If you want to learn how to surf from the best, the first ever "Flow with a Pro" cruise will take place on Royal Caribbean's Ovation of the Seas in December this year

This special cruise is sailing from Fremantle to Sydney, complete with tuition, expert advice and demonstrations from Adam Wildman, European flowboarding champion in 2013, 2014 & 2016 and Royal Caribbean’s home-grown FlowRider Ambassador.

Guests can ‘Flow with a Pro’ on Ovation of the Seas from Fremantle to Sydney, departing December 6, 2016 for a nine-night cruise. During this cruise, guests will receive access to complimentary group lessons from Adam Wildman, plus he will showcase some of his spectacular tricks with free guest demonstrations along the way.

Adam Wildman first discovered his talent for flowboarding on Royal Caribbean’s Freedom of the Seas on a family holiday in 2009, and has now turned his passion into a profession. Hailing from the Gold Coast, his sport takes him all over the world. Having successfully defended his title as European Champion earlier this year, Wildman takes on the best of the best at the World Flowboarding Championships in Singapore.

"If you’ve ever thought about giving flowboarding a go, Ovation is the perfect place to test your talents. The most important thing to remember is that falling is half the fun! No matter your age or skill, you’re guaranteed to have a great time," said Adam Wildman, Royal Caribbean’s FlowRider Ambassador.

The signature FlowRider - which can only be found at sea on Royal Caribbean - mimics ocean surf conditions by pumping water at speed over the soft, padded riding area, which riders can ‘drop in’ on from the top of the FlowRider. Surfers will find it’s a slightly different experience to an ocean wave, since the water flows in the opposite direction, making it all the more fun to master. Guests can choose two different riding styles, stand-up traditional surfing and boogie boarding or knee boarding.

Royal Caribbean announced that due to Hurricane Matthew, Empress of the Seas will be delayed returning to PortMiami on time.

Due to the storm, PortMiami is planning to close to all marine traffic on Thursday and reopen on Friday. Because of this, Empress of the Seas next sailing will now depart on Friday, October 7, 2016.

Boarding on Friday will take place as soon as Royal Caribbean receives notification from PortMiami authorities.

To compensate for the missed day, Royal Caribbean will provide each stateroom with an onboard credit in the amount of one day based on the cruise fare paid, which will be credited to guests' onboard accounts. As a gesture of goodwill, we will also be providing all sailing guests with a 25% future cruise credit. 

Guests onboard Empress of the Seas have reported, Empress of the Seas will go to Costa Maya with their extra day and arriving back to Miami on Friday.

Royal Caribbean International will continue to closely monitor weather conditions and will provide updates as soon as they become available.

Royal Caribbean cruises are known for the wide-array of entertainment, dining and things to do onboard, and it got us thinking what would be a list of must-do activities that every Royal Caribbean cruiser should try at least once.

There is a daunting list of possibilities, but we have compiled our list of the activities that are available on pretty much every Royal Caribbean ship that are worth doing at least once.  See if you agree with what we have!

16. Eat in the main dining room

Traditional dining may not be everyone's favorite way to enjoy a meal onboard, but the main dining room is such a quintessential part of the Royal Caribbean cruise experience that we are starting our list with this institution.

The main dining room is open every day for breakfast and dinner, as well as lunch on sea days.

The elegance, service and fine dining choices available in the main dining room make this a must-do experience for anyone taking a Royal Caribbean ship. Whether with My Time Dining or Traditional, everyone should try the main dining room at least once.

We also are big fans of lunch in the main dining room.  Available only on sea days, the lunch menu changes every day and is a bit of a hidden gem among Royal Caribbean fans for the great food choices.

15. See the Quest

The Quest is an adults-only scavenger hunt that is big on laughs, friendly joking and competition.  When someone asks what the Quest is exactly, it is never easy to answer except to say, "you have to see it for yourself."

The Quest is an unique Royal Caribbean show that involves guests either actively participating in teams or watching the action.  You do not have to participate, but it is worth seeing for yourself at least once for the spectacle that is this show.

The Quest is an adult-oriented show, so the kids will have to grow up before checking this one off their list.

14. Watch the ship's wake

Taking a cruise is such a relaxing and wonderful way to enjoy a vacation, and regardless of which ship you happen to be on, take a walk on the outside promenade deck at least once to enjoy the view of the ship's wake from the aft of the ship.

This vantage point is quite beautiful and calming, and you might find yourself spending more time here than you thought. Since most guests do not make it over here, it is one of the more secluded spots on a Royal Caribbean ship.

On Oasis-class ships, Royal Caribbean even added chairs for guests to enjoy and watch the wake as their ship moves to the next adventure.

