Royal Caribbean Blog

Nobody wants to get sick on vacation. Unfortunately, one family's New Year's cruise became one they'd never forget — all thanks to the new "super flu."

Ellie Doyle, a mom from Connecticut who shares her family adventures on social media under the name @reheatedcoffeeclub, posted multiple videos about her experience on Royal Caribbean's Independence of the Seas. 

What was supposed to be a fun getaway to celebrate her parents' 50th wedding anniversary quickly turned into a stressful vacation when her daughter fell ill on the first night. 

Doyle is an avid cruiser who grew up in Florida and has previously sailed on multiple lines, including Disney, Norwegian, and MSC. However, even with years of cruising experience under her belt, Doyle said this outbreak was unlike anything she had experienced at sea before. 

"If you guys have seen the Netflix documentary 'Poop Cruise,' this was like 'Puke Cruise'"

(Credit: @reheatedcoffeeclub/TikTok)

Doyle recalled a terrifying night spent in the ship's medical center in a TikTok posted shortly after the vacation ended. 

On the first night of the 7-night cruise to Nassau, San Juan, and St. Thomas, her two-year-old daughter, Norah, woke up coughing and wheezing. 

Because she was diagnosed with childhood asthma, they tried to rush her to the ship's medical center. However, it took them 15-20 minutes and a few inconvenient roadblocks to actually locate it on Deck 1. 

(Credit: @reheatedcoffeeclub/TikTok)

Doyle's family didn't have travel insurance, so the nurse began explaining that all treatment would have to be paid out-of-pocket. 

"So while Norah is like wheezing, [the nurse is] like, 'So it's gonna be a $250 inspection, and then it's gonna be whatever medicine she needs, whatever treatments, it's just gonna keep going up,'" Doyle said. 

The first thing Norah received was a nebulizer treatment to ease her breathing. She was also prescribed an antibiotic and a steroid for inflamed airways. 

(Credit: @reheatedcoffeeclub/TikTok)

Additionally, while Doyle was at the medical center with her daughter, the nurse and doctor were clear that Norah’s condition wasn't a medical emergency. As such, they could not turn the ship around. Doyle, however, never asked if that was an option. 

Ironically, according to Doyle in another TikTok, the ship had to change its course twice to evacuate other passengers who required urgent care.

During the sailing, they returned to Nassau and Turks & Caicos, which wasn't on the itinerary, to evacuate the critically ill guests. 

The "super flu" swept through her family of 21 

Thankfully, Norah tested negative for the flu. However, Doyle told the Daily Mail that more than a dozen other family members ended up testing positive for the flu. There were a total of 21 people, including Doyle, her husband Michael, their three children, and four siblings, traveling together. 

Their son Porter was the next person to get sick, followed by their six-year-old daughter Maisie. The bug continued to spread through the family, infecting Doyle's 77-year-old dad, 73-year-old mom, three nephews, and two adult siblings. 

The symptoms weren't consistent, either. Some had a sore throat, body aches, a fever, and congestion. In other cases, the symptoms were milder. 

"[I don't think Royal Caribbean] was prepared for the amount of people that were gonna be sick at once," she added. 

Doyle recalled seeing multiple public bathrooms closed during the sailing, saying, "I have a sneaking suspicion [that it's] because of all the puke on the cruise."

Massive spike in flu activity nationwide

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there was a 24.7% increase in people testing positive for influenza between Dec. 27, 2025, and Jan. 3, 2026. 

While this marked a slight decrease from the week prior, infection levels remained high, with the most frequently reported influenza viruses this week being influenza A (H3N2), known as subclade K and dubbed the new "super flu."

During that same week, most reported influenza cases were type A, with H3N2 accounting for over 90% of subtyped cases.

Moreover, weekly hospitalization rates remained elevated at 54.1 per 100,000 residents. Of those, 39,945 patients were admitted to hospitals with influenza. 

The CDC estimates that, so far this season, there have been at least 15 million illnesses, 180,000 hospitalizations, and 7,400 deaths from the flu.

Symptoms of the "super flu" include:

• Fever and chills, often above 100.4°F
• Severe muscle and body aches
• Fatigue
• Cough and sore throat
• Headache or head pressure
• Nasal congestion or a runny nose

Norovirus cases have also been on the rise

Norovirus is a highly contagious stomach bug that's often referred to as the "cruise ship virus." However, that nickname is misleading. According to the CDC, norovirus outbreaks on cruise ships account for around 1% of all reported outbreaks.

