Sneaky things & slip-ups Matt saw on his cruise
03 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Mistakes Matt saw other cruisers make while I was on Royal Caribbean's Star of the Seas this past we...
The Architects Who Helped Design Royal Caribbean as We Know It
26 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week I have three members of Wilson Butler Architects, who have spent almost 30 years helping d...
3 Things on Royal Caribbean Matt Always Rants About
19 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Of all the opinions about cruising, there are 3 opinions Matt can't help but rant about every single...
Surprises from newly announced 2027-2028 cruises
14 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Royal Caribbean has released all new sailings for 2027-2028, including Icon of the Seas sailing from...
New loyalty points and beach club: What it really means for cruisers
05 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Why Royal Caribbean’s latest announcements feel like an early gift to loyal fans.Share with me you...
Matt on Royal Caribbean prices higher than last year
29 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Royal Caribbean talked about higher prices for a cruise this year versus last year, and Matt breaks ...
After 100 cruises, has Matt learned anything?
22 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Matt is about to take this 100th cruise with Royal Caribbean, so what's the most important thing he'...
Matt reviews Oasis of the Seas
15 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
While onboard Oasis of the Seas, Matt and Beci Mahnken talk about what it's like on Oasis of the Sea...
Cruising today vs 30 years ago
09 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Has going on a cruise gotten better than it was 30 years ago? Chris Gray Faust from Cruise Critic jo...
5 Royal Caribbean rumors from the President's Cruise
01 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Matt is headed to the rumor mill this week to share five juicy rumors of things that could be coming...
The Curious Case of Labadee
10 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Royal Caribbean canceled another six months of visits to Labadee, so what should they do with it?Sha...
When will Discovery Class get announced?
03 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Once again, Royal Caribbean executives talked about the Discovery Class. So when the heck is it goin...
The best cruise ship private island is....
27 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ilana from Life Well Cruised joins Matt this week to discuss her cruise line private island rankings...
Matt's early thoughts on Star of the Seas
13 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Matt previewed Star of the Seas before anyone else, and shares his initial thoughts about what stood...
Matt's Hot Take on Carnival's Celebration Key
23 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Carnival opened its new private island, Celebration Key, and here's what Matt thinks so far based on...
Royal Beach Club Prices: Expensive or Justified?
16 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
With prices out for the Royal Beach Club Paradise Island, Matt's been asked his thoughts on the pric...
Can Star of the Seas top Icon?
09 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
With Star of the Seas launching next month, one of the top questions many are asking is how can Roya...
Carnival's loyalty overhaul: Smart or scary?
02 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Carnival Cruise Line announced it was scrapping its lifetime loyalty program and switching to one th...
Can you really trust online cruise reviews?
11 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Fake reviews have been a problem for years, but there's still a lot of value in reading the real one...
Going big in Cali: Vicki Freed talks west coast push
05 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Royal Caribbean just deployed the biggest ship to ever sail from California, and it's just the start...
Important Things to Know Before Visiting London Before Your Cruise
28 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
London is a gateway to a lot of European cruises each summer, and there's a good chance you're going...
3 Questions About Royal Caribbean's BIG private island reveal
21 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Royal Caribbean made big news last week with its Perfect Day Mexico, beach club, and Lelepa news tha...
Influencer of the Seas: How social media shape cruises
07 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Influencers have a tremendous impact on information shared about cruises today. What impact do they ...
Royal Caribbean sets its sights on Disney World
30 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Royal Caribbean has made it no secret they want to attract vacationers who would otherwise go to Wal...
NCL Aqua: The anti-big cruise ship, cruise ship?
23 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sheri had the chance to sail on Norwegian Cruise Line's newest ship, but how does it compare to Roya...
Did MSC create an "Icon Killer" ship?
18 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
MSC World America just launched, and it's clearly an attempt to get in on the mega ship craze that I...
The mistake I almost made on my Europe cruise
12 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Matt is going to Europe this summer and not not booking a single excursion with Royal CaribbeanShare...
5 Royal Caribbean cruises you need to take
02 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Matt lists the must-do 5 Royal Caribbean cruises everyone should try at least once.Share with me you...
Back on Icon
29 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Matt went back on Icon a year after she debuted to see if it lives up to the hypeShare with me your ...
More short cruises on big ships has become controversial
28 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Royal Caribbean released new 2026-2027 cruises, and there's more Oasis Class ships doing short cruis...
Legend of the Seas reveal
22 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Legend of the Seas has been announced and we have the first look at the new sailings that just dropp...
