Royal Caribbean has quietly updated its prohibited items list to tighten onboard safety and cybersecurity. 

Previously, "Cybersecurity and deliberate electronic crime equipment" was listed under "Prohibited Items: What can’t you bring onboard?" 

However, the verbiage was recently updated to read: "Cybersecurity and deliberate electronic crime equipment (included satellite dishes, routers, and other networking equipment, any other deliberate electronic interference which would constitute criminal activity)." The change was made sometime after December 10, 2025. 

Ships rely on digital systems for navigation, communication, and entertainment. As such, the clarification helps protect the critical systems from interference. 

Additionally, the new wording is much more precise and explicitly targets devices intended to hack, disrupt, or manipulate the onboard systems, including signal jammers, hacking toolkits, and unauthorized travel Wi-Fi routers. 

This means that ordinary electronics — think laptops, tablets, smartphones, and smartwatches — are still allowed on Royal Caribbean ships. 

Satellite dishes, routers, and other networking equipment were previously listed on the prohibited items list. However, the recent addition hones in on the purpose of the device.

While many passengers used travel routers to save money by extending one internet package's connectivity to multiple devices, they can also be used to create rogue networks that interfere with the ship’s Wi‑Fi system or even bypass security controls.

Royal Caribbean wasn't the first cruise line to ban travel routers, either. For example, Carnival's prohibited items list clearly states that "satellite dish[es], routers and other internet related equipment" are not allowed onboard.

Read more: What can you not bring on a cruise

Cybersecurity is a top priority for businesses

A new survey released by the consulting firm Protiviti found that cybersecurity is a top concern across organizations of all sizes, as reported by Cybersecurity Drive. 

According to the report, corporate leaders, including board members, chief financial officers, and chief operating officers, are "increasingly aware that cyber resilience must be embedded into enterprise strategy."

"This widespread prioritization underscores the almost universal recognition that cybersecurity is no longer a siloed IT issue but rather a strategic enterprise risk with implications for brand reputation, operational continuity, and regulatory compliance," Protiviti said. 

Following cybersecurity, third-party risks, or threats from outside vendors or partners that an organization works with, ranked second on the executives’ list of concerns. 

Royal Caribbean’s updated policy reflects a recognition that cybersecurity at sea is equally important as on land. 

By banning devices that could cause "deliberate electronic interference which would constitute criminal activity," the cruise line is ensuring that its digital infrastructure, along with the safety of guests and crew, remains secure. 

A Long Island travel agent has been charged with multiple counts of grand larceny and schemes to defraud after stealing over $50,000 from clients, police confirm. 

Tavia Thomas, 47, of Hempstead, New York, was the CEO and Destination Travel Specialist of her company, Destiny Travel. 

Authorities allege that she defrauded families by taking payments for vacations and failing to actually book them, PIX 11 reported. 

Some of the victims were hoping to sail on Royal Caribbean cruises. In July 2024, for example, she supposedly received $35,753.98 from nine people to book a Royal Caribbean cruise out of Bayonne, New Jersey. 

(Credit: LongIsland.com)

Unfortunately, when the victims arrived at the terminal to board their cruise, they were informed that their booking confirmations were fake, officials said. As such, they were denied boarding. 

Just one week later, Thomas was hired to arrange a resort reservation for a destination wedding through ALG Vacations. However, the reservation was never made, and the clients did not receive a refund for the $5,000 they had paid. 

LongIsland.com shared that several members of the wedding party also made payments to Thomas, totaling over $2,600, which were never refunded. 

A reporter from The Shade Room spoke with Denise Perez-Horton to learn more about the impact of Thomas' alleged actions. 

"Final payment comes, and I’m like, 'Okay, where’s the reservation number?'" she told Justin Carter. "…She’s like, 'Well, the resort had a child that was electrocuted in the pool…and they have mold...' downplaying the resort, and I’m like, 'What? What is going on?'"

Perez-Horton was then informed that the reservation was moved to another resort, though they still did not receive flight or hotel confirmations. When she called the resort, she learned that the business "never" got the booking from Thomas. 

In another case, a family of 50 paid Thomas over $10,000 for a celebratory birthday trip to the Dominican Republic. According to Nassau County police, she never booked the accommodations and failed to return the family’s money.

Thomas faces three counts of third-degree grand larceny, three counts of first-degree scheme to defraud, and two counts of fourth-degree grand larceny.

Her arraignment was held on Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026, at the First District Court in Hempstead. 

It's important to do your research before trusting a travel agent

A travel agent's job is to make your life easier by handling all the meticulous details of planning a trip, from confirming your stateroom to helping book specialty restaurants and arranging transportation. If they do it right, all you have to do is focus on enjoying your well-earned vacation.  

Unfortunately, as Thomas proved, not all travel agents operate with the same level of professionalism or client care as others.

That's why it is important to check reviews, verify credentials, and even ask for references before giving a stranger any payment information. 

If you aren't sure where to start, ask friends and family members for recommendations. You can also look for agents affiliated with reputable organizations, like the American Society of Travel Advisors (the world's leading association of travel professionals). 

At Royal Caribbean Blog, we love working with MEI-Travel. Having now booked over one dozen cruises with MEI, I can attest that their employees are professional, timely, and dedicated to ensuring you have the best experience possible from start to finish. 

Read more: I always ask my travel agent for 4 things on every cruise I book to make my cruise easier

Crew members typically don't have large cruise ship cabins. Oftentimes, they have to share a tiny stateroom with another coworker, with the cabins barely large enough to fit bunk beds, a small desk, and a closet. Cruise ship captains, however, live very differently. 

Captains oversee all onboard operations to ensure that the ship is safely operating during each and every voyage. As such, their living quarters reflect the level of responsibility they carry. 

Their luxurious staterooms often feature a spacious bedroom and living area, easy access to the Bridge, panoramic views, and more. 

TikTok user Allie Rae shared a rare look at a captain’s cabin, posting a 30-second clip of her father's living quarters aboard the Independence of the Seas. 

