Merry Christmas! The holidays are here, and so is our weekly round up of this week's Royal Caribbean news.

What kind of cabin can you get for $2,400 on Wonder of the Seas?

Matt stayed in an oceanview balcony room on Wonder of the Seas for seven nights, paying a total of $2,409.94. 

While Matt has stayed in balcony rooms on Royal Caribbean ships before, the cruise line continues to improve. 

This cabin included ample power outlets, and large closet, and the 50 square foot balcony. 

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean news: New cruise ship construction milestone, deployment schedule updated & more
• Freedom of the Seas vs Liberty of the Seas
• Norwegian vs Royal Caribbean comparison
• The guide to Royal Caribbean status match
• 10 habits of successful cruisers
• Travelers want cruise deals — here's where to find them
• I spent $3,214 on a 10-night Royal Caribbean cruise. Here's what everything cost, from my $1,273 flight to $230 catamaran tour
• Beyond the Buffet: Exploring Royal Caribbean's unique onboard cuisine

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 521st episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, with answers to all of your cruise questions.

This week is all about you as Matt responds to more listener emails! From prepaid gratuities to saving money with travel agencies, check out this episode to hear all your questions answered. 

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.

Video: 5 Royal Caribbean ships nobody talks about

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 — 5 Royal Caribbean ships nobody talks about — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Why the internet is obsessed with the world cruise

On TikTok, the #UltimateWorldCruise tag has more than 54.8 million views with a lot of social media attention to Royal Caribbean's first world cruise.

Many of the posts on TikTok are speculating on the prospect of drama between people living on a cruise ship for almost an entire year.

There's videos of passengers showing off their cabin, and how they're making it feel more like home.

First look at The Pearl on Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas

Icon of the Seas will be putting a new twist on the essential Royal Promenade on most Royal Caribbean ships. With the introduction of the Pearl, you can expect something completely new and unique.

The Royal Promenade onboard Icon will be 362 feet long, longer than the length of a football field.

If the Royal Promenade is the heart of Icon of the Seas, the Pearl will be her heartbeat.

Jay Schneider, Chief Product Innovation Officer for Royal Caribbean International called the Pearl “a bit art, a bit sculpture, a bit experience, a bit WOW." 

Bored of typical shore excursions? Try a day pass to a resort

Are you struggling to find a shore excursion that excites you?

Getting a day pass to a resort is your opportunity to try a new side of a location you may have already visited, such as the more popular Caribbean islands.

A day pass to a resort can give you a luxurious stop, with access to pools, restaurants, bars, and other amenities. Many resorts are all-inclusive.

And booking your pass is easy: there are several websites where you can find resort day passes, especially for cruise ship passengers staying in a port for 8 hours or less.

What it's like to sail Royal Caribbean's smallest ship

Royal Caribbean’s oldest and smallest cruise ship is still sailing strong, and you might be curious what it's like to go on a ship of this size and age.

Angie recently sailed on Grandeur out of Tampa, Florida, and she was surprised at how well-maintained the ship is! Grandeur is still in quality condition, despite being almost 30 years old.

While the ship may not have the same attractions as newer Royal Caribbean ships, she offers a more intimate atmosphere. 

Is it worth booking an inside cabin for a Mediterranean cruise?

How important is your cabin choice when it comes to a unique Mediterranean itinerary?

Given that a Mediterranean cruise is such an exciting experience to take full advantage of, you want to be sure to choose the right cabin.

You may wonder if it’s worth saving money to book a cheaper, windowless inside cabin. Or should you splurge for a balcony cabin instead?

To make your decision, you can weigh several categories—such as port stops and ideal sleeping conditions—and consider the pros and cons of each.

Merry Christmas! The holidays are here, and so is our weekly round up of the articles and news we shared about Royal Caribbean.

Royal Caribbean is ending its partnership with Ben & Jerry's ice cream this year.