In reality, norovirus cases are on the rise at sea and on land. Concentrations have risen 45% since November, Marlene Wolfe, Ph.D., professor at Emory University and program director at WastewaterSCAN, told TODAY.com.

Between Aug. 1 and Dec. 11, 2025, 268 norovirus outbreaks were reported by states in the CDC’s NoroSTAT program, including Wisconsin, Virginia, Tennessee, South Carolina, Oregon, Ohio, North Carolina, New Mexico, New Hampshire, Nebraska, Minnesota, Michigan, and Massachusetts. 

Norovirus is spreading rapidly in part because of a newer strain, GII.17, that emerged in Asia about a decade ago, with the CDC reporting that GII.17 was responsible for 75% of norovirus outbreaks in the U.S. during the 2024–2025 season.

The Royal Beach Club Paradise Island is a simple solution to a long-standing problem of cruise ship passengers finding a compelling and lovely way to spend the day in Nassau, Bahamas.

This new kind of shore excursion combines the best ideas Royal Caribbean had at its private islands, sprinkled in some new ideas, and built it in one of the best spots you could ever hope for in a tropical getaway.

It's definitely not a private island that's an extension of the ship. Rather, it's a Royal Caribbean built and designed optional excursion that applies what they know cruisers look for in a beach day.

Nassau is one of the most visited cruise ports in the Caribbean, but historically a lot of vacationers treated it like a sea day because the offerings had become stale.

I spoke with Jay Schneider, who is Royal Caribbean's Senior Vice President and Chief Product Innovation Officer and lead the development effort with the new beach club, about why Royal Caribbean built the new club, "We’ve heard from our guests that they’re looking for new and exciting experiences in Nassau."

"Over the last five to seven years, we’ve been on a mission to develop what we think is the ultimate beach day for them."

This new beach club is the answer people have openly asked for, and it's likely going to be a key differentiator for Royal Caribbean.

Open only to passengers of Royal Caribbean or Celebrity Cruises, guests pay an admission fee to enter the Royal Beach Club. There's dynamic pricing, but you can expect to pay around $100 - $200 per person if you pre-purchase a ticket. The list price onboard is $250 per person.

I paid for my day pass admission about 2 months before the cruise and it cost me $130 for the pass with unlimited alcohol.

I visited for the day while sailing on Utopia of the Seas and found the kind of beach and pool day that eclipsed anything else I've experienced in The Bahamas.

A new kind of day at the beach

I'm no stranger to day passes as a shore excursion. I've been to dozens of day passes around the Caribbean, including Atlantis and the British Colonial.

The difference with the Royal Beach Club is it offers more than any of those do, while adding superior service and convenience.

It appears Royal Caribbean took the best ideas from Perfect Day at CocoCay with Hideaway Beach and Coco Beach Club and used that as its starting point for the new beach club.

Mr. Schneider thinks the finished product sets a new standard, "This is the perfect beach day. I think the design here actually exceeds CocoCay’s — and I’d argue it rivals any beach and pool club on the planet."

Your day pass includes transportation from the ship to the beach club.  The piece of land is close enough to see from your cruise ship, but it's not connected to the cruise port. Instead, you board complimentary water ferries that take you there.

It's a short 5 minute ferry ride over, where you have the choice of stopping at either end of the property.

Royal Beach Club is 17 acres, split into three zones:

• Chill Beach
• Party Cove
• Family Beach

The names allude to the sort of vibe you can expect, but you can go to any of them and there's no adult-only areas.

Your day pass gets you access to any of the chairs and umbrellas, which are first-come, first-reserved. You can also get to any of the pools or hot tubs.

You also get unlimited food, drink, Wi-Fi, and ferry transportation. Towels are provided too, so there's no need to bring any from the ship.

All of the pools are heated, which is one of the best features because the ocean may not be optimal temperature year-round. Having been to unheated pools, it can be quite chilly. If you've been to Oasis Lagoon at CocoCay, then you know exactly what I'm talking about.

One thing you'll notice quickly about the property is it's deceptively large. There's more than enough room to spread out.

You can stay as long as you like with ferries running continuously. 

One note about the ferry service is when you want to depart back to the ship, the ferry will drop you off at the far side of the Nassau cruise port.  

I timed the walk back to the ship, and it was about 15 minutes, including a line to go through security.  It's a lengthy walk and could be problematic during the hotter months with kids. After a long day of fun in the sun and surf, I could envision meltdowns on the long walk back.

Service as good as any cruise

One thing about the experience I was curious about was would it feel like an elevated day.  I was worried with everyone having unlimited food and drink, getting service would be a challenge.

