Come explore the many facets of a Royal Caribbean cruise vacation. The RoyalCaribbeanBlog Podcast covers everything from the Royal Caribbean cruise ships to activities, excursions, planning your cruise vacation and more.
Matt went back on Celebrity to give it another try. This time, he took a 3-night cruise on Celebrity Reflection that visited Perfect Day at CocoCay.
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Matt is back from his 7-night cruise to Europe on Anthem of the Seas and has his cruise review to share.
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Matt is about to head to Europe for a 7-night cruise to Spain and France, and shares how he's planned this cruise.
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Matt breaks down what changes are coming to Allure of the Seas
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Matt sits down with two Royal Caribbean Blog writers to talk about their most recent cruises, and what it's like to work on a cruise ship.
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After more than a week on Utopia of the Seas, Matt is back from Royal Caribbean's newest cruise ship!
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Recorded on the Icon of the Seas group cruise, Matt reviews how Icon of the Seas holds up months after her debut
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It's time to answer listener emails on this week's episode!
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Matt is back from a 5-night Bermuda cruise on Liberty of the Seas from Cape Liberty, NJ and shares what he did and how his cruise experience was.
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Matt shares how his 4-night Freedom of the Seas cruise went, and what he did differently on this sailing.
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I got a chance to preview the new Royal Railway Utopia Station restaurant coming to Utopia of the Seas and wanted to share with you my early thoughts!
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Calista is back from her first sailing on Icon of the Seas and gives her review of this brand new ship.
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Emma joins me on this week's episode to talk about how to approach planning your very first European cruise
Check out Emma's YouTube channel for more helpful advice!
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Royal Caribbean has plans for two Royal Beach Clubs (Nassau and Cozumel). What are they and what can you expect?
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Matt explains how to get free cruises from gambling on a Royal Caribbean cruises, and what risks and benefits you can expect to see if it's a good decision for you.
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This week's episode answers as many emails Matt can squeeze in!
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A list of 6 mistakes I saw other cruisers making during my recent cruise on Wonder of the Seas
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Matt is back from Wonder of the Seas for Spring Break.
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How I approach planning a day at Perfect Day at CocoCay
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Matt reviews his 3-night sailing on Allure of the Seas
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Matt is back from the first inaugural sailing of Icon of the Seas and shares his thoughts from trying out this brand new cruise ship.
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Matt is going on the maiden voyage of Icon of the Seas and previews his cruise on this week's episode.
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Matt is back from a brief preview of Icon of the Seas and what stands out about the ship and his initial thoughts.
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With the New Year right around the corner, it makes sense to take some time this week and wish for the sort of changes to Royal Caribbean we want to see in the coming year. From policy changes, to new ideas, or just self-serving improvements, this week we are sharing what kind of changes we would hope to see in 2024.
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We're back again with more listener emails!
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It's all listener emails on this week's episode!
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Matt and Don sailed on Celebrity Ascent and shared what made this ship different
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Is a 3-night cruise on an Oasis Class ship a good idea? I wanted to see what it was like with this new offering.
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Matt is back from his first cruise to Canada and New England, and shares what he thought of this cruise in this week's episode!
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Matt is taking his first Canada and New England cruise next week and shares a preview of what he has planned.
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Domanic & Casey share their review of their first Alaska cruise
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There are 2 new Royal Caribbean ships coming out in 2024, but is it a good idea to book an inaugural voyage or wait until later to try out the new ship.
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Matt shares his thoughts on Royal Caribbean's Hideaway Beach adults-only area reveal.
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Matt is back from a quick 3-night cruise on Independence of the Seas and the first day was a lot different than most of his cruises.
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This week's podcast episode is all about answering your emails!
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Not all travel insurance plans are the same, so this week we have an interview with Stan from TravelInsurance.com to get a sense of how to pick a travel insurance plan.
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Before you book any cruise, I think this is the important things to know and do (especially if you're new to cruising)
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Craig has never cruised Royal Caribbean, but gave it a try after sailing other lines.
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Matt reacts to a RoyalCaribbeanBlog reader that shared advice on how to have a better disembarkation process.
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Everyone wants to save money, so when is the best time to buy popular add-ons for your Royal Caribbean cruise?
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I'm answering the most common questions about how to save money on a cruise on this week's episode!
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Tips and advice for how to get the most out of your day at Perfect Day at CocoCay!
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Our wrap-up of the first Royal Caribbean Blog group cruise of the year, plus some special guests!
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Doing things slightly differently on a cruise can save you time and stress and make your overall vacation more pleasant. Here are easy ways to do things differently on your next Royal Caribbean cruise.
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Beyond the cruise line shore excursions, there's a lot of fun things to see and do in Alaska. This week, we have recommendations of what to do in each port of call during your Alaska cruise from someone that lives there and has spent many years exploring her home state.
More of Mollie's picks for what to do in Alaska:
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Happy 500 episodes! I thought it would make sense to dedicate this episode to YOU!
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Matt is back from Europe and his Norway fjords cruise on Anthem of the Seas
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I'm sailing on Anthem of the Seas and it'll be my first European cruise ever! Here's what I have planned and how I approached planning this kind of a cruise.
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Taking a cruise by yourself? Here are important tips anyone cruising solo should know before they go.
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I used these 6 tips for a stress-free cruise while I was on Wonder of the Seas last month!
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This week's episode is dedicated to answering as many listener emails as I can!
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Ready to plan your first cruise but not sure where to start?
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Matt is back from a 7-night spring break cruise on Wonder of the Seas and shares his experience with his family back on Wonder of the Seas again.
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Royal Caribbean will open a beach club in Nassau, Bahamas and here's what Matt thinks of what we know so far.
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It's tempting to find pick a cruise based purely on price, but there are a few reasons why you shouldn't.
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Royal Caribbean released new cruises for winter 2024-2025 and Matt looks at each of the ships and the new sailings offered.
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The top cruise misconceptions you should know about before you book or cruise!
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Royal Caribbean Group shared their 4Q earnings, and there's a few tidbits in there cruise fans should know about for cruises coming up this year.
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Matt sailed on Liberty of the Seas for the first time and shares his thoughts on how this ship stacks up.
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We have a roundtable discussion of new dining room menus, Crown and Anchor changes, and cruise prices going up. Oh my!
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Rachel and Rebecca share their experience cruising on Liberty of the Seas after needing special wheelchair accessibility on their cruise.
Show notes
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Royal Caribbean's Chief Meteorologist James Van Fleet is one of a kind, and this week, we have an exclusive interview talking about how is services benefit the company and passengers alike.
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Happy New Year! A new year is a new opportunity to take some time this week and wish for the sort of changes to Royal Caribbean we want to see in the coming year. From policy changes, to new ideas, or just self-serving improvements, this week we are sharing what kind of changes we would hope to see in 2023.
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Matt recorded this week's episode along with Beci Mahnken of MEI Travel while onboard Wonder of the Seas during the RoyalCaribbeanBlog.com group cruise!
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I have an exclusive interview to share with you this week with Royal Caribbean Group CEO Jason Liberty about where he sees things right now, and what the short term future holds for the cruise line!
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Our exclusive interview with Royal Caribbean Vice President Food & Beverage, Linken D'Souza, to talk about the why, how, and when of the new main dining room menu changes coming in January.
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Matt is back from an 8-night Odyssey of the Seas cruise to the Southern Caribbean and shares what he liked and didn't like about this cruise.
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Royal Caribbean's Senior Vice President and Chief Product Innovation Officer Jay Schneider joins me once again on the podcast to talk about Icon of the Seas and what the launch felt like for them, and what we can expect leading up to the ship's launch!
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Kurt went on Oasis of the Seas during Hurricane Ian to share his experience onboard.
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Cruising a lot changes your outlook on how you cruise, and I have a list of 5 things I think people that cruise a lot would tell first time cruisers about how the process changes.
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You've done the big ships, but is going on a smaller Royal Caribbean ship a mistake? Here's what you should know about sailing on the not-so-giant ships.
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Royal Caribbean has revealed Icon of the Seas this week, and Matt has his first thoughts about what was announced.
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I just got back from a 3-night Independence of the Seas cruise and it had thinking if taking a short weekend cruise is worth it or is it over far too quickly?
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Matt is back from Allure of the Seas and adds an addendum to last week's episode with a look back at the sailing, along with extra listener questions answered!
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Matt and Jenna are sailing on Allure of the Seas this week and talk about what makes this ship different from the rest of the Oasis Class.
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Matt shares the top things to do in the Western Caribbean ports he'll be visiting next week.
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Time to catch up on emails our listeners have sent in with an entire episode dedicated to questions and comments from the audience!
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Matt went back on Mariner of the Seas and shares his experience the second time around.
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Rebecca sailed to Alaska this summer on Quantum of the Seas, and shares her experience!
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Sylvia recently tried out the Disney Wish and Mariner of the Seas right after each other to compare and contrast Disney Cruise Line versus Royal Caribbean.
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AJ shares his experience going on Royal Caribbean as a blind guest.
Royal Caribbean Special Needs form: https://www.royalcaribbean.com/resources/guest-special-needs
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In an effort to help everyone avoid that "oh no" feeling in the car or plane ride to your ship, I've got a list of the most important things you should be doing in those last couple days leading up to your cruise.
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We recorded this week's episode while onboard Mariner of the Seas!
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I'll be boarding Mariner of the Seas for our next group cruise and I'm listing my favorite things to do in each of the ports we are visiting.
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Rebecca tried an Alaska cruisetour and has a full review of what this Alaska cruise add-on is all about.
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As an addendum to last week's episode, here's a look at my experience with Covid and a look back at the experience.
You can read the timeline of events in this post https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2022/06/13/what-happened-when-i-tested-positive-covid-royal-caribbean-cruise-ship
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Matt is back from his Serenade of the Seas Alaska cruise and reviews the first leg of the cruise he took.
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Kurt shares his review of a recent sailing on Enchantment of the Seas.
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Matt is headed to Alaska on a back-to-back cruise on Serenade of the Seas, and talks about what he has planned onboard.
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Chris Gray Faust from CruiseCritic talks about how Covid testing is impacting European cruises.
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This week's episode looks at why you might want to book a cruise at NextCruise
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Which of Royal Caribbean's newest ships should you book first?
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More of your emails answered on this week's episode!
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Matt revisits his top choices on any Royal Caribbean ship
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Matt sailed on a 3-night Oasis of the Seas cruise last weekend, and shares what stood out about this cruise.
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Matt shares advice for anyone that's new to cruising or just Royal Caribbean and how to get started.
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Deb shares her experience on Harmony of the Seas, as it was her first cruise back since the pandemic.
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This week's podcast episode is dedicated to just answering emails our listeners have sent in to be answered!
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Wonder of the Seas has a lot that stands out, so this week I invited Erica Silverstein and Ashley Kosciolek from The Points Guy to talk with me about their thoughts on Royal Caribbean's newest cruise ship.
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Matt talks with Royal Caribbean's Senior Vice President and Chief Product Innovation Officer Jay Schneider about what's coming down the pike in the next few years.
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Matt is about to go onboard the brand new Wonder of the Seas and has a look at what he has planned.
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Matt just sailed on a 3-night Independence of the Seas cruise and shared his thoughts on the ship and what he did onboard and onshore.
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Matt is back from Brilliance of the Seas, and shares what it's like to sail on a Radiance Class ship and from the Port of Tampa since cruises restarted.
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Wonder of the Seas is just weeks away from starting her first cruise, and today I'm counting down the things I can't wait to try onboard!
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My picks for what you should ( and shouldn't) spend extra money on during your cruise.
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Jenna sailed on Independence and Harmony of the Seas, and has a review of both cruises on this week's episode!
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Matt is hitting the listener emails this week with a batch of questions sent in by our readers.
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The Omicron variant and CDC updates have all generated plenty of headlines about going on a cruise ship, but lost in the shuffle is what it's actually like to go on a cruise.
What you don't necessarily read about is the hard work cruise lines are engaged in behind the scenes to care for passengers and crew members, as well as work with government stakeholders on how to lead the entire travel sector with unparalleled protocols.
Matt talked with Bari Golin-Blaugrund from Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) this week about what the cruise industry is doing right now during the Omicron variant in order to not only keep everyone onboard healthy, but talk about the double standard media attention cruise ships are getting.
"In the in the news, what you're seeing on the headlines are that this that passengers are having such negative experiences and it's just not a totally accurate picture or complete picture of what's going on," Ms. Golin-Blaugrund pointed out during our talk.
"I really think that we need to, as an industry, need to do a better job of getting those positive stories out there."
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Matt just got home from a 7-night Mexican Riviera cruise, and shares his thoughts on sailing from the West Coast.
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Billy and Matt are back to share three wishes for the cruise industry in 2022!
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Getting off a cruise ship is different from checking out from a hotel, and there are some good tips for having a smooth process getting off the ship.
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Peter went on Adventure of the Seas for a Thanksgiving cruise and shared his experience on this week's episode.
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Recorded on Harmony of the Seas, Matt and Beci list their top 3 things they like doing on Harmony of the Seas.
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With cruising back, Royal Caribbean is now looking forward to the future. To give us a preview of what to expect, Royal Caribbean Group Chief Product Innovation Officer Jay Schneider talks about the ships, ports, and projects guests can look forward to seeing in the next two years.
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Jeff and Meagan Mapson share their experience cruising from Tampa on Serenade of the Seas, which was one of the first sailings to restart from Tampa.
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Matt walks you through the at-home test Royal Caribbean accepts, and explains why it is the best option right now.
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Jenna just sailed on Ovation of the Seas to Alaska and shares her thoughts on visiting Alaska for the first time.
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Rebecca recently sailed on Oasis of the Seas from Cape Liberty, and shared what it's like to sail on this impressive ship from the Northeast.
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Going on a Royal Caribbean cruise with kids is different than without kids due to all the different rules for them. I just sailed with my kids to get a sense of what it's like.
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Emma joins me this week to share what going on a cruise is like right now from the UK.
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Show notes * Follow Emma on YouTube!
This week's episode is answering the top Google search questions about Royal Caribbean.
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With cruises back in service for a few months, what should you know about what it's like to go on a cruise ship right now?
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Matt is back from his first time on Odyssey of the Seas and has a full cruise review this week!
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Jenna went on her first cruise ever, and shares how the actual cruise compared to her expectations.
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There will always be cruisers making mistakes, but I wanted to highlight the worst of the worst mistakes I see people making on cruises sailing right now.
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And now for something completely different: this week's episode is answering the top Google search questions about Royal Caribbean.
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There has been plenty of rule changes lately, but this week, Matt breaks down the three biggest changes announced over the last few weeks.
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This week we have a look behind the proverbial curtain of what Royal Caribbean has been up to during the shutdown with Royal Caribbean Group Chief Product Innovation Officer, Jay Schneider!
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Aaron from CruiseCritic.com joins Matt to talk about what it was like sailing on the first big ship to sail to Alaska since 2019!
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Billy from CruiseHabit.com joins me to compare and contrast how Royal Caribbean and Celebrity are restarting cruises so far.
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Show notes* Check out CruiseHabit.com
Of the three ships I've been on so far, I ranked the top 5 things I've eaten so far onboard!
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Matt is back from Freedom of the Seas and the first Royal Caribbean ship to sail from the U.S.
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Sheri joins Matt to talk about their recent Adventure of the Seas cruise and talk about a few things that didn't make last week's review!
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Show Notes* Matt's review of Adventure of the Seas * Check out Cruise Tips TV!
Matt is on Adventure of the Seas and finally back at sea! This week's epsiode is a review of what it's like to be back on a cruise.
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Matt is headed back onto a cruise ship and is previewing what he has planned for the first Royal Caribbean cruise ship to restart in North America!
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Show notes* Matt's Adventure of the Seas live blog begins here
It looks like cruises are close to restarting (hopefully), and if you are flying to a cruise ship, this may be a good opportunity to review the basics when it comes to planning to book flights and plan for a cruise you have to get to via airplane.
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In just the last week, there has been a lot of cruise news to cover, and this week, I wanted to break down what Royal Caribbean's recent announcements and changes mean to you.
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Many first time cruisers are eager to learn about the best Royal Caribbean ship to sail on, so a common question asked is which cruise ships should be avoided.
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You may have heard about cruise ships going into dry dock, but what happens when a ship goes in for work?
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We're taking a look at what else is happening in the cruise industry outside of Royal Caribbean on this week's episode.
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With cruises from Nassau starting soon, many people (including myself) are trying to figure out the logistics of flying to the Bahamas. This week, someone who has flown to Nassau a few times shares his experiences and tips for a smooth arrival.
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The road to cruise ships restarting goes right through the CDC, and there have been a lot of public statements and announcements lately. This week, I want to dive into what is happening right now and what changes actually matter.
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There will be at least a few cruises sailing this summer, so this week I have a look at planning a cruise this summer.
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This week's cruise story looks at a family cruise on Liberty of the Seas
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The last couple of weeks has seen a flurry of cruise news all about Royal Caribbean restarting cruises outside the United States, and I've got a breakdown of what was announced and what it all means.
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With Royal Caribbean announcing it will sail from Los Angeles again, this week we have a look at what each of the Mexican Riviera ports has to offer.
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Show notes* Full details on new West Coast cruise sailings * Follow Sheri on Youtube
This week I take a look at where Australia cruises are and what the latest is with their restart plans.
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Here are 7 suggestions I have for anyone going on a cruise that wants to enjoy their cruise to its fullest.
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The first Royal Caribbean cruise ships to restart sailings are all from less than typical ports. Is this a trend or a big coincidence?
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Show notes* Check out Ashley's work on Cruise.Blog
This week's cruise story takes us on Navigator of the Seas to the ABC islands.
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Teresa shares her first time trying a back to back cruise.
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Hayley went to Alaska to celebrate her fifth anniversary for a cruise of a lifetime!
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Having seen so many of these discussions on social media, there seems to be a few of these "predictions" that are passed around as the truth. Here is a list of some commonly shared cruise ship rumors that have not been verified or announced by Royal Caribbean.
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Welcome to our first cruise story of 2021! This week, Jason shares his experience going on Harmony of the Seas for the first time.
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Did you hear about the new cruises from Barbados that Royal Caribbean just announced? This week's episode breaks down the announcement and what these new sailings mean.
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We're starting off the new year on the right foot by catching up and talking cruises with Sheri from CruiseTipsTV!
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Show notes
How the heck do you plan a cruise in 2021? I share my thoughts on how to approach it.
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They say good things come to those that wait, and this week’s cruise story is about how Bryan had to endure a lot of issues leading up to his Freedom of the Seas cruise. Don’t worry, it has a happy ending to this story.
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Royal Caribbean announced it has sold two cruise ships, and this week, Ken Rush and Raimund Gschaider join me to say farewell to Majesty and Empress of the Seas with a look back each ship's legacy.
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One Royal Caribbean cruise ship has restarted cruises, and that’s a really big deal. This week, I talk with Chris Gray Faust about the significance of Quantum of the Seas restarting operations, as well as breaking down the false positive scare last week.
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Show Notes* CruiseCritic review of Quantum of the Seas sailing * How cruising changed on Royal Caribbean's first cruise back
Every year, Billy and Matt reflect on their wishes for cruising in the past year and offer new wishes for the year to come.
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It feels like we're at a crossroads right now with travel, and this week Len Testa joins me to discuss what the future may hold for travel and cruises in the coming year.
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Show notes* Check out TouringPlans.com for Disney Parks information and resources!
Today's episode features the inside story of how Royal Caribbean designed and engineered the Central Park neighborhood on Oasis Class ships
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I'm taking a break from the Cruise Stories this week to look at the big news in the cruise industry, which is the CDC's lifting of the No Sail Order.
What is the new Framework for Conditional Sailing, and what does it mean for you, me, and the cruises going forward?
Ashley from Cruise.Blog helps me break down the biggest things you should be aware of in this episode
Check out Ashley's work on Cruise.Blog
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Diana celebrated her 35th wedding anniversary on Enchantment of the Seas, and shared her fun cruise escape on this week's cruise story!
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This week's cruise story is a double batch of firsts: first Royal Caribbean cruise and first European cruise
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Chris shares his family tradition of going on a cruise as a way not only to cruise as a family, but reconnect with his big family.
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Jeff booked a cruise on Freedom of the Seas and had no idea half the ship was booked by a large biker group!
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Getting married on a Royal Caribbean cruise is not only a wonderful way to celebrate someone's big day, it's also a very affordable ceremony as well. This week, Rebecca shares her cruise story of getting married on Allure of the Seas.
