Royal Caribbean Blog

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(Interior cabin on Wonder of the Seas)

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

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

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

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

Matt's stateroom was in a more desirable location

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

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

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

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

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

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

(Interior cabin on Wonder of the Seas)

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

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

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

(Balcony cabin on Wonder of the Seas)

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

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

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

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

(Balcony cabin on Wonder of the Seas)

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

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

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

(Elizabeth's mattress topper)

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

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

Despite the differences, both cabins offered the same essential amenities 

(Balcony cabin on Wonder of the Seas)

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

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

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

(Inside cabin on Wonder of the Seas)

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

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

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

(Inside cabin on Wonder of the Seas)

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

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

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

(Inside cabin on Wonder of the Seas)

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

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

(Balcony cabin on Wonder of the Seas)

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

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

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

(Inside cabin on Wonder of the Seas)

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

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

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

A top question asked by new cruisers is "Am I allowed to bring alcohol on my Royal Caribbean cruise ship?" because they want to save money.

The answer is some is allowed, but not all.  Royal Caribbean has very strict rules about which alcohol you can bring and when.  

You cannot bring as much alcohol as you want, but the amount you can bring is great for light drinkers or anyone that wants to augment their consumption.

Here's a look at if you can bring alcohol on a Royal Caribbean cruise.

You are allowed to bring a small amount of alcohol on embarkation day

You cannot bring beer or liquor ever on a Royal Caribbean ship, but you are allowed some wine or champagne.

The official rule is any adult of legal drinking age can bring one bottle of sealed 750 ml wine, sparkling wine/champagne on the first day only. If you're on a back-to-back cruise, guests are allowed to bring one 750 ml bottle of wine or champagne for each individual sailing.

Wine should be brought onboard via carry to avoid the bag being held by security for additional screening to verify it's not liquor.

Keep in mind there's a rule that if you bring wine on your ship and open it in a bar or restaurant, you're subject a corkage fee.

For years the corkage fee wasn't actually enforced, but the cruise line has started to be more vigilant about it, so you should expect to pay the $15 per bottle fee.

There is no corkage fee if you're enjoying the wine in your stateroom.

You cannot bring any of these types of alcohol:

• Boxed wine
• Beer
• Liquor
• Seltzers

The ship's security will seize any alcoholic beverages brought aboard and will return them to you at the end of the cruise, assuming it's sealed.

No, you can't sneak alcohol onboard

Royal Caribbean states its security staff is actively looking for guests that try to cheat the system and bring booze onboard.

The internet is full of tricks to smuggle alcohol on a ship, but security may inspect luggage or containers they suspect of containing alcohol such as:

• Water bottles
• Soda bottles
• Mouthwash

Any containers holding alcohol they find will be disposed of and not returned.

In fact, it could get you kicked off the ship.

Guests who violate any alcohol policies, may be disembarked or not allowed to board, at their own expense, in accordance with our Guest Conduct Policy. 

No matter what hack you see on TikTok, it could put your entire vacation in jeopardy.

You can bring alcohol on your ship while in port

If you're visiting a country and want to bring back wine, beer, or a liquor that you purchased ashore, Royal Caribbean will allow you take it on the ship but they'll hold it for you.

You cannot drink it on the ship, but they will allow you to bring it home.

When you reboard the ship, security will safely store these items on the ship. These bottles will be returned on the last day onboard so you can bring it home.

You can bring non-alcoholic drinks

Royal Caribbean lets you bring many more non-alcoholic drinks on the ship, which are a popular way to save on onboard spending.

On embarkation day only, you can bring up to 12 standard (17 oz.) cans, bottles or cartons per stateroom. This means bottled water, sodas, juice, or energy drinks can be brought on the ship.

You should also carry these drinks in your carry-on luggage instead of in your checked luggage. The reason is security will see bottles or cans in the scanning machine and may not be able to determine if its alcohol or not. In that situation, they'll hold your luggage back and you'll need to go down to security to claim it later.

While Royal Caribbean includes some drinks in your fare, bringing your own soft drinks expands what choices you have instead of having to pay for it.

There is no limit for bringing milk and distilled water brought on for infant, medical, or dietary use.

The next time you eat at Izumi, you might notice a change in what comes with your hibachi meal.

