Happy Sunday and Happy Thanksgiving weekend! I hope you enjoyed a wonderful holiday with family and friends! There is a lot of Royal Caribbean news to share this week.

Royal Caribbean released more of its Caribbean 2026-2027 deployments, including the world's largest cruise ships.

Both Icon of the Seas, and her upcoming sister ship, Star of the Seas, will homeport in Florida for the new itineraries.

Cruisers can now book 7-night Western or Eastern Caribbean cruises on Icon of the Seas, departing from Miami, Florida.

Star of the Seas, which enters service in August of 2025, will continue to sail out of Port Canaveral, Florida. The second Icon-Class ship will offer 7-night Western and Eastern Caribbean cruises.

Royal Caribbean News

• My friend got burned by booking non-refundable cruise fare. I now advocate these 5 cruise booking tips
• My $1,800 stateroom on Royal Caribbean's Brilliance of the Seas has the worst shower curtain, but the balcony was perfect
• Two "nightmare issues" in Royal Caribbean's systems have frustrated cruisers for weeks
• The best cruise line rankings are out for 2025 and Royal Caribbean was snubbed
• Royal Caribbean adds new cruises from New York area just in time for Black Friday sale
• I sailed in tiny interior cabins on old Royal Caribbean and Disney ships. I'd only book one again
• 8 changes coming to Star of the Seas

New Video: No One Should Do These Things On A 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—No One Should Do These Things On A Cruise!—and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 550th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available at all our links.

Cruise veterans book their sailings as far in advance as possible—but why? And how should you plan your cruises years in advance?

In this episode, Matt explains how and when to book your new 2025 and 2026 cruises.

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.

The Black Friday deal I've bought on all my cruises, even though I get it for free

Which Black Friday deals are worth spending on?

As a Pinnacle Club member of the Crown and Anchor Society, Matt doesn't have to spend extra on WiFi, but he still buys it while it's on sale.

Here's why—and how to take advantage of this month's deals.

I cruised for 3 days and 7 days on the same ship, and each sailing was a completely different experience

The length of your cruise is an important factor that affects every aspect of the experience.

Recently, Calista sailed on Freedom of the Seas for 7 nights, after trying a weekend cruise on the same ship.

The two cruises were shockingly different, and one sailing was better.

The lesser-known reservation change you can make up to days before your cruise

Reservations are usually set in stone close to the date of your cruise. However, there's one change most cruisers don't know they can still make.

Royal Caribbean allows you to swap out people on your cruise reservation as late as 72 hours before the first day of the sailing.

Happy Sunday! Temperatures may be dropping, but there is plenty of Royal Caribbean news to share. This is your weekly summary of all the Royal Caribbean news from this past week, perfectly fitted for your consumption.

How can you prepare for the worst on your sailing? 

Matt has cruised at least once a month for the entirety of 2024, so he's learned the most common mishaps that can ruin a cruise.

From seasickness to airplane delays, here's how Matt solves in advance for key cruising problems.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean Black Friday deals 2024
• Royal Caribbean delays cruise ship return from maintenance work and shortens next sailing
• Cruise ship rescues 6 people and a dog from disabled sailboat off Africa
• My $1,600 stateroom on Royal Caribbean's Freedom of the Seas was cheap, but it had constant noise
• I’ve been on 5 Alaska cruises, and one itinerary was far better than the rest
• I went on a cruise with my baby and used the babysitting service multiple times. It was the best thing ever for parents
• These 16 editor-tested cruise products are up to 55% off for Black Friday, from AirTags to cabin essentials
• Second cruise ship slams into Atlantic storm causing damage, but it's not as scary as you think
• I cruised by myself on two different Royal Caribbean ships, but there were stark differences in the experiences
• 6 Royal Caribbean items you should buy now during Black Friday that will cost you more onboard

New Video: Things I Cut Since I Started Cruising

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 I Cut Since I Started Cruising—and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Royal Caribbean won't cancel Haiti stops even after FAA ban on flights

Royal Caribbean isn't deterred from visiting its private beach in a remote area of Haiti.

Three airliners were shot at this week at Haiti's capital, and that compelled the Federal Aviation Administration to ban flights to the country for 30 days. 

