Royal Caribbean Blog

Royal Caribbean has been hit with a lawsuit by a former passenger who blames the cruise line for her accidentally tripping over another guest's mobility scooter. 

Colleen Parsons of Florida filed a lawsuit against Royal Caribbean Group in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida on May 18, 2026, accusing the cruise line of negligence.

Here's allegedly what happened: On June 22, 2025, Parsons was sailing aboard Jewel of the Seas, a Radiance Class ship that launched in 2004, when she tripped over a large mobility scooter in Casino Royale. 

According to the lawsuit, Parsons claims that she was in the overcrowded casino when another guest bumped into her, forcing her into the path of the parked mobility scooter. 

As a result of the fall, Parsons fractured her left wrist and required surgery, resulting in permanent scarring. According to the lawsuit, she's seeking compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost income, and the diminished enjoyment and value of her cruise vacation.

However, Parsons isn't seeking legal action against the other passengers involved in the accident. Rather, she's accusing Royal Caribbean of negligence for failing to maintain a safe environment and to warn passengers of a hazard in the walkway.

The lawsuit also claims that crew members aboard the 90,090 gross-ton ship failed to establish or enforce proper safety protocols for operating and parking mobility scooters.

Royal Caribbean mobility scooter policy

To keep things running in tip-top shape, Royal Caribbean has a ton of rules and policies. Technically, when guests book a cruise, they automatically agree to the terms and conditions outlined in the cruise contract. These range from onboard conduct to accessibility equipment, safety requirements, and prohibited items.

"Assistive devices including mobility scooters must be stored and recharged in your stateroom so fire doors, corridors and elevator lobbies are kept clear for emergency evacuation. When parked throughout the ship, they must be parked out of the way to allow safe and easy access by other guests and crewmembers," states Royal Caribbean's website. 

"Assistive devices should fit through a standard stateroom entry doorway which is at least 23 inches wide. We offer accessible staterooms which have wider doors which are at least 32 inches wide and may accommodate larger devices. If you have an assistive device larger than 32 inches wide, please contact our Access Department for assistance."

This case is one of many personal injury lawsuits filed against Royal Caribbean this year

Cruise lines can face frustrating legal challenges when passengers are injured on board. The circumstances of each case vary, but plaintiffs often argue that the cruise line failed to maintain a reasonably safe environment or address potential hazards.

For example, earlier this year, Jaimie Lewis, of California, filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit seeking damages of more than $75,000 after slipping and falling aboard Harmony of the Seas. 

Lewis claims that she slipped on a walkway in the ship's Central Park neighborhood and fell backward onto the hard deck in November 2024 after a rainstorm. 

(Credit: Jeanne Grubbs / Facebook)

According to the lawsuit, there weren't any visible wet-floor warning signs to alert passengers of the danger, despite the ship's crew being aware of the hazard. Consequently, Lewis' legal team argues that the lack of signage, warning cones, or verbal warnings left her unaware of the danger, directly leading to her accident.

More recently, Tanya Jones, of Australia, filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit against Royal Caribbean after slipping and falling on a wet and slippery outdoor flooring surface aboard Voyager of the Seas, resulting in serious and permanent injuries.

The complaint states that Jones encountered dangerous, slippery floors on one of the outdoor decks, caused by an accumulation of a wet foreign substance. 

Furthermore, Jones' lawsuit blames Royal Caribbean for allegedly failing to properly inspect and maintain the area, despite being aware of the danger through prior incidents across its fleet involving similar accidents on the same type of outdoor deck. 

Most cruise ports have hotels near the ships, but in Vancouver there's one hotel that is actually inside the cruise terminal that is the most convenient pre-cruise stay I've ever had.

The Pan Pacific Vancouver hotel is unique in that it sits atop the cruise terminal building, and it comes with a tight integration too.

From the moment I took my first Royal Caribbean cruise to Alaska, I was hooked. So I was eager to get back again and immediately booked a stay at the Pan Pacific for our stay.

