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

We got our first look around Icon of the Seas during a construction tour earlier this week.

The 250,800 gross tons, 20-deck-high vessel is under construction at Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland, and we were invited to see its progress.

We took a deck-by-deck tour of Icon of the Seas at the shipyard, and it was a fascinating look at how cruise ships are built, as well as sneak peek at what Royal Caribbean has planned for the new ship.

Royal Caribbean News

• How Royal Caribbean will finish work on Icon of the Seas in time for launch
• 9 new things about Icon of the Seas I learned during my shipyard tour
• New Amex offer could get you hundreds of dollars in points for booking a Royal Caribbean cruise
• How to get the best cruise deals
• Three important lessons for how to plan a cruise from Royal Caribbean's earnings call last week
• Cruising in hurricane season: What you need to know

20 rules of cruise ship etiquette no one ever tells you (but should)

{"preview_thumbnail":"/sites/default/files/styles/video_embed_wysiwyg_preview/public/video_thumbnails/EDrEThqfcaE.jpg?itok=J6f0mWlt","video_url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EDrEThqfcaE","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 — 20 rules of cruise ship etiquette no one ever tells you (but should) — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

10 mistakes to avoid making on a cruise ship sea day

Sea days are the perfect time to take advantage of everything your cruise ship has to offer, but you'll want to steer clear of some common sea day mistakes.

Even though sea days come with no requirements on how you should spend your time, there are a few things you should avoid doing on a sea day.

From avoiding the buffet to waking up early, here are the top 10 mistakes to avoid making on a cruise ship sea day.

Royal Caribbean vs Carnival

If you’re considering a cruise with Royal Caribbean or Carnival Cruise Line, there are a few considerations before booking either.

These cruise lines represent the two largest in the cruise industry, and they're both popular because how much they offer guests of all ages.

Let’s go head-to-head, Carnival versus Royal Caribbean, to highlight their similarities and differences and help you choose the line that’s right for you.

Can I remove cruise ship prepaid gratuities?

Some passengers new to cruising may be confused with how gratuities work on a Royal Caribbean cruise: how much they cost, when you pay gratuities, and whether or not they’re mandatory.

Because gratuities are an extra cost that is in addition to the cruise fare, new cruisers wonder whether or not you can remove these service charges.

The issue comes down to the ethics of tipping and ensuring the crew members taking care of you during your cruise are being tipped appropriately.

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

Royal Caribbean is breaking its own records for cruise sales with Icon of the Seas.

During Royal Caribbean's first quarter results call with Wall Street analysts, cruise line executives said they are "getting exceptional demand with bookings well surpassing previous records," for Icon of the Seas.

"Despite being on sale for only five months, Icon is significantly more booked for her inaugural season at materially higher rates than any other Royal Caribbean ship launch," said Royal Caribbean Group CEO Jason Liberty.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean Group reports better-than-expected first quarter earnings
• Royal Caribbean executives talk where Utopia of the Seas will sail, incredible cruise demand, & booking trends
• Royal Caribbean begins skipping scheduled stops in Skagway, Alaska
• Royal Caribbean updates: Icon of the Seas sea trials, Adults-only beach construction & more
• I went on my first Royal Caribbean Blog group cruise. Here's what it was like and why I'd do it again
• Best hotels near the Cape Liberty/Bayonne cruise port
• Symphony of the Seas cruise review
• How to get free wifi on Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 498th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, previewing Matt's upcoming cruise to Europe.

Matt is taking his first cruise in Europe, and provides an overview of how he's planning his first time in this part of the world.

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.

21 Tips for the Best Cruise Ship Main Dining Room Experience

{"preview_thumbnail":"/sites/default/files/styles/video_embed_wysiwyg_preview/public/video_thumbnails/TOsxsyL5_oU.jpg?itok=nfaBfQMG","video_url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TOsxsyL5_oU","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 — 21 Tips for the Best Cruise Ship Main Dining Room Experience — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Crew member shares what it's like to work on a cruise ship

Jordan Bauth is an ice skater on Wonder of the Seas and shared what a week of working and living on a cruise ship is like.

She shares regular updates from her life working on a cruise ship as a professional ice skater, and it's a fascinating look at how someone balances their duties, and opportunities to explore the world.

