Royal Caribbean News Round-Up: April 19, 2026

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By: 
Matt Hochberg

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!

A family paid $45,000 for a family cruise, but it was never actually booked.

Odyssey of the Seas Docked in San Juan, Puerto Rico

A couple from Miami are being charged with allegedly defrauding people for a Royal Caribbean cruise they were never booked on, along with other luxury goods.

The couple arrested were paid through Zelle, checks, and cash instead of the payments going to the cruise line.

Royal Caribbean News

New RCB Video: 8 Royal Caribbean Ideas That Failed Miserably

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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—8 Royal Caribbean Ideas That Failed Miserably—don’t forget to subscribe to our channel!

Royal Caribbean responds to rumors about closed water slides on its ships

water slides

Water slides have been closed on the biggest cruise ships, and Royal Caribbean says the rumors out there are false.

According to guests, most of the slides have been closed in the Category 6 waterpark for many days. There are stories about cost-cutting measures as to why the slides aren't operating.

A Royal Caribbean representative shared the real reasons that don't back up the online claims.

There’s now a new “first” sailing for Legend of the Seas (but it’s not the inaugural)

Legend of the Seas in Europe

There's now an earlier sailing of Legend of the Seas when it arrives in Florida.

The cruise line announced it's adding a 3-night cruise prior to the official inaugural sailing.  

Since Legend will be ready earlier, Royal Caribbean wants to have the ship in service earlier than expected.

First look at changes Royal Caribbean has made to Ovation of the Seas

Pesky Parrot, left. Suite Lounge, right

Ovation of the Seas just finished a multi-million dollar Royal Amplification, and we have our first look at what's been changed.

The ship has new bars and restaurants, an expanded casino, and even new staterooms.

Ovation is one of three ships this spring getting upgrades.

Spotted: New brunch specialty meal

Steak and Eggs

A new brunch option is available to book at one of the most popular restaurants on Royal Caribbean.

The Chops Grille Brunch is an extra cost option to enjoy things like Steak & Eggs with filet mignon, avocado toast, shrimp tortellini alfredo, or cherries jubilee.

It appears to be only offered on newer ships at the moment, but could be something to look for in the future on other vessels.

Royal Caribbean updated its casino program, and one change could hit players hard

Entrance to casino

Casino players are reporting Royal Caribbean has made changes to its loyalty program that could impact how you play onboard.

Depending on how you gamble, some of the changes will be welcomed by players, and others perhaps not.

The tweaks include extra benefits, less points-per-dollar, and more.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

Episode 604

The 604th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available! 

MSC Cruises announced they're building a beach club in The Bahamas, and Matt shares his reaction to the announcement.

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


Matt started Royal Caribbean Blog in 2010 as a place to share his passion for all things Royal Caribbean with readers. He oversees all the writers at Royal Caribbean Blog, and writes a great deal of content on a daily basis.  He has become one of the foremost experts on a Royal Caribbean cruise.

Over the years, he has reached Pinnacle Club status with Royal Caribbean's customer loyalty program.

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