Royal Caribbean News Round-Up: June 8, 2025

In:
08 Jun 2025

Happy Sunday! We hope you are having a great weekend and ready to talk a little Royal Caribbean.

Royal Caribbean's plans for a new "smaller" cruise ship are being described as "a top secret design".

A Radiance Class cruise ship

While speaking to a group of travel advisors, Royal Caribbean's Senior Vice President of Sales and Trade Support Vicki Freed, confirmed the new class of ships. 

Her public statement confirms the project is moving forward, although details are still scarce.

Royal Caribbean News

New RCB Video: What I wish someone told me about Royal Caribbean private island

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 I wish someone told me about Royal Caribbean private island — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Diana Ross honored with Godmother role for new cruise ship

Diana Ross will be Godmother of Star of the Seas

Royal Caribbean announced music superstar Diana Ross will be the Godmother to Star of the Seas.

The longstanding maritime tradition bestows safekeeping onto the ship, its crew, and all who sail on the ship. Plus, it's a fun way to celebrate the launch of a new cruise ship!

She will preside over the festivities surrounding the ship's launch in August 2025.

Why are there oversold cruises?

Check in at the terminal

It's a rare occurrence for there to be oversold cruises, but don't worry about being denied entry onboard.

Royal Caribbean assumes a certain amount of last-minute cancelations, but sometimes that doesn't happen.

The good news is the cruise line has no problem finding volunteers to change plans and open up rooms in a situation like this.

New homeport just made an overlooked cruise itinerary more desirable

Ovation of the Seas in Ensenada

Ovation of the Seas is now based in Los Angeles, and suddenly there's a big ship option in SoCal.

She joins Navigator of the Seas, and that adds a heck of a one-two punch to the market.

Like any big ship, offering cruises on Ovation means there's so much more to do onboard and a good reason to try a Mexican Riviera cruise.

I tried Royal Caribbean's drink package for the first time

Aperol spritz on a cruise ship

A Royal Caribbean drink package offers a convenient option, and Jenna finally gave it a try.

She admits she didn't drink enough every day to actually save her money, but the convenience it provides is undeniable.

Having access to unlimited drinks allows passengers to relax and unwind.

Royal Caribbean is making a splash this summer with bold new changes

Ultimate Abyss Allure of the Seas

While Star of the Seas is the biggest news in 2025 for Royal Caribbean, don't overlook other changes this summer.

You can expect ships in new places, upgrades to existing ones, and redeployments.

This summer has some interesting options for a cruise vacation beyond the usual.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 567th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, featuring an exclusive interview with Vicki Freed.

Ms. Freed talks with Matt about Royal Caribbean's plans for the Southern California cruise market.

Please feel free to subscribe via YouTube, iTunes or RSS, and head over to rate and review the podcast on iTunes if you can! 

Royal Caribbean News Round-Up: June 1, 2025

In:
01 Jun 2025

Happy Sunday! It is getting hot outside, and the Royal Caribbean news this week is equally heated.

Royal Caribbean is going to bring its new cruise ship into service earlier than expected.

Star of the Seas sea trials

There's a new showcase sailing added for Star of the Seas, which means the ship will begin sailing even sooner.

The second Icon Class ship will have a fourth showcase sailing leading up to her official inaugural.

Royal Caribbean News

I always do 4 things at the buffet on every cruise I go to because it improves my meal every time

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 always do 4 things at the buffet on every cruise I go to because it improves my meal every time — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

I always pack two things for my cruise bathroom that you need too

Wonder-Inside-Cabin-2-Bathroom

There are two easy ways to make your cabin bathroom better, and it's simple.

I bring two things on every cruise and it makes a difference.

Covering both comfort and hygiene, I'd recommend them to anyone cruising.

6 things to know about Royal Caribbean's immersive train restaurant before you go

Window on Royal Railway

Royal Caribbean's most popular restaurant has to be Royal Railway, and you need to be prepared for it.

