Royal Caribbean Blog

Bad weather moving through the English Channel will slow the plans for a Royal Caribbean ship, impacting its timeline to return back to the UK.

Liberty of the Seas' second sailing since completing her Royal Amplification was suddenly disrupted by severe weather, affecting passengers on two cruises and forcing last-minute adjustments to debarkation and embarkation plans.

The revamped Freedom Class cruise ship won't return to its seasonal homeport in England as originally scheduled on Sunday, June 7, due to a storm that's preventing the vessel from safely making her way back toward Southampton. 

As a result, passengers embarking on Liberty of the Seas for the June 7 cruise were told to arrive later than planned.

"We are closely monitoring adverse weather along our route back to Southampton, England for our current sailing. With safety in mind, the ship is expected to be delayed in returning to the port by approximately six (6) hours and the terminal will be closed for embarkation until 2:30 PM," reads the email notice sent to guests, as shared with Royal Caribbean Blog.

(Credit: Leeor Plotkin)

It continues, "Arriving at the terminal earlier than your adjusted time will result in you being turned away until your new time. All guests should be checked in and onboard by 6:30 PM. So, plan on arriving no later than 6:00 PM. We're sorry for any inconvenience caused by this change." 

According to the email, the earliest arrival time was pushed from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., while the latest arrivals must check in at 6:00 p.m.

Liberty of the Seas is currently wrapping up her first weeklong itinerary back in service following her highly anticipated Royal Amplification. 

The 154,407 gross ton ship received new restaurants, refreshed public spaces, and even a few new cabins. 

Highlights include Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade, Izumi Hibachi, Starbucks, a new Caribbean resort-style pool deck, El Loco Fresh, The Lime and Coconut, and more. 

She'll remain in Europe throughout the summer, offering voyages to bucket list destinations like Spain, Portugal, Belgium, Germany, and Norway, then move back to the United States. 

Unfavorable weather en route to England

(Credit: CruiseMapper. Screenshot taken at 2:18 p.m. EST)

Current reports on social media reveal that the developing storm system is forcing Liberty of the Seas to remain docked in Vigo, Spain, until 11:00 p.m. local time. 

"Late departure tonight from Vigo at 23.00 so now 11.00 arrival in Southampton sunday now, due to storm avoidance," Michael Mccalla shared on Facebook. 

Initially, the vessel was supposed to depart around 4:30 p.m. local time, with an estimated arrival time of 6:00 a.m. on Sunday, June 7. 

(Credit: Buoyweather. Screenshot taken at 2:31 p.m. EST)

However, as of 2:35 p.m. EST (8:35 p.m. local time), Liberty of the Seas remains in Vigo as the storm continues to impact the ship's English Channel crossing from Spain to England. 

Vigo itself isn't forecast to be impacted by the severe weather. That said, the situation further north is less favorable, with strong winds and other inclement conditions developing across the English Channel. 

According to Buoyweather, conditions along the route are expected to deteriorate overnight, especially closer to Southampton. 

Strong winds and gusts could reach as high as 37 knots (around 42 mph), with models also indicating the possibility of waves exceeding 20 feet.

"How many days should your first cruise be" is a question I get asked all the time, and it's not what a lot of first timers expect.

I host a Royal Caribbean Q&A live stream every Monday, and I'm asked this exact question every week by someone who wants to try a cruise, but is worried they are making a mistake.

While I think cruising is fun enough that most people will find just about any sailing enjoyable, I think there's a sweet spot for someone that is trying it out that will get them a good sense of what it's all about.

To be fair, if a sailing is too short, you risk not having enough time to really understand it all.  And if you pick a long sailing, you might overdo it.

Here's how many days I would tell someone their first cruise should be, and why short cruises are a mistake.

Short cruises are a mistake for a new cruiser

Cruising isn't like getting in a hot tub. You don't want to dip your toe in, you want jump in.

A lot of people that have never cruised look for a short weekend cruise is the right way to try a cruise out. But I think it's too short, and just when you start to get a handle on what a cruise is like, it's time to get off the ship.

If I'm being honest, a lot of newbies think 3-night cruises are the best first cruise because Royal Caribbean has positioned some of its biggest ships to offer them as a way to lure them in.

The reality is it takes a day or two on a ship to adjust your lifestyle to "cruise mode". Meaning, it takes some time to adjust and lean into the things that make a cruise fun.

The first day is busy, and you're onboard perhaps by noon. That leaves just half day to get everything situated, unpacked, and ready to explore.

On the second day, you start to get a feel for what it's like to be on a cruise.  And then it's time to get off the ship.

One other issue with a short cruise is airfare. It just doesn't make a lot of sense to buy (probably) expensive flights for just a weekend.

The perfect first cruise is a week in length

Anytime I'm asked which itinerary to book for a first cruise, I have a simple answer and it's not a weekend cruise.

I recommend a 7-night sailing on one of the Icon Class ships as the perfect first cruise experience.

A week is enough time to experience sea days and port days, with plenty of opportunities to see and do everything onboard.

Plus, the Icon Class ships are the latest and greatest ships in the fleet. If you're new to cruising, you don't yet know what you prefer onboard. So I think having the most variety of choices is the right approach.

These ships represent the standard now that every other ship in the industry is judged against, because Icon of the Seas revolutionize the cruise industry when it debuted two years ago.

They're not only big, but packed with something for guests of all ages to enjoy. It's not an exaggeration when people say those ships are like a floating city.

Will starting with the best ship spoil you for other ships?

After I recommend starting with a ship like Star of the Seas, some people worry if that will ruin them for older ships.

I look at it like wine or Broadway shows.  When you've never tried them before, you start off with the crowd pleasers: a Merlot or a jukebox musical.  

