Royal Caribbean Blog

Happy Sunday! We are so happy that you stopped by and hope you are having a wonderful weekend. Grab a mug of your favorite hot beverage, sit back, and check out the latest cruise news.

Royal Caribbean has big plans for 2026, and you ought to know what to expect in the coming next year.

Between new ships, new destinations, and new updates, there's going to be a lot happening by the time we reach the end of the year.

I think it will be a transitional year, setting up an even bigger 2027.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Beach Club in Nassau will open even earlier than expected
• Royal Caribbean cruise ship stuck in New York Harbor because of powerful nor’easter
• The pros and cons of balcony cruise ship cabins
• Inside cabin on Oasis of the Seas room tour
• The 5 best rooms on a cruise ship after trying them all
• I took my first Royal Caribbean cruise. Two days on one of the world's largest ships wasn't enough
• Royal Caribbean has the best entertainment in the industry — and it's not even close

New Video: The most unpredictable cruise I've ever taken

Have you subscribed to the Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube Channel? We share some great videos there regularly, all about taking a Royal Caribbean cruise! This week, we are sharing our latest video — The most unpredictable cruise I've ever taken — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Sneak peek at the new Royal Railway restaurant

Matt was invited to Royal Caribbean headquarters for a first look at the Royal Railway restaurant that is coming to Legend of the Seas.

The immersive train car experience is unlike any other specialty restaurant.

This is an all new theme that follows the journey of Marco Polo, and it includes food from five different countries.

Oasis of the Seas ship review

How does Oasis of the Seas compare to newer ships that have come since?

Matt sailed for 7-nights on the original game changing ship and shared what's great about it, and what he missed from other ships.

Oasis remains a fabulous cruise ship choice, and also has a number of enhancements that still stand out.

What I wish I packed for my cruise

We asked our readers what's one thing they regretted not bringing with them on their cruise.

It's common to go on a cruise and either notice they forgot something or quickly realize they should have brought something with them.

Between the ordinary and "I wish I thought of that", we compiled a list of what cruisers wish they brought onboard.

Famous Royal Caribbean cruise ship now looks like a ghost ship

Majesty of the Seas was sold off in 2020, and while it's still intact, it looks to be in general disrepair.

During the cruise industry shutdown, Royal Caribbean found a buyer for Majesty.  

But nothing has been done with the ship since.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 579th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available at all our links.

In this episode, Matt and Beci share what they liked and didn't like about Oasis of the Seas.

Please feel free to subscribe via YouTube, iTunes or RSS, and head over to rate and review the podcast on iTunes if you can! We’d appreciate it.

Balcony cabins are the most popular type of cruise ship room because they offer a mix of additional living space and a private outdoor space.

Having natural light and an outdoor area just for you makes them an attractive option for many cruisers.

Those added benefits come with a higher price when compared to an inside room. Sometimes the cost difference can be substantial.

Let's go over the pros and cons of balcony rooms and consider which option might be best for different kind of cruisers.

Why should I get a balcony cabin?

First, let's review the advantages of a balcony room over an inside room.

Balcony rooms have more living space

Compared to an inside room, moving up to a balcony will get you a bigger room and the private space of the balcony.

Because cruise ship rooms are usually smaller than hotel rooms you might be used to on land, every square foot of living space matters.

In an inside room you'll often do a shuffle in order to get from one side of the room to another, but that's less an issue with a balcony.

And of course more living space makes a big difference if you're sharing the cabin with other people.  Families opting to put 3 or 4 passengers in the same room will appreciate any extra space they can get.

Having your own balcony means not competing with anyone

The balcony itself is the top reason to book this type of stateroom, and it's a great perk.

When you have your own balcony, it's your own little retreat to enjoy the views as your ship sails, get a view of sail away, or enjoy outdoor space at your leisure. Plus, you can enjoy the view from inside your room too.

Best of all, you don't have to worry about someone else taking your seat.

Could be better if you're worried about motion sickness

Some people swear by booking balcony rooms if they are sensitive to motion sickness.

I've heard from other cruisers that having a balcony makes it easier to acclimate if the motion of the ocean starts to get to them. Being able to see the horizon and get fresh air are two strategies for reducing the effect of seasickness.

While there are plenty of other ways to avoid getting seasick, a balcony room offers a convenient way to readjust yourself should you start to feel off.

Why shouldn't I get a balcony cabin?

All the pros aside, there's still an extra cost associated with upgrading to a balcony. Here are some of the considerations to be mindful of.

How much time will you really spend in your room?

One truth of cruising is there is so much to do around your Royal Caribbean ship, so you may end up just using your stateroom as a place to sleep, shower, and change clothes.

If you're going to be out and about enjoying the ship, why spend extra on a balcony room?  

Sure, it's nice to have a balcony, but if you aren't in the room to take advantage of it, then you're paying for something you won't really use.

The price difference between a balcony and interior room can be a lot

Sometimes the difference in price to move up to a balcony can be a lot.

While I love balcony cabins, I wouldn't pay any price for them.  If an interior room is hundreds of dollars cheaper, you can make the argument that money is better spent on other things.

You'll often see the balcony price gap significantly higher on destination focused itineraries, such as Alaska. When demand is higher for balcony rooms because everyone has the notion to get one to enjoy the scenery, it drives up the price.

How much is too much? That depends on your budget, but all the benefits of a balcony stateroom can't make up for a room cost that's too expensive.

Not all balcony rooms are the same

Royal Caribbean offers balcony rooms that go beyond an ocean view, and that may not be to your liking.

Some of the bigger Royal Caribbean ships have balconies that face inwards to one of the public areas. 

You still get the same private balcony, but it faces into these areas. Not only can people in these neighborhoods see you, but there are balcony rooms on the opposite side of the ship facing you. 

In addition to a lack of privacy, neighborhood balcony rooms can be louder than ocean balconies.

From people taking, to parties, to shows, there will be a certain level of noise that can be heard.  The noise issue is really only an issue on the actual balcony, as the stateroom does a good job of muffling the sounds in my experience.

You should also know some ocean balconies might be blocked somehow by an object.

The cruise line calls these obstructed balconies, and it's often the kind of balcony room you might get if you book a guarantee balcony room.

The issue with obstructed view balcony rooms is you don't have a full range of view to see from your balcony.  Depending on what percentage your view is blocked, this may or may not be an issue.

You can't smoke on your balcony

Just in case you're thinking to book a balcony to have a convenient place to smoke, that isn't allowed.

Royal Caribbean banned smoking in your cabin or on balcony rooms many years ago. Instead, there are designated smoking areas on the ship.

