Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

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.Share with me your thoughts, questions and comments via...Twitter: @therclblogFacebook: /royalcaribbeanblogPeriscope: @therclblogEmail: matt@royalcaribbeanblog.comLeave a voicemail: (408) 6ROYAL6

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.Share with me your thoughts, questions and comments via...Twitter: @therclblogFacebook: /royalcaribbeanblogPeriscope: @therclblogEmail: matt@royalcaribbeanblog.comLeave a voicemail: (408) 6ROYAL6Show NotesRoyal Caribbean Blog group cruise informationTop 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.Share with me your thoughts, questions and comments via...Twitter: @therclblogFacebook: /royalcaribbeanblogPeriscope: @therclblogEmail: matt@royalcaribbeanblog.comLeave a voicemail: (408) 6ROYAL6Show NotesGroup 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.Share with me your thoughts, questions and comments via...Twitter: @therclblogFacebook: /royalcaribbeanblogPeriscope: @therclblogEmail: matt@royalcaribbeanblog.comLeave a voicemail: (408) 6ROYAL6Show NotesLiberty of the Seas refurbishment detailsAWE 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.Share with me your thoughts, questions and comments via...Twitter: @therclblogFacebook: /royalcaribbeanblogPeriscope: @therclblogEmail: matt@royalcaribbeanblog.comLeave a voicemail: (408) 6ROYAL6Show NotesRoyal Caribbean drink packagesRoyal Caribbean dining packagesRoyal Caribbean Blog group cruise informationAdventure of the Seas refurbishment detailsDay 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.Share with me your thoughts, questions and comments via...Twitter: @therclblogFacebook: /royalcaribbeanblogPeriscope: @therclblogEmail: matt@royalcaribbeanblog.comLeave a voicemail: (408) 6ROYAL6Show NotesEpisode 147: When to go to AlaskaEpisode 94: Alaska shore excursionsRoyal Caribbean Blog group cruise eventsRoyal Suite Class detailsRoyal 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.Share with me your thoughts, questions and comments via...Twitter: @therclblogFacebook: /royalcaribbeanblogPeriscope: @therclblogEmail: matt@royalcaribbeanblog.comLeave a voicemail: (408) 6ROYAL6Show NotesEpisode 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.Share with me your thoughts, questions and comments via...Twitter: @therclblogFacebook: /royalcaribbeanblogPeriscope: @therclblogEmail: matt@royalcaribbeanblog.comLeave a voicemail: (408) 6ROYAL6Show NotesAnnouncing 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.Share with me your thoughts, questions and comments via...Twitter: @therclblogFacebook: /royalcaribbeanblogPeriscope: @therclblogEmail: matt@royalcaribbeanblog.comLeave a voicemail: (408) 6ROYAL6Show NotesMy 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.Share with me your thoughts, questions and comments via...Twitter: @therclblogFacebook: /royalcaribbeanblogPeriscope: @therclblogEmail: matt@royalcaribbeanblog.comLeave a voicemail: (408) 6ROYAL6

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.Share with me your thoughts, questions and comments via...Twitter: @therclblogFacebook: /royalcaribbeanblogPeriscope: @therclblogEmail: matt@royalcaribbeanblog.comLeave a voicemail: (408) 6ROYAL6Show NotesMatt's Navigator of the Seas live blog begins hereEpisode 27: Navigator of the Seas cruise previewEpisode 29: Navigator of the Seas cruise reviewRoyal Caribbean Blog Group Cruise informationRoyal Caribbean drink pricesBecome 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.Share with me your thoughts, questions and comments via...Twitter: @therclblogFacebook: /royalcaribbeanblogPeriscope: @therclblogEmail: matt@royalcaribbeanblog.comLeave a voicemail: (408) 6ROYAL6Show NotesBecome a Royal Caribbean Blog Insider!Marian taxi in St ThomasTop 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.Share with me your thoughts, questions and comments via...Twitter: @therclblogFacebook: /royalcaribbeanblogPeriscope: @therclblogEmail: matt@royalcaribbeanblog.comLeave a voicemail: (408) 6ROYAL6Show NotesBrilliance of the Seas Live BlogNachi 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.Share with me your thoughts, questions and comments via...Twitter: @therclblogFacebook: /royalcaribbeanblogPeriscope: @therclblogEmail: matt@royalcaribbeanblog.comLeave a voicemail: (408) 6ROYAL6Show NotesEpisode 77: Top 5 Enchantment of the SeasEverything Enchantment of the SeasThe total Royal Caribbean cruise planning timelineAllure of the Seas hidden secretsPhotos of Splashaway BayRoyal Caribbean Blog Group Cruises!Parrot Tree Beach Resort in Roatan

On this week's episode, we discuss a variety of Royal Caribbean topics!Share with me your thoughts, questions and comments via...Twitter: @therclblogFacebook: /royalcaribbeanblogPeriscope: @therclblogEmail: matt@royalcaribbeanblog.comLeave a voicemail: (408) 6ROYAL6Show NotesApril 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.Share with me your thoughts, questions and comments via...Twitter: @therclblogFacebook: /royalcaribbeanblogPeriscope: @therclblogEmail: matt@royalcaribbeanblog.comLeave a voicemail: (408) 6ROYAL6

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.Share with me your thoughts, questions and comments via...Twitter: @therclblogFacebook: /royalcaribbeanblogPeriscope: @therclblogEmail: matt@royalcaribbeanblog.comLeave a voicemail: (408) 6ROYAL6Show NotesMore info about Royal Caribbean dining packagesCruise 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 Izu

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.Share with me your thoughts, questions and comments via...Twitter: @therclblogFacebook: /royalcaribbeanblogPeriscope: @therclblogEmail: matt@royalcaribbeanblog.comLeave a voicemail: (408) 6ROYAL6Show NotesMaya Chan shore excursion reviewHere is the Sabor guacamole recipe:1/2 cup red onion chopped2 TBSP jalapeno chopped1/4 TSP ground cumin2 avocados mashed1 TSP salt1/2 lime squeezed1/2 lemon squeezed3/4 cup cilantro chopped1/3 cup tomatoes chopped--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.Share with me your thoughts, questions and comments via...Twitter: @therclblogFacebook: /royalcaribbeanblogPeriscope: @therclblogEmail: matt@royalcaribbeanblog.comLeave a voicemail: (408) 6ROYAL6