This was a busy week with Royal Caribbean news, and we have a summary of all of the news from this week to make certain you did not miss any of it.

It's been a few weeks since Royal Caribbean loosened the Covid-19 protocols, and I wanted to share my experience with the new rules.

With cruise ship health protocols so effective in keeping Covid-19 cases down, and Royal Caribbean opting into the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) highly vaccinated program, face masks are optional onboard while indoors for fully vaccinated passengers. In addition, other policies have been scaled back.

After sailing on Wonder of the Seas for two weeks, here's a look at what it's like onboard for anyone who may be curious how close to normal cruising is right now.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean begins to release European cruise Covid protocols
• Royal Caribbean announces Australia 2023-2024 cruise season lineup
• First look at Perfect Day at Lelepa
• Kids Sail Free deal is back
• Royal Caribbean updates: New straws, Galveston terminal & more!
• What should you bring on an Alaska cruise?
• All about Vision Class cruise ships
• Mr Sanchos Beach Club Cozumel review
• Cruise Reads: Women's History Month

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 447th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where Matt answers as many Royal Caribbean questions as he can.

This week's episode is all about catching up on listener emails that have been sent in.

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: 9 Things I Liked & Didn't Like about Wonder 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 — 9 Things I Liked & Didn't Like about Wonder of the Seas — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Top 30 extra cruise costs that are not included

Your Royal Caribbean cruise includes a lot, but it's far from all-inclusive.

In planning for a cruise, it's important to know what is and what is not included with your cruise.  But just because things cost extra doesn't mean you should skip them.

Here's a look at the top things on a cruise that will cost you extra, and how to reduce your out-of-pocket price.

Western Mediterranean cruise guide

A European cruise might be something you have booked for this year, or perhaps you're thinking about booking one. Regardless, the Western Mediterranean is a popular option.

Offering some of the most significant historical monuments as well as beautiful scenery, a cruise to places like Spain, Italy or France packs a lot into one sailing.

Our guide to Western Mediterranean cruises offers a glimpse of what to expect from the ports of call and answers commonly asked questions.

Royal Caribbean moves Radiance of the Seas back to USA in 2023

Radiance of the Seas will stay in the United States instead of going to Australia in 2023.

Royal Caribbean announced Radiance will split time between New Orleans and Galveston instead of going to Australia as originally planned.

This was a busy week with Royal Caribbean news, and we have a summary of all of the news from this week to make certain you did not miss any of it.

Royal Caribbean changed its policy for unvaccinated guests on shore excursions.

For departures on or after March 18, 2022: all guests, regardless of vaccination status, may visit most ports freely or book a shore excursion.

There are a few exceptions, such as Barbados or Falmouth.

Royal Caribbean News

• CDC lowers travel warning against cruise ships
• Australia cruise ship ban will end on April 17
• CDC relaxes more cruise ship Covid-19 protocols
• Royal Caribbean updates: Hideaway Beach, fuel surcharge & more!
• Wonder of the Seas Guide, itinerary, features, and more
• The Mason Jar Southern food restaurant review on Wonder of the Seas
• The most Instagramable places on Wonder of the Seas
• Royal Caribbean launches new pre-cruise sale on drink packages, wifi and more
• The questions people are asking about Wonder of the Seas
• Easy Monkey, Sloth & Iguana tour review in Roatan
• My Impressions of Perfect Day at CocoCay: Revisiting 13 Years Later

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 446th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, featuring a roundtable review of Wonder of the Seas.

In this episode, Erica Silverstein and Ashley Kosciolek from The Points Guy talk with Matt about what they experienced on Wonder 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: Royal Caribbean Dining Package Pros & Cons

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 Dining Package Pros & Cons — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Wonder of the Seas vs other Oasis Class ships

What's different about Wonder of the Seas compared to other Oasis Class ships?

In some ways, Wonder of the Seas can be looked at as an “Oasis Plus” class compared to just an Oasis Class ship.

