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Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast Episode - How to get a deal on a Royal Caribbean cruise

In:
10 Dec 2014

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Since most of us are not independently wealthy, we’re usually looking for the best possible deal on our Royal Caribbean cruise so we can save money to use on the actual cruise itself. This week, let’s look at ways to get the best possible price for your cruise so you can get the most affordable cruise vacation option.

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Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast Episode - New York City

In:
03 Dec 2014

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New York: if you can make it there, you can make it anywhere, including a cruise vacation! With Quantum of the Seas and soon Anthem of the Seas arrivals in the Big Apple, there’s new interest in cruising out of the New York area. This week, let’s discuss the many things to do in New York, where to stay, where to eat and more.

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Top 10 Quantum of the Seas hidden secrets

In:
24 Nov 2014

If you're going on Royal Caribbean's Quantum of the Seas, there's a lot to see and do.

Quantum of the Seas pool deck

We found our list of the best hidden secrets that can be easily overlooked on Quantum of the Seas.

1. Roast beef sandwich from Cafe @ Two70

I love eating on a Royal Caribbean cruise and I'd be remiss if I did not mention a Royal Caribbean classic food, the roast beef sandwich.

The roast beef sandwich originated in Park Cafe on Oasis of the Seas and has spread to other ships too. On Quantum of the Seas, you can get a Roast Beef sandwich from Cafe @ Two70 and it's well worth your time. And it's free!

2. Swing in Two70

Anyone can sit in a chair or bench in the amazing new Two70 but swings are where it's at!

Off on the side of Two70, you can find these special little swings where you can sit, rock, and enjoy the view or a show. After you find the swing, no other form of sitting will suffice!

3. Wing viewing area

Quantum of the Seas features a lot of access to seeing the ocean from all over the ship, but by far the best place to see the ocean and the outside of Quantum of the Seas is found just outside the Solarium.

If you walk into the Solarium and then proceed all the way forward, you will find doors on opposite sides of the ship that offer small wings for guests to go outside and get unobstructed views of the ocean and even the ship herself. Great photo opportunities here!

4. "Glass" floor

Sometimes it's easy to forget Quantum of the Seas is a pretty tall ship in addition to being large in other respects. If you want a good reminder, check out the "glass floor" view.

Okay, it's not really made of glass (it's plastic) but this small panel allows you to look down about 10 decks to the Royal Esplanade. Bring your camera with you!

5. Elevator and stairway artwork

I'm no art critic but it's my understanding art is meant to evoke a reaction to the person looking at it and on Quantum of the Seas, there's a lot of art onboard. I really found the art in the stairways and elevators to really be interesting to see.

It's not to say the art is amazing or the best I've seen, but every time I found a new one, I would look at it to get the idea. Some are pretty, some have a message and some are just funny (don't miss the money with lipstick).

6. Fresh-baked cookies from the Windjammer

It's probably not surprising to find another food-related entry in this list, but if you tried one of the freshly baked cookies from the Windjammer, you'd know why it makes this list.

I'm probably not breaking any new ground by telling you freshly baked cookies taste really, really good. But I can't ever recall finding freshly baked cookies available on a Royal Caribbean ship. Until now!

In the breads section of the Windjammer, you will find crew members putting out their latest creations but you really need to ask them for some fresh cookies because they are absolutely amazing. Like beat your own grandmother to get one amazing. 

7. Art drawing art

At one point in my cruise, my friends asked, "Hey, did you see the muppets drawing stuff?" and I had no idea what they were talking about.  

Located on Deck 5 near the Schooner Bar, are three screens that have characters that do bear a resemblance to Muppets and will draw things on the screen you're looking at, erase it, and then draw something else. It's pretty neat to watch even if I have no idea what the message is behind them.

8. Kids' Wave pool

Kids pool on Quantum of the Seas

Royal Caribbean says this is the first wave pool at sea and for kids (heck, I'm going in once the weather warms up) there's a fun time waiting for them up on the pool deck.

