranking EVERY SINGLE Free Restaurant on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship (2024)

Have you subscribed to the Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube Channel? We share some great videos there regularly, all about taking a Royal Caribbean cruise! This week, we are sharing our latest video — Ranking EVERY SINGLE Free Restaurant on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship (2024) — and don’t forget to subscribe to our channel.

"Very active" Hurricane season predicted for 2024: What that means for cruise ships

June 1st will mark the start of the 2024 hurricane season.

Experts at Colorado State University (CSU) have predicted a very active hurricane season this year, with a total of 23 named storms.

CSU estimates that the probability of a major hurricane making landfall across the entire U.S. coastline is 62%.

This means that cruisers looking forward to this summer and fall should start taking a few precautions.

How does specialty dining work on Royal Caribbean?

On your Royal Caribbean cruise, you can either dine for free or choose to try an extra-cost restaurant.

Extra-cost venues are called specialty restaurants, popular for their specific themes and quality cuisine.

But how do you reserve a spot at one? And how much will it cost?

This is your guide to all the specialty dining on Royal Caribbean. 

Cruising with teenagers: Will they have fun on a Royal Caribbean cruise?

Alexa H. Bluth shares a guest post about cruising with teenagers.

You never want to hear "I'm bored" on your vacation, so can you be sure that teens will have fun on a Royal Caribbean cruise?

There are lots of activities a teenager can enjoy, from teen lounges to time with family.

You can feel confident that your teen won't get bored on a Royal Caribbean cruise.

Let's welcome spring with Royal Caribbean! It was a busy week with Royal Caribbean news, and we have a summary of all of the news from this week to make certain you did not miss any of it.

Following the collapse of a bridge in Baltimore, Royal Caribbean will shift cruise ship operations to Norfolk.

On Tuesday, the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland collapsed after it was struck by a cargo ship.

Because the Baltimore port is no longer suitable to safely embark guests, Royal Caribbean sought several different options for Vision of the Sea's return.

Vision of the Seas is currently the only Royal Caribbean ship that sails out of Baltimore.

An April 12th sailing of Vision was supposed to begin and end in Baltimore, but has been moved to Norfolk, Virginia, and cut short a day.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean is working on options for its cruise ships following Baltimore bridge collapse
• Photos show a tiny crew-only cabin on Icon of the Seas
• Royal Caribbean's Secret Weapon: Private islands & beach clubs aim to set a new standard in the industry
• I stayed in the cheapest cabin on Royal Caribbean's Harmony of the Seas for $463 a night. Take a look inside my 172-square-foot cabin
• Photos show Utopia of the Seas is nearing completion
• 6 mistakes I saw people make on my spring break cruise
• Can I share my Royal Caribbean beverage package with someone? What you need to know
• 5 reasons you'll regret downsizing to a smaller cruise cabin

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 528th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where Matt reviews his recent Wonder of the Seas cruise.

Listen to the episode for more information on booking your next spring break cruise and spending $2,000 on a Hideaway Beach cabana.

Please feel free to subscribe via iTunes or RSS, and head over to rate and review the podcast on iTunes if you can! We’d appreciate it.

New RCB Video: 10 Things People Don’t Realize about Royal Caribbean’s alcohol package

Have you subscribed to the Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube Channel? We share some great videos there regularly, all about taking a Royal Caribbean cruise! This week, we are sharing our latest video — 10 Things People Don’t Realize about Royal Caribbean’s alcohol package — and don’t forget to subscribe to our channel.

Comparing the Royal Caribbean ships sailing to Alaska in 2024

Is an Alaskan cruise on your bucket list for 2024?

We've developed a comparative guide for each vessel (and its itineraries) that is sailing to Alaska this year.

Whether you're hooked on a Quantum Class ship or are looking to explore unique ports on Radiance of the Seas, here's everything you need to know about your options.

11 reasons to get as early a check-in time as possible for your cruise

The earlier you get onboard your cruise, the more quickly you can start the vacation you’ve been dreaming about for so long.

Beyond just starting your vacation earlier, though, are a range of other benefits you can experience by boarding earlier than most other passengers.

Here are the top 11 reasons to get as early a check-in time as possible for your cruise.

After five cruises with Norwegian, here's why I am coming back to Royal Caribbean

Allie discovered that the grass isn't always greener on the other side when it comes to changing cruise lines.

A loyal customer of Royal Caribbean, she decided to give Norwegian Cruise Line a try.

However, her experience turned into one of disappointing bait-and-switches, last-minute itinerary changes, and broken trust. 

Here's why she's returning to Royal Caribbean.

How does Royal Caribbean dining work?

Ready to dive into Royal Caribbean cruises, but still confused about the dining process?

Royal Caribbean dining is extensive, so it's easy for first-time cruises to get confused.

This article is your guide. In it, we share information about everything from what's free to what isn't, dress codes, and dining packages.

This was a busy week with Royal Caribbean news, and we have a summary of all of the news from this week to make certain you did not miss any of it.

Royal Caribbean is adding a private beach club that will open in the next two years.