Ms. Bauth offers a behind-the-scenes look at her work life and personal life onboard.

Matt is going on his first European cruise: Here’s what he thinks he should do

After years of only cruising around North America, Matt is headed to Europe!

Matt is booked on a 7-night Norwegian fjords cruise, and sailing from Europe introduces a variety of new challenges.

From taking a long-haul flight to balancing currency requirements, Matt shares how he's planning his first time going across the Atlantic for a cruise.

Answers to your really dumb cruise ship dining questions

In case you're wondering, there's no shame in asking questions about eating on a cruise ship that you may be too embarrassed to ask.

What seems like basic knowledge to frequent cruisers can cause confusion for first time cruisers. So much confusion, unsurprisingly, leads to a lot of questions about dining on a cruise ship.

To make your first cruise experience stress-free, we’re answering 17 of your really dumb cruise ship dining questions.

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

Are you ready to board Royal Caribbean's new specialty restaurant concept?

While it's very early in the design phase, Royal Caribbean is working on a immersive dining experience for Utopia of the Seas that will take diners on virtual train rides.

We have a first look at the new restaurant and what one possibility of what the experience could be like.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean's next-gen cruise ship will advance goal of creating sustainable cruising
• Royal Caribbean will introduce new family fun ambassador on Icon of the Seas
• Royal Caribbean Junior Suite Perks
• What’s a good amount of days for a first cruise?
• 6 things I never buy for my kids on a cruise

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 497th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, sharing important tips for solo cruisers.

This week's episode shares the things anyone going on a cruise by themselves should know before they sail.

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: 11 reasons to get as early a check-in time as possible for your cruise

{"preview_thumbnail":"/sites/default/files/styles/video_embed_wysiwyg_preview/public/video_thumbnails/vs9fr3lfXEw.jpg?itok=AYZq8W1u","video_url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vs9fr3lfXEw","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 — 11 reasons to get as early a check-in time as possible for your cruise — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Inside look at Icon of the Seas Thrill Island development

Royal Caribbean is actually testing out one of its newest neighborhoods on Icon of the Seas in its Miami headquarters.

Thrill Island will be home to six new water slides, along with a host of other fun activities. At Royal Caribbean's Innovation Lab in Miami, Florida, the cruise line life-size mock-ups to give its executives and team members a real-world look at what their plans on paper will actually look like once built.

We toured the testing facility to show the lengths the cruise line is going to ensure it's perfect when the new ship launches.

Cruise advice that makes sense until you get on your ship

You'll hear lots of cruise tips before you sail, but a few of them seem to make sense until you get onboard.

There's merit in these cruise tips, but in practical terms, they just don't work well. Whether because they're too limiting or impractical, these are the cruise tips you might want to think twice about embracing.

Here's my list of cruise tips that aren't as good as they sound.

12 reasons to eat at the buffet instead of the dining room

Whether you're a picky eater or not, the cruise ship buffet is an underrated option for dinner.

There are advantages to eating at the Main Dining Room or Windjammer, including convenience, variety, and service.

To help make this decision easier, here are 12 reasons to eat at the buffet instead of the dining room on your cruise.

I'm about to turn Pinnacle!

After 68 cruises, Matt is on the precipice of reaching Royal Caribbean's highest tier in the Crown and Anchor Society: Pinnacle.

To get to Pinnacle, you need 700 points and hitting that level means not only a lot of cruising, but dedication to one line.

Matt shares what special benefits you can expect if you make it to Pinnacle, and what stands out about this elite club.

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!

Want to know the what is the best location for a cabin on a cruise ship?

It may seem like a simple question, but there's many factors that make it more difficult to answer because what's best for one person can vary greatly for someone else.

There's a variety of cabin locations, as well as cabin types to consider. However, we narrowed down the options to the kinds of cruise cabins usually booked up in high demand because of their great location.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean announces 2024-2025 Australia and New Zealand cruises
• Royal Caribbean Group outlines sustainability progress
• After 12 sailings on Mariner of the Seas, I’m convinced this ship offers the best value Royal Caribbean has to offer
• Royal Caribbean Grand Suite Perks
• I crossed the Atlantic Ocean on a cheap cruise. Here’s what it's really like to spend 10 days at sea
• 22 unpleasant cruise ship problems you aren't prepared for
• Cheap places in the US to fly to for a cruise

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 496th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, in which Matt discusses six things from his Mariner of the Seas cruise that stood out.

