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.

Happy December! We cannot believe that we are already one full week into the month – there is so much going on with holiday preparation and shopping and baking!

There's a new addition to Royal Caribbean's list of banned items you can't bring on a cruise.

The list of prohibited items was updated to include certain networking and satellite equipment, which includes closing a loophole some cruisers used to save money on an internet package.

Travel routers were being used to extend a one device internet package to be available to many more, and it appears that's officially not allowed.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean's new beach club in The Bahamas is a kind of super shore excursion
• Utopia of the Seas cabins to avoid
• 10 cruise ship tips that worked for our Royal Caribbean Blog staffers in 2024
• Ultimate Baby & Toddler Cruise Packing List
• I cruised from a port Royal Caribbean rarely sails from. it's a strange and different first day experience
• 7 things I wish I knew before setting foot on a Celebrity ship
• I got a free cruise from Royal Caribbean's casino. It was the perfect price, but I wish I had a window

Video: Why December is my favorite month to 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 — Why December is my favorite month to cruise — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 551st episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available that delves into if a smaller Royal Caribbean ship is a good choice for a family cruise.

If you're taking a family on their first cruise, is it a good or bad idea to take them on a small ship?

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

Royal Caribbean has made a big change to the free casino offers

There's been an important change to those instant reward casino certificates.

Beginning with the December offers, the Casino Royale program is offering a new option where one guest is complimentary, while the second guest discounted. 

It's essentially a buy one free, second cheap offer.

These are the 11 things cruisers are actually scared of during their sailing

Forget falling off a cruise ship, people that cruise a lot have real concerns that concern them.

While there are plenty of cruise myths that keep people from trying a cruise, those that have sailed before have their own set of worries.

From passports to being left behind, our readers shared their top worries when cruising.

New phone scam targets Royal Caribbean cruisers

Be careful before searching for a Royal Caribbean phone number to call.

One cruiser shared an example of how they were almost scammed by a fraudulent phone number that claimed to be the cruise line.

She found the number on Google, but it turned out to be a scam.

Things cruisers regretted not taking on their cruise

What is an item you wished you had brought with you on your last cruise?

People shared in a Reddit thread the one thing they really wish they brought with them on their cruise.

With the holiday sales upon us, this is a good opportunity to net big savings on these cruise essentials.

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.

Sometimes Royal Caribbean offers a great last-minute deal on an inside cabin, and those rooms are small but functional.

Elizabeth got to hop on a 4-night Bahamas cruise on Allure of the Seas for just $104 per person, per night.

The room won't wow you, but it's exactly what anyone needs for a quick cruise.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean just announced official Black Friday sale — here’s 5 deals I’d shop right now
• Royal Caribbean Black Friday deals 2024: Fresh discounts and latest sales info
• My favorite hack for a cruise ship shore excursion just went on sale for Black Friday
• I went to the controversial cruise ship activity to see if its reputation is as bad as I've read
• Cruise ships are skipping stops in Puerto Rico, and it's not clear when it will get fixed
• When will the San Juan, Puerto Rico pier be fixed? Here's what the Coast Guard said
• Mexico is adding a new tourist tax

New RCB Video: 5 things I unapologetically love to do 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—5 things I unapologetically love to do on a cruise!—and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Is Royal Caribbean working on adding a treehouse to its cruise ship or private island?

Rumor has it that Royal Caribbean might be including a treehouse on one of its upcoming cruise ships or private destinations.

On November 19th, the cruise line filed an application to trademark several phrases, including, "Ultimate Family Treehouse." 

While it's unclear what this treehouse could be—or even if the trademark will be used—it could be something to keep an eye on.

Crew member reveals the truth about tipping on a cruise ship, hiding ducks, and more

Should you tip cruise ship crew members? 

Are there other gifts you can bestow as a sign of appreciation?

One Royal Caribbean crew member took to Reddit to explain how you can show your gratitude to hard-working crew members without getting them in trouble. 

Here's what they had to say on gratuities, hiding ducks, and more.

I scored big savings from Royal Caribbean's hidden deal sheet. It's not well advertised, but I saved a lot of money

Calista saved got 60% off on a Freedom of the Seas cruise through Royal Caribbean's secret deals sheet.

Because she booked with a travel agent, she only paid $584 per person for an oceanview cabin.

Discounts like this aren't publicly advertised—here's how to get them.

Everything I Ate On a Royal Caribbean Ship

Elizabeth recently took a 4-night cruise on Allure of the Seas, and her short sailing included a lot of food. While some dishes were cooked to perfection, others ended up tasting disappointing.

Here's everything she ate at the Main Dining Room, Park Café, Samba Grill, Chef's Table, and more.

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?