My fears were quickly assuaged as my day progressed. Each area of the beach, pool and walkways has a server that's assigned to that area to get drinks.

If you sit down at a chair, there's a bartender there to take your order.  But if you go to a bar or swim-up bar, there's another group of bartenders there to take your drink order.

This makes it easy to meander and enjoy the entire beach club without being subject to one or two waiters, which is usually how it works at other day pass clubs I've been to in the Caribbean.

I was able to get my drinks quickly and there was a good mix of creative cocktails to sample, as well as tried-and-true favorites.

The only strange issue was at the swim-up bar where the bartenders needed to scan our SeaPass card for every drink. I found this strange considering it's all-inclusive so clearly we all get drinks. All it did was slow everything down (the bartender said it was for inventory management).

There are multiple restaurants in each zone, but it's the same menu at each one.  The idea is to make food service quick and convenient and to reduce trekking around to track down the food you want.

I'm not a food critic, but I think the food menu was good, not great.  I didn't love it as much as the Snack Shack location at Perfect Day, but a few workers told me an updated food menu should be coming soon.

The chicken fingers were easily my favorite food, although they do have a kick to them even without the BBQ sauce.

I also think the chicken wrap and burger were quite satisfying.

Luxury options if you prefer more luxury in your beach day

In addition to the day passes, there are cabanas and day beds you could rent.

Each of them includes admission for a certain amount of people, and it comes with added service as well as private and reserved areas.

I generally like renting a cabana with my family because it offers a home base of operations, dedicated service, and shade.

If you have the budget for it, they are a fabulous way to splurge and elevate your day even further.  Your cabana host will bring you any food and drink you want (same menu as everywhere else), which means you never have to leave your private spot.

There are beach cabanas, pool cabanas, cabanas with views of both, and more. 

In fact, there's even an over-the-top Ultimate Family Cabana that costs $10,000 that looks incredible given how many amenities it has. 

Those with the money to spend, it has a private hot tub, beach area, two levels, frozen drink machine, and more.

A super excursion with everything you'd want for a day by the water

Is the Royal Beach Club worth it? I think so, given how much is included and how well it's all delivered.

I think a lot of families want a captivating spot for fun in the sun, and I think Royal Caribbean really delivered the beach/pool day experience most would want.

When comparing it to other day pass options in Nassau, none include as much or offer nearly as good amenities. 

Plus, the pool and beach set up are picture perfect. It feels like any spot you pick is worthy of a postcard because the views are stunning.

The beauty of the property really stood out to me, as the club delivers on the idyllic tropical setting I think so many people envision when they think about taking a Caribbean cruise.

"The entire site is breathtakingly beautiful — from the big design moments like the floating flamingo bar to the smallest details, including art from local Bahamian artists and even the design of back-of-house buildings," Schneider told me.

Plus, it's very close to where the ships are located. 

It's not a cheap excursion, but considering it's all-inclusive and includes transportation, I think it's worth the cost when you can take advantage of a pre-cruise sale that brings the price down to under $150 per person.

Royal Beach Club tips and advice

If you have the Royal Beach Club booked, here are some tricks and ways to maximize your visit.

Always prebook admission so you can save money. Do not wait to book it before the cruise begins.

It's a good idea to get to the island early. I'd recommend before 10am for pick of almost any spot. 

Don't bring towels. There are complimentary towels at the club, and they're much nicer than the blue ones your ship has.

There are beach wheelchairs and paved areas around, so accessibility should not be an issue.

If you want the quietest spots, head to the very end of either Family Beach or Chill Beach.  The further down the beach you go, it gets very secluded.

There's also complimentary reef-safe sunscreen provided at the towel stations and cabana check-in. No excuse for getting sunburned!

I’ve been cruising with Royal Caribbean since I was 11. Over the past 15 years, I’ve sailed on nearly a dozen of their ships, gaining extensive firsthand experience along the way.

Nothing comes close to your first cruise, though. Even if it is on an older vessel, like Grandeur of the Seas, the excitement of stepping onboard and exploring the ship is unforgettable. 

Still, before you dream of sipping poolside piña coladas, planning dreamy shore excursions, or dropping your kids off at Adventure Ocean, it's important to understand what to expect on the cruise ship. 

From knowing what’s included in your cruise fare to understanding the cruise contract's policies and dining options, a little preparation can go a long way in making your first Royal Caribbean cruise enjoyable and stress-free. 

Here are 9 things everyone should know before their first Royal Caribbean cruise. 

