Visit our travel agent friends at MEI Travel

Royal Caribbean Post Round-Up: May 15, 2022

In:
15 May 2022

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

Could Icon of the Seas be even bigger than the Oasis Class cruise ships?

Icon of the Seas plaque

One Royal Caribbean executive recently said Icon of the Seas will be the largest ship when she debuts next year.

Sean Treacy, Royal Caribbean's Senior Vice President of Hotel Operations, said, "Icon will be the biggest. It launches in the fall of next year."

Royal Caribbean News

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 454th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, which explains how and why to book a cruise onboard.

NextCruise is where you can go on your ship to book another cruise. Matt details what you need to know about booking a cruise onboard.

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.

15 reasons to book a cruise on Oasis of the Seas

There are a few different Oasis Class cruise ships, but the original is still a great choice to sail on.

Oasis of the Seas was upgraded in 2019 and offers plenty to see and do onboard. In fact, we came up with 15 reasons to book a cruise on Oasis of the Seas.

8 mocktails to try on your next Royal Caribbean cruise

Need a recommendation for a great non-alcoholic drink to try on your cruise?

There are lots of possibilities, but we have a list of 8 must-try mocktails when you go on your next cruise.

Where to eat like a local on your Alaska cruise

Scottish egg encased in longanisa and a loco moco with adobo gravy

Besides seeing the amazing sights of Alaska, there are some great places to eat and have a drink.

Our in-house Alaska expert shares her top picks for food, beers, cocktails, or coffee at each stop along your Alaska cruise.

Why Freedom of the Seas is a great choice for a short cruise

Ever thought about taking a weekend cruise?

Freedom of the Seas sails short 3-night cruises from Miami, and here's why Freedom of the Seas is a great option for a cruise vacation.

Royal Caribbean Post Round-Up: May 8, 2022

In:
08 May 2022

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

Royal Caribbean is searching for a godmother for Wonder of the Seas on TikTok.

Woman using TikTok

The cruise line announced it will hold a #SearchForWonderMom contest by nominating a mom who inspires those around them to discover, wonder and make memories. 

The call for submissions is open through Monday, May 16, at 11:59 p.m. ET, and the winner will be announced on Royal Caribbean’s TikTok this summer.

Royal Caribbean News

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 453rd episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, which compares Odyssey of the Seas and Wonder of the Seas.

This week, Matt looks at why you might want to sail on Wonder of the Seas vs Odyssey of the Seas.

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: Oasis of the Seas Cruise Ship Tour

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 — Oasis of the Seas Cruise Ship Tour — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Royal Caribbean doesn't require back to back cruisers to do a covid test anymore

Cruise ship docked in Miami

There's one less covid test you'll have to take if you go on more than one Royal Caribbean cruise in a row.

Royal Caribbean has updated their policy for consecutive cruisers to not require a covid test between sailings when doing multiple cruises.

Up until now, Royal Caribbean required passengers who were staying on for another sailing to get a Covid test done while onboard the ship.

Royal Caribbean trademarks names for Perfect Day at CocoCay expansion areas

Royal Caribbean has filed two new trademarks that are likely intended for areas of its private island in The Bahamas.

"Hideaway Beach" & "Secret Cove" have both been trademarked, and they look like the names of areas of Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Royal Caribbean opens My Time Dining back up to unvaccinated cruise ship passengers

Families with unvaccinated children will be able to choose a My Time Dining dinner option once again.

Prior to this change, Royal Caribbean had restricted My Time Dining to vaccinated passengers only.

This allows families with unvaccinated children to have the choice to eat at My Time Dining for dinner.

Royal Caribbean Post Round-Up: May 1, 2022

In:
01 May 2022

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

If friends or family still have a future cruise credit laying around, there's good news that came out this week.

Promenade deck

Royal Caribbean will now allow guests to transfer a future cruise credit to someone else.

The process requires a phone call to Royal Caribbean to make a one-time name change of a FCC, but the process is pretty simple.

Royal Caribbean News

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 452nd episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, in which Matt answers emails from podcast listeners.

This week's episode focuses just on emails our listeners have sent to be 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.

New RCB Video: What's you should know about a cruise contract

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's in the cruise ship fine print that you should know about — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

I tried the cheapest cabin I could find

Inside cabin on Mariner of the Seas

What happens if you try to book the cheapest cruise cabin you can find? Is it a great or not-so-great experience?

By booking a cheap cruise fare, you can splurge on things like eating delicious food, drinking fun cocktails and exploring incredible cities.

Here's what happened when Allie went on Mariner of the Seas and booked the cheapest cabin she could find.