For $600 a night (including breakfast), I had a prime location with views of Vancouver harbor, convenient access to the ships, and probably the easiest embarkation ever. I paid for my own hotel and was not comped in anyway.

The Pan Pacific Vancouver is an exceptional place to stay because where it's located.

There are always lots of hotel options in any major city, but the Pan Pacific Vancouver is a luxury hotel that's right on the waterfront.

Canada Place cruise terminal is part of the same building, so cruise ships literally pull up next to the building.  There's a good chance when you wake up on any morning, there's a cruise ship within view.

Plus, the hotel is located near some of the best neighborhoods and upscale shopping districts within the city.

My room was more expensive for two reasons: I visited in the summer during the high tourism season, and the FIFA World Cup had games to be held in the city.

I chose the Pan Pacific because they take care of your luggage getting to the ship.

The best perk of staying at in this hotel is you can have your luggage sent from your room to the ship.

Anywhere else I've cruised from, I have to drag my luggage from hotel to the cruise terminal.  Not a terrible ordeal, but once you've stayed at the Pan Pacific, it's a really neat change.

The morning of your cruise, you can call bell services to come to your room and take your luggage. I'm not exaggerating when I say I waited less than 5 minutes for them to arrive to get our bags.

I printed my own luggage tags (and attached them with luggage tag holders), but the bellhop can attach tags if you need them.

He takes your bags from your room as early as 7am, and ensures they get on the ship.  

All you have to do is take an elevator downstairs to start the embarkation process.

The lobby of the hotel has a contemporary and timeless look.

We took Vancouver's Canada Line rapid transit rail from the airport, and it goes directly to the waterfront area.  We walked out of the train station and across the street from the hotel.

The hotel sits atop a convention center and the cruise terminal. Bell hops wait outside and took our luggage for us while we went to check-in.

Two escalator rides up, and you emerge into a beautiful atrium with giant windows facing Vancouver harbor.

My room came with floor-to-ceiling windows.

We booked two rooms next to each other. Both rooms were quite large, and they had great views of the city.

You could pay more for a room with a view of the harbor, but I was fine with the city view to save some money.

It was relaxing to watch the city skyline from my comfortable king-sized bed.

After a day of traveling across the country for this trip, it felt so nice plopping down on the king size bed.

Because we had such large windows, it allowed for unfettered views of the city. 

If you felt like getting up and getting closer to the windows, you could people watch quite easily.

To the left of the main room, the bathroom was enormous.

While I love to cruise, I can always appreciate a good hotel shower.

This was a big bathroom with a rainfall shower head. 

The morning of the cruise, we took an elevator downstairs to board the cruise ship.

After our bags were picked up from our hotel room, all we had to do was head downstairs to the lobby. 

Walking through the convention center, there is a slightly unusual check-in process.

The check-in takes place in a convention center space, shared between many cruise lines. You're directed to the Royal Caribbean section, where the actual check-in is similar to other ports.

However, things are different as you proceed.  You walk through a maze of corridors and walkways until you reach security.  This looks more like an airport TSA security checkpoint than what I've seen in other terminals.

In addition, you have to go through U.S. customs check here because we're headed to U.S. ports in this cruise.

Rather than conduct a customs check upon arrival in Alaska, it's done in Vancouver to make things easier once in Alaska.  

The Pan Pacific is expensive, but it's perfect for anyone that values convenience over everything else.

There's one reason to pick the Pan Pacific when you cruise from Vancouver, and it's how easy it is to get on the ship from the hotel.

There are arguably better values around Vancouver, and certainly more luxurious options. But I booked the Pan Pacific because it reduced the logistical needs considerably.

Some people prioritize convenience factor over saving money, and the time saved was enormous.  Plus, it was just easier having the bellhop come get our bags.

