Happy Sunday, and welcome back to our round-up of all the latest Royal Caribbean news. It's been a busy week for the cruise line, so sit back, relax, and enjoy.

Royal Caribbean's next new cruise ship is closer to completion.

Star of the Seas just reached an important milestone in her construction: sitting in water.

Amid a huge celebration, Star of the Seas was floated out on the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland this week.

The second Icon Class ship will officially launch in August of 2025, offering 7-night Western and Eastern Caribbean cruises out of Port Canaveral.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean gives critical update on repair progress to world's biggest cruise ship
• Why you should always check these cruise ship policies before you sail
• Royal Caribbean cancels sailings and redeploys cruise ship away from Middle East
• Best Cabins for First-Time Royal Caribbean Cruisers
• A Royal Caribbean cruise ship in Alaska is having the worst luck and had to skip almost all of its port stops
• What experienced cruisers do differently during hurricane season
• Two Royal Caribbean megaships in drydock at the same time
• Royal Caribbean updates: 167 sick from gastrointestinal illness, strike won't affect cruise ships, and more
• The worst time to cruise to Bermuda
• 10 annoying habits that will make you the least popular person on a cruise
• Cruise ships change itineraries to avoid Hurricane Milton
• Royal Caribbean’s new Bahamas Beach Club looks ready to start building

New RCB Video: Royal Caribbean banned an important cruise item (DON'T bring it onboard!)

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 banned an important cruise item (DON'T bring it onboard!).

Don't forget to like and subscribe!

Rude things people do during a show on a cruise ship

Among the unwritten rules of going on a cruise are things you shouldn't do during a show.

Royal Caribbean has made a name for itself by offering the best entertainment at sea, and these shows are just as intricate and formal as Broadway or West End production.

Being on vacation isn't carte blanche to do whatever you want.

Loyalty Perks Beyond the Cruise: Using Crown & Anchor Society Rewards on Land

Smart cruisers can use their Royal Caribbean loyalty program rewards on more than just Royal Caribbean cruises.

Crown and Anchor Society members receive special benefits on land as well.

From Las Vegas casinos to Hertz car rentals, here's how to take advantage of these perks.

I tried a Celebrity cruise again and the loyalty benefits blew me away

Matt recently tried sailing Celebrity Cruises, taking a 3-night cruise on Celebrity Reflection. 

While there were aspects he didn't like, the loyalty benefits amazed him. 

Since Royal Caribbean now matches loyalty programs across all brands, Matt could enjoy the highest level of rewards on just his third Celebrity cruise.

How to choose the perfect cabin on Royal Caribbean's newest ships

Want to sail on Royal Caribbean's newest and biggest ships?

The latest iterations for the cruise line—whether that's Wonder of the Seas, Icon of the Seas, or Utopia of the Seas—feature some innovative, luxurious cabins. Cruisers can choose between dozens of cabin categories to find the stateroom that best fits their preferences.

Here's how to choose the perfect cabin for your needs.

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

Royal Caribbean cut Icon of the Seas' trip a stop early and canceled its upcoming voyage.

Royal Caribbean did not specify what issue is affecting the ship, just stating it had to do it due to "unplanned maintenance."

Anyone booked on the Icon of the Seas September 28th sailing got a 100% refund, including taxes and fees, and Future Cruise Credit. In addition, all pre-paid packages and gratuities, amenities, and shore excursions were refunded.

Royal Caribbean News

• Unexpected perks of cruising during the off-season
• I spent 5 days eating on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship. Here's everything I ate, including some dishes I'd skip
• Exclusive benefits for Pinnacle members: What makes it worth it?
• Future Hurricane Helene path forces Royal Caribbean to change cruise ship itineraries
• Top 5 largest Royal Caribbean ships: Why size matters
• Royal Caribbean banned outlet extenders on its cruise ships. Its change started a debate what's allowed
• Oasis vs. Quantum Class: Which is right for your next cruise?
• The ultimate guide to freebies on a Royal Caribbean cruise
• Comparing Royal Caribbean balcony cabins: Standard vs. spacious vs. virtual
• Is a cruise concierge worth it? Here's what you really get
• 4 lesser-known perks of Royal Caribbean's Crown & Anchor program
• Hurricane Helene taught 3 important lessons about taking a cruise
• Royal Caribbean clarifies ban it made to a commonly packed travel item
• 5 things everyone gets wrong about Perfect Day at CocoCay

New Royal Caribbean Blog Video: Cruise expert answers Alaska cruise tips from Reddit

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 answers Alaska cruise tips from Reddit.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 545th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available!