You'll be charged a $250 cleaning fee if you're caught smoking there.

Our advice

A balcony room is a great stateroom for almost any cruise, but it's not necessarily a slam dunk choice every time.

If the extra cost to move up to a balcony room isn't too high, I think it's a great room choice for most cruisers.  Who wouldn't want a bigger room and easy access to outdoor space?

I'd caution against letting Royal Caribbean pick your balcony room if you're at all concerned about getting an obstructed view or neighborhood balcony. This is more an issue for new cruisers who aren't used to these rooms.

Royal Caribbean has big plans for 2026, some of which will fundamentally shape the future of the cruise industry.

Royal Caribbean is in the midst of a building spree, with new ships and land destinations opening, and 2026 should be a catalyst for moving those plans forward.

Coming on the heels of launching Star of the Seas and its first beach club that will have opened in December 2025, we already have big things to look forward to in the new year.

Here are five big changes that we know about already for Royal Caribbean in 2026 that you should be tracking now. 

Legend of the Seas launches

We will get a brand new Royal Caribbean cruise ship in 2026 when Legend of the Seas joins the fleet.

The third Icon Class ship will have its first sailing July 11, 2026, and sail in the Mediterranean for the summer.

Then Legend moves across the Atlantic to call Port Everglades (Fort Lauderdale) home for the winter, with the first North American sailing November 9th.

A brand new cruise ship is always a big deal because it not only adds a new option, but comes with new changes and innovations.

If you're shopping for a 2026 cruise, it's hard to overlook a new ship because it's the latest and greatest.

Royal Caribbean will feature a number of new offerings:

• Roald Dahl’s "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" musical
• Royal Railway Legend Station
• Hollywoodland Supper Club
• Reimagined Surfside
• New Aquadome Market options

Expect a lot of fanfare for the launch.

New beach club opens in Cozumel, Mexico

The second Royal Beach Club is set to open in the second half of 2026.

The first will open at the very end of 2025 in Nassau, Bahamas, but then work will shift to get the Royal Beach Club Cozumel open in December 2026.

Cozumel's beach club is all about providing the best day in the beach or pool, with lots of sun, food, and culture too. There are two heated pools, plus a fabulous beach.

All Royal Beach Clubs have an extra cost to go to them. Think of it like a shore excursion that's built and run by Royal Caribbean.

Located about 10 minutes away from where cruise ships dock in Cozumel, you'll be able to access it by bus, taxi and water transportation as well.

There will be a pool with a swim-up bar, along with a side that's toes in the sand that stretches over to the beach.

Full details haven't been released yet, but the cruise line is adamant this will deliver the best beach day.

Three cruise ships will get major upgrades

Royal Caribbean is reinvesting in its fleet by giving three ships the Royal Amplified treatment.

In early 2026, these vessels will go out of service for about a month to get upgraded:

• Ovation of the Seas
• Harmony of the Seas
• Liberty of the Seas

This means there will be restaurants, activities, suites, and even new suites on each ship.  The purpose is to bring each of them up to the standard set by newer ships.

The reason to be excited for these changes is it will truly enhance these ships. As newer ships come out, it can feel like older ships fall behind. But amplification work, like this, can make a big difference.

A return to Labadee?

We're crossing our fingers that Royal Caribbean ships will be able to return to Labadee again in 2026.

The cruise line halted all visits to its private beach spot in Haiti since April 2025, and it cancelled future stops until at least May 2026.

The issue is the civil unrest that's been plaguing the country, and the cruise line feels it's best to skip visits until the situation improves.

The change was made "in an abundance of caution" according to the cruise line, but there's no indication if visits will resume.

While this isn't the first time Labadee has been shut down due to problems in the country, it is the longest duration of continuously skipping visits.

If you have a cruise booked that is scheduled to visit Labadee, I would caution there's a chance your stop could be cancelled. Cruises that previously included Labadee have been re-rerouted to places like Turks & Caicos, Grand Cayman, or Cozumel.

However, I'm hopeful we'll see ships going back sometime in 2026.

A new homeport in SoCal

There will be a new homeport in California when Royal Caribbean starts sailing from San Diego.

Beginning in October 2026, Serenade of the Seas will offer a variety of sailings down to Ensenada, Mexico and the Mexican Riviera. Serenade will also visit La Paz, a new stop for the line.

Up until now, Royal Caribbean has only used Los Angeles (San Pedro) as its homeport in California.

Although I prefer balcony cabins, I didn't think a private verandah was worth the extra money on a 2-night sailing aboard one of the world's biggest cruise ships. 

Royal Caribbean has begun leaning more into the short cruise market with 3- and 4-night sailings to its award-winning private island in The Bahamas. However, they rarely offer 2-night getaways.

As such, I was intrigued by a somewhat rare opportunity to take a 2-night cruise, especially on a ship as large as Oasis of the Seas. With limited time onboard, I knew most of my time would be spent exploring the ship, rather than relaxing on a balcony. 

Costing $724.98 for two people (including taxes, port fees, and gratuities), the inside cabin wasn't cheap. In fact, we spent more on flights from Charlotte to Fort Lauderdale! 

Still, paying extra for a balcony stateroom seemed like a waste of money. For this particular sailing, I knew we'd get the most value from enjoying the ship's amenities and Perfect Day at CocoCay. 

Oasis of the Seas is a destination in and of itself, with sprawling neighborhoods, countless dining options, unique entertainment, and adrenaline-pumping activities. She was updated in 2019 to feature newer amenities, too. Now, guests can enjoy the Ultimate Abyss dry slide, Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade, the Perfect Storm water slides, and more. 

Having spent over 50 nights on Oasis Class ships, I knew what to expect onboard. However, my travel partner was embarking on her first-ever cruise — and this was the perfect introduction. 

Our two days on Oasis of the Seas were jam-packed from the moment we set foot on the ship. As such, we were only in the room to sleep and shower, which is what I figured.

I don't regret saving money and staying in a windowless inside cabin — it was perfect for our quick Bahamian getaway! 

What to expect from Oasis of the Seas rooms: inside cabin review

It's no surprise that the newer the ship, the nicer the cabin. Staterooms on ships like Wonder of the Seas and Icon of the Seas have better storage options, modern designs, and smart features like bedside outlets. 

Throughout her 15+ years in service, Royal Caribbean has kept Oasis of the Seas up to par through regular refurbishments and upgrades. However, the staterooms are nearly identical to how they were when the ship debuted in 2009.

There's room for the essentials, though. The layout maximizes the space to comfortably fit a bed, desk, loveseat, coffee table, and two nightstands. 