Enchantment of the Seas review
01 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Matt went on Enchantment of the Seas for the first time, and he was surprised by the ship in a few w...
Things people that don't cruise get wrong
22 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
There are some people that have never cruised before, yet they hold onto incorrect ideas of what a c...
3 Wishes
04 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Billy and Matt are back to make 3 wishes for Royal Caribbean in the coming year!Share with me your t...
Star Class first timers guide
20 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Thinking about trying Star Class? Or maybe you booked already? Here's what to expect from it!Share w...
Is a smaller ship good for a first family cruise?
06 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
If you're taking a family on their first cruise, is it a good or bad idea to take them on a small sh...
How (and why) to plan a cruise 2 years in advance
21 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
New 2026-2027 cruises are out, and it's a good reminder the importance of booking early. Matt explai...
Is a $12,000 suite crazy to book?
06 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Matt tried the $12,000 Ultimate Family Suite and it was expensive, but was it crazy to try?Share wit...
5 Cruise etiquette questions, answered
23 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Should you tell your waiter if you won't be there tomorrow? Is a Bluetooth speaker a good idea? Do t...
Listener emails
20 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Matt answers as many emails as he can in this week's episodeShare with me your thoughts, questions a...
Hola Perfect Day Mexico!
11 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Royal Caribbean announced plans for Perfect Day Mexico and it looks epic!Share with me your thoughts...
Celebrity Reflection cruise review
27 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Matt went back on Celebrity to give it another try. This time, he took a 3-night cruise on Celebrity...
Anthem of the Seas Europe cruise review
12 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Matt is back from his 7-night cruise to Europe on Anthem of the Seas and has his cruise review to sh...
Anthem of the Seas cruise preview
22 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Matt is about to head to Europe for a 7-night cruise to Spain and France, and shares how he's planne...
Big changes to Allure of the Seas!
18 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Matt breaks down what changes are coming to Allure of the SeasShare with me your thoughts, questions...
RCB Team reviews their recent cruises
09 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Matt sits down with two Royal Caribbean Blog writers to talk about their most recent cruises, and wh...
Utopia of the Seas cruise review
01 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
After more than a week on Utopia of the Seas, Matt is back from Royal Caribbean's newest cruise ship...
Icon of the Seas cruise review
12 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Recorded on the Icon of the Seas group cruise, Matt reviews how Icon of the Seas holds up months aft...
Listener emails
27 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It's time to answer listener emails on this week's episode!Share with me your thoughts, questions an...
Liberty of the Seas Bermuda cruise review
21 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Matt is back from a 5-night Bermuda cruise on Liberty of the Seas from Cape Liberty, NJ and shares w...
Freedom of the Seas cruise review
30 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Matt shares how his 4-night Freedom of the Seas cruise went, and what he did differently on this sai...
Royal Railway Preview
24 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
I got a chance to preview the new Royal Railway Utopia Station restaurant coming to Utopia of the Se...
Calista tries Icon
16 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Calista is back from her first sailing on Icon of the Seas and gives her review of this brand new sh...
How to plan a European cruise for the first time
09 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Emma joins me on this week's episode to talk about how to approach planning your very first European...
Royal Beach Club Preview
02 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Royal Caribbean has plans for two Royal Beach Clubs (Nassau and Cozumel). What are they and what can...
Is a "free" cruise from Casino Royale the best value right now?
18 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Matt explains how to get free cruises from gambling on a Royal Caribbean cruises, and what risks and...
Listener emails
11 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week's episode answers as many emails Matt can squeeze in!Share with me your thoughts, question...
Mistakes I saw on my spring break cruise
04 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A list of 6 mistakes I saw other cruisers making during my recent cruise on Wonder of the SeasShare ...
Spring break cruise review
27 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Matt is back from Wonder of the Seas for Spring Break.Share with me your thoughts, questions and com...
How to plan your day at CocoCay
07 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
How I approach planning a day at Perfect Day at CocoCayShare with me your thoughts, questions and co...
Allure of the Seas cruise review
22 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Matt reviews his 3-night sailing on Allure of the SeasShare with me your thoughts, questions and com...
Icon of the Seas cruise review
07 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Matt is back from the first inaugural sailing of Icon of the Seas and shares his thoughts from tryin...
Icon of the Seas cruise preview
25 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Matt is going on the maiden voyage of Icon of the Seas and previews his cruise on this week's episod...
7-hours on Icon of the Seas
18 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Matt is back from a brief preview of Icon of the Seas and what stands out about the ship and his ini...
Three wishes
28 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
With the New Year right around the corner, it makes sense to take some time this week and wish for t...
