Happy weekend! We have a look back at all the Royal Caribbean news from this week to share with all of you.

Some cruisers prefer a cruise that visits a lot of ports, citing their ship as a mode of transportation rather than a destination itself.

However, other cruisers prefer itineraries with a multitude of sea days, enjoying the ship’s activities and amenities. 

Which option suits you? To help make a decision, here are 7 reasons to avoid a port-heavy itinerary. 

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean cancels cruise on Vision of the Seas due to tropical storm
• Royal Caribbean takes a significant step towards sustainability by testing a new biofuel alternative
• The best things to eat on Wonder of the Seas
• What do people Google about Royal Caribbean?
• New Royal Caribbean ship, Utopia of the Seas, touches water for the first time
• Photos show what it was like to cruise on Royal Caribbean in the 1980s
• How much does a cruise cost? (2024)

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 513th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available at all our links.

Matt shares his thoughts on the reveal of the adults-only Hideaway Beach announced at Perfect Day at CocoCay.

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: The biggest misconceptions people have about a cruise before sailing

{"preview_thumbnail":"/sites/default/files/styles/video_embed_wysiwyg_preview/public/video_thumbnails/1hhdo6qJaNc.jpg?itok=rik5BKsm","video_url":"https://youtu.be/1hhdo6qJaNc?si=ITXu-95_tUb5MBlb","settings":{"responsive":1,"width":"854","height":"480","autoplay":0},"settings_summary":["Embedded Video (Responsive)."]}

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

Check out the link to view our latest video: 10 things Royal Caribbean Rookie Cruisers Should Do!

Which cruise line is best? Fans say why they prefer Royal Caribbean over Carnival

Cruise enthusiasts have various preferences when it comes to choosing a cruise line.

Carnival Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean are two of the biggest and most popular in the world, each offering fantastic options in dining, entertainment, amenities, attractions and overall onboard experience. 

Cruise fans on Reddit responded to the question, Why do you prefer Royal Caribbean over Carnival?

Reddit users responded, sharing their preferences when it comes to atmosphere, dining, ship design, entertainment, and itineraries. 

I packed for a 7-day cruise and bringing this electronic was a total waste of space

For her first cruise, Calista packed for a 7-day trip. 

Packing properly for a cruise is important, as you’ll want to avoid overpacking. 

But on the other hand, you’ll want to remember everything you need. Prices are a lot higher once you’re onboard.

To prevent any overpacking or overpaying, Calista planned carefully and made a packing list.

While she made some good packing decisions, there was one item she regretted bringing: a laptop.

I paid $130 extra to upgrade my interior cabin to a spacious ocean view on Voyager of the Seas. Here's a tour of my cabin.

Angie recently cruised onboard Voyager of the Seas. 

She and her dad initially booked the cruise with a cheaper, interior guarantee cabin. Since the guarantee process means that Royal Caribbean assigns a cabin to the passenger, Angie was not able to select its location. 

But four days before their cruise, Angie and her dad decided to pay $130 to bid through the RoyalUp program for an upgraded cabin.

They ended up receiving a spacious oceanview stateroom: here’s a tour! 

I tried some of the best strategies to beat the chair hogs on my cruise. Here's how it went

Spending time at the pool deck is a highlight of cruising, but how can you ensure you get a seat?

Many cruisers complain about the epidemic of chair hogs at pool decks.

Chair hogs are people who leave their items on a chair but disappear for hours without using it.

On her recent cruise, Calista tried several strategies to beat the chair hogs. 

From spending extra money to waking up early, Calista shares how those tips worked for her. 

Welcome to this week's edition of the Royal Caribbean post round-up, where we summarize all of the Royal Caribbean news and information from this week into one handy-dandy post! There is plenty of great content to enjoy, so sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's round-up!

Royal Caribbean may be known for their family cruises, but they're adding a new adults-only offering.

Opening in January 2024, Royal Caribbean unveiled details for Hideaway Beach area of Perfect Day at CocoCay, which is reserved just for guests who are at least 18 years old.

It will have an infinity pool, swim-up bar, sports bar, cabanas and new restaurants all in an adults-only enclave. In fact, the cruise line intends for the area to have a "Vegas pool party" vibe.