Whether you’re simply curious as to what Wonder of the Seas is like or you are planning a cruise on the ship, it’s helpful to know the ins and outs of how Wonder of the Seas differs from other Oasis Class ships.

Royal Caribbean launches hotel booking platform

Royal Caribbean will let you book airfare and now hotels along with your cruise.

The new Royal Caribbean Hotels program is a partnership with Priceline, which aims to offer cruisers an easy way to get a pre-cruise hotel.

Royal Caribbean says this new program offers exclusive rates with thousands of hotels in every Royal Caribbean departure and arrival port, including those in the Caribbean, Europe, Asia-Pacific as well as North, South and Central America.

What it's like to go on an Alaska cruise in the early season

What's it like to cruise to Alaska in May or early June?

The early cruise season in Alaska is often overlooked due to the fact that it does not fit in the school vacation schedule and that temperatures may not be as high as in the peak of summer.

Here’s an overview of what to expect on an Alaska cruise in the early season.

Happy weekend! We hope you remembered to Spring Forward! Here’s all the Royal Caribbean news this week!

The big news this week is all about the biggest cruise ship in the world.

Wonder of the Seas set sail on her maiden voyage from Port Everglades, and that gave all of us our first peek at what this new ship is all about.

Wonder of the Seas has eight neighborhoods, has capacity for 6,988 guests and 2,300 crew members, and features the "tallest slide at sea," as well as a 10-deck-high zip line and a huge poolside movie screen.

We sailed on Wonder of the Seas to share with you a look at what it's like onboard.

Short cruises on Oasis Class cruise ship will be offered for the first time

Royal Caribbean will soon offer 3- and 4-night cruises on an Oasis Class cruise ship for the first time ever.

Allure of the Seas will begin offering short sailings in late 2023 instead of 7-night cruises.

Traditionally, Oasis Class ships sail 7-night cruises.  These are the biggest cruise ships in the world, and by offering so much to see and do onboard, Royal Caribbean always sailed them on the longer sailings.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 445th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, that previews the major projects coming up for Royal Caribbean.

When will we be able to book Icon Class? How soon can we visit the Royal Beach Club in Nassau? Royal Caribbean's Senior Vice President and Chief Product Innovation Officer Jay Schneider answers these and other burning questions cruisers want to know.

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: Wonder of the Seas 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 — Wonder of the Seas ship tour — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Interesting facts you might not know about Wonder of the Seas

In-between all the buzz about the largest cruise ship in the world, there are a few changes and tweaks Royal Caribbean has made.

While these may not be the "I can't believe they did that" type of changes, I thought these were interesting enough to share for someone that goes on Wonder of the Seas soon to know about.

Certificate of Covid recovery option now available for pre-cruise test

As a backup in case someone continues to test positive well after symptoms subside and isolation protocols are followed, Royal Caribbean will accept a certificate of Covid-19 recovery.

Guests sailing out of these ports will now have the option to submit a Certificate of Recovery if they have had Covid-19 at least 11 days before sailing, however, some restrictions do apply.

Welcome to March! We hope you are having a great weekend and are ready to sit back, relax and catch up with all the latest Royal Caribbean news!

Wonder of the Seas is finally here and welcoming passengers onboard!

The biggest cruise ship in the world departed Fort Lauderdale, Florida on Friday to start a 7-night cruise, and the ship's inaugural season.

The ship is packed with new features and activities, such as a new southern American restaurant, shows across its venues, redesigned pool deck, expansive suite area and more.

Matt is live blogging from Wonder of the Seas this week!

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean CEO pledges support for Ukrainian crew members
• Royal Caribbean canceled summer cruise ship visits to Russia
• Royal Caribbean releases more Caribbean cruises to book in 2023-2024
• Updates on Ukrainian crew members, Pinnacle Lounge access and more.
• First look at Mason Jar southern restaurant menu
• There's still time to book a cruise add-on during Royal Caribbean's cruise planner sale
• All about Radiance Class cruise ships
• All about Voyager Class cruise ships

New RCB Video: Cruise mistakes I've made!

