Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

This week I have three members of Wilson Butler Architects, who have spent almost 30 years helping design Royal Caribbean cruise ships and they shared stories behind how the ships we know today got built!Share with me your thoughts, questions and comments via...Twitter: @therclblogFacebook: /royalcaribbeanblogYouTube: royalcaribbeanblogEmail: [email protected] a voicemail: (408) 6ROYAL6You can subscribe to the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast via iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher or RSS.

Transcribed - Published: 26 November 2025

Of all the opinions about cruising, there are 3 opinions Matt can't help but rant about every single time.Share with me your thoughts, questions and comments via...Twitter: @therclblogFacebook: /royalcaribbeanblogYouTube: royalcaribbeanblogEmail: [email protected] a voicemail: (408) 6ROYAL6You can subscribe to the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast via iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher or RSS.

Transcribed - Published: 19 November 2025

Royal Caribbean has released all new sailings for 2027-2028, including Icon of the Seas sailing from Texas. Matt shares the big surprises and what stands out about the deployment so far.Share with me your thoughts, questions and comments via...Twitter: @therclblogFacebook: /royalcaribbeanblogYouTube: royalcaribbeanblogEmail: [email protected] a voicemail: (408) 6ROYAL6You can subscribe to the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast via iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher or RSS.

Transcribed - Published: 14 November 2025

Why Royal Caribbean’s latest announcements feel like an early gift to loyal fans.Share with me your thoughts, questions and comments via...Twitter: @therclblogFacebook: /royalcaribbeanblogYouTube: royalcaribbeanblogEmail: [email protected] a voicemail: (408) 6ROYAL6You can subscribe to the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast via iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher or RSS.

Transcribed - Published: 5 November 2025

Royal Caribbean talked about higher prices for a cruise this year versus last year, and Matt breaks down what executives said about cruise prices and what we should expect.Share with me your thoughts, questions and comments via...Twitter: @therclblogFacebook: /royalcaribbeanblogYouTube: royalcaribbeanblogEmail: [email protected] a voicemail: (408) 6ROYAL6You can subscribe to the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast via iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher or RSS.

Transcribed - Published: 29 October 2025

Matt is about to take this 100th cruise with Royal Caribbean, so what's the most important thing he's learned after taking all of those cruises?Share with me your thoughts, questions and comments via...Twitter: @therclblogFacebook: /royalcaribbeanblogYouTube: royalcaribbeanblogEmail: [email protected] a voicemail: (408) 6ROYAL6You can subscribe to the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast via iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher or RSS.

Transcribed - Published: 22 October 2025

While onboard Oasis of the Seas, Matt and Beci Mahnken talk about what it's like on Oasis of the Seas when comparing it to newer ships.Share with me your thoughts, questions and comments via...Twitter: @therclblogFacebook: /royalcaribbeanblogYouTube: royalcaribbeanblogEmail: [email protected] a voicemail: (408) 6ROYAL6You can subscribe to the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast via iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher or RSS.

Transcribed - Published: 15 October 2025

Has going on a cruise gotten better than it was 30 years ago? Chris Gray Faust from Cruise Critic joins Matt this week to compare how going on a cruise has changed over the decades, from dining, to wifi, to gratuities, and more.Share with me your thoughts, questions and comments via...Twitter: @therclblogFacebook: /royalcaribbeanblogYouTube: royalcaribbeanblogEmail: [email protected] a voicemail: (408) 6ROYAL6You can subscribe to the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast via iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher or RSS.

Transcribed - Published: 9 October 2025

Matt is headed to the rumor mill this week to share five juicy rumors of things that could be coming to Royal Caribbean.  These are interesting changes and additions that were teased or mentioned during last week's President's Cruise.  Shhhh!Share with me your thoughts, questions and comments via...Twitter: @therclblogFacebook: /royalcaribbeanblogYouTube: royalcaribbeanblogEmail: [email protected] a voicemail: (408) 6ROYAL6You can subscribe to the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast via iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher or RSS.

Transcribed - Published: 1 October 2025

Royal Caribbean canceled another six months of visits to Labadee, so what should they do with it?Share with me your thoughts, questions and comments via...Twitter: @therclblogFacebook: /royalcaribbeanblogYouTube: royalcaribbeanblogEmail: [email protected] a voicemail: (408) 6ROYAL6You can subscribe to the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast via iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher or RSS.

