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

Royal Caribbean announced it was recategorizing its cabin categories, including adding new room types rear-facing and sunset cabins.

Royal Caribbean’s goal with these changes is to simplify choices for travel agents, and to add new room types to appeal to many cruise fans. 

Several new stateroom options have been added: separated Triple and Quad occupancy staterooms (interior and oceanview), more high occupancy guarantee staterooms, and new Junior Suite and Balcony categories.  

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean is helping the United States evacuate Americans from Israel
• New app features, Celebrity Cruises Black Friday offer, search results & more
• The simple trick to avoid thousands of dollars in cellphone charges on a cruise ship
• Here's when Royal Caribbean will put new 2025-2026 cruises on sale
• 17 of the worst ways people waste money on their cruise vacation
• I took my second cruise ever, and changed 7 things this time around
• 5 important things to do before new cruises are available to book
• Chops Grille review

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 516th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available at all our links.

In this episode, Matt previews his upcoming cruise on Serenade of the Seas. This will be his very first cruise to Canada and New England, so he is sharing everything planned for his trip next week.

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.

Video: Grading cruise tips from Reddit

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

Voyager of the Seas review: What it's like to cruise on Royal Caribbean's oldest Voyager Class ship

When Voyager of the Seas debuted in 1999, she turned the cruising world upside down. Voyager was the ship that introduced the idea of having an ice-skating rink at sea, rock climbing wall at sea, and indoor promenade.

However,  Voyager of the Seas is now Royal Caribbean’s oldest Voyager Class ship.

What is it like to sail on her in 2023? Angie recently went on a cruise out of Galveston, and reviews the ship’s amplifications, cabin, embarkation process, dining, activities, entertainment, and ports of call. 

What to bring on a cruise to Alaska? 8 things you'll want to take with you

If you are planning a cruise to Alaska, you may already know that preparing for this region will be different than preparing for other sailings. 

Even though a summer cruise may not be as cold as you would imagine, there are still nuances to planning a great cruise to Alaska.

You will certainly want to be prepared and make sure you have the best vacation possible at this once-in-a-lifetime destination. 

These are the eight most important things to pack with you on an Alaska cruise.

I took my first short cruise. Here's 7 things I liked and didn't like about my 3-night sailing

After taking a week-long first cruise, Calista decided to go ahead and try a shorter, 3-night cruise to see the difference between these two lengths.

The ship traveled from Miami, Florida, to Perfect Day at CocoCay and Nassau, Bahamas over a weekend, embarking on Friday and disembarking on Monday.  

As with any aspect of cruising, there were pros and cons to choosing a shorter sailing. 

In this article, Calista examines the 7 things she liked and didn’t like about her first short cruise.

8 cruise ship shore excursions our readers tried and instantly regretted

Are you getting confused planning your next cruise’s shore excursions?

We’re here to make you feel better, as some of our readers had to learn their lessons these hard way.

Shore excursions are a major part of the cruise experience, and some can cost you a substantial amount of time and money.

No one wants to waste energy on a terrible tour, but there are always bad options out there.

Royal Caribbean Blog readers have had their own encounters with instantly regrettable shore excursions, and we’ve gone ahead and outlined the 8 worst experiences. 

50 best cruising with kids tips & secrets

If you're going on a cruise with kids, then we have all the best tips and tricks to help you have a fabulous cruise.

When you go on a cruise with your family, it can mean a mix of ages and even generations, and we wanted to focus on the sort of things families should know before they go on a Royal Caribbean cruise.

Whether you are taking your own kids or going with someone else's, here are the top 50 best tips for cruising with kids on Royal Caribbean.

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

Royal Caribbean has canceled the rest of the line’s sailings to and from Israel.

The cruise line wrote that the decision was made with guests’ safety and wellbeing in mind. 

All of the remaining Rhapsody of the Seas cruises for this year from Haifa have been canceled, with plans to return to Israel in 2024 on Jewel of the Seas.