Royal Caribbean News

• Icon of the Seas has new bookings for world's largest cruise ship
• Who should (and shouldn’t) get the Royal Caribbean credit card
• After 2 cancelled cruises, Royal Caribbean cruise ship will resume sailings
• I made Diamond at 17 years old. Here's why I love cruising with Royal Caribbean
• I went on Royal Caribbean's upgraded and regular Voyager Class cruise ships. Here's what I liked about each.
• Photos reveal progress Royal Caribbean has made building new adults-only expansion

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 512th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where Matt shares how his Independence cruise went.

Matt is back from Independence of the Seas for a quick 3-night cruise ands shares how the first day of the cruise was different than so many other embarkation day experiences he has had.

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 to refuse to upgrade your cruise ship cabin

{"preview_thumbnail":"/sites/default/files/styles/video_embed_wysiwyg_preview/public/video_thumbnails/BhzKSKR9LH4.jpg?itok=cA0tAwY4","video_url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BhzKSKR9LH4","settings":{"responsive":1,"width":"854","height":"480","autoplay":0},"settings_summary":["Embedded Video (Responsive)."]}

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 to refuse to upgrade your cruise ship cabin

11 things I wish I knew before setting foot on a cruise ship

You can plan all you want, but some lessons can't be learned until you actually cruise.

Calista took her first ever cruise on Wonder of the Seas and was surprised by many aspects of cruising, especially compared to other forms of travel.

In retrospect, these experiences will benefit her on future cruises, and maybe help you plan your first cruise too!

Why Booking a Suite Cruise Cabin Is Worth It

Is it worth spending extra to stay in a Royal Caribbean suite? A lot of our readers think so, and shared their favorite photos to prove it.

Suites aren't cheap, but they come with a lavish amount of living space, enhanced amenities, and priority service.

We asked readers to share their best photos that explain why they loved their suite rooms, and we received hundreds of entries. 

10 reasons why I didn't want to go on a cruise, but glad I gave it a try

The majority of the public have never been on a cruise before, and perhaps that's because they have a certain trepidation about trying a cruise.

The popularity of cruising has exploded over the last decade, but some people might be skeptical of trying it themselves.

Before stepping foot on a ship, Calista was worried too and avoided cruises for years.  She know sees why all those concerns were unwarranted.

25 examples of crew members wowing passengers

Royal Caribbean's crew members are known for their excellent service and it's very common for them to go above and beyond what's expected.

The more you cruise, the more likely you will run into an exceptional crew member who really cares about an issue or request you have while onboard. 

I asked the RoyalCaribbeanBlog community to share examples of times that Royal Caribbean staff have gone above and beyond to provide exceptional customer service for their family while sailing.

13 ways to get the best cruise deals

Want to save money on a cruise, or do you want to get the lowest possible price on a cruise?

The key to finding a great cruise deal is to know where and when to look.

No matter the time of year, these tricks should get you a great price so you can maximize every dollar of your vacation budget.

Cruise ship shore excursions I instantly regretted

Every now and then I'll take a shore excursion and realize I've made a mistake.

I've usually had good luck with choosing a tour, but occasionally I'll run into one that makes me wish I had chosen something different.

Here are five times I took a cruise ship shore excursion and reconsidered my decision almost immediately.

Thank you for joining us for this a look at all the Royal Caribbean news from this week. We had plenty to share, so let us jump right in!

Two Alaska sailings on Radiance of the Seas have been canceled due to an ongoing propulsion problem.

Guests booked to sail on a 7-night cruise on September 8th received an email stating that the ship’s propulsion system “experienced a technical issue.”

However, recent social media updates from CEO Michael Bayley state that the prognosis looks good for future cruises on Radiance.
If a sea trial on September 10th goes well, Mr. Bayley says that the ship will be set to sail for her next cruise on September 15th. 

Royal Caribbean News

• Hurricane Lee has changed some cruise ship itineraries
• Radiance of the Seas’ repairs look promising, CEO reports
• 10 things I loved and hated about Adventure of the Seas
• How and when to take advantage of Kids Sail Free
• Captain Johnny shares a look inside his living quarters

Royal Caribbean Blog Video: Things that can get you kicked off a cruise ship in an instant

{"preview_thumbnail":"/sites/default/files/styles/video_embed_wysiwyg_preview/public/video_thumbnails/SFCF6QFJonY.jpg?itok=fQnpNDbN","video_url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SFCF6QFJonY","settings":{"responsive":1,"width":"854","height":"480","autoplay":0},"settings_summary":["Embedded Video (Responsive)."]}

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: Things that can get you kicked off a cruise ship in an instant.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 511th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where Matt answers listener emails.