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This week's cruise story is about Joe returning to Bermuda on Anthem of the Seas.
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James shares a cruise story from Freedom of the Seas where things did not go as planned to start off with, but with a positive attitude, he and his family still had a great cruise.
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Josh sailed on Adventure of the Seas and it ended up being a life-changing cruise, thanks to the new friends he made onboard during a repositioning cruise.
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Joy shares a memorable 25th anniversary cruise on Freedom of the Seas.
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Jose tried Royal Caribbean and didn't love it, but gave it another try and learned an important lesson for any first-time cruiser.
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This week's cruise story features Jeff Mapson sharing how he went on Grandeur of the Seas two times over the years, with vastly different results.
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Cruise stories are back this week, with Sharla's first time to Alaska during a Royal Caribbean Blog group cruise!
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Something so many of us are now dealing with are future cruise credits, and how to deal with getting them, redeeming them, and of course waiting for them. This week’s podcast will talk about FCCs and what to expect when you’re expecting.
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This week's Cruise Story features Pascale's 2004 sailing on Jewel of the Seas that sailed around what ended up being referred to as "The Perfect Storm".
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Since cruises shutdown, many people have been critical of how cruise lines are being treated by the CDC in terms of being able to resume cruises.
This week, Billy and Matt talk about what has happened, and if they believe if the CDC has been fair in their approach to cruise lines.
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This week's Cruise Story is about how Steve and his group of friends spent the day in St. Maarten on an Oasis of the Seas cruise.
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This week's cruise story is about how Steve won big three times in the casino on one Royal Caribbean cruise!
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Donal shares on this week's podcast one of the best byproduct of a cruise: making new friends!
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It's always a good idea to try to "roll with the punches", but sometimes that can be difficult when you run into a few problems. This week's cruise story is about how Kelly turned a few disappointments into a great cruise!
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Show notes* Kelly's video review of his cruise
Every parent's conundrum and eternal debate: should we take kids out of school for a family cruise vacation?
Going on a cruise during the school year can net significant savings, as well as take advantage of unique itineraries. But it comes at an academic cost, as well as potentially putting you at odds with the school administration.
This week, a school administrator joins me to talk about what to consider before yanking the kids out, and what strategies to employ if you do it!
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Show notes* Lisa's blog
This week's cruise story is about how Ryan proposed to his girlfriend on Oasis of the Seas!
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The first time Pippa cruised with kids, followed years of working on cruise ships and even cruising as a guest with husband. She shares her cruise story of what it was like making the adjustment to a family cruise.
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Going on a cruise means you can vacation anyway you see fit. Some like to take it easy and sleep in, some like to burn the candles at both ends, and that’s still not accounting for so many other cruise styles. This week, Donna shares how she and her family decided to try a “family olympics” competition onboard on Radiance of the Seas.
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If you’re anything like me, you look for any opportunity to go on a cruise. So when choosing to get away from it all with your brother, a cruise vacation sounds like a great idea. This week’s Cruise Story is about how Joe started a cruise tradition of vacationing with his brother.
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We're back with another cruise story this week! Bryan took his family on an Allure of the Seas cruise that instantly became not just a great family vacation, but the new standard for family fun.
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As cruise fans that found the internet as an outlet to share our passion for cruising, this week's cruise story should hit close to home. Vania shares how finding other cruise fans online helped fuel her love of going on a cruise, and shares how it compelled her to book an Anthem of the Seas sailing.
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First cruises are always memorable, especially if you are trying out a new cruise line. Brent took his family on Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas after sailing on sister brand Celebrity Cruises for a while. This week’s Cruise Story focuses on Brent’s first Royal Caribbean cruise.
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We all do things for family, including changing plans in order to be there for the birth of a grandchild! Ron Lodowski joins me this week to talk about a great Western Caribbean cruise he had to change, that ended up being a really fun sailing.
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Michael shares how a cruise for a good cause has turned into his family's annual tradition that he looks forward to each and every year!
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Cruising is about the memories we make onboard, and the stories that live on for years after we step off the ship. It’s these fond memories that compel me to cruise time and time again, well, that and the sushi at Izumi, and so this week’s Cruise Story centers on a fun cruise with a couple of sorority sisters and their teenage kids. What could possibly go wrong?
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This week's cruise story is certain to bring a smile to your face as we share a memorable day in St. Thomas from a Freedom of the Seas cruise.
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This week's cruise story focuses on paying tribute to a shore excursion in Bermuda with John's mom.
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The world has changed, and so has this podcast. Given the state of affairs, we have a new concept for the podcast to share that provides a glimpse into our listener's past cruises and highlight memorable sailings.
This week, Kat joins Matt to talk about an Allure of the Seas cruise that changed her life!
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Prior to the cruise shutdown, Freedom of the Seas completed a major upgrade that added a bunch of new features and enhancements.
Don from EatSleepCruise went on the Freedom's first sailing back, and shares with us a look at the differences.
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Show Notes* Freedom of the Seas scorecard
I was scheduled to go on Harmony of the Seas this week, but unfortunately my sailing was cancelled due to the Coronavirus outbreak.
Looking back at what happened, I wanted to share my thoughts on what others may expect in the coming weeks and months as this pandemic expands its reach and impact.
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There are so many great dining options on Royal Caribbean, and this week, Matt lists his top 5 favorite places to eat on a Royal Caribbean cruise.
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There's lots to do on a Royal Caribbean cruise, including eating! I'm sharing my top 10 dining tips with all of you on this week's episode!
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A few weeks ago, Anthem of the Seas was delayed multiple days due to a false report of guests on the ship infected with Coronavirus. The attention it caused forced a number of delays, as well as a shortened sailing.
One guest who was onboard talks about what the experience was like, and shares tips for anyone who might be on a sailing impacted by similar circumstances.
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Packing for a cruise is a great source of anxiety for some. To help simplify the packing process, this week's episode is dedicated to helping spell out exactly what you need to pack for your cruise.
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Matt is doubling down on answering the emails that listeners have sent in this week, including answers to reputable third party shore excursion options, gift cards, and more.
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Matt visited the brand new Coco Beach Club and recorded this week's episode live from this new exclusive area of Perfect Day at CocoCay.
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The first day of your cruise is filled with excitement, plenty of anticipation and lots to see and do. This week, Matt offers advice on how to tackle your first day onboard with important do's and don'ts.
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Matt is back from a 4-night cruise on Royal Caribbean's Brilliance of the Seas and shares a review with someone who also cruised on this ship for their first time trying a Radiance Class ship.
Billy shares his thoughts on trying out a smaller Royal Caribbean ship, and talks about what they did onboard.
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Show Notes* Billy's website: CruiseHabit.com * Matt's Live Blog * Matt's Brilliance cruise reviews + Episode 290 + Episode 270 + Episode 235 + Episode 122
Have you heard about the RoyalCaribbeanBlog group cruises organized on this site and wondered what they are all about and how to join in?
This week, Matt and Annette talk about what group cruises are all about and why sailing with friends you have not met yet is a great idea!
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Matt is back from the Freedom of the Seas group cruise and has a podcast all about their time onboard. Ken joins Matt on this week's episode to discuss their experiences onboard.
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Happy New Year! A new year is a new opportunity to take some time this week and wish for the sort of changes to Royal Caribbean we want to see in the coming year. From policy changes, to new ideas, or just self-serving improvements, this week we are sharing what kind of changes we would hope to see in 2020.
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With less than a week until my next Royal Caribbean cruise, I’m excited to record this episode because this is the beginning of our next RoyalCaribbeanBlog.com group cruise. This time, we are sailing on Freedom of the Seas to the Southern Caribbean for New Years Eve. This will be my first time doing a cruise over New Years, and I’ll preview what I have lined up, the group plans, and more.
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With the new year here, I wanted to share 5 things I hope/think/want to change in how I cruise in 2020!
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Adventure of the Seas sails a variety of routes, including some to the Southern Caribbean. This week, Kurt recaps his recent 8-night cruise on Adventure of the Seas, and shares what he and his family did on this sailing, why they chose it, and what stood out about this cruise.
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I’m back from over a week onboard Oasis of the Seas, where I got to experience so many of the new changes and enhancements Royal Caribbean just made. This week, I’m sharing my full review of the upgraded Oasis of the Seas.
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This week's podcast episode was recorded live on Oasis of the Seas, and Matt is here to answer your cruise questions with a variety of questions that include topics like, shore excursions, cruising to Israel, water slides and more!
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Beginning this weekend, Matt is sailing on Oasis of the Seas and on this week's episode, he shares a preview of what he has planned for this sailing.
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Show Notes* Matt's live blog from Oasis of the Seas starts here
Have you ever thought of getting married on a Royal Caribbean cruise? This week, Michael shares his experience tying the knot while on a Royal Caribbean cruise.
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The 50th anniversary of Royal Caribbean’s founding is this year, and the cruise line is celebrating a rich tradition of cruising achievements, milestones and accolades. Whether launching a new ship, redefining the onboard experience or adding new activities, Royal Caribbean has been a trailblazer in the cruise industry for half a century. Their record of accomplishments includes the dining experience onboard as well. Anyone that has cruised on Royal Caribbean before knows that eating onboard has changed a lot over the years, and this week, we are lucky enough to be joined by Royal Caribbean’s head of food and beverage to take a look back at the cruise line’s legacy of dining.
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Show Notes* Royal Caribbean's Food & Beverage eBook
Trying to figure out what to do in the city your ship leaves from in the day(s) before your cruise? Matt shares some good ideas in popular North American cruise departure cities on this week's episode!
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It's time once again to tackle the ever-growing email inbox and answer as many emails as I possibly can in this episode!
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We talk a lot on this podcast about best practices, do’s and don’ts and share plenty of tips in between. To that point, it got me thinking, what are the things I don’t recommend to do when it comes to a Royal Caribbean cruise. This week, I’m sharing those things I don’t recommend on this episode.
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Show notes* Bar golf card: PDF | Excel
I’ve been lucky enough to make a few cruise friends along the way, and when one of those friends decided to give Royal Caribbean another try, I had to see how it all went. Sheri just took her family on Harmony of the Seas for their first Oasis Class ship and first visit to Perfect Day at CocoCay. Sheri shares what her first Royal Caribbean cruise in quite a few years was like on this week’s episode.
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Show Notes* Watch CruiseTipsTV on YouTube
Few cruisers ever reach Pinnacle Club status in Royal Caribbean's Crown and Anchor Society, but this week we talk with a listener who just hit this illustrious mark. We talk about what it takes to get to Pinnacle, and what it means to him.
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Matt recently cruised on Mariner of the Seas to attend a friend's wedding, and is back to talk about what a Royal Caribbean wedding is like onboard a cruise.
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If you are looking to find that perfect first cruise for you, here are the things to think about to help find the perfect first cruise.
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Coming back from a Royal Caribbean cruise, the transition back to "civilian life" isn't easy, and often we think back about how much we enjoy being back on the cruise. This week, I wanted to quantify what exactly being on a cruise means and the feelings that being on a cruise evokes.
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Matt shares the lessons he learned from what happens when a hurricane directly impacts your cruise plans.
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Matt answers as many of your emails on this week's podcast episode!
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Taking a Royal Caribbean cruise is a great family vacation because of all the great things to see and do onboard. Swimming, fine dining, kids clubs, Broadway shows, and massages are just a few of the wonderful activities available to do onboard. With so many choices, you may be wondering what you can do to ensure you not only see it all, but don't miss anything.
Today I am sharing not just 10 tips for a great Royal Caribbean cruise, but 10 tips I personally use on every cruise I take!
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Perhaps no concept in cruising is as difficult to know the “how’s”, “what’s” and “why’s” as travel insurance. It is a complicated topic, filled with lots of considerations, but we are going to tackle the basics of travel insurance and explain why you might need or want it for your next cruise.
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Have you heard of ship classes? Are you trying to figure out what the difference is between Royal Caribbean’s ships? I’m going to break down the differences in this week’s episode as we talk all about how Royal Caribbean classifies its ships.
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Have you ever thought of doing your pre-cruise purchases at a dollar store? There is a surprising amount of great choices available, and this week Sheri joins Matt to talk about this very topic!
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Show Notes* Cruise Tips TV & Cruise Gear
Cruising to Alaska is one of the premier itineraries Royal Caribbean offers, and this week, we have a cruise review with a listener that not only cruised to Alaska, but spent a significant amount of time there before the cruise to truly take advantage of the trip. We have a full recap of this epic Alaska sailing from Radiance of the Seas on this week’s podcast.
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While onboard Anthem of the Seas, Matt and Annette recorded a podcast episode to discuss the 2019 Anthem of the Seas Royal Caribbean Blog group cruise. In this episode, they discuss the fun events during the cruise, what they did onshore and more.
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Show Notes* You can read Matt's Anthem of the Seas live blog here * Upcoming group cruise information
Matt answers questions sent in by podcast listeners on this week's episode!
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The next Royal Caribbean Blog group cruise is almost here, and this time I’m going with my fellow blog readers and podcast listeners on Anthem of the Seas for a 9-night cruise. We’re previewing this upcoming cruise, including why we picked this sailing, some of the fun activities onboard and more.
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Show Notes* Matt's live blog begins here
If you are looking to book a balcony stateroom on Royal Caribbean, you might be surprised by how many different kinds of balcony rooms there are. This week, we take a deep dive into all things balcony staterooms and share the differences between this popular stateroom category.
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It’s not deja vu, we are back with another cruise review on Mariner of the Seas. I took the family on a 3-night sailing to Nassau, Bahamas and Perfect Day at CocoCay and I’ve got a wrap up of everything we did.
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Show notes* Matt's Mariner of the Seas live blog
Believe it or not, there’s a lot of people out there that love cruising so much that it has changed their lives. I certainly fall into this category, having started Royal Caribbean Blog as a result of falling in love with a cruise vacation and this week, we get to chat with someone that literally wrote the book on how a cruise can change your life. Author Paul Thornton recently wrote a book that looks at bloggers, influencers, godmothers and everyone inbetween that has had part or all of their lives shaped by cruising.
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Show Notes* Purchase The Joy of Cruising on Amazon
Royal Caribbean has once again changed the landscape of what a cruise vacation can offer with its $250 million transformation of Perfect Day at CocoCay. Royal Caribbean sought to offer its guests a combination of “thrill” and “chill” and over the course of many months, created an entirely new private island experience. But how did we get from CocoCay to Perfect Day at CocoCay, and what kind of work went into the entire project? I’m honored to have joining me this week Claudia Diaz-Gonzalez, who spear-headed this project for Royal Caribbean, and took some time to share the stories behind making Perfect Day at CocoCay a reality.
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A cruise to the Southern Caribbean offers a getaway to some of the most beautiful islands in all the of the Caribbean, and luckily, Royal Caribbean has year-round sailings to these fantastic islands. On this episode, we talk with a podcast listener who recently took a cruise on Freedom of the Seas and shares his experience heading down south.
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After months and months of anticipation, Matt finally had the chance to visit Perfect Day at CocoCay and check out many of the new activities and offerings that Royal Caribbean recently added. On this week's episode, Matt is sharing what he thought about this private island makeover and what I loved the most.
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Show Notes* Matt's Perfect Day at CocoCay live blog * Everything you need to know about Perfect Day at CocoCay * List of what is included and what costs extra at Perfect Day at CocoCay
I’m back from a 3-night sailing on Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas and having returned from this weekend jaunt on my favorite ship, I wanted to share everything I did onboard and what I thought of cruising on Harmony once more.
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Show Notes* Matt's Harmony of the Seas live blog
In celebration of reaching 300 episodes on this podcast, this week we are flipping the tables and I get to be interviewed to talk about myself and how this podcast and Royal Caribbean Blog got started. I hope you enjoy this peek behind the curtains of what I do.
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Thinking of booking a Royal Caribbean cruise but you have run across negative online reviews about a particular ship? Are you having second thoughts about the cruise you booked because of someone else's horror story?
Stop.
On this episode, Matt explains why online reviews are not the way to figure out the right cruise for you.
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This episode is all about answering your cruise questions, as Matt digs into the inbox to answer cruise questions about all aspects of a cruise vacation!
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Show Notes* 38 Royal Caribbean drink recipes perfect for any party * Royal Caribbean Dining facebook group
Have you ever thought about making the jump up to a suite stateroom for your next Royal Caribbean cruise? Suites do come with a higher price tag, but they also have their own set of perks and benefits that may factor into that decision. I’m sharing a few things on this episode that you should know when you start to consider if the increased price is "worth it"
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It’s cruise review time, as we have one of our podcast listeners joining me this week to review her recent sailing on Allure of the Seas. This was her first time on an Oasis Class ship, so we will share everything Lauren and her family did while onboard, including her plans on shore.
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Perhaps you’re going through some great family vacation ideas and the notion of bringing your family, friends, or both on a cruise so everyone can enjoy one giant vacation together sounds like a fantastic idea. Certainly cruising with friends is a mantra I’ve repeated quite a few times here. But with a great vacation comes great trip planning responsibilities and this week I wanted to talk about how to best plan a group sailing, as one of our podcast listeners did just that and we have some tips and tricks to share this week.
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I’ve always said that cruising with friends is the best kind of Royal Caribbean cruise, and this week I think we have a podcast episode to prove it. We’re back from the Royal Caribbean Blog group cruise aboard Mariner of the Seas. We completed a back-to-back 3- and 4-night sailing, which included stops at CocoCay and Nassau. On this episode, we’re sharing stories and thoughts on everything we did throughout our incredible group adventure.
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Show notes* Royal Caribbean Blog group cruise information * Matt's live blog from Mariner of the Seas
First time cruisers are always wondering what pitfalls they can avoid and what “secrets” they should be aware of to enhance their first cruise. After all, we all want our first cruise to not only be free of issues, but also a fantastic experience overall. To that point, I wanted to share five of my favorite tips and advice for someone new to Royal Caribbean that they should be aware of for their sailing. These are the tips and tricks I use on every sailing I go on, and I think you should too.
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If you have ever gone on a cruise and thought at the end of the cruise, “I really wish I didn’t have to get off the ship” then my next Royal Caribbean cruise should be music to your ears. I’m about to head out on Mariner of the Seas for not one, not two, but three sailings in a row! On this week’s episode, I’m previewing our next Royal Caribbean Blog.com adventure with our Double Dip to CocoCay group cruise. I’ve got a look at what we have planned onboard, some of the activities lined up for the group cruise, and what I’m really looking forward to seeing and doing across three sailings.
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Show Notes* Matt's live blog begins here
New water slides, dining venues, a redesigned pool deck, blow dry bar are just a few of the major changes Royal Caribbean recently completed to Navigator of the Seas. We had a chance to check out the big changes Royal Caribbean made to Navigator, and this week we walk through with all of you a look at what stood about Royal Caribbean’s $115 million investment.
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Show Notes* Gina's Navigator recap * Matt's photos of the changes to Navigator of the Seas
This week's podcast episode is all about you, as Matt is dedicating this episode to answering your cruise questions!
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Matt is back from his first Royal Caribbean cruise of 2019 and this week he is sharing what he did onboard and reviewed a number of experience from his cruise vacation
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Show Notes* Matt's Brilliance live blog
When your cruise countdown hits single digits, here is what you ought to be doing in those last few days before you get onboard.
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These days so much of the attention in the cruise world is aimed at the latest, and biggest, cruise ships in the world. Big cruise ships certainly offer a lot, but the smaller ships are not without their charm. In fact, we want to share some of the really cool things that only a smaller Royal Caribbean ship can offer. It’s a countdown of the top five features only found on smaller Royal Caribbean ships.
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We love to share others cruising experiences on the podcast and this week we head over to the newly refurbished Independence of the Seas and a cruise review from some good friends who got a chance to cruise on her for their first big Royal Caribbean cruise. Rafael and Allana talk about what they did onboard, what they liked best and share some tips for cruising on Indy.
Show Notes* Alanna and Rafael's YouTube channel
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Australia is regularly voted one of the world's top cruise destinations and if you have ever seen photos of the country, you would quickly understand why. The endless summer weather, incredible beaches along with Sydney's scenic, natural harbor and iconic landmarks, make cruising down under an incredible experience. And while it is downright bitter cold in North America and Europe, Australia is in the middle of another big cruise season. On this episode, we take a look at the current cruise season and share tips and advice for cruising from Sydney.
