Royal Caribbean Blog

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

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

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

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

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

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

First impressions of Royal Caribbean

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Moving on, she was satisfied with our inside cabin:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Oasis of the Seas cruise ship amenities 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Oasis of the Seas food review

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Perfect Day at CocoCay

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

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

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

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

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

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

Seasickness on a cruise

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Less clothes

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

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

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

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

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

A pillow

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

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

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

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

Medicine

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

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

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

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

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

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

Comfortable shoes

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

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

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

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

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

Jeans and socks to ice skate

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

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

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

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

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

Snacks

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

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

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

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

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

Bathing suit

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

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

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

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

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

I recently returned from a cruise aboard Wonder of the Seas when I had a sudden realization: Royal Caribbean has the best entertainment in the cruise industry and the competition isn’t even close.

I've cruised with multiple cruise lines over the last few years, including brand-new ships from competitors like Carnival Cruise Line and Norwegian Cruise Line. Even while watching their top-tier entertainment, it didn't compare to Royal Caribbean.

In fact, it’s rare in today’s cruise landscape to find a cruise line willing to invest resources in live entertainment. Shows are expensive for cruise lines, especially compared to low-effort game shows that seem to be dominating the cruise industry. The costs come from employing cast members who need specialized training, along with the advanced technology that can cost millions to install and maintain.

Because of this, many cruise lines are scaling back their entertainment budgets by trimming cast sizes, replacing expensive Broadway shows, and leaning on low-cost variety acts to fill the schedule.

However, Royal Caribbean has taken the opposite approach. At a time when competitors are cutting back, Royal Caribbean continues to invest heavily in onboard entertainment. 

From Broadway musicals to high-diving acrobatics and state-of-the-art ice performances, Royal Caribbean is continuously pushing the boundaries of cruise entertainment. Some might argue that Royal Caribbean’s entertainment rivals major theme parks and Las Vegas productions. And that’s not an exaggeration, as the cruise line has been creating unparalleled entertainment for decades. 

Here’s why Royal Caribbean's entertainment is unlike anything else in the cruise industry, especially as rival brands continue scaling back. 

Royal Caribbean’s entertainment has always been ahead of its time

When Royal Caribbean launched Voyager of the Seas in 1999, it became the first cruise line to feature an ice-skating rink, called Studio B. At the time, it was an absurd concept to include an ice skating rink on a moving cruise ship. The investment was expensive and time consuming, as detailed in former Royal Caribbean Group CEO Richard Fain’s new book, Delivering the Wow.

Fain writes, “Adding an ice-skating rink on a ship turned out to be a difficult and expensive proposition. Yet it was our approach that made it a defining moment for our corporate culture. Our willingness to make such a major commitment spoke volumes about our determination to evolve from a cruise line to a true vacation provider.”

Royal Caribbean’s gamble paid off, as Studio B has become a fan favorite for cruisers. Now, the cruise line has incorporated an ice skating rink on every new ship, including its brand-new, groundbreaking Icon class. Fain even states that Royal Caribbean is the largest employer of figure skaters in America now!

In this way, each new ship class has continued to raise the bar with entertainment. For instance, the Oasis class was introduced in 2009 with an aft-facing AquaTheatre that featured high-divers, synchronized swimmers, and gravity-defying stunts. The industry had never seen anything like it before on a cruise ship, including 30-foot diving platforms and a deep, illuminated pool.

The AquaTheatre was a hit, and it's been incorporated in every Oasis class ship over the last decade. With this, Royal Caribbean has slowly established itself as the cruise industry’s leader in entertainment and live productions. And 15 years later, no other cruise line has even come close to replicating it.

Entertainment is a core identity of Royal Caribbean

For Royal Caribbean, entertainment has become a defining feature of the brand. With each new ship class, the cruise line continues to display its unwavering commitment to innovation and technological advancement.

Unlike competitors, Royal Caribbean has integrated top-notch entertainment into every new ship’s design. Every new Royal Caribbean ship is intentionally engineered around purpose-built entertainment venues, ensuring the ship’s design supports large-scale productions that rival those on land.

Although the Voyager and Freedom class introduced a new concept of imaginative entertainment, the Oasis Class remains one of the most entertainment-heavy ship classes ever built.

Each Oasis class ship features multiple world-class entertainment venues, including the AquaTheater for diving and aerial shows, Studio B for iconic ice-skating productions, and a full-scale Broadway theatre that seats over 1,300 guests. Broadway shows include full-scale, licensed productions such as Grease, Mamma Mia!, and Hairspray.

All of Royal Caribbean's Oasis class vessels also continue to receive show upgrades and technical enhancements. When Wonder of the Seas debuted in 2022, the inTENSE AquaTheatre show featured an all-female cast of athletes, synchronized swimmers, and high divers that performed alongside lasers and digital effects.

While cruising aboard Wonder of the Seas with my best friend last month, we were both in awe of all the entertainment aboard. Compared to competitor cruise lines, or even land-based vacations, it’s tough to compete. We marveled at the top-notch production shows each night, and even attended the inTENSE AquaTheatre show twice! 

Royal Caribbean continues its commitment to entertainment with the Icon class of ships

Royal Caribbean’s newest Icon class vessels take the cruise line’s entertainment to the next level. For example, while the AquaTheater on the Oasis Class ships was a huge success, Royal Caribbean chose to reimagine the concept by moving the production indoors beneath a breathtaking glass dome.

