Royal Caribbean Post Round-Up

Royal Caribbean Post Round-Up: July 24, 2022

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24 Jul 2022

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!

The big news in the cruise world this week came when the CDC ended its voluntary Covid-19 program for cruise ships.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced it will no longer report Covid cases on cruise ships, which includes the color-coded program that provided case numbers on individual ships.

In lieu of the program, the CDC will continue to publish recommendations, but it will ultimately be up to the cruise lines to implement their own protocols.

Royal Caribbean News

Video: 10 Tips To Save Anyone Time on a Cruise Ship!

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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 — 10 Tips To Save Anyone Time on a Cruise Ship! — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Read our Mariner of the Seas live blog

We've been sailing on Mariner of the Seas this past week and sharing a daily look at what it's like onboard.

Matt and Angie are on an 8-night eastern Caribbean cruise that departed from Port Canaveral.

Guide to cruises to Greece

Have you dreamed of sailing to the Greek isles some day?

Whether you’re interested in touring the birthplace of the Olympics, swimming at world-renowned beaches, or strolling charming villages, visiting Greece is sure to impress.

Check out our Greek Isles cruise guide for everything you need to know for this type of sailing.

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.

Royal Caribbean Post Round-Up: July 17, 2022

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Royal Caribbean Post Round-Up

17 Jul 2022

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!

Did you know Royal Caribbean has its own meteorologist who's job it is to monitor the weather for all the ships in the fleet?

James Van Fleet is a former TV weatherman, but now works just with Royal Caribbean to give the captain of each ship weather information.

Although meteorology is heavily based in science, Mr. Van Fleet shared the ambiguities and uncertainties associated with weather forecasting.

Royal Caribbean News

Video: Is a 3-night Cruise worth it?

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 3-night Cruise worth it? — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 461st episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where Matt lists the top 3 things to do in the ports of call his cruise will visit next week.

Mariner of the Seas is headed to CocoCay, Labadee, Puerto Rico, St. Kitts, and St. Croix. Matt shares a few recommendations of what to do in each port.

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.

Rare cruise ship cabins that get booked very quickly

There are a handful of cruise ship cabins that will almost always get booked up super quickly because of how valued they are among people that cruise a lot.

Due to either their location or unusual layout, these staterooms are in-demand because they offer something special you don't usually get, which adds to their value.

Whether you want to book these rooms for yourself, or are simply curious about what they offer, here's a look at a few rare cruise ship cabins that are not only different from the rest, they will be booked quickly.

How one group helps families with Autism cruise on Royal Caribbean

The group Autism on the Seas travels with families on Royal Caribbean cruise ships to provide special needs children extra assistance during their cruise.

The goal of Autism on the Seas is to provide the highest quality of assisted care to ensure families have a truly relaxing and rejuvenating vacation.

Guide to Royal Caribbean Suites

Think it's time you tried a suite?

Suites cost more than other cabin categories, but they also provide significantly more living space, along with some fabulous benefits.

If you think you'd like to move up to a Royal Caribbean suite, here's everything you need to know about these kind of accommodations.

Royal Caribbean Post Round-Up: July 10, 2022

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Royal Caribbean Post Round-Up

10 Jul 2022

Happy Sunday! I hope you are having a wonderful weekend and are ready to catch up on all the Royal Caribbean news from this week!

If you're thinking of booking a drink package, wifi, or shore excursion, when is the best time to book it?

You might be wondering if you're better off booking it now or waiting until you board the cruise. Ultimately, you're going to want to do what will save you the most money, time, or both.

Here's my recommendations for when you should book certain cruise add-ons so you get the best price.

Royal Caribbean News

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 460th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where Rebecca shares her Alaska cruisetour experience.

Royal Caribbean allows you to add-on a land tour portion to select Alaska cruises, and Rebecca tried it out when she sailed to Alaska this summer.

