Royal Caribbean Blog

Royal Caribbean has revamped its fleet-wide drink menu. 

The base menu for cocktails, low-alcohol, and zero-proof drinks has been updated across all 29 of its ships, placing a greater emphasis on non-alcoholic beverages. It was introduced on Star of the Seas during a special media preview on August 7, 2025. 

Your favorite vacation cocktails, such as piña coladas, daiquiris, and mojitos, are still available. However, this menu refresh introduces a wider variety of craft cocktails and mocktails for those who might be interested in trying something different. 

This new menu will be available at all bars and lounges that don't have a specialized menu of their own, including the Schooner Bar, Boleros, and the Viking Crown Lounge. 

The biggest change is a greater emphasis on non-alcoholic drinks. This isn't necessarily a new trend. When Icon of the Seas launched in 2024, the cruise line crafted a dedicated menu for zero-proof drinks. And no, they are not just virgin versions of cocktails.

"We really took the time to curate them as standalone drinks without alcohol and really look at blending flavors that work together versus a stock virgin daiquiri that is just an alcoholic drink we’ve taken the alcohol out of. We didn’t even consider putting alcohol in these as we put them together," said Ed Eiswirth, Royal Caribbean's Director of Beverage Operations.

You'll still find the basics like soda, energy drinks, juice, and water, but the refreshed menu also features more handcrafted zero-proof beverages:

• Mule Kickback
• Espresso No-Tini
• Peach Perfect
• Lush Life
• Mai Spice

Whether you're sober or simply want to limit your alcohol intake, these new drinks can be great alternatives without feeling like you're restricting yourself:

• Yuzu Sunrise
• All Aboard Spritz
• Watermelon Mint Lemonade
• Passionista
• Crave the Wave

• Coconut Lime Refresher
• Tropical Crush
• Passion Starlight
• Tiger's Tale
• Berry Press
• Berry Necessary 

Additionally, there's more than one non-alcoholic beer and wine. There are also four Blind Tiger spirit-free sparkling mocktails: Lavender French 75, Side Car Mimosa, and Southside Mogito. 

The same "Taste of the Caribbean" drinks are available, including the Painkiller, Dark 'N Stormy, Goombay Smash, Planter's Punch, Papa Jac, and Rum Punch. 

Although the drinks remain the same, the menu features a refreshed design; the map-inspired layout wasn't completely replaced. 

The "Light & Lively" drinks include:

• Pineapple Guava Sangria
• Scarlett's Tropical Sangria
• Tropic Like It's Hot
• Make Me Blush
• Demure Paloma
• Botanical Breeze

The list of "Crisp & Refreshing" drinks is as follows:

• Love Story
• Berried Treasure
• Handcrafted Margarita
• Yuzu the One
• Curaçao Cosmo
• Cozumel Sunrise
• Cool as a Cucumber
• Strawberry Blonde

"Strong & Sprited" drinks are crafted for those who prefer a bold cocktail:

• Passion Spritz
• Blackberry Lemon Drop
• 'Rol and Rye
• Teqkil-Ya Zombie
• Kentucky Summer

Beer lovers, don't worry — there are still plenty to choose from. Still, some may find the selection lacking compared to bars on land:

• Blue Moon Belgian White
• Blue Moon Non-Alcoholic Belgian White
• Bud Light
• Budweiser
• Coors Light
• Corona Extra
• Dos Equis
• Foster's Oil Can
• Heineken
• Heineken 0.0 (Non-Alcoholic)
• Michelob Ultra
• Miller Lite
• New Belgium Voodoo Ranger Juicy Haze IPA
• Paulaner Weissbier
• Red Stripe
• Sam Adams Non-Alcoholic Just the Haze IPA
• Stella Artois
• Stone Delicious IPA (Gluten-Reduced)
• Angry Orchard Hard Cider
• Strongbow Hard Cider
• Truly Hard Seltzer (Wild Berry or Strawberry Lemonade)
• Twisted Tea Hard Iced Tea
• White Claw Hard Seltzer (Mango)
• Blind Tiger Sparkling Non-Alcoholic Mocktail

You will also find a selection of wines by the glass or by the bottle. Not all wines are available by the glass, but there are various brands from regions around the world. They also have red, white, and sparkling options.

There are several non-alcoholic wines, too:

• Natuero Sparkling (Spain)
• Cero Coma Blanco (Spain)
• Ariel Chardonnay (California)
• Ariel Cabernet Sauvignon (California)
• Naturero Syrah (Spain)

If you purchase a bottle of wine, you can bring it to any bar, restaurant, or even back to your cabin to enjoy; you don't have to finish it in one sitting. 

Finally, there's an impressive selection of spirits for those looking for a quick shot or liquor served neat:

• Vodka
• Rum
• Gin
• Tequila (over 15 kinds!)
• Mezcal
• Scotch
• Cognac
• Whiskey & Bourbon
• Apértif
• Liqueur 

Star of the Seas is here and you're probably wondering what's different about this ship compared to Icon of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean's second Icon Class ship is days away from welcoming aboard its first paying passengers, and the ship has lofty expectations from both them and the cruise line itself.

I'm lucky enough to be invited by Royal Caribbean to come get a first look at Star of the Seas before she begins sailing, and I've kept a careful eye out for what's new or different.

Here's a list of the changes you'll find on Star of the Seas that I've found so far.

All new shows

You can always count on Royal Caribbean to never be content with its entertainment lineup.

Star of the Seas has new shows in each of its three theaters.

By far the headliner show is Back to the Future: The Musical, which is the full Broadway production and included on this ship.