But as you start to enjoy it, your curiosity takes hold and that leads you to try other wines or shows.  If you truly love it, you'll find yourself indulging in the finer wines or critically-acclaimed shows.

I think this analogy holds true with cruise ships as well. Falling in love with cruising and the new ships will lead you to want more cruises, and that could lead you to other ships.

For me, the draw of a different itinerary pushed me towards some of the older and smaller ships. 

Some people are content with just the big ships and never want to go on a smaller ship. That's fine too, because that's why there are so many ships in the fleet. Royal Caribbean wants to offer something to everyone.

Go on the short cruises later as a way to squeeze more vacations in

To be clear, those weekend cruises aren't a total mistake. I think you ought to wait to book a 3-night cruise later after you tried out a cruise.

I think weekend cruises are the perfect trip to augment your primary vacation plans.  The kind of a cruise you book because you have an extra day or two of PTO left to use and can sneak away for a quick trip.

I usually book them over holiday weekends, like President's Day or Labor Day. It fits in nicely with my kids' school calendar. 

Some recommend a short cruise for your first, but I think a 7-day is perfect

After you try a cruise, I think there's a good chance you'll wish you had another few days.  So skip the temptation to start with a short cruise.

I know it seems like a taster cruise would be better because it offers a short duration to see what it's like, but it's just too short to truly enjoy.

After 7 nights onboard, you'll get the full experience that won't leave you feeling like you barely got a chance to try anything.

While it may be tempting to start out with a short cruise, I think new cruisers are better off with 7 nights to truly get a sense of why cruising is so much fun.

Royal Caribbean's Harmony of the Seas just received a major revamp, and I went on board to check out all the new changes. During my cruise on the massive Oasis Class ship, I stayed in the cheapest cabin available: a standard interior stateroom. 

Since this was such a busy itinerary, I didn't mind saving money on my accommodations. Instead, I preferred booking a windowless inside cabin to have a more generous budget for shore excursions, local cuisine, and other travel-related expenses. 

My sister tagged along with me, and we made great memories aboard Harmony of the Seas, visiting Spain and France — and to my surprise, she didn't completely hate the interior stateroom!

We booked a Category 4V Inside Stateroom months in advance through my MEI travel agent. The fare came to $1,286.74, or $643.37 per person, including gratuities. 

Although pricey for a three-night cruise, I realized we'd be paying more since it was Harmony's first sailing after her multi-million dollar Royal Amplification. 

In the end, the 172-square-foot cabin wasn't anything fancy, but it was a comfortable, modern retreat after long days exploring Palma de Mallorca, Spain, and Aix-en-Provence, France, and enjoying everything the newly amplified ship offered. 

Harmony of the Seas Interior Room Review + Photos

My sister and I were assigned cabin 10277 weeks before our voyage. This is a standard interior stateroom located toward the aft (or back) of the vessel, just steps away from an elevator bank. 

We ended up loving our cabin's location since it was easy to get to popular dining venues like the Main Dining Room and Windjammer on Deck 16. 

Since breakfast and dinner were usually the first places we headed after leaving the cabin each morning or freshening up in the evening, having those venues a short elevator ride away was convenient. 

Our cabin was also tucked away from the louder public areas, such as Dazzles, which helped it feel quiet and relaxing at night. 

Moving on, the layout of my 172-square-foot cruise room was nearly identical to the one I stayed in on Quantum of the Seas a few years back, minus the virtual balcony. 

There were two twin-sized beds (that could have been combined to create one queen-sized bed), a vanity, dresser, closet, safe, mini-fridge, flat-screen television, two nightstands, full-length mirror, and a small chair tucked into the corner of the cabin. 

We used the mini-fridge to keep our water bottles cool, so we'd return to the ship to ice-cold drinks waiting for us in the cabin. 

Because we spent so little time in the cabin besides showering and sleeping, the TV was not something we used very often. Still, my sister mentioned she wished it could swivel more, since she had an awkward viewing angle from her bed. 

As a newer cruise ship, Harmony of the Seas' staterooms are outfitted with plenty of charging options, including standard American and European outlets, along with USB ports. 

There's also one American outlet on the right side of the bed (when facing it). However, the opposite side does not have one. This means you should come prepared with an extra-long charging cord or portable charger. 

Moreover, I wish the cabin had a small loveseat instead of a chair. We did appreciate having the extra seating area, especially since my sister is a stickler about not getting into bed until she’s showered, but when used as a catch-all place, there was not much room left to comfortably sit. 

Now, let's talk storage. For a basic inside cabin, the storage space was fine. There was a dresser with five drawers and one cabinet, which housed the room's mini-fridge. Additionally, one of the drawers was already occupied by items like a box of tissues and the hairdryer, which left it fairly unusable for personal storage.

Still, we both agreed that for those on longer voyages, there would be more than enough storage to keep everything organized and tidy. 

The closet, for example, was spacious and had six deep cubbies — perfect for things like shoes, bags, folded clothes, and other essentials. This is also where you'll find the cabin's safe. 

Although we did not fully unpack during our three-night cruise, we did take advantage of the ample hanging space to keep our dresses from getting wrinkled. 

That said, we could have easily unpacked and had room to spare, especially since the closet came equipped with nearly two dozen hangers. 

Finally, the stateroom's bathroom was cramped but perfectly sufficient for daily use, with everything laid out efficiently to make the most of the small space.

The long sink vanity made getting ready in the mornings easier, especially since my sister often took over the cabin vanity area before I was up and showered. 

The shelves also provided a good amount of storage for toiletries and cosmetics. Plus, there were two hooks on the back of the bathroom door, which allowed me to keep my hanging toiletries organizer within reach. 

I also appreciated the two shelves in the shower, as this gave us both dedicated space for our shampoo, conditioner, and face wash. Some ships only provide a single small shelf, which I find frustrating.