The hotel had fantastic service from start to finish, and it's undeniably located in the heart of Vancouver. It's exactly the hotel you'd imagine when wanting to do a pre-cruise visit to this Pacific Northwest city.

Happy Sunday! We hope you are having a great weekend and ready to talk a little Royal Caribbean.

Liberty of the Seas is back in service after a massive ship wide upgrade.

Royal Caribbean brought a number of changes to the nearly 20 year old cruise ship.

This is the third ship this year to get a Royal Amplification.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean delays return of cruise ship because of severe weather
• Royal Caribbean's Oasis Class ships just did something they've never done before
• New Royal Caribbean cruise ship is coming: Four features expected next month
• Former cruise crew member faces local charges while serving 30 years for hiding cameras in cabins
• Royal Caribbean upgrades travel insurance with higher coverage and new benefits
• I tried out the 10 best inside cruise ship cabin hacks
• 15 Royal Caribbean dining secrets
• I think the ideal cruise length is longer than most new travelers think
• What every cruiser should know about hurricane season
• 12 best cruise tips I wish I knew before my first cruise
• How Royal Caribbean's transforms cruise ships when they get "amplified"
• Strike near cruise port cancels Royal Caribbean excursions for the day
• I sailed on Harmony of the Seas and saw why Royal Caribbean has made this such a great choice

New RCB Video: 16 Secrets Every Royal Caribbean Cruiser Should Know

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 — 16 Secrets Every Royal Caribbean Cruiser Should Know — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Missing crew member found dead on Caribbean island

After being missing for days, a Royal Caribbean crew member was found dead in St. Kitts.

The man was hiking on Mount Liamuiga before he lost contact with anyone.

He went out on May 27, and was later located on June 1.

I wish passengers would stop doing these 7 things

I've cruised for 20 years, and there are some things people should stop doing on cruise ships.

From bad habits to selfish behavior, there are patterns to what happens while on a cruise. Some of it is benign, but all of it frustrates other passengers.

If you cruise long enough, you run into these issues. Hopefully, they'll come to an end.

What a $1,300 inside cabin looks like on Harmony of the Seas

Elizabeth stayed in the cheapest cabin on the new upgraded Harmony of the Seas.

These rooms are small and don't have any windows, but they are the least expensive rooms you can book.

The 172-square-foot room may be tiny, but it has everything needed while onboard.

10 vacation mistakes I always see people make on cruises

I've seen the biggest mistakes people make on a Royal Caribbean cruise.

Cruises can be complicated, it's easy to make mistakes.

The good news is many of these are avoidable with the right approach.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 611th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, featuring an exclusive interview with Vicki Freed.

There are a few things that might surprise our readers of what Matt still does on a cruise.

Please feel free to subscribe via YouTube, iTunes or RSS, and head over to rate and review the podcast on iTunes if you can! 

There's an incredible amount of food on any Royal Caribbean cruise, and I think dining is half the fun of any cruise.

You'll find different restaurants that serve meals, snacks, light bites, and bar food. Some are included in your cruise fare, and others cost extra.

In my twenty years of taking Royal Caribbean cruises, I've discovered a few tricks that make eating on a cruise ship better through saving you time, money, or opening up new options.

I hope a few of my dining tips can benefit you on your next sailing, especially if you're looking to get the most out of your vacation.

Here are my 15 best tips for eating and dining a Royal Caribbean cruise that should make a difference.

Make reservations if you booked My Time Dining

If you chose My Time Dining for dinner instead of Traditional Dinner, make reservations instead of showing up without them.

Royal Caribbean's anytime dining option has two lines: with or without a reservation, and you'll be seated quicker if you have a reservation.

When I tried My Time Dining, I made reservations for the same time each night in the Main Dining Room.  When I got in line, I was always happy to not be waiting in the longer, and slower, line for those that didn't have a reservation.

You can book a reservation before the cruise on the app or go to the MDR once on the ship and make reservations once onboard.

