Happy July 4th and Canada Day to everyone out in blog land! Many of you are enjoying a relaxing and long weekend, and I hope this week's round up of all the Royal Caribbean news makes it even better!

There will be a new batch of cruise ships visiting Royal Caribbean's private island.

Celebrity Cruises announced two of its ships will begin visiting Perfect Day at CocoCay, beginning in early 2024.

Celebrity Reflection & Celebrity Beyond will offer cruises that visit this private island in The Bahamas as part of a larger effort to offer more cruises year-round from Florida.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean cancels Freedom of the Seas sailings for drydock work
• Celebrity Cruises redeployed ships to CocoCay because their fans wanted more Caribbean cruises
• Royal Caribbean is adding the best crew member cabins and areas on Icon of the Seas
• What it's like to cruise on Royal Caribbean's Navigator of the Seas in 2023
• 7 things Royal Caribbean got right with Quantum Class ships
• Royal Caribbean ships by age — Newest to Oldest
• Alaska cruises. Your questions answered

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 503rd episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, recorded while onboard Navigator of the Seas.

This week's episode was recorded during the Royal Caribbean Blog group cruise, and talks about the cruise and all the fun had during the week.

Please feel free to subscribe via iTunes or RSS, and head over to rate and review the podcast on iTunes if you can! 

New RCB Video: Cruise tips that make sense until you're on the 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 — Cruise tips that make sense until you're on the ship — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

I think Royal Caribbean's Radiance Class ships need upgrades

While the Radiance Class ships may be known for their sleek elegance, they are also lacking in some important areas.

Allie sailed on 12-night cruise on Jewel of the Seas, and while she had a great time, she won't be sailing on this class again until more is done to upgrade the ships.

Compared to other ships in the fleet, Allie thinks the Radiance Class seem to lack important amenities.

21 drinks to order if you have a cruise drink package

If you buy a Royal Caribbean drink package, you're probably going to be eager to try out as many drinks as you can during your cruise.

The advantage of a Royal Caribbean drink package is that you can order as many drinks as you like with no extra cost. There's no penalty for trying a drink and not loving it and leaving it to the side.

Our team has tried dozens of cocktails on Royal Caribbean, and narrowed the list to 21 drinks to order if you have a cruise drink package.

Boardwalk vs Central Park Balcony Cabins

The two inside-facing balcony rooms are intriguing options, but which one should you pick?

Central Park and Boardwalk cabins are identical to traditional balcony staterooms that face the ocean, but usually are priced less.

When considering either cabin, there are important things to now when picking a Boardwalk or Central Park balcony cabin.

Happy Sunday! Hope you are having a relaxing weekend and enjoying summer! It is time to sit back, relax, and catch up on all the recent Royal Caribbean news!

Royal Caribbean revealed this week Utopia of the Seas will begin sailing in July 2024 with short cruises only.

Instead of offering 7-night cruises, Royal Caribbean will offer 3-night and 4-night cruises on its newest ship in a bid to attract new cruisers.

Utopia is the sixth Oasis Class ship, but will include a few new amenities not found on other Oasis Class ships.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean opens Utopia of the Seas cruises for booking
• Things you won't find on a Celebrity cruise
• CocoCay vs Amber Cove: Which is better?
• 5 things I liked better about MSC than Royal Caribbean cruise
• I packed for my Alaska cruise in a carry-on suitcase. Here's what I packed and how you can do it too.

New RCB Video: Early Dinner vs. Late Dinner on Royal Caribbean

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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 — Early Dinner vs. Late Dinner on Royal Caribbean — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Icon of the Seas completes first round of sea trials

Icon of the Seas wrapped up her first set of sea trials this week.

The new ship spent four days at sea testing out its systems before returning to the Meyer Turku shipyard.

During her first set of sea trials, Icon of the Seas traveled hundreds of miles, during which the main engines, hull, brake systems, steering, noise, and vibration levels were all tested.