The video, which was shared on Wednesday, January 5, has already received over 190,000 views and 18,400 likes. 

Thoughtfully designed to balance comfort with functionality

Rae opens up the door to reveal an expansive entryway before heading into the main living area. The elegant columns have been wrapped with tinsel for the holidays. 

The living room is anything but cramped, with a large entertainment center, flat-screen television, a couch, loveseat, recliner, and dining table. 

Tucked into the corner is a beautifully decorated Christmas tree, while the bar has been fully stocked with wine and glassware. 

Finally, the living room is bathed in natural light from three portholes. This differs from most crew staterooms, as the majority of the cabins are windowless. 

The stateroom also has a large office with two massive portholes. As such, the captain has a quiet, functional space to review CCTV footage, plan routes, and handle other important administrative duties. 

Rae pans over to her father, who is hard at work in his office. "My name is Tor, and I work here," he jokingly says. 

(Credit: Tor I. Olsen/LinkedIn)

According to his LinkedIn page, Tor I. Olsen has been in the maritime industry since 1978. 

He began his career with Royal Caribbean in January 1987 aboard the Song of America and has since worked on several of the line’s most notable ships, including Empress of the Seas, Splendour of the Seas, Oasis of the Seas, Freedom of the Seas, Voyager of the Seas, and Serenade of the Seas.

Rae's TikTok account also features videos highlighting the behind-the-scenes life of cruise ship crew members

For example, Rae posted a day-in-the-life video, showing her enjoying lunch in the Main Dining Room with her family before accompanying her father to help judge the crew's various holiday competitions, including the Christmas door, tree-making, and office decorating contests.

"After lunch, I got to go with my dad and the Executive Team here on board to judge some of the Christmas trees that were put in for a Christmas decorating contest," she says. 

"On top of that, I also got to go around with them and see the different doors that had entered in the door decorating contest. There were so many cute ones, [and] it was very hard to choose a winner," she adds. 

Passengers embarking on Quantum of the Seas' January 5, 2026, cruise out of Los Angeles were told to arrive later than planned. 

The Quantum Class cruise ship won't return to its homeport in California as originally scheduled due to a medical emergency on the previous voyage. 

"Due to a delay in our previous sailing, Quantum of the Seas will be arriving [at] the pier later than planned, and the terminal will be closed until 3:30 PM," read an email sent to impacted guests. 

The earliest arrival time was pushed from 11:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., while the latest arrivals must check in at 6:30 p.m. All guests are required to be on the ship by 7:00 p.m.

(Credit: Andrew Schile/Facebook)

"If you have not completed check-in, please arrive at 6:30 PM. Arriving [at] the terminal earlier than your adjusted time will result in you being turned away until your new time," the email continued. 

In addition to later arrival times, passengers can't access the parking lot until 3:00 p.m, as they must wait until the current guests have left. 

Although the letter didn't explain why the ship was delayed, one guest shared that they were in Cabo San Lucas when one passenger "got critically ill." They had already departed but needed to return, so the guest could receive proper medical attention ashore. Consequently, they did not depart Mexico until around 9:45 p.m.

"Captain is really trying hard to make up time. There just isn’t enough time to do it. Captain told us today that we should expect to [dock] at noon to 12:30. 1st luggage will not be off [the] ship until 1:30 at the earliest," they added. 

(Screenshot showing Quantum of the Seas' location at 10:55 a.m. EST. Credit: Cruise Mapper)

According to Cruise Mapper, Quantum of the Seas was sailing off the coast of Encinitas, California, around 10:55 a.m. EST on Jan. 5. The vessel has yet to pass Catalina Island. 

Passengers will have more time to enjoy Ensenada, Mexico

Royal Caribbean doesn't offer many 2-night cruises. Although incoming guests will have less time to enjoy the Quantum of the Seas cruise ship, Royal Caribbean is adjusting the itinerary's schedule to give passengers more time in port. 

"Additionally, while we'll be departing from Los Angeles later than originally planned, this will not affect our arrival time in Ensenada," the cruise line said. 

"As a bonus, our departure from Ensenada will now be at 6:00 PM instead of 4:00 PM, giving you even more time to enjoy everything this beautiful destination has to offer."

About Quantum of the Seas

Quantum of the Seas is the namesake Quantum Class ship that debuted in 2014. The ship has 14 guest decks, over 2,900 cabins, and measures 168,666 gross tons. 

Known for its technological innovations, Quantum of the Seas is known for amenities like the Bionic Bar, Ripcord by iFly skydiving simulator, North Star observation capsule, and virtual balcony inside staterooms. 

Quantum of the Seas will offer cruises from Los Angeles, California, to Ensenada, Mexico, and the Mexican Riviera through Sept. 2026. Then, she'll reposition to Australia for a seasonal stint exploring the South Pacific. 

In April 2027, Quantum of the Seas will move to Seattle, where she will offer a series of Alaskan cruises, giving guests the chance to witness glaciers firsthand, try delicious seafood, and marvel at rugged landscapes. 

Read more: Quantum of the Seas Food Review

Royal Caribbean passengers should look at their Crown & Anchor loyalty tab for a possible cruise discount code. 

Just like Charlie in "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," who discovered a golden ticket in a chocolate bar, loyal cruisers might find their own "golden ticket" in the form of a discount code.

Don't expect to receive an email about the special deal. Rather, the possible promotions are hidden in plain sight. However, not every cruiser is eligible.

For example, I'm a Diamond cruiser with 112 Crown & Anchor points. At the time of writing, I had three separate offers available to me. My father, who is an Emerald Crown & Anchor Society member with 52 cruise points, also had one offer worth up to $350 off. 

However, Pinnacle Club cruiser Matt Hochberg did not have any special promotions. Similarly, my partner, who shares my Diamond status but has only been on three Royal Caribbean cruises, had none. 

Promotions range from discounts of up to $200 on select cruises of 5 nights or less to savings of up to $400 on longer voyages. 

