Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

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

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.Share with me your thoughts, questions and comments via...Twitter: @therclblogFacebook: /royalcaribbeanblogPeriscope: @therclblogEmail: matt@royalcaribbeanblog.comLeave a voicemail: (408) 6ROYAL6Show NotesEpisode 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.Share with me your thoughts, questions and comments via...Twitter: @therclblogFacebook: /royalcaribbeanblogPeriscope: @therclblogEmail: matt@royalcaribbeanblog.comLeave a voicemail: (408) 6ROYAL6

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.Share with me your thoughts, questions and comments via...Twitter: @therclblogFacebook: /royalcaribbeanblogPeriscope: @therclblogEmail: matt@royalcaribbeanblog.comLeave a voicemail: (408) 6ROYAL6Show Notes2016 Family Friendly Cruise Travel PlannerAllure of t

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.Share with me your thoughts, questions and comments via...Twitter: @therclblogFacebook: /royalcaribbeanblogPeriscope: @therclblogEmail: matt@royalcaribbeanblog.comLeave a voicemail: (408) 6ROYAL6Show NotesMore information on all the Royal Caribbean Blog group cruises!How Royal Caribbean provides medical care at seaRoyal Crush YouTube series"Royal Reunion" short film starring Dean Cain and James BrolinNextCruise policy informationFollow us on PeriscopeFind all the Cruise Compass' we haveWhat 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.Share with me your thoughts, questions and comments via...Twitter: @therclblogFacebook: /royalcaribbeanblogPeriscope: @therclblogEmail: matt@royalcaribbeanblog.comLeave a voicemail: (408) 6ROYAL6Show NotesBryon's websiteNew September 2016 group cruise on Freedom of the Seas informationEpisode 40: St MaartenLe 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!Share with me your thoughts, questions and comments via...Twitter: @therclblogFacebook: /royalcaribbeanblogPeriscope: @therclblogEmail: matt@royalcaribbeanblog.comLeave a voicemail: (408) 6ROYAL6Show NotesAllure of the Seas Group Cruise information2017 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.Share with me your thoughts, questions and comments via...Twitter: @therclblogFacebook: /royalcaribbeanblogPeriscope: @therclblogEmail: matt@royalcaribbeanblog.comLeave a voicemail: (408) 6ROYAL6Show NotesBuy the Unofficial Guide to Disney Cruise Line 2016Port schedule siteBites of Nassau Food Tasting & Cultural Walking TourExcursion review: Junkanoo BeachResortforaday.com offerings in NassauBecome 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.Share with me your thoughts, questions and comments via...Twitter: @therclblogFacebook: /royalcaribbeanblogPeriscope: @therclblogEmail: matt@royalcaribbeanblog.comLeave a voicemail: (408) 6ROYAL6

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.Share with me your thoughts, questions and comments via...Twitter: @therclblogFacebook: /royalcaribbeanblogPeriscope: @therclblogEmail: matt@royalcaribbeanblog.comLeave a voicemail: (408) 6ROYAL6Join 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.Share with me your thoughts, questions and comments via...Twitter: @therclblogFacebook: /royalcaribbeanblogPeriscope: @therclblogEmail: matt@royalcaribbeanblog.comLeave a voicemail: (408) 6ROYAL6Show NotesWebsite 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.Share with me your thoughts, questions and comments via...Twitter: @therclblogFacebook: /royalcaribbeanblogPeriscope: @therclblogEmail: matt@royalcaribbeanblog.comLeave a voicemail: (408) 6ROYAL6Show Notes2016 group cruise on Allure of the Seas2017 group cruise on Navigator of the SeasMatt's live blog from Navigator of the SeasEpisode 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!.Share with me your thoughts, questions and comments via...Twitter: @therclblogFacebook: /royalcaribbeanblogPeriscope: @therclblogEmail: matt@royalcaribbeanblog.comLeave a voicemail: (408) 6ROYAL6Join 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.  Share with me your thoughts, questions and comments via...Twitter: @therclblogFacebook: /royalcaribbeanblogPeriscope: @therclblogEmail: matt@royalcaribbeanblog.comLeave a voicemail: (408) 6ROYAL6Show NotesMatt's Brilliance of the Seas live blogWhich ships are in portJoin the Royal Caribbean Blog INSIDERS and help sup

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.Share with me your thoughts, questions and comments via...Twitter: @therclblogFacebook: /royalcaribbeanblogPeriscope: @therclblogEmail: matt@royalcaribbeanblog.comLeave a voicemail: (408) 6ROYAL6Show NotesOur 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.Share with me your thoughts, questions and comments via...Twitter: @therclblogFacebook: /royalcaribbeanblogPeriscope: @therclblogEmail: matt@royalcaribbeanblog.comLeave a voicemail: (408) 6ROYAL6Show NotesAnthem of the Seas Live Blog