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

Royal Caribbean is going to bring its new cruise ship into service earlier than expected.

There's a new showcase sailing added for Star of the Seas, which means the ship will begin sailing even sooner.

The second Icon Class ship will have a fourth showcase sailing leading up to her official inaugural.

Royal Caribbean News

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

I always do 4 things at the buffet on every cruise I go to because it improves my meal every time

Have you subscribed to the Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube Channel? We share some great videos there regularly, all about taking a Royal Caribbean cruise! This week, we are sharing our latest video — I always do 4 things at the buffet on every cruise I go to because it improves my meal every time — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

I always pack two things for my cruise bathroom that you need too

There are two easy ways to make your cabin bathroom better, and it's simple.

I bring two things on every cruise and it makes a difference.

Covering both comfort and hygiene, I'd recommend them to anyone cruising.

6 things to know about Royal Caribbean's immersive train restaurant before you go

Royal Caribbean's most popular restaurant has to be Royal Railway, and you need to be prepared for it.

It's a full experience, and has quickly become the hottest ticket right now.

I have a list of things you should know before you even try to book it so you don't miss out.

3 times you shouldn't book a shore excursion during your cruise vacation

The places your cruise ship visits is likely a highlight of any trip, but you don't always need a tour.

While you could certainly explore any port on your own, I think there are a handful that truly are best for walking around and exploring on foot.

In certain ports of call, I think you can easily skip booking a tour and be making a smart decision.

13 Royal Caribbean dining mistakes you should avoid on any cruise

Eating on a cruise seems pretty simple, but there are a few mistakes to avoid or ways to make it better.

Maximizing your cruise dining is all about what, where, and when you eat.

I came up with these 13 Royal Caribbean cruise dining mistakes and how to avoid each of them.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 566th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, sharing what to do in London before or after a cruise.

Jessica Dante joins Matt this week to share her tips for how to have a great visit in London and avoid common mistakes.

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

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

Royal Caribbean's Star of the Seas has begun sea trials.

The newest ship in the Royal Caribbean fleet headed out for the first time into the open ocean to ensure all of its systems work the way they should, such as the propulsion, navigation and safety systems.

Sea trials are the final step of a ship's construction prior to being delivered to the cruise line.

Royal Caribbean News

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

Video: New Rules Of A Cruise This Summer To Follow

Have you subscribed to the Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube Channel? We share some great videos there regularly, all about taking a Royal Caribbean cruise! This week, we are sharing our latest video — New Rules Of A Cruise This Summer To Follow — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

I always try to carry my luggage off my ship at the end of the cruise because it's faster

Whenever possible, I'll take my own bags off the ship rather than wait for them to be delivered to the terminal.

I prefer to "rip the band-aid off" when my vacation comes to an end, and often I'm looking to get going and get home sooner than later.

Carrying my own luggage off the ship allows more flexibility in when I want to disembark, especially if I want to be off early.

16 secrets every Royal Caribbean cruiser should know

There are certain secrets the cruise line won't tell you, and I came up with a list of the best ones.

These are secrets that people that cruise a lot pick up on, and now you can take advantage of them too.

I hope some of these will make it easier for you to have a better cruise in the future.

Royal Caribbean ship helps protect another cruise ship

Strong winds necessitated one Royal Caribbean ship to step in and help another with getting out of port.

When Enchantment of the Seas was attempting to leave Costa Maya, it was so windy that it wasn't possible on its own.

Instead, Wonder of the Seas positioned itself to block the winds and make it easier for Enchantment to get out.

Royal Caribbean emails guests about possible Legionnaires' disease on a cruise ship

People that sailed on a recent Symphony of the Seas cruise were notified another passenger later was diagnosed with Legionnaires' disease.

An email explained the person had sailed on Symphony of the Seas was later diagnosed with Legionella. As a precaution, the cruise line is notifying passengers.

It's unknown where the person contracted it, and it may not have been on the ship.

I always overpack for my cruise, even though experts say not to do it

So many travel experts recommend not overpacking, but I do it anyway.

I understand the logic behind not overpacking, but I find there's more benefit in it because of all the different themes, events, and needs you may have during a cruise.