Royal Caribbean has a plan to dominate short cruises with a new ship and private destinations

The announcement of Utopia of the Seas offering only short cruises is part of a broader strategy the line has to offer the very best in short cruises.

Utopia is one big piece of a larger plan that will seek to establish Royal Caribbean as the preeminent choice for a weekend cruise by crafting a curated cruise experience second-to-none.

Between the new ship and destinations it will visit, Royal Caribbean is setting itself up to offer something we haven't seen before.

Happy Sunday! I would like to wish all the dads out there a very Happy Father’s Day! Hope you get to have a relaxing and fun-filled day with your family!

Now it’s time to sit back, relax, and catch up on all the latest Royal Caribbean news!

Royal Caribbean is poised to release more information on Utopia of the Seas.

The cruise line has not yet announced where Utopia will sail from, her itineraries, or any other details. But that will change next week.

Royal Caribbean posted a countdown teasing a release of information to be posted on June 20.

Royal Caribbean News

• Celebrity Cruises released details about its biggest ship yet: Celebrity Ascent
• World's biggest YouTuber takes over Royal Caribbean cruise ship
• Royal Caribbean hires Bahamian business leader for head of new Bahamas beach club
• The Ultimate Family Townhouse is sold out for 2024 and costs $80,000 per week
• How can you win that Royal Up stateroom upgrade bid? It's pure luck
• 10 Reasons people leave their cruise ship vacation disappointed
• How to beat the crowds on your cruise ship

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 502nd episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available with small tweaks to how you cruise.

By doing things slightly differently, you can get a better overall cruise experience. Try these tips on your next sailing.

Please feel free to subscribe via iTunes or RSS, and head over to rate and review the podcast on iTunes if you can! 

New RCB Video: 15 ways board your cruise ship faster!

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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 — 15 ways board your cruise ship faster! — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Icon of the Seas will begin her sea trials this weekend

Icon of the Seas is approaching the next step on her journey towards completion.

Icon will depart from the Turku shipyard for the first time ever during the weekend.

Sea trials are when the ship's engines and systems are powered on to evaluate its performance.

Things you'll notice when cruising on the newest cruise ship

Sailing on a new cruise ship vs an old ship there are certain nuances you can expect.

New cruise ships have much more modern aesthetics, along with other advantages.  But they also come with a higher price tag.

If you've only sailed on older ships, or are simply curious what makes a new ship different from an older ship, here's a rundown of what to expect.

10 ways I saved money on my Alaska cruise

Given how expensive excursions are in Alaska, it’s easy to break the budget on an Alaska cruise.

From exploring ports without shore excursions to taking advantage of onboard discounts, it's easy to save money on my Alaska cruise without feeling like you're missing out.

Check out our list of 10 easy ways to save money on an Alaska cruise.

Pros and Cons of booking a cruise early vs last-minute

What are the best reasons to book a cruise super early or at the very last minute?

Both options offer have their benefits, whether saving money by booking far in advance or coming across a last-minute cruise deal.

We've got a look at the pros and cons of booking your cruise late and early to help determine which option works best for you.

Happy Sunday! We hope you are having a great weekend and ready to talk a little Royal Caribbean.

Icon of the Seas is coming together nicely, and we have a new photo update of the progress being made.

Under construction in Turku, Finland, Icon of the Seas is looking more and more like a cruise ship (instead of a construction site). If you're like me, you want to see every update possible of what's happening there.

More water slides have been installed, the siding of the ship has been better revealed, and the ship looks to be getting prepared for her upcoming sea trials.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean cruise ship will experiment with new alternative fuel this summer
• Royal Caribbean Group CEO: more new cruisers than we had in 2019
• 7 most important crew members to meet on your cruise ship
• "Near-normal" hurricane season predicted for 2023: What that means for cruise ships
• 6 things to know before you book Wonder of the Seas
• 20 Celebrity Cruises Tips & Tricks

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 501st episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, featuring a local's guide to planning an Alaska cruise.