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 mistakes I've made! — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 444th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available with a preview of Matt's Wonder of the Seas cruise.

Matt is sailing on Wonder of the Seas' first two sailings, and provides an overview of what he has planned and what he's excited to try 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.

Best things to do in Nassau on a cruise

While many cruises visit Nassau, Bahamas, it remains a bit of a tough port to plan on what to do.

Many cruise passengers skip Nassau altogether and stay on the ship, believing that there is nothing worth seeing, but that couldn't further from the truth.

Whether you’re looking for a beach day, hoping to try local foods, or learn about Bahamian history and culture, there are plenty of exciting activities to choose from in Nassau.

Food on a Royal Caribbean cruise

Have you been wondering how food works on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship?

Buffets, restaurants, room service, and more await you on a cruise, so what's included and what costs extra? What is dinner like and what should you know about each of the types of restaurants?

Check out our in-depth guide to food on a Royal Caribbean cruise for insight into what to expect.

Happy Sunday, and I hope you had a great week. It was a busy week of Royal Caribbean fun, and I have a round-up of all of it in this hand-dandy blog post.

Royal Caribbean revised its health protocols to reflect the relaxed requirements by the U.S. government.

Royal Caribbean issued new health protocols that apply to all cruises sailing from the U.S., Puerto Rico, and Barbados between February 25, 2022 and April 14, 2022

Changes include optional mask wearing for vaccinated guests, removal of vaccinated venues, and the elimination of vaccine wristbands.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean releases 2023-2024 cruises sailing from Northeast US
• Royal Caribbean will offer cruises from Panama in 2023
• Royal Caribbean pushes back final payment for June 2022 cruises
• Royal Caribbean has backup plan for Russia calls after Ukraine invasion
• Royal Caribbean updates: Galveston terminal progress, Grand Cayman, 1 million passengers & more
• Royal Caribbean cruises in March 2022: What to expect
• Photos: Wonder of the Seas arrives at Perfect Day at CocoCay
• Here's Royal Caribbean's new optional mask policy
• Where to stay before your cruise: AirBnBs

New RCB Video: 7 things Royal Caribbean changed that I like!

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 — 7 things Royal Caribbean changed that I like! — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 443rd episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available with a review of Matt's Independence of the Seas cruise.

Matt sailed on a 3-night Independence of the Seas cruise and shared what it was like, and what stood out from his weekend sailing.

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 will bring back some Crown and Anchor loyalty program benefits

More loyalty benefits are coming back to Royal Caribbean's repeat customers.

Beginning with sailings on March 15, Royal Caribbean announced a number of Crown and Anchor Society benefits that were temporarily removed due to Covid-19 will make a return.

The reason these were suspended was to promote social distancing and the result of other Covid-19 related protocols.

Wonder of the Seas arrives in U.S. for her first sailings

Wonder of the Seas has arrived in the United States!

The newest ship in Royal Caribbean's fleet sailed into Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida in advance of her first sailing scheduled for March 4, 2022.

Wonder of the Seas measures 1,188 feet and has a gross tonnage of 236,857.  At double occupancy, she can handle 5,734 passengers along with 2,300 crew members.

How to communicate with other friends and family on your cruise

Whether your kids, siblings, friends, or neighbors on the same cruise as you, there's going to be a need to send a message while on a ship. So what's the best way to do communicate with someone on a cruise ship?

We've got a list of common and useful ways of doing being able to easy contact someone, with each method coming with pros and cons. 

Hope you are having a great weekend.  Here is all of this week's Royal Caribbean cruise news.

The big cruise news this week was Royal Caribbean's announcement it will begin requiring at least 95% of the ship be fully vaccinated and make face masks optional onboard.

Royal Caribbean confirmed it has opted into the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) voluntary Covid-19 reporting program.

As a result of opting into the, "highly vaccinated program", at least 95% of passengers and 95% of crew will be fully vaccinated on Royal Caribbean ships.