There's also a new high-diving spectacle in the Aquatheater, as well as a new show in Absolute Zero.

I always recommend everyone check out the new shows when they go on a ship, because each show is impressive in its own right.

Kaleidoscopes

Hidden around the ship are what look like whimsical telescopes.

The idea is similar to the Small Wonders on Oasis of the Seas or Allure of the Seas.

So far I've found two, one on the Royal Promenade and the other in Surfside, and each has a different design when you peer through them.

Robot vacuums

A really neat idea is there are a few robot vacuum cleaners on Star of the Seas.

There are two types, with Bob responsible for hard surfaces and Betsy taking up carpets.

I'm used to seeing robots in supermarkets and BJ's stores, but it's fun that Royal Caribbean is getting in on the trend.

I suspect these robots can help augment the hard work crew members do in cleaning up, especially after hours.

New hot tub

Royal Caribbean was able to add a new hot tub on Star of the Seas, near the entrance to Aquadome Market.

The hot tub was originally intended to be on Icon, but the company was concerned about water weight. As it turned out, it wasn't a problem, so they added it to Star of the Seas.

Another pool deck change you'll notice are the bungee chairs on Deck 15 across from Royal Bay pool have been removed.

Instead, there are regular loungers on there.  Some crew members told me those bungee chairs on Icon had too many kids climbing and jumping on them, which likely lead to this change.

Lincoln Park Supper Club

The only new dining spot on Star of the Seas is the Lincoln Park Supper Club.

The supper club on Icon of the Seas was New York based, but this one is going to be Chicago based.

Royal Caribbean found inspiration from Chicago hot spots, from the Chez Paree club to the famed dining spot, The Pump Room.

Dining here will cost you $200 per person, and you'll get a pairing of live jazz music with the food. Each course has a paired cocktail and dish that matches up perfectly with the music.

Meet Sailor

I'd be remiss if I didn't mention there's a new Chief Dog Officer on Star of the Seas.

Sailor is the Golden Retriever that lives on the ship as the family dog.

You can meet Sailor if you're lucky enough to be in the right spot when she walks by for a belly rub.  Usually I've seen her near the Overlook, in Surfside, or even on the Royal Promenade.

Royal Caribbean got a lot of attention when it put a dog on Icon of the Seas, and it's such a lovely idea.

A more colorful Pearl

The Pearl has been upgraded visually.

Instead of a single color light ring in the back of each of those 3500 plus tiles, this version has full multicolor rings.

This allows arguably the top photo spot on the ship to have a much richer color palate.

New bar menus

I've noticed a few menus have gotten updates to at the least the look of them, and a few new cocktails too.

The fleetwide menu has been updated with new drinks and a new look.

Every few years the bar menu changes, and this is the bar menu you'll find in places like Casino Bar, The Overlook, and other bars without a specialized menu.

In the Pub, there's a new menu and each table as a ring toss game to help you pass the time.

I believe the Yuzu the One and Love Story are two new drinks on this menu.

Over at the Lime and Coconut, there's been a change to the lineup to offer more non-alcoholic drinks too.

There are are series of frozen drink machines, and two of them are now non-alcoholic.

In addition, a dedicated painkiller frozen drink dispenser has been added.

The tequila lineup as been improved at El Loco Fresh's Cantina.

You'll find a new Teqkil-ya Zombie drink, as well as higher quality tequilas to choose from.

Upgraded water fun in Surfside

Royal Caribbean said they wanted the kids only neighborhood on Star of the Seas to lean a bit more mature to appeal to slightly older kids.

The changes are subtle, but I think the 7-10 year olds may find more to enjoy in Surfside compared to Icon of the Seas.

Specifically, Splashaway Bay and Playscape received new features and more play activations to appeal to older kids.

In addition, the Water's Edge pool is dropping the idea it could be a haven for parents too, and instead is enhanced to be more kid-friendly. 

This change was done because in reality, kids took this pool over on Icon.

New art

You can also count on any new cruise ship for there to be new art all over the ship.

Royal Caribbean is proud of its artwork, and you'll find lots of it to catch your eye in every hallway, public venue, and bar.

I think the art in the elevator lobbies and on the Royal Promenade might be among the most noticeable, because they're so large.

Changes that I can't tell if they really did change

There are some changes that at one point were supposed to change, but perhaps it's being held back for a future ship.

Pier 7 remains in place. Right after Icon's launch, executives talked about it would be something else on Star.

Personally, I always liked eating at Pier 7 because it offers food you don't usually find elsewhere on the ship.  

There is much more outdoor seating too.

Something else that doesn't appear to have made it to Star are the first facial recognition cabins.

It's my understanding there aren't any cabins yet with that feature.  

Royal Caribbean is ready to double the fun with Star of the Seas.

The brand new ship is Royal Caribbean's newest mega-ship, bringing the total number of operational vessels in Royal Caribbean's fleet to 29.

It's the hotly anticipated follow-up to Icon of the Seas, which launched last year and instantly became a mega hit for the cruise line. Icon wasn't just exciting, it set a new standard for every other cruise ship.

Royal Caribbean invited me to come on a short 3-night sailing to see the new ship and what it's all about.  They flew me to Puerto Rico to meet the ship, and be among the first to get onboard.

In just a couple of hours on Star, I wanted to share a glimpse of what this new ship is like and why you'd want to try it too.

Doubling what Icon did best

It's clear Royal Caribbean didn't want to mess too much with the winning formula that made Icon of the Seas such a success.

Star of the Seas began construction right around the same time as Icon, so their layout and look are very similar.

