Happy Sunday! We hope you are having a great weekend! Now it’s time to sit back, relax, and catch up on all the Royal Caribbean news from the week!

Utopia of the Seas launches in just one week, and we have our first look at what this new Royal Caribbean cruise ship looks like.

Photo by Port Canaveral

Royal Caribbean revealed everything new and different on the ship, which has a renewed focus on dining, expanding Izumi, adding outdoor seating to Giovanni's, and introducing the Spare Tire.

The new Pesky Parrot tiki bar will replace the Bionic Bar, and The Royal Railway will introduce a new train car dining experience to the fleet.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean CEO explains why they won't offer all-inclusive cruises
• Royal Caribbean has no plans to make it more difficult to reach its top-tier loyalty status
• Celebrity Cruises becomes the top cruise line for wine with 18 awards
• Spotted: Has Royal Caribbean Ended BOGO Drink Package offers onboard its cruise ships?
• Utopia of the Seas will have Royal Caribbean’s new elevators that cruise ship passengers will love
• Tropical Storm Beryl forces Royal Caribbean to delay cruise ship return
• Stop bringing these 4 banned things on your Royal Caribbean cruise ship
• Royal Caribbean will do another World Cruise, despite being "extremely complicated" and "massively expensive”
• Royal Caribbean is testing a way to track your kids on the world's largest cruise ship
• Everything I ate on Royal Caribbean's Independence of the Seas

New RCB Video: Boarding the world’s newest cruise ship: 7 hours on Utopia 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 — Boarding the world’s newest cruise ship: 7 hours on Utopia of the Seas — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Royal Caribbean's private beach club in Mexico looks stunning

Royal Caribbean's exclusive beach club in Cozumel, Mexico, is set to open in 2026.

Although there's still a lot of progress to be made, we took a look at some sneak peek photos shared in a webinar this week.

New details include great views, with access to 17 acres of beaches, pools, and scenery.

Icon of the Seas is Royal Caribbean's best cruise ship ever

New cruise ships always have a certain amount of hype to them, but Icon of the Seas seems to have earned it all.

After sailing on Icon again, Matt thinks it's easily the best Royal Caribbean cruise ship he's sailed on and raises the standard all other cruise ships are judged against.

From the innovations added, to the superior dining choices, and lack of crowds, Icon of the Seas is Matt's favorite ship.

Royal Caribbean will not give away free Wi-Fi on its cruise ships, CEO says

Michael Bayley, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean International recently explained why WiFi on Royal Caribbean ships is so expensive.

The cruise line doesn't plan on giving away WiFi like hotels on land, and there's a good reason why.

Cruise ships must get their Internet from satellites in space, which costs a lot more to maintain.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 539th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available.

Does Icon of the Seas still hold up months after her debut? Matt shares his thoughts while onboard Icon with Beci Mahnken from MEI Travel.

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

One cruise passenger swears she will be a Royal Caribbean fan for life, thanks to the medical attention she received onboard a cruise ship.

An emergency medical procedure meant one woman's cruise seemed like it would be lost, but Royal Caribbean waived the cancellation terms and offered her a chance to change sailings for a nominal fee.

"I’m so grateful for their kindness and compassion, fully knowing it was saw something they didn’t have to do," she wrote in her summary.

Royal Caribbean News

• Hurricane Beryl's path forces Royal Caribbean to change cruise ship itineraries
• Royal Caribbean celebrates July 4th with discounts up to 35% off cruise ship add-ons
• Cruise lines have changed their prices because of California's new 'Honest Pricing Law'
• Trendy outfit ideas for a summer Mediterranean cruise
• Caribbean cruise outfits for women

New RCB Video: What happens when a cruise is OVERBOOKED

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 happens when a cruise is OVERBOOKED — and don’t forget to subscribe to our channel.

Meghan Trainor named godmother of new Royal Caribbean ship

Meghan Trainor is about to add godmother to her many titles.

Royal Caribbean announced she will serve as godmother to its newest cruise ship, Utopia of the Seas.