In an announcement to travel agents, the cruise line announced that they will be removing all Ben and Jerry’s ice cream shops onboard its cruise ships.

"Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream Shop onboard 13 of our ships will be moo-ving out and making way for something sweeter," the announcement read, stating that December 15th was the last date to taste Ben and Jerry’s ice cream onboard.

Royal Caribbean will be replacing the brand with its own in-house Ice Cream parlor.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean in talks to buy hotel resort in Freeport Bahamas, report says
• Royal Caribbean names greatest soccer player ever as its "icon" for new Icon of the Seas cruise ship
• 8 advantages of booking a suite on your next cruise
• 11 cruise fees you should know about before booking
• Can you bring weed on a cruise?
• Wonder of the Seas vs Symphony of the Seas
• What is a cabin steward on a cruise?

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 520th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available at all our links.

This week, we’re responding to listener emails! From Matt’s most recommended cruises to traveling with babies, check out this episode to hear all your questions answered. 

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.

You can subscribe to the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast via iTunes, Google Podcasts, Stitcher or RSS.

Video: 8 Reasons Why Upgrading is Worth It for Your Cruise

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

Check out the link to view our latest video: 8 Reasons Why Upgrading is Worth It for Your Cruise

The best time to book cruises by day, month, and last-minute

Is there a secret scoop on the best time to book your cruise?

The truth is, waiting for that special moment is a mistake. The best time to book your cruise is when you see a price that fits your budget and needs.

Industry prices can change by the minute, with no specific pattern. Travel agents have also confirmed that there isn’t any best day of the week to book a cruise.

However, cruise lines often offer promotions around major holidays and “Wave Season,” which runs from January to March.

In the end, it’s most important to seize the deals that align with your needs rather than waiting for a specific time.

I took my first cruise alone and did these 7 things to make solo cruising more fun and less lonely

Taking a solo cruise sounds intimidating, but there’s no reason to be afraid.

Some opportunities are worth taking, even if you have to do it alone.

Calista felt nervous before her first solo cruise, but through the experience, she was able to develop helpful strategies. 

She lists seven tips she tried to make the experience more enjoyable and less lonely.

From making conversation onboard to staying connected online, she was able to minimize feelings of isolation and enjoy the cruising experience. 

The extra step you should take before your cruise for the fastest way on a ship

You’ve spent weeks planning and packing, and embarkation day is finally here.

As you enter the cruise terminal, the last thing you want is a delay before you can finally get onboard.

To get onto your ship the fastest, don’t forget this pivotal step!

The Royal Caribbean app facilitates your boarding process, and the line is now testing a new Express Boarding option. 

This express option, being launched in PortMiami, will reward passengers who complete all necessary pre-boarding tasks on the app. Most important of all: taking the right selfie.

7 things I liked better about Royal Caribbean cruises than Carnival

The debate runs deep—and everyone has their own preferences—but is Royal Caribbean really better than Carnival?

Elizabeth has always been faithful to Royal Caribbean but recently tried two Carnival cruises for the first time.

While she enjoyed her cruises on Carnival’s Celebration and Vista, there were some aspects of Royal Caribbean’s experience that she still craved.

Beginning with the digital embarkation process and continuing to faster Main Dining Room service, she shares everything that Royal Caribbean did better.
 

Good news, we are all one week closer to our next Royal Caribbean cruise!  In case you missed any of the Royal Caribbean fun from this week, here is our weekly round up!

Royal Caribbean’s second Icon Class ship, Star of the Seas, is now available for booking.

Star will operate out of Port Canaveral, Florida and cruisers can now book 7-night Caribbean sailings beginning on August 17, 2025. 

Prices start at $​​2398 per person for an interior guarantee cabin.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean opens new slide at Perfect Day at CocoCay's Thrill Waterpark
• Royal Caribbean announces new photo perk for its loyalty program members
• Royal Caribbean's new cruise ship prices are more expensive than Celebrity's new premium ship
• Video shows Royal Caribbean's new cruise ship barely passed under a bridge
• 7 Best cruise ports in the Caribbean
• Is January a good time for a cruise?
• Vintage photos show how drastically cruise ships have changed during the last century
• I tried the new cocktails coming to Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 519th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, which has a review of Celebrity's newest ship.

