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."

Royal Caribbean has partnered with the U.S. Virgin Islands to redevelop the St. Thomas cruise port. 

On Wednesday, December 17, the Virgin Islands Port Authority (VIPA), Royal Caribbean Group (RCG), and Cruise Terminals International (CTI) signed an agreement to modernize the Crown Bay cruise port. 

The goal is to turn the Crown Bay District into a vibrant, mixed-use destination for residents and visitors, with better commercial, recreational, and cultural spaces. 

Not only that, but the project will have significant financial benefits for the community, including new jobs during the construction phase, the creation of entrepreneurial opportunities for local businesses, and better opportunities for taxi drivers and local tour operators. 

"Royal Caribbean Group proudly supports the revitalization of the Crown Bay District. By providing elevated experiences for our guests while also paying respect to the local culture and delivering significant economic benefits to the community, we can collectively usher in a new future for [the] U.S. Virgin Islands," said Melissa Morales, Senior Director, Destination Development, Americas, Caribbean, and Europe, Royal Caribbean Group.

Kevin Goldstein, Head of Development for the Americas for Cruise Terminals International, added, "Crown Bay is a priority destination within CTI's global portfolio, and this agreement provides the underpinning for a very significant and substantial long-term investment into St. Thomas and [the] U.S. Virgin Islands."

"We are extremely excited to continue our collaboration with Royal Caribbean Group and Virgin Islands Port Authority partners toward the realization of this ambitious and exciting redevelopment of Crown Bay," Goldstein continued. 

Read more: I tried one of Royal Caribbean's new VIP excursions in St. Thomas

Royal Caribbean isn't the only cruise line that's investing in port redevelopment

Carnival Cruise Line is also making waves in Mexico, with a major project announced for Ensenada. 

Like Nassau, Ensenada ranks poorly in customer satisfaction surveys. However, Carnival's redevelopment plan aims to elevate the guest experience while benefiting the local community.

The $26-million Ensenada Bay Village project, in partnership with ITM Group and Hutchison Ports ECV, will focus on celebrating the culture, community, and natural beauty of Baja California, Mexico.

Additionally, the venture will create new opportunities for local artisans, vendors, and tour operators, generating around 350 direct and 800 indirect jobs that deliver more than $120 million in annual revenue for the local economy. 

Highlights of the new port area include curated gastronomy experiences, artisan crafts, an adults-only pool area, chocolate and tequila tastings, river rides, a zip line, and more. 

Read more: Carnival announces bold plans to upgrade cruise port in Mexico

Thousands of guests have been informed that their booked sailings on Freedom of the Seas have been canceled due to redeployment scheduling. 

Passengers on at least 18 voyages aboard Freedom of the Seas received the dreaded email notification this week. 

"Due to a change in itinerary planning, and after exploring all our options, our October 26, 2026, Freedom of the Seas sailing has been redeployed," the email reads. 

"The time and effort you took to plan your cruise is important to us, and we apologize for the inconvenience," the cruise line continued. 

Others chimed in via social media that their voyages were impacted, too. 

"My Thanksgiving cruise was canceled as well, November 23," someone shared on Reddit. 

"Our February 1, 2027 cruise got cancelled too. We moved to January 4, 2027, not sure what’s going on," Jeffery Todd commented on Facebook. 

(Credit: Hankidan/Reddit)

Another person said, "My sailing also got cancelled Sept 14-19th from Miami. Just got an email today. Not happy."

"We were set to depart Sept 10 for our [10-year] anniversary and had splurged on several 'extras' to treat ourselves. Now we have to rebook and likely won’t get the great early bird deals we had," someone else added. 

The canceled sailings range from 4-night cruises to Nassau and Perfect Day at CocoCay to 5-night voyages to Cozumel and CocoCay, as well as 5-night Western Caribbean itineraries that include stops in Jamaica and The Bahamas. 

Here's a full list of all the impacted cruise dates on Freedom of the Seas:

• Sept. 10, 2026
• Sept. 14, 2026
• Sept. 24, 2026
• Sept. 28, 2026
• Oct. 8, 2026
• Oct. 12, 2026
• Oct. 22, 2026
• Oct. 26, 2026
• Nov. 5, 2026
• Nov. 9, 2026
• Nov. 19, 2026
• Nov. 23, 2026
• Dec. 3, 2026
• Dec. 7, 2026
• Jan. 28, 2027
• Feb. 1, 2027
• Feb. 25, 2027
• March 1, 2027

Royal Caribbean did not provide a specific reason for the cancellations beyond the vague "change in itinerary planning." However, the cruise line offered options to rebook on alternative sailings or issue full refunds. 