Transcribed - Published: 10 September 2025

Once again, Royal Caribbean executives talked about the Discovery Class. So when the heck is it going to be actually announced?Share with me your thoughts, questions and comments via...Twitter: @therclblogFacebook: /royalcaribbeanblogYouTube: royalcaribbeanblogEmail: [email protected] a voicemail: (408) 6ROYAL6You can subscribe to the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast via iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher or RSS.

Transcribed - Published: 3 September 2025

Ilana from Life Well Cruised joins Matt this week to discuss her cruise line private island rankings and why she picked CocoCay as number one.Share with me your thoughts, questions and comments via...Twitter: @therclblogFacebook: /royalcaribbeanblogYouTube: royalcaribbeanblogEmail: [email protected] a voicemail: (408) 6ROYAL6You can subscribe to the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast via iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher or RSS.

Transcribed - Published: 27 August 2025

Matt previewed Star of the Seas before anyone else, and shares his initial thoughts about what stood out about the ship prior to the upcoming first sailings.Share with me your thoughts, questions and comments via...Twitter: @therclblogFacebook: /royalcaribbeanblogYouTube: royalcaribbeanblogEmail: [email protected] a voicemail: (408) 6ROYAL6You can subscribe to the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast via iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher or RSS.

Transcribed - Published: 13 August 2025

Carnival opened its new private island, Celebration Key, and here's what Matt thinks so far based on the first photos and videos that have come out.Share with me your thoughts, questions and comments via...Twitter: @therclblogFacebook: /royalcaribbeanblogYouTube: royalcaribbeanblogEmail: [email protected] a voicemail: (408) 6ROYAL6You can subscribe to the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast via iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher or RSS.

Transcribed - Published: 23 July 2025

With prices out for the Royal Beach Club Paradise Island, Matt's been asked his thoughts on the pricing so far.Share with me your thoughts, questions and comments via...Twitter: @therclblogFacebook: /royalcaribbeanblogYouTube: royalcaribbeanblogEmail: [email protected] a voicemail: (408) 6ROYAL6You can subscribe to the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast via iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher or RSS.

Transcribed - Published: 16 July 2025

With Star of the Seas launching next month, one of the top questions many are asking is how can Royal Caribbean outdo itself with this new ship.Share with me your thoughts, questions and comments via...Twitter: @therclblogFacebook: /royalcaribbeanblogYouTube: royalcaribbeanblogEmail: [email protected] a voicemail: (408) 6ROYAL6You can subscribe to the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast via iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher or RSS.

Transcribed - Published: 9 July 2025

Carnival Cruise Line announced it was scrapping its lifetime loyalty program and switching to one that rewards the amount spent on cruises over two years. Is this a good or bad change, and will Royal Caribbean do the same?Share with me your thoughts, questions and comments via...Twitter: @therclblogFacebook: /royalcaribbeanblogYouTube: royalcaribbeanblogEmail: [email protected] a voicemail: (408) 6ROYAL6You can subscribe to the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast via iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher or RSS.

Transcribed - Published: 2 July 2025

Fake reviews have been a problem for years, but there's still a lot of value in reading the real ones. Colleen McDaniel is the Editor-in-Chief at Cruise Critic, and shares how they the problem and why online reviews are still very useful.Share with me your thoughts, questions and comments via...Twitter: @therclblogFacebook: /royalcaribbeanblogYouTube: royalcaribbeanblogEmail: [email protected] a voicemail: (408) 6ROYAL6You can subscribe to the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast via iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher or RSS.

Transcribed - Published: 11 June 2025

Royal Caribbean just deployed the biggest ship to ever sail from California, and it's just the start of their plans! Vicki Freed is Royal Caribbean's Senior Vice President of Sales and Trade Support & Service, and being originally from California, she's been a vocal proponent of bringing more ships to the West Coast. She joins me this week to talk about Royal Caribbean's plans for the Southern California cruise market.Share with me your thoughts, questions and comments via...Twitter: @therclblogFacebook: /royalcaribbeanblogYouTube: royalcaribbeanblogEmail: [email protected] a voicemail: (408) 6ROYAL6You can subscribe to the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast via iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher or RSS.