Matt and Don sailed on Celebrity Cruise’s brand-new Celebrity Ascent. In this episode, they discuss what makes the Edge Class ship unique. 

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.

Video: Why I Chose a Smaller Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship

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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 I Chose a Smaller Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Video shows look around Royal Caribbean's new adults-only beach

Royal Caribbean has made progress on the adults-only beach expansion located on Perfect Day at CocoCay. Called Hideaway Beach, the location will cater to guests 18 and older.

A new video from inside the park, posted by Marissa Abreu, Royal Caribbean’s Director of Design, shows a first look at the progress made.

Hideaway Beach will be a paid add-on for adults seeking a child-free experience, spanning over 8 acres.

6 things I loved and 3 things I hated about my Brilliance of the Seas cruise

Every cruise ship has pros and cons, including Royal Caribbean’s older ships.

Jenna recently sailed on Brilliance of the Seas, a Radiance Class ship built in 2002. She provides a balanced perspective on both the positive and the negative aspects of a cruise experience on Brilliance of the Seas.

She loved the ship’s entertainment options, dining experiences, friendly crew, enjoyable excursions, spacious staterooms, and the overall cruise atmosphere.

On the negative side, Jenna experienced issues with the embarkation and disembarkation processes, crowded spaces at certain times, and limited specialty dining options. 

How long does it take to build a cruise ship

The process of building a cruise ship is no overnight feat, so how long does it take exactly?

With Icon of the Seas almost ready for her first sailing, we have a good example of the process and what goes into making an idea into a ship.

From concept, to steel cutting, to float out, and then launch, it's a multi-year process involving tens of thousands of people.

I went on four cruises and found the best way to protect Black hair on vacation

After four cruises, Calista has developed the best method to protect Afro-textured hair while on vacation.

Challenges such as weather, the elements, time limitations, and packing space can make it difficult to care for Black hair while on a cruise.

However, with the help of protective hairstyles, moisturization, and essential haircare products, you can prevent damage and maintain healthy hair during a cruise vacation.

Happy December! We cannot believe that we are already one full week into the month – there is so much going on with holiday preparation and shopping and baking!

The second Icon Class cruise ship is coming to Port Canaveral.

Royal Caribbean announced Star of the Seas will sail from Port Canaveral when the new ship launches in 2025.

The sister ship to Icon of the Seas, Star's first batch of sailings will go on sale on December 6, 2023.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean Group CEO talks how cruise ships will handle anti-tourism
• I visited Royal Caribbean's next Perfect Day private destination
• 7 things new and different to love about Celebrity Ascent
• I took my first Celebrity Cruise on a new ship. We had a great time, but I missed Royal Caribbean's entertainment
• Is the front or back of cruise ship better?
• How long does it take to board a cruise ship?

Video: I took my first Celebrity Cruise and it was not what I expected!

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After spending decades taking more than 70 Royal Caribbean cruises and reaching Pinnacle status, Matt felt ready to try a cruise on the sister brand, Celebrity Cruises.

Over Thanksgiving, he chose a cruise on the new Celebrity Apex, and was surprised by his experience!

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

Check out the link to view our latest video: I took my first Celebrity Cruise and it was not what I expected!

Royal Caribbean takes ownership of the world’s biggest cruise ship

After seven years of preparation, the world’s largest cruise ship is ready to make its debut.

Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas was delivered at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland, signifying its transfer of ownership.

Icon of the Seas boasts the capacity for 7,600 guests and 2,350 crew members. She is 1,198 feet long and 20 decks tall. 

First time cruise tips for Royal Caribbean

Are you preparing to take your first Royal Caribbean cruise? Or are you even anticipating your first cruise ever? Every cruise line is different, so it’s important to do your research, get prepared, and know what to expect!