Fain describes in his book how he actually sketched the concept of the new AquaDome on a napkin and challenged engineers to bring it to life. This redesign turned out to be a major engineering hurdle for Royal Caribbean. Relocating the AquaTheater’s massive weight from the ship’s lower aft to its upper forward section was far from conventional.

In the end, Royal Caribbean redesigned its AquaTheatre into the AquaDome at the front of the ship’s top deck. The new aquatic venue is safely secured under a 327-ton glass dome, which is both a technical and creative masterpiece.

Inside the AquaDome, guests can experience shows like Aqua Action! and Pirates vs. Mermaids. Both of these high-energy productions showcase diving, robotics, and digital projections.

By moving the aquatic theatre indoors, the production team is now able to control lighting, temperature, and acoustics, which creates an immersive theatrical experience. In addition, weather isn’t a major concern like it is for the outdoor AquaTheaters on Oasis Class ships, which can be canceled due to high winds or storms.

In addition to the AquaDome, Royal Caribbean expanded its ice rink with Absolute Zero. This is the largest ice skating rink on any Royal Caribbean ship class! Featuring digital backdrops, custom sound design, and choreographed drone lighting, Absolute Zero’s shows take Royal Caribbean’s ice productions to a new level.

And the innovation doesn’t stop there! Royal Caribbean introduced The Wizard of Oz musical on Icon of the Seas, while Star of the Seas showcases Back to the Future: The Musical. Both of these have been huge hits with cruisers and praised for their impressive, full-scale productions.

In addition, it was recently announced that Legend of the Seas will feature the Broadway musical Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. The vessel is scheduled to join Royal Caribbean’s fleet in 2026. This further exemplifies Royal Caribbean's continued commitment to expanding its entertainment offerings, even when it's costly.

Competitors can’t keep up with Royal Caribbean's entertainment

(Deal or No Deal Gameshow on Carnival Mardi Gras)

Royal Caribbean’s dominance in entertainment comes down to its infrastructure. Because the cruise line designs ships around these performance spaces from the start, the entertainment offerings feel integral to the ship's design. 

For example, the AquaTheater and AquaDome require impressive engineering designs with specialized pools, multi-level seating, and hydraulic lifts that few shipbuilders could replicate without starting from scratch.

That’s likely why competitors haven’t followed suit. The cost and space requirements are restrictive, and for most cruise lines, entertainment simply doesn’t drive demand the way Royal Caribbean’s does. This allows Royal Caribbean to continue pushing the envelope, while other lines have been slowly scaling back on entertainment.

(Beetlejuice Musical on Norwegian Viva)

Most notably, Norwegian Cruise Line has been considered one of Royal Caribbean’s closest competitors, especially when it comes to onboard entertainment. The cruise line even earned acclaim for licensing Broadway hits such as Jersey Boys, Six, and Footloose.

However, in recent years, Norwegian Cruise Line made a series of disappointing entertainment cutbacks. The company reduced cast sizes, cancelled long-running contracts for Broadway productions, and replaced large-scale production shows with cheaper alternatives. Some cast members reported that entire production teams were being dismissed and others had substantially reduced schedules.

While Norwegian Cruise Line was once renowned for their Broadway production shows, that’s no longer the case. Essentially, it was too expensive to continue running shows of this caliber. The cruise line also cited that guests preferred shorter shows that were produced in-house compared to the longer Broadway shows.

(Variety act on Norwegian Star)

During my 12-night cruise with Norwegian last year, there were multiple nights without any sort of entertainment. This was shocking! While I don’t expect a Broadway production each night, some sort of variety act, comedian, or magician would be appreciated.

For long-time cruisers, the entertainment shift is noticeable and disappointing. Entertainment was once a defining feature of Norwegian Cruise Line, especially on its Breakaway and Prima class ships, but that distinction has started to fade.

In addition, when I cruised on Norwegian Viva during her inaugural season, I was surprised that one of the main production shows was a game show titled "Press Your Luck". While game shows can be fun, they’re cheaper to produce and don’t require the same level of talent or production resources as a full cast performance.

Many loyal Norwegian cruisers share the same sentiment - scaling back entertainment and removing Broadway production shows have been diluting the overall cruise experience.

Carnival takes an entirely different approach to entertainment, but it’s still not comparable

Carnival Cruise Line’s entertainment shows are designed for broad appeal, focusing on high-energy shows and in-house productions with singers, dancers, and aerialists.

On the cruise line’s newest Excel class ships, guests can enjoy theater productions like Celestial Strings or Rio Carnival, which combine dancing, live music, and choreographed performances. I enjoyed these production shows during my cruises aboard Carnival’s Excel class ships, but they weren’t at the same level as Royal Caribbean’s AquaTheater or ice shows.

Carnival also places a heavy emphasis on game shows, including Family Feud and Deal or No Deal. These interactive shows are fun and engaging for guests, especially those who enjoy being part of the spotlight, but they also highlight a shift in Carnival’s entertainment strategy. Instead of investing in large-scale, production-heavy performances, the line increasingly relies on guest participation, where passengers essentially become the performers themselves.

Comedy is another focus for Carnival’s onboard experience with the Punchliner Comedy Club offering daily shows for guests. The cruise line often features a rotating lineup of comedians offering both family-friendly and adults-only sets. It’s a crowd-pleaser and a signature element of Carnival’s laid-back, fun-focused atmosphere.