That said, the shower did not have the best water pressure, and the water temperature was inconsistent. We quickly discovered that if we showered after 9:00 p.m., there would be chilly bursts. As such, my sister began showering before dinner each night. 

On the plus side, the shower was surprisingly spacious. The rounded capsule design (with no clingy, gross curtain) helped it feel more open than a typical cruise shower, and it was easy to move around without feeling boxed in or knocking my elbows on the wall. 

Like other Royal Caribbean cabins, the bathroom didn't come stocked with a ton of toiletries — just the basic Salt + Breeze hair and body wash, along with a bar of soap. 

Was my Harmony of the Seas inside cabin worth it?

For this cruise, I'm glad we didn't shell out more money on a balcony cabin. All we wanted was a clean, modern, and comfortable place to reset between busy port days and all the onboard activities — and our 172-square-foot stateroom provided just that. 

Beyond sleeping, showering, and getting ready, we spent very little time in the cabin. As such, the lack of natural light or private outdoor space never felt like a drawback. 

That said, there were a few minor quirks, such as the wacky water temperature and awkward TV placement, but nothing that impacted the overall experience in a make-or-break way. 

In the end, I'd happily stay in another inside cabin aboard Harmony of the Seas, especially since Oasis Class cruises are less about the stateroom experience and more about everything happening around the ship and ashore. 

The body of a cruise ship crew member who had been missing for five days was finally located in St. Kitts and Nevis, authorities confirmed. 

Wang Zyuan, 33, disappeared while hiking the Mount Liamuiga hiking trail on May 27. He was last heard from around 2 p.m., when he contacted emergency services to report that he was lost, as reported by The Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force (RSCNPF). 

Although a joint search and rescue team was immediately mobilized, the operation stretched on for days as rescuers combed through the hillside up to the crater. 

Eventually, the RSCNPF confirmed that his body was recovered on June 1, though they didn't reveal the cause of the death. 

(Credit: RSCNPF / Facebook)

"It is with deep regret that the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force (RSCNPF) confirms that Mr Wang Zyuan, who had been missing on the Mt. Liamuiga trail since Wednesday, May 27th, 2026, was located deceased on Monday, June 1st, 2026, by one of the search teams," reads the police force's Facebook post. 

"Since May 27th, joint teams from the RSCNPF, the St. Kitts-Nevis Defence Force, the St. Kitts-Nevis Fire and Rescue Services, the Police Training School, the Forest Unit, the Red Cross, the Ross University K9 Unit, and dedicated community volunteers have searched the mountain daily. We are profoundly grateful to every person who gave their time and effort to this operation."

In a statement provided to USA TODAY, Royal Caribbean confirmed that Zyuan, a Chinese male national, worked for the company, though they did not reveal his exact position aboard the ship:

"We are saddened to learn a crew member has passed away," the statement said. "We appreciate the tremendous efforts of the local authorities and rescue teams, who worked tirelessly over the past several days."

According to the St. Christopher Air & Sea Ports Authority, Rhapsody of the Seas, a Vision Class cruise ship measuring 78,878 gross tons, was the only cruise ship in port on May 27. The post also added that St. Kitts and Nevis welcomed approximately 2,270 passengers ashore that day. 

Rhapsody of the Seas was on a seven-night Southern Caribbean cruise out of San Juan, Puerto Rico, as shared by Pure Holidays. The vessel departed on May 23 and called at Tortola, British Virgin Islands; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; St. John's, Antigua; Basseterre, St. Kitts; and St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. 

The Mount Liamuiga volcano hike is strenuous

Royal Caribbean's website states that the Mount Liamuiga volcano hike is "extremely strenuous" and not advised for people with pre-existing medical issues such as cardiac, respiratory, or orthopedic conditions. 

Additionally, it urges passengers to consider their fitness level when determining whether they should embark on the six-mile hike or not. 

A simple Google search will also reveal countless firsthand accounts reinforcing just how steep and difficult the hike is. 

(Credit: Anton Alvin Singh / Facebook)

"This hike is totally doable if you’re able to scale rocks but I would be lying if I said it wasn’t the physically hardest hike I’d ever done," said Yaya, one of the co-founders of Hand Luggage Only. 

"[The hike] was quite strenuous. I’m fairly experienced with hiking and trails and [I'm] a runner so I was ok with the cardio aspect of it, but there were some people that struggled," someone else commented on Reddit.

"There are definitely some slippery parts and you have to keep aware of your surroundings. A few that turned back, but most made it at different paces."

For the first time ever, one of Royal Caribbean's biggest ships had to use tender boats.

(Credit: Aloschi Bros / Facebook)

Last week, one of the world's largest cruise ships successfully tendered thousands of passengers ashore.

Royal Caribbean's Harmony of the Seas made history as the first Oasis Class ship to tender guests ashore in La Spezia, Italy, on May 28, 2026. This overturned an industry assumption that these massive vessels were too large to do so efficiently. 

Tendering is when cruise ships anchor offshore and use smaller boats to transport passengers from the vessel to shore. If no pier can accommodate a cruise ship's size, tendering is required. 

Sometimes, certain ports don't have piers, like Santorini, Greece; George Town, Grand Cayman; or Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. As such, the only way to visit these destinations is to tender from the cruise. 

(Credit: Aloschi Bros / Facebook)

Aloschi Bros, a European tour operator with origins dating back to 1932, shared photos of Harmony of the Seas' tender operation on Facebook, saying, "With over 226,000 GT, more than 6,000 guests and 2,000 crew members onboard, operations of this scale require exceptional coordination, precision and operational expertise."

"Aloschi Bros is proud to have managed and supported this unprecedented call in La Spezia, delivering a smooth and efficient operation for one of the world’s largest cruise ships."