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

New RCB Video: The Fool-Proof Royal Caribbean cruise

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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 — The Fool-Proof Royal Caribbean cruise — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

4 mistakes & 7 things I did right on my Royal Caribbean European cruise

European cruises are a different experience than Caribbean cruises from a planning perspective.

Jenna just sailed on two different European itineraries and reflected on her cruises with what she would and wouldn't do again.

She has a list of 7 things she did right and 4 she did wrong on her Royal Caribbean European cruises.

Mariner of the Seas Guide

Have you ever sailed on Mariner of the Seas?

If you haven't, we have a full review of what Mariner of the Seas has onboard and what to expect. From the activities, to dining, to the casino, we have a look at everything you can see and do on Mariner of the Seas.

Cruise balconies vs. suites

Is it a good idea to book a balcony or suite on your next Royal Caribbean cruise?

If you want to know what makes a balcony different from a suite (and if it's worth spend more for a suite), here's a breakdown of a cruise balcony vs suite.

Royal Caribbean Post Round-Up: July 3, 2022

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Royal Caribbean Post Round-Up

03 Jul 2022

Happy July 4th and Canada Day to everyone out in blog land! Many of you are enjoying a relaxing and long weekend, and I hope this week's round up of all the Royal Caribbean news makes it even better!

When will Covid testing and vaccine requirements go away?

That might be the most frequently asked question cruisers want to know and Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley addressed this question.

He also talked about if Royal Caribbean will add a fuel surcharge, when the Icon of the Seas reveal will be, smoking in the casino & more.

Royal Caribbean News

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 459th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, in which Matt reflects on his Covid experience on an Alaska cruise.

As an addendum to last week's podcast episode, Matt talks about his experience with Covid on a cruise ship and what his takeaway from it all.

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

New RCB Video: What’s the best piece of cruise advice you have ever received?

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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 — What’s the best piece of cruise advice you have ever received? — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Read our Greek Isles Live Blog

A European cruise is a bucket list cruise for so many people, especially a Greek Isles cruise.

We have a day-by-day look at what it's like to sail on Rhapsody of the Seas around Greece.

Read our 7-night Greek Isles cruise live blog and see all the fun you can have exploring these beautiful islands.

Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas reaches first major milestone

The next Oasis Class cruise ship is on its way to becoming a reality.

At the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France, a keel-laying ceremony was held for Utopia of the Seas.

Utopia of the Seas will be the first LNG-powered ship in the Oasis Class when she debuts in 2024.

We tried the new Starlink internet on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship

Starlink internet receivers on Freedom of the Seas

How fast is Elon Musk's Starlink internet service? We put it through its paces on a weekend sailing of Freedom of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean has quietly begun testing Starlink on Freedom of the Seas, and many are curious just how much faster this internet is compared to the traditional onboard internet service.

Over the course of 3-nights, Nicole tested the ship wifi and the results did not disappoint.

Royal Caribbean Post Round-Up: June 26, 2022

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Royal Caribbean Post Round-Up

26 Jun 2022

Happy Sunday! Hope you are having a relaxing weekend and enjoying summer! It is time to sit back, relax, and catch up on all the recent Royal Caribbean news!

Want to sail with Royal Caribbean's CEO in 2023?

Royal Caribbean announced the date and sailing for its next President's Cruise, which will be held on Allure of the Seas on the July 23, 2023 sailing out of Galveston, Texas.

The President's Cruise is an annual event where Royal Caribbean invites its loyal members to sail together.

Royal Caribbean News

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 458th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, featuring a review of Matt's Alaska cruise.

Matt took a 7-night cruise on Serenade of the Seas to Alaska and shares a look back at what he did and how his cruise went/

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

New RCB Video: What's included with your Royal Caribbean cruise fare

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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 — What's included with your Royal Caribbean cruise fare — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Read our Europe Live Blog

Have you ever taken a Royal Caribbean cruise in Europe?

We shared a day-by-day look at what it's like to sail on Anthem of the Seas from Southampton.

Read our 7-night Spain & France cruise live blog and see all the fun you can have on a 7-night cruise to France and Spain!