From transportation with car seats to pre-cruise flight timing, we respond to all your questions in this week's 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.

After years of traveling, I went on my very first cruise and found it was a totally different way of seeing the world

After a lifetime of experience with other forms of travel, I went on my first cruise on Wonder of the Seas.

After years of traveling on land, being on a ship in the middle of the sea is a big shift. There were many surprises on my first entry into the cruising world, from convenience to seasickness. 

In this post, I share how this vacation was different from any other trip I’ve taken.

After 6 Royal Caribbean cruises this year, my wife and I tried Carnival for the first time and here’s what we liked and didn’t like.

Our guest blogger Mike Scudiero shares his first experience with a Carnival cruise.

In his post, he contrasts a 3-day Carnival cruise to previous experiences with Royal Caribbean.

What did Carnival get right, and where did they miss the mark? Mike discusses what he enjoyed, and whether he and his wife will continue exploring cruise lines, or stick to Royal Caribbean in the future.

7 surprising things I learned when booking a cruise for the first time

Booking my first cruise also held its surprising moments for me. 

Preparing for the cruise involved booking the cruise, packing, checking-in beforehand, and traveling to the port. Each aspect included unique pieces that I wouldn’t have expected as a first-time cruiser.

If you’re also looking to book a cruise for the first time, be sure to check out our tips and advice so you can have the best experience possible. 

I paid $300 to upgrade my inside cabin to a suite. Take a look at our entry-level suite

Allie usually sticks to inside cabins to keep her cruise fare low. But on her Odyssey of the Seas cruise, she chose to bid for an upgrade to a junior suite.

Although the spot was highly competitive, Allie’s gamble paid off, and she was able to move to a mid-ship junior suite on deck 10 for or $300 a night per person.

Check out her blog post for more photos and details of what made this junior suite so worth it. 

We hope you enjoy your Labor Day weekend with friends and family! It has been a busy week of Royal Caribbean news and events, and we have a look back at everything that happened this week.

Celebrity Cruises makes significant changes to its inclusive cruise package.

​​Starting in October 2023, Celebrity Cruises will be removing gratuities from inclusive packages and onboard credit for guests staying in The Retreat. 

Celebrity Cruises will also be making changes to Aqua Class cabins, allowing guests to book these wellness-focused staterooms with just a cruise-only fare.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean cancels Radiance of the Seas sailing to due to propulsion problem
• Royal Caribbean revamps its nautical themed bar with new menu
• Adventure of the Seas review: What it's like to cruise on this ship today
• Save money on your next cruise with Royal Caribbean’s Labor Day Weekend sale 
• Icon of the seas plans to serve an over-the-top churro milkshake

Royal Caribbean Blog Video: Things on a cruise I hate, but everyone loves

{"preview_thumbnail":"/sites/default/files/styles/video_embed_wysiwyg_preview/public/video_thumbnails/c786yIyXp0E.jpg?itok=G4VTpTsg","video_url":"https://youtu.be/c786yIyXp0E?si=VVi0D-19OLddhHLq","settings":{"responsive":1,"width":"854","height":"480","autoplay":0},"settings_summary":["Embedded Video (Responsive)."]}

Everyone cruises differently! Matt shares some of his least favorite events on a cruise that everyone else seems to love.

You can subscribe to our Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube channel for more regular cruising updates. 

Our latest video shares reasons to avoid booking a cruise with a lot of sea days: 6 compelling reasons why.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

We’ve now released the 510th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast.

Not all travel insurance plans are the same, and you may want to research carefully before choosing one. Here, we interview Stan from TravelInsurance.com for advice on how to pick your travel insurance plan. 

We update our podcast weekly, so subscribe for more updates via iTunes, Google Podcasts, Stitcher or RSS.

You can also leave us a rating or review on iTunes, so go ahead and check out our links! We always appreciate your feedback.

I spent 7 nights in a 172-square-foot room on the world's largest cruise ship. Take a look inside my cabin

What does an cheap cabin look like on the current world’s largest cruise ship? Take a look inside this guarantee stateroom on a 7-day cruise on Wonder of the Seas. 