Transcribed - Published: 5 June 2025

London is a gateway to a lot of European cruises each summer, and there's a good chance you're going to want to spend a few days before or after your cruise in this amazing city.Jessica runs Love and London, and is an authority on how to best enjoy everything London has to offer. She's joining me on this episode to go through the do's and don'ts before you visit!Jess is offering our listeners a special 10% off discount code for any of her London Guides! Use code Cruise10 to take advantage of it!Share with me your thoughts, questions and comments via...Twitter: @therclblogFacebook: /royalcaribbeanblogYouTube: royalcaribbeanblogEmail: [email protected] a voicemail: (408) 6ROYAL6You can subscribe to the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast via iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher or RSS.

Transcribed - Published: 28 May 2025

Royal Caribbean made big news last week with its Perfect Day Mexico, beach club, and Lelepa news that shared everything we can expect to do there. But there are 3 questions Matt has about what it'll be like when these all open up.Share with me your thoughts, questions and comments via...Twitter: @therclblogFacebook: /royalcaribbeanblogYouTube: royalcaribbeanblogEmail: [email protected] a voicemail: (408) 6ROYAL6You can subscribe to the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast via iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher or RSS.

Transcribed - Published: 21 May 2025

Influencers have a tremendous impact on information shared about cruises today. What impact do they have and how does it work when they collaborate with cruise lines? Griff joins Matt to break down this form of advertising and what it means to cruisers.Check out Griff & Alyssa's YouTube channel for his videos and more!Share with me your thoughts, questions and comments via...Twitter: @therclblogFacebook: /royalcaribbeanblogYouTube: royalcaribbeanblogEmail: [email protected] a voicemail: (408) 6ROYAL6You can subscribe to the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast via iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher or RSS.

Transcribed - Published: 7 May 2025

Royal Caribbean has made it no secret they want to attract vacationers who would otherwise go to Walt Disney World and the other attractions in Orlando. How effective will this strategy be, and how do these vacations compare? Len Testa from TouringPlans.com joins Matt to discuss the strategy.Share with me your thoughts, questions and comments via...Twitter: @therclblogFacebook: /royalcaribbeanblogYouTube: royalcaribbeanblogEmail: [email protected] a voicemail: (408) 6ROYAL6You can subscribe to the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast via iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher or RSS.

Transcribed - Published: 30 April 2025

Sheri had the chance to sail on Norwegian Cruise Line's newest ship, but how does it compare to Royal Caribbean?Share with me your thoughts, questions and comments via...Twitter: @therclblogFacebook: /royalcaribbeanblogYouTube: royalcaribbeanblogEmail: [email protected] a voicemail: (408) 6ROYAL6You can subscribe to the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast via iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher or RSS.

Transcribed - Published: 23 April 2025

MSC World America just launched, and it's clearly an attempt to get in on the mega ship craze that Icon of the Seas has reignited. What's it like and does it live up to the hype?Don's river cruise videoShare with me your thoughts, questions and comments via...Twitter: @therclblogFacebook: /royalcaribbeanblogYouTube: royalcaribbeanblogEmail: [email protected] a voicemail: (408) 6ROYAL6You can subscribe to the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast via iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher or RSS.

Transcribed - Published: 18 April 2025

Matt is going to Europe this summer and not not booking a single excursion with Royal CaribbeanShare with me your thoughts, questions and comments via...Twitter: @therclblogFacebook: /royalcaribbeanblogYouTube: royalcaribbeanblogEmail: [email protected] a voicemail: (408) 6ROYAL6You can subscribe to the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast via iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher or RSS.

Transcribed - Published: 12 April 2025

Matt lists the must-do 5 Royal Caribbean cruises everyone should try at least once.Share with me your thoughts, questions and comments via...Twitter: @therclblogFacebook: /royalcaribbeanblogYouTube: royalcaribbeanblogEmail: [email protected] a voicemail: (408) 6ROYAL6You can subscribe to the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast via iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher or RSS.

Transcribed - Published: 2 April 2025

Matt went back on Icon a year after she debuted to see if it lives up to the hypeShare with me your thoughts, questions and comments via...Twitter: @therclblogFacebook: /royalcaribbeanblogYouTube: royalcaribbeanblogEmail: [email protected] a voicemail: (408) 6ROYAL6You can subscribe to the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast via iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher or RSS.