The difference is in the details, and I quickly picked up on the fact that Star is everything I loved about Icon.

Overall, Star is similar to Icon of the Seas in terms of onboard amenities and size. As such, guests can expect the same record-breaking Category 6 Waterpark, indoor AquaTheater, Crown's Edge ropes course/over-the-water zip line, massive Absolute Zero ice skating rink, and adults-only Hideaway.

It's a bright and colorful ship that is meant to evoke a party atmosphere.  You won't find the words "subdued" or "subtle" on this cruise ship.

Star of the Seas relies on the formula of open spaces, a connection to the water, and great things to do that are certain to make memories.

I loved how beautiful the pool deck is, and how the layout provides so much space for chairs, shade, pools, and bars.

Having an entire waterpark onboard means the ship has more thrills than any other, and that's in addition to the surf simulator, Crown's Edge, or sports area.

My favorite area of the ship remains Central Park because of how beautiful this space is, with so much packed in.

In walking around Central Park, I noticed a lot of new artwork and beautiful designs.  Plus, the Trellis Bar, Izumi sushi window, Bubbles, and Lou's are the perfect nighttime spot for a snack, drink, or both.

Over in Surfside, there's an entire area for kids.

Royal Caribbean says this version should skew to appeal to slightly older kids, but I'll need to wait for more kids to be onboard to truly see how it works.

You'll find tweaks, replacements and a few surprises on Star of the Seas

There are subtle differences that give Star of the Seas a defining personality of her own. 

For example, the Broadway-style show on Icon is the Wizard of Oz, whereas on Star of the Seas, it's Back to the Future: the Musical. 

Moreover, Royal Caribbean made changes to the AquaDome Marketplace food stalls. Pig Out BBQ, Mai Thai, and La Cocinita will effectively replace GNGR, Mac's, and Toast & Garden. 

The supper club also received a refresh. Instead of honoring New York City, the new Lincoln Park Supper Club reflects the spirit of Chicago.

I was surprised when I turned a corner and ran into a group of housekeeping robots, which are a first for the cruise line.

The two types of robots can clean the floors and carpets constantly.  Bob is for the hard surfaces, while Betsy takes care of carpeting.

I found them in the Overlook, but unsure yet how wide spread they will be.

I also noticed what looks like telescopes around the ship in various public areas.

Similar to the Small Wonders feature on Oasis and Allure of the Seas, each one has a different kaleidoscope design to it.

It's a fun sea day activity to try to find them all.

Also noteworthy to cruise fans are the new name tags.

Crew members have a different name tag design compared to any other ship.  I'm not sure if the new design will go fleetwide, or remain an Icon Class look.

The first Star of the Seas cruises begin in August

Measuring over 248,000 gross registered tons, Star of the Seas is one of the largest cruise ships in the world, tied only with Icon of the Seas. Star comes in at 1,196 feet long and 219 feet wide. At double occupancy, Star of the Seas can accommodate 5,610 guests in 2,805 staterooms. However, at maximum capacity, she can carry over 7,000 passengers. She also has 2,350 crew onboard from countries all over the world. 

Star's maiden voyage is scheduled for August 31, 2025, but construction moved quicker than expected. As such, Star will embark on a series of short preview cruises ahead of the official maiden voyage. The first of these will take place from August 16-20, 2025. It is ironic because when Star of the Seas' bookings were initially released, the maiden voyage was scheduled for August 17. It was later pushed back due to shipyard delays.

Star of the Seas' 7-night maiden voyage on August 31 will cruise to Perfect Day at CocoCay, Costa Maya, Roatan, and Cozumel.

Unlike Icon of the Seas, Star of the Seas' homeport is Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida. Orlando is one of the top vacation markets in the world, so Royal Caribbean's decision to homeport Star at Port Canaveral makes sense. The location offers travelers easy access to the area's famous theme parks and attractions. Utopia of the Seas, Royal Caribbean's first-ever purpose-built ship for the short cruise market, also calls Port Canaveral home.

Cruises on Star of the Seas are available to book through April 2027. There are even a few last-minute cabins on the special showcase cruises. At the time of publication, an interior stateroom on the 4-night Aug. 16 sailing starts at $1,029 per person. The cheapest cruise on Star of the Seas is scheduled for Sept. 14, 2025. The 7-night cruise starts at $1,153 per person in an inside cabin.

All but one sailing is scheduled to visit Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean's award-winning private island in The Bahamas. The itinerary for the May 3, 2026, cruise is Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas; San Juan, Puerto Rico; and Labadee, Haiti. 

Royal Caribbean is known for being a family cruise line, but which cabin would be the best choice to book?

I've been cruising with my family ever since my first kid was old enough to sail, but there are different needs once you introduce kids into the mix.

Families are often looking for space, privacy, and convenience with their room choice, and if they can not spend a lot for it, then it's a bonus.

Royal Caribbean has a fairly wide range of cruise ship cabins to choose from, even if you're trying to stick to a budget.

Those willing to spend more will find sprawling suites with crazy amenities, but there are also very nice options that will work well in the lower category cabins too.

Here are my top picks for finding the the perfect family-friendly cruise cabin on Royal Caribbean.

1. Budget-friendly cabins

Interior and Ocean View Rooms: These are slightly larger cabins that can sleep up to four people in the cabin.

In addition to the bed that can be combined to form a king or split apart, there are going to be either pullman beds that descend from the ceiling or sofa beds that open up for the extra passenger.

Putting four people in one room will likely be the cheapest option, but it's also going to feel the most cramped. Living space will be at a premium, and all of you will share one bedroom.