Check out our live blogs

This week we had a few live blogs from different Royal Caribbean cruise ships going, which provides a glimpse of what it's like on these ships.

Be sure to follow along with the fun of our live blogs across three ships!

Guide to Royal Caribbean cruises in May

Oasis of the Seas in New York with Statue of Liberty

Check out what you should know about taking a Royal Caribbean cruise in May.

May is a slower month of the year, following the busy Spring Break season of the past two months. It's also a transitional month, with many ships starting service in Europe and Alaska.

Royal Caribbean Post Round-Up: April 24, 2022

In:
24 Apr 2022

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 has dropped mask requirements in cruise ship terminals.

Terminal A in PortMiami

Following the overturning of a federal mandate for masks in transportation hubs earlier this week, Royal Caribbean announced masks would be optional in cruise terminals, unless required by local regulation.

Rival cruise line Carnival also announced a similar policy change.

Royal Caribbean News

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 451st episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, in which Matt lists his favorite places to eat on Royal Caribbean.

Matt revisits this list to see which restaurants are his must-eats every time he sails.

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 Royal Caribbean drink package mistake too many people are still making

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 Royal Caribbean drink package mistake too many people are still making — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Mariner of the Seas live blog

Allie and Angie took a 4-night Mariner of the Seas cruise to see if they could get on the cheapest cruise they could find.

They also shared a daily look at what it's like on Mariner of the Seas right now, with updates from around the ship.

Not only did they share the onboard experience, but their cruise visited Freeport, Nassau, and Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Odyssey of the Seas vs. Wonder of the Seas

Top 10 Odyssey of the Seas hidden secrets | Royal Caribbean Blog

Which of Royal Caribbean's two newest cruise ships should you go on first?

Odyssey of the Seas and Wonder of the Seas offer the latest and greatest that Royal Caribbean has to offer, but they're different classes of ships with a different set of things to do.

Check out our look at how Odyssey of the Seas and Wonder of the Seas compare.

Alaska cruise guide

Alaska is one of the most beautiful places you can visit on a cruise ship, and you're going to want to know what to expect before your visit to avoid common mistakes.

Planning an Alaska cruise means considering the time of year, ports of call, shore excursions and what to pack.

Our Alaska cruise guide includes everything you'll need to know before you sail north.

Royal Caribbean Post Round-Up: April 17, 2022

In:
17 Apr 2022

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!

Royal Caribbean extended its health protocols for North American cruise ships through the end of June 2022.

There's been no change to the protocols that had been in effect prior to the extension, including vaccine and pre-cruise testing requirements.

Royal Caribbean periodically posts protocols for a few weeks at a time in order, although they are subject to change at any time.

Royal Caribbean also released health protocols this week for Italy & Spain Mediterranean cruises.

Royal Caribbean News

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 450th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, which has a review of Matt's cruise on Oasis of the Seas.

Matt went on a 3-night cruise aboard Oasis of the Seas and shares his experience.

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: What food is included with your 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 food is included with your Royal Caribbean cruise? — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

How do Royal Caribbean and MGM Resorts shared benefits work?

Did you know MGM Resorts will match your loyalty in Royal Caribbean's Crown and Anchor Society?

For no extra cost, you can link your Crown & Anchor level and immediately take advantage of MGM benefits including resort fee waivers, discounts on entertainment, and complimentary hotel upgrades.

We tried out the loyalty match to see how beneficial this perk really is.

6 Royal Caribbean trademarks that sound like they could be really cool things

Metaverse

Of all the trademarks that Royal Caribbean filed recently, there are a few that sound very intriguing.

While we wont know what Royal Caribbean has up their sleeve until they announce something, perhaps trademark filings will give us a clue of what to expect.

Royal Caribbean introduces new payment program for anyone that books with a travel agent

Flexpay

A  new FlexPlay option allows guests to set up automatic payments before the final payment date.

With the new FlexPay program, this can be scheduled and set up in advance.

Royal Caribbean Post Round-Up: April 10, 2022

In:
10 Apr 2022

Spring is here and it is also Sunday, which means we are celebrating warm(er) temperatures and Royal Caribbean news from this week!

Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas will sail from Miami when she arrives in the United States.

Icon of the Seas 2023

Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley dropped the news during an interview. The announcement came the same week the keel was layed for Icon of the Seas.

According to Mr. Bayley, Icon will first head to Southampton and then come to the U.S.

Royal Caribbean news

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 449th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, featuring advice for someone going on a cruise for the first time.