Multiple other cruise lines have canceled their cruises visiting Israel as well.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean news: Final payment change for long cruises, adults-only beach update, Israel cancellations, & more
• The best Amazon Prime Big Deal Days deals for all your cruising essentials
• Star of the Seas: Itinerary, features, and more
• 5 Royal Caribbean cruise ship balcony cabins to book (and 2 to avoid)
• 7 side-by-side photos show how the world’s biggest cruise ship changes at night through color
• After 13 Royal Caribbean cruises, I booked a Virgin Voyages cruise: here's what I loved and hated
• Vintage photos of a cruise ship in the '90s
• Why is there no deck 13 on cruise ships

Video: I survived 96 hours on Royal Caribbean's worst rated cruise ship

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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 survived 96 hours on Royal Caribbean's worst rated cruise ship — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

I booked the smallest and cheapest room on Royal Caribbean's Grandeur of the Seas. It was only 142 square feet, but I'd stay in it again

Not only did Allie sale on the smallest ship, but she also booked the smallest cabin on the ship. It was only 142 square feet, an an interior cain with no windows. 

However, Allie ended up being pleasantly surprised by the condition and size of the cabin.

She also discusses the affordable price of the cabin, making the stateroom one she would sail in again. 

What to bring on a Caribbean cruise? 23 essentials to pack

No matter what part of the world you’re cruising to, it’s important to pack appropriately. 

With the Caribbean being one of the most popular cruising destinations, many cruisers choose to visit the region. 

If you’re planning a visit, you’ll need to prepare specifically for a visit to the Caribbean. 

We compiled an essential list of items that are important to pack on your Caribbean cruise. 

Ultimate Abyss: Royal Caribbean's cruise ship dry slide

Royal Caribbean‘s incredible onship activities include a 10 deck high dry slide on select ships.

The Ultimate Abyss has quickly become a popular thrill with cruisers, so we decided to give it a try and report back. 

This article describes a ride on the thrilling Ultimate Abyss, which is available on Oasis of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas, Wonder of the Seas, and Utopia of the seas. 

I cruised Royal Caribbean from Galveston for the first time. Here's what a cruise from Texas is like.

What is it like to cruise out of Galveston, Texas? 

Voyager of the seas and Harmony of the Seas currently sail out of Galveston, Texas, and will for the rest of 2023.

Our writer Angie decided to try the port for the first time on Voyager of the Seas. 

From Coast Guard delays to to finding transportation, Angie describes what it was like to sail out of the Royal Caribbean port in Galveston, Texas.

9 ways to sleep better on a cruise ship

One disadvantage of traveling is that you can be hard to catch up on your rest. 

Everyone has different sleep patterns and some may struggle to adjust to getting quality sleep in a different bed. 

However, we have compiled some advice you can use to get better sleep on your cruise. 

From air conditioning to getting extra pillows, you can use these helpful strategies to ensure you get lots of rest and feel relaxed on your vacation.

I hope everyone reading this is having a wonderful Sunday and enjoying some time this weekend with friends, family and some good food too.  Here is a summary of all the Royal Caribbean news from this week in one easy-to-read blog post for your convenience!

Royal Caribbean has announced the name for its newest Icon Class ship. 

After Icon of the Seas launches in January 2024, plans will continue for its sister ship. Royal Caribbean plans to launch three ships in the new Icon Class. 

Royal Caribbean added a selection of names to a social media vote on Twitter in January 2023.

The winning name, and the name of the next Icon Class ship is Star of the Seas. 

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean cancels Israel cruises due to attacks on Israel
• Propulsion issues slow two Royal Caribbean cruise ships
• Royal Caribbean gives its top cruisers a crystal block gift. Here's how to get one
• What happens when you test positive for Covid on a cruise ship in 2023? Family shares their experience
• I’m a travel agent. Here are the 6 most popular Royal Caribbean ships my clients are booking for 2024

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 515th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, which has a review of Ovation of the Seas cruise from this summer.

Our guest stars, Domanic and Casey, share their experience on their first Alaska cruise. 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.

You can subscribe to the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast via iTunes, Google Podcasts, Stitcher or RSS.