The room was clean and dark enough for a sound sleep. But when it comes to seasickness and noise, it pays to be wary of forward, inside cabins. 

6 reasons to refuse to upgrade your cruise ship cabin

It may be a dream of yours to upgrade to a larger, more lavish cabin. 

But there are downsides to placing a bid on a more upgraded suite.

It’s important to consider the room location and stateroom type you’re looking for. Also keep in mind the extra expenses and guesswork involved. 

And if you do move to a larger stateroom, you won’t earn those extra Crown & Anchor points.

Before you bid, keep in mind the top 6 reasons to refuse an upgrade.

30 Cruise cabin hacks that cruisers love

Cruisers trying to get the most out of a stateroom, whether it’s a smaller inside cabin or a luxurious balcony stateroom, will appreciate these top 30 cabin cruise hacks.

Compared to hotel rooms or apartment buildings, cruise ship staterooms can be much smaller. You also will stay in one cabin for the length of your cruise, whether that is 4 days, 7 days, or even longer. 

Follow these tips and tricks to make sure your cabin is a home away from home for the length of your cruise.

I just went on my first cruise — here are 15 things that surprised me the most about this type of travel

Cruising is a unique experience for each traveler, so first-time cruisers can struggle to envision what their trip will look like.

Even though I planned ahead, I found myself surprised by many aspects of the experience when I cruised for the next time.

Check out my review for the 15 most surprising things about my first cruise.

Welcome to this week's edition of the Royal Caribbean post round-up, where we summarize all of the Royal Caribbean news and information from this week into one handy-dandy post! There is plenty of great content to enjoy, so sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's round-up!

What's it like when there's passengers on a cruise ship?

Sometimes cruise ships move between new home ports without any passengers onboard, and in the case of Oasis of the Seas, the crew got to enjoy the ship to themselves for a few days.

One crew member shared what it's like to sail on an empty cruise ship with no passengers.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean raises prices at some of its specialty restaurants
• Royal Caribbean's most expensive specialty restaurant ever will take 3 hours and cost $200 per person
• How early to book a cruise? Our readers say at least 6 months early
• 10 of the biggest misconceptions people have about a cruise before sailing
• I sailed in an interior cabin on Carnival and a balcony room on Royal Caribbean. Here's the one I'd pick next time.
• Royal Caribbean takes the helm as official vacation sponsor for Miami's premier soccer club

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 509th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, sharing what you should know before you pick a cruise.

Before you book any cruise, Matt shares the important things to know and do (especially if you're new  to cruising).

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: 4 things I think Royal Caribbean should change IMMEDIATELY!

{"preview_thumbnail":"/sites/default/files/styles/video_embed_wysiwyg_preview/public/video_thumbnails/xbhH26rmJHs.jpg?itok=8vrLSnn5","video_url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xbhH26rmJHs","settings":{"responsive":1,"width":"854","height":"480","autoplay":0},"settings_summary":["Embedded Video (Responsive)."]}

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: 4 things I think Royal Caribbean should change.

Why you should avoid cruises with lots of sea days

Should you pick a cruise with a lot of sea days? Maybe not.

Sea days can feel monotonous because some people prefer to explore the ports of call rather than lounging around the ship. Then again, a lot of veteran cruisers love sea days.

We thought of 6 reasons not to book a cruise with a lot of sea days, just in case you wanted to think about which sailing is right for you.

Weirdest things our readers have seen other people do on a cruise ship

The more you cruise, the more often you see something completely unexpected.

People-watching is something everyone enjoys no matter where you are, and you can sometimes see something unexpected while on your cruise.

Our readers shared the oddest things they witnessed on a Royal Caribbean cruise.

After 100 nights at sea, here are my biggest cruise regrets

Jenna has sailed on cruise ships for 106 nights (so far) and still has a few things she wish she could do over again.

If you have an upcoming cruise, it’s helpful to know what to avoid during the entire process so that you can avoid stress and hassle later on.

Whether booking one itinerary over another, packing more efficiently, or booking a risky flight schedule, there are a few things she wishes she did differently.