Matt went back on Celebrity to give it another try. This time, he took a 3-night cruise on Celebrity Reflection that visited Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Don't forget to subscribe for more updates via iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, or RSS.

You can also leave a review on iTunes, so go ahead and check it out.

Hurricane Helene forces Royal Caribbean to delay cruise ship return

Cruise ships are making all sorts of changes to avoid the path of Hurricane Helene, including cruises from Tampa. Serenade of the Seas was delayed returning to port by two days because of the storm.

A letter given to guests explained, "Due to the planned closure of the Port of Tampa and to stay clear of the hurricane, we'll have to delay our return to our homeport. We'll now arrive in Tampa on Sunday, September 29th, and enjoy some extra sea days along the way."

Here's when Royal Caribbean will put new 2026-2027 cruises on sale

We now know when Royal Caribbean will open up the first set of new 2026-2027 bookings.

The cruise line posted the dates the public can begin booking new cruises beyond what's currently available.

Royal Caribbean will release the new sailings in two parts: in the fall and again in the spring. The good news is the first deployments will come out a bit earlier than usual, beginning in October.

Royal Caribbean to add Back to the Future musical 

Royal Caribbean has not made any announcement yet, but the entertainment team posted an ad for auditions that indicates what the company's plans may be for Star of the Seas.

According to a post on the Royal Caribbean Productions Facebook page and its own website, the cruise line is holding auditions for Back to the Future: The Musical next month in London.

The open call for auditions says, "All performers hired for BACK TO THE FUTURE (3-4 performances weekly) will also perform in an original Royal Caribbean Signature Production onboard the STAR of the Seas (3-4 performances weekly)."

Happy Sunday, and welcome back to an edition of our Royal Caribbean news round-up. We'll summarize all the latest news from the cruise line, so just sit back, relax, and read on.

Royal Caribbean has quietly updated its banned item list to include something many people bring on a cruise.

The list has many items you'd expect to find on the list, such as weapons or illegal drugs, but the latest change is a headscratcher.

The inclusion of multi-outlet plugs on the list means keeping devices charged in a cabin on older cruise ships will be more of a challenge going forward.

Royal Caribbean News

• See the massive record-breaking 367-ton dome Royal Caribbean added to its next megaship
• I stayed in the cheapest cabin on Vision of the Seas.
• Royal Caribbean luggage tags & holders you must have
• Hidden Gems: Lesser-Known Features on Royal Caribbean's Smaller Ships
• Boardwalk vs. Surfside: What to expect in Royal Caribbean's family neighborhood
• Strange Texas law could limit your drinks on the first day of your cruise
• How Royal Caribbean's Crown & Anchor Society works for kids and teens
• 5 things to know before taking a European cruise
• The secrets to achieving Diamond status quickly on Royal Caribbean
• Best cruises to maximize Crown & Anchor loyalty benefits

New RCB Video: 5 things to avoid on Royal Caribbean (and what to do instead)

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 things to avoid on Royal Caribbean (and what to do instead)—and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Influencers left kids alone in cruise ship cabin sparks controversy

Two famous social media influencers recently sparked outrage after leaving their children alone in a cruise ship cabin.

While onboard Navigator of the Seas, Matt, and Abby Howard posted that they left their 1 and 2-year-old children unattended during dinner.

The Internet had a lot to say regarding the matter.

What cruisers are doing instead of buying a drink package

Drink packages have never been more expensive, and cruisers are starting to look for other options.

Deluxe drink packages are a popular add-on, but prices are regularly rising to over $100 a day, per person. 

Many cruisers are moving on to other, less expensive ways of purchasing alcoholic and specialty drinks onboard.

How to earn Crown & Anchor Society points faster

Looking to move up in the loyalty society levels?

Royal Caribbean's Crown & Anchor Society provides some great benefits for its loyal cruisers, and there are strategies one can use to earn more points.

From staying in a suite to cruising solo, you can move up the loyalty ladder faster with a few tricks.