13. Eat at Chops Grille

This entry should be really titled, "eat at a specialty restaurant," and if we are talking about the specialty restaurant to try if you do not eat at any others, it has to be Chops Grille.

For years, Chops Grille has been the defacto signature Royal Caribbean specialty restaurant.  While many other specialty restaurants have been added in recent years, Chops Grille remains in our opinion the restaurant to try if you only choose one.  Plus, it is available on all ships in the fleet and is consistently a wonderful experience.

12. Watch a sunrise or sunset

Being out in the ocean, catching a sunrise or sunset is a gorgeous event that should be done every cruise, but definitely at least once.

The spectacle of the sun rising and setting is amazing, with the many colors in the sky and reflections in the ocean, we should probably add to bring a camera with you because you will want to capture these memories.

Sunrises are much easier to see, since they usually occur at a much more convenient time, but if you cannot sleep one morning, make a point to grab a cup of coffee and try for a sunrise as well.  Either way, you will see one of nature's truly beautiful events.

11. See the Love and Marriage game show

Royal Caribbean has added some incredible shows to its fleet of ships, but one evening show that is a staple of any cruise is the Love and Marriage game show.

Based loosely on "The Newly Wed game," Royal Caribbean's version involves three couples trying to prove they know their spouse the best.  It is a quiz of memory and how well one spouse thinks they know the other.

This is a show that has been performed throughout the years on Royal Caribbean, and we think it is definitely a show that you have to catch at least once to have an appreciation for how amusing it can be.

10. Watch the belly flop contest at the pool

In terms of spectacles, you cannot top the belly flop competition in the main pool.

As the name implies, it is a competition of wills, determination and iron guts.  You might cringe, laugh or applaud, but it is the kind of show that everyone needs to see once.

9. Try room service

Did you know that room service is complimentary on your Royal Caribbean cruise? So many of us have become conditioned to never order room service that it escapes our minds when it comes to a cruise.

There is room service available 24 hours per day, every day of your cruise (there is a small surcharge if you order room service late at night).  The menu varies throughout the day, but the most popular option is breakfast.

You fill out the menu, leave it on the outside of your door and in the morning, your breakfast bounty will be delivered. Even if you just order coffee and bacon to have something to get you going, it is a wonderful option.

8. Watch the wipe outs at the FlowRider

Not every ship has a FlowRider surf simulator, but if yours has one, be sure to head there one day to enjoy the performances and in many cases, lack of coordination.

Guests that try their hand at the FlowRider know that falling down is very likely to happen, but it is all held in good fun and the crew members who assist the guests actively try to help guests with improving their form and learning new tricks.

There is stadium seating behind the FlowRider, which is the perfect vantage point to take in (controlled) surfing at sea.

7. See the ice show

I remember on my first Royal Caribbean cruise aboard Explorer of the Seas seeing an ice show in the Cruise Compass and thinking to myself how boring that should must be.  Boy, was I wrong!

Royal Caribbean's ice skating shows are marvelous examples of grace, skills and coordination set to fabulous music with a loose story.  It all comes together to form one of the best shows Royal Caribbean offers.

If you have the same thoughts I did about seeing an ice skating show, give the show a try because it is a truly amazing show that needs to be seen at least once.

6. Stay in a balcony stateroom once

Everyone has a budget and a balcony stateroom may not always be financially feasible, but it is the kind of experience that if you have never done it before, need to save to try just once.

There is quite a heated debate among Royal Caribbean fans of whether a balcony or inside room is a better bet, but staying in a balcony is something everyone must try at least once.

Having your own private balcony can transform your cruise experience.  Whether you are on your balcony in the morning (remember room service?) or taking it all in with a book in the afternoon, a balcony stateroom means you have your own spot to enjoy without anyone else to bother you (unless that someone else is staying in your stateroom).

5. Experience a sailaway party

Your Royal Caribbean cruise really begins when the muster drill is over and the ship drops its lines and leaves port to head to the first stop.  To celebrate this moment, Royal Caribbean offers a sailaway party at the pool deck and invites all guests to join.

The sailaway party involves dancing, music and drinks and is something worth trying at least once.

There are lots of places onboard a Royal Caribbean cruise to enjoy sailaway, but the sailaway party is something that must be experienced, because it is a core part of the Royal Caribbean cruise process.

4. Take a spa tour

You do not have to buy anything, but the Vitality Spa tour are complimentary and a great way to see this relaxing and luxurious oasis with no commitment.