Connecting cabins: My favorite configuration for families is to book two connecting staterooms that have a common door between them.

The advantage of connecting cabins is you get twice the space, an extra bathroom, an extra TV, and full separation between each room.  This is a great choice if you're cruising with teens.

Moreover, you can find connecting cabins in a variety of cabin categories, from inside to balcony. 

2. Best mid-range family-friendly cabins

Spacious Ocean View and Balcony Rooms: The advantage of booking a higher category cabin if you're putting all four of you in one room is you get more living space.

Royal Caribbean labels staterooms with the word "spacious" as an indicator it has more square footage, and that means you four people sharing the room comfortably.

Like the inside rooms, it's likely a better price, but a better compromise on the balance of space and value.

Family Ocean View Cabins: Some of the largest cabins you'll find outside of suites are the Family Ocean View Cabins.

Usually located at the very front of the ship, these are massive rooms that often have a separate sleeping room, bunk beds, and more than one bathroom.

The downside to these rooms is they are usually located in the forward area of the ship, which means a longer walk and possibly more motion.

Ultra Spacious Ocean View / Balcony Cabins: Even larger than the family cabins, Ultra Spacious rooms are enormous.

There aren't many of them, but they're designed to accommodate up to 6 passengers. You'll find ultra spacious ocean view rooms on Freedom and Oasis Class ships.

Family Infinite Ocean View Balconies: Royal Caribbean came up with a few new kinds of family staterooms for its Icon Class ships, and each relies on clever layouts.

The Family Infinite Ocean View Balconies has an infinite balcony instead of a standard balcony. This means you can convert the balcony space into an indoor living instead, which is great for young children who want to crawl and walk and have play room.

They can sleep up to six guests too.

Surfside Family View Cabins: These staterooms are located near the Surfside neighborhood, which is an area of the ship designed for young families.

There are Surfside Family View Interior or Balcony rooms, and they can handle three or four people in the room.

The rooms are convenient, as well as being in a family-focused location.

Surfside Family Suite: Royal Caribbean introduced affordable suites that are great for young kids, but also include many more perks.

The idea is having a room where kids and parents share the cabin, without feeling like everyone is on top of each other. Thanks to nooks and clever ideas, it feels like there's more separation than you might expect.

You'll also find a split bathroom and a private balcony accessible via a convertible partition in the bedroom. 

3. Best family-friendly suites

Ultimate Family Suite: If money is no object, go big and try the suite that was made to be second-to-none for families.

This incredible suite has an in-room slide, Lego wall, movie and game room, hot tub, spread across two levels, and has more games and play spaces than I ever thought possible.

Plus, it comes with Star Class perks, including the services of the Royal Genie.  It's an incredible way to vacation as a family.

It's only available on a handful of ships, such as Star of the Seas, Icon of the Seas, Utopia of the Seas, and a few others.

Royal Family Suite: Another massive room for families to consider has about 560 square feet of space with two bedrooms.

It can sleep up to 8 people, making it the perfect suite to share with grandparents for multigenerational travel.

Tips for booking a family cruise on Royal Caribbean

No matter which suite you book, there are a few good tricks for ensuring you can get on and maybe save some money too.

First, I'd recommend using a travel agent familiar with Royal Caribbean’s family options.  

Royal Caribbean's website sometimes won't show staterooms that can sleep more than 4 people, and you wouldn't want to miss out because of that.  Travel agents are able to easily book them for you.

I recommend MEI Travel for making it as easy as possible to book a family room.

You should also book your family cruise sooner than later, especially for suites.

Royal Caribbean cruises are in high demand, and the first type of cabins to book up are usually suites and some of the unique cabins that don't have much inventory.

I'd also recommend you look at what's nearby your room before selecting a specific cabin.

Having a room near Adventure Ocean kids club, the pools, Surfside, or an area of the ship you think you'll spend a lot of time in would be smart.

Speaking of room location, always consider its location on the ship and how that may factor into motion sickness.

Certain cruise cabin locations are definitely more prone to motion, and that could be an issue for you.

Lastly, don't overlook simply booking two connecting rooms instead of a bigger, more expensive single room.

I love connecting rooms because they're often some of the best values and it gives everyone the living space they need. You might be surprised how much more economical it is to book two rooms instead of one bigger cabin.

Everyone wants to save money on a cruise, so what are a few things anyone could do right now to do just that?

We share Royal Caribbean money saving tips on this site all the time, but I started to think about what's something you could do right now to potentially reduce your vacation cost.

Many strategies involve things to do onboard the ship or tired to the initial booking.

Whether you have months or weeks before your cruise begins, here are a few strategies I think could net you additional savings.

Change refundable to non-refundable fare

One of the lesser known tricks for saving money is adjusting your fare type.

Royal Caribbean offers refundable and non-refundable deposits when you book a cruise. The basic difference is refundable will cost more, but has the option to cancel without any penalties.

If you went the cautious route, you might consider once you get closer to your cruise if it will save you money to change to non-refundable fare.

It's easy to book it as refundable more than a year in advance, and then forget about the fare type you selected.  Changing it to non-refundable could lower your cruise cost, and hopefully by now, you're certain you are going on the cruise.

This trick doesn't work all the time, but I've been able to save hundreds of dollars on a cruise I know I'm definitely going on by swapping when the numbers work in my favor.

Refundable cruise fare is a safe option, but right before final payment date I'll double check to see if I can save money by going to non-refundable.

Ask your travel agent if it's possible to change to non-refundable fare, and if that would save you money. You need to be before final payment date.