Video: What REALLY happens when you're late getting back to a cruise ship

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

Our latest YouTube video answers the question: What really happens when you’re late getting back to a cruise ship? Will you be left behind onshore, or will the whole ship wait for you?

Check out the link to view it: What REALLY happens when you're late getting back to a cruise ship and be sure to subscribe, too. 

Trying Royal Caribbean's oldest & smallest ship, Grandeur of the Seas, was better than we envisioned

Allie recently had the chance to try Royal Caribbean’s oldest and smallest ship, Grandeur of the Seas.

While Grandeur receives criticism for its age and size, Allie decided to go ahead and experience a refurbished cruise on this ship. 

Grander receives many negative reviews about sailing in 2023, but Allie found that it was actually better than expected. 

13 things I wish I'd done differently on my first cruise, from avoiding seasickness to eating at different venues

How can you learn to save money and make the most out of a cruise experience? For Calista, it took a personal experience with a cruise to give her some important tips. 

Calista recently went on her first cruise on Wonder of the Seas. 

After experiencing a cruise for herself, she learned a lot of essential lessons to help improve her cruising experience and preserve resources while doing so.

From packing to avoiding seasickness to eating differently, a little introspection reveals the top 13 things she wishes she had done differently.

Should I book my flight through my cruise line?

What is Air2Sea, and should you use it?

When you book a Royal Caribbean cruise, you will receive the option to book your flight directly through the cruise line. 

This article analyzes whether this is a better option as opposed to booking your flight on your own. 

From prices to travel delays, Jenna relays the pros and cons of booking your flight through Royal Caribbean‘s Air2Sea.

After 17 Royal Caribbean cruises, my family and I tried MSC Cruises for the first time and here’s what we liked and didn’t like

After experiencing a total of 17 Royal Caribbean cruises, Jenna and 12 members of her family planned a sailing on the MSC cruise line. 

Since the prices are lower, the larger group chose to sail on an MSC cruise.

For just $593 per person, Jenna experienced a one week cruise on an MSC ship. 

She compares prices, cruise planning, cabin, amenities, dining services, customer service, ocean views, kid, friendly activities, and more between Royal Caribbean and MSC, going over what she liked and disliked about her experience on a new cruise line. 

Happy Sunday! It has been a busy week of Royal Caribbean news, and we have it all summarized for you in this round up.

Royal Caribbean has changed the age limit to its adults-only pool.

Previously, the pool’s access was limited to guests 16 and up.

But the cruise line announced in an email that the age restriction will be updated to 18 and up.

“We have decided to keep our ‘adults-only area consistent,” the email read.

Royal Caribbean News

• Spotted: Royal Caribbean adds option to buy drink packages when purchasing your cruise
• The newest Celebrity cruise ship is starting sea trials
• Royal Caribbean and Celebrity considering merging loyalty programs in the future
• Royal Caribbean adds in-pool daybeds to rent on its next new cruise ship
• 6 ways you should change how you cruise once you hit Diamond in Royal Caribbean’s loyalty program
• Will a cruise ship wait for me if I'm running late at a port stop? Here's what a captain has to say

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 514th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is available now: should you book a maiden voyage?

With Royal Caribbean launches two new cruise ships in 2024, you may be wondering if an inaugural, or maiden voyage on a new ship is the best idea.

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.

Video: Weirdest things people have done on a cruise ship!

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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 — Weirdest things people have done on a cruise ship! — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

How to prepare for a cruise: Last-minute things you should do

Getting ready for a cruise? Whether you’re experienced or brand-new, organized or going with the flow, it’s important to remember these last-minute preparations.

If you leave something important behind, or forget documentation, it’s not so easy to catch up. Check out our list to make sure you don’t forget anything, from government documents to having cash on hand. 

Royal Caribbean previews all the restaurant and dining choices coming to the world's largest cruise ship

Royal Caribbean previews plans for dining experience on the new largest cruise ship in the world, Icon of the Seas.

The cruise line aims to offer a wide range of dining options to cater to different tastes and preferences. 

Icon of the Seas will have over 40 food and beverage venues, with over 20 brand new options.