In this episode, Mollie live in Alaska and shares ideas for what to do in each Alaska cruise port.

Please feel free to subscribe via iTunes or RSS, and head over to rate and review the podcast on iTunes if you can! 

New RCB Video: Why you should eat at the buffet instead of the dining room

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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 you should eat at the buffet instead of the dining room on your cruise — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Inside a cruise ship captain's living quarters

Have you ever wondered what the Captain's quarters look like on a cruise ship?

Being in charge of the cruise ship, the Captain has many responsibilities along with a rather large stateroom.

Captain Kate McCue, the current captain of Celebrity Beyond, showed what her living quarters were like while she was the captain of Celebrity Edge. 

The costly mistake not to make planning a cruise

There are plenty of mistakes someone could make planning a cruise, but we picked one that would really be an expensive oopsie to overlook.

Of all the cruise mistakes to avoid, booking a flight the same day your cruise departs is probably among the worst.

Travel delays could mean a cancelled or delayed flight, and if you miss your cruise embarkation window, there goes your entire vacation cost.

Why I prefer Alaska cruises over the Caribbean

Would you rather take a Caribbean cruise or an Alaska cruise?

Jenna has done many cruises in both regions, but prefers an Alaska cruise because of how different it is from a traditional Caribbean sailing.

Despite the colder weather, she found 8 reasons why an Alaska cruise is her preferred cruise.

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

Should you book early or late dinner on your Royal Caribbean cruise?

There are three choices when you book a cruise for a dinner time: early, late, and My Time Dining. 

Each option gets you a seated dinner in the Main Dining Room, but there are pros and cons to each choice.

Royal Caribbean News

• Icon of the Seas is designed to have a beach retreat experience
• Is a cruise ship cabin on the lowest deck bad?
• Royal Caribbean cruises in August 2023: What to expect
• 10 things to know before you book an Alaska cruise
• Why cruise ship occupancy rates  over 100% isn’t actually a problem (or what you think it means)
• Where to cruise this summer: 8 destination ideas

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 500th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, answering your Royal Caribbean cruise questions.

In celebration of the 500th episode, Matt decided it was appropriate that the episode be all about the listeners!

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

New RCB Video: 11 Overrated & Underrated Cruise Tips!

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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 — 11 Overrated & Underrated Cruise Tips! — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

What an inside room on Quantum of the Seas looks like

Curious to see what a cheap inside room on Royal Caribbean's Quantum of the Seas looks like for an Alaska cruise?

Inside cabins are usually the least expensive option for booking a cruise, which saves money for other things, such as a drink package or shore excursion.

Take a tour of Jenna's tiny, windowless cabin on Quantum of the Seas for her Alaska cruise. 

Two shore excursions in the same day is a mistake!

No matter how good it seems, booking two shore excursions for the same day is actually a bad idea.

While it may be enticing to try to squeeze in two different tours on the same day, there's a few good reasons why you will regret that decision.

You're better off booking just one organized tour per day!

7 reasons to eat at specialty restaurants only on your cruise

Sometimes it's a good idea to splurge, like when it comes to opting for only specialty restaurants on your cruise.

Considering how much food is included in your cruise fare, doing all specialty may seem counter intuitive, but the ambiance, food quality, and cuisine options at specialty dining is a compelling alternative.

Here are 7 reasons to eat at specialty restaurants instead of the Main Dining Room on your cruise.

Things I've tried on Royal Caribbean that I won't do again

 Allie listed the things she's done on a cruise ship that she won't be doing again.

We all have our own set of "one and done" lists, and this week focuses on the activities and choices Allie made on Royal Caribbean that she'll skip next time around.

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 gave us a first look at more than 20 dining venues we can expect on Icon of the Seas.

Among the new venues includes a new Empire Supper Club that will serve an eight-course menu, and is arguably the most elegant dining venue Royal Caribbean has ever offered.