Matt just sailed on a 5-night Western Caribbean cruise on Mariner of the Seas and talked about changes and new options he tried on this 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.

New RCB Video: All The Things To Do As Soon as You Get to Your Cruise Cabin!

{"preview_thumbnail":"/sites/default/files/styles/video_embed_wysiwyg_preview/public/video_thumbnails/P32EA729Be8.jpg?itok=6mnCLUHn","video_url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P32EA729Be8","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 — All The Things To Do As Soon as You Get to Your Cruise Cabin! — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Really dumb cruise ship cabin questions!

We've seen just about any kind of cruise ship questions out there, including a lot of very basic question related to cruise ship cabins.

Whether asking if crew members sleep onboard or if it’s easy to fall off your balcony, we’ve received a handful of amusing questions over the years.

It makes sense someone new to cruising would have these sort of questions, so here are answers to cruise ship cabin questions.

The 5 easy ways to contact Royal Caribbean (and two to avoid)

When you have a question or concern, it can be downright frustrating if you can't get an answer easily.

Royal Caribbean provides customer service in many facets, but there are a few that stand out as being the best ways to contact Royal Caribbean customer service if you need them.

Knowing where to turn to when you have a nagging problem or time-sensitive issue can be frustrating if you aren't getting a response in a timely manner.

When is the best time to buy a drink package?

Royal Caribbean's drink packages are incredibly popular, but what's the best time to buy a drink package to get the lowest price?

There are three Royal Caribbean drink packages and pricing can vary depending on sail date, ship, and itinerary. Plus, the price changes in the months leading up to your cruise.

If you play it right, you can lock in the best possible price for a drink package.

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!

New details about Royal Caribbean's new beach club in The Bahamas were revealed exclusively to RoyalCaribbeanBlog.com.

The Royal Beach Club in Nassau will be an all-inclusive experience, which will have a limited capacity.

It will also be a first-of-its-kind collaboration with the people of the Bahamas to ensure they can profit from the revenues.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean confirms investigating a potential new private island in The Bahamas
• Royal Caribbean updates passenger cruise contract: Covid policies, legal jurisdiction and more
• Royal Caribbean CEO: Nassau ranks in bottom 10% of customer satisfaction
• Royal Caribbean adds new shorter World Cruise segments to book
• What's different on Mariner of the Seas since her dry dock
• 75 travel tips to make you the world's most savvy cruiser
• The crew member only beach at Labadee and it's where no passengers can go
• Deal alert: Alaska cruises starting at $269

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 495th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, with tips on how to have a stress-free cruise.

Matt shares six ways he recently employed a strategy to reduce stress on his cruise.

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: We tried EVERY cabin on our Royal Caribbean cruise!

{"preview_thumbnail":"/sites/default/files/styles/video_embed_wysiwyg_preview/public/video_thumbnails/mTMfm-SSS9I.jpg?itok=qIOxdLO8","video_url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mTMfm-SSS9I","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 — We tried EVERY cabin on our Royal Caribbean cruise! — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Royal Caribbean will add new immersive dining experience to Utopia of the Seas

When Utopia of the Seas launches next year, she'll have a new restaurant never before offered on Royal Caribbean.

There's no name announced for it yet, but it's being described as "an immersive train dining experience."

The restaurant will rely on mixed reality, which means it will have a blend of physical and digital worlds.

21 of the Best Main Dining Room Tips

We love the Main Dining Room, but there are a few tried-and-true tips you should follow to have the best experience possible.

We recommend knowing the ins and outs of the Main Dining Room before your cruise begins to avoid surprises once you get onboard.

These secrets should ensure you have a great meal, every time!

All about Royal Caribbean onboard credit

Royal Caribbean onboard credit is something nearly every cruise ship passenger gets, but how do you use it and what are other ways to get it?

This form of "free cash" often given as an incentive to book a cruise can be very helpful, so we wanted to share the best ways to use your Royal Caribbean onboard credit.

From spending it on gratuities to doubling up your onboard credit, there's plenty of ways to maximize it all!

Spring is here and it is also Sunday, which means we are celebrating warm(er) temperatures and Royal Caribbean news from this week!