The cruise line also announced a contest to give away to 52 winners free sailings on the July 15 departure of Utopia on the three-night cruise that will name the new ship.

Steak and lobster are still available in the buffet of the world's largest cruise ship

The embarkation day lunch on Icon of the Seas features a wide selection of food, including filet mignon and lobster tail.

It's unusual for the buffet to offer these premium items, but Icon has been serving it up on embarkation day ever since the ship debuted in January.

As you walk into the Windjammer on embarkation day, there is a selection of freshly grilled filet mignon steaks on the first buffet line. along with lobster and shrimp.

A look at the Icon Loft Suite that costs over $35,000 for a week

What do you get for a suite that costs over $5,000 per night?

The Icon Loft Suite is one of the top suites on Icon of the Seas, and it comes with the best perks available onboard.

Measuring 656 square feet, with a balcony that falls anywhere between 108 and 172 square feet, there's also the Royal Genie services that come with it.

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!

There was a fire on Icon of the Seas earlier this week.

The cruise ship was docked in Costa Maya, Mexico when the small fire occurred in a crew member area, resulting in a brief power loss.

Luckily the fire was contained quickly and extinguished without any injuries.

Royal Caribbean News

• Cruise nails ideas to try on your vacation
• Of the 46 cruises I've taken, here are the best five Royal Caribbean ships for adults
• I go on a cruise ship monthly. Here are 8 cruise add-ons I would never buy
• 4 warning signs a cruise deal is too good to be true
• My Biggest Mistake on a Mediterranean Cruise Was Not Extending the Trip

Ways People Cheat The Royal Caribbean Drink Package

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 — Ways People Cheat The Royal Caribbean Drink Package — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

How to Avoid Paying Unexpected Fees on Royal Caribbean

How can you avoid being shocked by extra charges on your final cruise bill?

Your base fare for a Royal Caribbean cruise includes access to a stateroom, most dining venues, and entertainment. It's a key draw of cruising.

However, Royal Caribbean cruises aren't all-inclusive and certain items cost extra.

Some of these extra fees may surprise you—don't be caught off guard!

2025 President's Cruise Date

Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley announced that next year's President's Cruise will happen on the newest Royal Caribbean ship.

The 2025 President's Cruise will be held on Utopia of the Seas, Royal Caribbean's newest addition to the Oasis Class.

The cruise line is inviting passengers to join Mr. Bayley on the September 22, 2025 sailing.

"Unforeseen weather events" are top concern for cruise ships, according to Royal Caribbean's meteorologist

Royal Caribbean is the only cruise line that has meteorologists on staff, tracking the weather and planning ahead for any itinerary changes. 

Craig Setzer, Royal Caribbean Group Chief Meteorologist, works daily and stays ahead of the curve to protect cruise ships from any inclement weather.

According to Setzer, the biggest concern for cruise ships and their passengers are "unforeseen weather events," events that aren't visible on the forecast.

Here are 5 things I wish I'd known before sailing in the Mediterranean

Calista recently sailed the Mediterranean for her second time, and she learned some important lessons through the experience.

Cruises to the Caribbean are the most well-known, but a Mediterranean cruise provides a great opportunity to see amazing artistic, historical, and natural sites.

If you're looking forward to trying a cruise to this underrated region, there are some essential details you should know first.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 538th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available.

As Matt goes over listener emails, get the answers to all your burning questions.

Is traditional dining better than My Time? Where can you bring the soda package cup? 

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! 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 has revealed the new shows and parties on its newest mega-ship, Utopia of the Seas.

The entertainment lineup on this Oasis Class ship has everything from original productions to late-night comedy shows.

Royal Caribbean plans to continue the Oasis Class tradition with an AquaTheater show and an ice skating performance. 