Cruise mistakes you’ll only make once

There's a good chance these cruise mistakes are so bad, that if you ever made them, you'd never do it again.

Among the many things you could do differently on a cruise vacation, a handful stand out as major oopsies.

You can easily avoid these mistakes by knowing what to do instead.

Welcome back to this week's comprehensive look at all the recent Royal Caribbean news. It was a big week for the cruise line, so let's dive in!

Royal Caribbean's infamous nine-month world cruise ended this week.

The viral 9-month journey onboard Serenade of the Seas came to an end with a party attended by Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley. 

Passengers and crew members returned to Miami, Florida, where it all began. The cruise line's first world cruise visited 60 countries across all seven continents.

Royal Caribbean News

• How much is a balcony room on a cruise?
• Does the size of a cruise ship really matter?
• The 5 smartest moves I made on my European cruise
• Twelve-year-old child dies after falling from balcony on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship
• Anthem of the Seas vs. Oasis of the Seas
• Greece is adding a new anti-cruise ship tourist tax
• Cruise door decorations ideas & what you need to know
• Royal Caribbean CEO shares when new beach clubs will open in Bahamas, Mexico, and South Pacific
• Royal Caribbean kids club guide
• Royal Caribbean cancels cruise reservations on one of its ships due to lifeboat shortage

New RCB Video: I went on the LEAST POPULAR Europe cruise

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

This week, we are sharing our latest video—I went on the LEAST POPULAR Europe cruise—and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 544th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available! 

Matt sailed a 7-night Anthem of the Seas cruise in Europe and is back to share his review. 

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.

Overtourism by cruise ships? Royal Caribbean CEO fights back

Cruise ship ports across Europe have been protesting overtourism, but Royal Caribbean's CEO thinks targeting the cruising industry is misinformed.

While he acknowledged certain concerns tourist areas have, he sought to highlight some of the underestimated benefits cruise ships bring to the tourism industry.

During a Q&A session onboard the Ultimate World Cruise, Bayley argued that "there are some incredibly positive attributes that come from our business." 

I work at Royal Caribbean's private island. Here are11 things that most cruisers don't know

The top two people that oversee Royal Caribbean's private island want you to know some secrets about Perfect Day at CocoCay.

The private island in the Bahamas is free for Royal Caribbean guests to access, so how can you make the most of the experience?

By taking advantage of their advice, you can save time and money while vising CocoCay.

I travel for work, here's the one thing that I do on the first day of every cruise

As a frequent traveler, Calista has learned how to make the most of her cruises.

Since embarkation day can be one of the most stressful and significant days of the sailing, she's developed a key tip to make embarkation day run smoothly.

Calista always does this one thing as soon as she gets onboard a cruise ship.

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!

Ready to book a 2026 cruise? You'll have to wait a few more months.

You can't book any cruises beyond April 2026 quite yet, but it's likely the cruise line will open more cruises to book in 2026 and 2027 very soon.

Based on historical data, Royal Caribbean typically puts out new cruises twice per year, beginning with new sailings appearing online in November.

Royal Caribbean News:

• Royal Caribbean's 9-month world cruise is about to end and passenger calls it "Bizarre" and "Sad"
• Mexico is adding a new tourist tax
• Royal Caribbean shows by ship
• 9 Best Royal Caribbean Bahamas Excursions
• Guide to Izumi Sushi and Hibachi restaurant (menus)
• 9 outfits you'll want to wear on a cruise to Mexico
• 8 foods you must eat on a Royal Caribbean cruise

New RCB Video: DON'T BOOK A CRUISE Without Knowing These 5 Things

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 — DON'T BOOK A CRUISE Without Knowing These 5 Things — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Royal Caribbean tightens rules on kids sail free offer

Royal Caribbean has added a new restriction to its continuing kids sail free offer.

Per its requirements, children under the age of 12 can now sail for free when they stay with two paying adults in the same cabin on a sailing 3 nights or longer that doesn't fall during a blackout date.

New criteria now states that the cruise must be purchased at least 30 days before the sailing date.

Hiding ducks on a cruise ship is a "crazy" and popular trend - whether you like it or not

Why do people hide rubber ducks on their cruise?

The latest sailing trend is a global craze that began with a small start: a 10-year-old named Abby.

Today, the viral movement inspires cruisers to both hide and find ducks all around cruise ships, participating in the thrill of the chase.