Royal Caribbean will open its own private beach club in Nassau, Bahamas and it looks incredible!

The Royal Beach Club in Nassau will open in 2025 and we have all the information we know so far about the project for you to catch up on.

This extra cost excursion will include beach access, pools, cabanas, and much more.

Royal Caribbean News

• Celebrity Cruises announces new CEO to succeed Lisa Lutoff-Perlo
• 10 worst cruise fails by our readers
• 15 things to pack in your cruise carry-on
• Best hotels near Port Canaveral before the cruise
• I visited three ports on my cruise, but this one was by far my favorite, and here’s why you should go there

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 494th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, which answers as many listener emails as possible.

It's been a while since we had a podcast episode all about your questions, so this week's episode is just listener emails!

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: Best things to bring on a cruise under $10

{"preview_thumbnail":"/sites/default/files/styles/video_embed_wysiwyg_preview/public/video_thumbnails/vXKgVXFrTA4.jpg?itok=5fzQYURu","video_url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vXKgVXFrTA4","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 — Best things to bring on a cruise under $10 I always regret forgetting to bring — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

8 reasons to get off your ship as early as possible on disembarkation day

No one wants their cruise vacation to end, but on the last morning of the cruise, there are a few good reasons to hustle off the ship.

Just like the idiom of "ripping off a band-aid" to get it over with, disembarking your cruise ship when it ends sooner than later has a few advantages.

From beating the traffic, to getting on an earlier flight, here are the compelling arguments to plan on leaving your ship as soon as possible.

20 rules of cruise ship etiquette no one ever tells you (but should)

You don't want to be "that guy/gal" when it comes to committing a faux pas, so we have a guide to proper cruise ship etiquette.

Being polite to your fellow passengers and crew member should go without saying, but there are a few nuances of a cruise that you might not think are an issue, but in reality, should be avoided.

Knowing proper ship etiquette will help ensure that you do not feel disrespectful or underdressed, as well as make sure that you are able to contribute to a positive atmosphere. 

What it's like when a cruise ship is empty

Mariner of the Seas just finished a dry dock in Europe and returned to the United States without any passengers.  Not having passengers onboard doesn't mean there's nothing to do for crew either.

Royal Caribbean Cruise Director Marc Walker shared a glimpse of what crew members do in the time there are no paying passengers onboard to prepare for a return to service.

Over the course of an 8-night crossing, we've got a look at what the crew did with no passengers to attend to.

What is the best time to cruise the Mediterranean?

If you are thinking about the best month to go on a Mediterranean cruise, it's important to weigh the pros and cons of each month.

 While there isn’t necessarily a “perfect” time to take a Mediterranean cruise, this guide should help you decide which season works best for you.

8 questions to ask yourself before picking a cruise ship

Before you book a Royal Caribbean cruise, it's a good idea to go over some important considerations.

Depending on your preferences, one ship might be a better idea than another to sail on.

Here's a look at the questions you should be asking yourself prior to selecting a Royal Caribbean ship to ensure you find the best ship for you.

They say April showers brings May flowers, but Sundays bring you a round-up of all of this week's Royal Caribbean news!

Royal Caribbean gave us our first look at new bars and nightlife options coming to Icon of the Seas.

Among the 40 bars and lounges to enjoy on Icon of the Seas, Royal Caribbean will debut a few new venues, along with enhanced favorites.

In the list of 15 bars and nightlife venues revealed are first-to-fleet venues, such as dueling pianos, coffee-infused cocktails, and a new walkup champagne bar.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean has quietly converted its jazz clubs into casinos
• Royal Caribbean designed first-of-its-kind cabins for its new cruise ship
• 11 of our favorite under-the-radar Crown & Anchor perks
• We booked 2 cabins on the same cruise, but one was $300 more. Here's why booking a cruise early matters

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 493rd episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, which has a primer for someone planning their first cruise.

In this episode, Matt walks you through how to get started planning an awesome first Royal Caribbean cruise.

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: Changes and cuts at Royal Caribbean: Does it matter?

{"preview_thumbnail":"/sites/default/files/styles/video_embed_wysiwyg_preview/public/video_thumbnails/MPq-Hn8OxMQ.jpg?itok=e22mjQ22","video_url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MPq-Hn8OxMQ","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 — Changes and cuts at Royal Caribbean: Does it matter? — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

15 Things To Do As Soon as You Get to Your Cruise Cabin

When you first enter your stateroom, it's a good idea to check a few things before you settle in.