Book a dining package if you'll eat at more than two specialty restaurants

Yes, a dining package will save you money if you're going to eat at more than two of them.

Royal Caribbean sells dining packages before the cruise begins, and it could easily save you 30% to 50% off the regular cost of to eat at each of the restaurants individually.

If you're eyeing specialty dining, I think it's a no-brainer to book a dining package instead of booking individual restaurants.

Order more food than you would on land

I find the portion sizes at most restaurants to be smaller than you're used to at restaurants on land. So I recommend ordering more food than you would at home.

Moreover, many of us are conditioned to order sparingly at a restaurant to save money.  Appetizers, desserts, and side dishes are often seen as optional or a splurge when you're at a regular restaurant. But on Royal Caribbean, it's all included in your cruise fare.

Take advantage of the abundant food choices.  I'm not advocating wasting food, rather, understand you might be surprised at the portion sizes and the fact your meals include more than an entree, enjoy it all!

You can bring soda and wine on your cruise ship

Royal Caribbean allows passengers to bring a certain amount of drinks with them on their ship, and this can be a great money saving hack.

You can bring one 750 ml bottle of wine or champagne per adult on the day you first board the ship. Beer or liquor isn't allowed. 

Be aware you will be charged a corkage fee if you bring that wine to a restaurant or bar. There's no corkage fee if you drink it in your stateroom.

In addition, you're allowed to bring up to 12 cans/bottles per cabin of non-alcoholic beverages on embarkation day too.  This includes bottled water, soda, or juice.

Being able to bring your own soft drinks is a great family cruise tip that will probably save you a lot of money.

There's a free room service breakfast option

Room service usually has a $7.95 fee for any order, but there's a hidden breakfast option that costs nothing!

The continental breakfast offers juice, coffee, and food like toast, bagels, donuts, or pastries. It's not a full meal, but might be perfect for anyone that wants an early start to their day without leaving their room.

I think it works well as a secondary wake-up call, because you can get ready while you sip on coffee or have a light bite to eat.

Get a table at the buffet first

I recommend scouting a table to sit at first, before you grab your food at the ship's buffet.

This tip is especially important for breakfast or on boarding day lunch.  This is when the Windjammer is the busiest, and you may struggle to find an open table.

Without this tip in mind, you might end up holding a plate of rapidly cooling food while you wait for somewhere to sit.

I'll walk to the back of the Windjammer first to secure a table, and then let my kids go get food before I head out.

Even on the busiest of times, a little persistence and you can usually find a table that opens up.  Feel free to ask a crew member for assistance if you just can't find one.

If a crew member asks you to book a specialty restaurant, ask them for a discount

Your mileage may vary with this tip, but if a crew member approaches you to book a specialty restaurant, I take that as an invitation to negotiate.

The reason crew members walk around the ship looking to drum up reservations for specialty dining is because a manager saw bookings aren't where they want it to be. To that point, there's a certain level of "desperation" in getting people to book.

I would ask if there are any specials or deals they can offer if you're willing to book. And don't be afraid to counter-offer them.

Here's the catch, you're going to need to commit immediately and usually for that same night.  

This doesn't always work, but I've sometimes gotten big discounts and/or a free bottle of wine for just asking.

You can ask to take food back to your room

There's no rule against bringing food back to your room, or anywhere else on the ship.

If you're feeling full or just want to enjoy your food elsewhere, don't hesitate to ask your waiter to pack up your food so you can take it out.

I've done this a few times with dessert, where I'm full but I know in an hour I'll wish I had the dessert.  I'll bring it to my room to enjoy later.

Alternatively, you could take food from the buffet or another restaurant and bring it to your balcony or somewhere on the pool deck to enjoy the sea breeze or sunset.

Suite guests can order Main Dining Room food with room service

A lesser-known suite perk is you can actually order off the Main Dining Room menu too.

Guests staying in a suite have room service included, but that means they can order food off the regular room service menu or the Main Dining Room.