One passenger, Stephen Martin, added that they were impressed with how Royal Caribbean handled the process. Rather than waiting in a crowded tender queue, it was easy to book a timeslot through the mobile app the day before, which made "the whole experience far smoother and more organised." 

(Credit: Stephen Martin / Facebook)

Moreover, Martin claimed tendering was the only way they could visit La Spezia due to the ongoing pier work, which would explain why previous Oasis Class visits on vessels like Allure of the Seas didn't require passengers to tender ashore. 

"[T]oday ran surprisingly smoothly, so it certainly proved that tenders can work even for mega-ships," Martin remarked on his Facebook post. 

Harmony of the Seas was in port from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., according to CruiseMapper. It was the third stop on the ship's current seven-night itinerary, which departed Barcelona, Spain, on May 31. She's expected to return to La Spezia again on Wednesday, June 10.  

An even bigger cruise ship is expected to tender in La Spezia next month

La Spezia is a popular port of call on Mediterranean itineraries. It serves as a gateway to some of Italy's most famous destinations, including Cinque Terre, Florence, and the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

The successful tender operation by Harmony of the Seas is important for Royal Caribbean and the Italian city as they prepare to welcome its first Icon Class ship.

Legend of the Seas is scheduled to make her inaugural call in La Spezia on July 2, 2026, during her debut Mediterranean season. This specific call is on the ship's preview voyage. She'll return on July 10 with paying passengers. 

Legend of the Seas comes in at a staggering 248,663 gross tons, 1,196 feet in length, and can accommodate over 5,600 passengers at double occupancy, according to Royal Caribbean. 

The ship's itinerary for the July 4 voyage indicates that guests will also be required to tender ashore, which suggests the port's pier work may continue throughout the summer.

As such, Harmony won’t hold the title of the largest cruise ship to tender passengers ashore. It will be passed off to Legend once she successfully completes her call in La Spezia in July. 

Could this open up more ports for Oasis and Icon Class ships?

(Credit: Stephen Martin / Facebook)

Having large ships like Harmony of the Seas and Legend of the Seas tender ashore has sparked discussion among cruise fans about whether this could become more common in the future.

Generally speaking, it could, especially in destinations with pier limitations or ongoing infrastructure work that prohibit vessels from coming alongside the dock. 

However, it is not likely to lead to any major changes to cruise itineraries in the near future since, in many cases, the destinations aren't equipped to handle the volume of passengers these ships bring ashore.

Icon of the Seas has captured the attention of the cruise world since it's debut, but Royal Caribbean's next follow-up is coming.

Legend of the Seas will start sailing in July, and the ship has a lot to be excited about.

This will be one of the biggest cruise ships in the world, coming in at 1,196 feet long.  At normal capacity, Legend can accommodate 5,610 guests.

While it may not differ significantly from Icon or Star of the Seas, Royal Caribbean has a few ideas in the hopper it intends to implement with the third Icon Class ship.  If you're looking for big changes, you'll most likely have to wait until Hero of the Seas.

Here are four features to expect when the new Legend of the Seas arrives later this year.

Royal Caribbean is bringing "America’s Got Talent" to sea

Something new to both Royal Caribbean and the cruise industry is the first version of the popular variety show, "America's Got Talent" will be held on a cruise ship.

"America's Got Talent LIVE" will be performed on Legend of the Seas as part of a brand new partnership.

This will be an extension of the show many have seen on TV, but this time on a cruise ship.

Acts from around the world will be able to showcase their talents on the ship.  Like all production shows on Royal Caribbean, there's no cost to see it because admission is included with the cruise fare.

We don't yet know the exact acts that will be onboard, but magicians, musicians, acrobats, aerialists and more are expected.

The first two-story casino

Royal Caribbean is going all-in with its casino on this new ship, and it will have a giant two-story design.

Every other Royal Caribbean ship has one deck of casino space. But things will be different on Legend.

Based on the expansion of casino gambling areas on other ships, the cruise line has clearly prioritized gambling space on its ships. With Legend, we'll get an all-new layout that offers a floor of non-smoking gambling space on deck 3, and a floor for those that prefer to smoke on deck 4.

There's a staircase in the middle the deck, offering easy flow between each area.

A hit Broadway show and shows with lots of energy

Another big show coming to the new cruise ship will be the Broadway show, Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

The story of Willy Wonka and his protégé will come to life on stage, with the Broadway musical.

Royal Caribbean has made a name for itself offering well-known musicals on some of its cruise ships. 

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory follows up on two other shows that were added to the previous Icon Class ships: The Wizard of Oz on Icon of the Seas, and Back to the Future: The Musical on Star of the Seas.

Plus, this new show is included in the cruise fare.

The new show will be performed in the Royal Theater on select days.  I recommend making a reservation (no cost) before the cruise begins to assure that you can get a seat for one of the performances.

New and upgraded dining choices

Two new restaurants will be added to Legend of the Seas that you won't find on other Royal Caribbean ships.

A new immersive classic train restaurant will be added, Silk Routes at Royal Railway – Legend Station.

Royal Caribbean first added a Royal Railway restaurant on Utopia of the Seas, but this one will be an all-new menu and approach to storytelling.

Inspired by the travels of Marco Polo, Royal Railway on Legend of the Seas is expected to have less of a story, and more of a focus on the cuisines from each of the regions that Marco Polo visited.

You board what looks like a classic train car (there's even paper tickets and a conductor to welcome you), and then watch as digital screens, a rumbling effect, and various sights, sounds, and smells all contribute to make it seem like you're actually on a train.

I tested a very early version, and it's clear Royal Caribbean wants to offer a dining experience that leans more on the food and dining experience, instead of an over-the-top story.

Another new restaurant is the Hollywoodland Supper Club.

