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

Royal Caribbean added a new California home port.

More cruise ships will be sailing from the west coast, as the cruise line announced it will expand to a new homeport in San Diego.

The new west coast deployments were released this week, including two ships from Los Angeles.

Royal Caribbean News

• Where to save and splurge on a cruise vacation
• Photos show new Bahamas beach club is inching closer to completion
• It's too late to book a spring break cruise, but here's what an expert says you should book instead
• 4 common Facebook cruise vacation scams
• 7 reasons to avoid cruises with lots of port stops
• My family went on Icon of the Seas. We hated the tech, but loved the ship
• I always choose this time to have my cruise room cleaned. It's not perfect but I think it's the most convenient
• I used to always book a cabin on a high deck on a cruise ship, but now I prefer a low deck room instead

New RCB Video: What I wish someone told me about food 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—What I wish someone told me about food on a cruise— and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Why Royal Caribbean's price match is the best way to take advantage of price drops

Did you know you could take advantage of a price drop?

It's not very well known, but there is a mechanism for price adjustments, but there are a few caveats.

The ability to re-price cruises has saved me thousands of dollars over the years, and it's the best way to get a cruise deal.

Royal Caribbean sued by passenger after jet ski accident at CocoCay

A lawsuit was filed by a passenger against Royal Caribbean after an accident at their private island.

The lawsuit alleges the person was on a jet ski excursion and was hit by a jet ski operated by the tour operator.

She claimed she suffered four spinal fractures and extensive internal injuries and is seeking $5 million in damages.

4 Royal Caribbean extra costs I never thought I'd buy

I may have scoffed at these extra costs at one point, but now they're always in my cart.

Royal Caribbean trots out new options all the time, and a few have resonated with me as must-buys.

Part of the fun of going on vacation is splurging and enjoying your time, and I have four I always look to buy first.

Vintage photos of a Royal Caribbean cruise in the 70s and 80s

I love looking back at the way cruise ships used to look, especially before the age of the megaship.

Cruise ships have evolved a lot, including what they and passengers looked like.  Mirroring society, cruise ships have moved on with the times and they looked a lot different 40 years ago.

While ships were big for their time, they definitely had a few key differences compared to ships today.

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

Almost 100 people are sick on one Royal Caribbean cruise ship this week.

An outbreak of gastrointestinal illness has been reported on Radiance of the Seas, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The issue was reported to the CDC on Tuesday, with symptoms including diarrhea and vomiting.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean is adding a new casino to one of its ships in an unusual spot that non-smokers will love
• How do you actually redeem your Royal Caribbean loyalty benefits?
• NCL orders new giant cruise ships to compete with Royal Caribbean
• 14 things to do before a cruise
• Royal Caribbean is giving cruise passengers a report on how much they lost in the casino last year
• The weird thing passengers have to do when Royal Caribbean's new cruise ship is refueled

Video: What it’s REALLY like in Royal Caribbean’s ultra-expensive suites

Have you subscribed to the Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube Channel? We share some great videos there regularly, all about taking a Royal Caribbean cruise! This week, we are sharing our latest video — What it’s REALLY like in Royal Caribbean’s ultra-expensive suites — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

How old is too old to go on a cruise?

Is there such thing as being too old to cruise?

Royal Caribbean is a family cruise brand that appeals to all demographics, and seniors are certainly one of the top groups going on a cruise.

Anyone over the age of 60 should take certain precautions before going on a cruise ship, just in case.

The little known bed upgrade you can ask for

If Royal Caribbean's beds are too firm for you, there is an option to fix that.

Some people complain the beds on a cruise are hard, but you can ask your stateroom attendant for a fix.

Between mattress pads and DIY solutions, it could mean a much better night's sleep.

I sailed on two Royal Caribbean ships on the same itinerary, and there was a clear winner

How similar is it when you go on different ships to the same place?

Within a month of both sailings, I went on Voyager of the Seas and Enchantment of the Seas to Cozumel, Mexico, doing almost the exact same itinerary.

The experience was remarkably different on each, and it highlights how important choosing the right ship can be.

7 foods that cruisers call Royal Caribbean's best-kept secrets

The food on a cruise is just as exciting as the places I'll visit or things to do onboard.