Reprice all your pre-cruise purchases

One of the best tried-and-true money saving Royal Caribbean tips is to check for a price drop on your pre-cruise purchases.

Royal Caribbean allows you to cancel and repurchase any pre-cruise item all the way up to a day or so before the cruise begins.

It's very simple to do this, and I love this strategy because you can take advantage of a price drop on something you bought, such as a drink package, shore excursion, cabana, or Wi-Fi package.

Repricing my Cruise Planner purchases has easily saved me the most money of any tip over the years.  

Heck, you can even use a free price tracker to be notified when there's a better price.

What I'll do is buy up any extra I know I want, and then periodically check to see if there's a lower price later.

If you haven't done this, log onto the Cruise Planner website now and see if the prices have changed. You might be surprised at the savings waiting.

Change to a cheaper category

Booked a balcony but realize you won’t use it much? Downgrading to an ocean view or inside cabin could free up cash for excursions or specialty dining.

Just like booking refundable cruise fare, perhaps you reserved a higher category cabin, but have reconsidered how cost-effective it will be.  Perhaps you're on a very port intensive itinerary, or you're on a cruise with friends and will be out and about all the time?

If you're before the final payment date, you might be able to change staterooms to a cheaper category cabin and net savings there.

Inside cabins have certain virtues to them (besides being cheaper), and repurposing the money saved makes your vacation budget go further.

Rethink tour transportation to port

If you're flying to your cruise port, never assume the flights you booked are the least expensive option.

If you're flying in, set flight alerts for a fare drop.  In addition, considering alternate airports where you could save a lot of money with a slightly longer drive.

Speaking of driving, you might consider prepaying for parking online to save money.  

If you're taking an Uber, compare that cost to hotel shuttles or off-site lots.

Bring your own essentials

Another way to save money on your cruise today is to not pay the cruise line prices for important things later.

There are some cruise essentials everyone seems to need, and I'd recommend buying them early so you can get the lowest possible price.

Things such as a refillable water bottle, lanyard, over-the-counter meds, sunscreen, magnets, and USB outlet extenders are all good to buy now.

Buying these onboard or at the port will mean marked up prices.

One example is the woman that was charged $390 for Benadryl on her cruise, but buying it before the cruise would have been a fraction of that.

Utopia of the Seas has cabins for all types of cruisers. Budget-friendly sailors can book affordable interior staterooms, while those with a larger budget can splurge on a luxurious suite within the Royal Suite Class. 

One such suite is the Owner's Suite. Although it isn't the two-story Ultimate Family Suite, it delivers an elevated cruise experience with access to the suite-only Coastal Kitchen dining room, a spacious private balcony, exclusive sun deck, upgraded bathroom, and more. 

Charlie Cartwright shared photos of his Owner's Suite on Utopia of the Seas. While onboard, Cartwright stayed in cabin #18218. This particular stateroom is located all the way aft on Deck 18, just steps from the suite-only sun deck. It's also one deck above the Coastal Kitchen restaurant and the Suite Lounge. 

Pricing varies, but you can expect to spend over $2,000 per person on an Owner's Suite on Utopia of the Seas. For example, the cost for two people in an Owner's Suite on Utopia's 3-night Feb. 6, 2026 departure costs $6,020. 

Here's a photo tour of a 1-Bedroom Owner's Suite on Utopia of the Seas, Royal Caribbean's newest Oasis Class ship sailing from Port Canaveral, Florida. 

Spacious living area

Measuring over 860 square feet, the Owner's Suite isn't a cramped stateroom. Instead, it offers ample room to relax and entertain, featuring a separate living room, a large bedroom with a plush bed, a private balcony, and an upgraded bathroom. 

In addition to a sofa and chairs, the living area has a dining table, which is nice for when you want to enjoy meals or snacks in your stateroom. 

The living area also acts as a second bedroom with a convertible double sofa bed, allowing up to four guests to stay in the suite. Thanks to the twice-daily service, it's easy for the bed to be set up at night and neatly tucked away in the morning, so you don't lose the space's functionality.

The cabin also features an impressive wet bar, complete with a coffee machine and mini-fridge (though it does not come fully stocked). This makes it easy to wake up, brew a fresh cup of coffee, and enjoy the sunrise from the balcony. 

Natural light floods through the floor-to-ceiling windows and door that open up to the Owner's Suite private verandah. 

Compared to standard balconies, the suite's verandah offers significantly more space. In fact, it measures over 225 square feet, whereas a standard ocean-view balcony comes in at around 50 square feet. 

Not only does the balcony have comfortable loungers for watching the scenery, but there's another dining table. 

This helps bring the living area outside, making it a great place to gather for a pre-dinner drink or morning breakfast with your family. 

Private bedroom

Although the bedroom is separated from the main living area of the suite, guests don't have to miss out on the spectacular views. The large windows open up to the spacious verandah, rather than hiding passengers away in a dark room. 

The furnishings are a major upgrade compared to standard staterooms, too. The nightstands, for example, have marble tops and plenty of charging ports. The stylish headboard and ambient lighting help further distinguish the Owner's Suite from a standard cruise cabin. 

However, one of the highlights of the suite is the spacious bathroom. Outfitted with a double vanity, soaking tub, shower, bidet, and ample storage, you won't have to worry about fighting for counter space when getting ready in the morning or freshening up before dinner. 

The soaking tub is a nice touch for families with children, too. It's much easier to bathe a younger kid in the tub than to try to use the standing shower. 

Compared to some other suites (like the Royal Loft Suite), the bathroom does not have any natural light. It's the only bathroom in the cabin, too. There isn't an extra half-bathroom.