Izumi is the Japanese restaurant offered on many Royal Caribbean cruise ships that has an extra cost to diner there. A number of Royal Caribbean cruisers noted the cruise line has made a change to what comes with your meal when seated at a hibachi table.

TXcruzer wrote on the Royal Caribbean message boards, "There have been supposedly numerous experiences within the last month where grilled vegetables were no longer a part of the hibachi dinner."

"These individuals claim that fried rice and protein is the only thing currently being offered."

Sure enough, others chimed in to confirm the change.

What's changed exactly at hibachi

It appears the change is grilled vegetables are no longer offered when you sit at the hibachi tables.

The chef will make fried rice and the protein of your choice, but grilled vegetables are now omitted.

"I went to Izumi on my Allure sailing earlier this month and there were no veggies offered other than [edamame]," wrote Lucky.

NewRCCruiser22 added, "Can confirm at Izumi hibachi on Star last week the menu only includes protein and rice, there are no vegetables prepared on the hibachi table and are only available for an additional charge."

SebagoSue wrote, "We were just on Wonder and can also confirm there were no veggies cooked separately as a side dish as there always have been."

That person added you can still get vegetables if you choose it as one of your proteins because the meal includes up to two choices. A third choice can be added for just $5 more.

"One person ordered veggies as one of her choices, instead of a second protein and the chef cooked the same veggies we have had in the past just for her. "

Prior to this change, if you dined at the hibachi side of the restaurant, grilled vegetables would be included along with your protein and fried rice.

The cruise line has made no formal announcement, guests are noting the change as an observation.

The cost to dine at Izumi hibachi is listed at $70 per adult for dinner, and $45 per adult for lunch.  Both meals are the same menu.

You can usually reserve Izumi hibachi for less when pre-booking prior to the start of the cruise. For example, on an upcoming Utopia of the Seas cruise, the cost is $55.99 per adult for dinner and $35.99 per adult for lunch.

New Izumi menu made minor changes too

Royal Caribbean rolled out a slightly updated menu at Izumi in November 2025, possibly tied to the change to hibachi.

Aside from the new design, I spotted a couple of changes to the menu, such as the cost of the fixed price menu going up from $39 to $45.

In addition, there's a new dessert on the menu. The Izumi Chocolate Fluffy Cheese Cake has been added.  That has replaced the lava cake.

Another change on the hibachi menu is that it offers just beef. Previously there was beef tenderloin or NY Steak.

Izumi is the most popular specialty restaurant on Royal Caribbean cruise ships

According to the cruise line, Izumi is the most popular specialty restaurant in the fleet today.

"Izumi is actually the most popular restaurant by volume in the fleet," Royal Caribbean Vice President Food & Beverage, Linken D'Souza revealed earlier this summer.

It's available on nearly every ship in the fleet. All of the restaurants have sushi, cooked food, and soups as part of its menu.

Many ships offer a teppanyaki section too, where guests are seated around a heated table and watch as a chef entertains them while cooking food.

This form of "eatertainment" has become wildly popular with cruise ship guests because it combines great food with memory making experiences.

Royal Caribbean has recently expanded Izumi to offer a to-go sushi window, and even a chef-driven experience too.

With 2026 here, this might be the year certain Royal Caribbean rumors finally become reality.

Royal Caribbean always has a few projects in development in various stages. But they don't comment or announce things until everything is fully prepared.  In the meantime, the rumor mill swirls with possibilities.

In addition to all the confirmed changes coming over the next few years, there is still room for more updates and reveals.

While I lack a crystal ball, I think we could see three Royal Caribbean rumors confirmed by the cruise line in 2026.

A new credit card, closer tied into loyalty perks

Royal Caribbean hinted it was working on replacing its Royal Caribbean Visa Signature credit card with something better.

During an earnings call with investors last year, Royal Caribbean Group CEO Jason Liberty admitted the current card isn't exactly what they want to offer consumers and talked about a new replacement.

"We do have a co-branded credit card. It is tied today to our loyalty program, but not in the way that fits our ambition."

He added, "I think you’re going to see something very meaningful coming out of that very, very soon."

There's been no date given when the new card could debut, but Mr. Liberty gave the impression that the new card was going to be ready sooner than later. 