Ultimately, I'd rather regret the heft in my luggage than not having clothes I need later.

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

A lazy-crazy river and water slide towers are just the start of Royal Caribbean's plans for Perfect Day Mexico.

Opening in fall 2027, Royal Caribbean revealed this week all of its plans for Perfect Day Mexico.

Also announced are the plans for its two beach clubs, as well as a new private destination in Vanuatu.

Royal Caribbean News

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

Cruise tips that sound strange but really work

Trust, these travel tips really work, even if they sound bizarre.

New cruisers might be surprised by a few cruise tips that get shared because they either sound unintuitive or something completely different than they're used to.

I can vouch from experience these cruise tips really do work, even if they sound very odd.

Royal Caribbean makes casino change for non-smokers

The newest non-smoking casino is open.

Royal Caribbean opened another non-smoking casino on Utopia of the Seas, this one replacing the comedy club onboard.

Construction took a month, but a second non-smoking venue is now open on the ship.

These 13 travel essentials made my flight to Europe fly by

Jenna just got back from a trip to Europe, a few essentials made a big difference during the flight.

Flying to Barcelona to check out Allure of the Seas meant taking an economy class flight across the Atlantic.  By no means is that an enjoyable experience on its own.

After careful testing, certain travel accessories really do help improve the flight when traveling that long a time.

The underrated Florida cruise port with the best value

Among all the ports you can sail from in Florida, Tampa is clearly the best if you're on a budget.

Cruises from Tampa are easy to access, and probably the cheapest fares you'll find right now.

With cruise prices only seemingly going up, the best deals are on Florida's west coast.

New RCB Video: Royal Caribbean just shared Perfect Day Mexico, Beach Club Info & More

Have you subscribed to the Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube Channel? We share some great videos there regularly, all about taking a Royal Caribbean cruise! This week, we are sharing our latest video — Royal Caribbean just shared Perfect Day Mexico, Beach Club Info & More — and don’t forget to subscribe to our channel.

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

Cruisers on one Royal Caribbean ship were offered a pretty incredible deal if they were willing to be flexible with their vacation plans.

A sailing on Allure of the Seas may have been oversold, so guests were asked if they'd consider changing their ship or sail date.

The offer was to look for volunteers, and you could essentially get a free cruise and refund to change sailings.

Royal Caribbean News

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

Mexico compromises on controversial cruise tax

A proposed $42 per passenger cruise tax has been greatly reduced, thanks to negotiations by the cruise industry.

Instead of charging $42 for each passenger, Mexico will introduce the cruise tax at a rate of $5 per passenger to start.

The new tax goes into effect July 1, 2025.

Royal Caribbean is re-routing ships away from Haiti into August

More cruise ship visits to Royal Caribbean's private beach in Haiti are being cancelled.

Ship sail dates as far out as August are now being re-routed from Labadee, which is a significant departure from making short-term changes to itineraries.  

The updated schedules reflect the dire situation in Haiti and the cruise line's caution in resuming visits anytime soon.

Royal Caribbean shuts down its private island this week for maintenance work

Something you don't see every day (or week) is Perfect Day at CocoCay without any Royal Caribbean ships.

Royal Caribbean actually shut down its private island for a week to conduct annual maintenance work.

Between May 4 and May 10, no ships visited the island.  It's work that was on the calendar for a while, and helps ensure everything is good to go for another year.

Why you should book a 2026 cruise after last week's Royal Caribbean meeting

If you read between the lines of Royal Caribbean's earnings call last week, it's clear prices are only going up.

In fact, executives disclosed they actually raise prices on cruises as they get close to the sail date in an effort to capitalize on last minute bookings.

As a result, last-minute cruise reservations are going to be more expensive than in the past. 

New RCB Video: 4 Things I ALWAYS Ask My Cabin Attendant For On Every Cruise!

Have you subscribed to the Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube Channel? We share some great videos there regularly, all about taking a Royal Caribbean cruise! This week, we are sharing our latest video — 4 Things I ALWAYS Ask My Cabin Attendant For On Every Cruise! — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 564th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, discussing Royal Caribbean's strategy to target Walt Disney World visitors.