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Show Notes* Pippa's YouTube channel: Ocean Time * Australia 2018/2019 season information * Australia 2019/2020 season information
The allure of visiting Cuba for so many has resulted in Royal Caribbean offering even more sailings to the island, along with expanded itineraries. This week, we are talking with a podcast listener who took a Royal Caribbean cruise that visited three different ports in Cuba and is here to share his recommendations for anyone looking to visit Cuba on a cruise soon.
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Many first time cruisers have concerns about what a Royal Caribbean cruise is all about, and what it entails. In fact, some even will avoid going on a cruise all together because they are worried about one of these issues. This week, we’re here to tell any of those doubts they are just plain wrong and why avoiding a cruise is not the way to go.
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It goes without saying that if you are listening to a podcast about Royal Caribbean cruises, you probably are very interested in going on a cruise. As much as we all dream about all the different itinerary and cabin combinations out there, the reality is we all have to adhere to what our vacation budget can spare. Sometimes, that budget gets really tight and so this week, we are sharing our best tips for cruising on the slimmest of budgets possible.
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Show Notes* Episode 245: How to find cheap(er) airfare
With 2018 coming to a close, I can’t help but look back on my busiest and most exciting year of cruising on Royal Caribbean yet. Across eight sailings, I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to take a variety of sailings to many different locations across North America, although primarily I ended up in Cozumel. On this week’s episode, I’m sharing my top five cruise memories of 2018 and inviting you to share yours as well!
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With the New Year right around the corner, it makes sense to take some time this week and wish for the sort of changes to Royal Caribbean we want to see in the coming year. From policy changes, to new ideas, or just self-serving improvements, this week we are sharing what kind of changes we would hope to see in 2019.
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As Royal Caribbean fans, it does not take much for us to start talking up our favorite cruise line and sharing what we love about cruising. From time to time, the cruise industry takes notice of what makes Royal Caribbean so great as well. This week, we are discussing Royal Caribbean’s recent accolades in the Cruise Critic Editors' Picks Awards and why Royal Caribbean stood out from the rest of the pack.
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Show Notes* Cruise Critic Awards list
Royal Caribbean’s brand new Terminal A in PortMiami is not just another cruise terminal. The so-called Crown of Miami has been engineered from top to bottom to revolutionize the cruise check-in and debarkation process. On this week’s episode, let’s talk about what you need to know about cruising from Terminal A, as well as walk through the entire process.
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Show Notes* Support Royal Caribbean Blog by becoming an Insider! * InterContinental Miami Hotel Review * Holiday Inn Port Of Miami-Downtown Hotel Review
The Royal Caribbean Blog group cruise on Symphony of the Seas is in the books, and this week, we have a roundtable review of Symphony of the Seas that a few group cruisers joined me for to discuss. We talked about our thoughts of Symphony and reviewed some of our experiences onboard.
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Show Notes* Read Matt's live blog from Symphony of the Seas here
We're answering emails our listener's emails that have been sent in on this week's episode!
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This week's episode was recorded onboard Symphony of the Seas and is a mid-cruise look at what we think of Symphony of the Seas so far. Matt and his friends from MEI Travel shared their first look at what Symphony of the Seas feels like thus far.
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From time to time, I have the privilege of going on a Royal Caribbean cruise with friends who read, listen or watch Royal Caribbean Blog. These group cruises have become not just a semi-annual tradition, but a highlight of my cruising calendar and this week, we are previewing our next Royal Caribbean Blog group cruise on Symphony of the Seas. We will talk about what a group cruise, is why you might want to join us, and discuss the sort of activities we do once onboard.
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Show Notes* Group cruise information
Have you ever considered dining at Izumi Japanese restaurant on Royal Caribbean? This week, we have a guide to what you need to know about dining at Izumi on any Royal Caribbean ship.
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If you’re planning your first Royal Caribbean vacation, we think we’ve got some tips that will help you save some time and money to make the most of your trip. We’ve also included some ideas that you may not consider when making your vacation plans. But even if you’ve planned many a Royal Caribbean cruise, we’d love it if you would check out this week’s podcast, too, then chime in with your top tip for Royal Caribbean cruise planning!
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What you pack in your carry-on for the first day of your cruise can sometimes be the difference between a great start to your cruise and a not-so-great start. In the hours before your luggage is delivered to your stateroom, you will need to plan what you want to have with you, contrasted with what you are willing to carry around until that time. To get your cruise started off on the right foot, I’ve come up with my list of the most important things to pack for your upcoming cruise to avoid any embarkation day woes.
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Royal Caribbean has been actively working to revitalize many of its cruise ships over the last few years and each multi-million dollar project has resulted in new and improved experiences for guests across the ship. Perhaps among the most impressive updates any Royal Caribbean ship has received is Mariner of the Seas, which had a lot of work done to her earlier this year. Someone who just on Mariner of the Seas earlier this month joins me to discuss the changes made to the ship, as we review his recent cruise.
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Show Notes* CruiseHabit Podcast * GoTenna * Matt's favorite Mexican restaurant in Cozumel
Some of my favorite type of cruises are the long weekend getaway sailings, because it is an inexpensive way to work in a quick cruise fix. This week, I had the pleasure of going on a 4-night cruise on Brilliance of the Seas. I’ve got a full review of the cruise, as well as insight into my foray with the ultimate dining package and unlimited drink package.
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Show Notes* Matt's live blog from his Brilliance of the Seas sailing * Brilliance of the Seas Cruise Compass from Matt's sailing
Going on a cruise to the Eastern Caribbean will probably take you to the beautiful island of St. Maarten. With St. Maarten, you get two islands in one with a Dutch and French side and this week, I will be talking about what there is to do all around St. Maarten and share my advice for how to tour the island effectively. I’ll also talk about the recent hurricane damage and what to expect.
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Show Notes* Become a Royal Caribbean Blog Insider! * Our sponsor travel agency: MEI Travel * Group Cruise information * Le Galion Beach
Crown and Anchor Balcony discount information
Platinum Balcony Discount When Booking More than 6 Months from Sailing Date:
Emerald Balcony Discount When Booking More than 6 Months from Sailing Date:
Diamond Balcony Discount When Booking More than 6 Months from Sailing Date:
Diamond Plus Balcony Discount When Booking More than 6 Months from Sailing Date:
Pinnacle Club Balcony Discount When Booking More than 6 Months from Sailing Date:
*When booking less than 6 months from sailing date subtract $25 from the dollar amount.
One big push Royal Caribbean is going with these days is providing internet access while at sea. Some people find it really useful while others prefer to stay unconnected. Regardless, more internet access is available to cruise guests all the time and this week, we’re going to look at how you can get connected while at sea and what the future may hold as well.
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Show Notes* Guide to Royal Caribbean Voom WiFi Internet prices and tips * Voom internet hack for Crown and Anchor members
Taking a Royal Caribbean cruise to Canada and New England is a route Matt has never done, so this week, James joins Matt to talk about what it was like to sail this itinerary. James reviews his Adventure of the Seas cruise, what he did in port, and how Royal Caribbean compares to Disney Cruise Line.
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Freedom of the Seas recently repositioned to her new homeport of San Juan, Puerto Rico, where she offers 7-night cruises to the Southern Caribbean. On this week's episode, Jose reviews his recent Freedom of the Seas sailing and shares what he thought of the ship and the islands he visited.
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Show Notes* Bermuda bus schedule and map
In searching for that "just right" first cruise, you've followed all the rules -- researched cruise lines, examined possible itineraries and read all you can on RoyalCaribbeanBlog.com. You've booked your ship, selected a stateroom and picked an itinerary. So what's next? You'd be surprised at how many factors remain to be considered, such as packing, getting to the ship and life onboard. This week, I’m sharing some general first-time cruise tips that will help you get started in planning your cruise and set you up for a stress-free and fun-filled start to your first-ever vacation at sea.
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Inevitably I get a lot of folks who are interested in taking a Royal Caribbean cruise after trying another cruise line and want to know how it compares. Likewise, some that have cruise on Royal Caribbean are curious how the competition stacks up to their cruise experience. This week, I wanted to tackle the comparison of Royal Caribbean versus Norwegian Cruise Line and share some experiences with folks who have done both. It’s an in-depth look at the cruise experience on both lines, and what each does well.
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Royal Caribbean is known for many things, including being one of the most wheelchair accessible cruises line out there. On this week’s episode, I’ll be discussing the important tips, tricks and secrets to going on a Royal Caribbean cruise if you or someone in your group is using a wheelchair.
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Show Notes* Wheelchair rentals + Scootaround + Special Needs at Sea * Guest Special Needs form
Royal Caribbean’s $120 million makeover of Mariner of the Seas is turning heads and getting more people than ever taking a weekend getaway cruise on this fabulously updated ship. There is a lot to love about what Royal Caribbean added to Mariner of the Seas and so this week, we are talking about what was added and what stands out about Mariner of the Seas.
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Show Notes* Don's list of top things to do on Mariner of the Seas
Regardless of your status in Royal Caribbean’s Customer Loyalty Program, it’s hard not to dream about someday reaching the uppermost level of Crown and Anchor Society, Pinnacle Club. Being a Pinnacle Member means you are among the few that have cruised on Royal Caribbean the most and also have the opportunity to take advantage of some pretty great perks. This week, we have on the podcast with me someone that recently became a Pinnacle Club member and we will talk about what it takes to reach the top, and what being a Pinnacle Member means to him.
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You can subscribe to the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast via iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher or RSS.
Show Notes* Shades of Green resort at Walt Disney World
It’s not hard to imagine being on a Royal Caribbean cruise and enjoying an incredible family vacation when suddenly you have the epiphany that you ought to do this again. And again. And again. Booking more cruises comes hand in hand with having a passion for cruising, and this week, we are going to talk about Royal Caribbean’s NextCruise program, which offers some incentives for rebooking onboard. We will talk about what the program offers, how to take advantage of it, and what you need to know before rebooking.
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You can subscribe to the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast via iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher or RSS.
Show Notes* Royal Caribbean's Special Needs form
We are treading into the murky waters of cruise ship etiquette this week, and talking about the do’s and don’ts of how to act on a cruise ship. We are definitely not dictating how everyone should act on a cruise ship, but it is an opportunity to discuss the expected behavior and social norms you should expect on a Royal Caribbean cruise.
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You can subscribe to the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast via iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher or RSS.
Perhaps no destination has gotten as much attention in the last couple of years as Cuba. With Royal Caribbean offering cruises to this once off limits island, I couldn’t help not booking one myself and on this week’s episode, I’ll review my recent 5-night cruise on Royal Caribbean’s Majesty of the Seas to Cuba and the Caribbean. It’s not only a look at what Cuba is all about and my experience in old Havana, but also my first time trying a ship the size of Majesty of the Seas.
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You can subscribe to the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast via iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher or RSS.
Show Notes* Matt's live blog begins here * Mexico VAT tax refund policy information
We’re back from an amazing cruise on Royal Caribbean’s Explorer of the Seas and I got to share this 7-night Alaska experience with my friends from RoyalCaribbeanBlog.com. This week’s episode was recorded live onboard Explorer of the Seas, and we shared our experiences visiting Alaska.
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You can subscribe to the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast via iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher or RSS.
The internet is a wealth of information and one of the best means to research pretty much anything, including your upcoming Royal Caribbean cruise. As soon as you book that Royal Caribbean cruise, very likely you are going to want to learn about what you can do onboard, where you can eat, what you can eat, what’s included and not included and much more. The answers to all these questions and more can be found around the internet and this week, I talk about my favorite ways to learn everything I can about my upcoming Royal Caribbean ship.
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You can subscribe to the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast via iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher or RSS.
Show Notes* Facebook groups mentions + Royal Caribbean 1 Love + Cruise Life Group + Royal Caribbean Dining * Podcasts mentioned + Cruise Radio + Cruise Dudes Podcast + DCL Blog Podcast * Websites mentioned + Cruise Habit + Cruise Fever + Cruise Hive + Cruise Critic + Eat Sleep Cruise * Pinterest * Dream Cruises on AWE TV
It is hard to beat that feeling when you know your cruise is just days away, and this week, I’ve got that loving feeling again because my next Royal Caribbean cruise is coming up and I will preview my upcoming adventure on Explorer of the Seas to Alaska. In this episode, I will discuss my plans for the cruise, why I picked this ship and talk about the many friends that are joining us for it.
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You can subscribe to the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast via iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher or RSS.
Show Notes* Matt's Explorer of the Seas live blog can be found here
Royal Caribbean recently unveiled all the details and pricing for what we can expect to find at Perfect Day at CocoCay. The massive upgrade to Royal Caribbean's private island in the Bahamas means big changes and this week, we discuss the pricing and policies announced and how it will impact a day spent on the island.
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You can subscribe to the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast via iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher or RSS.
Show Notes* Perfect Day at CocoCay details * How you can become a Royal Caribbean Blog Insider
At some point in planning a Royal Caribbean cruise, you may reach a proverbial crossroad where which stateroom to book becomes a more complex decision than you experience in the past. Upgrading yourself to the next category stateroom can be very tempting, and inevitably you may be wondering, “is it worth it” to spend that extra money. Back on episode 210 we went through this exercise of debating what was worthwhile, and we had so much with it, I thought we’d come back with a few more ideas.
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You can subscribe to the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast via iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher or RSS.
Show Notes* Cruising to Europe podcast episode
I’ll open up the inbox this week and answer more of your questions, including: Vision of the Seas, Crown and Anchor Society, future Royal Caribbean Blog group cruises and more.
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You can subscribe to the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast via iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher or RSS.
Show Notes* Royal Caribbean Blog Group Cruise information * You can sign up as a Royal Caribbean Blog Insider here * Autoslash * Seattle meet up information * Watch us live on Facebook every Tuesday and Saturday!
Feeling like your hard earned money is being spent on a vacation where you get the sense that you are welcomed is what every customer expects, especially on vacation. Royal Caribbean’s Crown and Anchor Society is tasked with offering repeat cruisers incentives and recognition for being Loyal to Royal. This week, I’ll provide an overview of what the Crown and Anchor Society is all about, what you get, and how it all works.
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You can subscribe to the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast via iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher or RSS.
Show Notes* How to maximize your Voom internet discount for Diamond members * More information on Royal Caribbean Blog Group Cruises
We often talk about Royal Caribbean cruises in the scope of a fantastic family vacation, but going on a Royal Caribbean cruise is just as enjoyable (if not more so) when you travel alone. Taking a solo Royal Caribbean cruise is a kind of experience that should not be shyed away from, and this week, we are talking all about going alone and how to take advantage of this sort of experience.
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Show Notes* Guide to studio staterooms on Royal Caribbean * Review: British Colonial Hilton in Nassau * More information on our Royal Caribbean Blog Group Cruises * What you need to know about Junior Suites
Have you ever dreamed of getting married on a Royal Caribbean cruise? After all, combining the memories of a wedding with the backdrop of a Royal Caribbean cruise seems like a match made in vacation heaven. This week, we talk with a Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast listener who did just that and had her dream wedding onboard Harmony of the Seas. We talk about why she chose to get married onboard, what her experience was like, and what other soon-to-be-weds should consider.
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Show Notes* Royal Ocean Events site
Royal Caribbean sails 25 of the world’s most innovative cruise ships to the most popular destinations around the world. Often, we focus on cruising from North America but so many of us often look to the other side of the Atlantic for new opportunities and adventures that await in Europe. Taking a European cruise is different from cruising in the Caribbean, so this week, I want to share what tips and advice you need to know before taking a Royal Caribbean cruise in Europe.
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Show Notes* Insider's Guide to Cruising Europe * Episode 180: Cruising with young children * Moms of the Seas family cruise blog
If there is one thing Royal Caribbean is best known for, it may be the incredible cruise ships it designs. When you go on a Royal Caribbean cruise, the ship is more than just a floating hotel. It is the epicenter of activities, shows, dining, entertainment, more food, relaxation, splashing, things to eat, competitions and more. So it should come as no surprise to hear when your Royal Caribbean ship pulls into port, there are a lot of folks who stay onboard instead of venturing on shore. This week, we explore the best reasons to consider staying onboard your Royal Caribbean ship during a port call, and how to take advantage of your time onboard when the ship is docked.
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Believe it or not, Royal Caribbean’s fourth Oasis class ship, Symphony of the Seas, is here and already there is a ton of excitement for the latest and greatest from Royal Caribbean. From top to bottom, Royal Caribbean has introduced a brand new ship that not only carries the awe-inspiring traditions of past Oasis class ships, but introduces some new innovations that may shape the future of this cruise line for the next few years. On this week’s episode, we feature an in-depth review of Symphony of the Seas from someone that sailed on one of her first cruises.
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Show Notes* Rick on Instagram * Cruise Life Group on Facebook * Rick's live thread from Symphony on Cruise Critic
Before you book that dream Royal Caribbean cruise, you might want to look into the airfare for how to get to the cruise ship and back. This week, we share what options are available, and some good ideas for how (and when) to book your airfare.
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Show Notes* 2018 airfare study on best times to book airfare * Royal Caribbean's Air2Sea program * Join us for a Royal Caribbean Blog group cruise!
It's natural to compare cruise lines to Royal Caribbean, especially when trying Royal Caribbean for the first time after cruising on another line. This week, we discuss a first-time Royal Caribbean cruiser's experience on Anthem of the Seas, and how it compares to his past Disney Cruise Line voyages. It's an in-depth discussion of the differences between the two lines, and how the two lines are similar and vary at the same time.
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Show Notes* Fred's cruise comparison blog review
Few things seem to go by as quickly as Royal Caribbean cruises, including my recent cruise aboard Rhapsody of the Seas. We had a fantastic time on Rhapsody of the Seas, and this week, I will review my recent 7-night Western Caribbean sailing on Rhapsody and talk about my stateroom, the suite experience, the specialty dining, entertainment onboard and the places we visited.
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Show Notes* Matt's Rhapsody of the Seas live blog
Royal Caribbean made big headlines last week with the announcement of a massive makeover for CocoCay. On this week's podcast episode, Matt talks with podcast listeners who have called in to share their thoughts about the changes and additions coming to CocoCay.
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Show Notes Detailed information on what is coming to CocoCay * Royal Caribbean Blog group cruise information (including a group cruise going to CocoCay twice)*
Matt is previewing his upcoming Rhapsody of the Seas cruise on this week's podcast, in which he talks about why he chose to cruise on Rhapsody, what his plans are onboard and what will be different about this sailing.
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Show Notes* Matt's live blog begins here
This week’s episode is all about the basics of Royal Caribbean’s unlimited drink packages. What are the packages, how do they work, and are they worth it. There is a lot that goes into decided if a drink package makes sense for you, and so this week’s episode serves as a starting point for what you need to know about the unlimited drink package offerings.
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Show Notes 2018 drink package information * Join us for a Royal Caribbean Blog group cruise! * Become a Royal Caribbean Blog Insider*
There is plenty of good reasons to celebrate the start of any cruise. The first day of a Royal Caribbean cruise is filled with excitement, activities, and places to explore. So when it’s time for your Royal Caribbean cruise to leave port and head to the ocean, you will want to find the best spot to enjoy one of the quintessential cruise moments: sailaway. On this week’s episode, we have another Top 5 episode all about the best spots to enjoy sail away from.
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I am going to open up the Royal Caribbean Blog Podacast mail bag and answer more of your questions, comments, and reviews. We will be talking about topics like taking a cruise to Alaska, sharing listener cruise reviews, discussing a strategy to get to Universal Studios, and which Caribbean itinerary is a better idea for kids.
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Have you ever thought of taking a Royal Caribbean cruise over a holiday like New Years Eve? Each year, Royal Caribbean offers some fun cruises over New Years, which means guests have the opportunity to ring in the new year from somewhere at sea. On this week’s episode, we will talk with someone that recently tried out a New Years Eve cruise on Liberty of the Seas and talk about what it’s like on a New Years Eve cruise.
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Show Notes* More information on Royal Caribbean Blog Group Cruises
You can try so many new things on a Royal Caribbean cruise. Perhaps it is sampling a food, learning to dance, exploring ancient ruins or even learning how to scuba dive. Royal Caribbean offers scuba lessons, in addition to some great scuba excursions and it is the perfect opportunity to learn how to dive while on vacation. This week, a friend is joining me to talk about how he went from newbie to certified diver while on a cruise.