The mention of the new credit card came on the same call in which he said Royal Caribbean is aggressively investing in its loyalty and digital ecosystem. That could mean the new credit card would offer alternative ways to earn benefits or loyalty perks.

"Our guests are very focused on recognition and also being incentivized for the spend and loyalty that they provide." 

Points Choice: a new way to earn points on other cruise lines

Another big change to loyalty will be the new program to earn loyalty points when cruising on Royal Caribbean's sister brands.

Coming in "early 2026", the Points Choice program will offer for the first time the option to sail on Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, or Silversea but earn loyalty points for the program of their choice.

For example, you could sail on Celebrity Cruises and earn Crown and Anchor Society points.  

That's a big change because it would potentially make it easier to rack up points, even while not sailing on Royal Caribbean.

Points Choice will only apply to new cruises that you sail on in the future, and will not apply retroactively to previous sailings you already took.

We're waiting for more details to be released about the program that shares how points will be converted using brand-specific exchange rates.

This change is absolutely happening in 2026, but it remains to be seen when we'll be able to start point swapping.

Confirmation of the Discovery Class

Could 2026 be the year we finally get an official announcement about the long rumored "smaller" cruise ship class?

Royal Caribbean has tip-toed around "Project Discovery", but never formally announced it.  They've referred to it and even openly talked to passengers about it, but technically it hasn't been announced.

All we know about it is it will be a new cruise ship design that is smaller than the Icon Class ships.

We also know it's meant to focus on specialized itineraries.

"We want the ship[s] to be able to really focus on...the more exotic itineraries," Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley told guests a few months ago.

What we're hoping for this year is a formal announcement confirming plans to build the new ships and when the first ship might be ready.

We thought that announcement would have been made as early as 2024, but nothing has been revealed yet.

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

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

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

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

Sorrento's pizza

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

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

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

Playmakers' campfire cookie 

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

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

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

Another favorite from Playmakers is the jalapeño poppers. 

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

Spare Tire's pizza tornadoes

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

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

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

CocoCay's famous mozzarella sticks

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

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

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

Crêpes from Crème de la Crêpe

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

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

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

Basecamp's Smashburger 

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

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

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

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

Nachos from El Loco Fresh

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

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

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

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

Main Dining Room's escargot

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

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

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

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

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

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

Royal Kummelweck roast beef sandwich

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

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

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

Coconut Ranger Cookies 

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

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

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

Soft-serve cone

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

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

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

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

Tuna sandwiches

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

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

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

DIY chili dog

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

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

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

I've heard all the New Year's resolutions for losing weight, saving money, and being a better person, but what about ways to be a better cruiser?

I can't help but always think about my next cruise vacation, and this is the perfect time of year to gather inspiration for what to do in the year to come.

I started thinking about different ways I could give myself a gentle nudge in a different direction to push me a little out of my comfort zone.  While I won't be trying the FlowRider, there are other ways to mix things up without feeling intimidated.

Here are the 10 ideas I have for New Year cruise resolutions that might spark a new joy for you as you cruise in the new year.

Cruise like a first-timer for a day

The first thing I thought of was how I could cruise differently, and embracing a first time cruiser's attitude is just the ticket.

Because I cruise a lot, I probably have a distinct pattern to how I cruise, especially on the first day.

Instead, it might be fun to use the first day as an excuse to pretend it's your first cruise. Wander the ship, take the spa tour, ask questions, and generally be curious.

Veteran cruisers sometimes forget how magical cruising felt the first time, and this might be a way to get that spark back.

Sneak in a cruise for a long weekend

When you're at your desk day dreaming of a cruise, I'll often try to use the calendar to my advantage.

Royal Caribbean offers more weekend cruises than ever, so see if you can find a long weekend that would allow you to book another cruise.

For example, perhaps Labor Day weekend or Memorial Day weekend, which each have built-in days off.  You could then make a weekend cruise work with less paid time off required.

Alternatively, pick a weekend where you know one of the days off you would need is not going to be very busy. A lot of schools when they reach the end of the semester tend to wrap things up and have an easy go of it those last couple days.

Pick a night to really dress up

While formal night is not very popular anymore, dressing up for themed nights has never been more fun.

Every Royal Caribbean sailing will have themed nights, and this is the year you should finally give it a try.