Every Icon Class ship has a fancy supper club, but this one will be themed to the golden age of Hollywood.

There's a formal dress code, and guests enjoy a multi-course meal that is paired with a cocktail with each serving.  It's a culinary and mixology experience, where you'll enjoy live music that evokes the spirit of 1940s and 1950s Hollywood.

Another change is the menu to the Aquadome Marketplace, the ship's food hall included with your cruise fare.

Five out of the six food halls will be brand new:

• Seoulmate: Korean rice bowls
• La Espanola: Spanish-style bites
• Cajun kitchen: New Orleans gumbo
• Adobo: Mexican street tacos
• Simply Pressed: Fresh smoothies & juices
• Creme de la Crepe: Sweet French crepes (returning favorite)

Seoulmate will bring the first Korean food served regularly on Royal Caribbean, featuring Korean rice bowls.

The first sailing is in July

Legend of the Seas will have its first sailing on July 4, 2026 when it begins sailing from Barcelona, Spain.

Royal Caribbean will keep the brand new ship in Europe for the summer season, offering 7-night voyages that visit Rome, Naples, Marseille, and more.

Afterward, Legend will reposition to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where she'll rotate between six- and eight-night Caribbean cruises. Following her five-month stint in Florida, she will once again return to Europe in April 2027. 

Taking your first cruise? I wanted to share what experienced cruisers wish they knew before their first sailing.

However, whereas veteran cruisers will have a better understanding of the cruise planning process, first-time guests might feel overwhelmed. From choosing the right ship and cabin to deciding what add-ons are worth the money, there are plenty of important decisions to make. 

As someone who has been on over three dozen cruises, I've learned that, although every traveler has different priorities, there are a handful of tips that can help all types of cruisers avoid common mistakes, save money, and get the most out of their sailing.

And to be fair, I've definitely made my fair share of mistakes over the years — from booking the cheapest sailing without doing much research to overextending myself on port-intensive itineraries. 

Here are my best first-time cruise vacation planning tips so you can start sailing like a pro from day one!

Use a good travel agent

Travel agents are incredibly useful when planning cruise vacations. While cruises are known for their convenience, there’s still a lot of planning involved, such as choosing the right ship and itinerary, booking shore excursions, and understanding dining options. 

A good travel agent will break down the best options based on your personal preferences and highlight ongoing promotions, which will make the overall process less stressful.

However, you must vet any agent and agency before booking to ensure they are reputable and experienced. I've been using MEI Travel for years and continue to book with them due to their professionalism and level of expertise. 

Choose your cruise ship based on what is important to you

With 29 ships in the fleet, it's easy to get overwhelmed by the number of options. 

Some vessels, like Oasis and Icon Class ships, feature world-class entertainment venues, multiple dining options, innovative amenities, and unique stateroom options that cater to a wide range of interests. 

On the other hand, Vision and Radiance Class vessels focus on a more intimate, traditional cruise experience. 

However, that means that newer ships are more expensive. If you aren't interested in water slides, surfing simulators, or ice skating rinks, you may be better off choosing an older vessel and saving money. 

At the end of the day, choosing the right Royal Caribbean cruise ship comes down to your personal preferences. 

Book as early as possible to guarantee your preferred stateroom category

If you are eyeing a certain cruise cabin, you'll want to book as far in advance as possible. This is especially true for suites and ADA-accessible rooms. They are limited in number compared to standard staterooms and can sell out quickly. 

Suites come with added perks such as priority boarding, private sun decks and dining rooms, and more spacious accommodations. As such, they are highly desirable for travelers looking to elevate their cruise experience.

The same applies to ADA-accessible staterooms, which are designed to meet accessibility needs with wider doorways, roll-in showers, lowered sinks, and more. However, there are only a handful of ADA-accessible rooms on each ship.

Other cabin considerations include connecting rooms for families, certain locations (like near the middle of the vessel), and specific family layouts. 

Get travel insurance

Travel insurance is something you want to buy but hope you never have to use. While yes, it does provide crucial international medical coverage, it also protects you in other, more common situations. 

For example, if your flight gets delayed and you miss your cruise ship, travel insurance can help cover the cost of catching up to the ship at the next port (if possible). Alternatively, it may cover lodging and transportation expenses.

It's also beneficial when it comes to luggage issues. If your airline loses your suitcase, travel insurance may reimburse you for things like clothing, toiletries, and medications. 

Book your Royal Caribbean cruise add ons in advance

After you've placed the deposit for your cruise vacation, you can begin browsing add-ons through Royal Caribbean's Cruise Planner. This includes shore excursions, drink packages, specialty restaurants, spa treatments, internet packages, arcade credits, and more.

Generally speaking, add-ons are cheaper when you buy them in advance, as Royal Caribbean offers pre-cruise discounts that are not available once you’re on the ship. Sometimes, these discounts can be as great as 30% to 40% off drink packages! 

The discounts vary. However, if you see an add-on for a price you like, don't wait to book it. If the price later drops, you can always cancel and re-book with no penalty. 

You don't have to book a shore excursion in every port

While Royal Caribbean's shore excursion program offers a variety of organized tours, you’re not required to book one in every port. In fact, some destinations are easy to explore on your own. 

For example, if your ship is calling at St. Maarten, it's easy to find the taxi stand and hop on a shared ride to Maho Beach, rather than booking a tour through Royal. By going this route, you'll save money and have more flexibility with your schedule. 

However, when it comes to destinations that are farther from the cruise pier or have limited transportation options, you're usually better off booking through Royal Caribbean, such as if you want to visit Rome when in Civitavecchia. 

Read more: 4 shore excursions weren't as glamorous in real life

Is the drink package worth it on a cruise?

Before automatically assuming you need a drink package, it’s important to consider your personal drinking habits. 