Nonetheless, cruise ships visits will continue as scheduled.

Royal Caribbean made the dining package easier again

Royal Caribbean has made another functional update to its Unlimited Dining Package, allowing cruisers to change or add reservations after booking online.

Last month, the cruise line finally added a change that allows guests to book Unlimited Dining Package reservations online before the cruise, instead of waiting until they get onboard.

However, the online feature only gave the chance to pre-book restaurants at the time of purchasing the dining package. Now, cruisers can also add or change reservations after booking.

Going home: How disembarkation day works on a Royal Caribbean cruise (and how to beat everyone else home)

Disembarking from a cruise ship can be a confusing process, as it's more complicated than checking out of a hotel room or exiting a plane.

There are regimented steps to ensure that guests exit quickly, so it's important to prepare for your last morning aboard.

Here's how to disembark the quickest. 

I saved money by buying the coffee package. I liked the drink selections, but the coffee was mediocre

Is the coffee card worth it? 

Calista likes excellent coffee, so she saved money on specialty drinks by buying the coffee package. The $31 card allows guests to purchase 15 special coffee drinks over the length of a sailing. 

While she liked the ability to try different beverages, Calista thought the beans tasted mediocre.

Best Royal Caribbean Cruises for Families of Five

Travel groups of 5, or families with three kids, may find it difficult to book proper activities, cabins, and sailings that suit everyone's needs. 

The cruise industry is built for 2, and families have additional conflicts to handle when it comes to cruising—from different schedules to activities.

So what are the best ships, itineraries, and staterooms for a family of five?

Another busy week of Royal Caribbean fun just wrapped up, but if you missed any of it, I have a concise look at all of it for you in this weekly news round-up!

Royal Caribbean's Black Friday deals are here!

The cruise line kicked off its Black Friday specials early, with all kinds of offers of onboard credit offers, discounts on bookings, cheaper pre-cruise purchases, and more!

Some sailings are seeing deep discounts offered and great prices on add-ons too.

Royal Caribbean News

• These are the 3 top competitors for Royal Caribbean. None are cruise lines
• Royal Caribbean is selling its drink packages for as low as $54.99 per day during its Black Friday sale
• I Took a Royal Caribbean Cruise With My Sister — and It Was the Ultimate Girls Trip
• Fed up with a broken drink holder, cruise passenger takes matters into his own hands
• Royal Caribbean cruise ship stuck in Japan due to propulsion problem
• Party accidentally sets off sprinklers on giant cruise ship flooding deck with water
• The 5 important Royal Caribbean email addresses you should know about
• Royal Caribbean alters cruise ship itineraries to avoid Hurricane Rafael
• Royal Caribbean needs more time to finish maintenance work on one of its cruise ships and will delay its return
• Royal Caribbean new Black Friday bundle deals

New RCB Video: Why I Hate Shore Excursions

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 — Why I Hate Shore Excursions — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 549th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available at all our links.

Is it crazy to spend $12,000 on an Ultimate Family Suite? Matt tried the stateroom so he could give his honest thoughts.

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 Royal Caribbean ship tilted sideways with passengers onboard

Videos posted online show what passengers experienced when Explorer of the Seas was hit by severe weather.

Reports are that Explorer of the Seas was struck by a squall, causing the ship to tilt to one side.

The incident was short-lived, but it caused a lot of damage to the ship's shops and casinos because of falling items.

Royal Caribbean drops suite benefits on select cabins

Royal Caribbean has announced changes to its suite benefits, including some benefits that are being dropped.

Surfside Family Suites will be demoted from Sky Class to Sea Class benefits, while Sunset Junior Suites are moving up to Sky Class. Additionally, Sky Junior Suites will no longer have free WiFi on Icon of the Seas, Spectrum of the Seas, and Utopia of the Seas.

According to the cruise line, it has made these changes to ensure a more consistent experience across the board. 

I took my 6-month-old on a cruise. This is the best ship for a baby, and I want to go on one again

What's it like to sail with a baby, and which ship is the best option?

Nicole has taken over 15 cruises throughout her life, but this October, she took her first cruise with her 6-month-old daughter.

Cruising with a small baby is a completely new approach to travel, and Nicole appreciated all the touches on Icon of the Seas that made the cruise enjoyable.