I sailed on one of Royal Caribbean's biggest ships. Look inside my 214-square-foot room that had a private balcony

What does a room look like onboard the older—but large—Freedom of the Seas cruise ship?

Calista recently sailed on Freedom of the Seas and received a balcony room through the guarantee stateroom process.

Located on deck 8, this midship balcony room spanned 214 square feet and included a spacious living, a couch and king-sized bed, a tiny bathroom, and a beautiful balcony room.

Take a look inside this balcony cabin on a Freedom Class ship.

21 things you'll regret not doing on a cruise

A cruise is something you can look forward to for months, or even years. 

You can spend an infinite amount of money and time preparing for it, but you’ll never be able to re-do your experience once it’s over.

On your cruise, you want to be sure you complete everything on your bucket list. 

We asked our readers what one thing they regret not trying on their cruise. 

To prevent grief over these missed opportunities, check out our list of important items that you’ll regret not doing. 

I sailed on Royal Caribbean's worst rated cruise ship. Here's what it was really like.

Among cruisers and professional rankings, Grandeur of the Seas is named Royal Caribbean’s worst cruise ship.

A Vision Class ship, Grandeur was launched in 1996, making her the oldest of Royal Caribbean’s ships. Although she underwent refurbishment in 2012, people still voice complaints about the quality and amenities onboard the ship.  

Last week, Allie sailed on Grandeur of the Seas, and reported back about what it was really like to cruise on this ship. 

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

Some cruisers prefer a cruise that visits a lot of ports, citing their ship as a mode of transportation rather than a destination itself.

However, other cruisers prefer itineraries with a multitude of sea days, enjoying the ship’s activities and amenities. 

Which option suits you? To help make a decision, here are 7 reasons to avoid a port-heavy itinerary. 

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean cancels cruise on Vision of the Seas due to tropical storm
• Royal Caribbean takes a significant step towards sustainability by testing a new biofuel alternative
• The best things to eat on Wonder of the Seas
• What do people Google about Royal Caribbean?
• New Royal Caribbean ship, Utopia of the Seas, touches water for the first time
• Photos show what it was like to cruise on Royal Caribbean in the 1980s
• How much does a cruise cost? (2024)

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 513th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available at all our links.

Matt shares his thoughts on the reveal of the adults-only Hideaway Beach announced at Perfect Day at CocoCay.

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.

Video: The biggest misconceptions people have about a cruise before sailing

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

Check out the link to view our latest video: 10 things Royal Caribbean Rookie Cruisers Should Do!

Which cruise line is best? Fans say why they prefer Royal Caribbean over Carnival

Cruise enthusiasts have various preferences when it comes to choosing a cruise line.

Carnival Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean are two of the biggest and most popular in the world, each offering fantastic options in dining, entertainment, amenities, attractions and overall onboard experience. 

Cruise fans on Reddit responded to the question, Why do you prefer Royal Caribbean over Carnival?

Reddit users responded, sharing their preferences when it comes to atmosphere, dining, ship design, entertainment, and itineraries. 

I packed for a 7-day cruise and bringing this electronic was a total waste of space

For her first cruise, Calista packed for a 7-day trip. 

Packing properly for a cruise is important, as you’ll want to avoid overpacking. 

But on the other hand, you’ll want to remember everything you need. Prices are a lot higher once you’re onboard.

To prevent any overpacking or overpaying, Calista planned carefully and made a packing list.

While she made some good packing decisions, there was one item she regretted bringing: a laptop.

I paid $130 extra to upgrade my interior cabin to a spacious ocean view on Voyager of the Seas. Here's a tour of my cabin.

Angie recently cruised onboard Voyager of the Seas. 

She and her dad initially booked the cruise with a cheaper, interior guarantee cabin. Since the guarantee process means that Royal Caribbean assigns a cabin to the passenger, Angie was not able to select its location. 

But four days before their cruise, Angie and her dad decided to pay $130 to bid through the RoyalUp program for an upgraded cabin.

They ended up receiving a spacious oceanview stateroom: here’s a tour! 