I think there are a handful of foods on Royal Caribbean that are some of the least-well known, but taste so good.

Maybe you can try one of these underrated finds on your next cruise.

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

Is it as bad as you might think to go on one of Royal Caribbean's oldest and smallest cruise ships?

Matt was reluctant to try Enchantment of the Seas because it lacked so many things to do found on newer and bigger ships, but he went on a 4-night sailing to give it a try.

With the right mindset, he found Enchantment was better than he expected and it's a good reminder about the value of these ships.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean moves up inaugural sailing for Star of the Seas and adds two new sailings
• Much loved Royal Caribbean cruise ship Captain retires with surprise party
• Celebrity Cruises will start offering river cruises in 2027
• One-of-a-kind ex-Royal Caribbean cruise ship is heading to the scrapyard
• 10 New river cruise ships ordered for Celebrity Cruises – what we know so far
• I went on the cruise ship that gets lots of hate
• Photo tour of spacious balcony cabin on Enchantment of the Seas
• Behind Royal Caribbean's Next Big Bet: Private Islands and Beach Clubs
• I sailed on an older Royal Caribbean ship and a newer one. The big changes show how much focus there is on food
• I went to the beach club in Cozumel, Mexico all the locals always rave about
• Golden Retriever has been living on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship for a year

Video: I put Royal Caribbean's cheap, oldest cruise ship to the test

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 put Royal Caribbean's cheap, oldest cruise ship to the test — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Royal Caribbean delays new deployments again

The deployment schedule for new sailings has been changed, resulting in needing to wait a few more weeks.

The change affects three region's 2026-2027 cruise deployments: short Caribbean, seasonal Caribbean, and Australia.

An updated schedule is now available, with the first set coming out later this week.

10 commandments of a great cruise vacation

While some travel advice may be specific to a situation, there are certain things everyone should do for a great cruise vacation.

You don't have to plan out every minute of the trip, but it does behoove you to adhere to a core set of important advice to avoid mistakes later.

In thinking about the breadth of cruise advice I can provide, I came up with the 10 most important cruise tips possible that apply to just about everyone. 

13 things Royal Caribbean has learned about Icon of the Seas in its first year

In the one year Icon of the Seas has been cruising, Royal Caribbean has studied every aspect of it to learn what's worked well.

Royal Caribbean's Product Development team has analyzed guest feedback, and conducted research on the ship to determine the important lessons learned.

These results are being incorporated into future ships, as well as being helpful to someone going on Icon soon.

Royal Caribbean cruise prices are rising—why you should book now

Royal Caribbean reported its fourth quarter earnings to Wall Street this week, and it illustrated why you want to book a cruise now instead of waiting.

Not only did Royal Caribbean experience fantastic growth in the last quarter, but they anticipate demand going up again in 2025 along with prices.

If you're someone that considered waiting to see where prices go, it's quite likely the cost of a cruise will only go up this year.

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

Royal Caribbean has really big plans for the next few years with new ships, places to visit, and brand new ways to vacation.

With its business doing incredibly well, Royal Caribbean is poised to add new cruise ships and private destinations to its roster.

Not only will these new offerings bring in new business, but the cruise line wants to further distinguish itself from other vacation choices as something truly unique.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean is re-opening an attraction with a new idea
• Royal Caribbean cancels a sailing of one of its cruise ships to complete maintenance work
• What to expect on Royal Caribbean theme nights
• 10 hacks to maximize the cruise casino perks
• 10 things I'd recommend if someone is new to cruise ship travel
• 12 things I always look forward to on every sailing
• Survey says 50% of cruisers dress up for formal night
• Celebrity Cruises just spent $1 billion to order another new cruise ship
• Celebrity Cruises will let everyone vote on the look, food, and entertainment on its next new cruise ship

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 554th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, all about what people that have never cruised before get wrong about 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.

New RCB Video: What you need to know about Royal Caribbean's Oasis Class ships

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 — Guide to Oasis Class ships — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

5 things crew members hate when cruise passengers do

Crew members on a ship see a lot, but a few things truly irritate them when passengers do it.

Occasionally, there's something a passenger does during their cruise that can be frustrating for a crew member to deal with.

A list appeared on the internet, and it's a good reminder of what not to do.