Transcribed - Published: 29 March 2025

Royal Caribbean released new 2026-2027 cruises, and there's more Oasis Class ships doing short cruises, but some long-time cruisers don't love it.Share with me your thoughts, questions and comments via...Twitter: @therclblogFacebook: /royalcaribbeanblogYouTube: royalcaribbeanblogEmail: [email protected] a voicemail: (408) 6ROYAL6You can subscribe to the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast via iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher or RSS.

Transcribed - Published: 28 February 2025

Legend of the Seas has been announced and we have the first look at the new sailings that just dropped.Share with me your thoughts, questions and comments via...Twitter: @therclblogFacebook: /royalcaribbeanblogYouTube: royalcaribbeanblogEmail: [email protected] a voicemail: (408) 6ROYAL6You can subscribe to the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast via iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher or RSS.

Transcribed - Published: 22 February 2025

Matt went on Enchantment of the Seas for the first time, and he was surprised by the ship in a few ways.Share with me your thoughts, questions and comments via...Twitter: @therclblogFacebook: /royalcaribbeanblogYouTube: royalcaribbeanblogEmail: [email protected] a voicemail: (408) 6ROYAL6You can subscribe to the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast via iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher or RSS.

Transcribed - Published: 1 February 2025

There are some people that have never cruised before, yet they hold onto incorrect ideas of what a cruise is all about.Share with me your thoughts, questions and comments via...Twitter: @therclblogFacebook: /royalcaribbeanblogYouTube: royalcaribbeanblogEmail: [email protected] a voicemail: (408) 6ROYAL6You can subscribe to the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast via iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher or RSS.

Transcribed - Published: 22 January 2025

Billy and Matt are back to make 3 wishes for Royal Caribbean in the coming year!Share with me your thoughts, questions and comments via...Twitter: @therclblogFacebook: /royalcaribbeanblogYouTube: royalcaribbeanblogEmail: [email protected] a voicemail: (408) 6ROYAL6You can subscribe to the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast via iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher or RSS.

Transcribed - Published: 4 January 2025

Thinking about trying Star Class? Or maybe you booked already? Here's what to expect from it!Share with me your thoughts, questions and comments via...Twitter: @therclblogFacebook: /royalcaribbeanblogYouTube: royalcaribbeanblogEmail: [email protected] a voicemail: (408) 6ROYAL6You can subscribe to the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast via iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher or RSS.

Transcribed - Published: 20 December 2024

If you're taking a family on their first cruise, is it a good or bad idea to take them on a small ship?Share with me your thoughts, questions and comments via...Twitter: @therclblogFacebook: /royalcaribbeanblogYouTube: royalcaribbeanblogEmail: [email protected] a voicemail: (408) 6ROYAL6You can subscribe to the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast via iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher or RSS.

Transcribed - Published: 6 December 2024

New 2026-2027 cruises are out, and it's a good reminder the importance of booking early. Matt explains his strategy for planning and booking cruises so far in advance.Share with me your thoughts, questions and comments via...Twitter: @therclblogFacebook: /royalcaribbeanblogYouTube: royalcaribbeanblogEmail: [email protected] a voicemail: (408) 6ROYAL6You can subscribe to the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast via iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher or RSS.

Transcribed - Published: 21 November 2024

Matt tried the $12,000 Ultimate Family Suite and it was expensive, but was it crazy to try?Share with me your thoughts, questions and comments via...Twitter: @therclblogFacebook: /royalcaribbeanblogYouTube: royalcaribbeanblogEmail: [email protected] a voicemail: (408) 6ROYAL6You can subscribe to the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast via iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher or RSS.

Transcribed - Published: 6 November 2024

Should you tell your waiter if you won't be there tomorrow? Is a Bluetooth speaker a good idea? Do toddlers need to pay gratuities?Share with me your thoughts, questions and comments via...Twitter: @therclblogFacebook: /royalcaribbeanblogYouTube: royalcaribbeanblogEmail: [email protected] a voicemail: (408) 6ROYAL6You can subscribe to the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast via iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher or RSS.

Transcribed - Published: 23 October 2024

Royal Caribbean announced plans for Perfect Day Mexico and it looks epic!Share with me your thoughts, questions and comments via...Twitter: @therclblogFacebook: /royalcaribbeanblogYouTube: royalcaribbeanblogEmail: [email protected] a voicemail: (408) 6ROYAL6You can subscribe to the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast via iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher or RSS.

