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!

Royal Caribbean cruisers can breath a sigh of relief that more itinerary changes aren't likely to occur for cruises to San Juan, Puerto Rico.

The Port of San Juan posted an update that the U.S. Coast Guard has approved repairs made to the pier.

For months, Oasis Class ships were unable to dock because of damage to the moorings.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean skips ports and changes itinerary because of "ongoing maintenance"
• Crew member reveals that uneaten food on cruise ships isn't always thrown away
• I went to a German beer garden with strangers. They picked the place and it was a blast
• New cruiser spent almost $7,000 on a family vacation with 6 upgrades. I’d have skipped 3 of them
• When do cruise prices drop?
• I tried this Royal Caribbean crowd favorite that rivals Carnival’s Guy’s Burger Joint
• We used AI for cruise tour planning advice and were surprised by what we found

Royal Caribbean reflects on the cruise ship that changed everything about cruising

Royal Caribbean spoke about the significance of the Oasis Class, and how it set a new standard overnight.

The Oasis Class ships redefined cruising, and almost 20 years later, they're still as relevant today as back then.

Oasis was a radical departure from the ships that came before it, with each new Oasis Class pushing boundaries further.

I shared a 150-square-foot cruise cabin with my parents

Would you share a stateroom with your parents?

Cruise ship rooms are notable for how small they tend to be compared to hotel rooms, so sharing that small space with other adults isn't easy.

Jenna shared a tiny inside room with her parents and while it wasn't ideal, it did save them a lot of money.

Why you shouldn’t skip Royal Caribbean's older ships

Older and smaller ships may not be advertised much, but they're still great ships to sail on.

Some new cruisers question if it's worth it to go on an old ship because they're worried it will be disappointing.

Not only are they wonderful vessels to sail on, but they are a terrific value.

5 mistakes and 5 lessons from trying Anthem of the Seas

Allie sailed on Anthem of the Seas in Asia and came across a number of things she did right and wrong.

Part of trying new itineraries is trial and error, and some gambles work out while others do not.

We hope these experiences help you have a better cruise too.

New RCB Video: WORST & BEST Places On A Cruise Ship For A Cabin

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 — WORST & BEST Places On A Cruise Ship For A Cabin— and don’t forget to subscribe here.

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!

Royal Caribbean announced it will upgrade three cruise ships with new features and enhancements.

The upgrades are part of the fleet's Royal Amplified program.

Each ship will get specific additions, such as new restaurants, bars, and revamped pools.

Royal Caribbean News

• I flew to Europe for a cruise and was paranoid about jetlag. I did 3 things to beat it
• I paid $660 to eat just specialty dining on Icon of the Seas. It was better than advertised, but I missed free food
• I packed the wrong clothes for the last day of my cruise, and it's a reminder of the worst cruise ship packing mistakes
• Why I love my cruise lanyard — and why i’ll always keep it in my carry-on
• 10 Alaska cruise essentials to not forget
• I spent two days in Disneyland Paris and it reminded me how much better a value cruises are

New RCB Video: My cruise excursion plans backfired

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 — My cruise excursion plans backfired — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Carnival overhauls its loyalty program with major changes

Royal Caribbean's major competitor made significant changes to its customer loyalty program that has caught the attention of just about everyone.

Carnival is switching to a program that's more akin to airline frequent flyer programs, where how much you spend factors into your status.  Plus, you have to cruise to keep your status.

Because it's such a departure from how cruise lines have approached their programs, it's raised the question if other lines will make similar changes.

Photos show progress being made to Royal Caribbean's private beach club

Royal Beach Club at Paradise Island will open at the end of this year and work is progressing on its construction.

Photos taken this week show foundations for the major structures are already in place, with a buzz of activity.

Once opened, it will be a paid entry opportunity exclusive to Royal Caribbean passengers in Nassau, Bahamas.

Celebrity cruise ship drifts from pier after wind squall

The Celebrity Edge ship had an incident involving strong winds this week.

While in Alaska, the forward lines snapped when the ship was docked in Juneau.

Because of the strong winds, Celebrity Edge drifted into the harbor near other ships.

5 simple (and cheap) things to make your cruise excursion be more enjoyable

I've found it's easy to enhance your shore excursion without spending a lot.

I think bringing a few small things on almost any cruise tour will make it more enjoyable.