Royal Caribbean News

• CDC lowers warning level for Covid-19 on cruise ships
• Royal Caribbean relaxes crew member shore leave and quarantine rules
• Royal Caribbean updates: Mariner cancellations, Icon of the Seas, & more
• Study: Cruise ships had 8,000 percent lower rate of Covid-19 hospitalizations compared to land
• Matt is live blogging from Independence of the Seas this weekend
• Royal Caribbean brings back double points promotion for Australians
• What is the best time of year to see wildlife in Alaska?
• How to meet people on a cruise ship
• What's the best cruise ship cabin for my family?
• Books for Black History Month to read on your next cruise
• A Royal Caribbean Love Story: A couple finds love after meeting on cruise ship

New RCB Video: 22 Tips for Royal Caribbean cruise in 2022

{"preview_thumbnail":"/sites/default/files/styles/video_embed_wysiwyg_preview/public/video_thumbnails/HHACU7EKhS8.jpg?itok=OJC-sIdd","video_url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HHACU7EKhS8","settings":{"responsive":1,"width":"854","height":"480","autoplay":0},"settings_summary":["Embedded Video (Responsive)."]}

Have you subscribed to the Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube Channel? We share some great videos there regularly, all about taking a Royal Caribbean cruise! This week, we are sharing our latest video — 22 Tips for Royal Caribbean cruise in 2022 — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 442nd episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available featuring a review of Matt's Brilliance of the Seas cruise.

In this episode, Matt reviews his 4-night Western Caribbean sailing on Brilliance 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.

Guide to pre-cruise Covid test

Before you cruise, you'll need a negative Covid-19 test result and the rules and requirements can be a little confusing.

To simplify things, we've written a complete guide to testing policies and requirements as of February 2022.

With this article, you should have an easy understanding of how to get a test done before you sail.

Harmony of the Seas vs. Anthem of the Seas

Trying to decide between Harmony of the Seas or Anthem of the Seas?

The Quantum and Oasis Class ships are among the biggest in the world and come with seemingly endless dining venues, entertainment choices, and activities.

Take an in-depth look at how each of these ships compares to the other.

All about Quantum Class ships

Royal Caribbean's Quantum Class cruise ships are packed with signature activities, diverse dining options, and technology integrated throughout the ships.

Here's a look at everything the Quantum Class has to offer, and how the ships within the class differ from each other.

Happy early Valentine's Day! Hope the holiday is filled with chocolate, flowers and a Royal Caribbean cruise! I'm spreading the Royal Caribbean love with our look at all the Royal Caribbean news from this week.

Royal Caribbean plans to roll back the Omicron mask protocols on its cruise ships.

Beginning February 15, 2022, the stricter mask rules will go away and that means guests will not have to wear face masks at venues designated for vaccinated guests only, such as select bars, lounges, restaurants, shows and Casino Royale. 

In addition, smoking will be allowed again in the casino.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean Wow sale offers discounts on cruise fare and pre-cruise purchases
• Royal Caribbean puts World Cruise segments on sale
• Cruise ship passengers are spending more money on their cruises than ever
• Royal Caribbean will give you extra onboard credit if you book a cruise with your future cruise credit
• All about Freedom Class cruise ships
• Should you pick Mariner of the Seas or Independence of the Seas?
• Matt live blogged from Brilliance of the Seas this weekend
• What is the most expensive suite on Royal Caribbean?
• Spring break cruise on Royal Caribbean: What to expect
• Norwegian drops mandatory face mask rule on its cruise ships

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 441st episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available and we're previewing Wonder of the Seas.

In this episode, Matt lists what he's most excited to see, try, and eat on Wonder of the Seas next month.

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: Boarding day tips you need in 2022

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 — Boarding day tips you need in 2022 — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Will cruises to Alaska happen in 2022?

What should we expect for cruises to Alaska this year, given the challenges with Canada.

Four Royal Caribbean ships are sailing to Alaska in 2022, and the cruise line is set for a big season.

If everything stays the same as it is now, it appears the ship will be able to operate.

Cruise industry slams CDC for "discriminatory" view of Covid on ships

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated its guidance to the public for going on a cruise, and the cruise industry wants none of it.