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Show Notes* Royal Caribbean's PADI scuba diving site
Have you thought about taking a cruise on Royal Caribbean's Brilliance of the Seas? On this week's podcast episode, Matt shares a review of his recent cruise on Brilliance of the Seas and talks about what he did onboard.
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Show Notes* Matt's Live Blog from Brilliance of the Seas
Getting excited for your Royal Caribbean cruise, especially when it is right about the corner comes naturally. So when a friend and myself both have a cruise coming up, we had to talk about it together. On this week’s episode, we feature not one but two cruise previews and Michael Poole and I discuss our upcoming sailings on Navigator of the Seas and Brilliance of the Seas. We will share why we booked these sailings, what we have planned, and what will be different for us on this cruise.
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Show Notes* Matt's Brilliance of the Seas Live Blog * Michael's Navigator of the Seas Live Blog
Feeling lucky? If you are on a Royal Caribbean cruise, Casino Royale is the spot for you to try your luck at a variety of games. But what does the casino entail, which games are available, and how do you go about enjoying this venue? On this week’s episode, we talk with a former crew member that worked in the casino to talk about what to expect in Royal Caribbean’s casino.
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Show Notes* Ocean Time
Everyone is always looking to get a great deal on a Royal Caribbean cruise, so what happens when there is a price drop? How do you know about a price drop and how can you take advantage of it? On this week’s podcast episode, we discuss the nuances and strategies associated with repricing your Royal Caribbean cruise and what you need to know to lock in the lowest price.
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Show Notes Join us for a Royal Caribbean Blog group cruise!* * Price drop alerts + CruiseFish + Shipmate
Alaska cruises aren’t anything like Caribbean cruises when it comes to what to wear. With that, figuring out what to pack for your cruise will likely result in a vastly different luggage contents than any cruise to Mexico or St. Thomas. This week, we turned to an Alaska cruise and packing expert, Sheri from CruiseTipsTV, to help us figure out what are the essential items to pack for a cruise to Alaska.
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Show Notes* HOT Must Pack Items For The Modern Alaska Cruiser * Pack With Me for an Alaska Cruise - Embarkation Day * Pack With Me For An Alaska Cruise
When you consider the many classes of Royal Caribbean ships, the Voyager and Freedom class ships stand out as great options for any cruise vacation. Their array of onboard activities, dining, and amenities offer a big ship experience, but at a terrific price. This week, we will discuss the Voyager and Freedom class ships and talk about what they offer and the appeal of these ships.
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Show Notes* Group cruise information
With the New Year right around the corner, it makes sense to take some time this week and wish for the sort of changes to Royal Caribbean we want to see in the coming year. From policy changes, to new ideas, or just self-serving improvements, this week we are sharing what kind of changes we would hope to see in 2018.
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Show Notes* Cruise Compass archive * Join us for a Group Cruise!
For many cruisers, the opportunity to go somewhere for adults only is a welcome sight. Royal Caribbean’s Solarium is one such area, which offers a kid-free area of the pool deck. What is the Solarium all about, who can go there, and what differences are there are the sort of questions we will tackle in this week’s episode.
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Show Notes* Learn about all our group cruises * Moms of the Seas: Family cruise planning help
Every single person taking a Royal Caribbean cruise has to answer this simple question: inside or balcony room? It is a debate every cruiser has, and it boils down to considering the merits of price, space, itinerary and more. This week, we share the considerations you ought to look at before booking the right room for you.
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Show Notes* Check out our RoyalCaribbeanBlog Group Cruises!
Matt is back from his 4-night Independence of the Seas cruise, and is sharing his thoughts and experiences from his recent Royal Caribbean cruise. Matt talks about what he did onboard, shares anecdotes, and talks about what he liked and did not like about the cruise.
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Show Notes* Matt's Independence of the Seas Live Blog * Moms of the Seas
Many newlyweds look to take a cruise as the perfect way to top off their nuptuals. When it comes to taking a Royal Caribbean cruise for a honeymoon, we share our tips and experiences for anyone looking to do the same. This week's episode is all about good ideas for anyone who is planning to take a Royal Caribbean cruise for their honeymoon.
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Royal Caribbean unveiled some of the impressive work they are doing towards radically improving the onboard guest experience with an array of tech advancements. Their vision for what will eventually change how guests will coordinate their onboard experience was at the heart of a media event in New York city, and that gave me the opportunity to take a first-hand look at what Royal Caribbean has in store. This week, I want to share what these changes are all about, and my thoughts on the next generation of Royal Caribbean technology.
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Show Notes* Overview of Royal Caribbean's tech announcement * Coca-Cola Freestyle machines on Royal Caribbean
One of the most popular cruise ports to take a Royal Caribbean cruise from is Port Everglades, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Port Everglades is home to some of Royal Caribbean’s most prolific cruise ships, and this week, we are discussing getting to your Port Everglades cruise. We will discuss how to get to the terminal, parking, and everything you should know if you are cruising from Fort Lauderdale.
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If you price out a Royal Caribbean cruise long enough, you will inevitably hear words like “BOGO”, “WOW”, “Black Friday”, and more. These days, there are a variety of promotions and sales offered throughout the year that encourage cruisers to book a Royal Caribbean cruise. But how lucrative are these deals, and which is best? Should you wait for a sale to book? This week, we take a deep dive into the anatomy of Royal Caribbean cruise sales.
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Royal Caribbean recently announcement of the the activities, entertainment, and dining coming to Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas was full of surprises and changes. So this week, we will look back at the announcement and discuss what we think of what’s in store for Royal Caribbean’s next Oasis Class cruise ship. From where to eat, what to do, and where to say, we will not only review what was announced, but also speculate at what the future may hold with some predictions about what else is coming to Symphony.
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Show Notes* Full details on Symphony of the Seas announcement
Following our latest sailing on Harmony of the Seas, Matt and Billy discuss their top picks from Royal Caribbean's newest cruise ship, Harmony of the Seas.
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Royal Caribbean changes its rules and policies from time to time, and recently made a change to its unlimited alcohol package rules that necessitates a discussion on this week’s episode. I will talk about what the change to the drink package is all about, why Royal Caribbean made the change, and what options we all have going forward.
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Show Notes* Details on the change to Royal Caribbean's drink package
Whether it's your first or fiftieth Royal Caribbean cruise, there is always something new to try. It may not be new to Royal Caribbean, but trying something for the first time is a great experience. This week, Justin and Wendy join us to talk about a number of first time experiences they had on a recent Oasis of the Seas cruise.
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Show Notes* Episode 165: Top 5 on Liberty of the Seas * Ultimate dining package review
We’re back from an amazing cruise on Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas and I got to share this 7-night Western Caribbean experience with my friends from RoyalCaribbeanBlog.com. This week’s episode was recorded live onboard Harmony of the Seas, and we shared our experiences onboard including staterooms, dining packages, activities and more.
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Few topics create as much confusion or contention among cruisers as what to wear on your Royal Caribbean cruise. What to pack and what to wear when has become a source of great debate among Royal Caribbean cruisers. Between dress codes for dinner, specialty restaurants and the clothing you will wear during the day, there is a lot to consider. There are plenty of choices, so let’s jump into what you should think about when planning what to wear on a Royal Caribbean cruise.
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Show Notes* Cruise Compass archive
It is hard to beat that feeling when you know your cruise is just days away, and this week, I’ve got that loving feeling again because my next Royal Caribbean cruise is coming up and I will preview my upcoming adventure of the amazing Harmony of the Seas. In this episode, I will discuss my plans for the cruise, why I picked this ship and talk about the many friends that are joining us for it.
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Show Notes* Matt's live blog begins here * Old Royal Caribbean commercial with Beci and Annette in a Loft Suite on Oasis of the Seas
Embarkation day is a very exciting day for any cruiser, and being prepared for what to expect when it is time to get onboard makes for a smooth experience. On this episode, Matt talks about what you need to know in those first few hours leading to getting onboard your Royal Caribbean ship.
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If you have taken a few Royal Caribbean cruises, you have probably found yourself in the situation of trying to convince friends and family to take a Royal Caribbean cruise as well. After all, you enjoy the experience and it makes sense to want to get others to join in too. This week, I’ve brought two friends of mine on the podcast with me to talk about their very first Royal Caribbean cruise after years of cruising another line. We share the hits and misses of their experience on Oasis of the Seas.
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Show Notes* Mickey Miles and More Podcast * Cruise Compass archive
Much has changed in the cruise industry over the past number of years, including how Royal Caribbean prices its cruises. The dynamic of how cruise lines price their product, plus the ever-present drive for guests to find a deal go hand-in-hand with looking holistically at the price of a cruise. This week, we take a deep-dive into the economics of cruise pricing and compare and contrast how Royal Caribbean and Disney Cruise Line price themselves, and how the price integrity policy is at the heart of how much your next Royal Caribbean cruise will cost.
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Show Notes* Buy Unofficial Guide to Disney Cruise Line 2017 or pre-order 2018 edition.
Food, glorious food! This week’s podcast episode is dedicated to discussing the ins and outs of food available on your Royal Caribbean cruise. From what’s included to extra cost options, we break down what first time Royal Caribbean cruisers can expect to find to eat and drink during their cruise vacation.
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Have you ever wondered if paying a little bit (or a lot) more for a bigger, larger stateroom made good financial sense? On this week's episode, we debate a few upgrade scenarios and decide if we would spend the extra cash in that situation.
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There are lots of ways to make a Royal Caribbean cruise more affordable, including leveraging credit card reward programs. When used responsibly, credit cards can rack up points that can be used towards all sorts of aspects of the cruise experience, including even paying for the entire cruise. This week, we look at Royal Caribbean's credit card, as well as other credit card options, and how these programs can help save money.
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Show Notes* Royal Caribbean Visa Card redemption options * The Points Guy * Nerd Wallet * Credit Karma
Every port Royal Caribbean cruise ships visit offer so much to see and do, and in St. Thomas, guests have the option and opportunity to check out a true Caribbean paradise: St. John. St. John is located nearby and this week, I share with everyone my experience visiting St. John and talking about what you need to consider if you want to see it for yourself too.
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Show Notes* Episode 114: St. Thomas * Matt's guide to visiting St. John * Podcast music * Royal Caribbean's guest conduct policy
While we often advocate the benefits of planning your cruise months and years in advance, sometimes you just have to get away, and take advantage of a Royal Caribbean cruise at the last minute. Last minute cruising isn’t for everyone, but it is an option for those who want or have to book late in the game and still have a great cruise. This week, we share what to consider for finding a last minute cruise and talk about what you have to do in the short time before sailing.
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Show Notes Royal Caribbean's Going Going Gone Rates * Ultimate dining package review * Most important things to pack for a cruise list * 2018 Explorer of the Seas group cruise to Alaska*
I just wrapped up a wonderful 7-night adventure on Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas and this week, I am sharing with you my thoughts and review from my time aboard. We will discuss every aspect of the cruise, including my stateroom, dining, ports we visited and a lot more.
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Show Notes* Matt's Live Blog * Extra large Central Park balcony rooms
Having a change of heart can happen anywhere, including as it pertains to taking a Royal Caribbean cruise. As we cruise, our ideas of cruising evolve and with time, we get the opportunity to try out new experiences and discover new favorites. This week, we take a look at ways in which our own cruising tendences have shifted over the years.
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Show Notes* Moms of the Seas * Private Journeys review
The time of year you cruise has many implications, but summer and fall tend to evoke one common theme: hurricane season. There are a lot of questions about taking a Royal Caribbean cruise during hurricane season, and what it really means to someone going on a cruise. This week, we take a deep dive into cruising during hurricane season and what you need to know before taking a cruise during this time of year.
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Show Notes* Matt's live blog starts here
When it comes to planning a cruise, perhaps the one resource every guest will use the most is Royal Caribbean's Cruise Planner site. The Cruise Planner allows for reserving a number of experiences, packages and options before your cruise and it is a major part of the planning process. This week, we will discuss what the Cruise Planner offers, and what strategies you can use to make the Cruise Planner work better for you.
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The time of year you cruise has many implications, but summer and fall tend to evoke one common theme: hurricane season. There are a lot of questions about taking a Royal Caribbean cruise during hurricane season, and what it really means to someone going on a cruise. This week, we take a deep dive into cruising during hurricane season and what you need to know before taking a cruise during this time of year.
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Show Notes* Episode 180: Cruising with young kids
Have you ever been asked, “what’s your favorite part of a Royal Caribbean cruise?” Surely you went on to describe different part of the cruise experience that you really enjoyed, and odds are, many other guests share that opinion. But this week, we’re discussing the parts of a Royal Caribbean cruise that many people enjoy, but we just don’t agree with. Everyone has their own favorites, and on this episode, we’re sharing a few things many people really like but not us.
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To celebrate our 200th episode, we recorded this episode live with the Royal Caribbean Blog Insiders, and shared our best tips for someone who is new to cruising and wants to try Royal Caribbean.
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We often feature cruise reviews from our listeners on this podcast, and this week, we are lucky enough to have a cruise review by the Godmother of Harmony of the Seas. Brittany Affolter shares the story of how she became the Godmother to Harmony of the Seas, and a review of her recent 7-night cruise aboard Harmony.
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Show Notes* Brittany Affolter named Harmony of the Seas' Godmother * New fleet-wide room service menu * US Department of State Bahamas 2017 Crime & Safety Report
The onboard entertainment available on Royal Caribbean ships is astounding when you consider the array of options and offerings to choose from. Recently, Royal Caribbean partnered with Puzzle Break to bring the escape room experience to a few Royal Caribbean ships. What is an escape room, how does it work and what does it take to bring something as engaging and exciting as an escape room game to Royal Caribbean cruise? We invited Puzzle Break’s CEO, Nate Martin, to talk with us about the escape rooms on Royal Caribbean ships.
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Show Notes* Review of Escape the Rubicon on Harmony of the Seas * Photos of Escape Room on Anthem of the Seas
Have you ever dreamed of visiting Cuba? Royal Caribbean has begun offering cruises to this once off-limits Caribbean country, and that raises a number of questions of what it’s like to take a cruise to Havana. This week, we talk with a listener who just returned from the first Royal Caribbean cruise to Cuba, and discuss what’s different about a sailing there, what to expect in Cuba, and other tips for someone who wants to visit.
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Show Notes* Halee's Cuba walking tour excursion review
The opportunity to enjoy Royal Caribbean’s specialty restaurants without paying a fortune sounds like it might be too good to be true, but dining packages offer guests the opportunity to enjoy the best dining choices available on your Royal Caribbean cruise at a significant discount. Dining packages are a relatively new option for guests, and this week, we will talk all about why the dining packages might be a good way to not just save money, but be able to enjoy some great food onboard your cruise.
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Show Notes* Specialty dining package overview * Ultimate dining package information * All about Royal Caribbean food
Sometimes you just have to indulge a little bit and reward yourself, and one of the best ways to do just that on a Royal Caribbean cruise is by staying in a suite. Suites offer the most space, best benefits and incredible service while onboard. If you are considering moving on up to a suite for a future cruise, I’ll be sharing some of my experiences in a suite and what you should consider before dipping your toes in the Suite Life.
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Show Notes* Episode 151: Junior Suites * Episode 167: Royal Suite Class on Anthem of the Seas
Have you ever wanted to try something new or different in a cruise port but struggled to find a tour that met your exact needs? Or perhaps there is shore excursion that Royal Caribbean does not offer, but you are uncomfortable with going through a third party. On this week’s podcast episode, we will discuss a relatively new option by Royal Caribbean to offer guests exactly the kind of shore excursion they want, customized to their wants and needs.
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Show Notes* Private Journeys website * Matt's Private Journeys excursion in Curacao
Royal Caribbean offers cruises around the world and one of the hottest cruise markets these days are cruises from Australia. Cruising down under has become a red-hot market for Royal Caribbean, and this week we are shifting our focus to South Pacific cruises to share with you tips and advice for taking a cruise from Australia.
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Show Notes* Check out Ocean Time * Matt's review of Parrot Tree Beach in Roatan
When it comes to the sort of questions people typically have about a Royal Caribbean cruise, one of the biggest of them all is getting the lowest price on their vacation. The price we pay for the cruise fare is the single largest cost, and this week I am sharing five rules for getting the best possible price. There is tremendous value in cruising today, and with these ideas, you might be able to keep a few more dollars in your wallet for spending onboard.
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Show Notes* Special needs request form * Here is a look at the aft of Anthem of the Seas
Few things seem to go by as quickly as Royal Caribbean cruises, including my recent cruise aboard Anthem of the Seas. We had a fantastic time on Anthem of the Seas, and this week, I will review my recent 7-night Bahamas sailing on Anthem and talk about my stateroom, the suite experience, the specialty dining, entertainment onboard and the places we visited.
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The Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast was created to help plan everyone's upcoming Royal Caribbean cruises, and we are dedicating this week's episode to all of you because it is time to dive into our virtual inbox to read emails our listeners have sent us. I have also brought on two friends to join me, as we discuss topics like what to do in Cozumel, how those beer buckets work and much more.
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Getting ready for your next Royal Caribbean adventure is always exciting because of all of the possibilities that lay ahead, and this week, I’ve got that excitement back because I am going on a 7-night cruise aboard Anthem of the Seas. In this episode, I will share with you why I booked this cruise, what our plans are, and take you through what I have planned onboard and onshore.
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Show Notes* Matt's live blog begins here
Regardless of the Royal Caribbean ship you sail on, the ports you visit or the stateroom you reserve, there is one thing everyone has to do and that is pack for the cruise. Packing is something you either relish or relegate to a loved one, but it’s also something that has to get done. On this week’s episode, I’ve brought on a friend who is far more talented at packing than I am to share tips and tricks for bringing it all with you, without the stress.
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Show Notes* Check out Sheri's YouTube channel
While on the Royal Caribbean Blog Group Cruise, Matt and friends shared a review of their activities in Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao. This episode offers a review of which activities stood out and suggestions for anyone visiting the ABC islands on an upcoming cruise.
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Taking a back to back cruise can be a great way to have an extended vacation, as well as really get to know a Royal Caribbean ship. On this week's podcast episode, Matt speaks with a podcast listener who recently took a back to back cruise and shares what their experience was like.
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It is hard to beat that feeling when you know your cruise is just days away, and this week, I’ve got that loving feeling again because my next Royal Caribbean cruise is coming up and I will preview my upcoming adventure of the fabulous Navigator of the Seas. In this episode, I will discuss my plans for the cruise, why I picked this ship and talk about the many friends that are joining us for it.
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Show Notes* Matt's Navigator of the Seas live blog begins here
Royal Caribbean's main dining room is likely to be somewhere you visit almost every night of your cruise. It's hard to deny the fun experience of dining there as well as the really tasty food you can enjoy. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served here and this week, we take a look at what the main dining room experience is like and what to know before you sit down for a great meal.
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Show Notes* Frommer's recommendations what to do in Victoria * Hilton Rose Hall shore excursion review * All about My Time Dining
Every Royal Caribbean cruise is the kind of vacation experience that offers so many great things to do during the course of your time onboard. Shows, dining, exotic places to explore and more await you on a Royal Caribbean cruise. And sometimes, there might be a cruise where you want to really make the cruise special. Perhaps it’s for a celebration, like birthday or anniversary, or maybe it is someone’s first cruise. Regardless of why, for those that want to enhance their Royal Caribbean cruise and truly make it special, this week we have our top five ways to make your Royal Caribbean cruise memorable.
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This week, we have a BONUS podcast episode that is previewing our upcoming Royal Caribbean Blog Group Cruise on Navigator of the Seas. Matt, Annette and Billy will preview the big cruise and talk about the special events that are planned. If you are not lucky enough to be joining us for this cruise, it is a good look at what a group cruise is all about and why youshould join us for one in the future!
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When you think about a Royal Caribbean cruise, odds are you have a vision of spending time on your balcony, or perhaps at the pool and everyone is smiling, happy and it is the culmination of the best vacation ever. Unfortunately, sometimes real life hits us while on vacation and people get sick. In this episode, we speak with a recent Royal Caribbean cruiser who had to deal with her own bout of illness while on a cruise, and we discuss how she handled it as well as share lessons learned that can benefit others if in a similar situation.
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Show Notes* Halee's blog * Comparing Royal Caribbean's 30% off pre-cruise discount vs Crown and Anchor Society discount * Using your phone on a Royal Caribbean cruise (and not coming home to a BIG bill) * Where to watch ships from Port Everglades
There is nothing like having your own private oasis to spend the day, and when on a Royal Caribbean cruise, guests can enjoy a day in paradise when visiting Labadee. This private destination in Haiti is a stop many guests look forward to on each sailing, and this week, we share our guide to Labadee, with explanations of what to expect when you arrive, a look at the fun activities offered, and options to enhance your visit.