In fact, I was surprised by how spacious room #12153 was. Earlier this year, I sailed on Wonder of the Seas, and my tiny interior stateroom barely had room for an extra chair! 

Comparatively, my cabin on Oasis of the Seas had a nicely sized sofa, which is where we kept our suitcases during our 2-night cruise. 

While I typically unpack as soon as possible, it was unnecessary on such a short cruise. That said, storage space was abundant, so those on longer voyages won't have trouble settling in.

Some may think that older Oasis Class ships don't have a lot of storage, but between the closet, built-in shelves, drawers, and vanity area, there's more than enough room for two people. 

Another difference compared to newer ships is that these cabins lack outlets. Unlike my inside staterooms on Wonder and Symphony of the Seas, the only outlets on Oasis are found near the vanity. 

Moreover, they are just standard American and European plugs — no USB or USB-C options. If you like to have your phone charge beside the bed, make sure you bring a portable charger (or a really, really long cable). 

As an older ship, there was no key slot by the door to power the cabin's electricity, either. Instead, there was one master switch button that had to be left on for the lights and air conditioning to work. 

Although not necessarily as environmentally friendly as newer ships, we never had to worry about accidentally leaving our SeaPass in the cabin when we left. 

Speaking of air conditioning, our stateroom stayed surprisingly cold for the entire sailing. I've sailed in some cabins where, even when the thermostat was at its lowest, the room never felt very cool. 

Aside from those minor differences (i.e, fewer outlets, dated design, less storage, and a master power switch), the cabin had the same amenities as newer ships. 

For example, the mini-fridge kept our two bottles of wine cool; the television worked fine; and the beds were just as comfortable as other ships. 

(You can always ask for a mattress topper or extra pillows if you're a particular sleeper and need a plush bed.) 

Finally, one thing I love about older Oasis Class bathrooms is how spacious they feel. They aren't as cramped as other bathrooms on ships like Wonder of the Seas. 

That's not to say they feel as large as my master bathroom with dual sinks and a walk-in closet at home, but for a cruise ship, the bathroom in my inside cabin on Oasis of the Seas was roomy. 

The bathroom was well-maintained, and that extended to the shower itself. Like other Royal Caribbean ships, the shower had the same 2-in-1 shampoo-body wash hybrid and small toiletries shelf.

Read more: I always pack two things for my cruise bathroom that I'll thank myself for later

However, I was pleasantly surprised with the two hooks inside the shower, which were perfect for hanging our wet swimsuits after spending the day ashore at CocoCay. 

These were in addition to the hooks on the back of the bathroom door. I never travel without my hanging toiletries organizer and would have been disappointed if the only hooks were inside the shower. 

Additionally, the shower pressure was strong, and I loved seeing how clean the showerhead was.

There wasn't any noticeable lime scale buildup or discoloration. In fact, the showerhead looked brand new!

I would book another interior stateroom on Oasis of the Seas again

Cruise ships are floating cities with endless dining and entertainment all under one roof. Oasis and Icon Class ships, especially, take cruising to another level with their size, variety of venues, and onboard activities.

Inside cabins are a great way to cruise on a budget. If you're hardly in your stateroom (like I was on Oasis of the Seas), you don't have to splurge on a balcony cabin. 

With so much happening around the ship, from live music to karaoke, AquaTheater performances, mini-golf tournaments, game shows, and more, your stateroom is a place to recharge and shower.

I think it's smarter to spend the extra money on add-ons like shore excursions and specialty meals. 

Royal Caribbean announced it will add its second immersive dining experience on its newest Icon Class ship, and we have an early look at what you can expect.

Royal Railway – Legend Station is one of the big changes coming to Legend of the Seas when it launches in 2026. It's the follow-up to the original restaurant first opened on Utopia of the Seas where passengers can dine in a full-size rail car that looks and feels like a real train. This is a specialty restaurant that has a cover charge.

The experience relies on digital screens built into the windows, sophisticated sounds and vibrations, and crew members acting as conductors to weave together a story.

This time, there's a brand new story, destination, and menu to go with it. It's called "Silk Routes", and it traces the journey of famed explorer Marco Polo from China back to Italy.

There are stops in multiple countries, each country representing a course on the menu.

Having tried the Wild West version already, Royal Caribbean invited me for an exclusive first look to test out its new idea at its headquarters in Miami that is still very much in development as they fine tune the final version.

Mock-up of what we can expect

Deep inside its Innovation Lab at the cruise line's headquarters, Royal Caribbean built a scale copy of the train car that will eventually be onboard Legend of the Seas.

Along with about 20 cruise line employees, I got to try out the full meal and see, taste, and hear what passengers may encounter when they get onboard the new ship. 

This is still an early version of the restaurant, and the purpose of this test is to not only ensure the effects, crew members, and experience works like it should, but it's also an opportunity to gather feedback.

Royal Caribbean is adamant about taking guest feedback into account for the final product, and a prototype allows them to test and adjust leading right up to the ship's launch.

A journey through Asia and Europe

Silk Routes takes you half way across the world and visits five countries.

• China
• India
• Persia
• Turkey
• Italy

Each country corresponds to a course, and the cuisine is representative of those parts of the world.

We had a limited selection of food choices for this trial run, but passengers can expect a full menu when it opens on Legend.

Whether you've been to the first restaurant or not, I think your jaw will drop when the windows open and you're transported to China and each subsequent country.

In fact, I think this is the genius of Silk Routes. Because there are multiple countries and each has its own distinct look, the novelty of looking out the "windows" doesn't get old.

The digital screens rely on high definition computer renderings to portray the landscapes your train is passing by. I saw some seriously amazing vistas, such as Holi in India, Dolomites in northern Italy, or hot air balloons over Turkey. I hope these make it into the final version.

Along the way a conductor is your guide through the journey. 

The conductor not only announces which country and region you're passing by, but explains local traditions, significant landmarks, and shares some of the history too.

Your menu has not only what food choices you can pick from, but it has a map to explain where you're going.

Unlike the map from the fictitious Wild West version, this one is rooted in reality. Each region has an explanation of its history and what drew Marco Polo there in the first place.

More immersion

Besides the part of the world you're visiting, one change you should expect is less schtick with the conductors.

The conductor this time around is here to narrate, not act. 

It relies more heavily on great food and great drinks, and you get to enjoy the places your train takes you. Basically, immersion is turned up with Silk Routes.

Where Wild West was very family centric, I think Silk Routes will be more of an experience you'd want to go for to celebrate a special occasion or simply enjoy an evening out doing something special.