Listener emails
21 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We're back again with more listener emails! Share with me your thoughts, questions and comments v...
Listener emails
15 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
It's all listener emails on this week's episode! Share with me your thoughts, questions and comme...
Celebrity Ascent review
06 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Matt and Don sailed on Celebrity Ascent and shared what made this ship different Share with me yo...
3-night Allure of the Seas cruise review
08 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Is a 3-night cruise on an Oasis Class ship a good idea? I wanted to see what it was like with this n...
Canada/New England cruise review
02 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Matt is back from his first cruise to Canada and New England, and shares what he thought of this cru...
Canada/New England group cruise preview
19 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Matt is taking his first Canada and New England cruise next week and shares a preview of what he has...
Ovation of the Seas cruise review
04 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Domanic & Casey share their review of their first Alaska cruise Share with me your thoughts, ...
Should you book a maiden cruise?
27 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
There are 2 new Royal Caribbean ships coming out in 2024, but is it a good idea to book an inaugural...
Hideaway Beach
20 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Matt shares his thoughts on Royal Caribbean's Hideaway Beach adults-only area reveal. Share with ...
Independence of the Seas cruise review
13 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Matt is back from a quick 3-night cruise on Independence of the Seas and the first day was a lot dif...
Listener emails
06 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week's podcast episode is all about answering your emails! Share with me your thoughts, ques...
How to pick a travel insurance plan
31 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Not all travel insurance plans are the same, so this week we have an interview with Stan from Travel...
What to know before you book
24 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Before you book any cruise, I think this is the important things to know and do (especially if you'r...
First time trying Royal Caribbean
17 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Craig has never cruised Royal Caribbean, but gave it a try after sailing other lines. Share with ...
How to make disembarkation easier
03 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Matt reacts to a RoyalCaribbeanBlog reader that shared advice on how to have a better disembarkation...
When to book cruise add-ons
26 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Everyone wants to save money, so when is the best time to buy popular add-ons for your Royal Caribbe...
Top questions about saving money on a cruise
13 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
I'm answering the most common questions about how to save money on a cruise on this week's episode! ...
How to maximize your visit to Perfect Day at CocoCay
05 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Tips and advice for how to get the most out of your day at Perfect Day at CocoCay! Share with me ...
Navigator of the Seas group cruise review
28 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Our wrap-up of the first Royal Caribbean Blog group cruise of the year, plus some special guests! ...
Ways to do things differently on your next cruise
18 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Doing things slightly differently on a cruise can save you time and stress and make your overall vac...
Local's Guide what to do on your Alaska cruise
08 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Beyond the cruise line shore excursions, there's a lot of fun things to see and do in Alaska. ...
Listener emails
31 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Happy 500 episodes! I thought it would make sense to dedicate this episode to YOU! Share with me ...
Norway Fjords cruise review
24 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Matt is back from Europe and his Norway fjords cruise on Anthem of the Seas Share with me your th...
Previewing Matt's first European cruise
03 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
I'm sailing on Anthem of the Seas and it'll be my first European cruise ever! Here's what I have pla...
What solo cruisers should know before they cruise
26 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Taking a cruise by yourself? Here are important tips anyone cruising solo should know before they go...
6 takeaways from Mariner of the Seas
19 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Share with me your thoughts, questions and comments via... Twitter: @therclblog...
6 ways for a stress-free cruise
12 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
I used these 6 tips for a stress-free cruise while I was on Wonder of the Seas last month! Share ...
Listener emails
05 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week's episode is dedicated to answering as many listener emails as I can! Share with me you...
How to get started planning a cruise
30 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Ready to plan your first cruise but not sure where to start? Share with me your thoughts, questio...
Wonder of the Seas 2023 cruise review
22 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Matt is back from a 7-night spring break cruise on Wonder of the Seas and shares his experience with...
Nassau Beach Club preview
15 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Royal Caribbean will open a beach club in Nassau, Bahamas and here's what Matt thinks of what we kno...
Don't book the cheapest cruise you can find
09 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
It's tempting to find pick a cruise based purely on price, but there are a few reasons why you shoul...
Previewing the new winter 2024-2025 cruises
01 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Royal Caribbean released new cruises for winter 2024-2025 and Matt looks at each of the ships and th...
Misconceptions about a Royal Caribbean cruise
22 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The top cruise misconceptions you should know about before you book or cruise! Share with me your...
Breaking down Royal Caribbean's quarter
15 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Royal Caribbean Group shared their 4Q earnings, and there's a few tidbits in there cruise fans shoul...