However, the format remains relatively simple with one comedian, a microphone, a spotlight, and a small stage. This is a far cry from the multimillion-dollar productions and immersive venues that you can find on Royal Caribbean’s newest ships.

Entertainment is a strategic investment for Royal Caribbean - and it’s working 

At a time when much of the cruise industry is making cost-cutting entertainment decisions, Royal Caribbean continues to do the opposite. Instead, Royal Caribbean is treating entertainment as a strategic investment rather than a discretionary expense.

The company’s commitment to awe-inspiring performances has become a core part of its brand identity. These are major engineering and financial investments incorporated directly into ship design. Unlike competitors, Royal Caribbean builds entire vessels with entertainment at the heart of the design, turning every ship into a destination in itself.

And the cruise line's strategy is working! Royal Caribbean Group reported record-breaking financial results in Q2 2025, with second-quarter revenue and net income climbing from prior year's financial results. 

In addition, load factors reached 110%, signaling demand continues to be exceptionally strong. This is an indication that guests are not only sailing, but also paying premiums to experience what Royal Caribbean offers.

The financial success and growth of Royal Caribbean highlight the brand’s strategy of differentiation through innovation, particularly in entertainment. There’s no denying that Royal Caribbean’s commitment to this advancement and innovation is directly fueling growth.

Additionally, the cruise line's newest ships consistently sell out faster with higher average fares than other ships. This further proves that guests see value in the unparalleled experience that Royal Caribbean offers. Unlike competitors who are scaling back production shows to save costs, Royal Caribbean has doubled down on creativity, boldness, and advancement. 

From the ice rinks of the Voyager Class to the cutting-edge AquaDome of the Icon Class, Royal Caribbean has spent decades transforming live entertainment into its competitive advantage. And as long as Royal Caribbean keeps treating entertainment as an investment, not an expense, it will continue to deliver something no other cruise line can replicate.

Note: If you purchase Richard Fain's book through our Amazon link in this article, we receive a small commission. This is no additional cost to you but it helps support our site. Thanks!

Oasis of the Seas ushered in the megaship era, instantly making every ship that became before it feel obsolete. In the years since, Royal Caribbean has built five more Oasis Class ships (with one more on the way). So how does the first one compare to newer ships?

I've sailed on Oasis of the Seas five times, and just went back onboard for a 7-night Eastern Caribbean cruise to see what the ship is like now.

My first time on Oasis was a game changing experience because I couldn't fathom how a ship so big could offer so much to do. Like many people, I instantly fell in love with how much was packed into the ship.

Fast forward 16 years later, and we have an aging ship that belongs on the Mount Rushmore of cruise ships.

It's not the same ship from the beginning

The most important thing to know about Oasis of the Seas is while it may be the oldest Oasis Class ship, it's been updated.

Every Royal Caribbean ship goes in for maintenance work regularly, and in 2019, it got major upgrades. The Royal Amplification to Oasis had one goal in mind: update the ship so it fits in better with newer ships.

Royal Caribbean took the opportunity to innovate its newer Oasis Class ships with new restaurant ideas, activities, and things to do. 

This added water slides, specialty restaurants, and entertainment to the ship while refreshing other venues to make them more contemporary.

I loved the upgrades because it added enough to keep the ship competitive with newer ones. Having sailed on Allure of the Seas before she recently was upgraded, the amplification work was critical for keeping it fresh.

7 Neighborhoods to make the ship easy to navigate

When people hear there's a ship like Oasis that can handle over 6,000 passengers when at full capacity, they think it must be a crowded mess. However, it's really not like that at all.

Royal Caribbean designed the ship with the neighborhood concept, one of many innovations that was incredible for its time but we now take for granted.

• Royal Promenade
• Central Park
• Boardwalk
• Entertainment Place
• Pool and Sports Zone
• Youth Zone
• Vitality at Sea Spa & Fitness Center

One key difference between Oasis of the Seas and the newest Oasis Class ships is there isn't the eight Suite Neighborhood. Royal Caribbean added that to Utopia and Wonder of the Seas.

There are still suite areas on Oasis, but there's no question the suite neighborhood adds more dedicated space and a more cohesive experience for suite guests.

Neighborhoods make it easy to easily identify the area of the ship you're in, so there's less guessing where a certain venue might be located.

My top 3 favorite areas of the ship are the Royal Promenade, Central Park, and Boardwalk.

Each zone is creatively designed, and there's enough happening throughout the day and evening to make me want to go back again and again.

So many places to eat

Another big change Oasis of the Seas introduced was packing in so many more places to eat.

You'll find quite a few included and extra cost restaurants to choose from.

The core dining experience rotates around the Main Dining Room, Windjammer, and quick service venues like El Loco Fresh or Cafe Promenade.

Like all Royal Caribbean ships, the included food ranges between "good" and "very good". A few items are excellent and a couple are duds to avoid.

I made my way to El Loco Fresh a few times because I think it's especially very satisfying.

The Main Dining Room is a cruising institution, and I love going there for dinner. Each night there's a different dinner theme, with a few "fall back" dishes to order from too.

The Windjammer is the buffet, and it offers a fantastic variety of food. One issue is it's on the smaller side, especially compared to newer Oasis Class ships. As a result, it gets easily swamped with people and there can be lines to enter.

If you're willing to spend extra on specialty dining, there are a few terrific choices.

Specialty restaurants are a mix of cover charges or a la carte pricing.

The specialty restaurants revolve around a certain cuisine. There's a steakhouse, Italian, BBQ, or sushi restaurant, for example.