It's a full experience, and has quickly become the hottest ticket right now.

I have a list of things you should know before you even try to book it so you don't miss out.

3 times you shouldn't book a shore excursion during your cruise vacation

la Coruna

The places your cruise ship visits is likely a highlight of any trip, but you don't always need a tour.

While you could certainly explore any port on your own, I think there are a handful that truly are best for walking around and exploring on foot.

In certain ports of call, I think you can easily skip booking a tour and be making a smart decision.

13 Royal Caribbean dining mistakes you should avoid on any cruise

Outdoor seating at Giovannis

Eating on a cruise seems pretty simple, but there are a few mistakes to avoid or ways to make it better.

Maximizing your cruise dining is all about what, where, and when you eat.

I came up with these 13 Royal Caribbean cruise dining mistakes and how to avoid each of them.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 566th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, sharing what to do in London before or after a cruise.

Jessica Dante joins Matt this week to share her tips for how to have a great visit in London and avoid common mistakes.

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 News Round-Up: May 26, 2025

In:
25 May 2025

Happy Sunday and unofficial start to summer! Temperatures are rising, and so is the pace of cruise news to share with you this week.

Royal Caribbean's Star of the Seas has begun sea trials.

Sea trials for Star of the Seas

The newest ship in the Royal Caribbean fleet headed out for the first time into the open ocean to ensure all of its systems work the way they should, such as the propulsion, navigation and safety systems.

Sea trials are the final step of a ship's construction prior to being delivered to the cruise line.

Royal Caribbean News

Video: New Rules Of A Cruise This Summer To Follow

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 — New Rules Of A Cruise This Summer To Follow — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

I always try to carry my luggage off my ship at the end of the cruise because it's faster

Disembarkation Key

Whenever possible, I'll take my own bags off the ship rather than wait for them to be delivered to the terminal.

I prefer to "rip the band-aid off" when my vacation comes to an end, and often I'm looking to get going and get home sooner than later.

Carrying my own luggage off the ship allows more flexibility in when I want to disembark, especially if I want to be off early.

16 secrets every Royal Caribbean cruiser should know

Aerial view of Serenade of the Seas

There are certain secrets the cruise line won't tell you, and I came up with a list of the best ones.

These are secrets that people that cruise a lot pick up on, and now you can take advantage of them too.

I hope some of these will make it easier for you to have a better cruise in the future.

Royal Caribbean ship helps protect another cruise ship

Wonder of the Seas in Cozumel

Strong winds necessitated one Royal Caribbean ship to step in and help another with getting out of port.

When Enchantment of the Seas was attempting to leave Costa Maya, it was so windy that it wasn't possible on its own.

Instead, Wonder of the Seas positioned itself to block the winds and make it easier for Enchantment to get out.

Royal Caribbean emails guests about possible Legionnaires' disease on a cruise ship

Symphony of the Seas sailing away

People that sailed on a recent Symphony of the Seas cruise were notified another passenger later was diagnosed with Legionnaires' disease.

An email explained the person had sailed on Symphony of the Seas was later diagnosed with Legionella. As a precaution, the cruise line is notifying passengers.

It's unknown where the person contracted it, and it may not have been on the ship.

I always overpack for my cruise, even though experts say not to do it

Luggage

So many travel experts recommend not overpacking, but I do it anyway.

I understand the logic behind not overpacking, but I find there's more benefit in it because of all the different themes, events, and needs you may have during a cruise.

Ultimately, I'd rather regret the heft in my luggage than not having clothes I need later.

Royal Caribbean News Round-Up: May 18, 2025

In:
18 May 2025

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

A lazy-crazy river and water slide towers are just the start of Royal Caribbean's plans for Perfect Day Mexico.

Water slide tower at Perfect Day Mexico

Opening in fall 2027, Royal Caribbean revealed this week all of its plans for Perfect Day Mexico.

Also announced are the plans for its two beach clubs, as well as a new private destination in Vanuatu.