How to see if you have a Royal Caribbean discount code

When you log into your account, pay careful attention to the pop-ups. You might be alerted that you have a special offer waiting for you. If not, finding out if you're a chosen one is easy. 

After logging in, navigate to your profile by clicking "Hi, [insert name here]" in the top right corner. 

This is where you will see your upcoming cruises and can access the Cruise Planner. However, ignore your cruise countdowns and click on the "loyalty" tab. 

If you have any promotions, they will be available directly under the "Crown & Anchor Society" information that lists your total cruise points and recent cruises. 

What are the "secret" loyalty offers?

Offers vary, but these are the promotions that we're aware of. Again, not every cruiser is eligible for every deal (or any!). Moreover, if you see any deals in your loyalty account, take note of the expiration date. For example, my promotions expire on Feb. 2, 2026. 

2 - 5 Night Early Bird Savings Up to $300 off on select cruises of 5 nights or less

December Cruise Cash promo codes [are] applicable to new individual bookings made between December 9, 2025 and February 1, 2026  (“Offer Period”) on all sailings for the ship(s) or itinerary included in the offer, departing on or after January 2026 (“Offer Cruise”). Promo Code provides instant savings varying by cruise stateroom category as follows: $150 USD on Inside & Oceanview and $250 USD on Neighborhood, Balcony, and $350 USD on Suite for sailings 6 nights or more OR $125 USD on Inside & Oceanview and $200 USD on Neighborhood, Balcony, and $300 USD on Suite for sailings 5 nights or less. (“Savings”) shown in USD and will be converted to currency used for cruise purchase and applied as dollars off at checkout during the Offer Period.

6+ Night Early Bird Savings Up to $350 off on select cruises of 6 nights or more

December Cruise Cash promo codes [are] applicable to new individual bookings made between December 9, 2025 and February 1, 2026  (“Offer Period”) on all sailings for the ship(s) or itinerary included in the offer, departing on or after January 2026 (“Offer Cruise”). Promo Code provides instant savings varying by cruise stateroom category as follows: $150 USD on Inside & Oceanview and $250 USD on Neighborhood, Balcony, and $350 USD on Suite for sailings 6 nights or more OR $125 USD on Inside & Oceanview and $200 USD on Neighborhood, Balcony, and $300 USD on Suite for sailings 5 nights or less. (“Savings”) shown in USD and will be converted to currency used for cruise purchase and applied as dollars off at checkout during the Offer Period.

Save & Sail Before August 2026 Up to $200 off on select cruises of 5 nights or less

December Explore More promo codes [are] applicable to new individual bookings made between December 1, 2025 and February 1, 2026  (“Offer Period”) on all sailings for the ship(s) or itinerary included in the offer, departing on or after January 2026 (“Offer Cruise”). Promo Code provides instant savings varying by cruise stateroom category as follows: for sailings departing January 2026 thru August 2026: $75 USD on Inside & Oceanview and $125 USD on Neighborhood, Balcony, and $275 USD on Suite for sailings 6 nights or more OR $50 USD on Inside & Oceanview and $100 USD on Neighborhood, Balcony, and $200 USD on Suite for sailings 5 nights or less and select Australia sailings; for sailings departing on or after September 2026: $125 USD on Inside & Oceanview and $200 USD on Neighborhood, Balcony, and $400 USD on Suite for sailings 6 nights or more OR $75 USD on Inside & Oceanview and $150 USD on Neighborhood, Balcony, and $300 USD on Suite for sailings 5 nights or less. (“Savings”) shown in USD and will be converted to currency used for cruise purchase and applied as dollars off at checkout during the Offer Period.

Save & Sail After September 2026 Up to $400 off on select cruises of 6 nights or more

December Explore More promo codes [are] applicable to new individual bookings made between December 1, 2025 and February 1, 2026 (“Offer Period”) on all sailings for the ship(s) or itinerary included in the offer, departing on or after January 2026 (“Offer Cruise”). Promo Code provides instant savings varying by cruise stateroom category as follows: for sailings departing January 2026 thru August 2026: $75 USD on Inside & Oceanview and $125 USD on Neighborhood, Balcony, and $275 USD on Suite for sailings 6 nights or more OR $50 USD on Inside & Oceanview and $100 USD on Neighborhood, Balcony, and $200 USD on Suite for sailings 5 nights or less and select Australia sailings; for sailings departing on or after September 2026: $125 USD on Inside & Oceanview and $200 USD on Neighborhood, Balcony, and $400 USD on Suite for sailings 6 nights or more OR $75 USD on Inside & Oceanview and $150 USD on Neighborhood, Balcony, and $300 USD on Suite for sailings 5 nights or less. (“Savings”) shown in USD and will be converted to currency used for cruise purchase and applied as dollars off at checkout during the Offer Period. 

Back Aboard Bonus - Up to $350 off

December Cruise-iversary promo codes [are] is applicable to new individual bookings made between December 9, 2025 and February 1, 2026  (“Offer Period”) on all sailings for the ship(s) or itinerary included in the offer, departing on or after December 1, 2026 (“Offer Cruise”). Promo Code provides instant savings varying by cruise stateroom category as follows: $75 USD on Inside & Oceanview and $150 USD on Neighborhood, Balcony, and $350 USD on Suite. (“Savings”) shown in USD and will be converted to currency used for cruise purchase and applied as dollars off at checkout during the Offer Period.

When it comes to cruise cabins, inside and balcony rooms are often pitted against each other. Interior staterooms are popular for the value, while balconies appeal to those who appreciate extra space and fresh air. This year, our team sailed in both on one of Royal Caribbean's biggest cruise ships.

In February 2025, Elizabeth Wright sailed in an interior cabin on a 7-night Western Caribbean cruise to Honduras, Mexico, and The Bahamas on Wonder of the Seas.

The mega-ship is one of the largest in the world, measuring 235,600 gross registered tons and accommodating around 7,000 guests. 