Influencers have a tremendous impact on information shared about cruises today. Griff joins Matt to break down this form of advertising and what it means to cruisers.

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

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

The buffet on a Royal Caribbean ship is still a go-to spot on every sailing, but I'll do 4 things every time I go.

There are so many good choices to pick from, so I'll want to maximize any visit I make to the Windjammer.

By taking advantage of a few key tips, I can ensure my visit is always a satisfying one!

Royal Caribbean News

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

Royal Caribbean stops visiting popular port

One Royal Caribbean ship that skipped Labadee this week actually got onboard credit instead of a replacement port.

Guests sailing on the May 3 voyage of Icon of the Seas were notified by Royal Caribbean their ship would have a sea day instead of visiting Labadee, Haiti.

To make it up to the passengers, Royal Caribbean offered them a per-stateroom credit to spend on board the ship.

How much to tip on a Royal Caribbean cruise?

When and how much to tip on a cruise is a hot button topic, but it's a very commonly asked question.

A lot of new cruisers are unsure what's expected and definitely do not want to insult anyone by stiffing them.

Matt shared exactly how much he tips to give you an idea of what to expect.

Cruise ship passenger regrets cabin choice

One person thought they booked a great cabin, but ended up regretting it because of a noise problem.

The cruiser complained about the "paper thin walls" that prevented them from sleeping while cruising on Allure of the Seas.

As it turned out, the mistake made could have been avoided given the specific room category chosen.

I paid $1,260 for an inside cabin on Allure of the Seas. It was outdated and tiny, but I still enjoyed my cruise

What's it like staying in a small, inside room on the amplified Allure of the Seas?

Jenna paid paid $1,260 for the inside room on the first sailing after the ship returned to service.

The room doesn't have any natural light, but is one of the best values on the ship.

New RCB Video: BOLD predictions about Royal Caribbean's future!

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

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 563rd episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, discussing Royal Caribbean's strategy to target Walt Disney World visitors.

Royal Caribbean has made it no secret they want to attract vacationers who would otherwise go to Walt Disney World and the other attractions in Orlando. How effective will this strategy be, and how do these vacations compare?

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

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

A cruise passenger was arrested after an incident that took place in a Royal Caribbean elevator.

He is accused of attacking another passenger after the victim's wife complained that a group of "kids were jumping up and down on the elevator."

The man is facing a second-degree felony assault charge after a fight occurred on Liberty of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean News

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

New RCB Video: Star of the Seas Deck-by-Deck Ship Preview

Have you subscribed to the Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube Channel? We share some great videos there regularly, all about taking a Royal Caribbean cruise! 

This week, we are sharing our latest video—Star of the Seas Deck-by-Deck SHIP TOUR PREVIEW—don’t forget to subscribe to our channel!

Why Royal Caribbean's major change is stirring debate

Royal Caribbean plans to shift almost all of its Oasis Class ships to short cruises, and that's causing quite a controversy among cruisers.

The strategy is to attract new customers, but established cruisers feel slighted because they don't like going on short cruises and it's cannibalizing what they see as some of the best ships in the fleet.

They dislike the idea of short cruises for their lack of port diversity, higher per-night pricing, and unattractiveness to travel to sail to these cruises.

Royal Caribbean is now selling Star Class VIP perks on its smaller cruise ships

You can start enjoying the very best suite class amenities and perks while booking an inside cabin on a smaller cruise ship.

Royal Caribbean has introduced the "Royal Genie Package" that offers the services of the Royal Genie on ships like Independence of the Seas.

Up until now, it was only available on the biggest and newest ships in the fleet.

I went on a 4-night Allure of the Seas cruise, and here's what everything cost

From the cruise fare to airfare to coffee, Jenna tallied up exactly how much everything costs from start to finish to go on a recent Allure of the Seas cruise.

We often look at just the cruise fare when picking ships, but there's a total vacation cost to account for as well.

It might help you to see the cost of everything to get a better sense of how to better budget for your vacation.