That isn't to say kids wouldn't enjoy this too, but don't expect a story telling aspect akin to the Wild West show.

Taking the food tour

In our preview, we got an idea Royal Caribbean has for the menu when Royal Railway – Legend Station opens.

There's a brand new menu, but don't assume anything shown on this menu will make the final cut. However, the idea is to lean into each region's rich culinary history to offer options from each.

We got to try Hoisin Duck Egg Rolls from China, Potato Chop from India, and more. Keep in mind the food was prepped with a ghost kitchen, so this is simply to give you an idea of the direction Royal Caribbean is leaning towards.

Hoisin Duck Egg Rolls

I hope the Potato Chop and Adana Kebab make the final menu, because they were incredibly tasty.

Potato Chop

Adana Kebab

As a fan of Indian food, I love Royal Caribbean is finally giving us a specialty restaurant that serves curry, biryani, and more.

When the restaurant opens, I'll have a hard time choosing between the various options.

Limone

Speaking of choices, this early version of the menu seems to have many more options to pick than the Wild West menu. I'm all for variety, so I'd love to see that stay on as well.

The new must-do restaurant?

When Royal Railway opened on Utopia of the Seas, it was instantly sold out and I think the version coming to Legend will be an even hotter ticket.

Not only is this the second version of the restaurant, but it's substantially different in the approach. I think that will get a lot of cruisers wanting to try Silk Routes, whether they've done Wild West or not.

Leaning into an international showcase of food is such a smart idea for Silk Routes, and it's something I think most people want. A greater variety of great food that goes well beyond "just another specialty restaurant."

The immersive factor cannot be understated with Silk Routes. Royal Caribbean designed the train restaurant to be a memory making super machine, and I think anyone dining here will be talking about it well after the check is delivered.

We don't yet know how much Royal Caribbean will charge for Silk Routes or when reservations may open for it. But when you are able to start booking it, I know I'll want to book a reservation.

A newly released video reveals that Majesty of the Seas, once a beloved icon of Royal Caribbean’s fleet, is slowly corroding in Elefsis Bay, Greece.

The new video was shared on YouTube by a channel called Maritime Memories. Using a drone to capture footage, the channel filmed Majesty of the Seas in her present-day state, and the images are haunting.

It’s hard to believe one of the world’s first mega cruise ships is now sitting silent and covered in rust. When she first joined Royal Caribbean’s fleet, Majesty of the Seas was a groundbreaking, revolutionary cruise ship. The ship was renowned for her size and design compared to other ships in the industry. 

While she doesn’t compare to Royal Caribbean’s newest Oasis and Icon class ships, Majesty of the Seas set the stage for continued innovation and cruise ship design in the 1990s. 

When she first launched, Majesty of the Seas was one of the biggest ships in the world. She featured many luxurious amenities throughout her lifetime, including two swimming pools, four whirlpools, a casino, bars, theaters, a basketball court, and a rock-climbing wall.

Majesty of the Seas once towered over the ocean with 12 decks. In 1992, she joined Royal Caribbean's fleet as the third Sovereign class vessel. She followed the successful launches of her sister ships, Monarch of the Seas and Sovereign of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean announced in 2020 that Majesty of the Seas would depart the fleet, along with Empress of the Seas. At the time, Majesty of the Seas was the last Sovereign class vessel still operating for Royal Caribbean. Eventually, Majesty of the Seas was sold to SeaJets, which is a Greek ferry operator. At the same time, Empress of the Seas was sold to an Indian cruise line, Cordelia Cruises. 

And while Majesty of the Seas was renamed to Majesty of the Oceans by her new owner, she has yet to re-enter service. Here’s what the Sovereign class vessel looks like today, including Majesty of the Seas’ important role in Royal Caribbean’s history.

Drone footage reveals Majesty of the Seas quietly deteriorating in Greece

In the four-minute YouTube video, Maritime Memories catches various angles of the deteriorating ship. Currently, Royal Caribbean’s Majesty of the Seas is docked alongside industrial tankers in the Elefsis Bay, which is close to the port city of Piraeus in Greece.

The caption of the video, which was translated from Greek, reads: “For the past five years, the cruise ship Majesty of the Oceans, formerly Majesty of the Seas, has remained anchored in Elefsis Bay, a vessel with a distinctive legacy in international cruising.”

“In 2020, the Greek ferry company Seajets, owned by Marios Iliopoulos, acquired the ship and renamed it Majesty of the Oceans. Since then, it has remained inactive, anchored in Elefsis Bay — carrying with it the weight of its long voyages and the uncertainty of its future,” continues the post.

“Despite early expectations of reactivation, the ship has remained immobilized in Elefsis, alongside other Seajets-owned vessels acquired around the same time — such as the Aegean Majesty (formerly Veendam) and Aegean Goddess (formerly Costa Magica).

The fate of Majesty of the Oceans remains uncertain. Although the vessel represents an important piece of maritime history, its prolonged inactivity in Elefsis raises questions about its future — and the prospects for its revival now appear increasingly remote,” states the YouTube video caption.

The corroding Majesty of the Oceans has remained unused for years.

Everything from the pool deck to the ship’s bow and stern can be seen in the drone footage, including many of the ship’s beloved amenities and features. As someone who personally cruised on Majesty of the Seas in 2008, it’s disheartening to see the ship’s current state.

Throughout the video, Majesty of the Seas almost appears as though she is frozen in time. Unfortunately, the vessel looks abandoned and neglected. It's clear that the ship’s new owners have left her to weather the elements with little sign of attention or care.

For instance, the once-pristine hull of the ship is now streaked with rust from bow to stern. The rust can be seen in nearly every angle of the drone video. In addition, the classic Royal Caribbean anchor can still be seen on the ship’s top deck, an ode to the vessel’s previous life.

One of the saddest moments comes when the video pans to the ship’s name on the bow. The camera focuses on the ship’s new name, Majesty of the Oceans. The words “Majesty of the” appear to remain in the original Royal Caribbean font and placement, but “Seas” has been carefully painted over with “Oceans”.

The “Oceans” font appears mismatched compared to the rest of the ship’s name. Rust can be seen prominently running down from the anchor. Additionally, paint discoloration along the ship reveals years of exposure without upkeep, and streaks of corrosion can be seen across the entire vessel.

Majesty of the Seas’ bustling pool deck now sits dull, faded, and completely empty.

Like all pool decks, Majesty of the Seas’ lido deck was once the heartbeat of the ship. You could always find cruisers competing in pool games, lounging under the sun, and listening to live music.