Plus, countless parties and live musicians provide entertainment late into the night.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean releases price for immersive train-inspired restaurant
• Utopia of the Seas shipyard photos show how close Royal Caribbean's new cruise ship is to being ready
• I chose an inside cabin on my recent Oasis of the Seas cruise because it was the cheapest option, and I actually loved how much space it had
• I tried Royal Caribbean's new loyalty match program. I missed having drink vouchers, but it saved me hundreds of dollars
• How much does Royal Caribbean specialty dining cost?
• I tried going alone on a group shore excursion, and it was a smart way to enhance my Mediterranean cruise
• Royal Caribbean is ready for cruise ships to begin plugging into Miami's new shore power

New RCB Video: I booked CHEAP 4 and 5 night cruises. Was it worth it?

Have you subscribed to the Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube Channel? We share some great videos there regularly, all about taking a Royal Caribbean cruise! This week, we are sharing our latest video — I booked CHEAP 4 and 5 night cruises. Was it worth it? — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 537th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available.

Matt recently sailed a 5-night Bermuda cruise on Liberty of the Seas with his family and shares everything that surprised him about the 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.

A look inside the crew member cabins on Utopia of the Seas

What do the crew member cabins look like on the second biggest cruise ship in the world?

A new video shows exactly what one crew cabin looks like on Utopia of the Seas, and it's definitely small.

While it's a private cabin, it does have a shared bathroom.

7 new things coming to Utopia of the Seas, including a giant slide and train restaurant

Royal Caribbean's newest cruise ship, "The World's Biggest Weekend," is meant to appeal to passengers hesitant to book a weeklong cruise, and it's brimming with exciting features.

This vessel is weeks away from beginning guest cruises and Royal Caribbean is starting to reveal several brand-new features that can't be found on any other Oasis Class ship.

From a new category of Suite stateroom to the longest dry slide at sea, here are the new things available on Utopia of the Seas.

4 Ways to Tell If You're Getting a Good Deal on Your Cruise

How can you be sure your cruise vacation is coming at the best value?

Royal Caribbean has tempting sales every week, from BOGO deals to percentages off the price.

These deals may look good on the surface, but it's important to double-check that you're actually getting a good deal.

I took my first solo cruise on Royal Caribbean's biggest cruise ships. After 7 nights, here are the pros and cons of cruising alone

Calista took her first solo cruise on an Oasis Class ship and was surprised at the experience. 

Like every sailing, cruising alone has its pros and cons. 

After spending seven nights onboard Oasis of the Seas for a Mediterranean sailing, here's Calista's review on solo cruising.

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!

Utopia of the Seas was delivered to Royal Caribbean, which means she is officially part of the fleet.

At a ceremony at the shipyard in France, the 18-deck ship was handed over to the cruise line and is now poised to offer cruises next month.

Utopia will offer 3- and 4-night cruises in order to capitalize on the weekend cruise market.

Royal Caribbean News

• First photos inside Utopia of the Seas
• Celebrity Cruises sold two expedition cruise ships in the Galapagos
• What an inside cabin on Independence of the Seas looks like
• The world's largest dry slide is coming to Royal Caribbean’s next cruise ship
• Royal Caribbean Alaska excursions: Recommended tours for each port
• What Is the Biggest Royal Caribbean ship?

New RCB Video: 5 MORE Things You Should NEVER TRUST on Your 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 — 5 MORE Things You Should NEVER TRUST on Your Cruise — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

What happens when a cruise is overbooked

An oversold cruise ship is not uncommon, but usually it doesn't result in anyone being unable to cruise.

Earlier this month guests on a Symphony of the Seas sailing were asked if they'd consider changing their cruise because the ship was oversold.

They were offered essentially a full refund and a free cruise if they took the offer.

The biggest cruise ships in the world actually shrink to fit under bridges

In order for an Oasis Class cruise ship to make into New York harbor, the ship actually shrinks.

In a feat of engineering, some of Royal Caribbean's cruise ships can retract their funnels to make them small enough to fit under certain bridges.

Symphony of the Seas is the latest ship to need to do this in order to make it under the Verrazzano Narrows bridge.