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Show Notes* Labadee Guide & Tips * Nellie's Beach cabanas * Beach bungalows at Labadee * Labadee nature walk photo tour * 8 must-do things on Labadee
Family cruises are the core of so many Royal Caribbean vacations, because they afford everyone in the group something to do. Royal Caribbean has designed their cruise ships to have something for everyone, including the youngest among us. Going on Royal Caribbean with toddlers and very young children is a fantastic experience, bound to create many wonderful memories, but there are some unique challenges as well. For those going on a Royal Caribbean cruise with young children, this week we take an in-depth look at strategies and ideas for a better overall experience for the kids...and you.
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Show NotesJoin the Royal Caribbean Blog INSIDERS and help support the show!
Want to know the most difficult question you can ask someone who has taken a Royal Caribbean cruise? What is your favorite Royal Caribbean ship? That question is always a fun debate, and on this week’s episode, we spoke with Royal Caribbean Blog Insiders to share what their favorite ship is and why. It is a fun discussion of what makes for a favorite ship and what aspects of a ship really resonate with us all.
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When we pack for a Royal Caribbean cruise, there are the obvious choices: shorts, bathing suits, sunglasses, etc. However, there are some items you might not think about if you are new to Royal Caribbean, and this week, we look at the sort of other items you might consider packing too for the various events, functions and activities onboard. We also talk about what you definitely do not want to pack because the cruise line prohibits it.
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Show Notes* List of prohibited items on a cruise ship * Information on our upcoming Royal Caribbean Blog group cruises
The new year is right around the corner, and like so many of us, I started thinking about what I would wish for in the new year, and naturally my mind wandered to considering Royal Caribbean cruises. I started to think about what I would do if I were in charge of Royal Caribbean and what I might wish for in the coming year for the company. This week, let’s wish together for what kind of changes, additions and far-out ideas we would want to see happen if we had our own magic genie.
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Show Notes* Royal Caribbean Blog group cruise informaton
Join the Royal Caribbean Blog INSIDERS and help support the show!
With all the fun things to do on Harmony of the Seas, picking out favorites can be a tough decision, but on this week’s episode, I am counting down my Top 5 Harmony of the Seas experiences. From dining to shows to places onboard, this is a look at the five Harmony of the Seas things that I really enjoyed onboard.
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Show Notes* Join us for the Royal Caribbean Blog Group Cruise on Harmony of the Seas!
Join the Royal Caribbean Blog INSIDERS and help support the show!
Everyday of a cruise is something to be relished, but the last day of a cruise is a bittersweet day that is filled with plenty to do in the final hours of your cruise vacation. On this week's episode, we discuss the many aspects of disembarkation and share tips for making it as smooth as possible.
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Show Notes* First time cruisers: Disembarkation day * Episode 26: CocoCay * Episode 4: Labadee * Comparing the Pre-cruise discount vs Crown & Anchor discount for Voom internet
Of all the Royal Caribbean questions I am asked, it is very common to hear from first time cruisers who are concerned that they are making a mistake when booking their first itinerary. There are a lot of options, so this week, I am taking some time to go over Royal Caribbean itinerary recommendations for first-time cruisers.
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As guests, we get to see the final production of so many performances on Royal Caribbean ships, but in reality there is so much that goes into how these shows are created. From concept to costuming to rehearsals, substantial time and effort goes into these impressive shows. While on Harmony of the Seas, I was sit down with Royal Caribbean Managing Producer Alex Marchant to discuss how a show like “Columbus, The Musical!” gets created, and share some of the stories behind Royal Caribbean’s latest big hit.
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Show Notes* Matt's live blog from Harmony of the Seas
While I never look forward to the end of a cruise, I do enjoy sharing with all of you my experiences onboard and this week, I have a first-hand review of Royal Caribbean’s newest cruise ship, Harmony of the Seas. This massive new ship is as impressive as it is large, and I was literally blown away by the incredible options that are included with this cruise. On this week’s show, I will share what I thought about the ship, review the stateroom I stayed in, talk about onboard dining and discuss my thoughts on how Harmony of the Seas ranks against other ships in the fleet.
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Show Notes* Matt's Harmony of the Seas LIVE blog * More information on Harmony of the Seas group cruise
We all take Royal Caribbean cruise vacations for different reasons. Perhaps it is just to get away on a weekend cruise, or visit a new exotic port, or checking out the exciting features of a particular cruise ship. But I am guessing few, if any, guests have booked Royal Caribbean cruises for the reason this week’s guests has. Joe Church has ran a full marathon on 25 out of 27 Royal Caribbean ships. Yes, he has run 26.2 miles on 25 Royal Caribbean ships and this week, we get to hear Joe’s story on why he’s doing this, his tips for anyone running onboard a ship and when he will get those last two ships in. Not only is this an interesting look at how people cruise, but it is an inspirational story in Joe’s journey.
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Royal Caribbean is known for rolling out the red carpet for its newest cruise ships, and Harmony of the Seas is on her way to the United States and her new home in Port Everglades, Florida. This week, I will be sailing on this incredible new ship and I will be offering you a preview of my plans on my two, yes two, Harmony of the Seas sailings. There is a lot going on during these sailings, and I will preview my plans onboard and how you can join me virtually for all the fun.
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Show Notes* Matt's live blog from Harmony of the Seas will begin here * Join us for a Royal Caribbean Blog Group Cruise!
Join the Royal Caribbean Blog INSIDERS and help support the show!
Royal Caribbean offers cruises around the world, and when the days get longer and warmer in the northern hemisphere, many ships head to Europe for the season. Once there, Royal Caribbean offers quite a variety of itineraries on some amazing ships that visit incredible ports. This week, we have a review of a recent Navigator of the Seas 13-night Western Mediterranean from Southampton cruise to review. We will discuss what is so fun about this itinerary, as well as the highlights of the ship.
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Show Notes* Sabor Modern Mexican on Navigator of the Seas
Royal Caribbean has built a reputation in the cruise industry for offering new game-changing innovations over the years. From adding a rock climbing wall, to offering balcony rooms that did not face the ocean, to robots that serve drinks, Royal Caribbean has been at the forefront of altering the concept of what’s possible on a cruise. This week, we learned Royal Caribbean is doing it all again with the Project Icon class ships, which have been announced as the next class of cruise ships that will revolutionize the way a cruise ship is powered. Let’s discuss what we know about these new ships, share the details of what to expect and consider what the future may hold when these new ships finally arrive.
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Show Notes Project Icon news post * Royal Caribbean Blog group cruise info* * Carlos PenaVega's YouTube channel * Our Facebook events page * Royal Caribbean's cruise theme page
Royal Caribbean offers onboard experiences for everyone to enjoy, and for those lucky enough to be able to afford it, there is a whole new set of offerings aimed at guests who want a taste of luxury along with their cruise. The Royal Suite Class is a completely new offering on select Royal Caribbean ships, and this week, we have a first-hand look at what the Royal Suite Class is all about on Anthem of the Seas. Let’s look at what amenities are offered, get a glimpse of what the Royal Suite is all about and share why you might be interested in trying it out.
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Show Notes* Listen to Len each week on WDW Today * Royal Suite Class information * Video tour of Len and Laurel's stateroom
One of the first considerations when booking a Royal Caribbean cruise is the stateroom you will select that will be your home for the duration of the cruise. On any given Royal Caribbean cruise, there are plenty of cabins to consider across a number of stateroom categories. There are many considerations to take into account, but choosing the right cabin for you should not be a daunting task. Staterooms come in different sizes, layouts, views and even benefits. What is important to one person might not be as important to someone else. There really is no wrong cabin to pick, but there are definitely rooms you can choose that will enhance your cruise experience.
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Show Notes* Clarification on premium coffee with the new drink packages * One year Insiders Anniversary live show details! * Beach bungalows on Labadee + Photos I took of the beach bungalows on my recent visit * Hilton Rose Hall resort review + Hilton Rose Hall booking details + Jewel Runaway Beach resort booking details * Join us for a Royal Caribbean Blog group cruise!
Join the Royal Caribbean Blog INSIDERS and help support the show!
If there is one Royal Caribbean ship that has gotten a lot of people re-thinking their plans, it is Liberty of the Seas. Her recent refurbishment added a number of Royal Caribbean firsts to an already impressive ship and this week, I want to countdown with you some of my favorite parts of this ship. In our continuing Top 5 series of episodes, let’s look at the features, activities and of course food, that make Liberty of the Seas a must-see cruise ship.
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Show Notes* Maya Chan resort in Costa Maya * Join us for a Royal Caribbean Blog group cruise!
Join the Royal Caribbean Blog INSIDERS and help support the show!
Royal Caribbean is at it again, with a complete overhaul of its unlimited drink packages and this week, we will discuss what the changes are and if it makes sense for you to purchase a drink package for your next cruise. Unlimited drink packages have never been more popular, and if you are wondering if it would be a good choice for your upcoming sailing, or if you are just curious about what the changes are, then you will want to listen to this week’s episode. We also have more of your great listener feedback.
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Show Notes* Details on the drink package updates * Information on our upcoming group cruises! * How to save money on drinks while on a Royal Caribbean cruise * Royal Suite Class program information
Join the Royal Caribbean Blog INSIDERS and help support the show!
I have been lucky enough to go on many different Royal Caribbean cruises on a variety of ships, but one ship I find myself on the most is Royal Caribbean’s Freedom of the Seas. Maybe it is her size, dazzling array of entertainment, impressive specialty dining options or fabulous ports of call she visits, but I think Freedom of the Seas is without a shadow of a doubt, at the top of the list when it comes to the best Royal Caribbean ships in the fleet. This week, I get to share my thoughts on Freedom of the Seas with my friends who joined me onboard for a Royal Caribbean Blog group cruise. We discuss our favorite aspects of the cruise and what we enjoyed doing onboard and onshore.
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Show Notes Check out our upcoming group cruises in 2017! * New unlimited drink package options * Become a Royal Caribbean Blog Insider!*
Royal Caribbean offers cruises around the world, which means guests have the opportunity to visit fascinating cities in Europe, Australia, Asia, and North America. For those that want a great mix of culture, history and scenery, a Royal Caribbean cruise to the Baltic nations is perfect for you. This week, we have a cruise review to share with you from Serenade of the Seas that took place recently and visited historic cities such as St. Petersburg, Helsinki, Stockholm and more.
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The excitement in the days leading up to a Royal Caribbean cruise is one of the best feelings, next to embarkation day. Knowing your cruise vacation is right around the corner gives all of us such a sense of euphoria and a warm feeling, to know it is our turn to go on a Royal Caribbean cruise next. This week, I am one of those lucky people, and I will be previewing my upcoming cruise on Royal Caribbean’s Freedom of the Seas. This next adventure is a Royal Caribbean Blog group cruise, and I will preview our plans for the ship, what stands out about Freedom of the Seas and what I am most excited to try.
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Show Notes* Read Matt's live blog from Freedom of the Seas * More information on all of our group cruises
When Royal Caribbean builds a cruise ship as impressive as Harmony of the Seas, it gets a lot of attention not just from cruise fans, but from lots of different people. It makes sense, considering the amount of new innovations, incredible venues and “I can’t believe they did that” features found onboard. Harmony of the Seas has made headlines literally around the world, and has caught the attention of the travel community as well. Dan Moore is a travel blogger, Periscope king, and a pioneer in the way the Internet is used to enjoy travel, and he joins me this week to discuss his recent Mediterranean cruise on Harmony of the Seas. Dan has travelled around the world, and his time on Harmony definitely resonated quite a bit and we will discuss what he loved about the ship, as well as share tips for a great cruise experience.
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Show Notes* Dan Moore on Twitter, Periscope, Instagram * Royal Caribbean Blog group cruise info! * Become a Royal Caribbean Blog Insider
When you talk about favorite cruise ships, inevitably the one that is almost always near the top of any list is Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas. The massive ship is as large in size as it is impressive in amenities. This week, we get a review of Allure of the Seas from a podcast listener who returned from a fun week-long trip. We will talk about his experiences onboard and discuss what makes Allure such an appealing cruise option.
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Show Notes* Bringing an infant on a Royal Caribbean cruise * Cruise packing tips * Comida Caseras Tonita
Royal Caribbean’s fleet of 25 ships means there are lots of great choices to choose from, and the newest ship to join the fleet is actually its oldest. Empress of the Seas is back in Royal Caribbean, and this week, we’re sharing a first-hand review of what Empress of the Seas offers. What Empress may lack in size, she makes up for in unique experiences to some great destinations.
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Show Notes Michael's live blog on Empress of the Seas * Royal Caribbean Blog Group Cruise information * St Kitts resort day pass * Royal Caribbean Blog group cruise on Navigator of the Seas* * Top 10 Navigator of the Seas hidden secrets * Matt's live blogs from Navigator of the Seas
There are many important roles in Royal Caribbean, but perhaps no position is as highly coveted or admired as a ship’s Godmother. Every Royal Caribbean ship follows in the maritime tradition of naming someone to the role of ship’s Godmother and this week, we have the honor of having the Godmother of Anthem of the Seas to talk about her experience. Emma Wilby, through a contest, was named Anthem’s Godmother and in this episode, we will discuss the events leading up to her becoming the Godmother, share stories of her experiences as Godmother and talk about what makes Anthem of the Seas such an amazing cruise ship.
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Show Notes* Top 10 Navigator of the Seas secrets
Royal Caribbean cruise vacations offer fantastic escapes, across a fleet of amazing ships, but one of the most common questions I get asked is, “when is the best to take a Royal Caribbean cruise?”. It is a simple question, but has major ramifications. We all want to take the perfect cruise vacation for our family, but we can also be limited in our options. If you have also been wondering the answer to when is a good time to take a cruise, here are some helpful guidelines in this week’s episode to help you plan the right time to take your first (or next) Royal Caribbean cruise.
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With everything Royal Caribbean is doing these days, there are a lot of people considering trying a Royal Caribbean cruise and this week, we have a podcast listener who was so intrigued, he decided to give it a try. In this episode, we talk with someone who just took their first Royal Caribbean cruise after cruising with another cruise line many times, and he shares what it was like cruising with Royal Caribbean for the first time, and what his recent Freedom of the Seas experience was like.
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This week’s show is all about you, as I will answer more of your listener email. Questions include where to be romantic on a cruise, where the best steak is, Cozumel excursion ideas, how to book a cruise that is not available yet and so much more.
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Show Notes* More information about our group cruises * How to become a Royal Caribbean Blog Insider
One of the biggest surprises Royal Caribbean has announced over the years was the fact that Explorer of the Seas would offer cruises to Alaska, beginning in 2016. The prospect of a Voyager-class ship heading to the Last Frontier got a lot of us intrigued and excited and this week, we have a first-hand review of what it is like to take a Royal Caribbean cruise to Alaska. We will discuss what Explorer of the Seas offers, how its size impacts the itinerary and much more.
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When you start listing some of the things we all love doing on a Royal Caribbean cruise, often you will hear stories about great experiences onboard and for the adults, those memories tend to happen in the bars and lounges on Royal Caribbean ships. Royal Caribbean’s bars and lounges are wonderful spots to hang out, have a drink and enjoy music, entertainment or even a place to get up and dance. This week, we are counting down our Top 5 bars and lounges across Royal Caribbean’s fleet.
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Show Notes* Royal Caribbean Blog group cruise information * Top 10 Oasis of the Seas secrets
Among the many stateroom choices available on a Royal Caribbean cruise are the Junior Suite category, which is a blend of the standard balcony staterooms and some of the added perks that a full suite guest can enjoy. Often, it is difficult to know if booking a junior suite is the right choice and this week, let’s look at these special staterooms that offer more space than most balcony staterooms. This is an in-depth look at what you should know before booking a Junior Suite.
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Show Notes* Group cruise information
Royal Caribbean has been actively working to revitalize many of its cruise ships over the last few years and each multi-million dollar project has resulted in new and improved experiences for guests across the ship. Perhaps among the most impressive updates any Royal Caribbean ship has received is Liberty of the Seas, which had a lot of work done to her earlier this year. Someone who just on Liberty of the Seas earlier this month joins me to discuss the changes made to the ship, as we review his recent cruise.
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Show Notes* Liberty of the Seas refurbishment details * AWE network
What is the meaning of life? How big is space? How much does a Royal Caribbean cruise cost? These are the questions that humanity has pondered and I can at least help with one out of those three questions. Figuring out just how much a Royal Caribbean will cost, or thereabouts, can be challenging to figure out but this week, we will look at what goes into the total cost of a cruise to help you get a better sense of what to expect financially when you want to book your first, or next, Royal Caribbean cruise.
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Show Notes* Royal Caribbean drink packages * Royal Caribbean dining packages * Royal Caribbean Blog group cruise information * Adventure of the Seas refurbishment details * Day pass for St Kitts resort
Glaciers, Bald Eagles, panning for gold, and totem poles are just a few of the amazing wonders to see in Alaska while on a Royal Caribbean cruise. Cruises to Alaska continue to entice and intrigue guests who want to see what this outdoor playground offers. On this week’s podcast episode, we will continue our series of episodes focusing on an Alaska cruise, as we discuss the ships that visit Alaska, talk stateroom choices and list the must-do activities while visiting this dramatic and diverse state.
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Show Notes* Episode 147: When to go to Alaska * Episode 94: Alaska shore excursions * Royal Caribbean Blog group cruise events * Royal Suite Class details * Royal Caribbean dining packages
One of the things Royal Caribbean really does well is it offers cruises to destinations around the world, with sailings that visit so many different ports of call. One of the more popular cruising destinations Royal Caribbean visits is Alaska, and this week, we are going to look at the ins and outs of taking a Royal Caribbean cruise to Alaska. This is such a big topic, that we are beginning a series of podcast episodes focusing on cruises to the Last Frontier, as we consider this week the length of cruises to Alaska, the pros and cons of the ports you sail out of and consider the times of year that you can cruise to Alaska.
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Show Notes* Episode 94: Alaska Cruises
In order to get the most out of your next, or first, Royal Caribbean cruise, there are many pieces to a very fun puzzle that you need to put together. And while we can spend hours upon hours researching our cruise prior to the cruise, there are still some common mistakes that guests should avoid. So this week, we’re going to discuss our Top Ten Mistakes Made by Royal Caribbean guests. Whether you are brand new to Royal Caribbean or have Pinnacle status in Crown and Anchor Society, these are some best practices to help you truly have a wonderful and memorable time.
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Show Notes* Announcing our new Harmony of the Seas group cruise!
I just wrapped up an amazing 8-night adventure on Royal Caribbean’s Navigator of the Seas and this week, I am sharing with you my thoughts and review from my time aboard. We will discuss every aspect of the cruise, including my stateroom, dining, ports we visited and a lot more.
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Show Notes My apologies for the audio clipping in the email segment. The program I used to record it this week is at fault, but I am aware of the issue. I promise it will be fixed for next episode*
New cruise ships are always a very intriguing event, and with Royal Caribbean's Harmony of the Seas, there is so much to be excited about. This new ship debuts later this month and she has so many Royal Caribbean fans talking about what she has to offer.
This week, we join in the conversation and preview what Harmony of the Seas will offer and what makes Harmony of the Seas a very different Oasis-class cruise ship.
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Taking a Royal Caribbean cruise is something everyone listening looks forward to and I am lucky enough to be embarking on my next Royal Caribbean adventure this week, as I prepare to return to a ship I call home, Navigator of the Seas. I will be previewing my upcoming Navigator of the Seas cruise and talk about why I picked this ship, the stateroom I reserved and what my plans are onboard and onshore.
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Show Notes* Matt's Navigator of the Seas live blog begins here * Episode 27: Navigator of the Seas cruise preview * Episode 29: Navigator of the Seas cruise review * Royal Caribbean Blog Group Cruise information * Royal Caribbean drink prices * Become a Royal Caribbean Blog Insiders!
There’s a colloquial saying, and even a song, that says, “go big or go home” and when it comes to taking a Royal Caribbean cruise, there is no bigger option than the Oasis-class ships. Royal Caribbean built these ships not only to be the largest cruise ships at sea, but to offer guests the widest range of entertainment, dining and accommodations available on a single ship.
If you are new to the Oasis-class or have not been to them in a while, this week’s episode is all about talking about what you need to know about Royal Caribbean’s Oasis-class ships.