Freedom of the Seas vs. Newer Ships: Does It Still Hold Up?

Calista recently sailed on Freedom of the Seas after trying Icon and Utopia, creating a stark contrast to the older ship.

Does the Freedom Class still hold up? 

Despite the smaller public spaces and limited dining options, there's still a lot to love about the 18-year-old vessel.

Happy Sunday! Temperatures may be dropping, but there is plenty of Royal Caribbean news to share.  This is your weekly summary of all the Royal Caribbean news from this past week, perfectly fitted for your consumption.

Have you ever wondered what it's like to stay in a one-of-a-kind suite that costs as much as a used car?

The Ultimate Family Suite on Utopia of the Seas is not cheap, but it is an incredible cruise ship cabin.  Matt took his family on a 3-night cruise to see if the experience lives up to the hype.

Between the in-room slide, Royal Genie service, private hot tub, and movie room included in the cabin, it's a tremendous place to stay.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean posts "exceptional third quarter results" of $4.9 billion in revenue
• New cruise ship orders? Here’s the earliest they could be ready
• The majority of passengers are people that have never cruised
• Royal Caribbean just made it easier to hold a cruise without paying for it
• Photos show the biggest cabin a crew member can get on a cruise ship
• Comparing the 4 cruise ships in Alaska in 2025
• Spain deadly flash floods force Royal Caribbean to change cruise ship visit
• Royal Caribbean diverts cruise ships away from Bahamas due to developing tropical storm
• What Halloween is like on the world's largest cruise ship

New RCB Video: Royal Caribbean's SECRET new SMALLER cruise ship

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's SECRET new SMALLER cruise ship — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

New Europe 2026 cruises, including an epic solar eclipse sailing

Royal Caribbean released the first half of its 2026 European cruises, which are now available to book.

There are cruises that visit Northern Europe, Norway, the Mediterranean, Greek Isles, and even one voyage that will put passengers right in the path of a total solar eclipse.

More European sailings will be released in early 2025.

What to expect for Royal Caribbean's Black Friday sales

We're just weeks away from the pinnacle of shopping, with Black Friday and Cyber Monday right around the corner.

Royal Caribbean is expected to offer its own Black Friday sales, which in years' past have included discounts on cruise add-ons and hundreds of dollars off cruise fares.

While cruise deals differ from retail Black Friday offers, there's still potential to save a lot of money off a cruise.

I spent 5 nights onboard one of Royal Caribbean’s oldest cruise ships

After spending 5 nights onboard Vision of the Seas, Elizabeth discovered a level of intimacy that the larger ships lack. 

Vision Class ships don't have as much to do as the newer, bigger ships, but they offer some of the lowest prices you'll find on a cruise today.

The charm of Vision of the Seas is reminiscent of a different era of cruising, where the focus was connecting with the sea and fellow passengers, rather than flashy attractions.

Utopia of the Seas vs. Wonder of the Seas

What's the difference between Royal Caribbean's newest Oasis Class ships: Utopia of the Seas and Wonder of the Seas?

Admittedly, these two ships share more similarities than differences.  But Royal Caribbean never "copies and pastes" its ships, so you'll find a few notable changes between the two.

Varying itineraries, entertainment, and even a few dining choices are the most notable differences you'll find onboard.

Happy (almost) Halloween! I don't have any bad Halloween themed puns to include here, just the latest Royal Caribbean news to catch up on before you hit up the neighborhood for candy.

According to a report, a 66-year-old woman jumped overboard from Royal Caribbean cruise ship.

The incident occurred on Allure of the Seas while the ship was in The Bahamas.

Royal Caribbean, the U.S. Coast Guard, and Royal Bahamas Defense Force conducted a lengthy search for the woman, but she was not found.

Royal Caribbean News

• Taylor Swift-themed fan cruise sets sail with other Swifties onboard
• What a Royal Caribbean crew member spends her money on in a week
• Royal Caribbean ship stuck in Mexico overnight, delayed return
• The #1 Habit to Break If You Don't Want To Gain Weight On A Cruise
• Unexpected new Royal Caribbean cruises for 2026 with unbelievably unique itineraries
• I listed the 7 must-see attractions on Royal Caribbean's new ship, and the best one makes you think you're on a train
• I Tried Doing Every Activity on Royal Caribbean's Utopia of the Seas. It was busy, but I'd absolutely do it again.
• 5 Best and Worst Parts of Working on a Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship, According to a Crew Member

New Video: Ultimate Guide to Freebies on a Royal Caribbean Cruise

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

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 548th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available at all our links.

