The Fan Community Sailing the High Seas with the Royal Caribbean Blog
Imagine an online hub run by vacationers, for vacationers, each united by a shared holy grail travel brand: Royal Caribbean cruises. The Royal Caribbean Blog launched in 2010 exactly for this purpose by superfan Matt Hochberg — uniting cruisers in their passion for navigating RCL’s 24 impressive ships worldwide.
More than just a popularity booster for the cruise giant, the site fosters true community with hundreds of thousands relying on its extensive resources planning their next seafaring dream trip. From ship reviews to food guides across Royal Caribbean’s destinations and classes, this blog is the sherpa seasoned cruisers and newbies alike require.
The Ultimate Royal Caribbean Stan
Matt Hochberg’s obsession with Royal Caribbean cruising sparked in childhood thanks to memorable family vacations. After honeymooning via the cruise line in 2009, the IT professional determined to immerse fully into his travel bliss. Just a year later Matt launched what would become the web’s top unofficial Royal Caribbean fan community portal.
The Royal Caribbean Blog reflects the convivial spirit of cruising through highly visual posts and firsthand tips makings readers instant travel BFFs with Matt. While the site operates independently, Royal Caribbean ships Matt on complementary sailings to experience new classes along with his extensive existing voyages spanning Alaska to Australia.
Cruising the Content Seas
Think you know everything navigating the perfect Royal Caribbean journey entails? Dive into the RCB archives says differently. With the line launching novel ships and amenities annually, this blog is a perennial playground for cruisers to unlock insider advice across every destination.
Content ranges from ulta-specific guides like best rooms with wraparound balconies to overviews of dining varietals across vessels like Oasis Class. The site covers family friendly activities alongside adults-only perfect excursions. Photographic features survey luxe suite options to budget conscious packing recommendations.
If a Royal Caribbean curiosity exists, RCB likely addresses it amongst hundreds of posts. Far beyond promotional marketing, the blog provides nuts and bolts planning intel trusted by millions readying their next cruise holiday.
Community Anchors on the Open Ocean
The magic making the Royal Caribbean Blog a daily destination versus a mere Google search result? Community cultivated amongst fellow cruisers. Matt expertly created a watering hole for sea-loving travelers to gather, connect, debate or just fantasize.
Discussion forums run active covering topics like COVID protocols. Comment sections become pseudo-reunions for groups that formed friendships over recurring annual sailings. User-generated cruise guides and travel tales showcase first person experiences across classes.
This forum ecosystem cements site loyalty over time even as readers change travel plans or try new cruise liners. They know RCB and its friends await with open arms when they return to planning that next Royal Caribbean dream vacation.
Smooth Sailing Through the Seas of Change
A perennial question among popular travel blogs is how they sustain appeal navigating the tumultuous tides of a pandemic. Yet 11 years after launching in his dining room, Matt Hochberg continues steering Royal Caribbean Blog into an essential cruiser lifeline supporting millions.
Credit the site’s longevity to Matt’s agility quickly pivoting content matching readership challenges of COVID shutdowns and precautions. As cruising remerged cautiously, RCB guided nervous travelers on best practices and updated port guidance.
The blog also deepened evergreen resources aware of pent up anticipation for Royal Caribbean’s steady new ship launches. Through uncertain waters, Matt leans into this brand fan community he knows signals clear skies ahead when cruisers someday again flood ports.
Snapshot of the Royal Caribbean Blog
Founded: 2010
Founder: Matt Hochberg
Location: Based in New Jersey
Coverage area: News, ship reviews, travel guides, tips, forums about Royal Caribbean cruises
Content Mix: Ship profiles, destination guides, dining guides, travel planning advice, cruise reviews, travel tales, crowdsourced user guides, vlogs, podcast
Readership: Hundreds of thousands of Royal Caribbean cruisers
Impact: Largest unofficial online fan community for Royal Caribbean cruises relied on by travelers planning vacations as well as cruise executives.
Fostered deep loyalty over 11 years.
Mission: “Created for and by Royal Caribbean cruisers, providing information you need before, during, and after your cruise” – One-stop shop building the preeminent fan community celebrating and supporting Royal Caribbean ships and travelers worldwide.
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