Royal Caribbean extends European cruise ship Covid protocols

Health protocols have been extended for European sailings that depart on or before July 31, 2022.

The existing protocols have been extended without any notable changes to vaccine, testing and onboard health requirements.

Adventure of the Seas review & guide

Adventure of the Seas is one of the most popular cruise ships to sail on given its competitive prices and interesting itineraries.

There's a great mix of fun activities onboard, and since it's a Voyager Class ship, it has a big ship feel to it.

Here's our complete look at what you should know about sailing on Adventure of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean Post Round-Up: June 19, 2022

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Royal Caribbean Post Round-Up

19 Jun 2022

Happy Sunday! I would like to wish all the dads out there a very Happy Father’s Day! Hope you get to have a relaxing and fun-filled day with your family!

Now it’s time to sit back, relax, and catch up on all the latest Royal Caribbean news!

We might know the name of Royal Caribbean's next new cruise ship.

Royal Caribbean registered 9 new cruise ship names recently with the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

Names include previously used names, such as Majesty and Splendor of the Seas, as well as new names, such as Titan or Nova of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean News

Read our Europe Live Blog

Our first live blog from a European cruise has begun, with Jenna sailing on Anthem of the Seas.

She is sharing everything from her 7-night Spain & France cruise, which sails roundtrip from Southampton, England.

New RCB Video: How to make Royal Caribbean's drink package work for you!

Have you subscribed to the Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube Channel? We share some great videos there regularly, all about taking a Royal Caribbean cruise! This week, we are sharing our latest video — How to make Royal Caribbean's drink package work for you! — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Pros and Cons of booking a cruise early vs last-minute

What are the best reasons to book a cruise super early or at the very last minute?

Both options offer have their benefits, whether saving money by booking far in advance or coming across a last-minute cruise deal.

We've got a look at the pros and cons of booking your cruise late and early to help determine which option works best for you.

What happened when I tested positive for Covid on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship

Unfortunately, Matt tested positive for Covid at the end of his Alaska cruise, and shared what the experience was like from start to finish.

From getting tested, to quarantine, to being escorted off the ship, Matt shares what his experience was like so you have an idea of what to expect if it were to happen to you.

Royal Caribbean wants to add Starlink high-speed internet to its cruise ships

If Royal Caribbean gets its way, we could all benefit from faster onboard internet.

Royal Caribbean is looking to add SpaceX's Starlink internet access to its cruise ships, but first needs to get approval from the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

"Working with SpaceX Services, Inc., we believe we have identified a true next generation solution for our vessels that meets the rigorous technical and operational requirements commensurate with our growth plans," John Maya, Royal Caribbean Group's Vice President, Operational Excellence, said in a letter to FCC international bureau chief Tom Sullivan.

Royal Caribbean Post Round-Up: June 5, 2022

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Royal Caribbean Post Round-Up

05 Jun 2022

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

Royal Caribbean updated guests still holding a future cruise credit with some good news this week.

Any future cruise credit you may have from the Covid-era now has no expiration date and is good indefinitely.

As of June 1, 2022, Royal Caribbean announced that all unredeemed future cruise credits (FCC) offered under the Cruise with Confidence program will no longer expire.

Royal Caribbean News

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 457th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, reviewing Kurt's recent Enchantment of the Seas cruise.

Kurt shares what is experience was like having recently sailed on Enchantment of the Seas from Baltimore.

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

New RCB Video: What everyone should include in their cruise carry-on!

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 everyone should include in their cruise carry-on! — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Subtle changes Royal Caribbean made on Wonder of the Seas

Every cruise ship Royal Caribbean builds is slightly different from the last, and Wonder of the Seas has its own set of tweaks.

Besides the amazing new shows and areas you wont find any other Oasis Class ship, here are a few subtle changes Royal Caribbean made to Wonder of the Seas that I noticed (and most of them I liked).