Royal Caribbean News

Cruise tips that sound strange but really work

Split bed configuration inside cabin

Trust, these travel tips really work, even if they sound bizarre.

New cruisers might be surprised by a few cruise tips that get shared because they either sound unintuitive or something completely different than they're used to.

I can vouch from experience these cruise tips really do work, even if they sound very odd.

Royal Caribbean makes casino change for non-smokers

Craps table

The newest non-smoking casino is open.

Royal Caribbean opened another non-smoking casino on Utopia of the Seas, this one replacing the comedy club onboard.

Construction took a month, but a second non-smoking venue is now open on the ship.

These 13 travel essentials made my flight to Europe fly by

wearing white compression socks

Jenna just got back from a trip to Europe, a few essentials made a big difference during the flight.

Flying to Barcelona to check out Allure of the Seas meant taking an economy class flight across the Atlantic.  By no means is that an enjoyable experience on its own.

After careful testing, certain travel accessories really do help improve the flight when traveling that long a time.

The underrated Florida cruise port with the best value

Sailing from Tampa

Among all the ports you can sail from in Florida, Tampa is clearly the best if you're on a budget.

Cruises from Tampa are easy to access, and probably the cheapest fares you'll find right now.

With cruise prices only seemingly going up, the best deals are on Florida's west coast.

New RCB Video: Royal Caribbean just shared Perfect Day Mexico, Beach Club Info & More

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 just shared Perfect Day Mexico, Beach Club Info & More — and don’t forget to subscribe to our channel.

Royal Caribbean News Round-up May 11, 2025

In:
11 May 2025

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

Cruisers on one Royal Caribbean ship were offered a pretty incredible deal if they were willing to be flexible with their vacation plans.

A sailing on Allure of the Seas may have been oversold, so guests were asked if they'd consider changing their ship or sail date.

The offer was to look for volunteers, and you could essentially get a free cruise and refund to change sailings.

Royal Caribbean News

Mexico compromises on controversial cruise tax

Back of the ship in Cozumel

A proposed $42 per passenger cruise tax has been greatly reduced, thanks to negotiations by the cruise industry.

Instead of charging $42 for each passenger, Mexico will introduce the cruise tax at a rate of $5 per passenger to start.

The new tax goes into effect July 1, 2025.

Royal Caribbean is re-routing ships away from Haiti into August

Labadee

More cruise ship visits to Royal Caribbean's private beach in Haiti are being cancelled.

Ship sail dates as far out as August are now being re-routed from Labadee, which is a significant departure from making short-term changes to itineraries.  

The updated schedules reflect the dire situation in Haiti and the cruise line's caution in resuming visits anytime soon.

Royal Caribbean shuts down its private island this week for maintenance work

CocoCay from the ship

Something you don't see every day (or week) is Perfect Day at CocoCay without any Royal Caribbean ships.

Royal Caribbean actually shut down its private island for a week to conduct annual maintenance work.

Between May 4 and May 10, no ships visited the island.  It's work that was on the calendar for a while, and helps ensure everything is good to go for another year.

Why you should book a 2026 cruise after last week's Royal Caribbean meeting

If you read between the lines of Royal Caribbean's earnings call last week, it's clear prices are only going up.

In fact, executives disclosed they actually raise prices on cruises as they get close to the sail date in an effort to capitalize on last minute bookings.

As a result, last-minute cruise reservations are going to be more expensive than in the past. 

New RCB Video: 4 Things I ALWAYS Ask My Cabin Attendant For On Every 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 Things I ALWAYS Ask My Cabin Attendant For On Every Cruise! — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

Episode 564 thumbnail

The 564th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, discussing Royal Caribbean's strategy to target Walt Disney World visitors.

Influencers have a tremendous impact on information shared about cruises today. Griff joins Matt to break down this form of advertising and what it means to cruisers.

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

Royal Caribbean News Round-Up: May 4, 2025

In:
04 May 2025

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

The buffet on a Royal Caribbean ship is still a go-to spot on every sailing, but I'll do 4 things every time I go.