Rebooking options available for impacted cruise passengers

According to the email sent to the guests on the Oct. 26, 2026, voyage, there are three options available.

The first allows them to rebook one of three sailings aboard Freedom of the Seas at a protected rate. This means that the original stateroom category price will be protected or lowered to the current advertised fare. 

The replacement sailings are:

• Oct. 3, 2026: Labadee and Perfect Day at CocoCay
• Oct. 17, 2026: Perfect Day at CocoCay and Labadee
• Oct. 31, 2026: Perfect Day at CocoCay and Labadee

"If your booking was already paid in full and your cruise fare decreases, we'll provide you with a refund for the difference," the email adds. 

The second option allows passengers to rebook any other Royal Caribbean sailing without paying the usual non-refundable deposit change fee.

Guests, however, are responsible for any difference in pricing for the cruise fare, taxes, fees, gratuities, and other non-cruise fare items, such as specialty restaurants and excursions. 

Finally, if passengers cannot find a new itinerary that works for them, Royal Caribbean will issue a full refund of the paid portion of the cruise fare and any prepaid amenities to the original form of payment. 

Cruisers react

Having a cruise canceled is always disappointing, and many passengers took to social media to express their frustration and disappointment over the disrupted plans.

"[O]ur perfect day and Mexico cruise we've had booked since last April got cancelled and our options now kinda suck," a Redditor remarked. 

"Bummer, we were on that sailing too and it would have been a first cruise for my parents and my sister's family. This will be fun to rebook for all of these people," another comment read. 

Others argued that Royal Caribbean should have offered more compensation to impacted travelers. 

"$100 [in onboard credit] would cost them next to nothing but would at least say 'we recognize that this is an inconvenience to you,'" one person wrote. 

"This does stink, [them] not offering anything. In addition to these options a cruise credit would have been nice," someone else agreed. 

Disclaimer: An earlier version of this article was posted, saying that at least five Freedom sailings had been impacted. This has been corrected to include the 18 voyages sent to travel agents. 

Plans to construct a new Chesapeake Bay Bridge could allow larger cruise ships to sail into Baltimore.

On Thursday, the Maryland Transportation Authority Board unanimously voted to advance a plan to replace the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, as reported by WTOP News. 

The "Alternative-C" plan would see the construction of two four-lane bridges over the bay, doubling the current capacity. Additionally, it would increase the vertical clearance of the bridge to match that of the Key Bridge when it’s completed. 

This would give vessels an extra 50 feet of clearance, potentially allowing larger ships that were previously unable to pass beneath the existing bridge access to the Port of Baltimore for the first time. 

The total cost of the project is estimated to be between $15 billion and $17 billion. Design work could begin as early as 2028, with construction scheduled for summer 2032, pending approvals and other formal requirements. 

Despite the high price tag, the bridge would greatly benefit the local economy, with an economic analysis estimating that the bridge project would generate anywhere from $17 billion to $23 billion and create 61,300 to 75,600 jobs. 

"This recommendation is an exciting step that moves us closer to a Bay crossing that provides a smoother travel experience for those who drive over the bridge and the Marylanders who live by it," said Maryland Department of Transportation Acting Secretary Samantha J. Biddle in a statement. 

"Alternative C is the option that best supports Marylanders' current and future daily travel needs with the least environmental impact on our treasured Chesapeake Bay."

What a taller bridge could mean for Baltimore cruises 

Vision of the Seas, a Vision Class ship measuring less than 79,000 gross tons (GT), is the only Royal Caribbean cruise ship that sails from Baltimore due to the current restrictions. 

Other cruise lines, including Carnival, also deploy smaller ships to Baltimore because the existing Chesapeake Bay Bridge limits the size of vessels that can safely pass beneath it. Carnival Pride, for example, comes in at 88,500 GRT. 

Neither Vision of the Seas nor Carnival Pride represents the cruise lines' modern mega-ships and state-of-the-art features of today's fleet. 

Read more: My first Royal Caribbean cruise from Baltimore: Essential tips for Maryland sailings

The decades-old ships lack many of the amenities found on newer ships, such as expansive waterparks, multiple specialty dining venues, and high-quality entertainment options. 

As a result, Baltimore cruises are more limited in onboard offerings and are typically reminiscent of a more traditional era of cruising. 

A taller Chesapeake Bay Bridge could remove the current limitations and allow larger cruise ships to sail from Baltimore, opening the door for newer, larger vessels to homeport in Baltimore.

Moreover, it could convince Royal Caribbean to deploy a ship to Baltimore year-round. In March 2025, the cruise line's deployment schedule revealed that it was pulling Baltimore cruises during the winter of 2026 and 2027. 

However, a few months later, the deployment schedule confirmed that Vision of the Seas would return to Maryland, albeit seasonally. 