The wave pool is just another really cool aspect of this ship that you have to see. I know my daughter will never want to leave!

9. The guy driving the car

The first two times I walked by this display I didn't really pay much attention but when I saw people watching it and laughing, I stopped to check it out and I'm glad I did.

You'll find a large plastic yellow car on the wall with the driver's window and an LCD screen that shows a guy just driving around. What makes it amusing is what you will see as this guy drives. Elephants, dinosaurs, fish, chickens, sideways driving and more. There's always something happening in the background and it's worth a minute or two to catch it all.

10. Solarium chairs in the pool

If you're looking for the best place to relax on Quantum of the Seas, how about these chairs in the Solarium that are in the pool?

You know how it's great at the ocean to drag your chair to the edge of the ocean surf so you can stay cooled down but remain sitting? Royal Caribbean has done that with the pool and I can only imagine how tough it will be to grab one of these chairs on a regular cruise when the weather is warmer. I cannot think of a better place to sit back, have a drink, and enjoy the experience.

10 Quantum of the Seas hidden secrets

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast Episode - Quantum of the Seas Cruise Preview

In:
05 Nov 2014

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Going on a Royal Caribbean cruise is always exciting but this week I get to preview my upcoming cruise aboard Royal Caribbean’s brand new Quantum of the Seas.

This pre-inaugural 2-night event is a glimpse at everything this new ship has to offer and it’s my opportunity to get a first-hand look at the ship and report back to all of you all of the experiences onboard. Let’s preview what my plans are for this cruise and discuss the changes that Quantum of the Seas brings.

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Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast Episode - Top 5: Royal Caribbean specialty restaurants

In:
08 Oct 2014

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With over 40 restaurants across Royal Caribbean’s fleet, there are choices for every palate and budget, with some of the best options being at specialty restaurants.

For just a few dollars extra, you can have a great dining experience, so this week, we share our Top Five Specialty Restaurants on Royal Caribbean. Hopefully we'll introduce you to some new options you might not have thought of before.

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Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast Episode - Old San Juan

In:
03 Sep 2014

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This week we get to explore a great Caribbean port that many Royal Caribbean ships sail to and even depart from, San Juan, Puerto Rico. Let’s discuss the many things to do in San Juan, where to stay, where to eat and why this is such a great port to visit.

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Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast Episode - Quantum of the Seas Tech

In:
27 Aug 2014

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We’re discussing the BIG news from Royal Caribbean this week all about the technology aboard Quantum of the Seas. It’s an impressive array of innovations and it’s kind of thing that could revolutionize how we cruise going forward. I want to talk about each new piece of tech coming onboard the ship and share how amazing Quantum of the Seas looks to be.

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Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast Episode - Top 5: Freedom of the Seas

In:
20 Aug 2014

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There’s so much to do on a Royal Caribbean cruise, whether it’s a favorite spot to sit and relax or a restaurant that is unlike any other in the fleet. Maybe it’s somewhere the kids can spend hours at or it’s just somewhere you and your family love to go again and again.

Well this week, we are going to start a new series listing the top 5 things to do on a Royal Caribbean destination and ask you to share your favorite as well. And then stay tuned for your Royal Caribbean emails that I love to read.

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Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast Episode - Interior vs balcony staterooms

In:
30 Jul 2014

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Our one year anniversary podcast episode was a LIVE broadcast where our listeners called in to discuss the "debate" of interior versus balcony staterooms.

Is it worth it to spend the money for a balcony stateroom or save the cash and get an inside cabin or ocean view?  Does the extra space a balcony stateroom affords make it worth it?  Matt and our listeners debate.

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Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast Episode - Tipping and Gratuity

In:
23 Jul 2014

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When it comes to tipping and gratuity, there’s a lot of questions out there so this week we’re going to talk all about tipping on your Royal Caribbean cruise. Who gets it, how much, why and more helpful tips for figuring out this way to reward the excellent service you will encounter both onboard and on shore.

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