Now, the main pool deck lies empty aboard Majesty of the Oceans. The pool is drained while the deck is fading and sun loungers are stacked haphazardly.

More rust can be seen across the pool deck, while the once-vibrant blue and yellow pool tiles are discolored from years of exposure. We can also see the kids' waterslide and splash pad area, now faded from the harsh sun. 

In addition, the slide was once a bright feature on Majesty of the Seas’ pool deck, added during a 2007 refurbishment. Now, the slide color has almost completely faded and looks to be cracked.

A secondary pool is roped off, along with two unused hot tubs near the kids' pool area. The small fountains and play structures for kids are peeling, likely from the harsh Aegean sun.

(Majesty of the Seas' original pool deck while sailing for Royal Caribbean)

You can also see Royal Caribbean’s classic pool deck signs in one of the clips, which once adorned the ship’s name and was proudly displayed above the pool deck.

Signature features can still be seen, such as the rock-climbing wall and Viking Crown Lounge.

Many of Majesty of the Seas’ signature features can still be spotted throughout the video. As the video pans over Majesty of the Seas’ aft, we can see her rock-climbing wall. Once an icon of Royal Caribbean’s innovation, the rock wall still towers over the aft deck, even as she sits unused.

Majesty of the Seas was not originally built with a rock climbing wall, as the innovation didn’t debut until Voyager of the Seas was built in 1999. Following the success of the rock climbing wall, Royal Caribbean eventually incorporated the rock climbing wall aboard Majesty of the Seas. Nearby, the sports court remains mostly intact, though its painted boundary lines have faded.

Another classic Royal Caribbean element is the glass-walled Viking Crown Lounge. It can still be easily recognized on the ship’s top deck, which once offered unparalleled views of the ocean. Although time and neglect have certainly dated Majesty of the Seas’ appearance, these signature features represent an important era in Royal Caribbean’s history.

How Majesty of the Seas ended up anchored in Greece.

In December 2020, Royal Caribbean announced the sale of Majesty of the Seas, alongside Empress of the Seas.

In a press release from the cruise line, Royal Caribbean said, “Empress and Majesty of the Seas made indelible marks on the cruise industry with their revolutionary design and size. Touted as the cruise industry’s most groundbreaking ships when they were introduced, they continued to make history throughout their more than three decades of service,” said Michael Bayley, former president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International.

“Saying goodbye to these two beloved ships is a major moment in Royal Caribbean’s history – one that is difficult but necessary. With plans for new, innovative ships to join our fleet in the upcoming years, we look forward to our guests and crew continuing to make new memories with us.”

Additionally, Royal Caribbean praised Majesty of the Seas for playing a crucial role in the cruise line’s commitment to continuously redefine the industry. As the third ship in the impressive Sovereign class, Majesty of the Seas was nearly twice the size of the average cruise ship when she was built in 1992.

At the time of her debut, Royal Caribbean says Majesty of the Seas was the largest in the vacation company’s fleet and sailed 7-night Western Caribbean cruises from Miami, Florida. Many Royal Caribbean cruisers loved sailing aboard Majesty of the Seas, even in her final years.

In the press release, Royal Caribbean stated the ships were sold to an undisclosed Asia-Pacific entity. However, it was eventually unveiled that SeaJets purchased Majesty of the Seas.

Back in 2020, SeaJets was purchasing many different cruise ships from the British cruise line, Cruise & Maritime (CMV). The company planned to sail the purchased vessels on inter-Greek trips or selling them to a third party. Presumably, the company anticipated a similar fate for Majesty of the Seas, which has yet to come to fruition.

The Sovereign class was an important era in Royal Caribbean’s history.

Royal Caribbean’s Sovereign class marked the cruise line’s first true venture into the era of mega ships. At 74,000 gross tons, Majesty of the Seas was built at Chantiers de l’Atlantique in Saint-Nazaire, France. She was quite the marvel in the 1990s, especially with her thoughtful design and massive size.  

As one of the first mega cruise ships, Majesty of the Seas had a capacity of 2,350 passengers at double occupancy and up to 2,767 at maximum capacity. The Sovereign class vessel sailed with 833 crew members.

When she first debuted, Majesty of the Seas brought features that now define modern cruising, including the multi-deck atrium named the Centrum. This included glass elevators, sweeping staircases, and ambient lighting, along with surrounding shops and cafes.

In addition, theaters and entertainment spaces were larger than typical for this era, which allowed for more innovative production shows. Majesty of the Seas was also the first in Royal Caribbean’s fleet to introduce full-ship charters to large groups. Now, this has become a staple for cruise line’s business model.

In 2007, Majesty of the Seas underwent a four-week dry dock overhaul, which refreshed public rooms, cabins, pools, and shopping spaces. Later in 2016, Majesty of the Seas received her final refurbishment and upgrades, including the pool deck’s kid-friendly play area, a poolside movie screen, and casino modifications.

As the cruise industry evolved with even more massive cruise ships, Majesty of the Seas always retained her charm and offered an intimate onboard experience to loyal fans. In her final years, many cruisers appreciated the classic and traditional cruise experience she offered.

While the fate of Majesty of the Seas continues to be unclear, there’s no denying the integral impact she had not only on Royal Caribbean, but the entire cruise industry.

Royal Caribbean's new Bahamas beach club is opening earlier than previously announced. 

The Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in Nassau will welcome guests on December 23, 2025, just two days before Christmas. Earlier, Royal Caribbean claimed the beach club would open on the 27th. 

Passengers aboard holiday sailings on Radiance of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas will be among the first paying visitors to the hottest new beach club in The Bahamas.

The ribbon-cutting event will take place on December 13, with an invite-only soft opening to follow ahead of the official opening date. 

The soft opening, like shakedown cruises, is to give Royal Caribbean a chance to test everything before its launch.

This ensures that crew members are fully trained and that guest experiences meet Royal Caribbean’s standards.

According to the soft opening emails, Royal Caribbean is offering a complimentary Day Pass with Unlimited Open Bar & Dining for the person who receives the email, as well as all guests booked in the same stateroom.

Unfortunately, there's no way to request an invitation. Moreover, they are non-transferable and cannot be exchanged for admission on another date.

The Royal Beach Club Paradise Island is a 17-acre slice of paradise

Nassau has ranked poorly in guest satisfaction surveys compared to other ports of call. For repeat cruisers, it's often treated as an extra sea day, with many passengers choosing to stay onboard and take advantage of the ship's amenities. 

Despite its unpopularity, Nassau is one of the busiest cruise ports in the world. On April 8, 2025, the Nassau Cruise Port welcomed 31,011 cruise passengers from six ships, breaking the previous one-day record set just one month earlier. 