She'll be based out of Baltimore from May to October 2027, with plans to offer 5- and 9-night cruises to Bermuda and Canada/New England. 

Demolition of the remaining sections of the Francis Scott Key Bridge is ongoing

On March 26, 2024, Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge partially collapsed after being struck by a container ship. It was the second-longest bridge in the United States and the third-longest in the world. 

Following the accident, cruise operations in Maryland came to a screeching halt as officials assessed the damage and implemented safety measures.

Demolition of the bridge's remaining piers, ramps, and aboveground structures was initially planned for 2024. However, the Maryland Transportation Authority postponed it to 2025. 

The process officially began in July 2025 and is expected to take around nine months, with an estimated completion date of around April 2026. As a result, the opening of the replacement bridge has been pushed back to late 2030. 

Star of the Seas offers over two dozen stateroom categories, from wallet-friendly inside cabins to multi-story suites. However, not all cruise rooms are created equal, with some offering less convenience or privacy than others. 

Royal Caribbean's newest cruise ship is the second-ever Icon Class ship and shares many features with Icon of the Seas, including the record-breaking Category 6 Waterpark, cutting-edge entertainment, and modern stateroom designs.

Star of the Seas has 2,805 cabins comprised of 28 different categories, ranging from standard interior staterooms to infinite balconies, family-friendly suites, and more. With so many choices, it's easy to spend thousands of dollars on a room you aren't happy with.

For example, some cabins inherently experience more noise, while others have obstructed views. These factors may not bother some passengers. However, they're important to consider when booking your cruise. 

Here's a rundown of the worst cabins on Star of the Seas that should be avoided. 

Below Chill Island

Chill Island is Star of the Seas' upgraded pool deck. Boasting seven pools, ten hot tubs, and more, it’s the perfect spot to unwind with a poolside cocktail while enjoying your sea day. 

Initially, it may seem like a smart idea to be located steps from the pool deck. It would make snagging a coveted lounge chair easier in the morning, right? 

While that might be true, Chill Island isn't the quietest spot on board. Crew members begin shuffling chairs early in the morning. 

Balconies on Deck 14 are also subject to a lot of noise bleed from the bustling neighborhood. Everything from live music to screaming children and poolside competitions can turn your peaceful veranda into a spot you'd prefer to avoid. 

Cabins to avoid: 

• 14172 - 14276
• 14572 - 14676

Below the buffet and adults-only pool deck

Deck 15 is also home to Star of the Seas' buffet. The Windjammer Marketplace is a Royal Caribbean staple that's open every day for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 

As one of the ship’s main included restaurants, it is undeniably popular. Whether you're trying to feed a group of particular children or want a quick breakfast before heading ashore, the Windjammer sees a steady flow of guests throughout the day. 

While lunch and dinner patrons are less likely to be bothersome, morning breakfast traffic might be an earlier-than-anticipated wake-up call. 

Additionally, The Hideaway, Star of the Seas' adults-only pool deck, is located next to the Windjammer on Deck 15. It replaced the Solarium that's on other ships in the fleet. 

This hangout spot features plush daybeds, an aft-facing bar, an infinity pool, and a DJ who frequently plays upbeat music to foster a party-like atmosphere. 

As such, cabins underneath The Hideaway can hear more noise throughout the day, from the thumping of the live music to scraping deck chairs. 

Cabins to avoid: 

• 14278 - 14362
• 14678 - 14752

Near the AquaDome

At night, the AquaDome transforms into a theater for high-diving spectacles. However, the bustling, multi-use space also hosts various events during the day. As such, rehearsals and other activities can generate unexpected noise.

The AquaDome also houses more than just the ship’s AquaTheater. Hooked, the seafood specialty restaurant; the Rye & Bean coffee bar; and the AquaDome Market are all located in the same area. The additional foot traffic can result in extra noise. 

Cabins to avoid: 

• 14138 - 14170
• 14538 - 14570

Balconies near the Surfside neighborhood

The Surfside neighborhood effectively replaced the Boardwalk, which debuted on Oasis of the Seas in 2009. Although the bones are similar, Surfside was designed to be a stay-all-day area for families with children. There's everything from a splash pad to a pool, a family buffet, a specialty brunch restaurant, a bar, and more. 

Just like Oasis Class ships, there are inward-facing balconies on Star of the Seas. While these staterooms can be fun for families with younger children, they're less-than-ideal for cruisers sans kids. 

Regardless of where your cabin is located, you will hear the constant buzz of activity from Surfside, including children playing, music, arcade games, the carousel, and more. 