I always ask my cruise ship room attendant for 4 things on every cruise

The one crew member you're likely to interact with the most is your cabin attendant, and Matt always makes the same requests on every sailing.

The cruise line wants you to have an amazing vacation, and that starts with your in-cabin experience.

There are different ways you can have your cruise cabin personalized to your liking, and it's important to convey them.

These 6 extra cost restaurants are worth booking and the 2 you can skip

Among the many specialty restaurants, there are a few that are must-dos, and a couple you could safely bypass.

Matt has tried all of Royal Caribbean's extra cost venues and while each has its pros and cons, a few truly stand out as great choices.

Likewise, there's two that he thinks aren't worth your money.

Did you miss any of this week's Royal Caribbean news? No worries, because we have you covered with our wrap-up of cruise news!

Royal Caribbean is pausing visits to its private beach in Haiti.

A number of sailings with scheduled visits to Labadee have been re-routed to avoid the troubled country, as security concerns warranted the change.

The cruise line hasn't made a formal policy change, but more than four ships have had scheduled visits swapped out with other ports.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean reveals 21 ways to party, dance, and show on its new Icon Class ship
• Royal Caribbean has a new way for you to get a cabana for less money
• How 4 cruise passengers got banned by Royal Caribbean for life
• Woman shares how she lost her job working on a cruise ship
• 4 Rules you're accidentally breaking on a cruise ship
• I bid $7,700 to upgrade my cabin on a Royal Caribbean ship to it's first class suite. I've never had a better cruise
• Not all Royal Caribbean cruise balconies are created equal: How to avoid the the wrong ones
• A 'secret suite' that has more space and privacy, and it feels like getting a free upgrade
• How to use price trackers to get the best deals on cruise drink packages and more
• Meet the meteorologist who decides if your cruise gets rerouted
• The unexpected place people are hiding for peace and quiet on Royal Caribbean
• Planning a summer cruise? 8 things I'd do now to prepare

New RCB Video: Allure of the Seas Walkthrough Ship Tour

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—Allure of the Seas AMPLIFIED Walkthrough Ship Tour 2025—don’t forget to subscribe to our channel!

Child fell between ship and dock at CocoCay

A child fell into the water at the pier of Perfect Day at CocoCay earlier this week.

Reports of the incident indicate the child fell into the water in the small gap between the ship and the dock.

Luckily, he was rescued safely.

6 surprising things Royal Caribbean didn't change on Allure of the Seas

While Royal Caribbean upgraded a lot of Allure of the Seas, a few omissions stood out.

We all have our own wish list of things that we'd like to see changed or replaced on any ship, and after looking through all the updates on Allure, there are a few I would have wanted too.

From swapping out restaurant ideas or adding more power plugs, here are the changes I wish Royal Caribbean made to Allure of the Seas.

The new rules of cruising from Orlando that you need to follow

Cruising from Port Canaveral and flying into Orlando? Let's go over the tenants everyone should follow for a great vacation.

Royal Caribbean is offering more cruises from the Orlando market than ever before, but its distance to the port adds a few nuances you don't typically find elsewhere in Florida.

If you're flying to Orlando International Airport in order to sail from Port Canaveral ("Orlando" as the cruise line marketing department refers to it), there are "rules" I'd recommend everyone follow to make it as easy as possible.

The free Royal Caribbean breakfast food that's worth it every time

It looks like Royal Caribbean is serving a new breakfast food that is quickly becoming a favorite among cruisers.

The cruise line’s new homemade cinnamon rolls have become “a new cult favorite” as more people discover them.

After one bite, we could tell these cinnamon rolls were unlike any pastry we had tried on a Royal Caribbean cruise.

Royal Caribbean passengers are upset about a controversial cruise etiquette rule

Chair hogs aren't a new problem, but it's still causing a stir.

A cruiser aboard Utopia of the Seas took to Reddit to share their frustration involving chair dogs during a recent sailing. 

In the brazen example, the chairs on the pool deck were reserved by 8:30am, frustrating many who couldn't believe how quickly the chair hogs acted.