The goal of the Royal Beach Club is to change the negative perception by offering an all-day destination experience that encourages guests to disembark the ship without feeling forced to settle for overcrowded beaches. 

Once it opens on December 23, one analysis estimated that over 1 million guests could buy passes to the beach club each year. 

And yes, buy. Unlike Perfect Day at CocoCay, cruisers must purchase admission to the Royal Beach Club Paradise Island. 

Passes start at $129.99 per person for the Day Pass with Non-Alcoholic Drinks & Dining, and are all-inclusive. 

The alcoholic pass is more expensive but includes unlimited alcoholic beverages like beer, wine, cocktails, and frozen drinks. (Note: Royal Caribbean drink packages will not work at the beach club.) 

Inside the beach club, guests will find everything from the world's largest swim-up bar to local artisan shops, multiple beaches, massive cabanas, and more. 

The Royal Beach Club Paradise Island will also showcase Bahamian culture through an industry-first cooperative initiative that gives back to the local community.

As part of the revenue-sharing agreement, up to 49% equity will be reserved for Bahamian ownership and investment.

I've cruised on dozens of Royal Caribbean ships, and it's clear there are a few kinds of cruise rooms that are the better than others.

I've had my fair share of bad staterooms, from noisy cabins near crew access doors to hard-to-find interior staterooms. 

When planning your first Royal Caribbean cruise, it's important to pick the right cabin. Otherwise, you could be kept awake by the late-night thumping of the nightclub or awoken by the anchor dropping in tender ports. 

While the "best" cruise room is determined based on your budget, preferences, and itinerary, there are 5 solid options that rarely disappoint — and one that is almost a bad idea for first-timers. 

Traditional ocean balcony

Balconies are the most popular cruise cabin category, and for good reason. Who wouldn't want to wake up to a front-row view of the ocean or a new port of call, especially on a scenic cruise to places like Alaska and Norway? 

Generally speaking, balcony staterooms offer a great balance of space, amenities, and price. They aren't as cheap as windowless inside staterooms, but they aren't going to break the bank like spacious suites within the Royal Suite Class. 

The newer the ship, the more balcony cabins available. For example, Icon of the Seas has a whopping 1,815 balcony staterooms onboard. 

Be careful, though. Oasis and Icon Class vessels have interior-facing balconies. You don't want to choose a neighborhood balcony if you're dreaming of an ocean view. 

Read more: I stayed in balcony cabins on 5 different cruise ships. Here's how they compared

Midship inside room

An unfortunate reality of cruising is seasickness. Even if you don't think you'll be affected by the ship's rocking, it is smart to come prepared with remedies like Dramamine, Sea-Bands, or even prescription patches from your doctor. 

You never know when you will hit an unexpected storm, and rough seas can make even seasoned travelers feel queasy and dizzy. 

Another pro tip is to book a midship interior stateroom, preferably on a lower deck. Although nothing is ever guaranteed, these cabins often experience the least amount of movement. 

By staying close to the midship, you reduce the swaying sensation felt most in forward and aft cabins, as the middle of the vessel is like an equilibrium point. 

Read more: I always stay in an inside cabin on a cruise ship. Here's why I actually like these rooms

Connecting cabins for families 

While most Royal Caribbean staterooms are designed to accommodate two to four guests, fitting four people into one cabin can feel crowded and uncomfortable. 

As such, many families like to book connecting (or adjoining) staterooms. It's cheaper than splurging on a suite, and it gives everyone more space to unwind and settle in. 

Having two bathrooms is a major perk, too. Instead of rushing to shower after a long day ashore or compete with your teens for vanity space, everyone can get ready at their own pace. 

Connecting cabins come in nearly every stateroom category, from interior to ocean-view, balcony, and suite. There are even some suites that connect to standard cabins for a flexible setup that allows parents to enjoy the suite perks while keeping the kids close by. 

Read more: I booked two cabins for my kids. I'd book the same family travel hack, but there's one thing I'd change

Grand Suite

Royal Caribbean suites come in all shapes and sizes, from Junior Suites (that are essentially large balcony cabins) to the three-story Ultimate Family Townhouse on Icon and Star of the Seas. Because of this, it can be hard to narrow down the best pick. 

However, if you're looking for a suite with a good variety of perks without splurging on a top-tier room, a Grand Suite is a solid choice. Grand Suites offer more space, upgraded amenities, priority boarding, and access to exclusive areas like suite lounges. 

Even better, guests staying in Grand Suites on Oasis, Quantum, and Icon Class ships can dine at the suite-only Coastal Kitchen restaurant.  

Still, Grand Suites are more expensive than standard cabins. For instance, a Grand Suite on Icon of the Seas' October 3, 2026, sailing starts at $4,905 per person. However, an ocean-view balcony on the same sailing starts at closer to $1,950 per person. 

As such, Grand Suites are smart for first-time cruisers looking to celebrate something special onboard, such as a honeymoon, anniversary, birthday, or graduation, rather than the frequent sailor. 

Infinite Balcony

Infinite balconies are controversial. Some love the extra living space, while others miss having a traditional cruise balcony. 

Although nothing comes close to having personal, outdoor space on a cruise ship, there are some pros to these Icon Class-exclusive cabins. First, you get uninterrupted views of the ocean from the massive floor-to-ceiling window. 

Another big advantage is the extra indoor living space. This is a perk in the Caribbean, when it is sometimes too warm to take advantage of the balcony. On extremely hot or humid days, you won’t lose usable cabin space that might otherwise remain unused.

Finally, infinite balconies are more private, as they don't share thin dividers with neighboring cabins. Since the balcony area is enclosed within your stateroom, it's practically impossible for other guests to peek into your space or hear your conversations. 

First-time cruisers should avoid guarantee cabins

Guarantee (or GTY) cabins might seem appealing because of the cost. 

For a cheaper rate, you give up the ability to select your stateroom, allowing Royal Caribbean to randomly assign your cabin closer to your sailing date. You won't be given a room lower than the category you booked. Beyond that, however, the exact location is up to Royal Caribbean. 

It's a risky gamble. For example, if you choose a guarantee balcony, you could end up with an obstructed view room. On the flip side, those worried about motion sickness could be assigned a cabin at the front of the ship, where you're more likely to feel the vessel's movement.

While some guests have gotten lucky with the random upgrade or perfect cabin location, there's a lot of uncertainty when reserving a guarantee stateroom. 

As such, it is best to avoid guarantee cabins on your first cruise.