Moreover, some ocean-view balconies near Surfside are more prone to experiencing higher noise levels from the family-focused neighborhood throughout the day

Cabins to avoid: 

• 7280 - 7346
• 7680 - 7746
• 8321 - 8347
• 8721 - 8747
• 9289 - 9347
• 9689 - 9747
• 10289 - 10347
• 10689 - 10747
• 11289 - 11347
• 11687 - 11747
• 12289 - 12347
• 12689 - 12747 

Obstructed Central Park balconies

Central Park quickly became a guest favorite on Oasis Class ships, earning its place on the new Icon Class ships for its real greenery, open-air concept, and al fresco dining. 

Balconies facing the Central Park neighborhood are generally quieter than Surfside balcony rooms. However, cabins located above The Pearl are partially obstructed. 

The top of the structure means that it's hard to people-watch from your balcony or admire the lush plants.

Cabins to avoid: 

• 10219 - 10235

Outside Music Hall

While it's true that the lower decks are better for those who suffer from motion sickness, there are some spots to avoid if you're a light sleeper. 

One reason that cruise ships are popular vacation choices is the endless entertainment, from daytime belly flop competitions to late-night dance parties. 

The Music Hall is one venue on Star of the Seas that comes alive later at night. As such, guests who are sensitive to noise and prefer to retire earlier will want to steer clear of staterooms near the two-story Music Hall. 

Cabins to avoid: 

• 3180 - 3200
• 4180 - 4200
• 4577 - 4591

By the casino

Deck 4 is home to one of the largest casinos at sea. While a stateroom near Casino Royale could be convenient for avid gamblers, it's more likely to be a nuisance to those who would rather not bet their hard-earned money. 

Like the Music Hall, Casino Royale comes alive at night, and the noise from the slot machines, the spinning of roulette wheels, and excited cheers of jackpot winners can be disruptive.

Cabins to avoid: 

• 4202 - 4270
• 4602- 4670

The front of the ship

Cruise rooms in the front of the ship are more susceptible to the rocking of the vessel. As such, if you're someone who gets easily motion sick, it's important to select a cabin that's centrally located. 

Seasickness affects everyone differently. Some cruisers could stay in a forward stateroom and feel fine, while others may find small swells uncomfortable. 

While a mid-ship cabin can’t completely prevent motion sickness, it’s a smart precaution for those particularly sensitive to movement. 

Guarantee staterooms

If you have a specific area you do NOT want to be by (for example, Casino Royale or Surfside), don't let Royal Caribbean assign your stateroom for you — even if you think it's worth the cost savings. 

Guarantee cabins are cheaper fares that Royal Caribbean offers in exchange for allowing them the right to randomly select your room closer to your cruise's sail date. In other words, you forego the option to select your stateroom for a cheaper fare.

Royal Caribbean is planning its next beach club in Santorini, Greece, and they're asking patrons what they'd like to see at the new exclusive destination. 

It's clear that, between Perfect Day at CocoCay and the Royal Beach Club Paradise Island, the cruise line has developed a winning formula for private destinations. 

Greece, however, is a different ballpark. Guests aren't embarking on Greek Isles cruises for waterparks, adult-only beaches, or swim-up bars. 

Royal Caribbean has already acknowledged the difference, stating that the extra-charge beach club is more than an idyllic spot to spend the day with a beachside cocktail. 

Rather, the experience will include a scenic ferry tour along Santorini’s coastline, plus stops in the picturesque towns of Oia and Fira.

Still, they must nail the beach club aspect — and they can't simply copy what works at Perfect Day at CocoCay or the Royal Beach Club Paradise Island. 

To help shape the experience, a select bunch of passengers received emails asking them to provide feedback on amenities and dining options they would like available. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean reveals plans to open its first private beach club in Europe

Food will play a central role at the Royal Beach Club Santorini

The survey began by asking participants what the most important factors surrounding the dining experience are. For example, guests should select authentic Greek food items, portion size, convenience, complimentary options, and variety. 

Then, should a buffet with small bites be available, participants were asked to indicate which options would be the most appealing:

• Hummus
• Tzatziki
• Spicy red pepper & feta dip
• Warm pita
• Fresh local fruit
• Spanakopita
• Tiropita
• Bougatsa
• Baklava
• Sfakianopita
• Loukoumades
• Tsoureki
• Sesame bread rings

In addition to light bites, the survey asked participants to assume that there would also be a station with hot items, giving them a list of 10 options and asking for an overall rating on how appealing the menu is. 