Allure of the Seas is the last Oasis Class ship with some classic features

Because Allure of the Seas did not get a Royal Amplification yet, she remains the last Oasis Class ship with amenities and venues that have since been removed on other ships.

In the meantime, guests can enjoy a few classic features you either can’t find on the others or are slowly being phased out.

Thanks for joining us for another weekly look at all of the Royal Caribbean news from this week.  The late-summer heat is still on, and we have plenty of Royal Caribbean news to share from this week.

Fear not, Royal Caribbean will not charge extra for pizza. 

After passionate backlash, Royal Caribbean’s CEO, Michael Bayley, took to Facebook to announce the cruise line will not be charging for Sorrento’s pizza.

Mr. Bayley wrote that 80% of readers responded “no” to an email survey that asked readers whether they would still dine at Sorrento’s pizza if an extra fee was applied.

Mr. Bayley assured readers that the change will not take place: "To calm all our Pizza lovers don’t worry we are not charging for Pizza."

Royal Caribbean News

• Meet Royal Caribbean's new Chief Meteorologist
• Celebrity Cruises just announced more Caribbean cruises that visit Royal Caribbean’s private island
• When will Royal Caribbean release new sailings for 2025?
• Photos Show Why Booking a Balcony Cruise Cabin Is Worth It
• 16 cheap and free things to do on an Alaska cruise to avoid spending hundreds on shore excursions

Royal Caribbean Blog Video: Latest Royal Caribbean News 

{"preview_thumbnail":"/sites/default/files/styles/video_embed_wysiwyg_preview/public/video_thumbnails/GdXCCKzurRs.jpg?itok=JmHeqIDK","video_url":"https://youtu.be/GdXCCKzurRs","settings":{"responsive":1,"width":"854","height":"480","autoplay":0},"settings_summary":["Embedded Video (Responsive)."]}

Is charging for pizza on the menu? And an Icon update and changes to the Diamond Lounge.

If you haven’t yet subscribed to our Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube channel, go ahead and check it out for regular cruising updates. 

Our latest video also shows what it’s like at the top: After 70 cruises, I reached Royal Caribbean’s TOP loyalty level!

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

Click here for the 508th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast, to hear one of our listeners, Craig Storm, talk about his first experience trying Royal Caribbean after sailing on several other cruise lines.

We update our podcast weekly, so subscribe for more updates via iTunes, Google Podcasts, Stitcher or RSS.

You can also leave us a rating or review on iTunes, so go ahead and check it out! We appreciate your feedback.

The biggest cruise hack that has saved me thousands of dollars

Are you getting the best rate possible for your cruise fare? Saving money on your cruise will allow you to splurge on your cruise, such as purchasing drink packages, excursions, or specialty dining. 

Additionally, getting a good price will allow you to travel more often instead of breaking your bank in one trip.

Depending on when you book your cruise, you may be able to use this surprising hack to save money on your fare.

We asked our readers what one thing they wish they packed for their cruise

No one wants to forget an important item on their cruise. Either you will go without it, and suffer a steeper charge to buy it onboard. 

We asked our readers what item they wished they had packed on their cruise, and made a list of the most important responses.

From travel fans to aloe vera, make sure you’re not missing any essentials when you pack.

I stayed in the cheapest cabin on Adventure of the Seas

What does a night look like inside the cheapest cabin on Adventure of the Seas?

Angie recently chose a guarantee stateroom for her cruise, ensuring a lower-priced room but a random, often less favorable location.

Although clean and tidy, the room was small and windowless. Check out our link for a full cabin tour of the $300-a-night stateroom.

10 genius things cruise ship passengers brought to CocoCay to make it even better

Perfect Day at CocoCay is Royal Caribbean’s private island, where cruisers can have a complimentary island and beach experience.

While crew members will work to make sure your day there is perfect, it doesn’t hurt to come prepared.

Here are 10 items cruisers brought to Perfect Day at CocoCay that made their experience even better.

30 Do's and Don'ts for the first day of your cruise

What should (and shouldn't) you do on the first day of the cruise to ensure you have a great start?

There's lots of good advice out there, so we whittled it down for you.

From arriving at the cruise terminal to making dining reservations, exploring the ship, and finding the best spot for sailaway, here are some of the best do’s and don’ts for the first day of your Royal Caribbean cruise.