I tried some of the best strategies to beat the chair hogs on my cruise. Here's how it went

Spending time at the pool deck is a highlight of cruising, but how can you ensure you get a seat?

Many cruisers complain about the epidemic of chair hogs at pool decks.

Chair hogs are people who leave their items on a chair but disappear for hours without using it.

On her recent cruise, Calista tried several strategies to beat the chair hogs. 

From spending extra money to waking up early, Calista shares how those tips worked for her. 

Welcome to this week's edition of the Royal Caribbean post round-up, where we summarize all of the Royal Caribbean news and information from this week into one handy-dandy post! There is plenty of great content to enjoy, so sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's round-up!

Royal Caribbean may be known for their family cruises, but they're adding a new adults-only offering.

Opening in January 2024, Royal Caribbean unveiled details for Hideaway Beach area of Perfect Day at CocoCay, which is reserved just for guests who are at least 18 years old.

It will have an infinity pool, swim-up bar, sports bar, cabanas and new restaurants all in an adults-only enclave. In fact, the cruise line intends for the area to have a "Vegas pool party" vibe.

Royal Caribbean News

• Icon of the Seas has new bookings for world's largest cruise ship
• Who should (and shouldn’t) get the Royal Caribbean credit card
• After 2 cancelled cruises, Royal Caribbean cruise ship will resume sailings
• I made Diamond at 17 years old. Here's why I love cruising with Royal Caribbean
• I went on Royal Caribbean's upgraded and regular Voyager Class cruise ships. Here's what I liked about each.
• Photos reveal progress Royal Caribbean has made building new adults-only expansion

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 512th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where Matt shares how his Independence cruise went.

Matt is back from Independence of the Seas for a quick 3-night cruise ands shares how the first day of the cruise was different than so many other embarkation day experiences he has had.

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.

Video: Why to refuse to upgrade your cruise ship cabin

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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 to refuse to upgrade your cruise ship cabin

11 things I wish I knew before setting foot on a cruise ship

You can plan all you want, but some lessons can't be learned until you actually cruise.

Calista took her first ever cruise on Wonder of the Seas and was surprised by many aspects of cruising, especially compared to other forms of travel.

In retrospect, these experiences will benefit her on future cruises, and maybe help you plan your first cruise too!

Why Booking a Suite Cruise Cabin Is Worth It

Is it worth spending extra to stay in a Royal Caribbean suite? A lot of our readers think so, and shared their favorite photos to prove it.

Suites aren't cheap, but they come with a lavish amount of living space, enhanced amenities, and priority service.

We asked readers to share their best photos that explain why they loved their suite rooms, and we received hundreds of entries. 

10 reasons why I didn't want to go on a cruise, but glad I gave it a try

The majority of the public have never been on a cruise before, and perhaps that's because they have a certain trepidation about trying a cruise.

The popularity of cruising has exploded over the last decade, but some people might be skeptical of trying it themselves.

Before stepping foot on a ship, Calista was worried too and avoided cruises for years.  She know sees why all those concerns were unwarranted.

25 examples of crew members wowing passengers

Royal Caribbean's crew members are known for their excellent service and it's very common for them to go above and beyond what's expected.

The more you cruise, the more likely you will run into an exceptional crew member who really cares about an issue or request you have while onboard. 

I asked the RoyalCaribbeanBlog community to share examples of times that Royal Caribbean staff have gone above and beyond to provide exceptional customer service for their family while sailing.

13 ways to get the best cruise deals

Want to save money on a cruise, or do you want to get the lowest possible price on a cruise?

The key to finding a great cruise deal is to know where and when to look.

No matter the time of year, these tricks should get you a great price so you can maximize every dollar of your vacation budget.

Cruise ship shore excursions I instantly regretted

Every now and then I'll take a shore excursion and realize I've made a mistake.

I've usually had good luck with choosing a tour, but occasionally I'll run into one that makes me wish I had chosen something different.

Here are five times I took a cruise ship shore excursion and reconsidered my decision almost immediately.

Thank you for joining us for this a look at all the Royal Caribbean news from this week. We had plenty to share, so let us jump right in!