Happy weekend! I hope Spring is starting to arrive where you live.  Regardless of the weather, it is time to sit back, relax, and check out the latest in Royal Caribbean news!

Allure of the Seas is back and with a lot of changes!

Royal Caribbean poured in over $100 million worth of upgrades, fixes, and enhancements for its passengers. This includes new slides, revamped pool deck, new restaurants and more.

The amplified ship restarted cruises this weekend, giving the public its first look at what's new and different.

Royal Caribbean News

• "Above normal" Hurricane season expected for 2025, experts predict
• I ate at every included restaurant on Royal Caribbean cruise. Here’s what I’d do next time
• Royal Caribbean is about to make a big push in a cruise market it overlooked for a decade
• Royal Caribbean CEO rejects private islands are just about passenger spending
• CDC: Layoffs wont affect cruise ship inspections
• Royal Caribbean Group CEO responds to tariff impact on cruise industry
• I cancelled my European shore excursions because I wanted to avoid a common first time mistake
• Celebrity just brought back one of its best ships to the UK

New RCB Video: 6 Things You're Buying On A Cruise That Could Be FREE (Or Cheaper)

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 Things You're Buying On A Cruise That Could Be FREE (Or Cheaper) — and don’t forget to subscribe to our channel.

How much a Royal Caribbean crew member makes working on a ship

Curious how much Royal Caribbean pays its crew members to work on a ship?

Chris Wong is a casino host, and shared what he's paid every two weeks by the cruise line.

He's candid about his salary on the ship and why his pay fluctuates from pay check to pay check.

CocoCay or stay on the ship?

Royal Caribbean's private island is arguably the best in the entire cruise industry, so why would some people prefer to skip a visit?

It might sound crazy, but some people opt to stay on the ship rather than get off and enjoy a day at Perfect Day at CocoCay.

While Royal Caribbean designed it to be as all encompassing as possible, there are a few good reasons to think twice about staying onboard.

$30 Orlando shuttle service to the cruise ship: review

Want a cheap and effective way to get to Port Canaveral from Orlando's airport?

Instead of taking a taxi or ride share service, Elizabeth tried out Go Port after hearing so many rave reviews about it.

At about $30 per person each way, it's a really good value.

Royal Caribbean is replacing its comedy club with a casino

On at least two ships, there are changes coming to the entertainment spaces onboard.

Both Utopia and Wonder of the Seas will have their Comedy Club and Crown Lounge space replaced with a non-smoking casino.

The work will take place over the next few months, and dedicate more gambling options for guests.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 560th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available! 

Matt discusses how he almost made a mistake with planning shore excursions for his European cruise, and what he did instead.

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 April! It was a busy week with Royal Caribbean news, and we have a summary of all of the news from this week so that you don't miss any details.

A new travel warning has been issued for The Bahamas by U.S. officials.

A Level 2 travel advisory was issued for the popular cruise destination by the U.S. State Department, warning travelers to “exercise increased caution” due to crime and possibly shark attacks in The Bahamas.

Many Royal Caribbean cruise ships visit The Bahamas, and it's a reminder for tourists to use caution and be vigilant about their safety when going ashore.

Royal Caribbean News

• Mass layoffs at HHS include CDC's cruise ship inspection program, report says
• What is Perfect Day at CocoCay and what you should expect
• Alaska shore excursions you can book for cheap or free
• Hideaway Beach vs Coco Beach Club
• 9 things to do differently on your Royal Caribbean cruise for a smoother vacation
• Royal Caribbean offers up to 40% drink package prices if you buy at the right time
• 8 Things I wish I knew about taking a baby on a cruise ship

New RCB Video: Foods to NEVER eat 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 — Foods to NEVER eat on a cruise! — and don’t forget to subscribe to our channel.

What every aspect of a cruise on Utopia of the Seas costs

Allie detailed every single cost for her recent Utopia of the Seas.

Ever wonder what the total cost is of a vacation, from start to finish?

Cruise fare is just the beginning, as there's add-on costs including flights, hotels, taxis, souvenirs, and more.

Royal Caribbean now enforcing a rarely charged fee

Bringing your own wine on a cruise is a great money saving tip, but expect to pay for it.