In fact, you might already own some of these items.

Royal Caribbean expands partnership with land-based casino

MGM Casino is making it easier to benefit from your cruising loyalty.

Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises have strengthened their casino loyalty partnership with MGM and announced changes to its offerings.

Players who gamble in the onboard casinos can now earn MGM Rewards Points, tier credits, and slot dollars.

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!

A Royal Caribbean dining server is being called a hero after acting quickly to avert a bigger problem.

A large glass window broke on Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas, resulting in glass falling down to the pool deck below.

The crew member's quick thinking and super speed resulted in multiple passengers being moved out of harm's way.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean influencer crew member announces he's quitting
• With an ‘above normal’ hurricane season forecast, check these 5 things in your travel insurance policy
• 20 Unique cruises to try if you're tired of the usual week long sailings
• 10 things that will spoil how you cruise in the future
• What is the dress code on Royal Caribbean?
• Royal Caribbean My Time Dining: What is it and how does it work?
• Is it better to book excursions through cruise ship?
• I tried the top 2 European cruise destinations. I liked one trip more than the other.

New RCB Video: I Spent 3 Days on A Cruise Ship from the Port No One Talks About

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 3 Days on A Cruise Ship from the Port No One Talks About — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

I've been on over 10 solo cruises. Here are the 9 things I wish I knew before I took my first one

After almost a dozen cruises by himself, Matt has learned important lessons about cruising solo.

Unlike cruising with friends or family, a cruise by yourself has a tendency to feel overwhelming because it's no longer a shared experience.

Nonetheless, with the right approach, cruising alone can feel quite liberating and a lot of fun!

My balcony cabin was surprisingly better than the one on Icon of the Seas

Ovation of the Seas is a decade old, but its balcony cabins worked better than the ones on the biggest ship.

Icon of the Seas has introduced a lot of fantastic changes, but design choices in its staterooms aren't as well received.

From storage space to showers, Matt found the balcony on Ovation of the Seas superior in many ways.

Is booking a last minute Royal Caribbean cruise a good idea?

Waiting to book a cruise at the last minute comes with risks and rewards, but is it a good idea?

A lack of staterooms and itineraries limit a traveler looking to book late, but it might be the perfect excuse for a vacation and maybe even save money.

Time it just right and take advantage of a price drop, but wait too long and you miss out completely.

5 of the best uses of tech on Royal Caribbean today

Of all the changes Royal Caribbean has made, there are handful that have revolutionized how we cruise today.

Some are quality of life improvements, while others add a different dimension to fundamentally alter what it's like onboard.

Plus, some of the tech we see on cruise ships are undeniably fun. 

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 568th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available with small tweaks to how you cruise.

By doing things slightly differently, you can get a better overall cruise experience. Try these tips on your next sailing.

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

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".

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

• Richard Fain exit as chair from Royal Caribbean shakes up Board of Directors
• Royal Caribbean is skipping the Inside Passage on some Alaska cruises
• This ultra spacious cruise ship cabin has bunk beds, two windows, is enormous, but costs much less than a suite
• Cruise Fans Weigh in on Utopia of the Seas
• I cruise to Europe every year. I always avoid these 7 mistakes for a better trip
• I'm my family's 'chief vacation officer' for all my cruises. Here are 10 things I always do to make cruising better
• I flew across the country for a 3 day cruise. I maximized the trip by making a few smart decisions
• Royal Caribbean launches “Shell Week” with WWF
• The secret to a friends and family cruise with different ages is planning to always do one thing together
• I sailed alone on one of Royal Caribbean's giant cruise ships and was surprised how easy it was as a solo traveler

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

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?

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 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

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

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! 

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.