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Show Notes Become a Royal Caribbean Blog Insider!* * Marian taxi in St Thomas * Top 10 Allure of the Seas secrets
I’m always dreaming about taking another Royal Caribbean cruise and even when I am onboard my cruise, I always lament it is not longer. Back to back cruises are a solution to both “problems” and this week, Michael Poole is joining us to talk about his recent back to back cruise on Brilliance of the Seas. We will talk about why he chose to do a back to back cruise in the first place, as well as review everything Brilliance of the Seas has to offer.
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Show Notes* Brilliance of the Seas Live Blog * Nachi Cocom review
It’s time, once again, to dive into our virtual bag of emails and answer your questions, comments and thoughts on this week’s episode.
We will touch on a number of aspects of taking a Royal Caribbean cruise and it is my hope that this episode helps everyone with having a better Royal Caribbean cruise.
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Show Notes* Episode 77: Top 5 Enchantment of the Seas * Everything Enchantment of the Seas * The total Royal Caribbean cruise planning timeline * Allure of the Seas hidden secrets * Photos of Splashaway Bay * Royal Caribbean Blog Group Cruises! * Parrot Tree Beach Resort in Roatan
On this week's episode, we discuss a variety of Royal Caribbean topics!
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Show Notes* April Fools! * The eBay item
From time to time, we get a chance on the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast to meet the Royal Caribbean crew members that are largely responsible for making these amazing ships function as well as they do. Getting the “inside view” of the operations of these Royal Caribbean ships is an unique opportunity and this week, I am pleased to welcome to the show Allure of the Seas’ Hotel Manager, Joao Mendonça. I recently spoke with Mr. Mendonça while onboard Allure of the Seas to talk about how he keeps the largest cruise ship in the world running as well as it does.
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The goal of Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast has been to help everyone have a better Royal Caribbean cruise and it seems one aspect of the Royal Caribbean cruise vacation we get a lot of questions about is dinner. Dinner is a big part of your day onboard a Royal Caribbean ship, and this week, we will explore the various dinner options available to guests to choose from and discuss each option to help you understand exactly what to expect.
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Show Notes* More info about Royal Caribbean dining packages * Cruise Compass
When people think about Royal Caribbean, quite often their thoughts go to relaxing by the pool, impressive cruise ships sailing around the world or even one of the many wonderful activities onboard. And while each of these is an important part of any Royal Caribbean cruise vacation, one thing that is often missing from that list is the food, because as I’ve said for years, Royal Caribbean cruises are not just about burgers, fries and whatever is in the main dining room, but actually offers some of the most incredible, unique dining experiences anywhere in the world. And whether you are on a Royal Caribbean cruise with your family, as a couple or even solo, there are a wide variety of wonderful restaurants to choose from. And if you think you’ve, “been there, done that”, there might be just a few locations that surprise and delight you.
Royal Caribbean has been adding one restaurant in particular that is worth adding to your list of must visits, Izumi. And today, I am pleased to be joined by none other than Izumi Master Chef Travis Kamiyama on the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast. We’ll talk about his background and career, as well as what Izumi offers to Royal Caribbean guests.
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Show notes* The story of Izumi * Izumi review from Allure of the Seas
Everything is better with friends, including cruising, and this week, I had the pleasure of cruising on Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas with my Royal Caribbean Blog friends as part of our 2016 group cruise. As part of the fun activities we planned onboard, I had a chance to record this week’s podcast episode with the folks in attendance, live from Vintages. We discuss what we liked about Allure of the Seas, how our experiences lined up with expectations and share some stories from our adventure together.
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Show Notes* Maya Chan shore excursion review
Here is the Sabor guacamole recipe:
--combine all ingredients and enjoy!
When it comes to planning a Royal Caribbean cruise, nearly all of us have a budget in mind. Being independently wealthy is more elusive than ever, so saving money on our cruises means we have more money to spend onboard or for another Royal Caribbean cruise.
This week, I am sharing with you some tips and strategies for saving money on common cruise expenditures, such as alcoholic drinks, specialty dining, internet and more. I hope many of you will be able to spend less on your next cruise, so you can have more money to book another.
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I first went on Royal Caribbean’s Navigator of the Seas a couple of years ago and I really loved what I saw there with all the great changes the 2014 refurbishment brought her. This week, podcast listener Ethan is joining me to talk about his recent cruise aboard Navigator of the Seas and what he liked about his experience. We discuss everything about his 8-night adventure and share his thoughts on what makes Navigator of the Seas a great ship.
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Show Notes* Episode 111 - Adventure of the Seas
There are certain aspects of a Royal Caribbean ship that guests associate with being truly a Royal Caribbean feature. Over the years, Royal Caribbean has added a lot to its ships but one particular feature stands out as something unequivocally Royal Caribbean and that is the Royal Promenade. This cavernous hub of shopping, dining and entertainment is an area of many Royal Caribbean ships were it seems guests are always going to spend time. This week, I want to look at what the Royal Promenade offers, some of my favorite things about the Royal Promenade and why you will very likely be spending a lot of time there too.
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If Royal Caribbean does something really well, it is offering its guests the opportunity for an amazing family vacation and family is the key word. Whether you are going with your spouse, children, grandparents, cousins or people you met through your favorite cruise website and consider them family, a Royal Caribbean cruise offer so much for everyone and it is no surprise to hear Royal Caribbean is a great choice for families.
To that point, Royal Caribbean was recently named the top cruise line for families and we invited the author of the 2016 Family Friendly Cruise Travel Planner to join me on this week’s episode to discuss what Royal Caribbean does to be such a great family cruise line and why they picked it as their top choice.
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Show Notes 2016 Family Friendly Cruise Travel Planner * Allure of the Seas 2015 refurbishment changes * Freedom of the Seas live blog from St. Thomas * Periscope: @therclblog * Cruise Timetables * CruiseTT * Become a Royal Caribbean Blog Insider!*
I’ll open up the inbox this week and answer more of your questions about your Royal Caribbean vacation plans, tips, advice and more.
Some of the topics we’ll cover this week include: Crown and Anchor benefits, Brilliance of the Seas reviews, the best way to give Royal Caribbean your feedback, NextCruise booking bonuses and a whole lot more.
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Show Notes More information on all the Royal Caribbean Blog group cruises!* * How Royal Caribbean provides medical care at sea * Royal Crush YouTube series * "Royal Reunion" short film starring Dean Cain and James Brolin * NextCruise policy information * Follow us on Periscope * Find all the Cruise Compass' we have * What you need to know about My Time Dining
Now and then we see a really unique Royal Caribbean cruise out there that is not something regularly available. On this week’s show, we have a look at a rare 3-night cruise on Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas as one of our listeners joins us to tell us all about it. We get a chance to look at what it’s like on a short Oasis of the Seas sailing through the eyes of someone brand new to Royal Caribbean.
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Show Notes* Bryon's website * New September 2016 group cruise on Freedom of the Seas information * Episode 40: St Maarten * Le Galion beach excursion review
This episode was recorded live, where Matt and Annette Jackson previewed the plans for the 2016 Royal Caribbean Blog group cruise on Allure of the Seas.
In this episode, Matt and Annette look at the idea behind a group cruise, what special events we have planned for the group cruise and take listener's calls live on the air!
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Show Notes* Allure of the Seas Group Cruise information * 2017 Group Cruise information
There is a very good chance that if you are taking a Royal Caribbean cruise from the United States that one of your port stops will be at Nassau, Bahamas. It is among the most common ports Royal Caribbean cruise ships visit and that begs the question of what are some good shore excursion ideas for Nassau. This week, I am joined by guide book author Erin Foster to discuss what some of the better choices are for shore excursions in Nassau and what the port offers visitors.
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Show Notes* Buy the Unofficial Guide to Disney Cruise Line 2016 * Port schedule site * Bites of Nassau Food Tasting & Cultural Walking Tour * Excursion review: Junkanoo Beach * Resortforaday.com offerings in Nassau * Become a Royal Caribbean Blog Insider!
I’ve always felt reviewing past Royal Caribbean cruises helps to share learned experiences with others so that we can all apply these lessons to our upcoming cruises and this week, Brian joins me on the podcast to share his experience aboard Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas. We get to hear from Brian about how his Allure of the Seas cruise went, what aspects of the cruise he and his family really enjoyed and what he would do differently for his next cruise.
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On a Royal Caribbean ship, dining is as much a part of the cruise experience as the pools, activities, and entertainment. It’s also something that affords you and your family wonderful opportunities to sample, share, learn from and enjoy flavors from literally around the world. And not every dining opportunity has to be enjoyed during breakfast, lunch or dinner. So this week, we’re going to countdown my top 5 Royal Caribbean desserts. I also have some favorite desserts that some of you helped me with, and that will not only introduce you to some desserts you may not have considered before, but will almost surely leave you hungry as well.
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Join the Royal Caribbean Blog INSIDERS and help support the show!
I love having friends on the podcast and this week, because everything is more fun with friends, we have two for you.
First up, we have Brian White who is going on Allure of the Seas with 14 other people and we will be previewing everything Brian has planned, including why he is making the change from Disney Cruise Line to Royal Caribbean. I will also be dipping into the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast email inbox this week, where Michael Poole is joining me to answer your questions.
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Show Notes* Website showing ships that will be in port on any day
This week, I want to share with you 20, yes twenty, tips for a better Royal Caribbean cruise. These are an array of tips, tricks, overlooked experiences and secrets to get the most out of your Royal Caribbean cruise. It’s all about enhancing your Royal Caribbean cruise with a few ways that I hope everyone can benefit from on their next Royal Caribbean cruise.
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Show Notes 2016 group cruise on Allure of the Seas * 2017 group cruise on Navigator of the Seas* * Matt's live blog from Navigator of the Seas * Episode 29: Navigator of the Seas cruise review
Matt is back from his Brilliance of the Seas cruise, and this week's podcast episode is all about sharing his experiences onboard.
Matt discusses what he thinks of the ship, what his opinion of the unlimited alcohol packages are, reviews of dining, shore excursions and a lot more!.
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Join the Royal Caribbean Blog INSIDERS and help support the show!
There is something so wonderful and exciting about taking a Royal Caribbean cruise that brings a real sense of euphoria to everyone when their cruise countdown is almost at an end, and this week, I am lucky enough to be the benefactor of a nearly complete countdown clock, as I am boarding Royal Caribbean’s Brilliance of the Seas for a 4-night cruise. In this week’s episode, I will preview my cruise, and discuss why I booked this particular sailing, my plans for onboard the ship and what I am most looking forward to doing.
And no Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast episode is complete without sharing your feedback, and so, we have plenty of great emails to read.
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Show Notes* Matt's Brilliance of the Seas live blog * Which ships are in port
Join the Royal Caribbean Blog INSIDERS and help support the show!
I firmly believe there is no such thing as a booking a bad Royal Caribbean cruise, especially if your cruise happens to be free. That’s right, free! How do you get a free Royal Caribbean cruise without emailing a Nigerian “prince”?
This week, Royal Caribbean Blog listener Marc joins us to tell us how he managed to get a free 5-night cruise on Royal Caribbean’s Liberty of the Seas and shares with us what he loved about his Bermuda adventure. I’ll also be answering your listener emails, where we help everyone have a better Royal Caribbean cruise experience.
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Show Notes* Our group cruise on Allure of the Seas
Join the Royal Caribbean Blog INSIDERS and help support the show!
Perhaps no cruise ship other than Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas has garnered as much attention this year, and this week, I have returned from my 2-night adventure on Anthem of the Seas to share with you my entire experience.
It was a terrific experience and it changed the way I look at the Quantum class ships. Let’s talk about the many experiences, dining, entertainment and everything else inbetween on this week’s episode.
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Show Notes* Anthem of the Seas Live Blog
Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas has gotten a lot of attention since she debuted earlier this year and she has arrived in the New York City area this week, where she will find her new home at Cape Liberty.
I have the pleasure of taking a quick 2-night cruise aboard Anthem of the Seas this weekend, and on this week’s podcast, we will preview my plans for Anthem of the Seas and discuss what I have planned onboard and discuss why Royal Caribbean’s newest cruise ship is so darn exciting.
I also have a very important announcement to make in this episode and we have some great listener feedback to share.
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Show Notes* Episode 66: Quantum of the Seas 2-night cruise preview * Episode 68: Quantum of the Seas 2-night roundtable cruise review * Episode 92: Anthem of the Seas roundtable review * Watch Matt's live video broadcasts from Anthem of the Seas * Matt's Anthem of the Seas live blog begins here * Anthem of the Seas "super live blog"
Join the Royal Caribbean Blog INSIDERS and help support the show!
For many of us, Royal Caribbean is the cruise line of choice that we have come to love and go back to time and time again. But there may be times you wonder about how the competition stacks up and I know it is tempting to take a peek over that proverbial fence to see how green the grass really is.
So this week, we have a great comparison between Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line with one of our listeners who just tried her first Royal Caribbean cruise. I think it’s a great view of how the lines differ and what each does quite well.
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Show Notes
Something I have always loved about a Royal Caribbean cruise, even going back to my very first cruise, is the entertainment onboard. Each ship I have been on has offered different kinds of shows, games and entertainment that I just can’t get enough of.
I believe my interest and passion for taking a Royal Caribbean cruise grew tremendously from the great times onboard. Royal Caribbean does a lot of things really well and entertainment onboard its ships is among the very best in the cruise industry.
So this week, I want to look at the shows Royal Caribbean offers and talk about what makes them so enjoyable. Whether you have seen them all or they are all brand new to you, there are sure to be one….or 7, shows you will definitely want to see on your next cruise.
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Show Notes* Broadway shows on Royal Caribbean * Love & Marriage Game Show * How do I clean my clothes on a Royal Caribbean cruise? * Royal Caribbean plans for holidays in December * Which drinks are included with your Royal Caribbean cruise?
The only feeling that can come close to the pure enjoyment of taking a Royal Caribbean cruise is probably booking another Royal Caribbean cruise. Royal Caribbean offers guests a great program known as NextCruise to book future Royal Caribbean cruises while onboard a cruise yourself. In terms of benefits, it is one of the best deals guests can enjoy and this week, we will go over the details of the NextCruise program and why you should consider booking another cruise while onboard a cruise.
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Show Notes* Open Booking booking bonus details * Specific booking bonus * Follow Matt on Periscope
Where our Royal Caribbean cruises take us is a pretty important aspect of any cruise and this week, we are looking at what to do in St. Thomas. This island in the US Virgin Islands has become a very popular port stop and this week, we look at what there is to do, see and experience at St Thomas and which shore excursions might be something you want to try on your next visit.
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Show Notes* Scott's blog: Disney Cruise Line Blog * St Thomas shore excursions + Skyride to Paradise Point + Magens Bay * New Royal Suite Class details * Everything about the FlowRider on Royal Caribbean ships
Our good friend Susan is back to tell us all about her recent back to back cruise on Royal Caribbean’s Independence of the Seas. I love having one of you on the podcast with me to talk about cruising and we have a great review of Susan’s experience on Independence of the Seas, as she shares what she loved about the ship, her experience changing staterooms and how her high school reunion onboard went.
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Show Notes* Website shows which ships are in port on which day * Inside tips on getting from Houston to Galveston
What makes Royal Caribbean cruise ships so beautiful and unique are the exquisite art collections guests can find onboard. Each ship in Royal Caribbean’s fleet has its own array of art that spans many eras and styles. This week, we get the chance to talk to one artist that has contributed art across so many of Royal Caribbean’s mega-ships, American designer Larry Kirkland. Oasis of the Seas, Freedom of the Seas, Voyager of the Seas and many more ships all have contributions by Mr Kirkland onboard and. It is a unique, first-hand look at the creation of these signature designs that guests have photographed time and time again.
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Royal Caribbean’s Voyager class ships are truly a great class of mega ship to enjoy and they have become a fan favorite. Adventure of the Seas is the “middle child” of the Voyager class and this week, we’re going to take an in-depth look at Adventure, as we discuss what Adventure of the Seas offers in terms of dining, activities, amenities and more.
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Show Notes* Don's photo tour of Adventure of the Seas
No matter which Royal Caribbean cruise you book, you will be visiting a port of call, each with their own fun and adventurous things to do. Of course, finding the perfect shore excursion for you means researching the ports ahead of time and this week, we will begin a semi-regular look at some of the more popular ports Royal Caribbean ships visit and discuss what there is to do there. We will look at getting off and back on the ship, local attractions, popular choices and what you need to know about each stop.
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Show Notes* Cozumel excursions + Paradise Beach + Playa Palancar * Belize + Goff's Caye * Allure of the Seas group cruise
Back to back cruises are something many of us dream about doing and this week, one of our podcast listeners is here to share with us her upcoming plans for a back to back cruise on Independence of the Seas. Susan will discuss why she booked a back to back cruise, her plans onboard Independence of the Seas and what she is really looking forward to doing.
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Show Notes* What you need to know about My Time Dining * Episode 40: What to do in St Maarten * myVegas game: iOS | Google Play
Photos by Brandon in Dallas from St Thomas
I love talking Royal Caribbean and this week, I want to talk Royal Caribbean with all of you, as we dive into the emails many of you have sent me and we answer as many as we can on this week’s episode. We will talk about dining, which ship to choose, shore excursions and a lot more.
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Show Notes* Royal Caribbean Blog group cruise on Allure of the Seas * Back to the Future cruise to benefit Parkinson's Disease research
Have you considered a Royal Caribbean cruise to Iceland, Norway and the Faroe Islands? A podcast listener joins me this week to discuss a recent 12-night cruise to Northern Europe on Brilliance of the Seas. We are discussing the appeal of this particular itinerary, what is fun and special to do on Brilliance of the Seas and looking at the beautiful ports you will visit.
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Show Notes* Cruise Compass from Kris' Brilliance of the Seas cruise * Things to do in Old San Juan * Episode 57: Old San Juan
There are so many aspects of a Royal Caribbean cruise that come together to give guests that fun and unique experience that we crave cruise after cruise. One of my favorite’s is the live music you will hear on a Royal Caribbean cruise and so this week, I am continuing our Top 5 series, where I list my top 5 experiences on a Royal Caribbean cruise. Let’s look at why Royal Caribbean does live music so well and list my must-listen to live music.
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Shownotes* Photos of Rita's Crab Shack from Radiance of the Seas * Listener email music * Intro music
This week, let’s talk about my just finished cruise aboard Royal Caribbean’s Freedom of the Seas. So much happened on my 7-night eastern Caribbean adventure and I want to talk about my experiences onboard, exploring the new changes, what I did on the islands, two weddings and more!
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Show Notes* Episode 103: Freedom of the Seas cruise preview
For Royal Caribbean fans, one of the most exciting moments of your cruise vacation is when you pull up to the pier on embarkation day and start the cruise vacation that you may have been counting down to for years. This week, let’s discuss what to expect from curb side at the pier to that magical moment when you step foot onboard your Royal Caribbean cruise and everything inbetween.
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Show Notes* Episode 50: Royal Caribbean vs Disney Cruise Line
It doesn’t get much better than this week because I’m previewing my upcoming cruise on Royal Caribbean’s Freedom of the Seas next week. Let’s discuss why I selected this cruise, my plans for onboard and onshore, as well as what I’m really looking forward to on this cruise.
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Show Notes* Matt's Freedom of the Seas live blog begins here * Matt's plans for St Thomas
These days, a big part of the cruise experience, both before the cruise and during the cruise, is sharing your cruise vacation with friends and family. Social media has become a really big way that we get to bring others along virtually and show off how much fun we’re having. This week, I’m happy to have Joe Tolley on the podcast to talk about how folks can use social media to enhance their cruise as well as the ways in which Royal Caribbean is looking to get more and more guests using it too.
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Talking about taking a Royal Caribbean cruise is always a fun topic, and this week, I’m happy to welcome back Rob who just took a 9-night cruise on Liberty of the Seas. We will talk about Rob’s experience onboard and what he thought of the onboard experience, the ports he visited and a whole lot more.
We also have your voicemails to play and emails to read.
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Show Notes* Cruise Compass from Rob's cruise * Alan's video from Oasis of the Seas cruise
Which do you prefer: big or small Royal Caribbean ships? That is the topic we debated on our 100th episode. We broadcasted this episode live on July 1, 2015 and invited our listeners to call in and talk live. We discussed big vs small as well as wealth of other Royal Caribbean topics.