Welcome to this week's edition of the Royal Caribbean post round-up, where we summarize all of the Royal Caribbean news and information from this week into one handy-dandy post! There is plenty of great content to enjoy, so sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's round-up!

Is Royal Caribbean considering starting to charge for its free pizza?

An email survey sent to some cruisers asked if Sorrento's Pizza was offered for a fee, would they would still dine there.

No policy has changed, but the survey wanted to get cruiser feedback on this possible change.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean cruise ship cabin and suite guide
• 14 Caribbean cruise mistakes I see passengers making all the time
• Royal Caribbean cancels Panama Canal cruise season for Rhapsody of the Seas
• Is a balcony cabin worth it on a cruise? 8 reasons you should
• Royal Caribbean testing out chatbot that can answer common questions

Video: 10 Reasons people leave their cruise ship vacation disappointed

{"preview_thumbnail":"/sites/default/files/styles/video_embed_wysiwyg_preview/public/video_thumbnails/f5RV_0sbm5s.jpg?itok=HqnPuHMr","video_url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f5RV_0sbm5s","settings":{"responsive":1,"width":"854","height":"480","autoplay":0},"settings_summary":["Embedded Video (Responsive)."]}

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 Reasons people leave their cruise ship vacation disappointed

Icon of the Seas construction sneak peek

Ready to take a walkthrough tour of Icon of the Seas while it's still under construction?

The next new Royal Caribbean cruise ship doesn't begin service until January 2024, but we have a batch of new photos to share from the shipyard.

You can see the progress being made on adding water slides, the different neighborhoods onboard, and many of the signature venues.

Royal Caribbean CEO asks how to solve Diamond Lounge crowding problem

Royal Caribbean International CEO Michael Bayley took to Facebook to ask cruise fans how they would solve the issue of overcrowding in the Diamond Lounge.

"I’ve been hearing from a lot of our guests about overcrowding in our Diamond lounges and in the Suite lounge," he posted on social media. "What do you think we should do?"

Hundreds of responses followed with plenty of ideas for how to deal with the issue.

What will get you kicked off a cruise ship

There are lots of rules to follow on a cruise ship, and if you break some of them, you could be kicked off the ship.

Every cruise line has a code of conduct that is outlined in the cruise contract that every passenger agrees to when they book a cruise. The cruise contract outlines what you can and cannot do onboard, as well as consequences. 

In reading through the cruise contract for U.S. guests, there's a few rules that could get you taken off your cruise ship if you break them.

When is the best time to book a cruise?

Are you wondering when is the best time to book a cruise?

There's many considerations, such as time of year, sailing length, itinerary and much more that factor into how early you should book a cruise.

Guide to a Bahamas cruise

Are you ready to escape to the warm blue waters of The Bahamas?

Quite a lot of Royal Caribbean cruises will make a stop in The Bahamas due to its convenient location and natural beauty.

Whether you make one stop or spend the entire cruise in their waters, here's your guide to a Bahamas cruise so you know what to expect.

Happy Sunday! We hope you are having a great weekend! Now it is time to sit back, relax, and catch up on all the Royal Caribbean news from the week!

Is it worth spending extra to get a balcony room instead of an inside cabin?

There are a few reasons you should (and shouldn't) spend extra for a balcony, but the debate of an inside vs balcony room is something a lot of cruisers have to consider.

From cost, to living space, to comfort, there are a few things to think about before choosing your stateroom category.

Royal Caribbean News

• Souvenir cruise photos are now available in Royal Caribbean app
• Jamie Oliver announces new menu for his restaurant on Royal Caribbean cruise ships
• What first-time cruisers need to know
• A look at the crew member buffet restaurant
• Cruise advice from the past generation of ships that isn't necessary anymore
• Why Odyssey of the Seas is worth your attention

New RCB Video: Is a cruise ship cabin on a low deck bad?

{"preview_thumbnail":"/sites/default/files/styles/video_embed_wysiwyg_preview/public/video_thumbnails/8--sH9XnJvE.jpg?itok=TAQnmA8D","video_url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8--sH9XnJvE","settings":{"responsive":1,"width":"854","height":"480","autoplay":0},"settings_summary":["Embedded Video (Responsive)."]}

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 a cruise ship cabin on a low deck bad? — Plus 1 to break — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 507th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, talking about how to have an easier disembarkation process.