I booked a room near the stairs on a low deck and it made my vacation better

I stayed in cabins on a lower deck than usual and near the stairs, and I really liked this location.

In fact, I've started booking cabins that are on a lower deck and near the staircases, and it's made my enjoyment of the cruise far better.

While it may not offer views of a higher deck, the convenience factor is worth it.

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

There are easy ways to save money on cruises with a family, thanks to a few tricks I've learned.

After more than 44 cruises with my kids, Matt has figured out a few ways to save money along the way.

Cruising with the whole family has become more and more popular on Royal Caribbean ships.

Royal Caribbean News

• How to get from Fort Lauderdale airport to Miami cruises
• Guide to Royal Caribbean's cancellation policy
• I took an overnight Bermuda cruise. The multi-day touring felt long, but the catamaran charter was worth it
• 7 Things Cruisers Wish They Packed for Their Alaska Cruise This Year
• Can I change my room on Royal Caribbean?
• 95 Things You Can Pack For A Cruise in 2024
• How to avoid overeating on a cruise

5 Reasons to CRUISE SOLO (and 1 reason not to)

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 — 5 Reasons to CRUISE SOLO (and 1 reason not to) — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Cruiser complains about "obstructed" balcony and sparks Internet backlash

A cruiser who recently sailed on Icon of the Seas took to the Internet to ask if her balcony view should be considered obstructed.

In her viral TikTok, @abbiesnormal asks if the railing below her balcony is considered an obstruction.

Thousands of commenters responded, most of them disagreeing with Abbie's categorization. 

How a Gen Z trend is changing the cruise drink menu

Studies have found that Gen Z is more and more sober-curious, often opting for non-alcoholic beverages.

To meet the shifting remand, the cruise line has begun to adjust its drink menus. 

Here's how Royal Caribbean is catering to the younger demographic.

We asked our readers what one easy thing they do to make their cruise better

Are there any low-effort ways to improve your cruise experience?

We took to the Royal Caribbean Blog Facebook group to ask our readers what one easy thing they do that makes their vacation better.

From ordering room service to using a travel agent, these are the 12 easy things our readers do to make their cruise better.

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

Royal Caribbean launched an industry-first loyalty status match program for cruises.

Members of Royal Caribbean’s Crown & Anchor Society, Celebrity Cruises’ Captain’s Club and Silversea’s Venetian Society will attain equivalent tier status on any one of its brands to enjoy reciprocal benefits no matter which brand they sail with.

For example, a Diamond member of the Crown and Anchor Society will become an Elite Captain's Club member, and a Venetian Society with 250 VS days.

Royal Caribbean News

• Woman loses $15,000 cruise after posting reservation number on social media
• Can I cruise without a passport? I would think twice before trying
• Does check-in open at midnight? And 5 other Royal Caribbean check-in questions
• Passenger goes overboard on Icon of the Seas, world’s largest cruise ship

Things You Should NEVER TRUST on Your 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 — Things You Should NEVER TRUST on Your Cruise — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

9 Things To Do As Soon As You Board A Cruise Ship

Your first hours onboard are some of the most important of your cruise vacation. They set the tone for the remainder of your sailing.

To ensure a smooth cruise, you'll want to start with a few important tasks.

Missing an item on this to-do list could ruin an ideal cruise, or even prevent the ship from embarking.

A performer on a mega cruise ship reveals what working at sea is really like

What is it like to work, live, and perform on one of the largest cruise ships at sea?

We interviewed Kristine Kugler, an Elite Dancer in the Theater Cast onboard Royal Caribbean's Ovation of the Seas.

She shared what it's like to be a crew member onboard a cruise ship with Royal Caribbean.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 536th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, reviewing a cruise on Freedom of the Seas in 2024.

Matt took his first cruise redeeming a casino credit, sailing for 4 nights on Freedom 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.

Why savvy travelers prefer staying on the cruise ship during port days

Experienced cruisers know the benefit of staying onboard the cruise ship and skipping a port day.

Many cruisers book a sailing for the destinations (and the food), but cruise ships also have a massive amount of attractions onboard.