If you're going to eat any specialty dining, I'd recommend booking a dining package before the cruise begins to save money.  That can usually save up to half off the onboard price for dining at them otherwise.

My top three favorite specialty restaurants on Oasis of the Seas are Izumi, 150 Central Park, and Playmakers.

You don't have to spend extra on specialty dining to have a good time, but it certainly can enhance your cruise overall. 

Cabins are one place you'll notice the older design

While regular ship maintenance and upgrades have kept Oasis of the Seas up to par in many respects with newer ships, the cabins look about the same as they did in 2009.

As a general rule, Royal Caribbean doesn't update cabins and it certainly has an older motif if you've been on Wonder or Utopia.

I'm not an interior design expert, but I think most people will pick up on it.

The older cabin design means there is also less power outlets and no USB outlets in the room. It's a good reminder to pack an approved USB outlet extender for your cruise.

One other area lacking in these cabins is storage space. While I had enough drawers for my 7-night cruise, Royal Caribbean added much more storage space in cabins on newer Oasis Class ships.

It's not all bad news in the cabin, as it functions quite well. 

In fact, I like how big the shower is and how spacious the bathroom is for standard cabins.

I've stayed in a few different kind of cabins on Oasis of the Seas, but an oceanview balcony rarely disappoints.

One major difference you'll find on Oasis compared to many other cruise ships is the fact it has cabins that face inwards to some neighborhoods.

There are Central Park Balcony rooms, Boardwalk Balcony rooms, and Promenade Window cabins you could book.

The advantage of these rooms is you get a great people watching perspective. And they may be cheaper than an oceanview balcony.

The downside is they can be loud during the day when there are events occurring. Plus, there's not a lot of privacy.

Shows, parties, and music everywhere

If you're bored on Oasis of the Seas, it's because you're purposefully trying not to have a good time.

Oasis of the Seas is packed with theaters, bars, activities, and events happening. I'm impressed how much there is to do on a ship rapidly approaching 20 years in age.

I think the stage shows are the top draws, and there are three theaters to choose from: Royal Theater, Aquatheater, and Studio B ice rink.

The shows here are all included in your cruise fare, and each is pretty darn special.

The top two shows are Cats, the Broadway musical; and Aqua80s.

Cats is one of the most famous musicals of all time, and it's included in your cruise fare. It's a shortened version of the Broadway musical, but you'll get the bulk of the show.

Over in the Aquatheater is Aqua80s, which is a musical tribute to the 1980s decade.

What I love about this show is it combines great music with incredible acrobatic feats and diving performances.

It's one of those shows you have to see to properly understand, but I think it's a real crowd pleaser.

I think all of the stage shows are worth seeing when you're on any Oasis Class ship, and it's just the start of things to keep you busy.

There are nightly adult comedy shows, a guitarist in the Globe & Atlas pub, pianist in the Schooner Bar, and bands performing on the pool deck and in Boleros.

Plus, Royal Caribbean holds dance parties on the Royal Promenade that tie into a nightly theme. 

All of it is an excuse to get out there and have a good time, and I think Oasis delivers on that. This is what makes the Oasis Class ships such a good option: they have so much to see and do that you can't help but find lots happening.

Oasis is packed with pool deck fun too

Piggybacking on how much there is to do on Oasis of the Seas is what you'll find on its top decks.

Royal Caribbean designed Oasis of the Seas with more space and more to do than ships that came before it. 

There are a trio of water slides, a rock wall, two FlowRider surf simulators, a sports court, zip line, mini-golf course, and that still leaves four pools and an adults-only area.

This is what makes Oasis of the Seas such an attractive option for families, as the things to do are fun for all ages.

Oasis of the Seas pros and cons

If you're thinking about going on Oasis of the Seas, here are the best reasons to choose it.

There's so much to do onboard

Oasis of the Seas is packed with parties, pools, water slides, shows, and more. When you think of a cruise ship vacation, I believe this is the kind of ship that a lot of people want that appeals to all ages.

You certainly won't be bored onboard, and there's usually a lot happening every day to keep you busy. You don't have to worry about being bored.

Probably less expensive than other Oasis Class ships

One advantage Oasis of the Seas has over other ships within the class is it tends to cost less.

Generally speaking, cruise fares on Oasis of the Seas cost less because the ship is older.

For example, a 3-night Oasis of the Seas cruise in March 5, 2027 starts at $601 per person in an inside cabin. 

That same 3-night cruise on Utopia of the Seas starts at $648 per person.

Multiply those savings out across a family, and it adds up quickly.

Great mix of dining choices

I think there's an impressive array of places to eat around the ship, including both pay and extra cost.

Food is one of the top reasons why people book a Royal Caribbean cruise, and I think you'll find lots of it to enjoy during your sailing.

Portside BBQ, El Loco Fresh, and Izumi are my favorites, but there's plenty more.

Staterooms feel dated

Whether comparing your cabin to a newer Royal Caribbean ship or a hotel, you'll notice the cabins look a bit old.

The upkeep of the cabin is fine, but the look and feel is where it is noticeable.

In addition, there's a lack of storage areas compared to newer ships.

It lacks the newest concepts

Any cruise ship built more than 10 years ago is going to lack the latest and greatest innovations, and Oasis of the Seas is no exception.

It has the original Giovanni's Italian restaurant menu, still has a Bionic Bar, and doesn't have the newer restaurants and experiences you'd find on the Icon Class ships. It also doesn't have the suite neighborhood, like the newest Oasis ships have.