Royal Caribbean’s first food hall will also be coming to Icon of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean increases suite deposit policy
• New Royal Caribbean Starbucks 'Been There' mugs coming this summer
• Royal Caribbean will increase price of travel insurance policy
• What is a cabin attendant on a cruise ship?
• Your really dumb cruise ship shore excursion questions answered
• Royal Caribbean posts job opening for a new Chief Meteorologist
• 7 mistakes & 3 things I did right on my Royal Caribbean Norwegian fjords cruise
• Royal Caribbean cruises in July 2023: What to expect

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 499th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, reviewing Matt's Norway cruise.

Matt took his first European cruise, which was a 7-night cruise to Norway on Anthem of the Seas. He talks about what he liked and didn't like about the cruise, and how a European cruise compares to a North American 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.

New RCB Video: Your really dumb cruise ship cabin questions answered

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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 — Your really dumb cruise ship cabin questions answered — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

I walked through Royal Caribbean's new food hall concept

Icon of the Seas will have the first food hall on any Royal Caribbean cruise ship, and it looks like a great change for the line.

At Royal Caribbean's headquarters in Miami, Matt was able to tour a prototype of the new AquaDome Market to get a sense of what the cruise line has in mind.

From new cuisines to how the food will be served, it's a first-look at what you can expect when you get onboard.

Royal Caribbean vs MSC Cruises: what I liked & didn't like

Jenna tried her first MSC cruise to compare it against her Royal Caribbean experiences.

Sailing on MSC World Europa, she wanted to see how similar or different the line is to Royal Caribbean, and what she enjoyed about it too.

After 7-nights onboard, Jenna came away with a list of what she liked, disliked, and what surprised her about her first MSC cruise.

Alaska vs Norway cruise

How similar is a Norway fjords cruise compared to an Alaska cruise?

Having sailed both, Matt came up with the aspects of each kind of cruise that are the same, and in what ways are they totally different.

Both destinations are certainly going to be colder than the Caribbean or Mediterranean, but they aren't exactly the same type of cruise either.

Carnival Mardi Gras vs Royal Caribbean's Harmony of the Seas

Love big cruise ships? Here's a battle of the titans of the two largest cruise lines.

Carnival's Excel Class and Royal Caribbean's Oasis Class ships are the largest ships in their respective fleets, and bring a mass-market appeal that aims to provide as many choices as possible on a cruise ship.

Allie has sailed on both Carnival Mardi Gras and Royal Caribbean's Harmony of the Seas to see what each ship does better.

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

Royal Caribbean is returning to China next year, and will redeploy Anthem of the Seas to Asia.

Spectrum of the Seas will be homeported in Shanghai starting in April 2024. 

In addition, Anthem of the Seas will sail from Singapore in late 2024, which will be the first time Anthem will sail in Asia.  

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean's meteorologist announces he is leaving the cruise line
• I took my first cruise ever and here's what I expected vs what actually happened
• I gambled enough in Royal Caribbean's casino to get free drinks and a cruise
• I boarded my first European cruise. How different is it from a USA cruise
• Taking a boat to visit an amazing fjord and waterfall in Haugesund
• Fjord and glacier viewings in Geiranger and Olden
• Woman on TikTok shares planning hack for her Royal Caribbean cruise to make packing easier

New RCB Video: 8 reasons to get off your ship as early as possible on disembarkation day

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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 — 8 reasons to get off your ship as early as possible on disembarkation day — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

The best 6 cruise ships for adults

After sailing on 15 Royal Caribbean cruise ships, Jenna has picked the best cruise ships for adults to sail.

While Royal Caribbean is a family cruise line, certain ships may offer a more adult-focused experience than others.

In considering all the options, there are seven ships that would be a great choice for adults sailing without kids.

12 mistakes people make on European cruises

European cruises are among the most popular itineraries Royal Caribbean offers, but navigating the ins and outs of cruising Europe can be challenging for first time travelers to the continent.

We've noticed across our European sailings a handful of very common mistakes first-timers were making on their European voyages.

Whether cramming too many activities into one day or walking around with a painful blister, here are the top 12 mistakes you should avoid on a European cruise.