Royal Caribbean cancels more cruise ship visits to San Juan, Puerto Rico

It appears repairs to the pier in San Juan, Puerto Rico are not yet complete.

Guests booked on sailings in February 2025 received emails to inform them their scheduled visit has been replaced with other plans.

This is an ongoing issue with the port due to damage to the pier, which prevents Royal Caribbean's Oasis Class ships from docking there.

A $20 DIY hammock transformed this cruise ship balcony

The best balcony hack might be bringing your own hammock onboard.

One cruiser shared photos of how he brought a cheap $20 hammock on his cruise to add more value and enjoyment from his balcony.

He was able to attach it easily to the beams because there are holes in each beam, which was the perfect size for clamping the hammock onto it.

17 mistakes you can avoid making on cruise ship sea days

A sea day is when you have all day to enjoy everything your ship has to offer, but you certainly don't want to waste them.

I think most people want to get as much out of their vacation as possible, and sea days are when you get the most time on the ship to eat, see, and enjoy it all.

If you want to take advantage of what your ship has to offer, I'd avoid these 17 sea day mistakes.

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

We will have to wait a few more weeks for the next round of cruise sailings.

Royal Caribbean delayed its spring release of 2026-2027 deployments.

It's not unheard of for deployments to be delayed, as they are complicated and sometimes need more time to coordinate all the plans properly.

Royal Caribbean News

• Beloved Royal Caribbean cruise ship Captain announces retirement
• "Super Mario" takes is 1,000th cruise with Royal Caribbean
• Royal Caribbean wants to pay artists to create works for its new cruise ship
• Royal Caribbean ship delayed returning to Baltimore after medical evacuation
• The US shared a travel warning to a place my cruise is going. Should I worry?
• Answers to cruise cabin questions you're too embarrassed to ask
• 7 Things I instantly regret not bringing that cost less than $10 on a cruise
• Big Ships vs. Small Ships: Is one a better choice?
• My favorite spot to go to at CocoCay has gotten better
• I've cruised for 30 years and tried new things on Royal Caribbean ships, but wouldn't do them all again
• How to save money on internet by not buying everyone an internet package

Video: worst cruise mistakes that will ruin 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 — 20 worst cruise mistakes that will ruin your cruise vacation — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

11 reasons why eating at the buffet instead of the Main Dining Room is better

The buffet on your cruise is more than just a place for a casual meal, it's arguably a better place to eat dinner too.

While the Main Dining Room is beautiful and has terrific service, you might consider eating at the Windjammer instead for the simplicity and speed it offers.

Plus, the Windjammer food variety is impressive, especially if you have picky eaters.

Cruiser liked Carnival better after only cruising with Royal Caribbean

After years of sailing with Royal Caribbean, one cruiser tried Carnival and liked it a lot.

The person detailed their experience on Reddit, sharing what they preferred with Carnival.

"I am SO SO glad we booked! We had been loyal to Royal previously and have Emerald status. We will still do Royal, and eventually want to try Icon [of the Seas], but I feel like my first cruise on Carnival has beat my last two on Royal."

The cruise excursion idea you might have that's really a mistake

I know what you're thinking, and it's actually a bad idea waiting to happen.

Some cruisers will try to fit two different shore excursions into the same day because it looks like they can fit it into their schedule.

The reality is you don't have as much time as you think, and the rigors of trying to do two tours adds up quickly.

What you should know about your cruise room before you arrive

Your cruise ship cabin isn't exactly like a hotel room, so there are important things you should know about it.

From better utilizing your room to things that won't be there, new cruisers might be surprised what's waiting for them in their stateroom.

Check out the important things you should know before you arrive in your cabin about your room.

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

When you finally get into your cruise ship cabin, there's a list of 15 things I'd recommend doing immediately.

Some of the things on the list are about preventing problems later, while others are what you can do to get into "cruise mode" faster.

No matter which type of stateroom you book, it's a good idea to get it situated on the first day so there's less to do later and you can fully enjoy your vacation!