This only matters if you are particularly fond of a specific venue or prefer ships on the bleeding edge of what's new in cruising.

The shows are the same shows for over 10 years

If you've been on Oasis of the Seas before, not much has changed with its entertainment.

Royal Caribbean rarely updates the shows on its ships, so you can expect to find the same featured shows across its three theaters that have been there for a while.

To be fair, Aqua 80's and One Sky were added in 2019 during the refurbishment. But Cats and Frozen in Time have been there for a long time, and I doubt we'll see much change in the near future with any of the shows.

Oasis of the Seas offers megaship value

Ultimately, I think Oasis of the Seas is a great choice for a family vacation and still holds up very nicely.

While it may lack certain new features found on other ships, the price it usually commands is going to be less and I think it's the perfect blend of plenty to enjoy onboard for a good price.

When I look at any ship, I weigh what it offers, what it doesn't offer, and how much it will cost. I believe Oasis of the Seas tends to be one of the better deals when you consider those three pillars of evaluation.

There's no question it's a great cruise ship choice. You could argue spending more on a newer and bigger ship might get you meaningful upgrades, but you'll almost certainly pay more for it.

My week onboard the ship was great, and I enjoyed what Oasis had to offer and I'd love to cruise on it again.

A powerful nor'easter is hitting New Jersey that's caused one Royal Caribbean cruise ship to stay in port for a couple of days.

We've updated this article with new details on the revised itinerary.

Passengers on Symphony of the Seas have posted on social media they will not be able to depart as scheduled on Sunday.

Royal Caribbean's cruise ships operate out of Cape Liberty, New Jersey, which is located in Bayonne Harbor in Lower New York Harbor.

"It is now official, staying in port overnight per a ship announcement," one person posted on Facebook on Sunday afternoon. "Leaving dock briefly to make room for a container ship but then returning to the dock."

The storm was moving up the east coast of the United States, bringing bands of heavy rain and fierce winds.  The region is forecasted to experience sustained winds of 15-25MPH with 35-50MPH gusts.

An email sent to passengers on Thursday said Symphony would only set sail if it's safe to do so, "Along with our Chief Meteorologist, Craig Setzer, we have been closely monitoring a developing coastal low-pressure system forecast to impact the port of Cape Liberty beginning on Sunday. 

"Due to the deteriorating weather conditions, we will continue to monitor the ocean storm system and only depart once we deem it is safe to do so."

Symphony will remain in New Jersey until Tuesday

Due to storm conditions, Symphony of the Seas will not be able to depart until Tuesday. Not only are the storm conditions dangerous, but the Port of New York and New Jersey is temporarily closed to all incoming and outgoing vessels. 

A guest onboard the cruise ship says the new plan is to depart on Tuesday morning.

In the meantime, passengers are free to get off the ship and explore the surrounding area on their own. There's a Costco nearby the cruise terminal.

Royal Caribbean asked passengers to arrive earlier because of the nor'easter

Before the storm hit, the plan was speed up embarkation due to the arrival of the storm.

Guests booked on the October 12 sailing received emails on Thursday advising them that their check-in times would be much earlier.

"To ensure a smooth boarding process, please arrive two (2) hours earlier than your pre-selected arrival window!"

"All guests should be checked-in and onboard by 12:30 PM."

That's quite early, as usually check-in times don't begin until around 11am and end at 3pm.

Instead, boarding began as early as 8:30am. That's usually a time when passengers from the previous sailing are still onboard.

Symphony will sail a shortened cruise to CocoCay

Royal Caribbean updated the plans and will sail a revised itinerary.

The original plan was for Symphony of the Seas to sail a 7-night Bahamas and Perfect Day cruise. The ship is scheduled to have stops at Port Canaveral, Florida; Nassau, Bahamas; and Perfect Day at CocoCay; before returning to Cape Liberty on October 19, 2025.

Instead, Symphony will leave Bayonne on Tuesday. The ship will skip the scheduled visits to Port Canaveral and Nassau.  

Instead, Symphony will visit Perfect Day at CocoCay on Thursday from 11:30am to 6:30pm.

Afterwards, the ship will turn around and return to New Jersey.

The updated itinerary is a reflection of losing the first two days of the sailing due to the nor'easter.

Any prebooked shore excursions through Royal Caribbean will automatically be cancelled and refunded as refundable onboard credit.

By sailing a shortened itinerary, Symphony can return to Cape Liberty to start its next sailing on time.

Nor'easter wreaks havoc along east coast

The storm is in the midst of its height as it passes through the northeast United States on Monday.

New Jersey, which already declared a state of emergency, has seen flooding along the Jersey Shore. Other states will see the worst impact during high tide, such as in Connecticut and New York.

New York declared an emergency for eight southern counties Sunday evening.

Forecasters expect the rain to continue on throughout Monday. The expectation is the rain and wind will let up on Tuesday.

The fall temperatures may be dropping, but the Royal Caribbean news from this week is as hot as ever, and we have it all summarized for you in this week's round up!

Royal Caribbean revealed new features coming to Legend of the Seas.

Legend of the Seas will feature a Broadway musical, new restaurants, and new experiences too.