Still, all the upgraded features (namely the two sinks and luxurious tub) make the Owner's Suite's singular bathroom a step above standard cabins. 

What perks come with an Owner's Suite on Utopia of the Seas?

Royal Caribbean's Royal Suite Class is comprised of three different tiers: Sea, Sky, and Star. The Owner's Suite falls within the middle Sky tier. As such, it comes with more benefits than regular cabins but not as many as the larger suites onboard (i.e., the Star Class suites). 

Perks for the Sky Class Owner's Suite include:

• Concierge Service
• All-Day Access to Coastal Kitchen
• Flexible Arrival Boarding & Priority Departure
• Access to the Suite Sun Deck
• Plush Bathrobes
• Luxury Pillow Top Mattress and Linens
• Luxury Bathroom Amenities
• Lazazza Espresso Coffee Machine
• Specialty Bottled Water (Upon Arrival)
• Priority Dining Reservations
• Suite Lounge Access (Complimentary Hors D'oeuvres and Cocktails Each Evening)
• One VOOM Wi-Fi Package Per Person

One notable exclusion is that Sky Class suites do not include a drink package. However, complimentary drinks are available in the Suite Lounge. 

Despite heightening concerns over flooding in Juneau, Alaska, you shouldn’t cancel your glacier excursion just yet.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) anticipates that Mendenhall Lake in Juneau, Alaska, will flood sometime in the next 2-3 weeks. 

An update on Travel Juneau's Facebook page shared that officials are monitoring "the potential for a glacial lake outburst, similar to those experienced over the last two years."

Should the water levels rise, local authorities will close all lakeside trails and roads adjacent to the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center. The Mendenhall Campground will also be closed and evacuated. 

Until then, the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center will remain open from 10:00AM to 5:00PM, Sunday through Friday. 

As of Monday, July 28, 2025, the current height of the Suicide Basin, an over-deepened bedrock basin located approximately 1.8 miles up the Mendenhall Glacier, was 1,317ft. Comparatively, the basin's height in 2024 was 1,357ft, while it was 1,401ft in 2023. 

The NOAA released that the basin was rising roughly 3 feet per day and is expected to reach its capacity of 1,368ft in mid-August. The storage capacity of Suicide Basin varies due to ongoing changes in the Mendenhall Glacier, including ice melting and calving. 

Read more: Alaska Cruises on Royal Caribbean: Everything You Need to Know

Suicide Basin plays an important role in the formation of recurring glacial lake outburst floods because Mendenhall Glacier acts as a dam that allows water to build up in the basin. 

A glacier outburst flood (GLOF) is the sudden release of water from a glacier lake and is often caused by the failure of a natural dam (like ice, rock, or moraine) that holds back the lake's water. It can result in a sudden and potentially catastrophic flood downstream.

Scientists monitor these changes using elevation models, drones, and satellite imagery. 

No immediate cause for concern

"This is a routine precautionary update that happens every summer as part of NOAA's glacier monitoring," LaDonna Rose, an Alaskan fisherwoman, cookbook author, and self-proclaimed lover of salmon, shared in a recent comment on the Alaska Cruise Excursions and Packing List 2025 - 2026 Facebook group.

"If there is ever a risk of a lake outburst, tours and trails in the area are temporarily closed as a safety measure and reopened once everything is cleared. This is not something to be alarmed about, it's a natural part of how they monitor glacier activity each season," she added. 

Although cruise passengers should remain aware of the potential for a glacier outburst, they shouldn't be alarmed. Any closures will be communicated, particularly if they impact paid shore excursions to the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center. 

"No need to stress, this is just Juneau being Juneau and they're used to keeping visitors safe and informed," Rose said. 

Read more: 25 Alaska cruise tips to follow in 2025

Suicide Basin experienced record-level flooding on August 6, 2024

Although Suicide Basin has flooded annually since 2011, it's impossible to predict the exact timing of the GLOF. However, the flooding reached record levels in 2024, damaging at least 100 homes and cars. 

According to the NOAA, the Mendenhall River gauge crested at 15.99 feet on August 6, 2024. This exceeded the previous record of 14.97 feet set in 2023. 

At the peak of the event, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) gauge at Mendenhall River recorded a streamflow exceeding 33,000 cubic feet per second (cfs), which was more than 8,000 cfs higher than 2023's levels.

Early estimates also revealed that 14.6 billion gallons of water were released from the Suicide Basin. That's enough water to fill more than 22,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools.

Because the basin isn't as full as it was in 2024, any potential flooding this year might not be as catastrophic. That said, every GLOF is unique, and conditions can quickly change. 

Things to do in Juneau other than go to the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center

Should your plans be disrupted due to the closure of the visitor center, there are plenty of other things to do in Juneau, Alaska. 

You can, for example, stroll the streets of the downtown area. It's kept many of the facades that make you feel as though you're walking through a Gold Rush mining town. It is home to popular restaurants and bars, too. These include the Red Dog Saloon and Tracy's King Crab Shack — a must if you want to try fresh crab.

You will also want to browse the shops to look for unique souvenirs, handmade crafts, jewelry, and locally made art. 

The Mount Roberts Tramway is another popular attraction that whisks you 1,800 feet up Mount Roberts, where you'll find panoramic views of Juneau, hiking trails, and more. 

If you want to be a little less active, consider a whale-watching cruise departing from the nearby Auke Bay. You never know what wildlife you will spot, from humpback whales to sea lions. 