There are so many good choices to pick from, so I'll want to maximize any visit I make to the Windjammer.

By taking advantage of a few key tips, I can ensure my visit is always a satisfying one!

Royal Caribbean News

Royal Caribbean stops visiting popular port

Zip line on labadee

One Royal Caribbean ship that skipped Labadee this week actually got onboard credit instead of a replacement port.

Guests sailing on the May 3 voyage of Icon of the Seas were notified by Royal Caribbean their ship would have a sea day instead of visiting Labadee, Haiti.

To make it up to the passengers, Royal Caribbean offered them a per-stateroom credit to spend on board the ship.

How much to tip on a Royal Caribbean cruise?

Bartender behind the bar

When and how much to tip on a cruise is a hot button topic, but it's a very commonly asked question.

A lot of new cruisers are unsure what's expected and definitely do not want to insult anyone by stiffing them.

Matt shared exactly how much he tips to give you an idea of what to expect.

Cruise ship passenger regrets cabin choice

One person thought they booked a great cabin, but ended up regretting it because of a noise problem.

The cruiser complained about the "paper thin walls" that prevented them from sleeping while cruising on Allure of the Seas.

As it turned out, the mistake made could have been avoided given the specific room category chosen.

I paid $1,260 for an inside cabin on Allure of the Seas. It was outdated and tiny, but I still enjoyed my cruise

Jenna selfie in Allure of the Seas inside cabin

What's it like staying in a small, inside room on the amplified Allure of the Seas?

Jenna paid paid $1,260 for the inside room on the first sailing after the ship returned to service.

The room doesn't have any natural light, but is one of the best values on the ship.

New RCB Video: BOLD predictions about Royal Caribbean's future!

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 — BOLD predictions about Royal Caribbean's future! — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

Podcast episode 563

The 563rd episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, discussing Royal Caribbean's strategy to target Walt Disney World visitors.

Royal Caribbean has made it no secret they want to attract vacationers who would otherwise go to Walt Disney World and the other attractions in Orlando. How effective will this strategy be, and how do these vacations compare?

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 News Round-Up: April 27, 2025

In:
27 Apr 2025

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

A cruise passenger was arrested after an incident that took place in a Royal Caribbean elevator.

Liberty of the Seas

He is accused of attacking another passenger after the victim's wife complained that a group of "kids were jumping up and down on the elevator."

The man is facing a second-degree felony assault charge after a fight occurred on Liberty of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean News

New RCB Video: Star of the Seas Deck-by-Deck Ship Preview

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—Star of the Seas Deck-by-Deck SHIP TOUR PREVIEW—don’t forget to subscribe to our channel!

Why Royal Caribbean's major change is stirring debate

Wonder and Symphony at CocoCay

Royal Caribbean plans to shift almost all of its Oasis Class ships to short cruises, and that's causing quite a controversy among cruisers.

The strategy is to attract new customers, but established cruisers feel slighted because they don't like going on short cruises and it's cannibalizing what they see as some of the best ships in the fleet.

They dislike the idea of short cruises for their lack of port diversity, higher per-night pricing, and unattractiveness to travel to sail to these cruises.

Royal Caribbean is now selling Star Class VIP perks on its smaller cruise ships

Royal Genie

You can start enjoying the very best suite class amenities and perks while booking an inside cabin on a smaller cruise ship.

Royal Caribbean has introduced the "Royal Genie Package" that offers the services of the Royal Genie on ships like Independence of the Seas.

Up until now, it was only available on the biggest and newest ships in the fleet.

I went on a 4-night Allure of the Seas cruise, and here's what everything cost

Jenna selfie on Allure of the Seas pool deck

From the cruise fare to airfare to coffee, Jenna tallied up exactly how much everything costs from start to finish to go on a recent Allure of the Seas cruise.

We often look at just the cruise fare when picking ships, but there's a total vacation cost to account for as well.