The new cruise ship enters service in 2026, and will offer an immersive dining experience sail in a full-size rail car.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean makes drink package change
• Cruiser records guest with mattress on balcony. Sparks debate about privacy
• NCL's new drink package rule leaves Royal Caribbean fans wondering if they'll do the same
• Tropical storm path forces Royal Caribbean ship to remain in Puerto Rico overnight
• Royal Caribbean changes cruise itinerary to avoid hurricane
• Royal Caribbean Cruise Director schedule
• What food is included at Perfect Day at CocoCay?

New RCB Video: Why Royal Caribbean is only building bigger ships

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: Why Royal Caribbean is only building bigger ships

Don't forget to like and subscribe!

Royal Caribbean clarifies drink card question cruisers have debated for years

It's official: that coffee card is more valuable now.

According to the cruise line website, you can re-use your coffee card on multiple sailings. Not only can you share it, but you can extend its value well beyond a single sailing.

This is significant because it used to only be limited to the cruise you bought it on.

Man breaks Guinness World Record on Royal Caribbean cruise

There's a new world record holder for running a marathon on a cruise ship.

The Guinness Book of World Records has confirmed Shane Wood ran a full marathon while on Ovation of the Seas.

Not only did he do it, but he finished it in under 3 hours.

I tried a whiskey tasting in the new Royal Railway train car

You can experience a classic train car experience along with high quality whiskey on one Royal Caribbean ship.

Matt got the chance to try out a whiskey tasting class that is held in the Royal Railway, which is an immersive train car restaurant.

Unlike the dinner option, this is a quicker way to see what this next-gen restaurant is really like.

Royal Caribbean changes kids club prices

Prices have gone up for Adventure Ocean and the nursery.

Royal Caribbean appears to have increased the price for after hours care at Adventure Ocean for when kids stay late past 10pm.

Likewise, the hourly charge for the nursery has gone up a few dollars.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 578th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available! 

Matt is joined by Chris Gray Faust from Cruise Critic to look back at how cruising has changed from 30 years ago to today. Has it all been for the best?

We update our podcast weekly, so subscribe for more updates via YouTube, iTunes, Google Podcasts, or RSS.

You can also leave us a rating or review on iTunes, so go ahead and check it out! We appreciate your feedback.

Staying hydrated on cruise ships is important, and Royal Caribbean is apparently trying to make it easier by selling hydration packets at its onboard bars. 

According to one Facebook post, some cruisers have begun seeing Liquid I.V. packets on Royal Caribbean ships. Not only that, but the packets are listed as being included in drink packages on select sailings. 

One user shared a screenshot of the Deluxe Beverage Package terms and conditions from the app, and it clearly states that "Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier drink mix packets" are included. 

Other people chimed in, saying that they had seen the packets onboard ships at bars. 

(Credit: Facebook)

"On symphony every bar had packets of it," one person wrote. 

Another added, "Every bar had the packets on STAR and UTOPIA."

"On Mariner, I saw it at Cafe Promenade," said someone else. 

Other comments revealed that Royal Caribbean is also offering a new beverage bundle that includes Evian water and Liquid I.V. packets. 

Andrew Kerr shared that the "Ultimate Hydration Package" on his Symphony of the Seas cruise starts at $35.99 per package. 

Still, it seems that the availability of the Liquid I.V. packets is something that's being rolled out slowly. 

(Credit: Facebook)

Although one Facebook user saw that Liquid I.V. packets were included in the Deluxe Beverage Package on their Oasis of the Seas cruise, others have reported that the packets don’t appear on the drink package list in the Royal Caribbean app for their sailings.

For example, two cruisers did not see anything mentioned about Liquid I.V. packets for their upcoming cruises on Wonder of the Seas and Odyssey of the Seas. 

Liquid I.V. packets are filled with electrolytes, so your body can absorb water faster and keep you feeling hydrated and energized during your sailing. 

Maintaining proper hydration helps prevent negative side effects like fatigue and headaches, which can put a damper on your vacation. 

When purchased on Amazon, a 16-pack of Liquid I.V. packets runs at about $23 to $24 USD, breaking down to roughly $1.45 per packet. 

If these packets are truly a new addition to the Deluxe Beverage Package, it would add more value to the pricey package. 

Instead of paying out of pocket for the packets or worrying about packing them, guests can enjoy them as one of the benefits of the (nearly) all-inclusive drink package. 

They would also give passengers another option other than Powerade or bottled water. For instance, instead of carrying a full drink off the ship, you could pick up one of the packets and add it to a glass of water during lunch ashore. 

Putting mattresses on cruise balconies isn't exactly a new trend. However, one guest took the idea to a whole new level. 

A viral video taken at Perfect Day at CocoCay shows a Royal Caribbean passenger with a rollaway cot on their balcony, comfortably relaxing and reading. The unidentified guest also made a make-shift nightstand with one of the balcony's chairs. 

The passenger was sailing aboard Allure of the Seas, according to the ship's lifeboats. It wasn't the first time someone had done some light redecorating on their balcony on Allure, either! 

In March 2024, two guests were caught lying on their mattress on the balcony while the ship was docked at CocoCay. The Facebook post garnered mixed opinions from Royal Caribbean fans and cruisers alike. 

(Credit: @cartelmarcel/TikTok)

The TikTok showing the cruiser on the cot, which was posted by user @cartelmarcel, has received over 165k likes, 2,400 comments, and 1,900 shares since being posted in February 2025. 

And like the previous incident, the TikTok sparked a flurry of opinions across the cruising community, with many defending the passenger’s creativity and vacation. 