I don't mean buy a shirt off Amazon that says "This is my party shirt". I mean, pick one theme and get a total outfit that goes all-in.

Whether you pick decades night, white night, or red night, start scouring stores for matching outfits that really stand out.  

Cruising is about having fun and I think the families that have distinct outfits not only get noticed, but they're great conversation starters.

Book the cruise you've been "saving for later"

This is the year you should finally book that one cruise you have wanted to take but always said "someday".

Whether it’s Alaska, Europe, or a longer itinerary, I think now is the time for it.

I took my family on their first European cruise this past summer and it was so much fun and rewarding that I only regret we didn't try it a couple of years earlier.

You never know what the future may hold, so take advantage of the opportunities now.  

Talk a crew member beyond "where are you from"

One of the best parts of cruising is meeting crew members because some of them are amazing people who make the experience that much better.

When you can tell a crew member isn't very busy, try striking up a conversation with them to get to know them a little bit better. 

Try asking them questions such as how long they’ve worked at sea, or what guests always miss. 

Not only do crew members pick up on trends you might overlook, but they've got really fun stories too.

Skip the show and go to the pool

I love a good night swim, or even a hot tub at night, so try it out too.

There's usually one pool or hot tub left open in the evening. Instead of seeing a show, grab a towel and hop in and enjoy some time when the pool deck is the least crowded.

Royal Caribbean will usually show movies or a sporting event on the big screen at night, so you could combine the pool with something to watch.

Go to the beach you've never been to at CocoCay

My comfort zone extends to Royal Caribbean's private island too, because I tend to do a lot of the same thing.

There are a number of beaches you can go to at Perfect Day at CocoCay, so this might be the year to try a new one.

Harbor Beach is vastly underrated as a great spot. Not only is it a very short walk from the pier, but it's right next to Skipper's Grill. You can grab snacks (ice cream anyone?) quite easily.

Another idea is to walk all the way down South Beach until you reach Cove Beach. It's about as remote a beach as you can find on the island.

If you want a different bar to hang out at, try the Wacky Seagull Bar on Chill Beach. They have chairs that look out to the ocean and lots of shade too!

Eat at the restaurant I always skip

My personal cruise resolution is to go back to restaurants I usually skip.

Johnny Rockets, Wonderland, Hooked are the restaurants I not only skip but don't even think about going to.  Instead, I'm going to give them all another chance this year.

I don't have to love it, but I'm sure I can find something to enjoy there. Plus, it will get me out of the same specialty restaurants I always eat at.

Come back to the ship early on one day

I was originally going to write "stay onboard while everyone else gets off the ship", but I think the happy medium is to come back early one day instead.

When you have a port that you're not sure what to do, get off the ship early and explore the shopping and dining.  Or head to a beach for the morning.

But instead of spending all day ashore, return to the ship early so you can enjoy short lines and quiet pools. This works even better if you went to the beach because you're already in your bathing suit!

Say yes to one spontaneous decision

A friend had this idea to go into a cruise with if something comes up to try, you almost have to say "yes".

• A last-minute specialty dinner
• An unexpected sailaway drink
• A random activity you overheard someone talking about in the elevator

This resolution might be the thing that helps create memories you never planned on in the first place.

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

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

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

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

(Credit: rctfenix/Reddit)

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

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

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

"These are orbital defense cannons"

(Credit: fgpalm/Reddit)

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

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

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

(Credit: Juan-88PR/Reddit)

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

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

(Credit: rattmaul/Reddit)

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

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

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

(Credit: Leroyr55/Royal Caribbean Blog forum)

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

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

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

(Credit: DustinC223/Reddit)

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

Royal Caribbean has launched a new feature inside its mobile app called Vacay Market, and it’s not your typical cruise souvenir shop!

Vacay Market is a built-in shopping marketplace that you can now find directly on the Royal Caribbean app. The new marketplace allows users to purchase everything from Royal Caribbean–branded merchandise to vacation outfits, beauty products, kids’ clothing, toys, luggage, and pickleball gear!

Even better, it’s all shipped directly to your home, meaning you don’t need to be onboard now to purchase Royal Caribbean merchandise.