Matt reviews some tips a reader shared with how to have an easier time on the final morning of the cruise when it's time to get off the cruise ship.

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.

Cruise ship cabins that get booked up quickly

Among all the kinds of cruise ship cabins, there are a handful that seem to get booked quicker than the rest.

These specific categories of staterooms are highly sought after because they are limited in quantity and offer a certain advantage, whether extra space or lower price. Think of them like a "secret menu" at a restaurant, where only a few really know about them.

Check out this list of the cruise ship cabins that get booked up quickly so you might be able to book them first!

How cruise ships got so big

If you look at cruise ships today, it's amazing how enormous they are, especially when you consider how ships have evolved.

From ocean liner roots, cruise ship design has changed over the decades, and the ships of today are considerably different in their approach to sailing from passenger ships a century ago.

You might be interested to know how the biggest cruise ships today ended up getting to this point from the liners of the past.

Inside cabin tour from Navigator of the Seas

What does a small and windowless cabin look like when you actually stay there?

Elizabeth recently sailed on Navigator of the Seas and stayed in an interior cabin, which was the cheapest available option. 

She managed to get the price down to just $162 per person, per night and shared what her room looked like that she used for seven nights.

Guide to RoyalUp

Need the inside scoop on how to bid for a stateroom upgrade?

RoyalUp is Royal Caribbean’s stateroom bidding program that allows passengers to bid on higher cabin categories before their cruise, offering the chance to “win” an upgraded stateroom.

Before you bid, check out our RoyalUp tips and tricks for what to expect.

Why booking a last-minute cruise isn't always a great idea

While booking a last-minute cruise might seem like a great way to sneak in a cruise vacation, there are serious drawbacks to waiting to book.

There are a variety of considerations you should be aware of before booking a cruise in the final weeks or months prior to a cruise beginning that could make a last-minute cruise booking a problem.

From fewer choices to a higher overall vacation cost, here are the reasons why you shouldn't book a last minute cruise.

Can you believe it's the last days of July already? It is the middle of Summer and there is a lot of Royal Caribbean news to catch up from during this week.

Royal Caribbean might be considering building a smaller cruise ship.

While they are best known for building the biggest cruise ships in the world, Royal Caribbean is building a new smaller cruise ship is "deeply in our consideration", according to the CEO of the cruise line.

President and CEO Michael Bayley told cruise fans there is a lot of conceptual work going on regarding a new class of smaller ships.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean Group smashes expectations with second quarter earnings
• Photo shows kids dangerously sitting on cruise ship balcony
• Bahamas raises cruise ship passenger taxes in 2024
• Royal Caribbean is doing better now than it ever has in its history, even after a two year shutdown
• Royal Caribbean will host next Presidents Cruise on Oasis of the Seas in summer 2024
• 10 things you should know before cruising onboard Freedom of the Seas
• I cruised on the oldest and newest cruise ships to Alaska: here’s how they compare
• Best fall cruises to try
• Best time to cruise to the Bahamas
• New Celebrity cruise ship will have whiskey tasting and plant-based multi-course dinner

New RCB Video: 5 worst things about cruising with Royal Caribbean: should it stop you from booking?

{"preview_thumbnail":"/sites/default/files/styles/video_embed_wysiwyg_preview/public/video_thumbnails/sDscNsK5Ac4.jpg?itok=_tQt3SEs","video_url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sDscNsK5Ac4","settings":{"responsive":1,"width":"854","height":"480","autoplay":0},"settings_summary":["Embedded Video (Responsive)."]}

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 worst things about cruising with Royal Caribbean: should it stop you from booking? — Plus 1 to break — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 506th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, with advice on when to buy those cruise add-ons.

From the drink package to wifi, when is the best time to pre-purchase your cruise add-ons? Matt shares his opinion on when you can get the best price for these extras.

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.

Royal Caribbean wants to raise cruise fares even higher

Even though the price of a cruise is probably higher today than in 2019, Royal Caribbean would love to see prices go even higher.

In comparing the "value gap" between a cruise vacation and land vacation, Royal Caribbean International's CEO Jason Liberty thinks there's more room to narrow that gap.

He wants the value of a land-based vacation and cruise vacation to be much closer.

Icon of the Seas will have a radically different Royal Promenade

When Icon of the Seas launches next year, expect to find a different looking Royal Promenade.