7 ways to do things differently on your next cruise

There’s a lot to remember on a cruise vacation, including a few things we think you could benefit from changing up.

Doing things slightly differently on a cruise can save you time and stress and make your overall vacation more pleasant.

We picked seven ways to do things differently on your next Royal Caribbean cruise.

How to beat the chair hogs on your cruise ship

One of the most annoying things on a cruise are the people that reserve pool chairs without actually using them.

Since enforcement of the rules that are supposed to prevent chair hogs is lackadaisical, here are our best tips for getting around the chair hogs so you can still enjoy time by the pool.

50 Alaska cruise tips & secrets

Have an Alaska cruise coming up? We've compiled the largest list of Alaska cruise tips we can think of into one article!

Here are the fundamentals of planning a cruise to Alaska with some helpful advice you can use when you get there.

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

We got our first look around Icon of the Seas during a construction tour earlier this week.

The 250,800 gross tons, 20-deck-high vessel is under construction at Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland, and we were invited to see its progress.

We took a deck-by-deck tour of Icon of the Seas at the shipyard, and it was a fascinating look at how cruise ships are built, as well as sneak peek at what Royal Caribbean has planned for the new ship.

Royal Caribbean News

• How Royal Caribbean will finish work on Icon of the Seas in time for launch
• 9 new things about Icon of the Seas I learned during my shipyard tour
• New Amex offer could get you hundreds of dollars in points for booking a Royal Caribbean cruise
• How to get the best cruise deals
• Three important lessons for how to plan a cruise from Royal Caribbean's earnings call last week
• Cruising in hurricane season: What you need to know

20 rules of cruise ship etiquette no one ever tells you (but should)

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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 — 20 rules of cruise ship etiquette no one ever tells you (but should) — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

10 mistakes to avoid making on a cruise ship sea day

Sea days are the perfect time to take advantage of everything your cruise ship has to offer, but you'll want to steer clear of some common sea day mistakes.

Even though sea days come with no requirements on how you should spend your time, there are a few things you should avoid doing on a sea day.

From avoiding the buffet to waking up early, here are the top 10 mistakes to avoid making on a cruise ship sea day.

Royal Caribbean vs Carnival

If you’re considering a cruise with Royal Caribbean or Carnival Cruise Line, there are a few considerations before booking either.

These cruise lines represent the two largest in the cruise industry, and they're both popular because how much they offer guests of all ages.

Let’s go head-to-head, Carnival versus Royal Caribbean, to highlight their similarities and differences and help you choose the line that’s right for you.

Can I remove cruise ship prepaid gratuities?

Some passengers new to cruising may be confused with how gratuities work on a Royal Caribbean cruise: how much they cost, when you pay gratuities, and whether or not they’re mandatory.

Because gratuities are an extra cost that is in addition to the cruise fare, new cruisers wonder whether or not you can remove these service charges.

The issue comes down to the ethics of tipping and ensuring the crew members taking care of you during your cruise are being tipped appropriately.

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

Royal Caribbean is breaking its own records for cruise sales with Icon of the Seas.

During Royal Caribbean's first quarter results call with Wall Street analysts, cruise line executives said they are "getting exceptional demand with bookings well surpassing previous records," for Icon of the Seas.

"Despite being on sale for only five months, Icon is significantly more booked for her inaugural season at materially higher rates than any other Royal Caribbean ship launch," said Royal Caribbean Group CEO Jason Liberty.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean Group reports better-than-expected first quarter earnings
• Royal Caribbean executives talk where Utopia of the Seas will sail, incredible cruise demand, & booking trends
• Royal Caribbean begins skipping scheduled stops in Skagway, Alaska
• Royal Caribbean updates: Icon of the Seas sea trials, Adults-only beach construction & more
• I went on my first Royal Caribbean Blog group cruise. Here's what it was like and why I'd do it again
• Best hotels near the Cape Liberty/Bayonne cruise port
• Symphony of the Seas cruise review
• How to get free wifi on Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 498th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, previewing Matt's upcoming cruise to Europe.