Read more: Alaska shore excursions you can book without breaking your budget

I thought spending a week in Denmark between cruises would be the perfect way to explore Europe and enjoy a different kind of trip, but I was constantly reminded how much more I prefer cruising.

I've primarily relied on taking cruises as my primary method of travel for well over a decade. I go on ships about once a month, and it's not just my work but I also greatly enjoy the unpack once and let the world come to me approach.

When I had the chance to go on my first luxury cruise, I opted to spend a week in Copenhagen in a hotel.  It seemed like a great opportunity to truly see the city and immerse myself in the Danish culture and lifestyle.

I quickly realized how much better a value cruising is, and missed not only the onboard experience but also the glimpses it provides.

Food costs alone make cruising a great value

The first indication a cruise was a better value was how quickly my credit card charges started to pile up from food.

While I did get to try some amazing food that I couldn't get back home, it's not cheap.  The Scandinavian countries of Europe are especially expensive to begin with, and then you add meals to the equation and the cost starts to build up.

I debated how to best balance trying the foods that make Copenhagen unique versus trying to save money. 

Unlike a cruise ship, I couldn't fall back on the complimentary options was a way to reduce expenses.  On a cruise ship, there are included restaurants that offer meals, snacks, and drinks with your cruise fare.

Of course, staying in a hotel also means I don't have the means to prepare meals. There's no microwave, oven, or fridge to be able to make a proper meal.

Unpacking once on a cruise is an underrated benefit

The magic of a cruise is you get to unpack once and then see a variety of places.

When I sailed on Independence of the Seas prior to my stay in Denmark, our ship moved between Hamburg, Rotterdam, Oslo, and Copenhagen.

It's so much easier to go to sleep and wake up in a different city, and it's something you can only get with a cruise ship.

During my stay in Copenhagen, I could have seen more of Denmark or the surrounding area, but I would have had to pack up, travel, and then unpack again in the new place before returning to Copenhagen later. 

I considered doing more of a road trip and going around, but it seemed the logistics, costs, and time commitment needed to get around were more than I was willing to try.

Leaving the travel plans to the cruise line and simply walking off the ship to see the place I'm in for the day is definitely my speed.

Getting a glimpse of these places is good enough

Another advantage of a cruise might seem like a negative aspect. Having just 6-8 hours in port might seem like a problem when visiting amazing places, but I think it's the right amount of time for the best options.

I got my first taste of Copenhagen a week earlier when my cruise visited the city, and really liked it.  So when I returned for a week, I thought it would be amazing to explore even further.

While I had more time to see the city's highlights, I realized the saying "less is more" applies to city touring too.

I certainly didn't hate my time in Copenhagen, but I think spending the day is enough to experience the very best the port has to offer. 

As the days passed, I was ready to move onto something else. This reinforced the benefits of cruising and getting just enough time to see things I need to visit.

Cruise ships can get to places that are impractical by car

My Independence of the Seas cruise had also visited the Norwegian fjords, and this was by far my favorite area of Scandinavia to see.

While a big city like Copenhagen has a lot of interesting activities, the natural beauty of the fjords is unmatched.

I think being able to visit a fjord, glacier, or bay is something so special about cruising.

Even in the Caribbean, a cruise ship can get you to places that are difficult to get to otherwise. The most beautiful beaches are accessible via boat, and starting off on a cruise ship that docks nearby helps immensely.

I missed the value and convenience of a cruise ship

I didn't hate my week in Copenhagen, but I was quite happy to board a cruise ship and get back into that style of travel.

Ultimately, I think visiting cities by cruise ship is the right amount of time to see the highlights. I might prefer the ship stays in port a few extra hours, but it's usually good enough.

When you start to account for the costs of living in a city for multiple days along with transportation needs, cruising becomes even more attractive.

In my situation, I was also coming at it from an almost idyllic scenario because it was just me and I didn't have kids, grandparents, or other special needs.  The more people you add to the equation, the more demands it has on catering to everyone's needs.

I'd recommend seeing Copenhagen to anyone as a beautiful city, but preferably as part of a visit for the day on the ship.

Happy Sunday! We hope you are having a great weekend! Now it is time to sit back, relax, and catch up on all the Royal Caribbean news from the week! 

Royal Caribbean has changed their policy to no longer offer drink package exemptions for those that cannot or do not want alcohol.

As of this week, the cruise line is no longer accepting requests to bypass the “everyone must purchase” rule for the Deluxe Beverage Package.

The change is because too many passengers were abusing the option and sharing drinks with people that didn't have the drink package.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean reports 100 million cruisers and is celebrating with a bonus sale
• Royal Caribbean's second quarter earnings revealed cruises are still selling out, even at higher prices
• Higher fares for last minute cruises? What you can do to avoid paying extra
• Royal Caribbean begins charging for new Greek cruise tax
• Royal Caribbean crew member shares how to earn free cruises in the casino
• What a Royal Caribbean Alaska cruise is like in 2025
• The $10,000 Cabana: Royal Caribbean reports strong demand for its new beach club
• "Loyalty that matters": Royal Caribbean doubles down on its customers
• I tried Royal Caribbean’s secret disembarkation hack and it made my cruise so much better
• I always ask my travel agent for 4 things on every cruise I book to make my cruise easier

Video: What happens to the uneaten food on a cruise ship

Have you subscribed to the Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube Channel? We share some great videos there regularly, all about taking a Royal Caribbean cruise! This week, we are sharing our latest video — What Happens To The Uneaten Food On Cruise Ship Buffets — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Royal Caribbean cancels visits to its private beach in Haiti amid violence

More visits to Labadee were cancelled this week, as the pause to its private beach destination continues.