For some, the Deluxe Beverage Package is a good deal, allowing unlimited access to alcoholic beverages, specialty coffees, fresh-squeezed juices, bottled water, and more. 

However, it's not cheap, and if you don't think you can consume at least 5 to 9 alcoholic beverages per day, it might not be worth the investment. 

For example, if the going rate for the drink package on the Cruise Planner is $65 per day, you'd need to drink at least 5 $14 cocktails per day. You could also consume 9 $7.49 beers. 

You don't have to default to the Deluxe Beverage Package, either. Royal Caribbean has two non-alcoholic drink packages that can be a better fit for some travelers. 

The Refreshment Package includes non-alcoholic beverages like specialty coffees, fresh juices, sodas, and bottled water, while the Classic Soda Package only includes unlimited fountain drinks.

These packages are cheaper than the Deluxe one, too. For example, depending on the sale, the Royal Refreshment Package can cost anywhere from $32.00 to $42.00 per day. The soda package generally comes in at around $9.99 to $18.00 per day. 

Read more: I spent $600 on Royal Caribbean’s beverage package

Know what you can and can't bring on board

Royal Caribbean, like every other cruise line, has a list of prohibited items that guests cannot bring on board. Items range from common household appliances like extension cords, steamers, kettles, and coffee makers to dangerous weapons and illegal drugs.

That said, you can bring food and drinks on — with certain restrictions. For example, you are allowed to bring packaged dry snacks, such as chips, nuts, and candy. Cooked food, however, is not permitted. 

Likewise, Royal Caribbean allows each guest over the legal drinking age to bring one 750ml bottle of wine or champagne with them on embarkation day only. Beer, hard seltzers, pre-made cocktails, and hard liquor are on the prohibited list, though. 

Check in as early as you can

Royal Caribbean’s online check-in process opens 45 days before your cruise departure date. Checking in as soon as you can gives you the best chance of securing an early arrival time at the terminal, as they're the most desirable. 

Earlier arrival times can help you get on the ship sooner, meaning you can start exploring the ship and enjoy lunch before the masses roll in. It's also just a nice feeling to spend most of embarkation day on the ship, rather than waiting in an airport hotel. 

Another advantage of completing your check-in as soon as it's available is that you're less likely to forget. Those who don't complete online check-in may face longer wait times at the terminal since all your information has to be manually verified on-site. 

Head to Adventure Ocean ASAP

Speaking of embarkation day, families with younger children should make Adventure Ocean one of their first stops after they've boarded the ship.

Royal Caribbean's complimentary youth program is popular for a reason, offering a wide range of supervised activities, from arts and crafts and science experiments to video games and more. 

The best way to ensure that your kiddos don't miss out on any of the fun is to complete registration on embarkation day. Plus, this will give you a chance to tour the facilities and see what's offered on your specific cruise ship. 

Skip the buffet on embarkation day for a more laid-back lunch experience

Another great embarkation day tip is to skip the ever-popular Windjammer buffet. While the seemingly endless options might seem tempting, the problem is that nearly everyone else has the same idea. As a result, the buffet is often packed during the first few hours of embarkation day. 

Instead, I'd recommend checking out other options, such as the Park Café, El Loco Fresh, Boardwalk Dog House, or Sorrento's Pizza. For those who don't mind splurging, enjoying a specialty lunch can be a relaxing way to kick off your vacation and avoid the crowds. 

Reservations can be made ahead of time on the Cruise Planner and are highly recommended. However, you can always stop by on embarkation day and see if there's an opening.  

Don't be afraid to ask for help with a problem

Finally, don't be afraid to go to Guest Services if something doesn't go according to plan. Whether it's a dining reservation issue, a stateroom concern, or a billing discrepancy, you'll find that Royal Caribbean crew members are more than willing to help — you just have to reach out.

Based on my experiences from over 30 cruises, I've found that most issues can be resolved pretty quickly when they're brought to the attention of the crew members. Too often, first-time cruisers spend their vacation frustrated by a minor issue without realizing that a simple visit to Guest Services could solve it in a few minutes. 

Also, Royal Caribbean loves feedback because it lets them know how to improve the guest experience. As such, even if an issue can't be resolved during your particular sailing (i.e., if you felt the dining room service was slow or the food was mediocre), it's still worth sharing your thoughts to help future sailors. 

Royal Caribbean's Royal Amplified program revitalizes older, outdated ships by refitting them with many of the same attractions, amenities, and experiences found on the line's newest ships. But have you ever wondered how these ambitious projects materialize? 

For Royal Caribbean, innovation has always been at the heart of ship design, whether that's creating brand-new ship classes or upgrading existing hardware. 

"If you look at every generation of ship that we introduce, we perpetually innovate and create," says Michael Bayley, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean International. 

"We're always pushing the envelope; we're always adding new experiences and features; we're always focused on the customer experience; we're always making sure that we really are delivering something phenomenal." 

(Credit: Royal Caribbean International)

Bayley describes Royal Caribbean's mindset as a balance between "revolution, evolution, and tradition." Tradition focuses on the experiences that cruise fans adore, like the nautical Schooner Bar, while evolution enhances existing favorites to keep them fresh. 

Finally, revolution introduces radically new and innovative concepts to the industry, such as the Crown's Edge attraction aboard Icon Class ships. 

Royal Caribbean's Royal Amplified program integrates all three principles to enhance the overall guest experience and ensure older vessels continue serving as sought-after vacation destinations for years to come. 

(Credit: Royal Caribbean International)

In the cruise line's latest "Engineering the Experience" press video, they give an overview of just how much work goes into a Royal Amplification project.

"Royal Amplified is a program that allows us to take all of that innovation and move it back to the ships that actually were introduced into the market before they had taken place," explains Darren Dudden, the Director of Product Development for Royal Caribbean International. 