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) issued a statement blasting the CDC for being "unnecessarily discriminatory against
cruise".

CLIA points to the strong protocols and falling cases on ships as proof cruise ships are a safe manner of travel during the pandemic.

What to wear on a cruise formal night

Formal night conjures up many images, but what exactly should you wear on formal night?

Despite the name, formal night is not nearly as regal or proper as you might think.

Jenna shared advice and tips for what to wear on formal night. Fear not, ball gowns not required.

Happy weekend! We hope you are in the midst of a wonderful weekend full of things to do to pass the time between cruises.  We have a summary of all of this week's Royal Caribbean news in case you missed any of it!

Royal Caribbean released its fourth quarter 2021 earnings this week.

Not surprisingly, it was another billion dollar loss, but things look more promising as the year progresses.

Notwithstanding the impact from Omicron, the expectation is to be operating cash flow positive in late spring. 

They expect a Net Loss for the first half of 2022 and a return to profitability in the second half of 2022.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean sees Omicron cases plummet on cruise ships
• Royal Caribbean releases Covid-19 protocols through April 14, 2022, doesn't rule out requiring boosters
• Royal Caribbean sees many Covid-19 protocols going away once cases drop
• Symphony of the Seas restarts cruises after Omicron cancellations
• Royal Caribbean updates: SpaceX, Singapore cancellations & more
• Royal Caribbean adds ability to upload vaccine card proof in app for kids
• 10 Wonder of the Seas frequently asked questions
• How much does an Alaska cruise cost?
• How different is an Alaska cruise vs Caribbean?
• 8 cruise ship activities I'd like to see return this year
• Vegetarian and Vegan Guide to Royal Caribbean
• Celebrity Cruises introduces hotel booking option

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 440th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available and this week, Matt lists the things he thinks is worth spending extra on during a cruise.

What's really worth your money and which extras aren't? Matt has a list of his picks for this week's episode.

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

New RCB Video: Harmony of the Seas full 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 — Harmony of the Seas 2022 Cruise Ship Tour — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

February 2022 cruises: what to expect

Have a February cruise booked? Here is what to expect onboard.

This article looks at the weather, health protocols, and special events anyone with a February cruise should know about.

Royal Caribbean removes future cruise credit "book by" deadline

Royal Caribbean hopes a new change to future cruise credits will be a positive change for guests.

Royal Caribbean has removed the "book/redeem by" deadline, and FCCs can now be redeemed anytime up until the expiration date listed on the certificate.

Royal Caribbean said the decision was made due to limited options for guests in light of the current global situation.

Health expert shares advice for going on a cruise ship amid Omicron

What should you or shouldn't you do to keep yourself healthy on a cruise right now?

I reached out to Dr. Anthony Harris to share recommendations for best health practices. 

Dr. Harris has a lot of experience with travel recommendations, and shared his thoughts for anyone going on a cruise.

Happy weekend! We hope you are enjoying a wonderful and relaxing weekend and managing to stay warm. Now it is time to sit back with a cuppa tea or java, and check out the latest in Royal Caribbean cruise news.

Royal Caribbean's newest cruise ship joined the fleet this week when Wonder of the Seas was delivered.

The new ship was delivered to Royal Caribbean by ship builder Chantiers de l’Atlantique at a small ceremony in Marseille, France.

This is the fifth Oasis Class cruise ship, and Wonder will begin sailing with her inaugural voyage March 4, 2022 from Fort Lauderdale, Florida.  

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean returns to Labadee
• Royal Caribbean redeploys Spectrum of the Seas to Singapore for April 2022
• Royal Caribbean launches new pre-cruise sale on drink packages, wifi and more
• Royal Caribbean updates: adults-only beach update, new Covid testing partner & more
• What is the state of the cruise industry? Trends and the cruise comeback
• Symphony of the Seas Guide & Review
• The weirdest Alaska cruise questions
• What I learned from my first solo cruise
• Perfect Day at CocoCay beach bed review
• Why taking a weekend cruise is a great escape
• Cruising with vaccinated kids: What to expect on Royal Caribbean
• The myth of the "perfect" vacation

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 439th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where Jenna shares a review of her cruises on Independence and Harmony 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: When you'll have to quarantine if you get Covid on Royal Caribbean 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 — When you'll have to quarantine if you get Covid on Royal Caribbean cruise — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

The last original Royal Caribbean cruise ship has been scrapped

The ship formerly known as the Sun Viking has been scrapped.