While these may be simple steps, it's important to get them done so that you can ensure your room is ready for a great cruise overall.

It's a good idea to do these things on embarkation day in case there are any issues that need to be addressed by crew members.

5 things I loved about Chill Island on Perfect Day at CocoCay

There are different parts of Perfect Day at CocoCay you can spend the day at, but Chill Island never seems to disappoint.

Maybe it's the nostalgia of the fact this used to be the original beach area prior to the island's expansion, or just the beautiful blue water all around you, but Chill Island has a certain appeal.

On my recent visit, I found these 5 reasons I love spending the day at Chill Island.

What the cheapest cabin on my Celebrity cruise was like

Allie sailed 4-nights in the cheapest inside cabin she could book to see what an inexpensive room is like on Celebrity.

Celebrity has a reputation for being a bit more upscale or posh than sister company Royal Caribbean, so does that include the inside cabin experience?

Here's what the cheapest cabin on Celebrity Silhouette looks like and what Allie thought of the stateroom.

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.

Earlier this week, Royal Caribbean announced it will remove the Sky Pad from all of its ships.

No reason was given why, but the venue will be replaced with an unnamed new activity.

Beginning March 31, 2023, Royal Caribbean will begin removing the trampoline experience.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean sets new world record, plus more news!
• How Royal Caribbean is adding a water park to a new cruise ship
• Celebrity Cruises Captain's Club loyalty program info, tips & secrets
• How much does it cost to build a cruise ship?
• Best Fort Lauderdale hotels near the cruise port
• The Best Time To Visit Alaska
• Where to find cheap last-minute cruises

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 492nd episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where Matt reviews his recent Wonder of the Seas cruise.

Matt sailed on Wonder of the Seas almost a year after the ship debuted, and shares what stood out from his spring break cruise.

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 it's like to sail on Royal Caribbean's NEWEST vs OLDEST cruise ships

{"preview_thumbnail":"/sites/default/files/styles/video_embed_wysiwyg_preview/public/video_thumbnails/ayaFcEDn7YE.jpg?itok=nkagU0wa","video_url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ayaFcEDn7YE","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 — What it's like to sail on Royal Caribbean's NEWEST vs OLDEST cruise ships — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

6 things I did in advance to prepare for a stress-free vacation

After spending a week on Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas, I greatly benefitted by doing 6 important things to ensure a relaxing cruise.

After years of cruising, it's become apparent to me how important just a little planning ahead of time can do to improve your vacation experience.

Looking back at thee cruise, these are the things Matt did on Wonder to eliminate hassles before they could ever occur.

How to use Royal Caribbean loyalty perks to save money on a Celebrity Cruise

Royal Caribbean's Crown and Anchor Society program is such a good loyalty program, it even benefits you if you sail Celebrity.

Because Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises are owned by the same parent company, the two cruise lines actually have a status reciprocity program. Celebrity’s Loyalty Match program allows cruisers to receive comparable benefits from Royal Caribbean’s Crown and Anchor Program when sailing on Celebrity cruise ships. 

Allie found her years of Royal Caribbean cruising saved her money on her first Celebrity cruise.

11 reasons to get as early a check-in time as possible for your cruise

The earlier you get onboard your cruise, the more quickly you can start the vacation you’ve been dreaming about for so long.

Beyond just starting your vacation earlier, though, are a range of other benefits you can experience by boarding earlier than most other passengers.

Here are the top 11 reasons to get as early a check-in time as possible for your cruise.

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.

One Royal Caribbean offer was indeed too good to be true.

After accidently posting a new VIP pass for sale on its site, the cruise line informed anyone that bought it that their purchase would be cancelled and money paid refunded.

The Premier Pass was on sale for about a day or so before the mistake was spotted.

Royal Caribbean delays Mariner of the Seas return

The scheduled dry dock work on Mariner of the Seas will require more time than Royal Caribbean anticipated.

Guests booked on the first sailing back received an email that the April 1, 2023 sailing has been cancelled.

Mariner of the Seas is currently in Cadiz, Spain undergoing dry dock for routine maintenance.