The new Vacay Market appears as a pop-up on the Royal Caribbean app’s homepage. Royal Caribbean describes Vacay Market as a place to “shop for stunning fashion, gifts, branded merch, and travel essentials,” with the added perk of direct, free shipping.

Vacay Market has hundreds of items available for purchase already, making it the perfect place to shop before your next Royal Caribbean cruise.

What you can buy from Vacay Market

Vacay Market is divided into different categories, including Branded Merch, Royal Badges, Apparel, Travel Essentials, Accessories, Home, Beauty & Wellness, Kids, Toys & Games, and Footwear.

While I expected to find mostly Royal Caribbean merchandise, I was surprised by the wide range of items available in Vacay Market. It felt more like shopping on Amazon, with a mix of cruise essentials and vacation necessities.

Of course, this is a great place to stock up on branded Royal Caribbean merch with the classic Crown & Anchor logo. You can find insulated tumblers, wine cups, notebooks, cosmetic cases, tote bags, passport wallets made from real leather, jewelry organizers, fanny packs, cooler totes, embroidered fleece blankets, and more. 

Prices range from the low $20s for smaller items up to $70 for premium drinkware sets and specialty bags. You can even find pickleball equipment, including branded paddles and pickleball bags priced around $55–$60.

Vacay Market offers Royal Badges to bring home your cruise memories

One of the more interesting sections within Vacay Market is the Royal Badges collection. This appears to be Royal Caribbean’s attempt to turn cruise experiences into physical, collectible souvenirs.

Royal Badges include items like pins, T-shirts, premium baseball hats, and shot glasses, all themed around specific destinations or experiences. Currently, Perfect Day at CocoCay is the only available badge option, although we can likely expect to find more options in the future!

For example, the Royal Badges Pin Set of 2 is priced at $14 and labeled as “exclusively available in app” for purchase. The product description leans heavily into collectibility, describing the pins as keepsakes that are meant to showcase “earned badges and bragging rights” from past voyages.

The Vacay Market also includes apparel, beauty, home, and more

In addition to branded merchandise and Royal Badge items, Vacay Market also offers apparel, beauty products, and travel essentials for your upcoming cruise. The apparel section includes dresses, cover-ups, sarongs, jumpsuits, swimsuits, polos, and rashguards, with many items priced between $68 and $98. However, some items are priced close to $200.

Additionally, footwear includes flip-flops, slides, jelly sandals, handmade leather shoes, and loafers, with several items priced between $100–$200.

In the Beauty & Wellness section, you'll find plenty of travel-size beauty products and cruise must-haves. Options include sunscreen sticks and sprays, aloe cooling mists, grooming kits, oral care bundles, hair tools, essential oil rollerballs, and toiletry kits. Many of these items are practical for cruising, although you might find them priced higher in the Vacay Market than other retailers.

Finally, kids’ offerings include cruise outfits, UPF-rated swimwear, toys, puzzles, building block sets, STEM kits, kids’ tablets, headphones, and games.

How checkout works

Purchases from the Vacay Market are completed entirely inside the Royal Caribbean app. Items are shipped to your home and standard shipping is listed as free. The app indicates that shipping is typically within one to five business days after purchase.

In addition, some items will be fulfilled by third-party vendors rather than Royal Caribbean directly. Items will indicate which vendor will fulfill the order. Payment is handled like standard e-commerce checkout, with sales tax applied depending on location.

Some items are labeled app-exclusive, including many of the Royal Badge items, so be sure to check your Royal Caribbean app if you’re interested in beginning your collection!

A new ship, giant suites, and a trip back in time were just some of the amazing things I got to try on Royal Caribbean cruise ships in 2025.

I was fortunate to be able to go on 14 different cruises over the course of this year, which brought me to both coasts of the U.S. and an extended trip overseas in Europe.

I love cruising because of how easy it is to see the world, but there's also so much to experience onboard. Sometimes I book a cruise because of where it will take me and other times there's something new and exciting onboard to try.

I was inspired to share my top cruise memories of the year and hope you'll share yours in the comments below!

Took my family for their first European cruise

As soon as 2025 began, I had June circled on my calendar as the top cruise I was looking forward to this year.

I had taken two cruises to Europe already, but my family hadn't come yet.  This time, I was bringing them and we had an epic month of cruising and exploring planned.