Your first-ever cruise is a special experience. Even if you fall in love with vacations at sea, nothing will ever come close to the feeling of stepping on a ship for the first time.

Having been on over 30 cruises, I love sailing with first-time cruisers whenever possible. There's something special about seeing their reactions to everything onboard, from the amenities to the dining room, cabin, and entertainment. 

Recently, I invited a close family friend, Mariela, to join me on a short 2-night sailing on Oasis of the Seas. She didn't immediately accept the invitation, as she had always been wary of going on a cruise. 

"I never was interested in cruising. I was afraid of being around so many people and being on the open ocean," she said. 

When she finally said yes, I handled all the travel details, from booking flights and the pre-cruise hotel to making dinner reservations. In fact, she didn't even remember the name of the ship when we got to the airport! 

As such, she experienced everything from a blank slate: no research and no real expectations. Here's what Mariela thought of her first cruise — and why she's already planning another. 

First impressions of Royal Caribbean

Oasis of the Seas is one of the largest cruise ships in the world. The namesake ship of Royal Caribbean's Oasis Class redefined what a cruise could be when she debuted in 2009, and she is still just as jaw-dropping today.

With only two nights onboard, I knew we needed to make the most of our limited time on the ship. Although we had a 1:30 p.m. arrival appointment, we showed up at Fort Lauderdale's Terminal 18 around 11:15 a.m. 

We had no trouble dropping off our luggage, going through security, and having our documents checked, and Mariela was setting foot on her first-ever ship by 11:30 a.m.

"Getting on the ship was easier than I thought," she recalled, "I thought it was going to be crowded and disorganized, but everything is so well planned. You don't feel stressed. There are people everywhere to make the process quick and tell everyone where to go." 

After we were on board, Mariela immediately took notice of how clean the ship was. Being stuck on a dirty ship was one reason why she had never taken a cruise before. 

However, she didn't find anything out of place. There weren't any fingerprints or smudges on the elevators, and the buffet was spotless. She especially liked the famous "washy washy" station before entering. 

Not only that, but the crew members were polite and helpful. Even though she was traveling with a seasoned pro, she appreciated how approachable and attentive the crew was, particularly during the muster drill. 

Moving on, she was satisfied with our inside cabin:

"I think, for everything the ship offers, you don't need anything more than an interior stateroom," she said, "You use the cabin just to shower and sleep because the ship offers so much that you don't want to be in the room."

The bed and pillows were comfortable, and she was surprised when she learned that we could split it into two smaller beds, which our stateroom attendant happily did. 

For two people, she thought it was plenty big and didn't mind not having a view. In fact, she preferred it! Not seeing the pitch-black ocean gave her peace of mind as we sailed from South Florida to Perfect Day at CocoCay. 

Similarly, she did not mind the small cruise bathroom. "I don't care if the bathroom is small if it is clean," she added.

Something she didn't expect was the towel animal left by our cabin steward. It was a cute touch, and she loved the hanging monkey. 

When I explained that the longer the cruise, the more towel animals you usually get, her eyes lit up. 

Oasis of the Seas cruise ship amenities 

Throughout the entire two days onboard, Mariela couldn't stop saying how beautiful and wonderful everything was. 

"Two days is not enough, especially for your first time. The ship has too many things to do, " she claimed. 

We kept ourselves busy and were never bored. Still, we barely scratched the surface of everything Oasis has to offer! For instance, we didn't spend time on the pool deck and didn't do the water slides, zip-line, mini-golf course, or Ultimate Abyss dry slide. 

For Mariela, the AquaTheater and ice skating shows were a highlight. Initially, it seemed as though the weather was not going to cooperate; the seas were a bit too rough for the high dives to be performed safely. 

We got a shortened performance with the dancers, which she thought was impressive. However, I suggested that we return around 10:25 p.m. to see if the later show would go on as scheduled. 

Although the seats on Deck 6 were full (minus those in the splash zone), we found standing room on Deck 7 near the rock climbing wall. 

Mariela was mesmerized by the water effects and aerialists, and she held her breath as the tightrope walker balanced 114 feet above sea level. 

"The water show was good. It's great for everyone, like families with kids or solo travelers. Everyone can enjoy the tricks," she added. 

For her, the ice skating show was just as awe-inspiring. When it ended, she learned over and whispered, "I could watch ice skaters all night and never get bored." 

Not only were the skaters talented, but the costume line-up was impressive, featuring everything from sparkly ensembles inspired by the underwater world of The Little Mermaid to larger-than-life duck costumes. 

We did not slow down after the shows. On the first night, we went dancing at Boleros. Mariela, who was born and raised in Colombia, was impressed with the live music. 

"The Latin bar was so nice. Oasis is a good ship because there's something for everyone. My husband [who is of Puerto Rican descent] would love Boleros," she said. 

The next night, we watched karaoke in the Spotlight Karaoke lounge. Mariela was not sure what to expect from the adult-only session, but she enjoyed herself. 

"You don't need to be drunk to have a good laugh. Everyone was so friendly, too. It was good entertainment," she added. 

Finally, Mariela liked the ship's layout. She loved the Boardwalk and Central Park, two of the ship's most unique neighborhoods, and couldn't believe that all the plants in the latter were real. 

"I love Central Park in New York City; it's like a mini LEGO version on the cruise," she said. Conversely, she thought that the Boardwalk was great for families and appreciated how the entire ship did not feel overcrowded. 

Oasis of the Seas food review

Mariela was shocked by the sheer volume of food available on Oasis of the Seas. As one of the largest cruise ships, there's food everywhere you look, from the Windjammer buffet to pizza in the Royal Promenade, tacos from El Loco Fresh, and, of course, multi-course meals in the Main Dining Room. 

With just two days on the ship, we tried to sample as much as we could, starting with lunch in the Windjammer Marketplace.

"The buffet was good. The burger was absolutely delicious, and my tongue has a good taste for burgers," she said. 

When dinner rolled around, she couldn't believe the menu in the dining room. She ordered a shrimp cocktail, Caesar salad, prime rib, and cheesecake. 

What surprised her even more was the quality of the food, especially considering the price of the cruise. Not a single dish was disappointing. 

The next day, we had breakfast in the Windjammer, lunch ashore at CocoCay, and dinner at Chops Grille. 

Chops was her favorite meal during our short getaway cruise. Although she didn't think the Caesar salad was much different from the dining room's (minus the croutons), she couldn't get over her NY Strip steak and sauce. 

That said, she mentioned that she might not want to pay for a specialty restaurant on every cruise. The Main Dining Room felt formal, had quality dishes, and did not cost anything extra. In her opinion, if you don't know any differently, you won't be disappointed if you only eat at the included restaurants on a cruise. 