Two Alaska sailings on Radiance of the Seas have been canceled due to an ongoing propulsion problem.

Guests booked to sail on a 7-night cruise on September 8th received an email stating that the ship’s propulsion system “experienced a technical issue.”

However, recent social media updates from CEO Michael Bayley state that the prognosis looks good for future cruises on Radiance.
If a sea trial on September 10th goes well, Mr. Bayley says that the ship will be set to sail for her next cruise on September 15th. 

Royal Caribbean News

• Hurricane Lee has changed some cruise ship itineraries
• Radiance of the Seas’ repairs look promising, CEO reports
• 10 things I loved and hated about Adventure of the Seas
• How and when to take advantage of Kids Sail Free
• Captain Johnny shares a look inside his living quarters

Royal Caribbean Blog Video: Things that can get you kicked off a cruise ship in an instant

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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 that can get you kicked off a cruise ship in an instant.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 511th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where Matt answers listener emails.

From transportation with car seats to pre-cruise flight timing, we respond to all your questions in this week's episode.

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.

After years of traveling, I went on my very first cruise and found it was a totally different way of seeing the world

After a lifetime of experience with other forms of travel, I went on my first cruise on Wonder of the Seas.

After years of traveling on land, being on a ship in the middle of the sea is a big shift. There were many surprises on my first entry into the cruising world, from convenience to seasickness. 

In this post, I share how this vacation was different from any other trip I’ve taken.

After 6 Royal Caribbean cruises this year, my wife and I tried Carnival for the first time and here’s what we liked and didn’t like.

Our guest blogger Mike Scudiero shares his first experience with a Carnival cruise.

In his post, he contrasts a 3-day Carnival cruise to previous experiences with Royal Caribbean.

What did Carnival get right, and where did they miss the mark? Mike discusses what he enjoyed, and whether he and his wife will continue exploring cruise lines, or stick to Royal Caribbean in the future.

7 surprising things I learned when booking a cruise for the first time

Booking my first cruise also held its surprising moments for me. 

Preparing for the cruise involved booking the cruise, packing, checking-in beforehand, and traveling to the port. Each aspect included unique pieces that I wouldn’t have expected as a first-time cruiser.

If you’re also looking to book a cruise for the first time, be sure to check out our tips and advice so you can have the best experience possible. 

I paid $300 to upgrade my inside cabin to a suite. Take a look at our entry-level suite

Allie usually sticks to inside cabins to keep her cruise fare low. But on her Odyssey of the Seas cruise, she chose to bid for an upgrade to a junior suite.

Although the spot was highly competitive, Allie’s gamble paid off, and she was able to move to a mid-ship junior suite on deck 10 for or $300 a night per person.

Check out her blog post for more photos and details of what made this junior suite so worth it. 

We hope you enjoy your Labor Day weekend with friends and family! It has been a busy week of Royal Caribbean news and events, and we have a look back at everything that happened this week.

Celebrity Cruises makes significant changes to its inclusive cruise package.

​​Starting in October 2023, Celebrity Cruises will be removing gratuities from inclusive packages and onboard credit for guests staying in The Retreat. 

Celebrity Cruises will also be making changes to Aqua Class cabins, allowing guests to book these wellness-focused staterooms with just a cruise-only fare.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean cancels Radiance of the Seas sailing to due to propulsion problem
• Royal Caribbean revamps its nautical themed bar with new menu
• Adventure of the Seas review: What it's like to cruise on this ship today
• Save money on your next cruise with Royal Caribbean’s Labor Day Weekend sale 
• Icon of the seas plans to serve an over-the-top churro milkshake

Royal Caribbean Blog Video: Things on a cruise I hate, but everyone loves

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Everyone cruises differently! Matt shares some of his least favorite events on a cruise that everyone else seems to love.

You can subscribe to our Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube channel for more regular cruising updates. 

Our latest video shares reasons to avoid booking a cruise with a lot of sea days: 6 compelling reasons why.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

We’ve now released the 510th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast.

Not all travel insurance plans are the same, and you may want to research carefully before choosing one. Here, we interview Stan from TravelInsurance.com for advice on how to pick your travel insurance plan. 