We have some new and updated tips to make your first experience a great one.

From proper documentation to prohibited items, here are our top first-time tips for Royal Caribbean cruises. 

5 things I hope Royal Caribbean steals from Celebrity Ascent (and one they shouldn't)

After sailing a combined number of nine nights on Celebrity Cruise ships, Matt now has identified some great features from the Celebrity Ascent that Royal Caribbean should consider adopting.

This new, Edge Class ship was just launched in 2023, and boasts 16 decks, all packed with top-class amenities and entertainment.

However, there is one aspect Royal Caribbean should stay away from: the All Included program. Read about Matt’s experience and inspired ideas for Royal Caribbean and more in his article. 

I stayed in the cheapest, smallest cabin on Enchantment of the Seas for $210 per night

Calista spent only $210 per night to stay in the smallest, cheapest room on Enchantment of the Seas.

She used the guarantee cabin process to receive the cheapest cabin, and was assigned a small, windowless inside stateroom spanning just 142 square feet.

Despite the wear and tear on this older ship, this cabin was no smaller than any of the other cheap, guarantee staterooms she has stayed in on other, newer Royal Caribbean ships. Take a look inside this Vision Class, 1996 cruise cabin. 

Paradise Beach all-inclusive beach pass review

Going to an all-inclusive beach resort is the perfect way to take advantage of a stop in Cozumel, Mexico. In this article, we outline what you can expect from a visit to Paradise Beach.

The resort has three major areas: the pool, the beach, and various amenities, such as restrooms and bars. Including attentive service and great food and drinks, you can pay one price for access to all of these amenities.

The variety of activities and reasonable price make Paradise Beach a great option for couples, families, and groups looking for a fun day with quality service. 

Happy Sunday and Happy Thanksgiving weekend! I hope you enjoyed a wonderful holiday with family and friends! There is a lot of Royal Caribbean news to share this week.

Our team has taken a lot of shore excursions over the years, and we've stumbled across a few in the Caribbean that are definite tourist traps.

There's nothing wrong with a tourist-friendly spot, but some places are just a waste of time because they go so far over the line of being overpriced and underwhelming.

The problem with these sorts of places is you're likely to feel like you wasted your time and could have gone somewhere else better.

Royal Caribbean News

• Crown's Edge on Icon of the Seas costs $89 and is now bookable
• Icon of the Seas size comparison
• The best way to book a cruise, explained
• Adventure of the Seas vs. Voyager of the Seas
• I tried a small ship and here's what I liked about it
• Bionic Bar: Royal Caribbean's cruise ship robot bartenders

Video: 3 Nights Onboard The World's Biggest Cruise Ships

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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 — 3 Nights Onboard The World's Biggest Cruise Ships — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Review: Florida's Brightline Train For Taking a Cruise

I took the new highspeed train that goes between Orlando and Miami to get to my cruise.

While not cheap, Brightline provides a convenient and fast way to get between Central Florida and South Florida without having to deal with the hassle of flying or boredom of driving.

The new train has a lot of conveniences, and makes the transit a lot easier than driving.

Which deck is best on a cruise ship?

Does it matter which deck you pick for your cabin on a cruise?

When choosing the best deck on a cruise ship, you have to weigh several factors to find the perfect choice for you.

If you are traveling with kids, have mobility issues, like to party at the pool, or are sailing to Alaska, the choice of the best deck could vary considerably.

How much cash should you bring on a cruise?

Before you get on a cruise, how much money should you bring with you?

While Royal Caribbean is a cashless ship for most transactions, there are still quite a few good reasons to have cash with you.

Both onboard and off the ship, having at least some cash will make things easier for you.

Icon of the Seas vs Titanic

How much bigger and different is the newest cruise ship in the world versus the most well-known?

Icon of the Seas is about to become the biggest cruise ship in the world, but a lot of people compare cruise ships to Titanic.