Set to open in 2026, the club will be located along the western coast of Cozumel, Mexico.

Beach clubs are a new development for Royal Caribbean. The first enclave of this kind was announced in 2020, with the introduction of a new club in the Bahamas.

An admission cost will be associated with entering these areas, which will be private areas reserved for Royal Caribbean guests.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean cancels Australia cruise to propulsion problem
• Icon of the Seas cabins to avoid
• Royal Caribbean cancels more cruise ship visits to Labadee, Haiti for next few weeks
• Internet can't decide if this cruise ship passenger is genius or dumb
• The worst months to cruise to Alaska
• I rented a $2,000 cabana at Royal Caribbean's adults-only area of CocoCay. It was totally worth it, especially with a private pool
• How to Track a Cruise Ship Location on the Internet

New RCB Video: Top 18 Royal Caribbean cruise hacks

Have you subscribed to the Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube Channel? We share some great videos there regularly, all about taking a Royal Caribbean cruise! This week, we are sharing our latest video — Top 18 Royal Caribbean cruise hacks — and don’t forget to subscribe to our channel.

What to do at CocoCay? 18 things to try on your visit

Royal Caribbean's private island features a stunning array of activities and amenities. 

If you know where to find them, Perfect Day at CocoCay has plenty of activities to try. Not only that, but the majority of them are included in your cruise fare!

If you're planning a visit to CocoCay, or wondering is a stop there is worth it, we've collected 18 things you can try at Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Royal Caribbean Spa Package Prices (2024)

Are you curious about the price of a treatment at Vitality Spa and Salon?

Vitality is Royal Caribbean's designated spa and salon area, where you can receive a variety of health and beauty treatments.

The venue offers treatments ranging from face and body care to natural massages to haircuts and manicures.

Whether you're choosing which service to book or just looking at the prices, we have compiled all the latest costs of the Vitality spa packages.

I ate brunch at 3 Royal Caribbean restaurants, and the one you've heard of the least was the best

Matt went ahead and tested the best brunch spots on Wonder of the Seas.

Three venues currently offer brunch on the large Oasis-class ship: Mason Jar, the Main Dining Room, and the Solarium Bistro.

Which spot was the best? Surprisingly, it was the less-frequented Solarium Bistro. This complimentary brunch location served up a large, buffet-style selection.

How to de-stress on a Royal Caribbean cruise (without alcohol)

Whether it's because of stress from traveling, troubles at home, or just general anxiety, sometimes we struggle to truly relax on our cruise vacations.

The fast-paced world around us makes it difficult to settle down and truly enjoy the peaceful environment on a cruise ship.

Whether you're keeping first-timer nerves at bay, or trying to enjoy a long overdue vacation, Calista has developed some tips for better relaxation.

Avoid relying on alcohol and give yourself permission to relax by following these 9 tips to de-stress on your Royal Caribbean cruise.

This was a busy week with Royal Caribbean news, and we have a summary of all of the news from this week to make certain you did not miss any of it.

Royal Caribbean has canceled all visits to Labadee, its private peninsula in Haiti.

In recent weeks, Haiti has made global news for gang violence and a mass prison break. The US Embassy has advised American citizens to leave Haiti. 

For guest safety, Royal Caribbean has canceled all visits to Labadee. 

Ships on their way to Labadee have changed their itineraries to add an extra sea day, re-routed to Grand Turks, Turks and Caicos, or stopped at Nassau, Bahamas instead.

Royal Caribbean News

• What is free on Perfect Day At CocoCay?
• 21 Cruise Cabin Essentials Everyone Should Pack
• New Brightline station will be added near Port Canaveral
• How do I get a table for two in the Main Dining Room?
• Royal Caribbean adds new benefit for Pinnacle Club members
• Royal Caribbean will evaluate canceling more visits to Labadee, Haiti every 3 days
• 7 things to pack for a cruise (and 5 to leave behind), from someone who has cruised half a dozen times
• What to Pack for a Mediterranean Cruise

New RCB Video: What I wish I’d known before I went on a Royal Caribbean cruise

Have you subscribed to the Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube Channel? We share some great videos there regularly, all about taking a Royal Caribbean cruise! This week, we are sharing our latest video — What I wish I’d known before I went on a Royal Caribbean cruise — and don’t forget to subscribe to our channel.

What is it like onboard Anthem of the Seas in 2024?

Sailing on Anthem of the Seas convinced Calista that cruising Royal Caribbean's Quantum Class is a top-tier experience. 

She sailed on on Anthem this past month, choosing a 7-night sailing out of Cape Liberty and stopping at Port Canaveral, Perfect Day at CocoCay, and Nassau.

This is what Anthem of the Seas is like this year, from entertainment onboard to the stateroom.

Royal Caribbean has a ten year plan to use robots on its cruise ships

Royal Caribbean sees robotics as the future for its cruise ships. 

Nick Weir, Royal Caribbean Senior Vice President of Entertainment, shared that the cruise line has a ten-year plan for using robots as part of shows onboard.

He announced on Twitter that they are ahead of schedule when it comes to incorporating robots onboard, with plans like "Robolights" and "robotic fountains streams" already taking center stage.