We update our podcast weekly, so subscribe for more updates via iTunes, Google Podcasts, Stitcher or RSS.

You can also leave us a rating or review on iTunes, so go ahead and check out our links! We always appreciate your feedback.

I spent 7 nights in a 172-square-foot room on the world's largest cruise ship. Take a look inside my cabin

What does an cheap cabin look like on the current world’s largest cruise ship? Take a look inside this guarantee stateroom on a 7-day cruise on Wonder of the Seas. 

The room was clean and dark enough for a sound sleep. But when it comes to seasickness and noise, it pays to be wary of forward, inside cabins. 

6 reasons to refuse to upgrade your cruise ship cabin

It may be a dream of yours to upgrade to a larger, more lavish cabin. 

But there are downsides to placing a bid on a more upgraded suite.

It’s important to consider the room location and stateroom type you’re looking for. Also keep in mind the extra expenses and guesswork involved. 

And if you do move to a larger stateroom, you won’t earn those extra Crown & Anchor points.

Before you bid, keep in mind the top 6 reasons to refuse an upgrade.

30 Cruise cabin hacks that cruisers love

Cruisers trying to get the most out of a stateroom, whether it’s a smaller inside cabin or a luxurious balcony stateroom, will appreciate these top 30 cabin cruise hacks.

Compared to hotel rooms or apartment buildings, cruise ship staterooms can be much smaller. You also will stay in one cabin for the length of your cruise, whether that is 4 days, 7 days, or even longer. 

Follow these tips and tricks to make sure your cabin is a home away from home for the length of your cruise.

I just went on my first cruise — here are 15 things that surprised me the most about this type of travel

Cruising is a unique experience for each traveler, so first-time cruisers can struggle to envision what their trip will look like.

Even though I planned ahead, I found myself surprised by many aspects of the experience when I cruised for the next time.

Check out my review for the 15 most surprising things about my first cruise.

Welcome to this week's edition of the Royal Caribbean post round-up, where we summarize all of the Royal Caribbean news and information from this week into one handy-dandy post! There is plenty of great content to enjoy, so sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's round-up!

What's it like when there's passengers on a cruise ship?

Sometimes cruise ships move between new home ports without any passengers onboard, and in the case of Oasis of the Seas, the crew got to enjoy the ship to themselves for a few days.

One crew member shared what it's like to sail on an empty cruise ship with no passengers.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean raises prices at some of its specialty restaurants
• Royal Caribbean's most expensive specialty restaurant ever will take 3 hours and cost $200 per person
• How early to book a cruise? Our readers say at least 6 months early
• 10 of the biggest misconceptions people have about a cruise before sailing
• I sailed in an interior cabin on Carnival and a balcony room on Royal Caribbean. Here's the one I'd pick next time.
• Royal Caribbean takes the helm as official vacation sponsor for Miami's premier soccer club

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 509th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, sharing what you should know before you pick a cruise.

Before you book any cruise, Matt shares the important things to know and do (especially if you're new  to cruising).

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.

Video: 4 things I think Royal Caribbean should change IMMEDIATELY!

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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 think Royal Caribbean should change.

Why you should avoid cruises with lots of sea days

Should you pick a cruise with a lot of sea days? Maybe not.

Sea days can feel monotonous because some people prefer to explore the ports of call rather than lounging around the ship. Then again, a lot of veteran cruisers love sea days.

We thought of 6 reasons not to book a cruise with a lot of sea days, just in case you wanted to think about which sailing is right for you.

Weirdest things our readers have seen other people do on a cruise ship

The more you cruise, the more often you see something completely unexpected.

People-watching is something everyone enjoys no matter where you are, and you can sometimes see something unexpected while on your cruise.

Our readers shared the oddest things they witnessed on a Royal Caribbean cruise.

After 100 nights at sea, here are my biggest cruise regrets

Jenna has sailed on cruise ships for 106 nights (so far) and still has a few things she wish she could do over again.

If you have an upcoming cruise, it’s helpful to know what to avoid during the entire process so that you can avoid stress and hassle later on.