One of the original three Royal Caribbean cruise ships, she was beached this week in Pakistan to be broken up and recycled.

The ship had mostly recently been operating as the Oriental Dragon, where she operated as a a gambling ship in Hong Kong and Penang, Malaysia.

I tried The Key on an Oasis Class ship to see if it's worth it

Should you buy The Key?

Jenna recently sailed on Harmony of the Seas to get a sense if The Key is worth it on an Oasis Class cruise ship.

Crown and Anchor Society loyalty program info, tips & secrets

Royal Caribbean's customer loyalty program offers ways to get some great rewards the more you sail.

Earning points for your cruise vacation enables you to move up in the loyalty program, giving you exclusive access to pre-cruise discounts as well as onboard benefits and events.

Check out our comprehensive overview of the program’s benefits and offers.

Hope you had a great week and are staying safe out there. Hopefully you had a chance to keep up with what's new with Royal Caribbean this week. But if not, here's a roundup of this week's news.

Royal Caribbean announced it has extended its stricter mask rules once again.

Due to the Omicron variant, anyone sailing on a Royal Caribbean cruise between now and February 14, 2022 can expect to wear their face mask while indoors, even in vaccinated-only areas of the ship.

In addition to the stricter mask rules, smoking in the casino will also remain prohibited through February 14, 2022.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean reveals restaurants and bars coming to Wonder of the Seas
• Spotted: Is Labadee closer to reopening?
• Spectrum Cruise of the Seas sailings in January were cancelled
• What it's like to be on a cruise ship quarantining crew members
• What is it like to sail on Harmony of the Seas this week?
• What is it like to sail on Grandeur of the Seas this week?
• Trying out the free activities on Harmony of the Seas
• Who is Royal Caribbean Group's new CEO Jason Liberty
• A Royal Caribbean to-do list after you board a cruise ship
• 10 tips that worked out for our RoyalCaribbeanBlog.com staffers in 2021
• Do the free Covid tests the U.S. government is giving away work for a Royal Caribbean cruise?
• Excursion Focus: Discover Scuba Diving in St. Thomas
• Excursion Focus: Cycling in St. Maarten
• Warwick Paradise Island day pass review

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 438th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where Matt dedicates this episode to answering as many cruise questions as he can.

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: Rookie cruise mistakes you should not be making in 2022!

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 — Rookie cruise mistakes you should not be making in 2022! — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

A new Southern restaurant is coming to Wonder of the Seas

Are y'all ready for a new kind of specialty restaurant?

The Mason Jar is the name of a new Southern American food restaurant that will be launched on Wonder of the Seas.

The menu will feature Low Country classics, Bayou staples, and BBQ. Not only that, but there will be a brunch menu available.

What are you most concerned about going on a cruise right now?

Going on a cruise ship definitely has some changes to the experience, and I wanted to know what our readers are thinking about the most before they get onboard.

I polled Royal Caribbean cruisers on Facebook to see which issues cruise fans thought about, and which concerns were less important.

In less than 24 hours, 2,893 people participated in this unscientific poll and the results were a bit surprising in some cases.

My first impressions of an Oasis-class ship

Jenna sailed on her first Oasis Class cruise ship, and shared her thoughts on how one of the biggest cruise ship's in the world compares to her previous sailings.

She sailed on a 7-night Harmony of the Seas cruise this past week, and got to experience an Oasis Class ship after trying out Quantum, Voyager and Freedom Class ships.

Jenna wanted to see how going on a big ship stacks up compared to (relatively) smaller ships.