The example menu includes:

• Signature Island Burger: grilled beef burger with tzatziki, feta, red onion, shredded lettuce, and tomato between a brioche-style bun
• Roasted Cod: slow-roasted in tomatoes, capers, lemon, and herbs
• Tomato Fritters: tomato fritters, fried until golden crispy with herbs and onions
• Lemon Oregano Chicken: golden-baked chicken thighs coated in a lemon-herb Greek marinade
• Souvlaki Pork: grilled marinated pork skewers
• Roasted Lamb Shoulder
• Vegetable Stew: slow-roasted potatoes, zucchini, eggplant, tomatoes, and onions, seasoned with oregano and olive oil
• French Fries
• Rice Pilaf
• Grilled Halloumi: grilled cheese from Cyprus

The survey reveals that Royal Caribbean is potentially thinking about adding a food truck-style venue to the Royal Beach Club Santorini. 

The fast-casual spot would, according to the survey, be located on the beach and offer build-your-own-gyros and Greek salads. 

• Gyro: warm pita topped with shaved pork or chicken
• Veggie Topping: shredded lettuce, red onion, tomato, and feta cheese
• Sauce Options: Toum, Tzatziki, Hummus, Greek Vinaigrette, Harissa Hot Sauce
• Greek Salad: add gyro chicken or pork

Finally, after viewing the pictures, participants were asked a series of questions to rate the overall dining experience, giving insight into how appealing the buffet, hot stations, and food truck might be — based solely on the survey.

For each query, guests could "strongly agree," "somewhat agree," "neither agree nor disagree," "somewhat disagree," or "strongly disagree." 

1. The menu items on this menu look high-quality
2. The menu could elevate my experience at a beach club in Greece
3. The menu provides an authentic Greek experience
4. The menu is a good fit for the Royal Caribbean brand
5. The menu feels appropriate for beachside dining
6. The menu has something for everyone 

The Royal Beach Club Santorini is expected to welcome guests in the summer of 2026

The exact date of the beach club's opening hasn't been announced yet. However, once open, the Royal Beach Club Santorini will offer an exclusive retreat for Royal Caribbean and Celebrity guests. 

As with the Royal Beach Club Paradise Island, admission to the Greek beach club is not included in the cruise fare.

Prices vary based on the ship and sail date. However, they're generally around $200 per adult after the Cruise Planner sale. 

Whether you're ready or not, the holiday season has arrived — and it will be over before you know it. Now is the perfect time to start buying gifts, so you’re not running to the store at the last minute.

If you have a loved one going on a cruise next year, the holidays are the perfect opportunity to give them a present they'll actually use on their upcoming trip. 

Don't worry, though — our round-up of the best cruise gifts can be used by sailors and jetsetters alike, making them ideal for anyone with wanderlust. 

From practical travel essentials to fun gadgets, here's a list of 13 gifts that are perfect for cruisers, too. 

Editor's note: We’ve included Amazon affiliate links in this article. Shopping through these links won’t cost you anything extra, but Royal Caribbean Blog may earn a small commission on your purchase. Thanks for your support!

Travelpro Maxlite Carry-On Luggage

A new suitcase is a great way to show the traveler in your life that you're thinking of them. You don't want to gift something that will fall apart after just one or two uses, though. You also don't want to purchase something that will be a nuisance to drag through airports and cruise terminals. 

Enter the Travelpro Maxlite bags — they're lightweight, durable, and designed for easy maneuvering thanks to the smooth gliding spinner wheels and adjustable handle. The suitcase comes with a TSA-approved lock for added security, too. 

The bags come in multiple sizes, so you get a single carry-on for quick trips or generously gift a full set for longer vacations.

BUY: Travelpro Maxlite Luggage

Anker Noise Cancelling Earbuds

Bringing headphones on a cruise is more useful than people think. For example, noise-cancelling headphones can make long bus rides and flights more enjoyable, letting you listen to your favorite artists, watch a TV show, or catch up on a podcast without disturbing others. 

They can also be used on the noisy pool deck to block out some of the chatter and background music, or in the gym during a mid-cruise workout. 

Anker's Noise-Cancelling Earbuds are an affordable, high-quality option that doesn't break the bank, like Apple AirPods or Bose QuietComfort Earbuds. Highlights include a 2-in-1 charging case + phone stand, adaptive technology, transparency mode, and long-lasting convenience. 

BUY: Anker Noise-Cancelling Earbuds

Universal Travel Adapter

Universal travel adapters can be used on older cruise ships and international trips. They come with multiple USB ports or sockets, so phones, tablets, earbuds, and other electronics can be charged simultaneously — a luxury in cabins with two or three outlets. 

Adapters are practical, compact, and travel-friendly, especially for wayfarers who find themselves in different countries every other month. 

JFMONE's adapter will ensure that your loved one is always prepared and never scrambling to buy a charger abroad, with support for over 10 types of plugs that work in countries like the United States, France, Italy, Singapore, and more. 