Matt goes over some important cruise etiquette questions. From Main Dining Room planning to speakers, here's what you should know.

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

A giant cruise ship will sail deeper into Alaska than ever before on one-way voyages

Royal Caribbean just released its 2026 Alaska deployments, and one surprising change will allow cruisers to see even more of the region.

Instead of a smaller vessel, the huge Ovation of the Seas will be running open-jaw cruises to the region.

In addition to three other Royal Caribbean vessels sailing to Alaska for 2026, Quantum of the Seas will homeport in Vancouver, Canada, for the summer. 

New Broadway musical coming to Star of the Seas

Star of the Seas' Broadway musical will be a surprising classic: Back to the Future.

Royal Caribbean confirmed the rumors on Monday, posting an official announcement on its social media.

"Blast to the past and introduce the entire fam to Marty McFly’s high-flying adventure, as Back to the Future: The Musical travels straight from Broadway to Star of the Seas, coming summer 2025," the announcement read.

Starbucks-Royal Caribbean partnership: How coffee works onboard the cruise ship

How can you get Starbucks coffee onboard a Royal Caribbean cruise ship?

The Starbucks partnership on the cruise line allows guests another avenue for getting their coffee fix while on vacation.

However, Starbucks coffee comes at an extra charge, and ordering at these cafes is different than on land.

The best Royal Caribbean hacks, according to the cruise line's fans

DIY projects and hacks are a key part of any cruise, as they help passengers save money and maximize their time onboard.

Royal Caribbean International asked its followers on X for their best cruise hacks, and received helpful responses.

From bringing takeout containers to reserving add-ons at the right time, here are the fans' best hacks.

Happy Sunday! We are so happy that you stopped by and hope you are having a wonderful weekend. Grab a mug of your favorite hot beverage, sit back, and check out the latest in Royal Caribbean news.

Royal Caribbean has finally implemented the dining package change we've been waiting for!

Almost a year after the cruise line first announced its plans to do so, Royal Caribbean has added a way for guests who have pre-purchased specialty dining packages to reserve spots ahead of time.

Now, passengers with the Unlimited Dining Package can choose a particular date and time at the venues of their choice—before even getting onboard. 

Royal Caribbean News:

• Royal Caribbean is building another cruise port in Alaska to ease crowds and traffic
• Find out which 3 Royal Caribbean cruise ships were the cleanest this year, according to the CDC
• Royal Caribbean passenger files lawsuit over hidden camera
• Royal Caribbean's new cruise offer is the best last-minute cruise deal we've seen in a long time
• How to get the earliest check-in time before anyone else for your cruise
• Royal Caribbean makes a change to how you get to CocoCay from your cruise ship
• Ice skater shows crew-only areas on Royal Caribbean's Utopia of the Seas
• How to get the most out of a short sailing on Utopia of the Seas
• A 74-year-old who cruises twice a year shares his 3 best cruise secrets, including splurging
• 5 Dollar Tree items cruisers should stock up on before their sailing
• Royal Caribbean is discounting airfare by hundreds of dollars for a 2025 cruise

New Video: 10 Annoying Habits That Will Make You the Least Popular Person on a 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 — 10 Annoying Habits That Will Make You the Least Popular Person on a Cruise — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 547th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available at all our links.

In this episode, Matt answers as many listener emails as he can!

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

How (and when) to upgrade your Royal Caribbean cruise ship room

Whether you have some extra cash to splurge or are rethinking your booked cabin category, sometimes there's a time and place to upgrade your cruise ship stateroom.

Getting a better cabin can be an exciting way to upgrade your cruise experience. 

There are multiple ways to do it, so here's everything you need to know.

Cruisers swear by these off-the-beaten-path Caribbean ports—Here’s why

Are you tired of visiting Nassau and Cozumel on your Caribbean cruises? 