9 things Royal Caribbean veterans always do (and you should too)

 Are you new to cruising Royal Caribbean? It's natural to feel intimidated by everything you need to prepare.

Thankfully, cruise fans love sharing tips—like on this blog! We've compiled some insider hacks that Royal Caribbean veterans always use.

By putting these tried and true strategies into practice, you can make sure you have the best cruise possible.

If you’re new to Royal Caribbean, it’s natural to feel intimidated by the things you need to learn and prepare for.

5 busted Icon of the Seas myths

You've probably heard a lot about Royal Caribbean's newest and biggest ship.

But not all the news about Icon of the Seas is entirely true. 

Whether you believe that you'll get to pet the family dog, or that Icon is just too expensive, there are some pervasive myths about the ship.

To make sure you have the most accurate information, Matt is debunking five myths you've heard about Icon of the Seas.

What cruisers wish they knew before going on their first cruise

Hindsight is always 20/20, including going on a cruise ship.

We asked people on the internet for what they know now that they wish they knew before trying their first cruise.

From beating the chair hogs to asserting dominance in the elevator, here are our favorite answers.

Happy weekend! We hope you remembered to Spring Forward! Here’s all the Royal Caribbean news this week!

Royal Caribbean has moved up the first sailing of its newest cruise ship.

Royal Caribbean is ahead of schedule on Utopia of the Seas and added a new sailing before the original inaugural sailing on July 22, 2024.

Since the Utopia will be arriving at Port Canaveral earlier than expected, the ship will have a new inaugural sailing over the weekend of July 19, 2024.

She will be the first Oasis Class ship to focus on short 3 and 4-night cruises.

Royal Caribbean News

• Five moves Royal Caribbean is making to overhaul its weekend cruise business for the future
• Photos show the secret crew-only areas on Icon of the Seas
• I stayed in the cheapest virtual balcony cabin on Royal Caribbean's Anthem of the Seas. Look inside my $137 a night room.
• Royal Caribbean requires cruise ship passengers only app check-in with its app from Vancouver
• "I will be checking under the bed now": Royal Caribbean crew member accused of hiding cameras to spy on guests
• Chops Grille is the best Royal Caribbean extra-cost restaurant, according to a passenger survey
• Royal Caribbean Flowrider: How to surf on a cruise ship
• Icon of the Seas vs Wonder of the Seas
• Your Royal Caribbean cruise is probably still going to Labadee despite Haiti’s situation

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 527th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, and shares why you might not want to book the cheapest cruise you can find.

Matt shares his advice for planning a visit to Royal Caribbean's private island in The Bahamas.

Please subscribe via iTunes or RSS, and head over to rate and review the podcast on iTunes if you can! We’d appreciate it.

New RCB Video: Simple trick to avoid thousands of dollars in cellphone charges on a cruise ship

Have you subscribed to the Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube Channel? We share some great videos there regularly, all about taking a Royal Caribbean cruise! This week, we are sharing our latest video — Simple trick to avoid thousands of dollars in cellphone charges on a cruise ship — and don’t forget to subscribe to our channel.

Guide to Playmakers Sports Bar and Arcade

Did you know you can find a sports bar and arcade right on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship?

Playmakers Sports Bar is an extra-cost bar and arcade that serves food and drink a la carte.

You can enjoy the games and sports playing at no cost, or pay per dish when it comes to the food and drinks. Popular dishes include the wings and the touchdown sundae. 

The location also serves a variety of craft beers and sports-themed cocktails. 

How to plan a cruise for the first time

Planning your first cruise can be a daunting task. There are a myriad of options for you to navigate, from staterooms to itineraries to ship sizes.

Matt has developed a simple guide for you to get started with planning your cruise.

Start with your budget, then move on to decide the length, type, cruise cabin, and specific booking you'd like.

We also have a brand-new online course to help you plan your cruise like a pro!

Spring break is one of the most lively times to take a cruise. Here are 5 tips my family swears by to make crowded sea days better.

Looking forward to your spring cruise? Be prepared for huge crowds and long lines. 

Matt loves to sail during spring break season, so his family has some strategies to make the crowds a little less overwhelming.

From traditional dining to the suite life, here's how you can avoid those busy sea days.

How long does it take for a cruise ship to get ready for a new group of passengers? Here's what a hotel director has to say.

Have you ever wondered how a cruise ship goes straight from one sailing to the next?

On a recent Anthem of the Seas cruise, hotel director Adrian Gheorghe said that the ship rotates almost 9,000 passengers on a turnaround day.

The cruise ship hospitality staff have to work efficiently to clean each space after the previous passengers and get ready for the new ones.

Click here to read the hotel director's strategy for a turnaround day.

Why I almost always stay in a cruise ship inside cabin

An inside cabin will cost less than a balcony or suite, and it often makes a lot of sense to go with these kinds of rooms.

Inside cabins definitely aren’t for everyone, but Jenna prefers to stay in them for the great savings they provide.

From a quieter cabin to a perfect night’s sleep, she'll never complain about cruising in a cozy inside room.