Freedom of the Seas Guide & Review

Freedom of the Seas currently sails 3- and 4-night short Bahamas cruises from Miami, and it's a popular weekend getaway ship

If you’re considering booking a cruise on Royal Caribbean’s Freedom of the Seas, be sure to read this planning and overview guide so you are fully prepared for your upcoming cruise vacation.

Things I've tried on Royal Caribbean that I won't do again

Allie listed the things she's done on a cruise ship that she won't be doing again.

We all have our own set of "one and done" lists, and this week focuses on the activities and choices Allie made on Royal Caribbean that she'll skip next time around.

Royal Caribbean Post Round-Up: May 29, 2022

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Royal Caribbean Post Round-Up

29 May 2022

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

Remember that sphere object that is going into Icon of the Seas? It got installed onboard the ship this week and we still have no idea what it is!

Royal Caribbean released a new construction update teaser that talks about the pearl-shaped object being added to Icon of the Seas.

In the video update, the object was placed about mid-ship, amidst the various blocks of Icon of the Seas during her construction progress.

Royal Caribbean News

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 456th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, previewing Matt's upcoming Alaska cruise.

Matt pushed back his plans a week to go on Serenade of the Seas, but he shares his plans for a back-to-back Alaska cruise on Serenade of the Seas.

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

New RCB Video: 10 Best Cruise Ship Cabin Hacks!

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 Best Cruise Ship Cabin Hacks! — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

What to expect on a Royal Caribbean cruise in June

With the full fleet back in service, there are Royal Caribbean cruises to enjoy in Alaska, the Caribbean, and Europe during the month of June.

If you have a cruise booked (or are thinking of booking a last-minute cruise) in June, here's the important info for taking a cruise this month.

Guide to weekend cruises

How does weekending in The Bahamas sound?

Royal Caribbean offers short weekend cruises on select ships, which means a quick escape to the beach for a couple days before heading back to work.

Before you sail, we have a look at the ins and outs of taking a 3-night Royal Caribbean cruise.

What is the cheapest month for an Alaska cruise?

The Alaska cruise season is short, but there are definitely times of the year where it costs less to sail there.

Seeing the beauty of Alaska doesn't have to be super expensive, and here's our advice for finding the cheapest month for an Alaska cruise.

Royal Caribbean Post Round-Up: May 22, 2022

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Royal Caribbean Post Round-Up

22 May 2022

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

Royal Caribbean announced it has extended its Covid health protocols for both North America and European cruises.

North America protocols will be extended for sailings departing on or before September 30, 2022. European protocols have been extended for departures through June 30, 2022.

Royal Caribbean News

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 455th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, featuring an interview with Chris Gray Faust from CruiseCritic.

In this episode, Chris and Matt discuss how Covid testing for European cruises is impacting demand for these sailings and what the future may hold.

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

New RCB Video: I tried the cheapest Royal Caribbean cabin I could find

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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 — I tried the cheapest Royal Caribbean cabin I could find — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

How to beat the chair hogs on your cruise ship

One of the most annoying things on a cruise are the people that reserve pool chairs without actually using them.

Since enforcement of the rules that are supposed to prevent chair hogs is lackadaisical, here are our best tips for getting around the chair hogs so you can still enjoy time by the pool.

50 Alaska cruise tips & secrets

Have an Alaska cruise coming up? We've compiled the largest list of Alaska cruise tips we can think of into one article!

Here are the fundamentals of planning a cruise to Alaska with some helpful advice you can use when you get there.

The top problems Royal Caribbean is facing as it returns to full capacity

There's no sugar coating the fact that while Royal Caribbean is about to get all of its ships back into service this month, there are still challenges that lay ahead related to restart.

These issues impact the guest experience currently, and while likely temporary, they are still important considerations to be aware of before you sail.

Royal Caribbean Post Round-Up: May 15, 2022

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Royal Caribbean Post Round-Up

15 May 2022

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

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

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

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

Royal Caribbean News

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

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

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

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

15 reasons to book a cruise on Oasis of the Seas

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

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