Royal Caribbean News

• Legionnaires' later diagnosed with 2 separate cruise ship passengers after getting home
• Royal Caribbean will change cruise ships based from Los Angeles
• Royal Caribbean drops onboard credit offer for long cruises booked during a sailing
• Utopia of the Seas cruise ship review
• Wonder of the Seas cruise ship review
• Royal Caribbean just added 3 new drink specials to a cruise ship and it looks like a great deal
• Royal Caribbean moved its Italian restaurant on two ships. One was a controversial, but the other has a beautiful setting
• I let my kids roam now on their own on a Royal Caribbean cruise, but I added these 6 rules
• 10 Reasons people end up disappointed with their cruise vacation
• Can you bring water on a cruise? Royal Caribbean rules you need to know
• I tried 8 cruise tips that didn't work as well as I hoped once on the ship

New RCB Video: 5 Things I'll do differently on Royal Caribbean in 2025

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 I'll do differently on Royal Caribbean in 2025 — and don’t forget to subscribe to our channel.

25 Do's and Don'ts for your Royal Caribbean cruise

Ready to start 2025 with the right approach to cruising?

Before you head out to your ship, we have a list of 25 things you should and shouldn't do for your cruise.

From pre-cruise planning to mistakes to avoid on the ship, it's a great list of faux pas and recommendations anyone can take advantage of.

How I find cheap cruises for as little as around $100 a day

It's more difficult than ever to find cheap cruise deals, but they exist.  Assuming you look in the right places.

Sky-high demand for cruise bookings have evaporated many of the deals that used be commonplace, but if you're very flexible and know where to look, there are still good prices out there.

If you want to find a cruise deal, you'll need to be savvy. 

These are 6 of the most overrated tourist attractions I've ever seen

I hate tourist traps because of that feeling that I've wasted my time and money on something truly uninspiring.

There's some debate as to what constitutes a true tourist trap, but in my cruises, I've run across at least 6 places that I knew were overrated wastes of time.

Not everyone will agree, but I feel strongly there are certain places you can visit on a cruise ship that should be skipped.

Cruise purchases vacationers instantly regretted

Have you ever bought something and knew immediately it was a mistake? A lot of cruisers have had the same feeling of remorse related to what they bought on a cruise.

Everyone's tastes are different, but hundreds of past cruise ship passengers shared recently what they bought on a cruise and wish they hadn't. 

Some of the things are commonly cited gripes, while others were a bit of a surprise.

Welcome to the first week of 2025, and here is your look at all of the Royal Caribbean news you might have missed in the past week.

Ready for your first cruise of the year? There have been updates to what you can't bring on the ship.

In just the past few months, Royal Caribbean updated its list of things you can't bring on a cruise anymore.  And that's in addition to things people commonly pack that are still not allowed.

Before you leave home, make sure you leave these 5 things at home before your cruise begins.

Royal Caribbean News

• 12 Royal Caribbean guests sue cruise line, former crew member over hidden camera in cabins
• 7 Best Royal Caribbean cruise destinations you can visit
• I take a dozen cruises every year. Here's the 20 things I do before every sailing begins
• Cruise splurges I made in 2024. Some weren't worth it
• 12 ways Royal Caribbean’s made its app the best in the cruise industry
• I tried the shore excursion that got shut down. The beach was great, but the tour was too expensive
• Real ID deadline is coming in the spring of 2025. How to get one now
• Here's What To Expect From This Year's After-Christmas Sale

Video: I'm not buying these things on my cruise in 2025

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'm not buying these things on my cruise in 2025 — and don’t forget to subscribe to our channel.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 553rd episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, with wishes for Royal Caribbean in the new year.

Matt and Billy share their annual tradition of making three wishes each for what they want to see changed within Royal Caribbean.

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.

Man spent $160 per day to reach Diamond status tier in just 30 days

One cruiser decided to get to Diamond status in Crown and Anchor Society in just one month.

The person went from Gold to Diamond in 30 days by booking back-to-back cruises and sailing various routes. 

He started his month-long journey with 21 cruise points. By the end, he had reached Diamond status, accumulating a total of 81 cruise points.

I tried Royal Caribbean’s luxury Star Class suite for the first time for $11,000

Jenna tried her first Star Class cabin, and while the perks were amazing, she thinks she might enjoy a cruise just as much in an inside cabin.

She sailed in a two bedroom AquaTheater suite on Utopia of the Seas, which came with the services of a Royal Genie, and access to the suite-only areas of the ship.