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

• Popular Alaska port hikes port fees on cruise passengers
• Royal Caribbean app sends out erroneous pop-up messages
• Beyond CocoCay: How Royal Caribbean’s next private beaches build on its greatest hits
• 6 cruise ship cabin etiquette rules to follow
• My 64-year-old parents love to cruise. Here are 10 essentials they always pack
• 4 popular Royal Caribbean snacks that I think are worth paying extra for
• I'm a London travel expert. Here are the 8 things I wish tourists knew before visiting
• How to change from Traditional Dining to My Time Dining?
• Want the quietest room on a cruise ship? I'm convinced it's suites on new ships

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

• Royal Caribbean has raised prices on drinks to $15 each
• Royal Caribbean is leaning into a popular water slide trend
• I've stayed in over a dozen Royal Caribbean suites. Here are the 6 mistakes I see first-timers make
• A cruiser forgot to pay off their cruise and it's an important reminder how to avoid it happening to you
• Royal Caribbean cruise ship worker reveals fun rewards crew members get during their off hours
• Royal Caribbean is now sending an email that makes packing for a cruise much easier
• Why I love using my Royal Caribbean loyalty drink benefits on every cruise — and you might, too
• 15 Photos of Summer Cruises in the ’70s
• Can you go on a cruise pregnant? Royal Caribbean has an important safety rule cruisers should always follow
• Royal Caribbean is betting big on this exotic destination. After 4 cruises here, I can see why
• 5 things I wish I knew before trying a Royal Caribbean cruise in Asia

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

• Crazy lazy river, water launch slides, beach clubs: How you’re going to change how to pick a cruise
• Millennials are now the average cruise passenger age, says Royal Caribbean CEO
• My first cruise to Alaska caught me off guard. Looking back, I wish I'd avoided these 3 mistakes
• How much I spent on everything for my Anthem of the Seas cruise
• I paid $220 to try Royal Caribbean's new VIP excursion. It was pricey but made our beach day much better
• Royal Caribbean planning timeline
• Anthem of the Seas balcony cabin tour

Cruise tips that sound strange but really work

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

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

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

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.

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

• Royal Caribbean is making its restaurant guests love even better
• Royal Caribbean birthday sale is new and unlike any other I've seen
• I always do 4 things when I buy a drink package on every cruise and it adds so much value
• Is the internet package worth it on Royal Caribbean? I say yes
• Royal Caribbean added a new kind of suite to its ships that has no balcony. I liked it much more than I expected
• I went on the world's most family-friendly cruise ship without kids. It was worth it for 5 reasons
• 5 Royal Caribbean cruises where your dollar will go further right now
• 12 Cruise tips you disagree with
• I've worked at a cruise terminal for four years. Here are 10 things you should know before you arrive
• Utopia of the Seas suites
• New cruiser credits a prep step they took for making it an amazing vacation
• The $1.25 Dollar Tree Find So Good I Went Back for More
• Royal Caribbean Chairman lists his enormous tropical-themed home for $42 Million
• Can you just add someone else to a cruise cabin?

Mexico compromises on controversial cruise tax

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

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

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

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.

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 is reportedly buying a Bahamas resort
• Royal Caribbean is raising cruise prices on people who book a cruise at the last minute
• Royal Caribbean's secret weapon are loyal cruisers who spend 25% more and keep coming back
• Royal Caribbean is out with a truly epic 25-night cruise across half the world
• The new rules of a cruise this summer to follow
• I tried a $50 cocktail class on my cruise. I discovered a risk-free way to try new drinks
• Royal Caribbean is defying the economy: How record bookings and higher prices are fueling a blowout year
• Which part of a cruise ship has the least motion? I tried all the suggestions
• A Royal Caribbean drink package flash sale saved me the most money since Black Friday, and there's one trick to knowing about them
• Royal Caribbean updated its virtual badges
• Royal Caribbean just raised its expectations for the year, but Norwegian warns of slowing demand
• I wish more cruisers did one thing before they leave the ship, says travel agent
• Best cruise for first timers that you won't regret

Royal Caribbean stops visiting popular port

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?

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

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

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.

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.

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

• Royal Caribbean issues warning after cruise passenger later diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease
• Royal Caribbean quietly makes an internet change
• Royal Caribbean extends a fix to a huge dining package problem
• New Royal Caribbean ship construction progress revealed
• Did MSC Copy Royal Caribbean?
• Royal Caribbean brings back a surprising option it got rid of years ago
• I booked a European cruise on Royal Caribbean, but avoided the worst months
• 19 Things you didn't know about Royal Caribbean's cruise ship Chief Dog Officer
• The cheapest way to do Perfect Day at CocoCay without missing out
• Use this loophole to get around strict Royal Caribbean's drink package rule
• How to protect yourself from getting sick on a cruise
• I always book rooms near staircases on cruise ships. It's worth paying more to make my vacation easier and better

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

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

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

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

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.