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Royal Caribbean makes a major change to a convenient VIP perk

Royal Caribbean removed one of the free perks of its extra-cost VIP program. 

The Key is an optional add-on that passengers can purchase for exclusive benefits like a private embarkation lunch, reserved seating during theater shows, priority tender access, and more. 

However, an update was sent to guests who bought The Key to let them know one of the best features was dropped. 

I've taken over 20 cruises in inside and balcony cabins, but I think there's a better option

I've been cruising for two decades and have sailed on over 20 ships. However, it wasn't until recently that I stayed in a frequently overlooked cruise cabin. 

Most cruisers are die-hard fans of balcony staterooms. While having a private verandah is undoubtedly a huge perk, they aren't the most affordable cabins onboard. 

Similarly, though interior staterooms are often the cheapest option, they lack natural sunlight and are usually the smallest cabins on a cruise ship. 

Teen passenger molested on Royal Caribbean cruise ship, two suspects arrested

Two passengers sailing on Royal Caribbean's Independence of the Seas were arrested after being accused of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old boy. 

Ricardo Daniel Mondragon Leal, 37, and Jose Prudencio Diaz, 36, of Mexico City were arrested in Miami, Florida, on Friday, March 21, on multiple criminal charges, including lewd and lascivious molestation of a child.

I’ve been on 29 cruises, and I saw passengers make these 6 mistakes on Carnival’s newest ship

After taking 29 cruises, I thought I had seen every rookie cruise mistake in the book. Yet while cruising on Carnival’s newest ship, I saw passengers making 6 mistakes they easily could have avoided.

Earlier this month, I took a 4-night cruise aboard Carnival Firenze, the latest vessel to join Carnival Cruise Line’s fleet. The ship, which originally launched in 2021 for Costa Cruises, was acquired by Carnival in April of 2024. She currently sails from Long Beach, California.

What does Carnival Cruise Line do with all its uneaten food?

Cruise ships have to feed thousands of people on any given sailing. As such, it's not uncommon to hear concerns about food waste. 

From the Lido Marketplace buffet to the Main Dining Room and fast-casual spots like BlueIguana Cantina and Guy's Burger Joint, plenty of dining options on a Carnival cruise offer generous portions and variety to appease different taste buds. 

How to sneak alcohol on a cruise and why you should not do it

It is official! You have just booked your cruise vacation and now you are considering add-ons like excursions, Wi-Fi, specialty dining, and more! One of the most popular add-ons is alcoholic beverage packages, but you may not like the cost, as packages can range from $50 to over $100 per person, per day.

This price may seem intimidating. As such, it's common for cruisers to want to sneak alcohol on a cruise. More passengers are inclined to get crafty in their methods of sneaking alcohol onboard the ship, rather than paying for pricey packages.

Best Royal Caribbean ships for kids by age

If you are on the fence about going on a cruise because of having children, look no further! You can still have adult fun and make time for a massage! Royal Caribbean has a wide range of ships in its fleet, 28 to be exact. With the variety of features on each of their ships, Royal Caribbean certainly has a space for your child, regardless of age.

From being a young child who just enjoys playing and having fun, to the teenagers who just want to get away and be around others their age, there are designated areas for certain age groups.

Royal Caribbean abruptly bans popular electronic device

Royal Caribbean has quietly banned personal speakers from its private island in the Bahamas. 

Passengers on Icon of the Seas' March 15 cruise from Miami, Florida, reported seeing a new tip on the Cruise Compass advising guests not to bring personal speakers ashore on Perfect Day at CocoCay

The notice reads, "Glass bottles and personal speakers are not permitted on the island." 

I tried MSC Cruises for a cheap, 4-day getaway. I loved the food, but hated the nickel-and-diming

What is it really like to take a cheap, 4-day cruise with MSC Cruises?

Today, I’m sharing the story of Jackie and her husband Joe, who recently embarked on a 4-night MSC cruise. They wanted to escape Ohio's frigid winter, so when the couple came across a cheap, last-minute cruise fare, they didn't hesitate to book the sailing.

Which summer Greece cruise should I book?

Don’t give up on a European vacation in 2025! 

Celebrity, Princess Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, and Royal Caribbean are popular choices for guests wishing to explore the dreamy Greek Isles

Here’s our take on which Greece cruise you should book to fit your travel style in 2025.

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