Transcribed - Published: 11 October 2024

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.Share with me your thoughts, questions and comments via...Twitter: @therclblogFacebook: /royalcaribbeanblogYouTube: royalcaribbeanblogEmail: [email protected] a voicemail: (408) 6ROYAL6You can subscribe to the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast via iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher or RSS.

Transcribed - Published: 27 September 2024

Matt is back from his 7-night cruise to Europe on Anthem of the Seas and has his cruise review to share.Share with me your thoughts, questions and comments via...Twitter: @therclblogFacebook: /royalcaribbeanblogYouTube: royalcaribbeanblogEmail: [email protected] a voicemail: (408) 6ROYAL6You can subscribe to the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast via iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher or RSS.

Transcribed - Published: 12 September 2024

Matt is about to head to Europe for a 7-night cruise to Spain and France, and shares how he's planned this cruise.Share with me your thoughts, questions and comments via...Twitter: @therclblogFacebook: /royalcaribbeanblogYouTube: royalcaribbeanblogEmail: [email protected] a voicemail: (408) 6ROYAL6You can subscribe to the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast via iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher or RSS.

Transcribed - Published: 22 August 2024

Matt breaks down what changes are coming to Allure of the SeasShare with me your thoughts, questions and comments via...Twitter: @therclblogFacebook: /royalcaribbeanblogYouTube: royalcaribbeanblogEmail: [email protected] a voicemail: (408) 6ROYAL6You can subscribe to the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast via iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher or RSS.

Transcribed - Published: 18 August 2024

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.Share with me your thoughts, questions and comments via...Twitter: @therclblogFacebook: /royalcaribbeanblogYouTube: royalcaribbeanblogEmail: [email protected] a voicemail: (408) 6ROYAL6You can subscribe to the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast via iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher or RSS.

Transcribed - Published: 9 August 2024

After more than a week on Utopia of the Seas, Matt is back from Royal Caribbean's newest cruise ship!Share with me your thoughts, questions and comments via...Twitter: @therclblogFacebook: /royalcaribbeanblogYouTube: royalcaribbeanblogEmail: [email protected] a voicemail: (408) 6ROYAL6You can subscribe to the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast via iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher or RSS.

Transcribed - Published: 1 August 2024

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.Share with me your thoughts, questions and comments via...Twitter: @therclblogFacebook: /royalcaribbeanblogYouTube: royalcaribbeanblogEmail: [email protected] a voicemail: (408) 6ROYAL6You can subscribe to the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast via iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher or RSS.

Transcribed - Published: 21 June 2024

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!Share with me your thoughts, questions and comments via...Twitter: @therclblogFacebook: /royalcaribbeanblogYouTube: royalcaribbeanblogEmail: [email protected] a voicemail: (408) 6ROYAL6You can subscribe to the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast via iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher or RSS.

Transcribed - Published: 24 May 2024

Calista is back from her first sailing on Icon of the Seas and gives her review of this brand new ship.Share with me your thoughts, questions and comments via...Twitter: @therclblogFacebook: /royalcaribbeanblogYouTube: royalcaribbeanblogEmail: [email protected] a voicemail: (408) 6ROYAL6You can subscribe to the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast via iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher or RSS.

Transcribed - Published: 16 May 2024

Emma joins me on this week's episode to talk about how to approach planning your very first European cruiseCheck out Emma's YouTube channel for more helpful advice!Share with me your thoughts, questions and comments via...Twitter: @therclblogFacebook: /royalcaribbeanblogYouTube: royalcaribbeanblogEmail: [email protected] a voicemail: (408) 6ROYAL6You can subscribe to the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast via iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher or RSS.

Transcribed - Published: 9 May 2024

Royal Caribbean has plans for two Royal Beach Clubs (Nassau and Cozumel). What are they and what can you expect?Share with me your thoughts, questions and comments via...Twitter: @therclblogFacebook: /royalcaribbeanblogYouTube: royalcaribbeanblogEmail: [email protected] a voicemail: (408) 6ROYAL6You can subscribe to the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast via iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher or RSS.

Transcribed - Published: 2 May 2024