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Royal Caribbean’s cruise ships set the scene for a great vacation from the moment you step onboard, with their beautiful design, art work and sound. All over the ship, you can hear music that helps set the mood for the area you’re in and it’s a subtle yet important aspect of what makes Royal Caribbean’s ships so much fun.
This week, I’m joined by the people that have worked on Royal Caribbean’s onboard sound since 2007, as we take an inside look at how the music you hear all over your Royal Caribbean ship is picked, played and organized. It’s a fascinating look at how music makes your cruise that much more fun.
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Show Notes* Mood Media * Royal Caribbean Blog 100th episode LIVE show details * Royal Caribbean tuxedo rental service
Taking your first Royal Caribbean cruise is very exciting but there’s a lot to know before you ever step foot onboard. From the best way to book your cruise, to being prepared for what’s waiting onboard, to where to eat and so much more, there’s quite a bit to cover. This week, I will share what first time Royal Caribbean cruisers need to know so your first Royal Caribbean cruise is a huge success.
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Show Notes* Royal Caribbean beverage packages * Cruise Compass archive * The total Royal Caribbean cruise planning timeline * Our 100th episode live show details: July 1, 2015 * Group cruise information aboard Allure of the Seas
A fan favorite of Royal Caribbean has to be the Radiance class of ships, which offer a lot in a small package. The four Radiance-class ships can travel to nearly any cruise port around the world and what they lack in size, they make up for in range and experience. This week, I want to share why the Radiance class is such a fun bunch of ships to cruise on and why size isn’t everything when it having an incredible Royal Caribbean cruise.
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Show Notes* 100th Episode live show details * Group cruise on Allure of the Seas
Andreas' photo of the crowd
This week one of our friends, Beth, is back from her transatlantic European cruise on Serenade of the Seas and we’re talking all about her experience. From the many sea days, to what she did onboard to the ports she visited, we’re discussing her experience and what she loved about her Royal Caribbean vacation.
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Show Notes* Episode 88: Beth's cruise preview * Royal Caribbean Blog group cruise information
Planning a Royal Caribbean cruise vacation is always a fun experience because planning a cruise is probably the next best thing to taking a cruise. This week, we’re previewing one of our listener’s upcoming Royal Caribbean cruise aboard Liberty of the Seas. It’s a 9-night sailing and we will discuss the why’s, hows and yum’s of this cruise.
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Show Notes* Episode 57: Old San Juan podcast episode * Episode 70: New York City podcast episode * Our 100th episode podcast LIVE show!
Royal Caribbean cruises to Alaska are a cornerstone of what Royal Caribbean has been offering for years and this week, we will discuss what you need to know about taking a cruise to Alaska, including the ports you will visit, how to pack for this kind of a cruise and helpful tips for exploring the Land of the Midnight Sun.
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Show Notes* Royal Caribbean Blog Group Cruise on Allure of the Seas
It seems like nothing strikes fear into Royal Caribbean cruises quite like these two words: formal night. Confusion and anxiety are the typical responses I read about in emails and message board posts so this week, I wanted to talk all about formal night and explain what you need to know about this tradition and what it really means today.
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Show Notes* 100th Episode Live Show details * Royal Caribbean Blog Group Cruise on Allure of the Seas
The newest addition to Royal Caribbean’s fleet, Anthem of the Seas, has taken her maiden voyage and is welcoming thousands of passengers aboard this truly impressive vessel that blends technology, entertainment, dining and elegance into one. I’ve invited two of my friends that just sailed on Anthem of the Seas back to the podcast to bring you our roundtable discussion all about Anthem of the Seas, where we review everything the ship has to offer from stem to stern.
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Show Notes* Episode 77: Top 5 Enchantment of the Seas
There’s so much entertainment that is offered on Royal Caribbean cruises, from shows to dining to pools, ice skating, DreamWorks characters and more. And for many adults, a Royal Caribbean cruise is not complete without a stop at the Casino Royale. This little taste of Vegas at sea offers a lot of options to choose from, so this week, let’s explore what is available at Royal Caribbean’s casinos and discuss what you can expect both in terms of gaming and experience.
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Show Notes* Seattle Times article about Oasis of the Seas
Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas is the second largest cruise ship in the world and is an amazing destination that offers so much for guests to enjoy. The ship is packed with entertainment, activities, dining and places to relax. Oasis of the Seas raised the bar in terms of what a cruise ship can be given just how much there is to see and do onboard.
This week, I will continue our Top 5 series with the Top 5: Oasis of the Seas, where we list my top 5 picks of things to do on Oasis of the Seas.
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Show Notes* Royal Caribbean Blog Group Cruise on Allure of the Seas
Perhaps no change in recent Royal Caribbean history has had as much of an impact on the guest experience like Dynamic Dining has. This brand new way of enjoying dinner onboard your Royal Caribbean cruise promises to bring more choices and flexibility to all guests. This week, I’m going to review what Dynamic Dining is and discuss how well it works. It’s an in-depth discussion of everything Dynamic Dining and we will seek to answer the question if Dynamic Dining is right for you.
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Show Notes* Don's Dynamic Dining review * Special dietary needs email: special_needs@rccl.com
How about a transatlantic cruise with another week touring Northern Europe? That’s exactly what podcast listener Beth is doing very soon and this week, we’re previewing her upcoming 15-night cruise aboard Royal Caribbean’s Serenade of the Seas. We will discuss why she chose this sailing as well as what her plans are and how planning this kind of cruise is different than what she is used to.
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Show Notes Royal Caribbean Blog Group Cruise on Allure of the Seas*
This week I want to share with you our live show recording from our Royal Caribbean Blog Group Cruise aboard Royal Caribbean's Quantum of the Seas last week. We discussed everything from what we thought about this brand new ship's dining, entertainment, fun experiences we all had and more. It was a fun chat among friends about our cruise experience and I'll also have reveal what will be the next Royal Caribbean Blog group cruise.
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Show Notes Matt's Quantum of the Seas live blog posts * Royal Caribbean Blog 2016 group cruise on Allure of the Seas* * Episode 57: Old San Juan
If you’re like me, then you probably love taking Royal Caribbean cruises for the wonderful memories and experiences that come with each cruise. And many Royal Caribbean veteran cruises have cruise traditions they have because it’s what makes a Royal Caribbean cruise the kind of vacation experience we just can’t get enough of. This week,we’re sharing our cruise traditions and talking about the fun things onboard we just can’t get enough of.
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I’m really excited for this week’s podcast episode because at the end of this week, I will be taking my next Royal Caribbean cruise vacation on the brand new Quantum of the Seas.
I want to take you on the cruise with me, virtually anyway, and preview my cruise on Quantum of the Seas and the Caribbean itinerary I’m taking. We will look at why I booked this cruise, take a closer look at Quantum of the Seas, the ports we are visiting and review some plans we have for the trip.
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Show Notes* Matt's live blog begins here
If you were to ask me what is the coolest new tech innovation Royal Caribbean has rolled out recently, I think it has to be the WOWbands. WOWbands are Royal Caribbean’s forward thinking way of making our life as guests simpler onboard and this week, I want to take a deep dive into what WOWbands are, how they work, and what we can expect from them in the future.
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Show Notes* Total Royal Caribbean cruise planning timeline
This week let’s sample the very best food of Italy as we take a virtual visit to Giovanni’s Table. We will discuss the restaurant’s background, talk about what the menu offers and why you might want to book a reservation here on your next cruise. I’ll then jump back into the email bag to answer more of your emails.
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Going on a Royal Caribbean cruise means you’ll be taken to some of the most beautiful and exciting ports of call around the world but sometimes, it can be just as fun to stay onboard your ship while everyone else leaves.
Royal Caribbean ships offer so much to do onboard and staying onboard while in port can be a good option to consider when making your ship plans. I’ll discuss why you might want to to stay behind on your next port of call and why many cruise veterans choose to do this.
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Show Notes* Joe Tolley's site CruiseHangout * First time cruisers: Dinner on Royal Caribbean * Episode 3: Oasis of the Seas * First timer's guide to Oasis of the Seas * Royal Caribbean selects ElevenOS for onboard internet access on all ships in the fleet * Ripple Cruise Communicator
I’m fascinated by how a cruise ship is built and with Royal Caribbean’s next cruise ship Anthem of the Seas set to debut quite soon, there’s a lot of excitement surrounding her. This week, I’m joined by one of the designers who worked on many of the venues aboard Anthem of the Seas. We will discuss how designing a sister ship differs from the first ship in a class, what we can expect to find on Anthem of the Seas and more. I'm also going to open up the inbox this week and answer more of your listener emails.
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Show Notes* Episode 59: Interview with Tim Magill about his work on Quantum of the Seas * What you need to know about taking a solo cruise on Royal Caribbean * Royal Caribbean Going, Going, Gone sale weekly sale information
One of Royal Caribbean’s most popular ports to cruise from is Port Canaveral and it’s been home to many Royal Caribbean ships. This week, let’s discuss the basics of taking a Royal Caribbean cruise from Port Canaveral and what you need to know about getting to the port, what’s around the area and other helpful tips.
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Show Notes* Getting to your port: Port Canaveral * Barbados group tour review * Episode 40: St Maarten podcast
Freedom of the Seas, one of the most popular Royal Caribbean ships in the fleet has just finished a ship-wide refurbishment and offers guests new spaces, restaurants and some exciting additions throughout the ship. We’ve got an in-depth discussion of everything new on the ship, the decor, staterooms, dining options, other activities and much more.
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Show Notes* Freedom of the Seas post-drydock photos * Deck-by-deck changes of what's new on Freedom of the Seas
How about a Royal Caribbean cruise to the southern Caribbean on Jewel of the Seas? This week podcast listener Kris Leppien-Christensen joins me to review his family’s recent experience out of San Juan and what he liked and didn’t like about his 7-night Jewel of the Seas cruise.
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Show Notes* Our preview episode with Kris
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.
This week we are listing the top 5 things to do on Enchantment of the Seas. And then stay tuned for your Royal Caribbean emails that I love to read.
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Show Notes* Cruise Compasses
Family cruising is at the heart of what a Royal Caribbean is all about and that includes with even the youngest ones. Traveling with very young children on a cruise can be a very exciting vacation, and so this week, we have tips, tricks and secrets to taking a Royal Caribbean cruise with preschoolers.
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Show Notes* Review of Royal Babies & Tots Nursery * Hotels in Fort Lauderdale + Embassy Suites + Holiday Inn * Podcast episode about Old San Juan touring
Back in episode 72 we previewed listener Victor Sacal’s cruise on the brand new Quantum of the Seas. Victor is returning to the podcast this week to discuss how his cruise went and to share some great tips about this brand new ship. We’ve also got lots of great emails to share.
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Show Notes* Listen to Victor's cruise preview episode
I think it’s time for a little relaxation this week, as we look at one of the best ways to reward yourself on a Royal Caribbean cruise: the Spa! Royal Caribbean’s Vitality Spa is available on all ships in the fleet and it’s a wonderful way to reduce stress and pamper yourself with some great treatments. This week, let’s explore what the Vitality Spa can offer you and share our favorites, we’ll hopefully introduce you to a few things you have not ever thought or known about before.
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Labadee or CocoCay? That is the question we’re debating on this week’s episode of the podcast as I invite a few of my friends to discuss what we like about each destination. It’s a friendly debate about two beautiful corners of paradise that I invite you to decide which you like better.
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Show Notes* Episode 4: Labadee * Episode 26: CocoCay * First timer's guide to Labadee * What you need to know about CocoCay Cabanas * What you need to know about Labadee Cabanas
It’s time to welcome a podcast listener onto the show to preview his upcoming cruise on Quantum of the Seas. Victor Sacal and his family are just days away from their Royal Caribbean cruise on Quantum of the Seas and we will discuss what Victor’s plans are as well as why he chose this brand new ship.
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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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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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Show Notes* Episode 57: Old San Juan * Episode 40: St Maarten * Hotel Tonight app * Royal Caribbean Blog Group Cruise on Quantum of the Seas
Royal Caribbean’s Quantum of the Seas has become a huge hit with cruisers, critics and everyone inbetween. And one of the people who has been at the forefront of what Royal Caribbean has been doing is Bill Martin, Royal Caribbean Chief Information Officer. Bill is back on the podcast again this week to discuss how technology on this new ship has been working and what’s next for Royal Caribbean.
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Show Notes* Bill Martin's first episode on the podcast
I’m back from Royal Caribbean’s newest cruise ship, Quantum of the Seas, and there’s so much to talk about this week that I’ve invited a few friends who joined me on the cruise to come on the podcast this week to discuss our thoughts on everything we experienced on this amazing new ship. It’s our first-hand review of Quantum of the Seas and what parts of the ship are not to be missed.
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Show Notes* Nine things Matt loves, hates and was surprised by on Quantum of the Seas * In the Loop Travel: Seven things you'll enjoy on Quantum of the Seas * From the Deck Chair: Quantum of the Seas Live Voyage Recap * Cruise Critic: Quantum of the Seas review
Let’s go back to Europe this week as we welcome back our friend Donal, who returned from his Liberty of the Seas western Mediterranean cruise. We will discuss what Donal and his family did on Liberty of the Seas, what they liked and how their port adventures went.
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Show Notes* Donal's first appearance on Episode 63 * Donal's photo review from his Liberty of the Seas cruise * Royal Caribbean cruise ships on order
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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Show Notes* Royal Caribbean Blog Group Cruise on Quantum of the Seas
Royal Caribbean has been a market leader in how it has implemented technology aboard its cruise ships and with Quantum of the Seas already nicknamed the technology ship, I wanted to look back at Royal Caribbean’s history of tech innovation and who better than Royal Caribbean’s Chief Information Officer, Bill Martin. Bill has been working at Royal Caribbean for over 30 years and has had his hand in the direction of the company’s tech initiatives and shares with us an insightful look into tech on Royal Caribbean.
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Show Notes* Resort for a Day * Matt's review of Hilton Rose Hall in Falmouth
A common question I get on this podcast is what’s the difference between Royal Caribbean and sister company Celebrity Cruises. I’ve enlisted the help of one of our podcast listeners to dive into what Royal Caribbean has in common with Celebrity and how they differ to help you figure out which cruise line you might be interested in going on next. It’s a great discussion into what each cruise line offers
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Show Notes* Brian's Oasis of the Seas restaurant review * Episode 62: Top 5 Royal Caribbean specialty restaurants
You’ve asked for it and so this week, we’re looking at how a European cruise compares to cruises from North America. One of our listeners is joining me to discuss his upcoming European cruise as well as compare other European cruises to cruises across the pond and what the differences are. It’s a very interesting look at what to expect if you take a cruise out of the old world.
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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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Show Notes* Johnny Rocket reviews: Freedom of the Seas | Navigator of the Seas * Izumi reviews: Navigator of the Seas | Oasis of the Seas * Giovanni's Table reviews: Navigator of the Seas | Oasis of the Seas * Sabor review * Chops Grille reviews: Navigator of the Seas | Jewel of the Seas | Freedom of the Seas * Cruising 101: Avoiding the post cruise depression * Radio Margaritaville * Third Quantum-class cruise ship named Ovation of the Seas * Rio Secreto shore excursion in Cozumel * Pre-trip hotels in Fort Lauderdale * Getting to your port: Fort Lauderdale
When we take a Royal Caribbean cruise, we take a great deal of time planning for our vacation. Which ship we sail on, which restaurants to eat at, and what we will do and see. And while we are there, whether it be alone, or with family and friends, we try to capture the moments, memories, details and stories that we want to save and share but unfortunately most of us are not professional photographers. So this week, I'm joined by someone who will help us all learn how to take better photographs on our Royal Caribbean cruises. We'll discuss how to take better photos so when you get home, your shots will come out great.
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Show Notes* Ryan's website * Episode 6 - Shore excursions * How to book Royal Caribbean's excursions * How to book third-party excursions
These days everyone is more connected than ever online and Royal Caribbean is included too. I’ve invited my good friend Joe Tolley to talk about Royal Caribbean’s social media presence and how my favorite cruise line ranks among others in the cruise industry.
We’ll look at Twitter, Facebook, InstaGram and other ways Royal Caribbean is using social media to connect with cruisers.
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Show Notes* Follow Joe on Twitter * Joe's web site * Article how Royal Caribbean used social media blitz to benefit from Princess Cruise tv show
I’m honored this week to have on the podcast one of the designers that helped create the Two70 space on Quantum of the Seas, Tim Magill. Tim and his team worked very hard at making Two70 into a truly innovative space that will WOW guests. Tim sat down with me to discuss how he and his team took up this challenge and take us behind the scenes of how Two70 is created.
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Show Notes* 5+designs work summary on Quantum of the Seas * Crown and Anchor Society benefits
Back in episode 54 we previewed listener Danielle Perry’s first cruise on Royal Caribbean and this week, Danielle has returned to share how her family cruise was and if she has become a Royal Caribbean fan. We’ve also got lots of great emails to share.
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Show Notes* Danielle's preview of her cruise
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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Show Notes* Matt's Jewel of the Seas live blog from San Juan
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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Show Notes* Quantum of the Seas technology reveal details * RFID WOWbands info * Video of Quantum of the Seas tech reveal * Quantum of the Seas tech photos * Main dining room menu
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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Show Notes Cruising 101: Everything Freedom of the Seas * Matt's Freedom of the Seas Live Blog * Royal Caribbean Blog Group Cruise on Quantum of the Seas* * Special Needs at Sea * Accessible Island Tours - St Thomas
Cruising on your first Royal Caribbean cruise is always a challenge and this week we have first time Royal Caribbean cruiser Danielle Perry with us to preview her upcoming cruise on Allure of the Seas. We will talk about what brought her to Royal Caribbean and what her plans are for her and her family.
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I love to have our listeners be a part of this podcast so on this week’s show, we’re talking with one of our podcast listeners, Dr. Kris Leppien-Christensen , who is taking a cruise on Royal Caribbean’s Jewel of the Seas. We’re going to preview Kris’ cruise as well as discuss the adventure of taking kids on a Royal Caribbean cruise.
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Show Notes* Matt's Jewel of the Seas live blog * Episode 9 - Jewel of the Seas review
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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Show Notes* Why you should book an interior stateroom * Why you should book a balcony stateroom * Royal Caribbean Blog group cruise information
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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Authors Len Testa and Laurel Stewart are back from their first Royal Caribbean cruise and this week we are comparing experiences on Royal Caribbean to Disney Cruise Line and which aspects of the cruise experience each company does better at. I think you will find the results surprising for how Royal Caribbean stacked up.
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Show Notes* Unofficial Guide to the Disney Cruise Line book * Episode 44 previewing Len and Laurel's cruise * Join us for Royal Caribbean Blog group cruise on Quantum of the Seas!
I really love eating on Royal Caribbean cruises and one of my newly discovered favorite Royal Caribbean specialty restaurants deserves its own show as I take time this week to review and explore everything about Sabor Modern Mexican.
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Show Notes* Restaurant review (with photos)
One of the major reasons to take a Royal Caribbean cruise is to relax and aboard all the ships in Royal Caribbean’s fleet, there are plenty of places to do just that. This week, I will share my favorite spots for a little peace and quiet if you’re looking for good places to take a break.
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Show Notes* Royal Caribbean Blog group cruise information * Royal Caribbean Blog Quantum of the Seas group cruise event list
This week we’re going to take an in-depth look at Royal caribbean’s cruise compass. What is it, what’s in it and how can you best take advantage of it to plan your day. We also will feature your emails and I have a special announcement to share!
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Show Notes* Our collection of saved cruise compasses * More information on the Royal Caribbean Blog One Year Anniversary Live Show
You've probably heard by now all about Royal Caribbean’s brand new shows and entertainment coming to Quantum of the Seas but you know, I wanted to dive a little deeper into what we can expect. So this week I’m so excited to welcome Royal Caribbean’s Vice President of Entertainment Nick Weir onto the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast to talk all about these new shows and give everyone listening an idea of what to expect.
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Show Notes* Royal Caribbean Google Hangout where Quantum of the Seas shows were announced * List of the new shows announced for Quantum of the Seas
If you’re considering a Royal Caribbean cruise to the Caribbean in the summer or fall, it may sound like a great idea but you should be very aware of hurricane season and how it can or cannot impact your cruise vacation.
Lots of our listeners struggle with the decision to chance a cruise this time of year so this week, we’re going to discuss the pros and cons of taking a cruise during hurricane season.