Combining a pre-cruise trip to London and Paris, I took my wife and kids through so much of northern Europe and it's the kind of trip we still talk or reference regularly.

There's certainly nothing wrong with a Caribbean cruise, but seeing the world by cruise ship is a next-level opportunity. 

We got to see fjords, see a West End show, eat at countless cafes, and meet so many nice people in all the countries.  Having lunch in a German beer garden or snacking on fresh strawberries in Norway set new standards for food.

I loved how much we got to see and try out together.  It was by far the sort of cruise we'll measure all others against in the future.

Tried Silversea for the first time

Speaking of Europe, I got my feet wet with my first time on a luxury cruise.

While I had sailed with Celebrity Cruises a few times, Silversea is unlike anything I had experienced before (full disclosure, Silversea invited me to sail with them as their guest).  The quality, approach, and attention to detail of this style of cruising blew me away.

Silversea is a sister brand to Royal Caribbean, but the similarities stop fairly quickly.  Silversea has invested in creating an onboard experience where you feel like the center of attention anywhere you go.

Every room is a suite, and every suite has a butler. It's not that I need a butler, but darn if I didn't enjoy having someone unpack my clothes and draw me a bath!

I loved the intimate venues and careful attention each crew member paid to guests. I've never felt more like Norm from "Cheers" than on Silver Dawn. 

Sometimes you try something different and appreciate it, but don't necessarily fall in love. In the case of Silversea, I really want to get back on and try another soon.

I got onboard Star of the Seas before anyone else

Sometimes my job has great perks and this came when I was invited to fly to Puerto Rico and board Star of the Seas first.

Ever since Icon of the Seas first debuted last year, I've been astounded by how impressive Icon Class ships are.  Certainly Star of the Seas is no exception.

I went on two preview sailings to get a sense of what makes Star of the Seas stand out, and there's nothing like exploring a brand new cruise ship.

The differences between Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas aren't substantial, but like a new phone, you can easily pick out small things that make a big difference.

There's no question the food hall is better on Star, and I greatly preferred Back to the Future over the Wizard of Oz. Even the supper club is better on Star.

Saw Back to the Future: The Musical for the first time

I mentioned I loved seeing Back to the Future: The Musical while I sailed on Star of the Seas and it was the kind of show I loved every minute of.

I was so happy to see there would be a Broadway musical on Star instead of an in-house production show, and this one did not disappoint.

It probably didn't hurt that I loved the Back to the Future trilogy as a kid growing up. I can quote half the movie (my wife told me not to do that during the show), and the musical is a faithful adaptation of the film.

It's a bit condensed for run time and certain parts from the movie are either removed or reworked to be practical for the stage. But it's a fantastic ride through a well-known story. The fact it's included with your fare adds to the value of this ship.

I started a new gym routine

On a personal note, I'm proud of myself for staying with a workout regiment that I began while sailing on Enchantment of the Seas.

I took my first cruise ever on Enchantment back in January, and since I knew Enchantment wouldn't have a lot to offer compared to big ships, I decided to hit the gym.

The fitness center is included at no charge on all Royal Caribbean ships and it's better than most gyms I've been to on land.

What started out as something to do has become part of my routine at home and at sea. Not only do I feel better about myself, but it's helped lower my cholesterol. 

I went many years without ever using any cruise ship gym, but I'm glad I finally gave it a try here.

I cruised in Star Class once, but had two genies

Sometimes doing "research" on a cruise is pretty darn fun, and that came when I got to try two instances of Royal Caribbean's top suite perks.

In March, I sailed on Icon of the Seas to see what the Star Class experience is like on that ship and if going over Spring Break would make it more valuable.

The Icon Loft Suite has enough space for a family, and practically includes everything on the ship.  

By far the best thing about Star Class is the Royal Genie, who takes care of your every need.

Royal Caribbean expanded the Royal Genie services to some of its smaller ships and I gave that a try while in a balcony cabin on Independence of the Seas in Europe.

I was skeptical how useful a Genie would be on a ship lacking all the amenities of a big ship, but truthfully I loved how much better our cruise was because of her attentiveness.

Being treated like a VIP is wonderful, and I can safely say that Star Class doesn't disappoint in that regard.

Don't worry, I made up for these experiences in a few inside cabins too.