"I think I gained 10 pounds in two days," she joked.

Perfect Day at CocoCay

A few years ago, Mariela and her family visited Atlantis on Paradise Island. However, after crossing Perfect Day at CocoCay off her bucket list, she says she isn't sure she would return to the former. 

"CocoCay is very relaxing, and the fact that there is something for everyone is nice. You have so many options that it never feels crowded," she said. 

We spent our morning at Chill Beach before moving to the Oasis Lagoon pool after lunch. Even though people hung around the swim-up bar, there were so many other areas to escape to in the pool. 

She tried the island's famous Coco Loco drink and thought it was a perfect drink for a day in The Bahamas — though if you're not a big drinker, one is enough. 

Plus, the food on the island was good with options for everyone. She especially loved the brownie from the Chill Grill and added soft-serve on top!

Read more: What's Free on Perfect Day at CocoCay and What's Not

Seasickness on a cruise

One reason Mariela had never taken a cruise was that she was worried about seasickness. She isn't alone, either! Many cruisers, even experienced ones, are susceptible to motion sickness. 

She did feel the ship rocking a little bit, but she came prepared with Dramamine and a motion sickness patch. 

Funny enough, she loved the sensation of the ship swaying through the ocean at night! 

Read more: I tried the most common seasickness hacks on my cruise. Here’s what works best

Is Royal Caribbean a good cruise line for a first-timer?

Although we were only on Oasis of the Seas for two days, there was very little that Mariela was unhappy with. 

Everything from the food to the entertainment and private island experience exceeded her expectations, and she did not feel ripped off. In fact, she felt like Royal Caribbean was giving too much for the money!

"For two days, you can't say anything bad. What are you going to complain about?" she remarked. 

"Oasis is really a ship that you can find anything for anyone to do. If you get bored, you have a problem," Mariela concluded, "I only spent two days on the ship, and I am already wanting to go back. That tells you how good it was."

Packing regret is real, and cruisers have all sorts of things they regretted not bringing on a cruise ship.

I've had my fair share of realizations onboard that I wish I had brought something to improve my cruise, as well as simply forgotten an essential.

While remembering to pack pants should be an easy item for your cruise packing checklist, there are other things that may not be as obvious to bring but really do make a difference.

I asked our readers to share one thing they really wish they had packed for a cruise, and a few them truly surprised me.

Less clothes

A number of our readers started off by saying they wish they had packed less clothes.

Overpacking for a cruise is an easy mistake to make, although I tend to overpack many times.

The issue with overpacking is you're lugging around clothes you never actually use. With so many theme nights, shore excursions, and plans for around the ship, it seems like you will need more clothes than you actually need.

I understand why some people feel "less is more" when it comes to packing for a cruise.  The experience is far less elegant than you might think.  A lot of new cruisers assume the dress code is more enforced and people dress up more than they actually do.

Ultimately, overpacking is only an issue in the sense it contributes to the heft of carrying luggage around, as well as airline luggage fees.

A pillow

I never thought to bring my own pillow, but some readers say they wish they had brought one along.

Just like a hotel room on land, you never know how comfortable or compatible a pillow will be with your head. But in most cases, pillows are just never going to measure up to your favorite pillow from home.

There's certainly no rule against bringing your own pillow, and if that's what it takes to get a great night sleep, it might be a good idea.

I brought my own pillow on a cruise for a few years until I accidently left it behind at a hotel in Newark Airport and never got it back. As long as you're less forgetful than me, this might be a great tip.

Medicine

When we cruise, my wife travels with what seems like a portable pharmacy with her, and it's actually quite helpful when we need something.

Readers mentioned wishing they had brough various medications with them to use during the cruise, such as Motrin, Miralax, or even Covid tests.

Bringing your own meds means it's quite convenient and you don't have to leave your cabin when you need it.  If you've ever had a hangover, you know how much just getting out of bed is a trek.

While there are some medications you can buy on the ship at the convenience store, there's a limited supply of what's available and the prices will be much higher than you can get at home.

I remember a woman last year that had an allergic reaction but balked when the ship's medical facility wanted to charge her $390 for Benadryl.

Many people commented she should have been traveling with some basic medicine for common situations, and it's great advice.

Comfortable shoes

I read Melissa Inzerillo's comment that she wish she had packed sandals that didn't give her feet blisters, and I think it's a good reminder for us all.

It's tempting to go buy new shoes for your cruise, whether to match your new outfit or more purpose based for an excursion.

Of course, you should go ahead and buy those shoes, but first break them in before your trip!

Wear them around the house, on errands to the store, or generally in short bursts so you can avoid trying to break them in on long days around the ship or in port.

If you're looking for a recommendation for comfy shoes, the Skechers Women's Summits Torre Trainers are highly rated and should blend well with most outfits. (This link contains an affiliate link that costs you nothing extra to use)

Jeans and socks to ice skate

If you want to participate in the ice skating onboard, you'll want to pack pants and socks.

It's easy to overlook packing these things if you're headed to a warm destination, but you can't ice skate without them.

Cruise ships with an ice skating rink allow open skating for passengers at certain times, but you absolutely need to have long pants and socks.

Ships with an ice rink include: Icon Class, Oasis Class, Voyager Class, and Freedom Class ships.

A pair of jeans and regular socks should do the trick. 

Snacks

I used to question why anyone would bring food on a cruise ship, but snacks are actually a genius hack.

While there is plenty of food onboard, there is a compelling need to have snacks in your stateroom.  I'm talking pretzels, chips, or crackers, and these items aren't generally available around the ship.

Our family will pack Goldfish crackers or Pringles potato chips to have in the room for my kids to nosh on at random times. If you're a fan of protein bars, nuts, or other healthy snacks, these are other good ideas to bring.

It's really a matter of convenience, as well as ensuring you have the kind of quick snack you prefer the most.

The only rule is it has to be prepackaged, so you can't bring mom's meatloaf with you.

Bathing suit

If your cruise is headed to Alaska or Norway, you might think it's crazy to pack a bathing suit.

Believe it or not, it can get quite warm in both destinations, and there will be people swimming.

Even if it's not warm enough for the main pool, the hot tubs are always the perfect temperature.

It's a good idea to pack a bathing suit, just in case. Otherwise, you'll have to pay for an expensive new one, or simply fold your arms in disgust that you didn't think to bring it.

Considering how you can shove bathing suits into any corner of your suitcase easily, they are worth bringing no matter how little chance you think there is to use them.