Tours are available throughout your cruise, but the time to do it is on embarkation day.  The reason to take a tour is as much to learn about the services offered, as it is to take in the wonderful aromas, check out the facilities and learn more about the ship you are on.

3. Dress up for formal night

Formal night may be a vestige of cruising's past, but it remains one of the classiest evenings of any cruise and we think you ought to try it at least once.

The reason why formal night is fun is because in most of our lives, there is so little opportunity to get dressed up outside of weddings and funerals.   On formal night, everyone looks great and when you look great, you feel great too.

While you are dressed "to the nines," be sure to take photos of the family looking their best. Royal Caribbean provides complimentary photographers to take your photos, and then you have the choice later to purchase the photo or not.  Nearly all of our family photos are from formal night on a cruise and it is worth doing at least once.

2. Try the escargot (seriously)

In case you did not know, escargot are cooked snails and they are a delicacy and available each evening in the main dining room.  And yes, most people probably make a face when they first read about it, but it has become a cruising classic and you ought to give it a whirl at least once.

Most fans of escargot will tell you that it is not nearly as bad as you think, and the fact they are cooked in plenty of garlic and butter means you can barely taste them.  Eat it with bread and you may not even recognize the former terrestrial pulmonate gastropod molluscs.

1. Book another cruise while onboard

A very common question that is asked on this site is how to get the best deal on a Royal Caribbean cruise, and without a doubt, it is to book another cruise onboard.

Royal Caribbean's NextCruise program offers essentially "free money" for rebooking.  You can book any Royal Caribbean cruise that is open for booking and take advantage of any booking promotion that is offered, plus get bonus onboard credit and reduced deposit for booking a cruise onboard a Royal Caribbean cruise.

Not only is it a great deal, but it will give you something to look forward to when you have to sadly disembark your cruise later!

Your thoughts

There you have our list of the top things that everyone ought to do at least once on a Royal Caribbean cruise.  Which ones have you yet to try? Did we miss something from our list? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

A tropical garden on solid ground requires constant care and expertise – but a lush, exotic park spanning the decks of the world’s largest ship takes gardening to a whole new level. Meet the horticulturalists passionate about maintaining Harmony of the Seas’ Central Park, where over 12,000 plants create a sanctuary in the middle of the ocean. 

Royal Caribbean's Allure of the Seas offers as much to see and do as it is impressive in nature.  This ship was designed to be a major focal point of your cruise vacation, and is arguably a Royal Caribbean ship that redefined what a cruise ship can offer.

With so many options onboard, here are our top picks for places on Allure of the Seas to go, depending on what you are looking to do!

Have breakfast

A hidden gem for breakfast on Allure of the Seas is Johnny Rockets, in the Boardwalk neighborhood. Unlike the Windjammer, which tends to get crowded, Johnny Rockets does not get nearly as crowded.

On Allure of the Seas, Johnny Rockets is open for breakfast and offers some great traditional breakfast items, such as pancakes, omelettes, French toast, and more.

The best part? It's complimentary!  Johnny Rockets is complimentary for breakfast on Allure of the Seas (lunch and dinner at Johnny Rockets still cost extra).

Have breakfast (without a wait)

While Johnny Rockets is a good spot for breakfast, if you are in a hurry (like on a port day), the best spot for a quick grab-and-go breakfast is Park Cafe in the Central Park neighborhood.

Park Cafe tends to be less crowded than the Windjammer and offers a great breakfast spread, complete with a make-your-own bagel bar.

Guests with a drink package can also get their premium coffee or tea at Park Cafe.

Be sure to come back to Park Cafe later in the day for a wonderful kummelweck sandwich!

Get the best snack

We just invoked the spirit of the kummelweck sandwich, but our choice for the best snack on Allure of the Seas has to be the guacamole at Sabor Taqueria & Tequila Bar.

The tableside created guacamole at Sabor will change your life for the better.  It is amazingly good and the kind of food that illicit daydreams like a bad Wayne's World dream sequence.

There are two ways to get this most awesome snack.  You can opt to dine at Sabor and only pay for what you order, or go to the Sabor bar on the Boardwalk and order up a serving to take with you elsewhere on the ship. 

The Sabor bar is the circular bar area outside the entrance to Sabor and they serve up the same great guacamole the sit down restaurant has!

See what's around you

Whether you are about to sail away, are in port or just want to enjoy the vista of the ocean around you, be sure to go to the deck wings on deck 14 for the best view onboard.

These bridge wings extend away from the side of the ship, giving guests a very unique view of your surroundings, and Allure of the Seas itself.

To get to the wing viewing areas, go all the way forward in the deck 14 on the port side. Once you arrive at the end of the corridor, there will be a glass door on the left.