It might help you to see the cost of everything to get a better sense of how to better budget for your vacation.

I always ask my cruise ship room attendant for 4 things on every cruise

The one crew member you're likely to interact with the most is your cabin attendant, and Matt always makes the same requests on every sailing.

The cruise line wants you to have an amazing vacation, and that starts with your in-cabin experience.

There are different ways you can have your cruise cabin personalized to your liking, and it's important to convey them.

These 6 extra cost restaurants are worth booking and the 2 you can skip

playmakers-wings-freedom-dining-food

Among the many specialty restaurants, there are a few that are must-dos, and a couple you could safely bypass.

Matt has tried all of Royal Caribbean's extra cost venues and while each has its pros and cons, a few truly stand out as great choices.

Likewise, there's two that he thinks aren't worth your money.

Royal Caribbean News Round-Up: April 20, 2025

In:
20 Apr 2025

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 is pausing visits to its private beach in Haiti.

Utopia of the Seas in Labadee

A number of sailings with scheduled visits to Labadee have been re-routed to avoid the troubled country, as security concerns warranted the change.

The cruise line hasn't made a formal policy change, but more than four ships have had scheduled visits swapped out with other ports.

Royal Caribbean News

New RCB Video: Allure of the Seas Walkthrough 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—Allure of the Seas AMPLIFIED Walkthrough Ship Tour 2025—don’t forget to subscribe to our channel!

Child fell between ship and dock at CocoCay

Rescuing child

A child fell into the water at the pier of Perfect Day at CocoCay earlier this week.

Reports of the incident indicate the child fell into the water in the small gap between the ship and the dock.

Luckily, he was rescued safely.

6 surprising things Royal Caribbean didn't change on Allure of the Seas

Ultimate Abyss Allure of the Seas

While Royal Caribbean upgraded a lot of Allure of the Seas, a few omissions stood out.

We all have our own wish list of things that we'd like to see changed or replaced on any ship, and after looking through all the updates on Allure, there are a few I would have wanted too.

From swapping out restaurant ideas or adding more power plugs, here are the changes I wish Royal Caribbean made to Allure of the Seas.

The new rules of cruising from Orlando that you need to follow

Voyager of the Seas in Port Canaveral

Cruising from Port Canaveral and flying into Orlando? Let's go over the tenants everyone should follow for a great vacation.

Royal Caribbean is offering more cruises from the Orlando market than ever before, but its distance to the port adds a few nuances you don't typically find elsewhere in Florida.

If you're flying to Orlando International Airport in order to sail from Port Canaveral ("Orlando" as the cruise line marketing department refers to it), there are "rules" I'd recommend everyone follow to make it as easy as possible.

The free Royal Caribbean breakfast food that's worth it every time

It looks like Royal Caribbean is serving a new breakfast food that is quickly becoming a favorite among cruisers.

The cruise line’s new homemade cinnamon rolls have become “a new cult favorite” as more people discover them.

After one bite, we could tell these cinnamon rolls were unlike any pastry we had tried on a Royal Caribbean cruise.

Royal Caribbean passengers are upset about a controversial cruise etiquette rule

Reddit-Utopia-Chair-Hog

Chair hogs aren't a new problem, but it's still causing a stir.

A cruiser aboard Utopia of the Seas took to Reddit to share their frustration involving chair dogs during a recent sailing

In the brazen example, the chairs on the pool deck were reserved by 8:30am, frustrating many who couldn't believe how quickly the chair hogs acted.

Royal Caribbean News Round-Up: April 13, 2025

In:
13 Apr 2025

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!

Allure of the Seas is back and with a lot of changes!

Ultimate Abyss Allure of the Seas

Royal Caribbean poured in over $100 million worth of upgrades, fixes, and enhancements for its passengers. This includes new slides, revamped pool deck, new restaurants and more.

The amplified ship restarted cruises this weekend, giving the public its first look at what's new and different.