To close out the year, Royal Caribbean Blog's head honcho, Matthew Hochberg, also sailed on Wonder of the Seas. Matt, however, stayed in a balcony stateroom. 

He went on a short 4-night cruise out of Port Canaveral, Florida, to Perfect Day at CocoCay and Nassau to check out the brand-new Royal Beach Club Paradise Island. 

Take a look at how their accommodations varied in amenities and size, and why a balcony cabin might not be worth the extra money. 

Disclosure: Matt was hosted by Royal Caribbean, while Elizabeth paid for her sailing on Wonder of the Seas.

Elizabeth’s Royal Caribbean cabin came with a lower cost per day compared to Matt’s

(Interior cabin on Wonder of the Seas)

Although Matt was hosted for free, the difference in pricing between the two cabin categories is evident on other sailings. 

For a 7-night cruise, Elizabeth paid $2,292.10, which breaks down to roughly $163.72 per person, per day. According to Royal Caribbean's website, a 4-night cruise on Wonder of the Seas in Feb. 2026 starts at $799 per person for an ocean-view balcony. 

After factoring in gratuities, taxes, and port fees, the balcony stateroom totals $1,744.62. While that’s less than Elizabeth’s 7-night cruise, the shorter sailing means the cost averages out to $218.07 per person, per day.

Read more: I paid $2,200 for an inside cabin on a 7-night Royal Caribbean cruise. The tiny, windowless space was more comfortable than I expected

Matt's stateroom was in a more desirable location

Because Elizabeth booked the cheapest available rate, she could not pick her cabin's location. Instead, she was assigned #9116 at the front of the ship. 

Forward cabins can experience more motion, and in her case, the stateroom was also positioned next to a crew-only access door.

This meant that she and her partner were sometimes awoken as early as 7:45 a.m. as the housekeeping team prepared for their morning shifts. 

Conversely, Matt's room was located toward the aft elevator on Deck 7. Being sandwiched between other cabins meant that the overall experience was less noisy. 

Plus, Deck 7 is one deck below Central Park and one above the Boardwalk, making it ideal for navigating Wonder of the Seas. 

Elizabeth's cheaper cabin was smaller than Matt's balcony

(Interior cabin on Wonder of the Seas)

Elizabeth's stateroom was 172 square feet and came with a private ensuite bathroom, a Royal King bed, a vanity area, and storage space. 

Having sailed in inside cabins before, Elizabeth knew that the space would be tight but ended up appreciating its coziness. 

She and her partner quickly settled into their stateroom, utilizing the available closet space and drawers before neatly tucking their suitcases underneath the bed. 

(Balcony cabin on Wonder of the Seas)

On the other hand, Matt's balcony room measured over 230 square feet, including the interior living space and the private balcony. 

Matt found the amount of space in this balcony to be more than enough space for two people, making it feel uncramped. In fact, there was a large couch in the room that fit nicely, while still allowing for space to pass through from either end.

Without a couch or coffee table, the only places Elizabeth could enjoy her room service breakfast were in bed or at the vanity

Both kept the beds pushed together, but Elizabeth was smart in asking for a mattress topper

(Balcony cabin on Wonder of the Seas)

Royal Caribbean's standard cabins are outfitted with two twin-sized beds that can either be pushed together or separated to configure them as a Royal King-sized bed or two singles. 

Both Matt and Elizabeth opted to keep their beds pushed together. In Elizabeth's case, she was traveling with her partner, so it didn't make sense to split the beds. 

To make the bed more comfortable and reduce the gap between the mattresses, Elizabeth requested a mattress topper from her cabin steward. It improved her sleep experience and made the mattress feel more plush. 

(Elizabeth's mattress topper)

Although separating the beds can often make cruise cabins feel more spacious, Matt elected to keep them together even though he was traveling alone.

Matt admits he usually sleeps well on cruise ship beds but might have asked for a topper if it were a longer sailing.

Despite the differences, both cabins offered the same essential amenities 

(Balcony cabin on Wonder of the Seas)

As in standard Royal Caribbean cabins, Matt's balcony and Elizabeth's inside cabin were outfitted with a vanity area, mini fridge, phone, a television with streaming capabilities, hair dryer, full-length mirror, shampoo/body wash hybrid, and a bar of hand soap. 

The nightstands hugging the bed had lamps with built-in charging options, which is a feature exclusive to newer Royal Caribbean ships. 

In addition, both rooms had extra American outlets, European plugs, and USB ports near the vanity.

(Inside cabin on Wonder of the Seas)

The storage space was plentiful in the inside and balcony cabins, too. 

Between the two closets and the dresser, Elizabeth and her partner had enough room to unpack and organize all their belongings for the weeklong cruise. 

One thing Matt really likes about cabins on the newer Oasis Class ships is how much storage there is overall. He thinks in this instance, it's superior to even Icon Class ship cabins.

(Inside cabin on Wonder of the Seas)

Finally, the bathrooms were identical. The compact layout had a capsule shower, toilet, sink, and basic Salt + Breeze multi-use soap. 

As Matt is part of Royal Caribbean's Pinnacle Club, his bathroom also included extra complimentary toiletries, such as upgraded bath products. 

Matt relied on the upgraded toiletries since it was easier than packing his own for a short sailing. However, he finds the body wash to not be as good as the brand he uses at home for both fragrance and the sense of cleanliness.

(Inside cabin on Wonder of the Seas)

Both Matt and Elizabeth recalled the shower pressure was great.  Cruise ships usually have very good shower pressure to begin with. Matt joked on some ships the shower pressure is almost like getting a massage.

Ultimately, Matt and Elizabeth agreed that both rooms were comfortable and functional for a cruise on one of the world's biggest ships

(Balcony cabin on Wonder of the Seas)

As seasoned reporters who have been on over 130 cruises combined, Matt and Elizabeth are used to sailing in a wide range of accommodations, from wallet-friendly inside cabins to spacious suites. 