"Imagine judging someone for relaxing on their vacation that they paid for 😬🙄," one TikToker wrote

(Credit: @cartelmarcel/TikTok)

"Let's normalize not recording people all the damn time," another added. 

One user commented, "They thought it was weird to roll a bed onto a balcony but not weird to record someone who is minding their own business?" 

Should you film cruisers without permission?

(Credit: Facebook)

The act of filming other cruise passengers, without their knowledge or consent, has gotten a lot of criticism online.

Although balcony rooms are often visible from other cabins, especially when docked in port, many still believe they are entitled to privacy on their balcony. 

"People have no privacy these days," someone commented on @cartelmarcel's TikTok, "There should be a law against people recording and posting you without your consent." 

That said, because there are no rules prohibiting this, you should be careful with what you do on your balcony — or anywhere else on the ship.

If you don't want to become the next viral sensation, you shouldn't do anything that you would not be okay with being shared online. 

Moving cruise cabin furniture out to your balcony is becoming popular amongst cruisers

(Credit: @naomijaneadams/TikTok)

The guests on Allure of the Seas aren't the only cruisers who have been caught with cabin mattresses on their balconies. Another guest was criticized for creating a bed on their balcony while sailing to Antarctica. 

In a viral TikTok shared in June 2024, Naomi Adams posted herself on her verandah with a plush comforter and the text, "Is somebody gonna match my freak (travel to Antarctica and set up my bed on the ship balcony so I don't miss any whales penguins & seals)."

Another person posted that a twin-sized mattress fits perfectly on Carnival Breeze's balconies:

Read more: Passenger criticized on TikTok for making a bed on cruise ship balcony

(Credit: @numberonecrush88/Reddit)

"...[W]e figured out that the twin sized mattresses fit on the carnival breeze cove balconies. Way more comfortable than a deck chair. We were very careful to not damage or dirty anything and we put everything back where we found it after enjoying some wine and a cheese plate on the balcony," numberonecrush88 wrote on Reddit. 

Even with the trend becoming more popular on social media, not everyone is on board with the idea of dragging cabin mattresses onto the balcony. 

"Hmm, I think bringing an air mattress would be a good alternative to using the bed mattress. I don’t love the idea of people putting the mattress on the ground overnight then back in the cabin. I feel like the mattress will get damp that way," one Redditor said. 

"Nah, this is weird. Other people now have to sleep on that mattress that was sitting on an exterior floor. I get [that] those mattresses aren’t the cleanest to begin with, but this is unnecessary. So many people lack [self-awareness], it’s crazy. There are chairs out there for a reason,” said someone else. 

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) just made a drink package change that even Royal Caribbean fans don’t like because they’re worried of the precedent it sets.

Effective March 1, 2026, Norwegian's "More at Sea" drink package will no longer be valid at Great Stirrup Cay. However, complimentary beverages, like iced tea, juices, and water, will still be provided.

Instead, NCL will release a new package specifically for use on its private island — for an additional cost. The cost is unknown at this time, but Norwegian claims they will be available for booking on Jan. 1, 2026. 

The move has sparked discussions among cruise enthusiasts. Some noticed that Royal Caribbean is already implementing a similar policy at its new beach club in Nassau. 

Read more: Norwegian just made an unpopular drink package change at its private island

"I am wondering if there is a new Bahamian policy or law regarding alcohol sales, because it was recently announced that on Royal Caribbean’s new “private club” in Nassau (the one you could literally throw a baseball to from the end of the cruise ship pier), the same thing is happening," one person shared on Reddit. 

And they're right. Royal Caribbean drink packages will not work at the Royal Beach Club at Paradise Island. Rather, there are different day passes that include food and beverages. 

The more expensive option includes unlimited alcoholic beverages, while the cheaper pass includes all non-alcoholic beverages — though alcoholic drinks are available à la carte. 

Everyone who wants to visit the new beach club must purchase a day pass, even if they have a Royal Caribbean drink package for the ship. 

Would Royal Caribbean ever ban drink packages from Perfect Day at CocoCay?

It's unlikely. Perfect Day at CocoCay is essentially an extension of the onboard experience. As such, drink packages and Crown & Anchor drink vouchers are accepted across the island, from the swim-up bars to the overwater cabanas. Wi-Fi even works on the island, too.

This is different from the Royal Beach Club at Paradise Island, which will function more like a shore excursion than a private island. If you don't purchase a day pass, you can't access the exclusive club and can explore other parts of Nassau instead. 

There's very little reason for Royal Caribbean to limit its drink package at CocoCay. In fact, doing so would undermine one of its biggest selling points, especially for guests who value the convenience and cost savings of prepaid cruise amenities. 

Following Norwegian’s announcement that its "More at Sea" drink package will no longer be valid at Great Stirrup Cay starting March 2026, many cruisers have taken to social media to express frustration, with some even debating whether to cancel future sailings.

It's even more surprising considering that the cruise line is investing $150 million to upgrade the island to better compete with CocoCay's amenities. By the end of 2026, Great Stirrup Cay will have a brand-new water park, pier, heated pool with swim-up bar, family-friendly splash pad, and more. 

"Yeah...we are gold status in NCL, but stuff like this has me ready to look elsewhere. Interesting...they are starting this now that a dock will be in place and more ships will actually stop there," wrote one Reddit user. 

Another added, "Wow!!! I was already disappointed that the Vibe Beach Club doesn’t extend to GSC. We might be just staying onboard at that stop! No thanks!"