Do something totally different

If you are the "been there, done that" kind of cruiser, then you should try the Prohibition Party on Allure of the Seas.

Part mystery, part jazz club and all fun, the Prohibition Party is a private event that combines live music, unlimited alcohol and a loose storyline to provide all guests with a very memorable evening.

The premise of the Prohibition Party is you are going to a 1920's-style speakeasy, where guests dress up and play the part of Prohibition-era people looking to have a good time.

Grab a Coke

Guests that purchase an unlimited drink package will receive a souvenir Coca-Cola cup that can be used with the Coca-Cola Freestyle machines.  There are machines around the ship, but usually there is just one machine per location.

If you want the best spot to use the machines, head to the Royal Promenade and look for the machines next to Sorrento's Pizza.  There are two machines there, which means there is double the usual capacity for just one location and that means shorter lines!

Find a spot to relax

Looking for somewhere that is shaded and is quiet and a great spot to sit and relax?  

Head to deck 5 and go all the way to the aft of the ship.  You will find chairs that have a great view of the ocean and are usually without many other passengers.

Find a less crowded bar

Bars are great for mingling, but sometimes you just want a drink without the wait and our top pick is the Wipe Out Bar in the Pool and Sports Zone neighborhood on deck 16.

Not only is the Wipe Out Bar usually less crowded than other bars, it offers a great view of the FlowRider surf simulators, as well as a view of the ocean behind you.

With seating for 36, the alfresco bar also offers uninterrupted views over the stern.

Honorable mention to Vintages, which tends to be the least crowded bar on any Royal Caribbean ship.

Date night

Anyone looking to celebrate an evening on Allure of the Seas with a nice evening out, should consider spending their time in Central Park.

Once the sun goes down, Central Park becomes even more beautiful with the fantastic lighting through the neighborhood.  The ambiance gets even better with the regularly scheduled live string music in the evening.

Of course, Central Park is home to a number of incredibly popular and fantastic restaurant choices: Chops Grille, Giovanni's Table and 150 Central Park.

Cap it all off with an evening stroll and maybe a private photo shoot in the 

Guests departing on the Majesty of the Seas sailing that leaves October 3rd will find a new route planned, due to the path of Hurricane Matthew.

Majesty of the Seas will now call to Key West, Florida, instead of her scheduled call to Nassau, Bahamas. Majesty of the Seas revised itinerary:

UPDATED 10am

• Monday, Oct. 3 - Port Canaveral, Florida at 4:00 p.m.
• Tuesday, Oct. 4 - Freeport, Bahamas 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• Wednesday, Oct. 5 - Key West, Florida at 8:00 a.m.
• Thursday, Oct. 6 - Key West, Florida depart at 9:00 a.m.
• Friday, Oct. 7 - Port Canaveral, Florida at 7:00 a.m.

Royal Caribbean has also changed the itineraries of three other cruise ships this week due to the storm: Allure of the Seas, Freedom of the Seas and Enchantment of the Seas.

Given the storm's path, Royal Caribbean wants to ensure the comfort and enjoyment of all guests on its ships for the safety of guests and crew.

Happy Sunday and welcome to October, which means there is plenty of pumpkin flavored everything, changing colors of the leaves and plenty of Royal Caribbean news!

Hurricane Matthew is brewing in the Caribbean as we speak, and it has already lead to four Royal Caribbean itineraries being changed.

Due to the path of the storm, Royal Caribbean had to change the itinerary for Adventure of the Seas, Enchantment of the Seas and twice for Allure of the Seas.

The storm has taken a path across the Caribbean and is headed to the Bahamas with potentially more cruise changes on the way.  If there are anymore changes, we will be sure to report it here.

Royal Caribbean News

• A new Royal Caribbean deal began for October, with 60% off second guest plus other discounts.
• Royal Caribbean built an Ultimate Abyss in a Miami-area mall.
• Adventure of the Seas is getting a new two story mini golf course.
• Royal Caribbean won the Best Cruise Operator award for the 9th time in a row.
• Clarification on Royal Caribbean's drink package premium coffee benefit.
• A new video of the Harmony of the Seas art reveal.
• Where to get coffee on a Royal Caribbean cruise.
• 8 ways Harmony of the Seas is different from other Oasis-class cruise ships.
• The amenities for the beach loungers on CocoCay have changed.
• Royal Caribbean will make the first call to the Kingdom of Tonga.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 165th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where we list the top 5 experiences on Liberty of the Seas.

In this episode, Matt and Justin discuss what aspects of Liberty of the Seas stand out as their favorite in another edition of our Top 5 series.