5 mistakes I made during my European cruise kept me from making the most of my trip

Matt recently sailed in Europe on a 7-night Anthem of the Seas cruise, and shared his regrets of what he did wrong. 

While he had a good time, he also made a few mistakes—from taking public transportation to not grabbing cash sooner.

Cruise scams to watch out for

There's been a recent influx of cruise scammers—here's what you need to know.

A travel agent that frequently books Royal Caribbean cruises has noticed an uptick in the number of problems with scammers.

From imposter accounts on social media to fake phone numbers, scammers have a lot of strategies that can ruin your vacation plans.

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.

Royal Caribbean placed an order for a fourth Icon Class ship, with the possibility of two more beyond that.

The cruise line confirmed this week that it's ordered a fourth Icon Class ship, set to be delivered in 2027. Star of the Seas, the second Icon Class set, will launch in August 2025, with the third Icon Class ship being delivered in 2026.

No further details have been revealed about the fourth Icon Class ship, but Royal Caribbean also said that it has options to build fifth and sixth ships.

Royal Caribbean News

• Bahamas strikes $600M Deal: Inside the massive shipyard transformation set to dominate cruise repair
• I tried a free shore excursion instead of paying for a Royal Caribbean tour. It was so much better than I expected
• Royal Caribbean updates: Upgraded benefits for top tier members, free internet in Alaska, Beach Club update & more
• Royal Caribbean crew member gets 30 years for secretly filming kids
• I visited Bordeaux for the first time. I found there's so much more to love about the city than its wine
• Royal Caribbean adds new restrictions on free cruises from the casino
• Spotted: Long awaited Royal Caribbean dining package update rolled out
• Boarding my cruise ship in England was easier than most cruises in the United States
• One ocean in Europe is notorious for bad weather and rough seas. There was motion, but it wasn't as bad as I feared
• I spent two days in London before my European cruise. It gave me time to fight jetlag and explore this amazing city
• 3 hours in Paris? Why long bus ride cruise excursions are great and miserable
• Viral TikTok warns cruisers to avoid these three Caribbean shore excursions

New RCB Video: Uncomfortable Truths We Need to Tell You About Royal Caribbean

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

This week, we are sharing our latest video — Uncomfortable Truths We Need to Tell You About Royal Caribbean — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

I took an Anthony Bourdain inspired tour of a city in Spain during my cruise

Looking for a new way to tour your next port of call?

Matt tried an Anthony-Bourdain-inspired tour on his latest visit to Bilbao, Spain. 

His exploration blended culture, history, local customs, and food for a unique and surprising experience.

9 things you can bring on a plane, but not a cruise ship

If you're not careful while packing, you could breeze through airport security but be banned from boarding the cruise ship.

Each mode of transportation is different, and there are some items that are safe to bring on a plane but aren't allowed on a cruise ship.

From handcuffs to irons, there are 9 things you should be wary of bringing.

Icon of the Seas vs. Utopia of the Seas: Comparing Royal Caribbean's newest and biggest cruise ships

Both of Royal Caribbean's newest cruise ships are also the biggest ships in the world.

They both have a lot in common—from waterpark activities to buffet dining—but each ship comes from a different class.

Some key differences between these two mega ships can affect your next 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!

Royal Caribbean revealed details about its second Icon Class ship, Star of the Seas.

The follow-up to the wildly successful Icon of the Seas, Star will sail from Port Canaveral in August 2025.

Star of the Seas will have new technological advances and dining upgrades that aim to improve a ship that has resonated with guests on Icon.

Royal Caribbean News

• Protesters in European Port Prevent Royal Caribbean Cruise Ships from Docking
• I spent $856 extra for an obstructed balcony cabin on my cruise. A lifeboat ruined the view, but I would book it again
• How to get free drinks on a cruise
• Our readers shared their RoyalUp winning bids
• The worst part of flying to Europe could easily ruin half your cruise
• 10 things that surprised me after cruising for one year

New RCB Video: 4 splurges to skip lines on a cruise

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

This week, we are sharing our latest video — 4 splurges to skip lines on a cruise — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 543rd episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available! Matt previews his upcoming cruise on Anthem of the Seas, sharing how he's prepared for the European itinerary. 

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.