BUY: JMFONE Universal Travel Adapter

Anker MagSafe Compatible 3-in-1 Charger

Another option is a 3-in-1 charger that allows powering multiple devices at once, including iPhones, AirPods, and Apple Watches. 

With just one cord, your gift recipient won't have to worry about wires cluttering the vanity space in their cruise cabin. Moreover, they're travel-friendly and ultra-portable, meaning they won't take up valuable luggage space. 

Plus, with 15W charging, it can power an iPhone 15 up to 20% in just 15 minutes and charge an Apple Watch Series 9 to 30% in only 22 minutes.

BUY: Anker MagSafe Compatible 3-in-1 Charger

Phone Tripod Stand Selfie Stick

Some people like to be as tech-free as possible on vacation. Others like to capture their memories on camera. 

Speaking from experience, it can be awkward to ask fellow guests to snap a photograph. Many are willing, but it's never a great feeling to have to rely on strangers to capture your family's vacation. 

A tripod stand selfie stick helps ensure that your memories are just one click away. 

BUY: MOFT Phone Tripod Stand Selfie Stick

Portable Vlogging Camera

Who said home videos are dead? While they might not be on VHS tapes anymore, you can still create quality memories of your family's vacation. 

You don't need a YouTube channel to have a reason to record your trip — a high-quality vlogging camera is all you need to preserve your adventure for years to come. 

They're a great tool beyond vacations, too. You can use your vlogging camera to capture your children's baseball game, graduation, and more. 

BUY: Insta360 Portable Vlogging Camera

Hontry Compact Binoculars

Binoculars are useful on scenic cruises to destinations like Norway and Alaska, where the wildlife and scenery are abundant. 

They can help make snow-capped mountains, waterfalls, bald eagles, and whales visible, whereas they might appear tiny and nearly invisible to the naked eye. 

A good pair of binoculars doesn't have to cost a fortune, though. The Hontry binoculars are popular for their 10x magnification, BaK-4 prisms, and compact design — available for under $30. 

BUY: Hontry Compact Binoculars

Amazon Colorsoft Kindle

Standard paperback and hardcover books are expensive and heavy. In other words, they aren't the most travel-friendly option. 

This holiday season, consider giving the bookworm in your life a Colorsoft Kindle. The lightweight e-reader gives the owner access to thousands of books in a compact design that can be slipped into their carry-on. 

The Colorsoft version is different from the Paperwhite; it's optimized for reading in color and even has a neat highlight feature that allows you to mark the pages in yellow, orange, blue, or pink. 

BUY: Amazon Colorsoft Kindle

Sunrise Alarm Clock and Sound Machine Nightlight

Inside cruise rooms can be jarring due to their lack of natural sunlight. Regardless of what time it is, it somehow always feels like the middle of the night, even if it's 1:00 p.m. 

A sunrise alarm clock is a must-have for many choosing these cheap cabins, as it gradually simulates natural sunlight to gently wake the body up. 

Sound machines are another helpful addition since they can drown out the sound of creaking cabinets, hangers, crying babies, and drunken passengers stumbling through the halls. 

BUY: REACHER Wood Grain Sunrise Alarm Clock and Sound Machine Nightlight

Portable Charger with Built-In Cables, USB, USB-C

A portable charger is a great gift for anyone who’s always on the move. On cruises, they come in handy while ashore during lengthy shore excursions. However, they can also save an otherwise doomed phone during an unexpected travel delay. 

The key is to find a charger that isn't too bulky. Otherwise, you may feel inclined to leave it behind. A compact model that already has built-in cords is ideal, so you can easily throw it into your daybag before leaving the ship or purse while running errands at home. 

One with extra-fast charging capabilities is even better. 

BUY: VRURC Portable Charger with Built-In Cables

Mini Portable Instant Photo Printer

Having a photo printer on hand means that you're seconds away from giving shareable keepsakes to your friends, family, or fellow travelers. 

It also makes scrapbooking a breeze after your trip. Instead of making a trip to the local drugstore for prints, you can instantly print your photos from the comfort of your home.

Photo printers are a fun gift for all ages, too. 

BUY: Liene Mini Portable Instant Photo Printer

Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker

Waterproof speakers epitomize hands-free convenience. At home, they can be used in the shower, by the pool, kayaking on the lake, or even during mundane tasks like cooking in the kitchen (an accidental spill won't destroy it!). 

While you shouldn't blare music from portable speakers on a cruise, they can be used in your stateroom (at a reasonable level) while getting ready for dinner or relaxing on your balcony. 

BUY: HEYSONG Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker

Portable Handheld Fan

Finally, a portable handheld fan is useful for cruisers and anti-cruisers alike. They can make touring ancient ruins like the Acropolis or Chichen Itza far more bearable than without, especially during the peak summer months. 