Here are 7 reasons savvy travelers stay onboard the cruise ship.

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

Are you ready to try Royal Caribbean's new immersive and first-of-its-kind restaurant concept?

Royal Railway - Utopia Station will debut this summer on Utopia of the Seas, and it's a fully themed restaurant experience that makes you feel like you're taking a train to the Old West.

We were able to preview the new train experience and get an idea of what you can expect when it opens.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean cruise ship is first to leave Baltimore since Key Bridge collapse
• I spent a week on a cruise ship to Alaska, and while the Main Dining Room was disappointing, the specialty restaurants really impressed me
• People onboard Royal Caribbean cruise ship report being sick in gastrointestinal illness outbreak
• 7 bathroom hacks to use in your cruise ship cabin
• Photos reveal Royal Caribbean's progress on the Royal Beach Club at Paradise Island
• I tried eating alone in the Main Dining Room on my cruise
• I'm a teen and went on the world's largest cruise ship. I was worried it would be juvenile, but it exceeded all my expectations

Cruise Questions You Were Too EMBARASSED To Ask!

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 Questions You Were Too EMBARASSED To Ask! — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 535th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, previewing Royal Railway.

Matt took a walkthrough tour of the new restaurant coming to Utopia of the Seas and shares what stood out about the experience and why he's excited to try it.

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.

I finally got to try Royal Caribbean's faster Express Boarding. It was so easy, but not everyone knows how to get it

Matt was able to qualify for Royal Caribbean's new Express Boarding option.

This exclusive offer is only available at Terminal A of PortMiami, for guests who use the Royal Caribbean app to check in and complete the correct steps.

Not everyone knows how to get it, so here's your guide.

I went on my first Royal Caribbean cruise and worried about big crowds. I ended up having more fun than expected

Angie's friend, Kate, experienced her first cruise on a Royal Caribbean mega-ship.

Before the Harmony of the Seas sailing, she worried about experiencing large crowds or long lines.

In the end, Kate was pleasantly surprised by her Royal Caribbean experience.

11 food favorites at CocoCay that never disappoint

At your next visit to Royal Caribbean's idyllic private island, don't miss these eleven food favorites.

From funnel cakes to secret sauce burgers to refreshing fruit, a wide variety of free dining is available at Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Here are the best dishes you should try at each venue.

Would you pay $100 per day for a drink package?

The unlimited drink package is one of the most popular add-ons for a Royal Caribbean cruise, but prices are now consistently over $100 per day, per person.

While the cruise line does use dynamic pricing—meaning costs vary depending on the sailing—our team has consistently seen triple-digit prices.

Royal Caribbean's Deluxe Beverage Package includes almost every drink served onboard, from fruity cocktails, to beer, some wines by the glass, premium coffees, sodas, smoothies, bottled water, sports drinks, milkshakes, and freshly squeezed juice.

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

A new law will change how Royal Caribbean advertises its cruise fares.

Beginning July 1, 2024, a new consumer protection law in California will require that taxes and fees are included as part of the total advertised price.

Instead of saving the fees for the checkout process, consumers will receive a clear and accurate price upfront.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean will restart cruises from Baltimore at end of May following bridge collapse
• Royal Caribbean cruise ship Captain passes away after suffering heart attack
• Iconic band Culture Club will perform on Royal Caribbean's Presidents Cruise
• Royal Caribbean's Head of Entertainment Leaves Company
• 8 Photos of the Northern Lights from cruise ship passengers that dazzle at sea
• What does stateroom guarantee (GTY) mean on Royal Caribbean?
• Internet reveals 18 simple ways to how to save money on a Royal Caribbean cruise
• I went on Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas. Here are the 7 best things I ate on the ship

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 534th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available!

After spending seven days on Icon of the Seas, Calista shares her thoughts on her new favorite ship.

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.

WEIRD cruise tips (if you've never cruised before!)