The price of these suites is a tough pill to swallow, especially when you consider how much money can be saved by staying in a lower category cabin.

One of the best Royal Caribbean cruise ships of all time is waiting to be rediscovered

Voyager of the Seas is 25 years old, but it's a great ship that should not be overlooked.

The 137,276-ton cruise ship was a game changer when she debuted.

Matt sailed on Voyager for the first time, and he was impressed by how this mega ship remains a compelling choice.

Happy New Year! Before we pop champagne and toast to a better year next year, we have a look back at all the Royal Caribbean news from this week to share.

Royal Caribbean had an amazing 2024, and its CEO celebrated just how good a year it has been.

Michael Bayley is the President and CEO of Royal Caribbean International and shared a holiday greeting summing up everything the cruise line did to make it an incredible year.

From launching two new ships, to announcing a new private beach day, to other firsts, Mr. Bayley is very proud of how good this year has been.

Royal Caribbean News

• These were the 5 cleanest Royal Caribbean cruise ships this year, according to the CDC
• More cruises to Puerto Rico cancelled, with no update yet on when it will get fixed
• The cruise ship safety drill could be even faster and better with important changes, inventor says
• Are last-minute cruises cheaper?
• 6 tips for the best time to buy Royal Caribbean 
• Caribbean island is hiking port fees for cruise ship passengers
• After 17 cruises in 2024, these are the best things I did on Royal Caribbean cruise ships this year

Video: How much I tip everyone 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 — How much I tip everyone on a cruise — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Royal Caribbean perfected the sports court, solving the top reason I always avoided them

There are sports courts on every cruise ship, but the SeaPlex is the only sports court Matt will visit.

Sports courts on cruise ships have been around for a while, but the Quantum Class ships have a different take on it, and the difference is significant.

Between climatizing the space, integrating a sports bar, and offering more activities than ever, the SeaPlex is so much more enjoyable.

Best first-time cruise destinations

Is there are a better cruise to take if it's your first cruise than another?

After cruising for decades, it seems clear certain sailings are a better choice than others for someone that has never been on a cruise ship.

Whether it's because of the destination, length, or ship choice, there are certain itineraries that are best for first-time cruisers.

What surprised me staying in Royal Caribbean's biggest suites

When you book one of the biggest suites on a cruise ship, you expect lots of space, but there are a few surprises too.

Matt sailed in some of the biggest suites you can book this year, and there were a few takeaways he wasn't expecting.

While these rooms are far from cheap, they include top tier service and you'll want to take full advantage of everything offered.

How a balcony cabin on 5 ships differs

Balcony cabins are the most popular cruise ship room category, but they can be different from each other.

Royal Caribbean offers sub-categories of balcony rooms that mix up the amenities, size, and location.

While the core experience is the same across them all, one stood out as being the best value.

Merry Christmas! The holidays are here, and so is our weekly round up of this week's Royal Caribbean news.

The big Royal Caribbean news this week centered around a passenger that died soon after being detained for chaotic incident caught on video.

The man allegedly attacked two crew members aboard the Navigator of the Seas and was attempting to kick down a door to a towel room.

According to the man's family, he died shortly after being detained by ship security.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean quietly adds new surcharges to its most expensive suite program
• Royal Caribbean cruisers are getting accidentally hit with a fee. What I do every cruise to avoid it
• Video: Cruise Ship Medical Evacuation 40 Miles From Shore
• I went on a Royal Caribbean ship that is a cult favorite among cruisers to see why they liked it so much
• I spent 70 days on Royal Caribbean cruise ships this year. Here are 6 things I always do onboard
• Why every hardcore Royal Caribbean fan will be on Utopia of the Seas on September 22
• Dancer reveals her tiny crew-only cabin she lives in on a cruise ship
• Royal Caribbean updates: How to ban yourself from the casino, Beach club construction photos and more
• I paid $100 for a specialty restaurant on Royal Caribbean. It was pricey, but I loved the food

Video: 5 big changes coming to Royal Caribbean in 2025

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 big changes coming to Royal Caribbean in 2025 — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 552nd episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, with a first-timer's guide to Star Class.