Portable fans are just as practical at home, too. Does your friend or family member spend a lot of time outside? Whether they're an avid gardener, love attending sporting events, or frequently walk their dog, a small fan ensures that they can continue enjoying their favorite activities comfortably. 

The JISULIFE Portable Handheld Fan stands out for several reasons, including its 10+ hour battery life, foldable design, and built-in portable power bank.

BUY: JISULIFE Portable Handheld Fan With Rechargeable Battery

Two stowaway owls have been living the good life in Spain after hitchhiking on Allure of the Seas' transatlantic cruise in February. 

During the 12-night voyage, a pair of burrowing owls felt right at home in the ship’s Central Park neighborhood after boarding the ship in Miami, Florida. 

The owls were eventually caught by crew members using nets, fed and watered according to expert guidelines, and handed over o Spanish officials after arriving in Barcelona. 

Since arriving in Spain, the owls have been living lavishly at the CITES Wildlife Rescue Center (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) in Murcia. 

Read more: Adventurous owls took a 2-week vacation after stowing away on one of the world's largest cruise ships

Their quarantine will wrap up in January, after which they are slated to be returned to the United States around the middle of the month. Their return airfare will be covered by the Fish and Wildlife Foundation of Florida, the charitable arm of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). 

Natalie Montero-McAllister, the FWC's Imperiled Species Policy Administrator, told The Guardian that the owls are ground-dwelling, spending most of their time in burrows or open areas.

As such, they likely were confused by the ship's vast metal expanses and the absence of their usual diet, consisting of small reptiles and birds, frogs, and rodents.

"It must have been very bewildering for them. Some of the newer cruise ships have a lot of green space, and like plant life on board to make it more park-like, so I’m curious if that may have been something that was of particular interest or comforting for them," she added. 

Still, it's not clear how the owls made it on Allure of the Seas, an Oasis Class ship and one of the world's largest cruise vessels, in February. 

After returning to the U.S., they will be released into the wild once they pass an assessment and re-assimilation test at a Florida facility. 

"We plan to release them to another area that they’re likely familiar with, since they came from somewhere in Miami. We’re under the impression that they are accustomed to urban environments, so we’ll bring them to another urban environment, so that way it’s something familiar to them," Montero-McAllister explained. 

Tindl Rainey, the Director of Conservation at the Fish and Wildlife Foundation of Florida, said that they are happy to help ensure the owls have a safe transition back to their natural habitat.

"They’re having quite the adventure, and we’re glad to help get them safely back to a burrow in Florida," she stated.

Not the first stowaway owls on a Royal Caribbean cruise

(Credit: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission/Facebook)

In 2023, passengers reported seeing a burrowing owl aboard Symphony of the Seas during a Caribbean cruise. 

Royal Caribbean contacted local wildlife authorities to safely apprehend and remove the owl from the ship's Central Park neighborhood, and biologist Ricardo Zambrano boarded the ship in Florida on disembarkation day to safely capture the owl with help from the crew.

"Zambrano only had a one-hour window of time between the passengers disembarking and new passengers coming aboard for their week-long vacation to Mexico [to capture the owl]!" the FWC said in a Facebook post. 

(Credit: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission/Facebook)

"With some of the crew’s help, [Zambrano] placed mist nets around the owl’s perch of choice, the exit signs by the door. Two unsuccessful attempts later, the owl was now sitting on the balcony of a [10th-story] cabin. The crew stood below making noise to distract the owl as [Zambrano] snuck up and safely netted the owl from the railing!"

Royal Caribbean's first-ever private beach club is one step closer to welcoming guests. 

On Friday, December 12, the cruise line assembled a giant 43-foot Crown & Anchor logo at the Royal Beach Club Paradise Island. 

It's one of the — if not the largest — physical Crown & Anchor symbols in existence. 

"To put that in perspective, the Crown and Anchor on the side of the Star of the Seas is about 37-38 feet," said Jay Schneider, Royal Caribbean Group Chief Product Innovation Officer, during the 2025 President's Cruise. 

That makes the structure in Nassau roughly 5-6 feet larger than the logo on one of the world's largest cruise ships. 

The assembly was livestreamed by PTZtv on the Port Nassau webcam, with all images in this blog courtesy of PTZtv. 

The massive, blocky components were lifted via crane and put into place piece by piece, almost like a gigantic LEGO set. 

Based on the webcam footage, it appears that the logo will be on the inward-facing side of Paradise Island, giving all cruise guests, Royal Caribbean or not, a clear view of the massive emblem as their ships sail into Nassau.