Based on several reports from guests on ships this week, Royal Caribbean is now enforcing the corkage fee on bottles of wine opened in restaurants or bars.

There's been no policy change. Rather, the policy is actually being enforced now.

Royal Caribbean passenger shares vital warning for all cruisers

Consider yourself warned: flying the day of your cruise is a mistake.

A reddit user shared how five flight delays and two cancellations caused them to miss their cruise.

"This is why you fly in the day before," the person wrote and it's a good reminder for all of us when planning a cruise vacation.

I planned too many beach days and it was a mistake

Matt thought spending four days at the beach would be the perfect spring break vacation, but it turned out to be too much.

While sailing on Icon of the Seas, three port days in a row doing the same kind of activity felt repetitive.

While the beach facilities did not disappoint, having multiple port days in a row should have included different plans to break it up.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 559th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available! In it, Matt lists the must-do 5 Royal Caribbean cruises everyone should try at least once.

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.

Let's welcome spring with Royal Caribbean! It was a busy week with Royal Caribbean news, and we have a summary of all of the news from this week to make certain you did not miss any of it.

One of the biggest cruise ships in the world is getting a lot of major changes and upgrades.

Allure of the Seas is at a shipyard in Spain, and we have new photos of the work in progress.

Changes include the addition of water slides, the Pesky Parrot Bar, a revamped pool deck, new staterooms, an Ultimate Abyss slide, and many updates around the ship to make it look refreshed.

Royal Caribbean News

• Two men arrested for molesting teen boy in cruise ship sauna
• Two Royal Caribbean megaships in drydock at the same time for upgrade work
• Royal Caribbean just removed a perk from its VIP program
• Celebrity cancels cruise stops at Royal Caribbean private beach
• Royal Caribbean rolls out badges for every ship you've sailed on
• I tried Royal Caribbean's controversial $520 VIP add-on. While some perks were nice, it was a waste of money
• Table of cruise ship confiscated items show too many people still packing the wrong travel item
• Experts recommend joining a Facebook group for your cruise, but I stopped because it's become toxic
• How much does a Royal Caribbean Icon Class ship cost to build?
• 7 items to buy your first time on a Royal Caribbean cruise
• MGM makes player-friendly change to its loyalty program with better cruise benefits
• 8 Old Royal Caribbean cruise traditions no one remembers anymore

New RCB Video: My best and worst Royal Caribbean cruises last year, RANKED

Have you subscribed to the Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube Channel? We share some great videos there regularly, all about taking a Royal Caribbean cruise! This week, we are sharing our latest video — My best and worst Royal Caribbean cruises last year, RANKED — and don’t forget to subscribe to our channel.

I went back on Icon of the Seas a year later. It was better than I expected

Matt went back on Icon for a week-long cruise and the ship is easily still his favorite ship.

Icon of the Seas had a lot of hype when it launched, but does the ship live up to it all now?

Not only is the ship the biggest in the world, but it has the best features in the industry.

I tried Carnival and while I liked the food, I missed 4 things from Royal Caribbean

After coming across a cheap, last-minute cruise fare on Carnival Firenze, Jenna gave it a try.

Jenna has taken 22 Royal Caribbean cruises, and she was curious how it would compare to Carnival.

Some aspects of the cruise were great, but she missed four key aspects of a Royal Caribbean ship.

5 food hacks that will save you money on a Royal Caribbean cruise

Ready to spend less on food during your cruise?

On any ship, there's a mix of included and extra cost restaurants. But that doesn't mean you have to overspend to enjoy it all.

Matt shared five Royal Caribbean food hacks that will save you money.

I tried the secret menu at a Royal Caribbean bar that I couldn't get enough of

Did you know there's a food menu at Trellis Bar that you can't find on any other ship?

Icon of the Seas has one change from all other bars in that it offers food, and it's really darn good.

Matt tried the food and was surprised how good the offerings were, and it's worth trying.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 558th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where Matt reviews his recent Icon of the Seas cruise.

Matt went back on Icon a year after she debuted to see if it lives up to the hype.

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.