Royal Caribbean's top tier suite program offers a tantalizing amount of service and choices well above anything else you can find on its ships.  So how can you properly take advantage of it all?

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 $11,000 suite on Royal Caribbean's Utopia of the Seas

Want to experience a mega suite with equally impressive amenities?

The two bedroom AquaTheater Suite on Utopia of the Seas is the least expensive Star Class cabin you'll find, and Jenna got to try it out for the first time.

It has two full bedrooms and bathrooms, along with the biggest cruise ship balcony you've probably ever seen.

Crew member reported overboard from Royal Caribbean ship

Passengers on Vision of the Seas reported a rescue effort to locate a crew member that went overboard.

Reports from the ship indicate the crew attempted to locate the person in the ocean, but search efforts were unsuccessful.

A ship-wide announcement was made to alert crew that someone had gone overboard.  Later, the Captain informed guests it had been a crew member.

Royal Caribbean passenger refused to pay for expensive medication after a severe allergic reaction

A woman complained on TikTok about how much she was charged for medicine on a ship after suffering an allergic reaction.

The woman went to her ship's medical center to get treatment, but balked at a cost of $390 for Benadryl.

She refused to pay it, and her story triggered hundreds of comments from cruisers who reacted to her experience.

6 places I avoid on a cruise ship

Matt goes on lots of cruises, but realized he tends to skip a few venues all the time.

Sometimes these areas he doesn't go to are a matter of personal preference, while other times he thinks it's a mistake to go there.

Everyone has their own cruising style, and it's easy to overlook an area or simply run out of time to get there too.

Merry Christmas! The holidays are here, and so is our weekly round up of the articles and news we shared about Royal Caribbean.

The first Royal Beach Club is set to open in December 2025.

Royal Caribbean revealed plans for its exclusive beach experience in Nassau, Bahamas and confirmed it will be an all-inclusive experience.

Not only will it have beaches, pools, and great food, it will also have an epic over-the-top family cabana you can rent.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean's plan to fix the problem with a very popular cruise port
• Yacht collides with Royal Caribbean cruise ship
• I got seasick on two cruises. Here's what I'll do differently next time
• Royal Caribbean reveals behind-the-scenes secret to how cruise ships make their own water
• How much can you save by sailing on an older Royal Caribbean cruise ship?
• The best cruise travel gifts from Amazon’s holiday shop
• I eat in the cruise ship buffet often, but so many people overlook the best food option
• Carnival is revamping its private island to better compete with Royal Caribbean's offering
• Taking a cruise from the UK in 2025? You'll need to do something new this year
• Experts share which cruise line and ship are the best, and it's no surprise to us
• Mexico delays huge new tourist tax
• Water leak floods hallway on Royal Caribbean cruise ship

Video: Cruise try-hard fails: What were they thinking?!

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 try-hard fails: What were they thinking?! — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

A Royal Caribbean gift card deal was so good, they had to pull it down immediately

You might have missed out on the best cruise discount we've seen in a long time.

Royal Caribbean offered up to 20% off its gift cards, and so many people bought it that the promotion ended more than a week earlier than expected.

It offered up to $400 off gift card purchases, and sales exploded as soon as word began to circulate about the offer.

Royal Caribbean changes policy on how it serves beverages

It appears getting an alcoholic beverage in a can requires it to be opened.

Reports began circulating that a policy change has been made to require a can of beer to be served opened, rather than closed.

This has annoyed some cruisers, who liked being able to collect cans to enjoy later in their cabin.

I booked an inside cabin, but hated how dark it was

Inside cabins can save a lot of money, but they have big downside too.

Everything about Matt's inside cabin on Serenade of the Seas was great, but having no natural light disrupted his morning routine.

He'll make changes on his next cruise to account for this issue.

9 cruise traditions that probably confuse new cruisers

Someone who has never cruised before might be surprised by some of the cruise norms.

Cruises are different from any other kind of vacation, and if you're brand new to it all, prepare to embrace these differences. 

The virtual muster drill is still the best change in the cruise industry

Arguably the best change on a cruise ship in recent memory was the eMuster drill.

Implemented in 2021, eMuster has made embarkation day better for crew and guests, while making it easier to convey important information.

Surprisingly, there's still one cruise line that refuses to adopt it.