The Royal Beach Club Paradise Island is set to officially open on December 23, 2025, with guests on Utopia and Radiance of the Seas among the first to experience the cruise line's first beach club destination. 

Unlike Perfect Day at CocoCay, admission isn't included in your cruise fare. Rather, it's more akin to traditional shore excursions, with day passes available for purchase through the Cruise Planner or at the shore excursion kiosks on board.

There are different types of passes, with the most expensive starting at around $169.99/person and including everything from unlimited alcoholic beverages to lounge chairs and umbrellas, all-day dining, Wi-Fi, and more. 

As it stands, Royal Caribbean has two more beach clubs in the works: Royal Beach Club Cozumel and Royal Beach Club Santorini. 

Royal Caribbean also shared a short 17-second reel of the structure's construction

The time-lapse video starts with the construction crew building the center of the anchor before expanding outward.

A strong, core structure allowed the team to build the surrounding elements that give the logo its recognizable shape, with the crown's middle prong being the last piece added. 

The final few seconds of the clip show the sheer scale of the Crown & Anchor installation at the Royal Beach Club Paradise Island. 

The logo dwarfs everything from the two-story Party Cove to the restaurant shacks and the construction equipment below as the team works to get the finishing touches in place before the club’s grand opening. 

Other construction updates

There are just ten days to go before paying guests are welcomed to the Royal Beach Club Paradise Island for the first time. 

This leaves little room for delay as everything must be fully operational by Dec. 23. 

While recent photos show that the beach club is coming together, there's still a lot of work to be done to ensure the destination is guest-ready. 

From afar, the colorful beach club is really taking shape. However, construction debris must be cleared, furniture arranged, and landscaping finished in under two weeks. 

Guests sailing aboard this weekend's Utopia of the Seas cruise get more time on the ship than planned. 

Due to the incoming cold front, the ship will arrive back at Port Canaveral, Florida, later than scheduled, as confirmed by Scott Sanders of Disney Cruise Line Blog. 

Utopia was initially supposed to arrive for disembarkation at 6:00 a.m. Upon boarding the ship, however, current passengers were told to expect a delayed arrival time of 2:00 p.m.

Guests were given the option to disembark, though they had to decide by 3:00 p.m. Moreover, according to the cruise line's weather policy, no compensation will be provided for those who stay on the ship. 

"On Sunday evening, there is going to be a cold front passing through this region here in Port Canaveral, and behind it will be some very high wind[s], higher winds than what is safer to bring the ship into the port of Canaveral," the Captain said over the public address system.

They will continue to monitor the system, warning passengers that further changes may be necessary since the weather does not always follow the predicted forecast.  

"Your safety and the safety of the ship is the number one priority that I have on board here," he added. 

There are no other confirmed changes to the Dec. 12 sailing of Utopia of the Seas. As it stands, the Oasis Class ship is still scheduled to call at Nassau on Saturday and Perfect Day at CocoCay on Sunday. 

The National Data Buoy System issued a warning about this weekend's weather, saying that a cold front is expected to push through the Atlantic coastal waters from Flagler Beach to Jupiter Inlet on Sunday evening and night. 

Conditions will be relatively calm on Sunday before deteriorating later in the day, with northwest winds of 20 to 25 knots expected. Seas will build from 4 to occasional heights of 11 feet after midnight. 

Strong winds and high seas will persist on Monday, though dangerous conditions are expected to subside throughout the day. 

For example, northeast winds of 25 to 30 knots will decrease to 15 to 20 knots in the afternoon. Still, the intracoastal waters will stay rough. 

An email was also sent to impacted passengers on the Dec. 15 voyage

"Along with our Chief Meteorologist Craig Setzer, we are closely monitoring the approach of a strong cold front Sunday night into Port Canaveral. This system will bring high winds that will make our scheduled arrival into the port challenging," it reads.

"With safety in mind, the ship is expected to be delayed in returning to the port by approximately six (6) hours, but the situation remains fluid. We’ll continue to monitor the forecast in case anything changes."

Royal Caribbean will send a follow-up by Sunday at 6:00 p.m. EST with updated arrival times. 

Additionally, the email states that, because of Monday's late departure, the ship has to swap its scheduled visit to Nassau on Tuesday with a sea day:

"The good news is we’ll still have a chance to visit Nassau on Thursday with updated call times. Not to worry, you’ll still have the same amount of time in port to enjoy everything this beautiful destination has to offer!"

Any pre-paid excursions booked through Royal Caribbean for Nassau will be automatically rescheduled, and those that cannot will be canceled and refunded to guests' SeaPass account to be used as onboard credit. 

The visit to Perfect Day at CocoCay on Wednesday, Dec. 17, remains unchanged.