Whether booking one itinerary over another, packing more efficiently, or booking a risky flight schedule, there are a few things she wishes she did differently.

Allure of the Seas is the last Oasis Class ship with some classic features

Because Allure of the Seas did not get a Royal Amplification yet, she remains the last Oasis Class ship with amenities and venues that have since been removed on other ships.

In the meantime, guests can enjoy a few classic features you either can’t find on the others or are slowly being phased out.

Thanks for joining us for another weekly look at all of the Royal Caribbean news from this week.  The late-summer heat is still on, and we have plenty of Royal Caribbean news to share from this week.

Fear not, Royal Caribbean will not charge extra for pizza. 

After passionate backlash, Royal Caribbean’s CEO, Michael Bayley, took to Facebook to announce the cruise line will not be charging for Sorrento’s pizza.

Mr. Bayley wrote that 80% of readers responded “no” to an email survey that asked readers whether they would still dine at Sorrento’s pizza if an extra fee was applied.

Mr. Bayley assured readers that the change will not take place: "To calm all our Pizza lovers don’t worry we are not charging for Pizza."

Royal Caribbean News

• Meet Royal Caribbean's new Chief Meteorologist
• Celebrity Cruises just announced more Caribbean cruises that visit Royal Caribbean’s private island
• When will Royal Caribbean release new sailings for 2025?
• Photos Show Why Booking a Balcony Cruise Cabin Is Worth It
• 16 cheap and free things to do on an Alaska cruise to avoid spending hundreds on shore excursions

Royal Caribbean Blog Video: Latest Royal Caribbean News 

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Is charging for pizza on the menu? And an Icon update and changes to the Diamond Lounge.

If you haven’t yet subscribed to our Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube channel, go ahead and check it out for regular cruising updates. 

Our latest video also shows what it’s like at the top: After 70 cruises, I reached Royal Caribbean’s TOP loyalty level!

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

Click here for the 508th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast, to hear one of our listeners, Craig Storm, talk about his first experience trying Royal Caribbean after sailing on several other cruise lines.

We update our podcast weekly, so subscribe for more updates via iTunes, Google Podcasts, Stitcher or RSS.

You can also leave us a rating or review on iTunes, so go ahead and check it out! We appreciate your feedback.

The biggest cruise hack that has saved me thousands of dollars

Are you getting the best rate possible for your cruise fare? Saving money on your cruise will allow you to splurge on your cruise, such as purchasing drink packages, excursions, or specialty dining. 

Additionally, getting a good price will allow you to travel more often instead of breaking your bank in one trip.

Depending on when you book your cruise, you may be able to use this surprising hack to save money on your fare.

We asked our readers what one thing they wish they packed for their cruise

No one wants to forget an important item on their cruise. Either you will go without it, and suffer a steeper charge to buy it onboard. 

We asked our readers what item they wished they had packed on their cruise, and made a list of the most important responses.

From travel fans to aloe vera, make sure you’re not missing any essentials when you pack.

I stayed in the cheapest cabin on Adventure of the Seas

What does a night look like inside the cheapest cabin on Adventure of the Seas?

Angie recently chose a guarantee stateroom for her cruise, ensuring a lower-priced room but a random, often less favorable location.

Although clean and tidy, the room was small and windowless. Check out our link for a full cabin tour of the $300-a-night stateroom.

10 genius things cruise ship passengers brought to CocoCay to make it even better

Perfect Day at CocoCay is Royal Caribbean’s private island, where cruisers can have a complimentary island and beach experience.

While crew members will work to make sure your day there is perfect, it doesn’t hurt to come prepared.

Here are 10 items cruisers brought to Perfect Day at CocoCay that made their experience even better.

30 Do's and Don'ts for the first day of your cruise

What should (and shouldn't) you do on the first day of the cruise to ensure you have a great start?

There's lots of good advice out there, so we whittled it down for you.

From arriving at the cruise terminal to making dining reservations, exploring the ship, and finding the best spot for sailaway, here are some of the best do’s and don’ts for the first day of your Royal Caribbean cruise.