Matt is taking his first cruise in Europe, and provides an overview of how he's planning his first time in this part of the world.

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.

21 Tips for the Best Cruise Ship Main Dining Room Experience

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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 — 21 Tips for the Best Cruise Ship Main Dining Room Experience — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Crew member shares what it's like to work on a cruise ship

Jordan Bauth is an ice skater on Wonder of the Seas and shared what a week of working and living on a cruise ship is like.

She shares regular updates from her life working on a cruise ship as a professional ice skater, and it's a fascinating look at how someone balances their duties, and opportunities to explore the world.

Ms. Bauth offers a behind-the-scenes look at her work life and personal life onboard.

Matt is going on his first European cruise: Here’s what he thinks he should do

After years of only cruising around North America, Matt is headed to Europe!

Matt is booked on a 7-night Norwegian fjords cruise, and sailing from Europe introduces a variety of new challenges.

From taking a long-haul flight to balancing currency requirements, Matt shares how he's planning his first time going across the Atlantic for a cruise.

Answers to your really dumb cruise ship dining questions

In case you're wondering, there's no shame in asking questions about eating on a cruise ship that you may be too embarrassed to ask.

What seems like basic knowledge to frequent cruisers can cause confusion for first time cruisers. So much confusion, unsurprisingly, leads to a lot of questions about dining on a cruise ship.

To make your first cruise experience stress-free, we’re answering 17 of your really dumb cruise ship dining questions.

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

Are you ready to board Royal Caribbean's new specialty restaurant concept?

While it's very early in the design phase, Royal Caribbean is working on a immersive dining experience for Utopia of the Seas that will take diners on virtual train rides.

We have a first look at the new restaurant and what one possibility of what the experience could be like.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean's next-gen cruise ship will advance goal of creating sustainable cruising
• Royal Caribbean will introduce new family fun ambassador on Icon of the Seas
• Royal Caribbean Junior Suite Perks
• What’s a good amount of days for a first cruise?
• 6 things I never buy for my kids on a cruise

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 497th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, sharing important tips for solo cruisers.

This week's episode shares the things anyone going on a cruise by themselves should know before they sail.

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

New RCB Video: 11 reasons to get as early a check-in time as possible for your cruise

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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 — 11 reasons to get as early a check-in time as possible for your cruise — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Inside look at Icon of the Seas Thrill Island development

Royal Caribbean is actually testing out one of its newest neighborhoods on Icon of the Seas in its Miami headquarters.

Thrill Island will be home to six new water slides, along with a host of other fun activities. At Royal Caribbean's Innovation Lab in Miami, Florida, the cruise line life-size mock-ups to give its executives and team members a real-world look at what their plans on paper will actually look like once built.

We toured the testing facility to show the lengths the cruise line is going to ensure it's perfect when the new ship launches.

Cruise advice that makes sense until you get on your ship

You'll hear lots of cruise tips before you sail, but a few of them seem to make sense until you get onboard.

There's merit in these cruise tips, but in practical terms, they just don't work well. Whether because they're too limiting or impractical, these are the cruise tips you might want to think twice about embracing.

Here's my list of cruise tips that aren't as good as they sound.

12 reasons to eat at the buffet instead of the dining room

Whether you're a picky eater or not, the cruise ship buffet is an underrated option for dinner.

There are advantages to eating at the Main Dining Room or Windjammer, including convenience, variety, and service.

To help make this decision easier, here are 12 reasons to eat at the buffet instead of the dining room on your cruise.

I'm about to turn Pinnacle!

After 68 cruises, Matt is on the precipice of reaching Royal Caribbean's highest tier in the Crown and Anchor Society: Pinnacle.

To get to Pinnacle, you need 700 points and hitting that level means not only a lot of cruising, but dedication to one line.

Matt shares what special benefits you can expect if you make it to Pinnacle, and what stands out about this elite club.