Elizabeth didn't feel like staying in an interior stateroom was a major compromise when on a ship like Wonder of the Seas. 

Between the world-class entertainment, waterslides, mini-golf course, zip line, and other amenities, there was so much to keep her busy that she didn't want to waste time in her stateroom. 

(Inside cabin on Wonder of the Seas)

However, although Elizabeth understands that getting assigned a less-than-desirable room is one of the risks of booking a guaranteed fare, she wishes her cabin had been in a different location. 

Matt felt a balcony in the winter is one of the times he'll find value from having a balcony cabin because it's comfortable enough to be outside and enjoy it. During the summer months, it can be oppressively hot and that limits his enjoyment of the balcony.

In the end, they agreed that the better choice depends on how much time you plan to spend in your cruise room, and whether private outdoor space and natural light are worth the extra cost. 

Royal Caribbean ships have endless food options, from grab-and-go pizza to build-your-own tacos and Main Dining Room delicacies. However, it's impossible to try everything, even if you're sailing on older Vision or Radiance Class vessels.

In a recent Reddit thread on the r/royalcaribbean forum, fans weighed in on their must-haves, ranging from dinner appetizers to decadent desserts and late-night munchies. 

The post received over 70 comments in six days, revealing that long-time Royal Caribbean cruisers know what's worth the calories and what might be better left untouched. Common favorites include Sorrento's pizza, escargot, mozzarella sticks, and hash browns.

Here are the snacks you shouldn't miss on your next Royal Caribbean cruise.  

Sorrento's pizza

Sorrento's is a Royal Caribbean staple found on most ships in the fleet. Operating hours vary, but generally speaking, it's a popular late-night spot for gamblers and partiers alike. 

Families also love it for its quick, kid-friendly options, including classic pepperoni and cheese slices, making it an easy option for snacks between meal times and activities. 

The best part? You can have as much pizza as your heart desires. Unlimited Sorrento's is included in your Royal Caribbean cruise fare. 

Playmakers' campfire cookie 

Playmakers is Royal Caribbean's sports bar and arcade. Although it isn't available fleetwide, it's become so popular that it is a common addition to older ships. 

The food isn't included in your cruise. However, everything is à la carte, meaning you only pay for what you order. Pricing tends to be reasonable, too. 

There's a lot to love about the menu, but Royal Caribbean Blog's head honcho, Matt Hochberg, can't get enough of the ooey, gooey campfire cookie. 

Another favorite from Playmakers is the jalapeño poppers. 

"I will not be disclosing how many [poppers] I consumed on our cruise.....they are soooo good!" Reddit user Wonderlust_816 commented.

Spare Tire's pizza tornadoes

Spare Tire is exclusive to Utopia of the Seas, Royal Caribbean's purpose-built weekend party ship. The food truck-style venue has a limited variety of grab-and-go items, including veggie wraps, chipotle chicken sandwiches, raspberry cheesecake chimis, and more. 

One Reddit user's favorite, however, is the pizza-flavored tornado. The crispy exterior and savory filling make it perfect for a heartier poolside snack. 

Like Sorrento's, everything at Spare Tire is included. 

CocoCay's famous mozzarella sticks

Perfect Day at CocoCay is Royal Caribbean's award-winning private island in The Bahamas, so it's only fitting that some of the destination's food options have garnered a cult-like following. 

The mozzarella sticks are easily the most famous. They are beloved for the crispy breaded exterior and Instagram-worthy cheese pulls. 

In fact, some cruisers love them so much that they only get off the ship at CocoCay to pick up an order from the Snack Shack! 

Crêpes from Crème de la Crêpe

Icon of the Seas was Royal Caribbean's first cruise ship to have a food hall — dubbed the "Aquadome Market" — with each stall dishing up different cuisines. 

The crêpe station quickly became a lot of cruisers' go-to spots for breakfast, lunch, an afternoon sweet treat, and more. 

The sweet and savory options are all made-to-order. Whether you are craving a classic Nutella crêpe with fresh strawberries and powdered sugar or a savory ham and cheese option, there's something for all preferences. 

Basecamp's Smashburger 

Basecamp is another Icon Class-exclusive. Located in the Thrill Island neighborhood, Base Camp is meant to be a quick spot to refuel between activities. 

Originally, the venue offered a mix of complimentary and for-charge items. However, the menu has since been updated so that everything is included in your cruise fare. 

Favorites range from the juicy smashburger to the tater tots and warm pretzels with gooey melted cheese. 

Pro tip: You can take an order of tater tots to El Loco Fresh and create your own DIY Mexican totchos. 

Nachos from El Loco Fresh

Speaking of El Loco Fresh, you don't need Basecamp's tater tots to enjoy poolside Mexican fare. 

Many cruisers love grabbing a bowl of tortilla chips and loading them up with chicken, nacho cheese sauce, guacamole, pico de gallo, and more. 

However, El Loco Fresh has plenty of other options, too — ranging from fresh quesadillas to burritos and tacos. 

One Reddit user even shared their favorite El Loco Fresh hack. Due_Warthog725 will take a burrito, open it up, and load it up with cheese and chips, calling it a "Taco Bell" equivalent at sea. 

Main Dining Room's escargot

The Main Dining Room (MDR) is Royal Caribbean's traditional sit-down restaurant. It's open for dinner every night of your cruise and features a rotating 3-course menu. 

In the past, there was a "Classics" section, where guests could choose from timeless favorites like French onion soup, shrimp cocktails, and more. However, this was removed in early 2023. Now, escargot is part of the appetizer rotation — much to the disappointment of frequent cruisers. 

"I'm... mad they took [escargot] off the every night menu a few years back!" Bbtrpt1 shared, "[On the] nights they do have it, I always get two orders." 

If you haven't had escargot before, it's worth giving it a try, especially if you're on a cruise and can order another appetizer. 

DJJbird09 added to the conversation, saying that escargot "...is like buttery garlic and [cheese-covered] mushrooms."