I tried new dining options

Eating on a cruise ship is one of the top reasons I always cruise, and Royal Caribbean opened up new spots for me to try.

I got to dine at the Lincoln Park Supper Club on Star of the Seas, which is a $200 per person, six-course meal that combines music, cocktails and service.

I liked it even better than the supper club on Icon, and on a personal note, I was able to enjoy it with the company of a friend who just passed away earlier today.  I'll miss you and always think of you when I pass by this restaurant, Ann Marie.

Another new offering is the whiskey tasting seminar held in the Royal Railway on Utopia of the Seas.

Ever since Royal Caribbean opened an immersive dining restaurant, I've been hooked on how much fun it is.  With the whiskey tasting, you get a condensed version of the dining experience along with a great introduction to whiskey.

You would need to take 100 cruises for a week in order to reach Royal Caribbean's highest loyalty status, but a five year old just did it.

While sailing on Star of the Seas last week, the cruise line recognized Aydin Derakhshan as its newest Pinnacle Club member.

Similar to the airlines, cruise lines have loyalty levels that offer special rewards and benefits for repeat customers. 

For most tiers of the Crown and Anchor Society, kids under 18 years old can inherit their parent's status. However, to reach Pinnacle Club, you need to achieve it on your own by sailing enough to accrue the points.

Photo by Nora Ramadan

So yes, Aydin had to actually go on enough cruises to get his 700 points.

Aydin has now accumulated 702 points, making him the youngest person to hit the coveted status.

He reached Pinnacle in just 3 years

Photo by Twangster

Royal Caribbean holds a special event on all but the short cruises to thank its loyal customers and recognize repeat cruisers.

Whenever someone reaches 700 points, they get called up on stage to be awarded their new status.

Aydin and his family were sailing on the biggest cruise ship in the world, Star of the Seas, when he finally made it there.

The Atlanta, Georgia resident took his first cruise in 2022 and almost immediately started cruising.

The feat is even more impressive when you consider Royal Caribbean prohibits children younger than 6 months from cruising at all.  So Ayden got to Pinnacle in just while missing out on half a year of eligibility.

If you do the "cruise math", that works out to 117 suite or 234 non-suite nights per year the last 3 years.

At the Top Tier event, Aydin said his favorite ship was Star of the Seas and his favorite port of call was Royal Caribbean's private island of Perfect Day at CocoCay.

The previous youngest cruiser to reach Pinnacle was 7 years old

Royal Caribbean doesn't usually publish information about its cruisers, but according to cruise fans, Aydin beat out the record for youngest person to make it to Pinnacle by 2 years.

As of 2023, Ryan Tyson was recognized as the youngest Pinnacle member at 7 years old.

In a video he collaborated on with the cruise line, he said his favorite ship was Oasis of the Seas because it has Portside BBQ specialty restaurant.

He also loves all the activities onboard, including the SeaPlex, mini golf, and everything on the sports deck.

What you get for making it to Pinnacle

Now that Aydin has set a new record for being Pinnacle, he will enjoy a lifetime of special perks.

Off the bat, he'll qualify for a free cruise as a way to thank him for his loyalty.

Photo by Kenneth Jarvis

On any cruise he takes, he'll enjoy:

• Priority boarding in the suite line
• 6 complimentary drinks per day
• Free internet package every cruise
• Access to Coastal Kitchen and the Suite Lounge (assuming there aren't too many other Pinnacles onboard)
• A gold pin to wear around the ship
• Invitations to exclusive events
• Reciprocal status with Celebrity or Silversea

As a Pinnacle Club member myself, the amount of freebies you get is quite impressive.  The drink vouchers, Wi-Fi package, and priority embarkation are easily my favorite benefits of the bunch.

Congratulations to Aydin and his family

Achieving Pinnacle Club status is quite a milestone for anyone, but especially for kids who are brought onboard by their parents.

Being a super frequent cruiser is not just about bragging rights, but quite a fun way to see the world.  Going on that many cruises means at a young age Aydin has already visited a number of countries.

It can be argued that traveling with young kids is great for boosting their brain development, creativity, social skills, and global awareness. We don't know every port of call or country he visited, but cruising and being exposed to so many cultures is a great educational tool to "open your eyes to the world", figuratively speaking.

Welcome to the club, kid!