Royal Caribbean will soon have something no other cruise line can match

Royal Caribbean's long-term plans involve a strategy to compete with other cruise lines and on-land vacations.

By 2026, the cruise line will have two on-land beach clubs, one in Nassau, Bahamas, and one in Cozumel, Mexico. 

Royal Caribbean intends to provide the best vacation experience by combining great destinations with new ships.

Is Royal Caribbean good? 10 surprising reasons I think Royal Caribbean is worth it

After cruising with Royal Caribbean on 8 sailings over one year, Calista believes the cruise line deserves its reputation for excellence.

Business is booming for Royal Caribbean, and cruisers get great value for their money.

From quality customer service to stunning mega-ships, here are the top 10 reasons she likes Royal Caribbean.

Mistakes when cruising with babies, toddlers, and kids

Traveling with kids changes the dynamics of your cruise, so how can you best adjust?

Matt's been taking his two daughters on cruises since they were small, enough that his 13-year-old daughter now has 400 points in the Crown and Anchor Society loyalty program.

After taking more than 400 nights of cruises with kids, Matt has learned important lessons about the process.

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.

Icon of the Seas has been a big hit so far, but there are a few changes that could make it even better.

While this brand new Royal Caribbean ship does a lot of things right, Stacey found some things she didn't love as much.

She came up with a list of things great about Icon of the Seas, and things that need to change (that no one is talking about).

Royal Caribbean News

• I bought these 5 things just for my European cruise. I think it will make my vacation better and feel better too
• Another Royal Caribbean cruise ship changes plans due to Hurricane Ernesto
• Here's why booking a cruise ship cabin for two is a smart move even for solo cruisers
• I visited 25 Caribbean destinations on a cruise ship. These are the 4 I'd return to and the 3 I'd skip
• How much does a 3 day cruise cost?
• 13 things you'll love about Oasis of the Seas
• I left Royal Caribbean for Celebrity after 20 cruises. Here's why I'm going back to Royal Caribbean next time

New RCB Video: Why Cruise Prices Keep Rising: Royal Caribbean's secrets explained

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 Cruise Prices Keep Rising: Royal Caribbean's secrets explained — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 542nd episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast, is available where Matt breaks down the latest news of all the changes coming to Allure of the Seas.

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.

Hurricane Ernesto alters cruise ship itineraries

Hurricane Ernesto, which first hit the Virgin Islands as a tropical storm, strengthened into a hurricane.

It began affecting Royal Caribbean itineraries on Monday, when the cruise line began to re-route ships.

Icon of the Seas and Rhapsody of the Seas have been re-directed to avoid the path of the hurricane.

5 savvy ways I saved money on my first Celebrity cruise

Jenna sailed a Celebrity ship for the first time this month, and she ended up spending more money than expected on airfare.

To keep in line with her budget, Jenna implemented several money-saving tactics throughout her sailing. 

Instead of wasting money on souvenirs or forgetting to status-match her loyalty earnings, she used these five hacks to save money on her cruise.

Avoiding drama, surviving sharing costs and how to have a great multigenerational Family cruise

Royal Caribbean cruises are meant for the whole family to enjoy, and that can include multiple generations.

But how can you balance the needs of every family member, from young to old?

Matt has discovered that a cruise vacation can keep families making memories together, as long as you plan carefully, book early, and focus on the experience.

8 lessons I learned from every Royal Caribbean cruise I took this year

Calista has been cruising Royal Caribbean for a year now, and each cruise taught her something about the industry.

After cruising eight different ships over five different classes, she's learned a lot about how to have the best cruise experience possible.

From the right stateroom selection to saving money when exploring ports, here are her top 8 lessons.

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 announced $100 million plus updates coming to Allure of the Seas in 2025.

The long-delayed Royal Amplification of Allure of the Seas is expected to cost at least $100 million.

Allure will begin her upgrades in March 2025, and by the time she re-enters service in April 2025, she will have over 35 places to eat, drink, and splash onboard.

Like refurbishments on past ships, Allure will get new restaurants, upgrades, and an overall radical transformation.