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 — WEIRD cruise tips (if you've never cruised before!) — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

8 cruise ship cabin rules to follow — Plus 1 to break

While your cruise ship cabin is your home, you can't do anything you want either.

There are important rules and guidelines to follow while in your cabin, and it's a combination of etiquette and regulations.

We outline 8 rules to follow (and 1 you can safely ignore).

I go on a cruise once a month. New cruisers keep missing out on these 5 underrated things.

Matt cruises once a month, and it's still his favorite way to travel and see the world.

After getting to experiment and try so many types of cruises, he's noticed some underrated activities.

Check out these 5 things that you shouldn't miss out on when you cruise next.

I spent a week on the world's largest cruise ship, the free food was the best of any Royal Caribbean ship

Calista made it a goal to try all the complimentary food onboard Icon of the Seas.

After a week onboard, she concluded that the ship has the best free food in Royal Caribbean's fleet.

From Mediterranean bowls at the Aquadome Market to breakfast pastries at the Park Café, here are the pros and cons of every complimentary venue she tried.

I planned out 6 years of cruises so I could reach Royal Caribbean's highest loyalty tier

This couple went to extensive lengths to reach the Pinnacle level in Royal Caribbean's customer loyalty program.

The Notarnicolas made a detailed plan to gain these quality benefits.

They used a complex Excel spreadsheet and a host of other tools to track their progress and plan the cruises they needed to take to reach the Pinnacle level.

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

The next new Royal Caribbean cruise ship is on her way to completion.

Utopia of the Seas began her sea trials this week, which is a major milestone in the construction of any cruise ship.

On May 7, Utopia of the Seas departed from the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in France for a 5-day sea trial during which the ship will sail more than 1,000 miles. 

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean Slashes Prices on Icon of the Seas' New Ropes Course by Almost 75%
• Royal Caribbean will hire 10,000 workers this year to meet booming demand
• I tried the Miami hotel everyone says is the best pre-cruise option. It was comfortable, but my stay had some issues
• I went on Royal Caribbean's newest cruise ship and saw why the surging hype is real
• Empty cruise ship is sailing without passengers and it's a more relaxed atmosphere for crew members
• I spent $2800 for 7 nights in a 157-square-foot room on the world's largest cruise ship. Take a look inside my tiny cabin
• I got to blow this cruise ship's horn on Odyssey of the Seas. Here's how I did it.
• Can you upgrade your room after final payment on my cruise?

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 533rd episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available!

With a special guest, Emma, we discuss how to approach planning a European cruise for the first time.

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.

10 Fun Royal Caribbean upgrades under $50!

Have you subscribed to the Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube Channel? We share some great videos there regularly, all about taking a Royal Caribbean cruise! This week, we are sharing our latest video — 10 Fun Royal Caribbean upgrades under $50! — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Simple tips to safely take a cruise ship shore excursion

How can you stay safe while trying a new tour in a foreign location?

Royal Caribbean cruises take you to fascinating ports of call, but it still takes preparation and an alert awareness to protect yourself.

Here are some extra tips before your next cruise ship shore excursion.

9 easy ways to save money on a European cruise

A cruise to Europe could be cheaper than you'd think.

With these easy ways to save money on your cruise, you can customize your experiences for any budget.

European cruises don't have to break the bank, and a few adjustments, there are countless ways to save money.

4 mistakes I saw other people make on Icon of the Seas—and 2 mistakes I made

Calista recently sailed on Royal Caribbean's newest ship, but she noticed it takes some adjustment from everyone.

To make the most of your cruise on the world's largest vessel, it's important to prepare and learn from others' mistakes.

From what to pack to how to use the elevators, here are 6 mistakes you shouldn't make.

Royal Caribbean saved a passenger's life

Crew members on Ovation of the Seas saved a passenger's life after he had a cardiac arrest.

Thanks to the swift response of crew members, they successfully stabilized the patient and coordinated with the US Air Force for a medical evacuation via helicopter.

The passenger's daughter posted her thanks to the medical professionals, saying she is "in awe" of Royal Caribbean's response.