Another popular appetizer in the MDR is the Maryland-style crab cakes, which are only available on the first night's "Welcome Aboard"-themed menu. 

Royal Kummelweck roast beef sandwich

The Royal Kummelweck is a popular sandwich offered at the Park Cafe, The Café@Two70, and Cafe Promenade. 

Warm, freshly sliced roast beef is added to a kummelweck roll and topped with jus and your choice of horseradish sauce or spicy mustard (or both!). 

The sandwich is inspired by the "Beef on Weck" sandwich from the Buffalo, New York, area that's famous for its caraway seed and salt-crusted roll. 

Coconut Ranger Cookies 

There are a lot of different cookies available on Royal Caribbean cruise ships. However, the coconut ranger cookies, which are essentially chewy, coconutty praline cookies, consistently stand out among cruisers. 

Often available in the Windjammer buffet, Park Cafe, and Cafe Promenade, many cruisers even pack a few in Ziploc bags to enjoy later in their cabins.

"I just discovered [the coconut ranger cookies] this week! They are worth the trip!" One cruiser commented on Reddit. 

Soft-serve cone

Did you really go on a cruise if you didn't have at least one soft-serve cone? 

Years ago, when I was getting my hair styled, my then-hairdresser mentioned that she had a friend who would always try to eat one more soft-serve cone than their previous cruise. Although I don't remember what number they were at, it was easily in the double-digits. 

Every Royal Caribbean ship has a soft-serve station you can visit as often as you like, making it easy to satisfy any sweet tooth cravings. There are ways you can elevate your afternoon sweet treat experience, too. 

"Get a bowl of soft serve, then head over to the [Windjammer] dessert section for hot fudge or whatever special they have for the night. Blueberry cobbler sometimes," Lopsided-Fix2 shared. 

Tuna sandwiches

As popular as Sorrento's is, it's not uncommon to be greeted by long lines, especially late at night. Thankfully, most ships have another 24/7 spot. This turned out to be a lifesaver for Different-Cut-6992, who was tired of eating only pizza at night.

"I got tired of pizza for late night and tried the tuna sandwiches at the cafe, I never went back for pizza after that. SO GOOD!" they wrote. 

The tuna sandwiches could also make for a good savory afternoon snack after returning on board from a long morning ashore. 

DIY chili dog

Finally, if you don't want to pay for Johnny Rockets, one savvy cruiser shared their hack for making a DIY chili dog on a Royal Caribbean cruise. 

DCarp2005 said, "Get a hot dog from Dog House, take it to Loco Fresh, and put [on] chili and nacho cheese! Saves you from paying at Johnny Rockets for a chili dog."

If your ship doesn't have a Boardwalk Dog House and El Loco Fresh (like Radiance of the Seas), you can still enjoy a hot dog with the available toppings, including mustard, ketchup, relish, and sauerkraut. 

A recent viral post has cruisers questioning what an interestingly large piece of equipment is aboard one of the world's largest cruise ships.

"Sailing on the Allure of [the Seas] with my buddies and we look up and see this - what is it?" asked BobcatBison on the r/royalcaribbean Reddit thread. 

Attached to the post is a photo of a heavy-duty crane that looks like something out of a sci-fi movie rather than a piece of equipment on a cruise ship.

In reality, it's a Palfinger PK 150002 marine crane, according to Marine Link. When retracted, the crane resembles a tightly folded mechanical arm.

(Credit: rctfenix/Reddit)

However, once extended, it's used to help transport heavy cargo from the lower to the upper decks. Examples include transporting and planting trees in Central Park and loading and unloading lounge chairs to the pool deck. 

The PK-Palfinger Kran website states that the crane has a 27-meter (or ~88-foot) outreach and is DNV-certified. Similar cranes were delivered to Malaysia in 2018 with a maximum load capacity of 30,000 kilograms, which equates to around 66,130 pounds. 

The cranes are found on other ships in the Royal Caribbean fleet, including Wonder and Oasis of the Seas. 

"These are orbital defense cannons"

(Credit: fgpalm/Reddit)

The post has received over 350 upvotes and 150 comments, many of which are far more creative than straightforward. 

"It’s a rail gun for when [C]arnival ships get too close," wrote BadProof5346. 

Commercial-Place6793 added, "It’s how they signal to the alien spaceships where there are lots of drunk people ready to be abducted [for] testing."

(Credit: Juan-88PR/Reddit)

Other comical answers include a harpoon for whaling to help stock the Windjammer, a hydraulic t-shirt cannon, a laser-guided missile, a catapult for naughty passengers, a turbolaser battery, and a machine gun for pirates. 

Not the first time the equipment's purpose has been questioned

(Credit: rattmaul/Reddit)

Cruisers have wondered what the crane has been used for in the past, with similar photos and questions asked on cruise forums. 

rattmaul posted a similar query on the r/Cruise Reddit forum about 8 months ago. They were also sailing on Allure of the Seas. 

Like the recent post, many comments were unserious and joking in nature. 

(Credit: Leroyr55/Royal Caribbean Blog forum)

Aubgurl, for example, said, "It’s a laser beam that zaps people trying to save chairs at the pool."

Another user wrote, "Looks like a launcher for Naval Strike Missile with a range out to 140 nautical miles equipped with a 260 lb titanium cased penetrating blast and controlled fragmentation warhead...Useful if [CocoCay] is in danger of being invaded and you need to buy time until you can call in a strike package of [B-52s] or [B-1s] with Harpoons and LRASMs." 

"It’s for runners [who] are late coming back to ship!" added Careless-Fortune-356. 

(Credit: DustinC223/Reddit)

Among the funny answers are practical responses about the crane's intended purpose, revealing that it's a telescoping crane. 

Growing up a fan of Royal Caribbean's Oasis Class ships, I was convinced smaller vessels weren't for me. However, after sailing on Vision of the Seas, I realized that couldn't be further from the truth. 

For nearly two decades, Royal Caribbean's marketing has been consumed by its mega-ships, starting with Oasis of the Seas in 2009. 