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 Around the Internet

Royal Caribbean Ltd looks at the impressive robot technology in Two70.

Wherever I May Roam takes a look at what there is to do in Labadee.

The Wanderer has a look at the epic adventures on Harmony of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean has a look at the top spots in the Mediterranean that Royal Caribbean can take you to.

Cruise Critic has a list of 10 things to know before going on Empress of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean has made a change to Freedom of the Seas' cruise that leaves today to avoid the path of Hurricane Matthew.

Royal Caribbean announced it will replace a scheduled stop in its private island of CocoCay in The Bahamas with a stop in San Juan, Puerto Rico instead.

@sttsxm Hi Meg. Freedom is going to San Juan, Puerto Rico instead of the Bahamas. Have a great cruise!

— Royal Caribbean (@RoyalCaribbean) October 2, 2016

In addition to Freedom of the Seas, Allure of the Seas and Enchantment of the Seas have had their itineraries changed this week.

Hurricane Matthew is a Category 4 storm that is heading north through the Caribbean. As of 8 a.m. EDT (1200 GMT), the storm was centered about 340 miles (545 kilometers) south-southwest of Port-au-Prince, Haiti. It was traveling north-northwest at 5 mph (7 kph).

At the TTG Travel Awards 2016, Royal Caribbean was named the Best Cruise Operator, which marks the ninth time in a row the cruise line has won the award.

Royal Caribbean was recognized for offering the best product, services and facilitires.  Ovation of the Seas, the newest Quantum Class ship, highlighted the awards by being the newest and largest ship in Asia. The award is also recognition for Royal Caribbean for being the most professional sales and marketing team in terms of innovative ideas and servicing.

At a ceremony in Bangkok, Royal Caribbean has been voted unanimously by readers of TTG Asia, TTG China, TTG India, TTGmice, TTG-BTmice China, TTGassociations and TTG Asia Luxury for the award. 

Sean Treacy, Managing Director, Singapore & Southeast Asia of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. who received the award said, "It’s a great honour to receive this prestigious award for the ninth consecutive time. It shows Royal Caribbean’s growing strength as the leading cruise brand of choice in Asia with our amazing ships and revolutionary onboard experiences. We will continue to deliver to everyone “the One holiday” with “endless adventures". 

"We thank all our partners for their strong confidence and support, in our journey in making the cruise industry more vibrant and our brand a top vacation choice across the region. Come 2017, we can look forward to another exciting year together with even more sailings and most of all, celebrating Royal Caribbean’s 10 th anniversary in Asia!" he added.

The TTG Travel Awards are given out annually to honour organizations in Asia Pacific’s travel industry fortheir strong commitment towards service excellence.

Royal Caribbean is kicking off a brand new promotion today with 60% off the second guest in a stateroom, plus 30% off third and fourth guests in the same room.

The BOGO60 offer is valid on cruises booked October 1 through November 2, 2016 on all sailings departing on or after November 1, 2016 (excluding China).

The deal includes

• Buy One, Get One Guest 60% off
• 30% off third and fourth guests
• Anthem of the Seas free upgrade
  • From Ocean View to Balcony on Anthem sailings. Please note that the “upgrade” will be reflected as “purchase a balcony at the price of an ocean view”

The BOGO60 deal is also combinable with the Holiday Offer on bookings made Oct.1-11, 2016 for eligible Bahamas and Caribbean holiday sailings

• $100 OBC per stateroom for eligible holiday sailings 3-5 nights departing December 22-31, 2016 and December 22-31, 2017
• $100 OBC per stateroom for eligible holiday sailings 6-9 nights departing December 15-31, 2016 and December 15-31, 2017
• $200 OBC per stateroom for eligible holiday sailings 10 nights or longer departing December 15-31, 2016 and December 15-31, 2017

BOGO60 is combinable with adjoining 30% Savings for 3rd and 4th guests, Anthem Upgrade, Holiday OBC, Crown & Anchor discounts and NextCruise offers. BOGO60 and 3rd and 4th Guest Savings are not combinable with restricted rates (for example, Seniors, Residents, Military). Anthem Upgrade and Holiday OBC are combinable with restricted rates (for example, Seniors, Residents, Military) and NextCruise offers. Anthem Upgrade is combinable with Crown & Anchor discounts. Holiday OBC is not combinable Crown & Anchor discounts. All offers are not combinable with any other offer or promotion, including, but not limited to, Standard Group, Interline, Travel Agent, Travel Agent Friends and Family, Weekly Sales Events, Net Rates, Shareholder Benefits.

Offer available to residents of United States and Canada.