Royal Caribbean News

• Passenger went overboard from Royal Caribbean cruise ship while on Mediterranean cruise, report says
• Royal Caribbean CEO says new ship class coming in 3-4 years
• I toured the $10,000-per-day mega suite on Royal Caribbean’s new ship. Take a look inside the cruise line’s mind-blowing cabin for families
• 15 lessons after trying Royal Caribbean's 274-night world cruise
• Royal Caribbean head of entertainment reveals how long it takes to create a new show for a cruise ship
• 4 Royal Caribbean splurges to skip lines
• How many drinks per day can you have with a drink package?

New RCB Video: 4 Ways to Tell If Your Cruise Deal is Too Good To Be True!

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 Ways to Tell If Your Cruise Deal is Too Good To Be True! — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 541st episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, and this episode features two special guests.

Two of our RCB writers review their recent cruises with Matt, talking about what it's like to work while on a 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.

5 things to know before sailing on Royal Caribbean's Utopia of the Seas

Before you set sail on Royal Caribbean's newest Oasis-Class ship, there are some important aspects to know.

Each sailing currently lasts three or four nights, so you'll only have a few days to experience everything onboard.

From the Royal Railway to the most underrated entertainment, Matt has discovered the top secrets on Utopia of the Seas.  

Red Flags to Look for on Cruise Shore Excursions

Booking the wrong shore excursions could waste your time, money, or even end in a dangerous experience.

How can you avoid choosing a scam of a tour?

Here are the top red flags to look out for before choosing a shore excursion.

Royal Caribbean CEO explains why mega cruise ships are so popular 15 years after their inception

What drives Royal Caribbean to keep making mega-ships, even 15 years after its first? 

Michael Bayley, Royal Caribbean International President and CEO, answered this question at a talk on Utopia of the Seas' preview cruise last month.

"This class of ship for Royal Caribbean has been a true game changer," he said, thanks to the neighborhoods onboard and appeal to all ages.

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!

After spending over a week on Royal Caribbean's Utopia of the Seas, Matt thinks the ship's best in class features really make it stand out.

For just short 3- and 4-night sailings, it's impressive how much there is to do onboard.  The ship has some of the best venues that you'll find on any ship, and there's more activities and parties than ever before.

Don't let the weekend party ship marketing fool you, Utopia is a great ship for a lot of reasons.

Royal Caribbean News

• New Caribbean cruises released for 2025
• I tried every Oasis Class cruise ship, here's how I would rank them
• The best things I ate on Utopia of the Seas
• I paid $30 to try the new escape room on Utopia of the Seas and it was worth it
• I had 2 hours to explore 1,000-year-old Mayan ruins. It was a remarkable experience
• Royal Caribbean makes $137 million Alaska port investment, new beach club director
• European cruise outfits and packing guide for women
• A private karaoke room costs $70 and it was a fun splurge for my family

New RCB Video: All the things I HATE about Icon 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 — All the things I HATE about Icon of the Seas — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 540th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, with a cruise review of Utopia of the Seas.

Matt shares his major takeaways from trying Royal Caribbean's newest 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.

Why Royal Caribbean's cruise prices will keep rising

Demand for booking a Royal Caribbean cruise is so strong right now that the company expects prices to keep going up.

During the company's earnings call with Wall Street analysts, executives said talked about an upward trend in prices going in to 2025 and beyond.

Royal Caribbean sees its customers are willing to not only book more cruises, but book them at higher prices.

Vintage photos show what cruises used to look like

A cruise ship 40 years ago looked different than what we see today.

Photos from Royal Caribbean cruises in the 1980s reveal the experience is similar, but ships had different offerings too.

There was a midnight buffet, glitter-filled performances, Country Western nights, pirate night and more.

Things you should never do in the suite lounge

The suite lounge is reserved for passengers that booked a suite stateroom, and Matt thinks there are some good rules of thumb to follow in there.

Suite guests and Pinnacle Club members are able to access the lounge, which includes complimentary beverages in the evening, snacks throughout the day, a self-service coffee machine, and plush seating.

It's a wonderful perk for anyone staying in a suite, but Matt cautions what not to do in there.

After 90 cruises, these are the 5 best restaurants (one isn't on a ship)

Dinner is arguably the most popular meal on a Royal Caribbean ship, so Matt ranked the top restaurants in the fleet.

There are a lot of choices of where you can eat on your ship, including restaurants that have an extra cost. 

The top restaurants that stood out among all of them include one that isn't even on a Royal Caribbean ship.