Royal Caribbean News

New RCB Video: 6 Things You're Buying On A Cruise That Could Be FREE (Or Cheaper)

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 — 6 Things You're Buying On A Cruise That Could Be FREE (Or Cheaper) — and don’t forget to subscribe to our channel.

How much a Royal Caribbean crew member makes working on a ship

Chris Wong

Curious how much Royal Caribbean pays its crew members to work on a ship?

Chris Wong is a casino host, and shared what he's paid every two weeks by the cruise line.

He's candid about his salary on the ship and why his pay fluctuates from pay check to pay check.

CocoCay or stay on the ship?

Docked at CocoCay

Royal Caribbean's private island is arguably the best in the entire cruise industry, so why would some people prefer to skip a visit?

It might sound crazy, but some people opt to stay on the ship rather than get off and enjoy a day at Perfect Day at CocoCay.

While Royal Caribbean designed it to be as all encompassing as possible, there are a few good reasons to think twice about staying onboard.

$30 Orlando shuttle service to the cruise ship: review

Go-Port-MCO-5

Want a cheap and effective way to get to Port Canaveral from Orlando's airport?

Instead of taking a taxi or ride share service, Elizabeth tried out Go Port after hearing so many rave reviews about it.

At about $30 per person each way, it's a really good value.

Royal Caribbean is replacing its comedy club with a casino

Utopia of the Seas

On at least two ships, there are changes coming to the entertainment spaces onboard.

Both Utopia and Wonder of the Seas will have their Comedy Club and Crown Lounge space replaced with a non-smoking casino.

The work will take place over the next few months, and dedicate more gambling options for guests.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

Episode 560 of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 560th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available! 

Matt discusses how he almost made a mistake with planning shore excursions for his European cruise, and what he did instead.

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 News Round-Up April 6, 2025

In:
06 Apr 2025

Happy April! It was a busy week with Royal Caribbean news, and we have a summary of all of the news from this week so that you don't miss any details.

A new travel warning has been issued for The Bahamas by U.S. officials.

A Level 2 travel advisory was issued for the popular cruise destination by the U.S. State Department, warning travelers to “exercise increased caution” due to crime and possibly shark attacks in The Bahamas.

Many Royal Caribbean cruise ships visit The Bahamas, and it's a reminder for tourists to use caution and be vigilant about their safety when going ashore.

Royal Caribbean News

New RCB Video: Foods to NEVER eat 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 — Foods to NEVER eat on a cruise! — and don’t forget to subscribe to our channel.

What every aspect of a cruise on Utopia of the Seas costs

Allie detailed every single cost for her recent Utopia of the Seas.

Ever wonder what the total cost is of a vacation, from start to finish?

Cruise fare is just the beginning, as there's add-on costs including flights, hotels, taxis, souvenirs, and more.

Royal Caribbean now enforcing a rarely charged fee

Bottles of wine with corkage sticker

Bringing your own wine on a cruise is a great money saving tip, but expect to pay for it.

Based on several reports from guests on ships this week, Royal Caribbean is now enforcing the corkage fee on bottles of wine opened in restaurants or bars.

There's been no policy change. Rather, the policy is actually being enforced now.

Royal Caribbean passenger shares vital warning for all cruisers

Flight-Delay-Hero

Consider yourself warned: flying the day of your cruise is a mistake.

A reddit user shared how five flight delays and two cancellations caused them to miss their cruise.

"This is why you fly in the day before," the person wrote and it's a good reminder for all of us when planning a cruise vacation.

I planned too many beach days and it was a mistake

Paradise Beach

Matt thought spending four days at the beach would be the perfect spring break vacation, but it turned out to be too much.

While sailing on Icon of the Seas, three port days in a row doing the same kind of activity felt repetitive.

While the beach facilities did not disappoint, having multiple port days in a row should have included different plans to break it up.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

Ovation of the Seas in Alaska

The 559th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available! In it, Matt lists the must-do 5 Royal Caribbean cruises everyone should try at least once.

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.

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