Since Royal Caribbean says to its namesake region so often, frequent cruisers have to challenge themselves to keep things different.

Veterans cruisers swear by a few lesser-known Caribbean ports.

Dealing with noise in your cruise cabin

Because your cruise cabin becomes your home at sea, you want it to be a pleasant space.

Loud noises, whatever their origin, threaten a peaceful voyage and enjoyable cruise vacation. 

After you identify the source of the news, you can begin several courses of action to try and solve it. Here's what to do.

The fall temperatures may be dropping, but the Royal Caribbean news from this week is as hot as ever, and we have it all summarized for you in this week's round up!

Royal Caribbean is bringing a new destination to Mexico in 2027.

The next Perfect Day experience will open in Costa Maya, Mexico and it will be even bigger than CocoCay.

Few details have been shared, but expect many different ways to "thrill and chill" during your visit, exclusive to Royal Caribbean passengers.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean is raising gratuities. The change started a debate
• Royal Caribbean begins construction of new cruise ship that doesn't have a name yet
• What’s confirmed for Royal Caribbean’s enormous beach experience in Mexico
• My first Royal Caribbean cruise from Baltimore: Essential tips for Maryland sailings
• The best bar scene is only on two of Royal Caribbean's cruise ships

Hurricane Milton Coverage

Hurricane Milton wreaked havoc this past week, disrupting many cruise ship plans and generating a lot of news in the process.

• More cruise ships divert and dodge as Hurricane Milton tears through
• There are still 3 Royal Caribbean cruise ships waiting to return home after Hurricane Milton
• Hurricane Milton re-routed my cruise ship to Haiti
• At least 3 Royal Caribbean cruise ships delay return home because of Hurricane Milton

Video: 6 Restaurants You Can't Afford to Miss on Royal Caribbean

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 — 6 Restaurants You Can't Afford to Miss on Royal Caribbean — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 546th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is available now: Hola Perfect Day Mexico!

Matt breaks down this week's big news that Royal Caribbean will open a second Perfect Day experience, and what to expect there.

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

Royal Caribbean is raising the daily gratuity charges

Royal Caribbean notified passengers this week that the automatic service charge it adds to passenger bills would soon rise to as much as $21 per person, per day.

Typically, we see gratuity rates go up once per calendar year and this year's increase is 50 cents per person, per day.

In addition to the daily gratuity, the gratuity for purchases made onboard will also go up, from 18% to 20%.

Royal Caribbean restarts cruises visiting Labadee

Royal Caribbean is now cruising to Labadee, Haiti again.

Adventure of the Seas was the first ship back. Guests on the sailing reported things looked great, and no concerns.

More ships visited Labadee, including Utopia of the Seas because of an itinerary change.

A $1,300 Stateroom on Utopia of the Seas

What does an inside cabin look like on Royal Caribbean's Utopia of the Seas?

Our team tried out a small, windowless interior cabin in order to save money.  Plus, the exact location was assigned by the cruise line.

Although the room looked similar in size to many other interior cabins, the newer amenities were quite noticeable.

Four changes coming to Royal Caribbean in 2025

We've almost made it to 2025, and there are some big changes on the horizon.

While there's likely plenty more things that will change next year, we're tracking four big changes that we know about already for Royal Caribbean in 2025.

From new experiences to policy changes, prep for the next evolution of the brand in the coming year.

I quit my job and sold my house to go on a 274-night world cruise

Royal Caribbean's first world cruise sounded like the adventure of a lifetime, compelling Tonya Lathom to drop everything and book it.

She and her husband, Andy, sold their home in Falls Church, Virginia and retired from their jobs in order to sail.

She booked a suite on the world cruise, and got to visit all seven continents and in the process, visited over 60 countries.

Happy Sunday, and welcome back to our round-up of all the latest Royal Caribbean news. It's been a busy week for the cruise line, so sit back, relax, and enjoy.

Royal Caribbean's next new cruise ship is closer to completion.

Star of the Seas just reached an important milestone in her construction: sitting in water.

Amid a huge celebration, Star of the Seas was floated out on the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland this week.