"We have so much innovation that we've continued to bring to the cruise experience, that now we have a lot that we're going to add back in."

The goal is to modernize the ship and keep the guest experience fresh

(Credit: Royal Caribbean International)

According to Jay Schneider, Senior Vice President and Chief Product Innovation Officer of Royal Caribbean International, nearly everything has evolved in one way or another. 

There are so many new and revolutionary experiences aboard their fleet, ranging from food and beverage concepts to water attractions, entertainment options, and other adrenaline-pumping thrills.

"We're looking to take our ship and completely modernize it by understanding what it is that our guests are looking for, and we start the process by asking questions," says Daniella Hoffman, AVP of Product Development for Royal Caribbean International. 

Work begins long before a ship enters the dock

(Credit: Royal Caribbean International)

When the time arrives, cruise ships head to specialized shipyards around the world, including facilities in Freeport, Bahamas; Brest, France; Cádiz, Spain; Marseille, France; and Tuas, Singapore.

However, long before a ship arrives at the shipyard, teams are already hard at work developing plans, designing new spaces, and coordinating the complex logistics of installing everything on a tight timeline. For example, prefabrication and preconstruction begin as much as eight months in advance. 

"We don't just take piece parts to the ship and then install them. We do as much prefabrication as we can. We plan dry docks on a five-year sequence, so we're planning this a long, long way ahead," explains Kevin Douglas, VP of Technical Project Newbuild for Royal Caribbean International.

(Credit: Royal Caribbean International)

The dry dock teams are ready before the ship's engines shut off, too. Sometimes, demolition begins before the vessel even reaches the dry dock, and a lot of preparation goes into protecting areas that aren't getting a facelift. 

Douglas continues by talking about how important coordination and collaboration are, particularly with more than 2,000 people working on board the ship at the same time.

There can be as many as 7,500 tasks that must be carefully planned, sequenced, and executed within a tight timeframe, each requiring logistics and the materials to support it.

(Credit: Royal Caribbean International)

"A big project can have anywhere between 1,200 [and] almost 2,000 containers worth of material. And we're looking at production rates of about 2.5% per day... We look to only have about a day and a half of material on board to match the production," he says. 

Moving on, many projects require the total amount of time the ship is out of service to be completed. Sometimes, certain projects, like new accommodations, are actually finished up in service. 

According to Douglas, smaller tasks can often be completed in around ten days or two weeks, and the team works to keep the S-curve as flat as possible.

(Credit: Royal Caribbean International)

This ensures that not everyone starts and finishes at the same time, which helps to smooth out the workload and improve efficiency across the ship's Royal Amplification dry dock process.

From construction zone to a revitalized vacation destination

(Credit: Royal Caribbean International)

After around two months in dry dock, the ship's Royal Amplification transformation is complete.

Spaces are cleaned and prepared for guests; restaurants are set with tableware and cutlery; and bars are stocked and tested.

Although guests only see the finished result, the cruise line's Royal Amplified program represents years of planning and thousands of hours of work — and all of this requires ingenuity, problem-solving, and a great deal of teamwork across every level of the company. 

Royal Caribbean Amplification schedule

(Credit: Royal Caribbean International)

Here's a quick rundown of which ships have been amplified and which are on the docket for future renovations. 

• Independence of the Seas (COMPLETED 2018)
• Mariner of the Seas (COMPLETED 2018)
• Navigator of the Seas (COMPLETED 2019)
• Voyager of the Seas (COMPLETED 2019)
• Oasis of the Seas (COMPLETED 2019)
• Freedom of the Seas (COMPLETED 2020)

(Credit: Royal Caribbean International)

• Allure of the Seas (COMPLETED 2025)
• Ovation of the Seas (COMPLETED 2026)
• Harmony of the Seas (COMPLETED 2026)
• Liberty of the Seas (COMPLETED 2026)
• Explorer of the Seas (INDEFINITELY POSTPONED)
• Adventure of the Seas (INDEFINITELY POSTPONED)

If you cruise enough, you start to see patterns and some passengers do things on ships that I wish they wouldn't do.

When I was on one of Royal Caribbean's smallest ships recently, I saw one person reserve an entire row of pool chairs just after dawn, but their family didn't arrive until a few hours later.

Chair hogs are a classic example of things people do on a cruise ship that just make you shake your head and wonder why.  

After more than 20 years of taking Royal Caribbean cruises around North America and Europe, here are seven things I wish passengers would stop doing.

Vaping where they're not supposed to

I can count on there being a few people who vape in places they aren't supposed to on every cruise I take.

Since a vape is easier to conceal than a cigarette, some people sneak a quick one in and then exhale the vapor into their shirt, to the side, or somewhere else they think won't be noticed.

Royal Caribbean's rules about vaping are clear, and it can only be done in designated locations. 

Similarly, I've seen plenty of people smoking on their balcony, especially marijuana. The distinct smell carries and it ruins the balcony experience for everyone else.

In both cases, it's against Royal Caribbean's rules and a nuisance to other passengers.

Bringing fake service animals on ships

Royal Caribbean only allows service animals, not emotional support animals or pets, to be brought on a cruise ship. And yet, some people clearly sneak their pets on anyway.

They buy a "service animal" harness online, and then pass it off as such.  But you can tell they're not certified service animals because they're transported in carriers, bark at passengers, are fed from the table, and other things service animals aren't supposed to do.

Unfortunately, Royal Caribbean can't do much because privacy laws prohibit them from asking for proof of a disability.

It's one of those things that is not only against the cruise line rules, but also very selfish.  And it disparages those with legitimate disabilities and real service animals.