At 362 feet long, the Royal Promenade onboard Icon of the seas is longer than a football field, and for the first time, it brings ocean views into the ship's main thoroughfare through floor-to-ceiling windows.

You'll also find The Pearl on the Promenade, which is a three-deck high sphere built with 3,000 kinetic tiles. 

Could Royal Caribbean be looking to restart cruise ship upgrades again in 2024?

Is the Royal Amplified program on its way back?

Nothing has been officially announced, but cruise line executives hinted at upgrades for ships that did not get upgrades during the shutdown of 2020 and 2021.

Food truck concept coming to Utopia of the Seas

The pool deck food game is about to change with a new food truck coming to Utopia of the Seas.

Known as The Spare Tire, guests will find a food truck-style eatery near the main pools.

While we don't have a menu, expect "handheld favorites" to be served up.

Anthem of the Seas Guide & Review

Anthem of the Seas is a popular Royal Caribbean cruise ship because of her innovations and fun itineraries.

If you have a cruise booked on Anthem, here's a full rundown of what to expect onboard!

Why Wonder of the Seas might the perfect cruise ship for a first timer

Know someone that has resisted trying a cruise ship for one reason or another? Wonder of the Seas might be the perfect first cruise ship for them!

Whether they think they'll be bored, overwhelmed, or stuck at sea, Royal Caribbean designed Wonder of the Seas to address all those concerns.

Happy Sunday! We hope you are having a great weekend! Now it’s time to sit back, relax, and catch up on all the Royal Caribbean news from the week!

When Icon of the Seas debuts in January, she's going to change the cruise industry.

Not only will Icon be larger than any other cruise ship, but she's going to introduce a variety of innovations and shifts in what to expect from a Royal Caribbean cruise.

We're still six months away, but here's 11 ways Icon of the Seas will change the industry when she launches.

Royal Caribbean News

• You can experience Comic Con at sea on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship in 2025
• Celebrity Cruises ships by age from newest to oldest
• I took two cruises on the same Royal Caribbean ship - and they were totally different
• I paid $1500 for an inside cabin on the Freedom of the Seas: take a look inside my tiny windowless room
• 5 things I would never do on land but would do on a cruise ship
• The clever reason to bring a European power adapter on your cruise ship
• Lionel Messi debut for Inter Miami CF celebrated by Royal Caribbean
• 5 ways to upgrade your cruise for $250 or less

New RCB Video: Things you'll notice when cruising on a new cruise ship

{"preview_thumbnail":"/sites/default/files/styles/video_embed_wysiwyg_preview/public/video_thumbnails/6kiletWecms.jpg?itok=m3tG67Fm","video_url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6kiletWecms","settings":{"responsive":1,"width":"854","height":"480","autoplay":0},"settings_summary":["Embedded Video (Responsive)."]}

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 — Things you'll notice when cruising on a new cruise ship — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Your really dumb Perfect Day at CocoCay questions

Don't be ashamed, we all have some really basic questions sometimes, so it's only fitting to answer them.

We hear many of the same questions over and over again here at Royal Caribbean Blog—we wanted to answer them in one place. While not "dumb" questions, knowing the answers to these commonly asked questions should better help you plan your day on the island.

Check out our answers to your really "dumb" Perfect Day at CocoCay questions.

Royal Caribbean vs Carnival

What are the differences between Royal Caribbean vs Carnival Cruise Line?

Both cruise lines are the largest in the world, and they represent the lion share of cruise bookings.  So what makes one a better choice over the other?

Having sailed both lines extensively, Allie shares what you should know about each line, and how the ships compare to each other.

The reasons you should book a new cruise ship (and 4 reasons not to)

With two new Royal Caribbean cruise ships coming in 2024, you should know the warnings about a brand new cruise ship.

Icon of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas will begin sailing next year, and they both will be loaded with the latest incredible things to do on a cruise ship.

Depending on your flexibility and preferences, being on a new ship when it first starts sailing could be a really good or bad idea.

What's the difference between big and small Royal Caribbean cruise ships?

Does it really matter if you book a big cruise ship or a small cruise ship?

There are advantages and drawbacks to each size of ship, and it's important to know the differences between each one.

Before booking a cruise, you should know if you should choose a big ship or a small ship.