The only caveat is the Main Dining Room has to be open.  Whereas the room service menu is available 24 hours per day, as long as the Main Dining Room is serving food, you can order food from there.

This can be a great option because many suites have dining tables.  Invite friends, place an order, and you can enjoy the Main Dining Room in the middle of your cabin (or balcony)!

Kids can order off adult menu, and adults can order off the kids menu

You'll find a kids menu at most restaurants (including the MDR), and anyone can order off any menu.

Kids can order off the adult menu, and adults can order off the kids menu. There are no age restrictions, even when kids dine at a specialty restaurant and pay the kids price.

Royal Caribbean offers these menus as options, and ultimately they want you to be happy. So if the kids grilled cheese is what you want, go for it!

How to request a table in the Main Dining Room alone

It's possible you could be seated with strangers in the Main Dining Room, but there's an option to request a table alone.

If you booked traditional dinner, Royal Caribbean can seat you with others at a larger table.

Send an email to [email protected] about 2-3 weeks before your cruise and ask for a smaller table for just your party. Be sure to include your name, ship name, and sail date in the email.

If you forget to do this, you can always go to the Main Dining Room on embarkation day and make the request there.  In my experience, this usually works too.

Bring a cup to the ice cream machine

There's a soft serve ice cream machine on every Royal Caribbean ship, and bringing a cup is a great hack.

By default, there are sugar cones available at the machine.  But the crew member working the machine is happy to dispense the ice cream into something else.

Grab a plastic cup from the nearby Windjammer (or other venue), and then fill it up!

You could top it off at the bar with a shot of alcohol to make it a boozy dessert.

You can order an entire pizza

Pizza is served by the slice on every ship at Sorrento's/Cafe Promenade/Park Cafe. 

Did you know that you can order an entire pizza too? You can make the request with the crew member.  It will take some time to cook (usually about 10 minutes). They have gluten free pizzas available to make as well.

There's no cost, and you could bring the pizza back to your room to feed your hungry family.

The Main Dining Room is a relaxing alternative for breakfast

Perhaps the most underrated place for a less-hectic breakfast is the Main Dining Room.

While everyone seems to default to the Windjammer for breakfast, you could go to the MDR and enjoy a seated breakfast at a leisurely pace.

No reservations or table assignments are required. It's first-come, first-seated. Just keep in mind the serving hours are fewer than in the Windjammer.

Lunch is cheaper at specialty restaurants

If you want to try a specialty restaurant without spending a lot, I'd recommend lunch.

When purchased before the cruise, lunch is often sold at a fraction of the price of dinner.  You can often book Izumi, Chops, or Giovanni's for less than $20 per person for lunch.  That price jumps up to over $40 per person for dinner.

The menu is very similar for both lunch and dinner. Chops Grille has a significantly different and smaller menu, but the basics are still on the menu.

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

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

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

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

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

(Credit: Leeor Plotkin)

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

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

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

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

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

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

Unfavorable weather en route to England

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Short cruises are a mistake for a new cruiser

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The perfect first cruise is a week in length

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Harmony of the Seas Interior Room Review + Photos

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Was my Harmony of the Seas inside cabin worth it?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(Credit: RSCNPF / Facebook)

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Mount Liamuiga volcano hike is strenuous

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

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

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

(Credit: Anton Alvin Singh / Facebook)

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

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

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

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

(Credit: Aloschi Bros / Facebook)

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

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

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

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

(Credit: Aloschi Bros / Facebook)

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

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

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

(Credit: Stephen Martin / Facebook)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(Credit: Stephen Martin / Facebook)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The first two-story casino

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

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

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

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

A hit Broadway show and shows with lots of energy

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

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

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

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

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

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

New and upgraded dining choices

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

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

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

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

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

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

Another new restaurant is the Hollywoodland Supper Club.

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

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

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

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

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

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

The first sailing is in July

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

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

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