Dragging their luggage around on embarkation day

Not everything on this list are passengers breaking the rules. When I see people dragging their luggage instead of checking it with a porter, I question why they're starting off their cruise painfully.

Some passengers don't check their luggage with the porters to have it delivered to their stateroom at the terminal. Instead, they bring it onboard themselves.

I'm not talking about the people that travel light and have a small suitcase. I'm talking about the family that is literally pushing their giant suitcases all around the ship until their cabin opens at 1:00pm.

It seems like an arduous task that doesn't have to happen.  

Yes, you should tip the porter a dollar or two per bag.  And while there is a chance your luggage could be delayed or even lost, as often as I cruise, I'd say it's a very rare occurrence (especially the latter).

Watching videos or listening to music without using headphones

It amazes me when someone watches a video or conducts a video call without any headphones so everyone around them is forced to hear it.

It's been my experience that there are many more video calls occurring without headphones in public places than people watching a video or listening to music.

United Airlines recently added a rule to kick passengers off a plane that refuse to use headphones, which adds credence to the issue at hand.

Suffice to say, no one wants to hear your whole conversation on speakerphone.

Being late on shore excursions

It seems like any group shore excursion I take, there's one family that's inevitably late getting back to the agreed upon meeting time.

Even when I went on an ultra-luxury cruise line this happened to me, and it not only slows down the pace and schedule of the group, but it's disrespectful to everyone else's time.

While sometimes it is an unforeseen circumstance, most often it's someone who unapologetically arrives late because they took more time to sight see.

Always plan to return well before the time you're supposed to be there so you can account for delays.

Taking up seats in the casino

It's natural to want to watch a family member or friend gamble try to win it big in the casino, but onlookers need to free up a chair as soon as someone else approaches to want to play too.

Cruise ship casinos are small, so seating is limited. There's nothing wrong with sitting down in an empty seat, but once you do that, I think that person should instantly jump up if another player comes nearby and has that look of wanting to play.

Royal Caribbean's rules state that chairs are for players only.  In fact, at the table games the dealers usually won't even allow someone not playing to sit down. But at the slot machines, the rule is less enforced.

Elevator etiquette

There are two important things not to do at any elevator, including on cruise ships.

First, is respect who was waiting there first.  This is an inexact science, but at least give the people that were already in the elevator lobby the chance to get on the elevator before you.

If they're aloof or not paying attention, that's on them. But give them the opportunity to get onboard since they were waiting longer than you.

Second, stand to the side when an elevator door opens.  Let everyone out, and then get onboard.

Seems like a simple thing, but you squeezing in while there people at the back of the elevator car trying to exit slows everyone down.

The Royal Caribbean crew member who was sentenced to 30 years in prison after placing hidden cameras in guests' staterooms is now facing local charges. 

Arvin Joseph Mirasol, 36, a former cabin steward from the Philippines, was arrested in March 2024 after a passenger aboard Symphony of the Seas reported finding a camera in their bathroom. The concealed device was discovered when the guest reached under the sink to grab a new roll of toilet paper. 

He was detained upon the vessel's arrival in Port Everglades, Florida, where authorities seized his electronic devices and found videos of women undressing, as well as child pornography, dating back to December 2023.

One video was of a young girl around the age of ten undressing and showering, as reported by Local 10, with her genitals "clearly visible" and "the focus of the video." 

Authorities also said they found multiple voyeurism-related searches on Mirasol's phone, including "teen on bed."

In August 2024, Mirasol was sentenced to 30 years in prison after pleading guilty in federal court to producing child pornography.

Mirasol is now expected to appear in a Broward County courtroom on June 15 to face local charges for a change of plea hearing, according to NBC Miami. 

Based on the news article, he faces nine counts of digital voyeurism and was booked into Broward's main jail on Monday.

One lawsuit suggests that as many as 960 passengers could have been affected by Mirasol's actions

In October 2024, one passenger, who was identified as Jane Doe of New Hampshire, filed a class action lawsuit alleging that she was filmed by a hidden camera in her cabin's bathroom.

The lawsuit accused Mirasol of recording Doe "while undressed and engaged in private activities." It further claimed that the images were later uploaded and shared on the internet.

The plaintiff claims to have suffered severe emotional distress with physical symptoms like sweating, nausea, insomnia, dizziness, and crying. She lives in constant fear of the videos being viewed by others and being used for illicit purposes, too. 

The lawsuit holds Royal Caribbean responsible for failing to provide sufficient security, training, or supervision to prevent sexual assaults. 

Additionally, the lawsuit claims that Royal Caribbean did not warn guests about the risk of such crimes and failed to notify passengers who stayed in staterooms serviced by Mirasol.

The complaint suggests that Mirasol's potential victims could include as many as 960 passengers, based on an estimate of up to 12 cruises, 20 passenger cabins per sailing, and up to four occupants per cabin.

Symphony of the Seas facts

At the time of the incident, Symphony of the Seas sailed from Port Everglades (Fort Lauderdale), Florida, on seven-night voyages to the Eastern and Western Caribbean. 

Since then, the 228,081 gross registered ton ship relocated to Galveston, Texas, where she currently offers six- to eight-night Western Caribbean cruises to ports like Cozumel, Mexico; Costa Maya, Mexico; and Roatán, Honduras. 

As one of the largest cruise ships in the world, Symphony of the Seas can accommodate over 5,500 guests at double occupancy in 2,759 staterooms.

She comes in 1,188 feet long, 215 feet wide, and is home to 2,200 international crew members. Symphony of the Seas embarked on her maiden voyage on April 7, 2018, and was built at the Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France. 

Amenities include Royal Caribbean's award-winning Adventure Ocean kids' club, a mini-golf course, AquaTheater, adults-only Solarium, Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade, Perfect Storm waterslides, Copper & Kettle pub, two FlowRiders, and more.