Royal Caribbean News

• Utopia of the Seas: Everything we know so far
• Tipping on a cruise ship: what you should and shouldn't do
• Is it a boat vs ship? What's the difference?
• 2023 Celebrity Cruises Drink Package Info, Tips, Pros & Cons

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 491st episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, all about Royal Caribbean's plans for a beach club in Nassau.

Royal Caribbean will open a beach club in Nassau, Bahamas and here's what Matt thinks of what we know so far.

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 Common misconceptions about a Royal Caribbean cruise

{"preview_thumbnail":"/sites/default/files/styles/video_embed_wysiwyg_preview/public/video_thumbnails/hqYZwVCXd4Q.jpg?itok=91HgjBS_","video_url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hqYZwVCXd4Q","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 — 9 Common misconceptions about a Royal Caribbean cruise — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Royal Caribbean adding “Wizard of Oz” musical to Icon of the Seas

We now know which musical will be featured on Icon of the Seas when she launches next year.

Nick Weir, Senior Vice President of Entertainment for Royal Caribbean International, posted on Twitter an announcement that The Wizard of Oz will be the show for Icon.

Royal Caribbean says the Wizard of Oz production is not the 2011 musical adaption by Andrew Lloyd Weber.

How does a cheap Celebrity cruise compare to Royal Caribbean?

What's it like to go on Celebrity Cruises for a cheap cruise versus Royal Caribbean?

Both cruise lines are owned by the same company, but the experiences do vary somewhat.

Allie tried a cheap 4-night cruise on Celebrity Silhouette and compared it to her cheap cruise on Mariner of the Seas.

What cruisers wish they knew before going on their first cruise

Hindsight is always 20/20, including going on a cruise ship.

We asked people on the internet for what they know now that they wish they knew before trying their first cruise.

From beating the chair hogs to asserting dominance in the elevator, here are our favorite answers.

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

Royal Caribbean has moved forward with its beach club in The Bahamas.

The Royal Beach Club at Paradise Island will now open sometime in 2025, following the cruise line receiving approval from The Bahamas to move forward with the project.

The 17-acre destination experience will offer "the ultimate beach day" as it will combine the island’s striking beaches with the cruise line’s signature experiences.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas Playable in Fortnite
• Royal Caribbean is looking for artists to feature their work on its newest cruise ship
• Why an Alaska cruise is worth it
• What’s New & Coming to Royal Caribbean in 2023, 2024 & 2025
• I sailed on Royal Caribbean’s newest and oldest cruise ships: here's what it's like to cruise on each
• Eating gluten free on Royal Caribbean cruise ships
• I cruised to a tiny town in Mexico you’ve probably never heard of, and it was the highlight of my cruise vacation

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 490th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, and shares why you might not want to book the cheapest cruise you can find.

It's tempting to find pick a cruise based purely on price, but there are a few reasons why you shouldn't.

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 spent $600 on cruise drink package & I think it was worth it!

{"preview_thumbnail":"/sites/default/files/styles/video_embed_wysiwyg_preview/public/video_thumbnails/qkQ1L3DaLhg.jpg?itok=EC_s4aUa","video_url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qkQ1L3DaLhg","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 — I spent $600 on cruise drink package & I think it was worth it! — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Why I almost always stay in a cruise ship inside cabin

An inside cabin will cost less than a balcony or suite, and it often makes a lot of sense to go with these kinds of rooms.

Inside cabins definitely aren’t for everyone, but Jenna prefers to stay in them for the great savings they provide.

From a quieter cabin to a perfect night’s sleep, she'll never complain about cruising in a cozy inside room.

Beginner's guide to planning a cruise

From money saving advice to travel hacks to mistakes to avoid, here's our best advice on planning your first cruise.

Cruising is easier than it looks, but like any form of travel, there are lots of considerations and important do's and don'ts when it comes to doing it well. 

Our guide will provide you the perfect place to start planning a first cruise.

I just spent 11 nights on Celebrity Edge – did it live up to the hype?

Chantal spent 11-nights on Celebrity Edge to see what the fuss is all about this new class of ship.

Innovative, revolutionary, and bold are all words used to describe the first in the new class of ships from Celebrity Cruises.

Having never sailed on an Edge series ship, Chantal shares her thoughts on this kind of Celebrity cruise.