From size, to pricing, to activities onboard, here's how different Icon of the Seas is to Titanic.

Happy Sunday! Temperatures may be dropping, but there is plenty of Royal Caribbean news to share. This is your weekly summary of all the Royal Caribbean news from this past week, perfectly fitted for your consumption.

Royal Caribbean has opened reservations for its high-end supper club, the Empire Supper Club, on its upcoming Icon of the Seas launch in 2024.

This formal supper club will be the first of its kind, an elegant and glitzy experience like never before. 

It is priced at $200 per person, or just an additional $130 for guests with the Unlimited Dining Packing.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean cancels excursions to Blue Lagoon Island following deadly incident
• How much is a Royal Caribbean drink package?
• Royal Caribbean is starting its own streaming service
• Behind Icon of the Seas and the AquaDome lift
• The former Song of America cruise ship is going to be scrapped
• You can now book 2025-2026 7-night or longer Caribbean cruises on Royal Caribbean
• Royal Caribbean Captain talks about new smaller cruise ship plans

Video: Inside the Mega Suite on the World's Biggest Cruise Ships

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

Check out the link to view our latest video: Inside the Mega Suite on the World's Biggest Cruise Ships

I stayed in the cheapest cabin on Radiance of the Seas

Paying just $151 a night, Calista decided to sail in the cheapest cabin on Radiance of the Seas.

Located midship, with no windows, this small cabin became her home for the 5-night sailing.

Her cabin tour shows the room’s features and explains whether the inexpensive price was worth staying in the small stateroom. 

Sorrento's pizza on Royal Caribbean cruise ships

Royal Caribbean’s food venues are well-known for their quality and service, and Sorrento’s Pizza is one such complimentary venue.

Deanna reviews Sorrento’s Pizza, the grab-and-go restaurant available on many cruise ships, either as its own restaurant or as part of the Cafe Promenade or Park Cafe.

What are the menu, hours, and cost at Sorrento’s Pizza? Read more here. 

Comparing the cheapest cabin on Carnival Celebration vs Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas

Elizabeth recently stayed in windowless interior cabins onboard Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas and Carnival Cruise Line's Carnival Celebration—the cheapest options available on both cruise lines.

From the bathroom to seating to storage, Elizabeth compares the two cabins, sharing which aspects she likes more from each cabin.

I chose to cruise on a smaller Royal Caribbean cruise ship. It saved me money and brought me to ports I prefer

Matt shares why he preferred to sail on a smaller Royal Caribbean ship, such as on his cruise on Radiance of the Seas. 

Radiance is Royal Caribbean’s oldest cruise ship, but that’s no reason to avoid sailing on this ship.

Sailing from the small Tampa port, this sailing was an inexpensive way for Matt to travel to multiple ports in Mexico. 

Another busy week of Royal Caribbean fun just wrapped up, but if you missed any of it, I have a concise look at all of it for you in this weekly news round-up!

Royal Caribbean released its European cruises for the 2025 cruise season.

Six ships will sail around Europe to Norway, the Mediterranean, Spain and more.

Highlighting the season is the return of Allure of the Seas to Europe, along with Odyssey of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean News

• Entertainment lineup coming to Icon of the Seas
• Icon of the Seas finishes sea trials
• Royal Caribbean Hideaway Beach construction update & changes to Coco Beach Club
• Royal Caribbean is sending fewer ships to Europe
• Celebrity Ascent has been delivered
• French shipyard cuts steel for Celebrity Cruises' next new cruise ship
• You'll save money on Royal Caribbean's WiFi internet with this trick
• I spent more than $1500 on a 4-night cruise. Here's what everything cost
• I celebrated Halloween on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship, and it's my favorite holiday to spend at sea
• Taylor Swift fans organize group cruise for other Swifties
• 21 best things to do in Bimini, Bahamas

New RCB Video: I spent $1200 extra to stay in this "SUITE" for 7 days

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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 spent $1200 extra to stay in this "SUITE" for 7 days — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 518th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is available to enjoy, where Matt reviews a three-night cruise on an Oasis Class ship.