The second Icon Class ship will officially launch in August of 2025, offering 7-night Western and Eastern Caribbean cruises out of Port Canaveral.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean gives critical update on repair progress to world's biggest cruise ship
• Why you should always check these cruise ship policies before you sail
• Royal Caribbean cancels sailings and redeploys cruise ship away from Middle East
• Best Cabins for First-Time Royal Caribbean Cruisers
• A Royal Caribbean cruise ship in Alaska is having the worst luck and had to skip almost all of its port stops
• What experienced cruisers do differently during hurricane season
• Two Royal Caribbean megaships in drydock at the same time
• Royal Caribbean updates: 167 sick from gastrointestinal illness, strike won't affect cruise ships, and more
• The worst time to cruise to Bermuda
• 10 annoying habits that will make you the least popular person on a cruise
• Cruise ships change itineraries to avoid Hurricane Milton
• Royal Caribbean’s new Bahamas Beach Club looks ready to start building

New RCB Video: Royal Caribbean banned an important cruise item (DON'T bring it onboard!)

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 banned an important cruise item (DON'T bring it onboard!).

Don't forget to like and subscribe!

Rude things people do during a show on a cruise ship

Among the unwritten rules of going on a cruise are things you shouldn't do during a show.

Royal Caribbean has made a name for itself by offering the best entertainment at sea, and these shows are just as intricate and formal as Broadway or West End production.

Being on vacation isn't carte blanche to do whatever you want.

Loyalty Perks Beyond the Cruise: Using Crown & Anchor Society Rewards on Land

Smart cruisers can use their Royal Caribbean loyalty program rewards on more than just Royal Caribbean cruises.

Crown and Anchor Society members receive special benefits on land as well.

From Las Vegas casinos to Hertz car rentals, here's how to take advantage of these perks.

I tried a Celebrity cruise again and the loyalty benefits blew me away

Matt recently tried sailing Celebrity Cruises, taking a 3-night cruise on Celebrity Reflection. 

While there were aspects he didn't like, the loyalty benefits amazed him. 

Since Royal Caribbean now matches loyalty programs across all brands, Matt could enjoy the highest level of rewards on just his third Celebrity cruise.

How to choose the perfect cabin on Royal Caribbean's newest ships

Want to sail on Royal Caribbean's newest and biggest ships?

The latest iterations for the cruise line—whether that's Wonder of the Seas, Icon of the Seas, or Utopia of the Seas—feature some innovative, luxurious cabins. Cruisers can choose between dozens of cabin categories to find the stateroom that best fits their preferences.

Here's how to choose the perfect cabin for your needs.

Happy weekend! We have a look back at all the Royal Caribbean news from this week to share with all of you.

Royal Caribbean cut Icon of the Seas' trip a stop early and canceled its upcoming voyage.

Royal Caribbean did not specify what issue is affecting the ship, just stating it had to do it due to "unplanned maintenance."

Anyone booked on the Icon of the Seas September 28th sailing got a 100% refund, including taxes and fees, and Future Cruise Credit. In addition, all pre-paid packages and gratuities, amenities, and shore excursions were refunded.

Royal Caribbean News

• Unexpected perks of cruising during the off-season
• I spent 5 days eating on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship. Here's everything I ate, including some dishes I'd skip
• Exclusive benefits for Pinnacle members: What makes it worth it?
• Future Hurricane Helene path forces Royal Caribbean to change cruise ship itineraries
• Top 5 largest Royal Caribbean ships: Why size matters
• Royal Caribbean banned outlet extenders on its cruise ships. Its change started a debate what's allowed
• Oasis vs. Quantum Class: Which is right for your next cruise?
• The ultimate guide to freebies on a Royal Caribbean cruise
• Comparing Royal Caribbean balcony cabins: Standard vs. spacious vs. virtual
• Is a cruise concierge worth it? Here's what you really get
• 4 lesser-known perks of Royal Caribbean's Crown & Anchor program
• Hurricane Helene taught 3 important lessons about taking a cruise
• Royal Caribbean clarifies ban it made to a commonly packed travel item
• 5 things everyone gets wrong about Perfect Day at CocoCay

New Royal Caribbean Blog Video: Cruise expert answers Alaska cruise tips from Reddit

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 expert answers Alaska cruise tips from Reddit.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 545th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available!