"Wow this feels like a money grab especially with CocoCay across the water still honoring the RCL drink packages," one comment read. 

Carnival doesn't accept its drink packages at Half Moon Cay or Celebration Key, either. Last year, Carnival hiked the price of its CHEERS! package to over $80 per day, even if purchased in advance. 

Read more: Perfect Day at CocoCay vs. Celebration Key

Still, it can't be used at any of the line's private destinations. This is considered to be one of the biggest criticisms from guests.

Once NCL's new drink package rule goes into effect, Royal Caribbean will be one of the only cruise lines that lets guests use its drink packages ashore, along with MSC Cruises (Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve) and Princess Cruises (Princess Cays).

A good cruise director can make an already exciting voyage even more memorable.

The cruise director is often at the forefront of the onboard activities, from themed parties to the morning TV show. Their attitude and enthusiasm set the tone for the entire cruise.

If you’ve had an awesome cruise director before, then you know how important they are to the overall experience.

Whether you are curious about who the cruise director is on your upcoming Royal Caribbean cruise or want to book your next sailing with your favorite, the schedule below can help.

Editor's note: schedules can change at any time due to crew rotations and personal circumstances. We will update this article as new information becomes available. If you would like to share the cruise director on your current sailing, please email [email protected].

The last update was made on October 13, 2025

Adventure of the Seas

(Credit: LinkedIn)

John Blair 
As of: January 11, 2025
Sign off date: October 31, 2025

Allure of the Seas

(Credit: LinkedIn)

Michele Scarpato 
As of: September 21, 2025
Sign off date: TBA

Anthem of the Seas

(Credit: Instagram)

Michelle Oliveira
As of: July 12, 2025
Sign off date: TBA

Brilliance of the Seas

(Credit: LinkedIn)

Kat Falcon
As of: July 11, 2025
Sign off date: TBA

Enchantment of the Seas

(Credit: LinkedIn)

Rob McNally
As of: August 16, 2025
Sign off date: TBA

Explorer of the Seas

(Credit: Facebook. Rous is on the right)

Mark Rous
As of: September 2025
Sign off date: TBA

Freedom of the Seas

(Credit: LinkedIn)

Caroline Peters
As of: August 24, 2025
Sign off date: TBA

Grandeur of the Seas

(Credit: Facebook)

Chris Gruby
As of: September 13, 2025
Sign off date: TBA

Harmony of the Seas

(Credit: LinkedIn)

Mario Isla
As of: Unknown
Sign off date: November 9, 2025

Icon of the Seas

(Credit: Instagram)

Gemma Hugo
As of: August 15, 2025
Sign off date: TBA

Independence of the Seas

Susan Adams
As of: September 10, 2025
Sign off date: TBA

Jewel of the Seas

Eric Lopez
As of: October 2025
Sign off date: TBA

Liberty of the Seas

(Credit: Instagram)

Tami Salto
As of: August 30, 2025
Sign off date: TBA

Mariner of the Seas

Bobby Broughton
As of: July 3, 2025
Sign off date: November 15, 2025

Navigator of the Seas

(Credit: Instagram)

Daniel Gilham
As of: September 15, 2025
Sign off date: TBA

Oasis of the Seas

(Credit: Facebook)

Cory Rogers
As of: August 8, 2025
Sign off date: TBA

Odyssey of the Seas

Mey Lou
As of: Unknown
Sign off date: November 5, 2025

Steve Knisley
As of: November 5, 2025
Sign off date: TBA

Ovation of the Seas

(Credit: LinkedIn)

James Robinson
As of: September 22, 2025
Sign off date: TBA

Quantum of the Seas

(Credit: LinkedIn)

Bal Gabor
As of: Unknown
Sign off date: TBA

Radiance of the Seas

Bill Brunkhors
As of: August 15, 2025
Sign off date: TBA

Rhapsody of the Seas

(Credit: Instagram)

Carlo Loga
As of: September 14, 2025
Sign off date: TBA

Serenade of the Seas

(Credit: Facebook)

Joff Eaton
Sign on date: Unknown
Sign off date: TBA

Spectrum of the Seas

(Credit: Facebook)

Bonnie Bai
Sign on date: Unknown
Sign off date: TBD

Star of the Seas

(Credit: LinkedIn)

Chris Brown
As of: October 12, 2025
Sign off date: TBD

Symphony of the Seas

(Credit: Instagram. Armstrong is on the right)

Lauren Armstrong
As of: September 14, 2025
Sign off date: TBA

Utopia of the Seas

(Credit: Facebook)

Marc Walker
Sign on date: October 3, 2025
Sign off date: January 31, 2026

Vision of the Seas

Dominic Richard
As of: October 9, 2025
Sign off date: TBA

Voyager of the Seas

(Credit: Facebook)

Sheenagh Walker-Ayers
As of: August 11, 2025
Sign off date: TBA

Wonder of the Seas

(Credit: Facebook)

Ricky Matthews
Sign on date: September 12, 2025
Sign off date: November 28, 2025

What does a Royal Caribbean cruise director do?

A cruise director is responsible for overseeing all entertainment and guest activities on the ship. 

They plan the onboard entertainment, including parties and shows, and coordinate with performers, musicians, and other entertainment staff to ensure everything runs smoothly and on schedule. 

As a public figure, they will also make onboard announcements, host events, and mingle with guests. A good cruise director is friendly and energetic, fostering a welcoming atmosphere for passengers.