Allure of the Seas is starting her run of short cruises, and it begs the question of if it's worth it to go on an Oasis Class ship for just a few days.

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 stayed in a $7,000 suite on Allure of the Seas for just 3 nights

Matt jumped at the chance to try the biggest suite on Allure of the Seas, even if it was just for the weekend.

He took his family on a 3-night cruise and booked the Royal Loft Suite, which cost just over $7,000.

This two level mega suite was big on just about everything, including having a jacuzzi on the balcony and the services of the Royal Genie. What was the room like and did he enjoy it?

Why I'm excited to go on a world cruise for 274 nights

Leah and Steve are just a few week away from embarking on Royal Caribbean's first ever world cruise.

The chance to sail around the world seemed too good of an idea to pass up, so they booked the entire transit.

Going on a cruise for such a long time has its own sets of challenges, but the couple are determined to make it work.

Royal Caribbean's Black Friday sale is here

You can start looking for deep discounts with Royal Caribbean's Black Friday offer.

Some cruisers think this is the best sale of the year, so now is the time to price out all those cruise add-ons.

The sale is active now, and runs through November 24, 2023.

Is a short cruise on an Oasis Class ship a good idea?

Having tried a 3-night cruise on Allure of the Seas, Matt wrestled with the notion of if it's worthwhile to book a short cruise.

Oasis Class ships are packed with so many things to do, so will going on a short cruise leave you disappointed?

Matt gave it a try and found some great advantages of picking a weekend cruise on Royal Caribbean's mega ships.

Happy Sunday! Temperatures may be dropping, but there is plenty of Royal Caribbean news to share.  This is your weekly summary of all the Royal Caribbean news from this past week, perfectly fitted for your consumption.

The daily gratuity rate is going up for your next Royal Caribbean cruise.

Beginning November 11, 2023, the automatic daily gratuity will go up to $18 per person per day for those staying in Junior Suites or lower cabins. Passengers in suites will pay $20.50 per person per day.

The old rate was $16.00 and $18.50, which was set back in September 2022.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean cancels 2024 Israel cruise season
• The Royal Promenade on Icon of the Seas will be a leap forward with new innovations
• Royal Caribbean cruise ship rescues individual who went overboard
• How does one of Norwegian's oldest ships compare to Royal Caribbean's oldest ship
• Why I don't mind sailing on small cruise ships
• I saved $240 on my cruise by letting Royal Caribbean choose my room
• How Royal Caribbean celebrates Halloween on its cruise ships
• Royal Caribbean's new adults-only beach is seeing "gangbuster" demand

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 517th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is available to enjoy, where Matt reviews his Canada & New England cruise.

Having taken his first cruise to the east coast of Canada, Matt shares what stood out from this sailing.

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: Is it possible to cruise too much?

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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 — Is it possible to cruise too much? — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

2025 Alaska cruises

New Alaska cruises are available to book for the 2025 cruise season.

Royal Caribbean opened the new sailings this week, which are spread across four ships: Anthem of the Seas, Quantum of the Seas, Serenade of the Seas, & Radiance of the Seas.

The new Alaska 2025 cruises are available to book between May and September 2025.

Royal Caribbean clarifies loyalty and suite lounge access

Royal Caribbean updated when it would limit the amount of top tier cruisers that could go to its loyalty lounges.

Effective immediately, if there is a sailing with a large amount of top-tier members, some of them may not be able to go to the Crown Lounge between 5pm and 8pm. During those hours, only Diamond Plus and Pinnacle Club members have access. 

During the rest of the day, there would be no restrictions.

7 things that surprised me on my first Canada & New England cruise

Even though Matt has cruised a lot, taking a Canada & New England cruise had its own set of surprises.