Matt went back on Celebrity to give it another try. This time, he took a 3-night cruise on Celebrity Reflection that visited Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Don't forget to subscribe for more updates via iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, or RSS.

You can also leave a review on iTunes, so go ahead and check it out.

Hurricane Helene forces Royal Caribbean to delay cruise ship return

Cruise ships are making all sorts of changes to avoid the path of Hurricane Helene, including cruises from Tampa. Serenade of the Seas was delayed returning to port by two days because of the storm.

A letter given to guests explained, "Due to the planned closure of the Port of Tampa and to stay clear of the hurricane, we'll have to delay our return to our homeport. We'll now arrive in Tampa on Sunday, September 29th, and enjoy some extra sea days along the way."

Here's when Royal Caribbean will put new 2026-2027 cruises on sale

We now know when Royal Caribbean will open up the first set of new 2026-2027 bookings.

The cruise line posted the dates the public can begin booking new cruises beyond what's currently available.

Royal Caribbean will release the new sailings in two parts: in the fall and again in the spring. The good news is the first deployments will come out a bit earlier than usual, beginning in October.

Royal Caribbean to add Back to the Future musical 

Royal Caribbean has not made any announcement yet, but the entertainment team posted an ad for auditions that indicates what the company's plans may be for Star of the Seas.

According to a post on the Royal Caribbean Productions Facebook page and its own website, the cruise line is holding auditions for Back to the Future: The Musical next month in London.

The open call for auditions says, "All performers hired for BACK TO THE FUTURE (3-4 performances weekly) will also perform in an original Royal Caribbean Signature Production onboard the STAR of the Seas (3-4 performances weekly)."

Happy Sunday, and welcome back to an edition of our Royal Caribbean news round-up. We'll summarize all the latest news from the cruise line, so just sit back, relax, and read on.

Royal Caribbean has quietly updated its banned item list to include something many people bring on a cruise.

The list has many items you'd expect to find on the list, such as weapons or illegal drugs, but the latest change is a headscratcher.

The inclusion of multi-outlet plugs on the list means keeping devices charged in a cabin on older cruise ships will be more of a challenge going forward.

Royal Caribbean News

• See the massive record-breaking 367-ton dome Royal Caribbean added to its next megaship
• I stayed in the cheapest cabin on Vision of the Seas.
• Royal Caribbean luggage tags & holders you must have
• Hidden Gems: Lesser-Known Features on Royal Caribbean's Smaller Ships
• Boardwalk vs. Surfside: What to expect in Royal Caribbean's family neighborhood
• Strange Texas law could limit your drinks on the first day of your cruise
• How Royal Caribbean's Crown & Anchor Society works for kids and teens
• 5 things to know before taking a European cruise
• The secrets to achieving Diamond status quickly on Royal Caribbean
• Best cruises to maximize Crown & Anchor loyalty benefits

New RCB Video: 5 things to avoid on Royal Caribbean (and what to do instead)

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 things to avoid on Royal Caribbean (and what to do instead)—and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Influencers left kids alone in cruise ship cabin sparks controversy

Two famous social media influencers recently sparked outrage after leaving their children alone in a cruise ship cabin.

While onboard Navigator of the Seas, Matt, and Abby Howard posted that they left their 1 and 2-year-old children unattended during dinner.

The Internet had a lot to say regarding the matter.

What cruisers are doing instead of buying a drink package

Drink packages have never been more expensive, and cruisers are starting to look for other options.

Deluxe drink packages are a popular add-on, but prices are regularly rising to over $100 a day, per person. 

Many cruisers are moving on to other, less expensive ways of purchasing alcoholic and specialty drinks onboard.

How to earn Crown & Anchor Society points faster

Looking to move up in the loyalty society levels?

Royal Caribbean's Crown & Anchor Society provides some great benefits for its loyal cruisers, and there are strategies one can use to earn more points.

From staying in a suite to cruising solo, you can move up the loyalty ladder faster with a few tricks.

Cruise mistakes you’ll only make once

There's a good chance these cruise mistakes are so bad, that if you ever made them, you'd never do it again.

Among the many things you could do differently on a cruise vacation, a handful stand out as major oopsies.

You can easily avoid these mistakes by knowing what to do instead.