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Show Notes* Cruising 101: Cruise during hurricane season * Our Cruising 101 section * Navigator of the Seas live blog
This week I’m inviting on one of my very good friends, Len Testa and Laurel Stewart, who are taking their very first Royal Caribbean cruise on Allure of the Seas.
Len and Laurel are veterans of another cruise line so this jump to Royal is an opportunity to discuss their previous experiences and what makes Royal Caribbean different.
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Show Notes* Unofficial Guide to the Disney Cruise Line book * Disney Cruise Line on TouringPlans.com
One big push Royal Caribbean is going with these days is providing internet access while at sea. Some people find it really useful while others prefer to stay unconnected.
Regardless, more internet access is available to cruise guests all the time and this week, we’re going to look at how you can get connected while at sea and what the future may hold as well.
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Show Notes* Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas get high speed internet upgrade * Royal Caribbean ship upgrade list and schedule
It’s time once again to invite one of our awesome podcast listeners to join us on the podcast, and this week we have Marie Coschigano of New Jersey, who is going on Freedom of the Seas later this summer over July 4th. We’re going to discuss her cruise plans onboard and onshore.
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Show Notes* Magens Bay review * St Thomas tour review
I get a lot of great feedback from our podcast listeners so I wanted to take some time today to read your emails, tweets and facebook messages. I also wanted to bring one of our very own listeners on with me to help answer these messages, Michael Poole.
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Show Notes* Royal Caribbean Beverage Packages * Royal Caribbean Blog Group Cruise Information
When I go on a Royal caribbean cruise to the eastern caribbean, I always look forward to a stop in St Maarten because of how much there is to see and do here. This week, I’m going to discuss things to do in St Maarten, my favorite spots and share tips for touring this island paradise.
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Show Notes* Orient Beach review * Kid friendly beach review: Le Galion Beach * Royal Caribbean staterooms for larger families
Since episode one you have heard me talking about Royal Caribbean cruising so this week I’ve invited my friend Annette to talk about what’s appealing about Royal Caribbean cruising to women. We will discuss what Annette’s enjoyed about cruising with Royal Caribbean and explore the female side to cruising.
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What’s better than a Royal Caribbean cruise? How about two Royal Caribbean cruises? Or even three? Back-to-back cruises are popular among veteran Royal Caribbean cruisers and this week we are going to dive into this trend and discuss how it all works.
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Booking a Royal Caribbean cruise on its own can be quite rewarding but Royal Caribbean often sweetens the deal with booking incentives to make it more compelling a choice,
This week we will look at all the different booking incentives Royal Caribbean offers its guests and which ones tend to be a better deal than others. We also have lots of listener feedback to share!
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Royal Caribbean recently announced its brand new approach to dining for the Quantum-class cruise ships, Quantum of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas.
This week, I want to explore this brand new innovation and discuss what makes this so much different than anything else we've seen from Royal Caribbean in the past and share my experience at the Dynamic Dining revealevent in New York City the other week.
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Show Notes Royal Caribbean announced Dynamic Dining * Everything we know about Dynamic Dining * Dynamic Dining restaurant photo gallery * Royal Caribbean Blog Group Cruise on Quantum of the Seas*
How do you figure out the best cruise for you? That’s a question everyone goes through when picking a Royal Caribbean cruise and so this week we are looking at how to tackle the prospect of comparing cruises, itineraries and ships to find the right cruise for you.
Let’s go through the process and offer you some insight in helping you pick out your next Royal Caribbean cruise.
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Show Notes* Episode 3 podcast with Beci (a girl!) * Guest review by Marc of 150 Central Park * 13 things everyone should do once onboard a Royal Caribbean cruise (including special need requests) * Special dietary request email address: special_needs@rccl.com
Once you cruise with Royal Caribbean and discover that you like it, then you'll likely want to sign up for Royal Caribbean's customer loyalty program, the Crown and Anchor Society.
So what is this program all about, why might you want to join and what are the perks of the program? All great questions and all questions we will answer on this week's podcast episode.
We also have some more great email, voicemail, facebook messages and more from our listeners to share with you this week.
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Show Notes* Crown and Anchor Society homepage * Main dining room menus * Navigator of the Seas to replace Jewel of the Seas in San Juan in 2015 * St Maarten excursion: Bikini beach * St. Maarten excursion: Le galion beach * Video of Maho Beach on St. Maarten and airplane landing * St. Thomas: Magens Bay * Port Focus: St. Thomas
The Voyager class of Royal Caribbean ships re-defined what cruise ships can offer to guests in the onboard experience. From specialty restaurants to entertainment to sheer size, the Voyager class ships quickly became a Royal Caribbean staple. This week, I want to share with you why the Voyager class is really quite good and what the appeal is of these giants.
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Show Notes* FlowRider to be added to Voyager of the Seas and Explorer of the Seas * Voyager-class.com - website dedicated to the Voyager class of ships
What is the most difficult aspect of planning your Royal Caribbean cruise? This is the question I want to answer this week as we look at the challenges many of us encounter when planning a Royal Caribbean cruise.
I’ll share what I find difficult and also discuss the challenges other Royal Caribbean Blog members have talked about to hopefully help you traverse some of these issues.
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Show Notes* Join our message boards! * Posts from Royal Caribbean Blog members what they find challenging about a Royal Caribbean cruise * Royal Caribbean Blog group cruise on Quantum of the Seas
There’s a lot to do on any Royal Caribbean cruise so today we’re going to discuss the many activities on a Royal Caribbean cruise. From bingo to the bellyflop competition to the Wii bowling tournament, this will be a look into the fun things you and your family can do while onboard your next cruise.
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Show Notes* Cruise Compass archive * Free Royal Caribbean onboard outdoor activities * Top five things for a girl to do on a Royal Caribbean cruise * Guide to Royal Caribbean's gym and exercise programs * RoyalCaribbeanBlog group cruise on Quantum of the Seas
With all the fun I’ve had in the last few weeks on my Navigator of the Seas cruise, we’ve developed a bit of a backlog in our listener emails so I want to dedicate this week’s show entirely to our listeners because I really love sharing your feedback with everyone else. So this week, I’m going to read your emails, tweets and facebook messages and make you all the focus of this episode.
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Show Notes* Engadget article about virtual balconies * Our interview with the lead developer of the virtual balcony * Review of Barbados excursion Matt took * Cruising 101: Crown and Anchor Society * Cruising 101: Specialty Restaurants * Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast Episode 2: Specialty Restaurants
I’m back from my seven night cruise aboard Royal Caribbean’s Navigator of the Seas and I wanted to share with you my experience onboard this newly refurbished ship. We will talk about what I did onboard, the ports we visited and why you might want to go on a cruise here too.
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Show Notes* Episode 27 - Navigator of the Seas preview episode * Matt's Navigator of the Seas LIVE blog posts * Sabor Modern Mexican review
It seems like there’s always something new or changing at Royal Caribbean these days, hence the purpose of this blog, and so this week I wanted to look at a few recent changes and discuss my thoughts about it. In fact, I’ve invited my friend Michael Poole back to the podcast to talk about what we think of these changes.
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I’m really excited for this week’s podcast episode because at the end of this week, I will be taking my next Royal Caribbean cruise vacation on the beautiful and recently refurbished Navigator of the Seas.
I want to take you on the cruise with me, virtually anyway, and preview my cruise on Navigator of the Seas and the Western Caribbean itinerary I’m taking. We will look at why I booked this cruise, take a closer look at Navigator of the Seas, the islands we are visiting and review some plans we have for the trip.
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Show Notes* Navigator of the Seas live blog begins here * Matt's earlier live blog from Freedom of the Seas and Jewel of the Seas * Deck by deck changes to Navigator of the Seas * Detailed shore excursion blog posts: Cozumel, Belize City and Roatan * RoyalCaribbeanBlog.com group cruise on Quantum of the Seas information
On this week's show, we're going to look at the other private island Royal Caribbean operates, which is CocoCay in the Bahamas. This island paradise is a favorite among Royal Caribbean fans, so we're going to discuss the beaches, shore excursions and everything else there is to do in CocoCay.
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Show Notes CocoCay Cabana information * Royal Caribbean Blog Group Cruise Info* * Podcast episode about Labadee, Royal Caribbean's other private island * Official guide to getting excited for your Royal Caribbean cruise
This week, let’s talk about a major component of any Royal Caribbean cruise, the main dining room. Eating in the main dining room has a number of options to consider and I’d like to take you through everything the main dining room offers as well as the options available to make your experience better. We also have lots more listener messages to share.
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Show Notes* Dress codes discussion on episode 19 * Current main dining room menu * Cruising 101: Food
This week, we’re going to talk about a key ingredient to any Royal Caribbean cruise and that’s choosing a stateroom.
Royal Caribbean cruise ships offer a number of stateroom categories and types so let’s look at the different categories of staterooms, discuss the good and bad about each, take into consideration other factors and look at the specialty rooms available.
This podcast wouldn’t be complete without some feedback from all of you, so we’ve got more emails and social media messages to share.
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Show Notes* Royal Caribbean stateroom options for larger families * Royal Caribbean's accessibility information * Royal Caribbean Blog Group Cruise on Quantum of the Seas Information
We've invited another podcast listener to join us for this week's show, Chad from Kentucky, who is going on his first Royal Caribbean cruise aboard Liberty of the Seas for a 5-night western Caribbean adventure. We will discuss why Chad chose Royal Caribbean and his plans for what to do on Liberty of the Seas as well as shore excursions. We also have a lot of great listener feedback to share, so we'll cram in as many messages as we can.
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Show Notes* CruizeCast podcast * AquaPac waterproof cases and bags * Beach Bar at St. Maarten airport * Airplane landing at St Maarten airport
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This week, I want to talk all about going on a Royal Caribbean cruise with kids. Family cruising has never been more popular and frankly, I think Royal Caribbean is a terrific choice for cruising with kids, you and old. Let’s look the programs Royal Caribbean has for kids, what else there is to do for kids onboard, stateroom options when cruising with children and of course dining with kids.
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Show Notes Review: Royal Babies & Tots Nursery on Freedom of the Seas * Cruising 101: Bringing an infant on a Royal Caribbean cruise * Royal Caribbean stateroom options for larger families * Royal Caribbean Blog Group Cruise Information*
This week, is the last week of the year 2013 and naturally, this means many of us are starting to look forward to what’s in store for next year. I believe that 2014 is going to be a really big year for Royal Caribbean and there’s definitely some things as fans we have to look forward to in the coming months. Let’s talk about what’s on the radar for Royal Caribbean in 2014 and why this new year will be one to remember.
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Show Notes* Royal Caribbean Blog Group Cruise Information on Quantum of the Seas * Navigator of the Seas refurbishment details * Royal Caribbean to add 75 staterooms to Voyager class ships
This week, I’ve invited podcast listener Ron to join us to discuss his recent trans-atlantic cruise on Independence of the Seas. Trans-Atlantic cruises are really unique and very different than other types of cruises Royal Caribbean offers. Ron helps us understand what you do for 13 days, most of which at sea and how he enjoyed his time onboard.
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This week, it’s all about what to wear on your Royal Caribbean cruise. It’s sometimes overlooked, but packing clothes for your cruise is a pretty big aspect of pre-cruise planning and Royal Caribbean has guidelines about what you can and can’t wear. We’re going to look at what to pack for your cruise during the day, what to wear to dinner and what you can do if you don’t want to get dressed up at all.
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Show Notes* What to wear on your Royal Caribbean cruise * Tiami Catamaran Cruises * Royal Caribbean Blog Group Cruise
This week, Royal Caribbean held a WOW sale and so it makes sense to talk about what is a WOW sale, who is the sale aimed at and why you would want to take advantage of a WOW sale. We also have more listener feedback to share this week.
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Show Notes* Royal Caribbean's WOW Sale this week * Cruising 101: WOW Sales
This week, Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast listener Michael Poole returns to share with us how his Oasis of the Seas went. Michael joined us on episode 13 when we previewed his cruise so this week we will compare his original plans with how things turned out. It’s a fun look into Michael’s cruise and I think we can all get a sense of what it was like on his cruise.
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Show Notes* Previous episode where Michael previewed his Oasis of the Seas cruise
If there’s one topic that has really captured the imagination of Royal Caribbean fans lately, it has to be Royal Caribbean’s next cruise ship that is under construction, Quantum of the Seas. This brand new ship is also a brand new class of cruise ships so this week, we’re going to preview the ship and share what we know, what we think we know and what we have yet to find out.
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Show Notes Latest Quantum of the Seas news * Top five coolest things about Quantum of the Seas * Royal Caribbean Blog Group Cruise info on Quantum of the Seas* * Everything we know about the virtual balcony * Interview with Quantum of the Seas ship designer
I’m surprised it took this long in the life of this podcast to address this week’s topic but all this episode we are discussing why to cruise with Royal Caribbean. It’s obvious I’m a pretty big fan of Royal Caribbean cruises, so I want to share with everyone why Royal Caribbean is as popular as it is and why you should consider Royal Caribbean for your next (or first) cruise vacation.
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There’s no question booking a Royal Caribbean cruise vacation is exciting and what many of us look forward to second to only going on the actual cruise. The question of when to book your Royal Caribbean cruise is always an interesting debate so this week, we’re going to discuss the pros and cons of booking a Royal Caribbean cruise well in advance versus waiting to the last minute. There’s a lot to consider so I want to share with you which option might work best for you. We also have lots of listener feedback to share.
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Show Notes* Cruising 101: When to book your cruise * Photo of Michael Poole's photo from his Oasis of the Seas cruise * Royal Caribbean Cruise Compasses
I love to have our listeners be a part of this podcast so on this week’s show, we’re talking with one of our podcast listeners, Michael Poole from TN, who is about to go on a cruise aboard Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas.
We’re going to take a look at Michael’s cruise and talk about what he plans on doing on his cruise and help him with making a few decisions.
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Show Notes* Izumi restaurant review * Magens Bay review
On this week’s show, we’re explaining the different classes of ships in Royal Caribbean’s fleet. Royal Caribbean’s fleet is comprised of 21 ships and they’re not all the same. Let’s look at the different classes of Royal Caribbean cruise ships and explain the similarities and differences among them. We will talk about what’s unique about the ships, what sort of itineraries you typically see with each class.
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On this week’s show, we’re sharing stories and experiences from our first Royal Caribbean cruise. It’s not just my story, I’ll be sharing stories from our readers’ first Royal Caribbean cruise too because this podcast is about our listeners.
We will talk about what we liked and what kept us coming back again and again to Royal Caribbean. We will also have more listener feedback, including LOTS of comments on last week’s show about Royal Caribbean’s unlimited drink packages.
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Show Notes* Message board thread sharing first time Royal Caribbean stories * Royal Caribbean Blog Group Cruise information on Quantum of the Seas
On this week’s show, we’re going to discuss a topic that I’m pretty sure I get the most questions about on a regular basis at RoyalCaribbeanBlog.com and that is the unlimited alcohol packages. This relatively new offering by Royal Caribbean has lots of people asking questions about what the plan covers, who can get it and of course, is it worth it. Let’s explore all of this and get to more of your feedback.
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Show Notes* Royal Caribbean Beverage Packages * Answers to all of your unlimited alcohol package questions * Should you buy the unlimited alcohol packages?
On this week’s show, I’ve recently returned from my Royal Caribbean cruise on Jewel of the Seas and want to share with all of you my experience onboard as we take an in-depth look at Jewel of the Seas and the southern Caribbean itinerary we sailed on. We’ll explore what the ship has to offer, what we did on the islands and review my experience overall.
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Show Notes* Jewel of the Seas live blog Matt wrote
If I had to pick, I would say the most exciting day for any Royal Caribbean cruise would have to be embarkation day and on this week’s episode that’s all we’re talking about. Let’s explore the first day of your cruise including arriving at the port, the check in process, what to do when you get onboard, exploring the ship and other fun things to do on your first day aboard. So let’s wipe away the tears of joy and here we go…
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Show Notes* Cruising 101: Arrival Day * Royal Caribbean Classic: Honey Stung Chicken * Royal Caribbean Beverage Packages * Royal Caribbean Secrets: Helipad
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I’m really excited for this week’s podcast episode because at the end of this week, I will be taking my next Royal Caribbean cruise vacation on the beautiful Jewel of the Seas. I want to take you on the cruise with me, virtually anyway, and preview my cruise on Jewel of the Seas and the Southern Caribbean itinerary I’m taking. We will look at why I booked this cruise, take a closer look at Jewel of the Seas, the islands we are visiting and review some plans we have for the trip.
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Show Notes* Jewel of the Seas live blog begins here * Matt's live blog from Freedom of the Seas earlier this year
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Shore excursions are an integral part of any Royal Caribbean cruise, allowing guests the opportunity to explore the ports of call their ship visits. There’s a multitude of options to choose from starting with booking a shore excursion directly through Royal Caribbean or going out on your own to book it yourself. This week, let’s look into why or why not you might want to book your next shore excursion with Royal Caribbean or with an independent company. We will share experiences with both and what might work best for you and your party.
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Show Notes* How to book Royal Caribbean's excursions * How to book third party excursions * Research shore excursions on + Cruise Critic + TripAdvisor * Comidas Caseras Tonita * Maya Chan Beach
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On this week’s show, we’re going to look at one of Royal Caribbean’s most popular ships, Freedom of the Seas. Having sailed on Freedom a number of times, I know first hand just how great this ship is and I’ve invited my friend Mike Rahlmann to join me to talk everything Freedom of the Seas.
We’re sharing our favorite spots on board, the fun things to do onboard and discuss where she sails. I have lots more of your listener feedback to share as well.
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Show Notes* Cruising 101: Everything Freedom of the Seas * Matt's Freedom of the Seas Live Blog from February 2013 * Freedom of the Seas Video Blogs * Cruising 101: When to book your cruise * Answers to all of your unlimited alcohol package questions
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Welcome to the Royal Caribbean Blog podcast, a weekly look into the world of Royal Caribbean cruising. I’m your host, Matt Hochberg and this is episode number 4.
On this week’s show, we’re taking a trip down to the Caribbean for a trip to Royal Caribbean’s private island of Labadee. This little piece of paradise has become an iconic Royal Caribbean port of call and is among my favorite places to go to. Let’s talk about the beaches in Labadee, shore excursions while in Labadee and everything else there is to do while on shore. And, we also have more of your listener feedback to share.
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Show Notes* First timer's guide to Labadee * Cabanas at Barefoot Beach review * Labadoozie review
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Welcome Royal Caribbean fans to our next step in this weekly look into the world of Royal Caribbean cruising. I’m your host, Matt Hochberg and this is episode number 3.
On this week’s show, we’re going BIG! And by that, I mean we’re going to take a look at Royal Caribbean’s biggest and arguably most amazing cruise ship that they have ever built, Oasis of the Seas. This mammoth ship is as revolutionary as it is enormous and it has single handedly transformed what we think of when it comes to a cruise ship.
Beci Mahnken of MEI Travel joins me to look at the innovations Oasis introduced, things to do and see if you’re cruising on her and its legacy as possibly the best ship ever. I will also share with you some more listener feedback that I’ve received via email, twitter and facebook.
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Shownotes* Video of Beci appearing in a Royal Caribbean commercial * Royal Caribbean Secrets: Hidden sundeck on Oasis and Allure of the Seas * First timer's guide to Oasis of the Seas * Check out Beci's travel agency, MEI-Travel!
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Welcome to the Royal Caribbean Blog podcast, a weekly look into the world of Royal Caribbean cruising. I’m your host, Matt Hochberg and this is episode number 2.
This week, let’s take a look at one of the biggest areas of change across Royal Caribbean’s fleet of ships: the specialty restaurants. In my opinion, the dining aspect for the Royal Caribbean passenger has changed the most over the last ten years or so and it continues to become more and more of a focal point when going on a cruise. Let’s look at the role specialty restaurants offer guests now, the various options to choose from and where dining aboard Royal Caribbean is going in the future. Of course, we’re going to have talk about our favorite places to eat as well. And before this episode is over, I’m going to share with all of you some of the amazing feedback I’ve received from all of you.
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Welcome to the RoyalCaribbeanBlog Podcast with your host, Matt Hochberg! This is the first in what will be a weekly series exploring what’s new and exciting at Royal Caribbean, helping you plan your Royal Caribbean vacation, and sharing our passion for cruising with all of you.
On this episode, I will introduce myself and talk about the vision I have for this podcast, including the sorts of shows you can expect as well as how YOU are invited to be a part of the fun every week.
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