From the beautiful landscape, to the terrific dining, and welcoming people, it was a fantastic kind of cruise.

Many parts of the seven-night cruise surprised Matt, such as how gorgeous everywhere we visited is how valuable time was ashore.

What our readers regretted packing for their cruise

Packing for a cruise isn't always the easiest thing, especially with overpacking.

Overpacking your suitcase can be stressful, and it just adds heft to getting to and from the ship.

Our readers shared hundreds of comments on the things they brought on a cruise and instantly regretted.

Royal Caribbean adds new express pass

Look for a new way to speed up the check-in process.

There's a new Express Boarding option being tested on Freedom of the Seas, that will reward those that do all the check-in steps pre-cruise with an easier way to get onboard.

Guests with this option can look for Express Boarding signs inside the Cruise Terminal.

Royal Caribbean will make specialty restaurants reservable pre-cruise if you have a dining package

Royal Caribbean is experimenting with a new way to allow guests that purchase a specialty dining package to make reservations pre-cruise.

The test is being conducted on Wonder of the Seas only, but the expectation is for it to be available across all ships in early 2024.

With this new upgrade, you'll be able to book reservations pre-cruise for specialty restaurants if you buy a dining package.

Happy (almost) Halloween! I don't have any bad Halloween themed puns to include here, just the latest Royal Caribbean news to catch up on before you hit up the neighborhood for candy.

Is a Junior Suite worth it to pay over $1,000 more for this cabin?

I took a recent cruise where I paid around $1,200 more to move up from an oceanview cabin to a Junior Suite and I think it was money well spent.

From the extra living space, to double points, to speedy embarkation, I tried out a Junior Suite and thought it was totally worth it.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean Group posts $1 billion profit as company sees skyrocketing demand
• Icon of the Seas is about to begin her second round of sea trials
• Cruise bookings are so hot that Royal Caribbean outperformed all of its predictions, defying slowdown fears
• Royal Caribbean CEO calls out Hamas attacks on Israel as "horrific terrorist attacks"
• Celebrity Cruises is adding a customer loyalty lounge on weeklong cruises
• 7 best Canada and New England cruise tips
• My favorite stop on my first cruise was St. Thomas. Here are 7 reasons why I'm already planning a trip back

New RCB Video: Avoid these Caribbean cruise tourist traps!

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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 — Avoid these Caribbean cruise tourist traps! — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

The secret crew-only areas on a cruise ship

Have you ever wondered what the crew areas of a crew ship look like?

Guests aren't allowed to ever go to these areas of the ship, which leaves a lot of people wondering what it's like there.

Bryan James works on Wonder of the Seas and shared a glimpse of what his cabin and crew restaurants, laundry, and stores look like.

New waterslide is being added to Thrill Waterpark

A new waterslide is being built at Royal Caribbean's water park on Perfect Day at CocoCay.

A new family flume slide is under construction, which will add a new slide designed to accommodate 2-4 people per raft.

It's being added to the Splash Summit Tower.

How Royal Caribbean's Main Dining Room works

Few cruise ship venues are as integral to the onboard experience as the Main Dining Room.

It's where you can go to eat dinner every night, along with breakfast, and lunch on sea days. The best part is it's included in your cruise fare.

How does the Main Dining Room work and what should you expect when eating there? We have a full breakdown of what to expect.

This cruise hack turns your cabin into a private area

If you're sharing a cabin with someone, this cruise ship cabin hack could make a big difference.

Using a shower curtain and magnets, you could section off part of your room to provide much needed privacy.

Creating a dark space can be perfect for light sleepers or those sharing a cabin with cruisers who use a different sleep schedule. 

Is Allure of the Seas the "worst" Oasis Class ship?

Allure of the Seas is the only Oasis Class cruise ship that doesn't have waterslides, the Ultimate Abyss, and many other ship wide enhancements, so does that make Allure a bad choice?

Often there are comments posted online about how Allure of the Seas feels outdated, so is that really the case?