In an effort to share good first time cruise advice, Matt talks about how to approach going on your first cruise.

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: How to communicate 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 — How to communicate on a cruise ship — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

8 questions to ask yourself before picking a cruise ship

 

Before you book a Royal Caribbean cruise, it's a good idea to go over some important considerations.

Depending on your preferences, one ship might be a better idea than another to sail on.

Here's a look at the questions you should be asking yourself prior to selecting a Royal Caribbean ship to ensure you find the best ship for you.

The self-service buffet is back on cruise ships

Windjammer table

Royal Caribbean has switched from crew members serving guests at the buffet to allowing guests to serve themselves.

Cruises that departed on or after April 2, 2022 have the new policy in place.

Having crew members serve passengers instead of guests was one of the early changes cruise lines made during the Covid-19 pandemic in order to limit the spread from person to person.

What is the best time to cruise the Mediterranean?

 

If you are thinking about the best month to go on a Mediterranean cruise, it's important to weigh the pros and cons of each month.

 While there isn’t necessarily a “perfect” time to take a Mediterranean cruise, this guide should help you decide which season works best for you.

Royal Caribbean Post Round-Up: April 3, 2022

In:
03 Apr 2022

They say April showers brings May flowers, but Sundays bring you a round-up of all of this week's Royal Caribbean news!

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) removed its travel warning against going on a cruise ship this week.

Brilliance of the Seas side docked

The federal agency dropped its risk advisory all together for cruise ships, thanks largely to the industry's steadfast dedication to effective health protocols.

The change was celebrated by the cruise industry, who see this as a major change to level the playing field between cruise ships and other forms of leisure travel.

Royal Caribbean News

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 448th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, sharing Deb's review of her Harmony of the Seas cruise.

In this episode, Deb talks about her first cruise back since cruising restarted in 2021, and how her experience went while exploring Harmony.

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: Oceanview vs Balcony cabin 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 — Oceanview vs Balcony cabin on a cruise ship — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

All about Oasis Class cruise ships

 

Ever thought about trying Royal Caribbean's largest cruise ships, the Oasis Class?

Not only are Oasis Class cruise ships the largest in the world, but they stand out for just how much you can do onboard, with seemingly endless activities, dining options, and entertainment.

There are five Oasis Class ships in the fleet, with a sixth coming soon. Here's what to expect on these mega ships.

My advice for someone using a Royal Genie on a Royal Caribbean cruise

If you ever spend the money to stay in a Star Class suite, the Royal Genie is going to be your top benefit. Maximizing the value of your genie can make a big difference in the cruise.

Every Genie has their own approach to the position, and having tried Star Class twice, I've found there to be a bit of a learning curve to getting the most out of the experience.

I wanted to share my best advice for someone trying a Star Class suite for the first time.

What to expect on April 2022 cruisesCocoCay aerial 2021

With spring here, that means warmer temperatures and changes across Royal Caribbean's fleet in the month of April.

Whether you are sailing on a spring break cruise, or taking a transatlantic to Europe, I wanted to share the important things to know about taking a Royal Caribbean cruise in April.

Royal Caribbean Post Round-Up: March 27, 2022

In:
27 Mar 2022

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.

It's been a few weeks since Royal Caribbean loosened the Covid-19 protocols, and I wanted to share my experience with the new rules.

Wonder of the Seas pool deck busy

With cruise ship health protocols so effective in keeping Covid-19 cases down, and Royal Caribbean opting into the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) highly vaccinated program, face masks are optional onboard while indoors for fully vaccinated passengers. In addition, other policies have been scaled back.

After sailing on Wonder of the Seas for two weeks, here's a look at what it's like onboard for anyone who may be curious how close to normal cruising is right now.

Royal Caribbean News

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 447th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where Matt answers as many Royal Caribbean questions as he can.

This week's episode is all about catching up on listener emails that have been sent in.

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 I Liked & Didn't Like about Wonder of the Seas

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 I Liked & Didn't Like about Wonder of the Seas — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Top 30 extra cruise costs that are not included

Your Royal Caribbean cruise includes a lot, but it's far from all-inclusive.

In planning for a cruise, it's important to know what is and what is not included with your cruise.  But just because things cost extra doesn't mean you should skip them.

Here's a look at the top things on a cruise that will cost you extra, and how to reduce your out-of-pocket price.

Western Mediterranean cruise guide

A European cruise might be something you have booked for this year, or perhaps you're thinking about booking one. Regardless, the Western Mediterranean is a popular option.

Offering some of the most significant historical monuments as well as beautiful scenery, a cruise to places like Spain, Italy or France packs a lot into one sailing.