Although their grandeur is worthy of praise (did you ever think cruise ships would have massive parks filled with thousands of live plants or outdoor theaters for high-diving aqua shows?), there’s a different kind of charm that comes with sailing on a smaller ship that doesn't make loving them wrong. 

Ten years after first cruising on an Oasis Class ship, I finally sailed on one of the line's oldest and smallest ships: Vision of the Seas. 

Measuring just 78,340 gross registered tons (GRT), Vision is a far cry from Oasis and Icon Class ships — both of which come in at over 220,000 GRT. However, after spending 5 days on board, I learned why, despite being outdated and lacking the same adrenaline-pumping amenities, they remain a favorite for so many loyal cruisers. 

In the end, there are pros and cons to big and small cruise ships, and the best choice comes down to what kind of vacation you're seeking. If you have younger kids, older ships may not have enough to keep them entertained. However, if you're interested in a relaxed or port-intensive getaway, Royal Caribbean's older ships might be perfect for your next cruise. 

Smaller ships can sail to and from more ports

Compared to Oasis and Icon Class ships, Vision, Radiance, and Voyager Class ships have more diverse itineraries. 

For example, throughout 2026, Royal Caribbean's smallest ships will offer sailings from ten embarkation ports in North America, including Baltimore, Maryland; New Orleans, Louisiana; San Diego, California; Seattle, Washington; and Vancouver, Canada. 

Comparatively, Oasis and Icon Class vessels primarily operate out of Florida, though you can find cruises leaving from Cape Liberty (Bayonne), New Jersey, and Galveston, Texas. 

The reason is that smaller ships can get in and out of ports that mega-ships simply can't access, which opens the door to more convenient departure options for many travelers. For example, when I cruised on Vision of the Seas in 2024, many of my fellow guests were from the DMV area. 

Even if you aren't local, it can be nice to explore new departure ports. I had never visited Baltimore before my Vision cruise and enjoyed exploring the Fells Point neighborhood. 

Smaller cruise ships are easier to navigate and heavily focus on intimacy 

While newer ships, starting with Royal Caribbean's Voyager Class, have a Royal Promenade (or Esplanade) that serves as the main thoroughfare, older vessels have classic Centrums. These hubs connect the surrounding public areas with sweeping ocean views. 

On Vision of the Seas, for example, Guest Services was steps from the casino on Deck 5, while Cafe Latte-tudes, the specialty coffee shop, was one deck above near the Art Gallery. 

Not only was the vessel easier to navigate, but with fewer guests, the intimate ship culture permeated the entire experience.

Although Royal Caribbean has stellar crew members on all its ships, it is easier to foster stronger connections on smaller ships; interactions are naturally more personable when there aren't 5,000 other people onboard. 

This also means that there are fewer crowds to navigate, which creates a more relaxed environment. Still, though, don't wait until the last minute to grab a seat for popular activities, like the Crazy Quest or karaoke! 

Quality control is easier

Have you ever been responsible for feeding thousands of people? Me neither, but whenever I host gatherings at home, it's easy to get overwhelmed and cut corners to ensure that everything is ready on time. 

Generally speaking, Royal Caribbean's food hasn't been as good as it used to be. In fact, my partner and I were disappointed with our experience on Icon of the Seas after sailing on MSC World America and noticing how much better the food was. Although both ships are roughly the same size (coming in at over 210,000 GRT), we felt that MSC did a better job with presentation and consistency. 

That said, I was pleasantly surprised by my dining experience on Vision of the Seas; the food quality benefits from the ship's smaller size. With fewer guests to serve, the kitchen isn't as overworked, meaning they can focus more on attention to detail and quality. 

Don't get me wrong, the food wasn't Michelin-star worthy, but nearly everything was tasty and satisfying. In fact, my specialty meal at Izumi on Vision was superior to experiences on Symphony and Icon of the Seas. 

Read more: Vision of the Seas Food Review; Pictures

There's less nickel-and-diming 

Okay, you'll still have to pay for drink packages, Wi-Fi, and specialty restaurants; however, did you know that older Royal Caribbean ships have complimentary saunas and steam rooms? 

While aboard Vision of the Seas, my friend and I took advantage of the free sauna in the ship's spa. It's a small perk, but one that makes the experience a little more indulgent without shelling out money for the thermal suite. 

The biggest cons about smaller ships are that they're outdated and have limited entertainment options

One of my biggest quarrels with Royal Caribbean is that they don't update their older ships as much as other lines. For example, when I sailed on Carnival Elation, a Fantasy Class ship that's the same age as Vision of the Seas, I was surprised by my inside cabin's modern touches. 

Rather than have one or two outlets by the vanity, there were bedside USB ports! Comparatively, my stateroom on Vision of the Seas had just two standard American and two European plugs. The clingy shower curtain wasn't ideal, either. 

In general, the ship's aesthetic felt like a flashback to the 90s. And while I always joke that I was meant to grow up in the 90s (proud '99 baby here!), the dated look was more tiring than nostalgic. 

Read more: I stayed in the cheapest cabin on Vision of the Seas

Moreover, if you are a fan of Royal Caribbean's AquaTheater shows and Broadway-style productions, you'll be disappointed with the entertainment options on older ships, which are more limited in scale. 

Bottom line: Big ship vs small ships

I've been lucky enough to cruise over two dozen times, and as I've gotten older, I've come to appreciate small, mid-size, and mega-ships — and each one is better suited for different vacations and travel preferences. 

Sure, if you want the flashiest ship filled from bow to stern with ziplines, surf simulators, mini-golf courses, and waterslides, you won't like what a Vision or Radiance Class vessel has to offer. 

However, if you are more destination-oriented or prefer fewer crowds, a smaller ship might be perfect for you. Plus, they're often more affordable, making them great for budget-conscious travelers. 