Jenna sailed on Allure of the Seas to see for herself how the ship stacks up.

Happy Sunday! We are so happy that you stopped by and hope you are having a wonderful weekend. Grab a mug of your favorite hot beverage, sit back, and check out the latest in Royal Caribbean news.

Royal Caribbean announced it was recategorizing its cabin categories, including adding new room types rear-facing and sunset cabins.

Royal Caribbean’s goal with these changes is to simplify choices for travel agents, and to add new room types to appeal to many cruise fans. 

Several new stateroom options have been added: separated Triple and Quad occupancy staterooms (interior and oceanview), more high occupancy guarantee staterooms, and new Junior Suite and Balcony categories.  

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean is helping the United States evacuate Americans from Israel
• New app features, Celebrity Cruises Black Friday offer, search results & more
• The simple trick to avoid thousands of dollars in cellphone charges on a cruise ship
• Here's when Royal Caribbean will put new 2025-2026 cruises on sale
• 17 of the worst ways people waste money on their cruise vacation
• I took my second cruise ever, and changed 7 things this time around
• 5 important things to do before new cruises are available to book
• Chops Grille review

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 516th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available at all our links.

In this episode, Matt previews his upcoming cruise on Serenade of the Seas. This will be his very first cruise to Canada and New England, so he is sharing everything planned for his trip next week.

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.

Video: Grading cruise tips from Reddit

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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 — Cruise expert grades cruise tips from Reddit — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Voyager of the Seas review: What it's like to cruise on Royal Caribbean's oldest Voyager Class ship

When Voyager of the Seas debuted in 1999, she turned the cruising world upside down. Voyager was the ship that introduced the idea of having an ice-skating rink at sea, rock climbing wall at sea, and indoor promenade.

However,  Voyager of the Seas is now Royal Caribbean’s oldest Voyager Class ship.

What is it like to sail on her in 2023? Angie recently went on a cruise out of Galveston, and reviews the ship’s amplifications, cabin, embarkation process, dining, activities, entertainment, and ports of call. 

What to bring on a cruise to Alaska? 8 things you'll want to take with you

If you are planning a cruise to Alaska, you may already know that preparing for this region will be different than preparing for other sailings. 

Even though a summer cruise may not be as cold as you would imagine, there are still nuances to planning a great cruise to Alaska.

You will certainly want to be prepared and make sure you have the best vacation possible at this once-in-a-lifetime destination. 

These are the eight most important things to pack with you on an Alaska cruise.

I took my first short cruise. Here's 7 things I liked and didn't like about my 3-night sailing

After taking a week-long first cruise, Calista decided to go ahead and try a shorter, 3-night cruise to see the difference between these two lengths.

The ship traveled from Miami, Florida, to Perfect Day at CocoCay and Nassau, Bahamas over a weekend, embarking on Friday and disembarking on Monday.  

As with any aspect of cruising, there were pros and cons to choosing a shorter sailing. 

In this article, Calista examines the 7 things she liked and didn’t like about her first short cruise.

8 cruise ship shore excursions our readers tried and instantly regretted

Are you getting confused planning your next cruise’s shore excursions?

We’re here to make you feel better, as some of our readers had to learn their lessons these hard way.

Shore excursions are a major part of the cruise experience, and some can cost you a substantial amount of time and money.

No one wants to waste energy on a terrible tour, but there are always bad options out there.

Royal Caribbean Blog readers have had their own encounters with instantly regrettable shore excursions, and we’ve gone ahead and outlined the 8 worst experiences. 

50 best cruising with kids tips & secrets

If you're going on a cruise with kids, then we have all the best tips and tricks to help you have a fabulous cruise.

When you go on a cruise with your family, it can mean a mix of ages and even generations, and we wanted to focus on the sort of things families should know before they go on a Royal Caribbean cruise.

Whether you are taking your own kids or going with someone else's, here are the top 50 best tips for cruising with kids on Royal Caribbean.