Our guide to Western Mediterranean cruises offers a glimpse of what to expect from the ports of call and answers commonly asked questions.

Royal Caribbean moves Radiance of the Seas back to USA in 2023

Radiance of the Seas will stay in the United States instead of going to Australia in 2023.

Royal Caribbean announced Radiance will split time between New Orleans and Galveston instead of going to Australia as originally planned.

Royal Caribbean Post Round-Up: March 20, 2022

In:
20 Mar 2022

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 changed its policy for unvaccinated guests on shore excursions.

For departures on or after March 18, 2022: all guests, regardless of vaccination status, may visit most ports freely or book a shore excursion.

There are a few exceptions, such as Barbados or Falmouth.

Royal Caribbean News

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 446th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, featuring a roundtable review of Wonder of the Seas.

In this episode, Erica Silverstein and Ashley Kosciolek from The Points Guy talk with Matt about what they experienced on Wonder of the Seas.

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: Royal Caribbean Dining Package Pros & Cons

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 — Royal Caribbean Dining Package Pros & Cons — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Wonder of the Seas vs other Oasis Class ships

What's different about Wonder of the Seas compared to other Oasis Class ships?

In some ways, Wonder of the Seas can be looked at as an “Oasis Plus” class compared to just an Oasis Class ship.

Whether you’re simply curious as to what Wonder of the Seas is like or you are planning a cruise on the ship, it’s helpful to know the ins and outs of how Wonder of the Seas differs from other Oasis Class ships.

Royal Caribbean launches hotel booking platform

Fort Lauderdale hotel aerial

Royal Caribbean will let you book airfare and now hotels along with your cruise.

The new Royal Caribbean Hotels program is a partnership with Priceline, which aims to offer cruisers an easy way to get a pre-cruise hotel.

Royal Caribbean says this new program offers exclusive rates with thousands of hotels in every Royal Caribbean departure and arrival port, including those in the Caribbean, Europe, Asia-Pacific as well as North, South and Central America.

What it's like to go on an Alaska cruise in the early season

What's it like to cruise to Alaska in May or early June?

The early cruise season in Alaska is often overlooked due to the fact that it does not fit in the school vacation schedule and that temperatures may not be as high as in the peak of summer.

Here’s an overview of what to expect on an Alaska cruise in the early season.

Royal Caribbean Post Round-Up: March 13, 2022

In:
13 Mar 2022

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

The big news this week is all about the biggest cruise ship in the world.

Wonder of the Seas in Labadee

Wonder of the Seas set sail on her maiden voyage from Port Everglades, and that gave all of us our first peek at what this new ship is all about.

Wonder of the Seas has eight neighborhoods, has capacity for 6,988 guests and 2,300 crew members, and features the "tallest slide at sea," as well as a 10-deck-high zip line and a huge poolside movie screen.

We sailed on Wonder of the Seas to share with you a look at what it's like onboard.

Short cruises on Oasis Class cruise ship will be offered for the first time

Royal Caribbean will soon offer 3- and 4-night cruises on an Oasis Class cruise ship for the first time ever.

Allure of the Seas will begin offering short sailings in late 2023 instead of 7-night cruises.

Traditionally, Oasis Class ships sail 7-night cruises.  These are the biggest cruise ships in the world, and by offering so much to see and do onboard, Royal Caribbean always sailed them on the longer sailings.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 445th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, that previews the major projects coming up for Royal Caribbean.

When will we be able to book Icon Class? How soon can we visit the Royal Beach Club in Nassau? Royal Caribbean's Senior Vice President and Chief Product Innovation Officer Jay Schneider answers these and other burning questions cruisers want to know.

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: Wonder of the Seas ship tour

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 — Wonder of the Seas ship tour — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Interesting facts you might not know about Wonder of the Seas

Wonder of the Seas aerial

In-between all the buzz about the largest cruise ship in the world, there are a few changes and tweaks Royal Caribbean has made.

While these may not be the "I can't believe they did that" type of changes, I thought these were interesting enough to share for someone that goes on Wonder of the Seas soon to know about.

Certificate of Covid recovery option now available for pre-cruise test

Independence of the Seas aerial view birds eye

As a backup in case someone continues to test positive well after symptoms subside and isolation protocols are followed, Royal Caribbean will accept a certificate of Covid-19 recovery.

Guests sailing out of these ports will now have the option to submit a Certificate of Recovery if they have had Covid-19 at least 11 days before sailing, however, some restrictions do apply.

Subscribe to Royal Caribbean Post Round-Up