Read more: After sailing on 28 ships, this is how to pick a cruise you'll love

With the holiday season underway, the Royal Caribbean Blog staff is gearing up for another exciting year covering the cruise industry. We're also thinking ahead and sharing what experiences we'd love to see implemented on the Royal Caribbean fleet. 

Understandably, we're all huge fans of the Royal Caribbean brand here. However, after reflecting on our experiences this past year and what other cruise lines have done well, there are a few ideas that we'd love to see come to life. 

From enhancements to CocoCay to new specialty restaurants and better app features, here's what's topping our Royal Caribbean wish list this year. 

Over-the-water swings at Perfect Day at CocoCay

Royal Caribbean has mastered its private destination formula, between the award-winning Perfect Day at CocoCay island and the brand-new beach club in Nassau. Still, there are things the cruise line could borrow from competitors to make the experience even better. 

"I visited Carnival's new private destination of Celebration Key this summer, and I was impressed by the destination's massive lagoon. It makes Oasis Lagoon feel small!" said Jenna DeLaurentis. 

"One feature I really loved at the lagoon was the Sunshine Swings Bar. Instead of chairs, this bar has swings that hover over the lagoon. Although Perfect Day at CocoCay has a similar swing setup at Captain Jack's bar, the private island doesn't have any over-the-water swings. I thought this was a really cool feature, and I would love to see something similar at CocoCay!" she added. 

Nighttime events at Perfect Day at CocoCay

Something else our team would love to see is later port visits to CocoCay. Royal Caribbean introduced late-night visits in 2019. However, they were short-lived and haven't returned. 

"I wish there were nighttime events at CocoCay. Experiencing the island after dark with music, lights, and fun activities like bonfires would make a day at CocoCay feel even more special and memorable," said Ryan Hart. 

MSC Cruises offers a glimpse of what evening programming could look like at a private island, including beach parties hosted by a lively DJ, bonfires, and an illuminating lighthouse show at MSC Ocean Cay Marine Reserve. 

App enhancements 

Royal Caribbean Blog's head honcho would love to see some upgrades made to Royal Caribbean's mobile app. While it’s better than other cruise lines’ apps, there are still areas that could improve its functionality and user-friendliness.

"There should be a search function where I can search for a keyword in the activity title or description to make it simpler," remarked Matt Hochberg. 

"While on Star of the Seas, I spoke to a member of the activities staff who was going to be hosting a WWE wrestling theme song trivia event, but he didn't know when it was. I had to scroll through every single day, looking carefully to spot it," he explained. 

Information about the Discovery Class

Royal Caribbean has been hinting about the upcoming Discovery Class for a while, and Elizabeth is hopeful that 2026 will finally be the year when cruisers get some long-awaited details about the smaller ship class. Currently, all of Royal Caribbean's smallest ships are over 20 years old, including Vision of the Seas and Jewel of the Seas. 

"Lately, I’ve been exploring other cruise lines, like Celebrity Cruises, which offer smaller, better-maintained ships. Celebrity's Solstice Class ships come in at around 122,000 gross tons, making them a little bit smaller than Royal Caribbean's Freedom Class. The smaller size makes the ships feel more intimate, and the cruise line announced a major refresh to its Solstice Class vessels, which will enhance the onboard experience even more," said Elizabeth Wright. 

"Rather than focusing on mega Oasis and Icon Class ships, I wish Royal Caribbean would put a little more love into its older classes, whether that's through significant updates to the ships with refreshed staterooms, or finally introducing a new, smaller class to give cruisers something exciting to look forward to."

More diverse itineraries 

One criticism Royal Caribbean has recently received is that its itineraries are repetitive. While there's no denying the popularity of ports like Perfect Day at CocoCay; Phillipsburg, St. Maarten; Bermuda; Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy; and Santorini, Greece, many cruisers crave fresh destinations and unique experiences. 

"Brazil is one of my favorite countries in the world, and I've been waiting for Royal Caribbean to release new itineraries to the region," explained Jenna. 

"Royal Caribbean used to offer cruises throughout Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay over a decade ago, but these itineraries have not been offered post-COVID. Currently, MSC Cruises offers cruises around Brazil, but I'd love to see Royal Caribbean return to the region."

Different homeports for Icon Class ships

With the announcement of Icon of the Seas heading to Galveston, Texas, in 2027, Ryan is eager to see further homeport expansions for the mega-ship class. 

So far, Icon Class ships have been concentrated in Florida (i.e., Miami and Port Canaveral), which makes them less accessible for cruisers living elsewhere in the country.

"I’d love to see more sailings of Icon Class ships out of the Northeast. Having a new, modern ship closer to home makes planning a trip easier, and it feels exciting to have a fresh option that’s different from the usual departures," he said. 

Better fast-casual dining options

Although Royal Caribbean's newer ships offer plenty of dining options, from poolside tacos at El Loco Fresh to freshly made crêpes in the AquaDome Market and grab-and-go sandwiches at the Spare Tire, they still fall short compared to other cruise lines, namely Carnival. 

"I'd like to see more quick casual dining options on Royal Caribbean, similar to what you can find on Carnival with Guy’s Burger Joint and Big Chicken," explained Allie Hubers. 

"I’d especially like to see more options added to older ships in Royal Caribbean’s fleet during refurbishments to keep options fresh. I think this is one area where Royal Caribbean could really make some big improvements with some new signature eateries with excellent execution."

Thai specialty restaurant

On a similar note, Jenna thinks they could expand their specialty dining portfolio to include a wider array of cuisines beyond the standard steakhouse, Italian trattoria, and sushi options. 

"I would also love to see a sit-down Thai specialty restaurant on Royal Caribbean. Although the cruise line debuted Thai food in the AquaDome market on Star of the Seas, the menu is limited at the small food stand," she said. 

"Thai cuisine is one of my favorites, and I would love to have a restaurant with a wide range of noodle dishes, curries, and my favorite Thai dessert — mango sticky rice. Norwegian Cruise Line debuted a Thai specialty restaurant aboard NCL Aqua in 2025, so I hope Royal Caribbean will one day follow suit."