Royal Caribbean will halt visits to Labadee through at least the end of October 2025.

Concerns regarding the safety because of Haiti's instability prompted the change.

Royal Caribbean is testing making its swim-up bar adults-only

There's been a change on Icon of the Seas to make the Swim & Tonic require adults-only.

Signage appeared on this week's sailing that says you must be at least 18 years old to go into the Swim & Tonic bar, which has a swim-up bar.

The test is to evaluate how well it will work, following up on guest feedback regarding concerns of children impacting the bar experience.

Changes to Royal Caribbean's credit card?

There could be an overhaul coming to the Royal Caribbean credit card soon.

Royal Caribbean Group CEO Jason Liberty hinted his company is already evaluating new ideas for the card and how it fits into the customer loyalty program.

There aren't any firm details, but it sounds like the credit card would offer different benefits "very soon".

6 things I'll try first on Star of the Seas

Star of the Seas is just a few weeks away from its first sailing, and Matt has a few areas he is targeting to check out first.

While Star may not be totally different than Icon of the Seas, the new ship has a number of changes from the original Icon Class ship.

Matt shared the six thing he'll be on the lookout for to see how it differs after boarding Star of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean has made a change to one of the rules regarding its popular drink packages.

When a passenger purchases the unlimited alcohol package, it requires all other adults in the same stateroom to purchase it too. However, there was a caveat that allowed for someone who is unable or unwilling to drink alcohol to call in and get an exemption.

The cruise line quietly updated its policy to remove that option.

Rumors quickly swirled among passengers of a rule change, and Royal Caribbean Blog has confirmed the cruise line has indeed changed its rules.

According to a Royal Caribbean spokesperson, "Beginning August 1, Royal Caribbean will no longer be able to grant exceptions to our policy that both guests in a stateroom must purchase the Deluxe Beverage Package."

This means guests can no longer call and request to have the other passenger purchase the Royal Refreshment package instead.

To be clear, this rule only applies when someone buys the Deluxe Beverage Package, which is the unlimited alcohol package. There's no similar requirement for the Royal Refreshment Package or Soda package.

Why Royal Caribbean is making the policy change

The policy shift came as a surprise to many cruisers, because it's been in place for years.

Royal Caribbean says it's making the change due to how the exception was being used.

"This change allows us to ensure guests are consuming their beverage package responsibly. Over time, requests for exceptions have increased, and sharing of packages has continued, which led us to implement this policy change," the company spokesperson said.

The exception was in place to offer an alternative to guests who couldn't drink alcohol, such as expectant mothers, people in recovery, and other specific needs.

Evidently more and more people were aware of the option, and that necessitated the change.

One of the biggest problems with the unlimited drink package is when guests share the benefits with someone that doesn't have it, which is strictly against the rules.

The cruise line has determined the level of abuse of the drink package benefits in sharing with those that have circumvented the rules reached a breaking point.

Not the first time drink packages rules had to change

This isn't the first time Royal Caribbean has made policy shifts to its drink packages in order to curb sharing of packages.

When they first introduced an unlimited alcohol package, there were no requirements on all adults needing to buy it too, despite other cruise lines having those rules in place.

Later, Royal Caribbean relented and made the policy change to require if one adult bought the Deluxe Beverage Package then all other adults in the same stateroom must buy it also.

Just like today, that change was made due to too many passengers sharing drink package benefits with those that didn't have the drink package.

Cruisers react

The policy change was noted quickly among social media, where people quickly shared their thoughts on why it needed to happen.

On the Royal Caribbean message boards, there was a mix of surprise, lament, and frustration.

JFCruise posted, "I can see them doing this because people might abuse the exception, too.  But what will happen now is that they will see even fewer sales of the package and people just buying as they go."

ZBrady added, "The tricky thing is there are legitimate reasons for only needing one deluxe package, but its basically impossible to have means to 'prove' many of the reasons."

"My response is I will go without a package and do with other promos and leverage any discounts I can get as a Platinum member.", DunwoodyDad wrote.

Top_Turnip4781 posted on the Royal Caribbean sub reddit, "I’m assuming they closed the loophole. People were doing this and still sharing alcohol. Only takes a few to ruin it for everyone."

A poster claiming to be a Royal Caribbean employee said the abuse of the policy became too much, "As others have pointed out it’s unfortunately because selfish people abuse the exemptions (supposed to be reserved for pregnant women, those recovering/recovered from addiction, etc.).

"While I personally support having exemptions, privacy concerns over documentation and physical processing of the requests basically made it an honor system sort of deal, which is where people started abusing it."

Options for cruising without a drink package

Royal Caribbean was quick to add that despite the policy change, guests are still able to purchase a la carte drinks and drink specials will still be widely available throughout the ship.

While drink packages are quite convenient, they're not essential or required to cruise.

With some good planning, you might find a way to enjoy alcoholic beverages on your cruise without buying a beverage package and avoiding a high bar bill.

• Each adult is allowed to bring one bottle of wine onboard on embarkation day, and there's no cost if consumed in your stateroom
• Attaining Prime status in the Royal Caribbean casino loyalty program allows for unlimited complimentary alcoholic beverages in the casino bar
• Once you reach Diamond level in Crown and Anchor Society, guests receive four complimentary drinks per day
• Rarely, there is a 10 drink card offered onboard select sailings that is shareable
• You could choose to do most of your drinking in port, which may have less expensive drink prices
• Booking a suite is a workaround, because Royal Caribbean includes beer, wine, and cocktails during certain hours while in the Suite Lounge