New doesn't always mean better

I've sailed on ships as old as Vision of the Seas and as new as Icon of the Seas. While there’s no denying that the gigantic Icon Class mega-ships are impressive, they certainly aren’t for everyone. 

Older vessels offer a level of intimacy that larger ships simply can’t replicate. Rather than focusing on flashy attractions, the emphasis is on connecting with the sea and with fellow passengers. 

As a result, you won’t find water parks, surfing simulators, or ice skating rinks onboard, but that doesn’t make these ships bad. 

Pros of smaller ships include diverse itineraries, a greater focus on intimacy, more affordable fares, better quality control, and less nickel-and-diming. 

That said, if Royal Caribbean's commercials showcasing adrenaline-pumping attractions are what first caught your attention, a smaller ship won't deliver the experience you’re expecting — just be prepared to pay a premium. 

Read more: I've cruised on one of Royal Caribbean's smallest ships and one of its biggest. I was surprised how much I liked the small ones

Travel agents can help save time and money

It can be hard to give up control over your vacation, but trust me — you won't regret working with a travel agent. A good agent will meet you wherever you are in the planning process, whether you're trying to pick an itinerary, ship, or cabin. 

They can break down the pros and cons of different staterooms, suggest excursions, make pre-cruise travel arrangements, and even talk with Royal Caribbean on your behalf if plans change. 

If you’re lucky, your agent may have access to a special group rate for your sailing, which could save you hundreds compared to the fare advertised on the cruise line’s website.

Read more: Top things you didn't know travel agents can do for your cruise vacation

Passports aren't always required, but they're always recommended 

Although passports are recommended for all cruises, whether a short 3-night voyage to CocoCay or a port-intensive voyage to The Last Frontier, they aren't always required.

Still, it is in your best interest to travel with a valid passport on any cruise. Unexpected itinerary changes or medical emergencies could require you to disembark the ship early and re-enter the United States by air. In those situations, a passport will minimize delays, stress, and complications.

Plus, having a passport will open doors to a wider range of itineraries. When you're traveling with a valid birth certificate and government-issued photo ID, you’re limited to closed-loop sailings that depart from and return to the same U.S. port. With a passport, however, you can sail on international itineraries and unique one-way voyages. 

On a similar note, if you do have a passport, check its expiration date well in advance of your cruise. Royal Caribbean defines a valid passport as one that's not set to expire within six months of your return date. 

So, for example, if your cruise ends on August 15, 2026, your passport needs to be valid through at least February 15, 2027, to meet the six-month requirement.

Read more: You can take a cruise without a passport, but some require one

Speak up if you have a problem

Whether it’s an issue with your cabin or a concern about the dining room's food quality, it's important to address any problems early to make things better on your vacation. 

Crew members are there to help. If Guest Services doesn't have an answer, they will direct you to the correct department. 

For example, if you are unhappy with your service in the Main Dining Room, ask to speak to the head waiter to alert them of the problem. Additionally, Guest Services can help resolve billing disputes. 

You don't have to sit through every event

Cruise ships have seemingly endless activities, from trivia competitions to sports tournaments, production shows, karaoke, themed parties, and more. 

It's tempting to want to do it all, but trying to cram every activity into your schedule is exhausting. Instead, don't feel like you have to commit to full events. Rather than sitting through an entire evening of karaoke, you can start your evening by listening to a few songs, trying your luck in the casino, and ending by attending a late-night dance party. 

One of the great things about a Royal Caribbean cruise is that the schedule was designed to be flexible, so you can enjoy what interests you without feeling like you're missing out on other experiences. 

Keep all essentials in your cruise carry-on bag

When you arrive at the cruise terminal, you will be greeted by a porter who will ensure your suitcases are properly tagged; you won't see them until you've boarded. 

Because it could be hours until your bags are delivered to your stateroom, you will want to have important documentation and other valuables packed in your carry-on bags. 

This includes passports (or your birth certificate/valid photo ID), credit cards, jewelry, electronics, and medication. Some cruisers also like to bring a swimsuit on board to enjoy the pool deck on the first day. 

If you are carrying on soda or a bottle of wine, you'll also want to pack it in your carry-on. Note that security has the right to search for prohibited liquids, such as hard liquor, beer, and hard seltzers.

Read more: 15 things to pack in your cruise carry-on

Don't forget to bring cash

Although your cruise card serves as your identification, credit card, and room key, you may also want to bring a little cash with you. 

Cash is useful for tipping cabin stewards, bartenders, and dining room waitstaff. It's also required when playing table games in the ship's casino. 

That said, cash is also handy when going ashore for excursions, where cards may not always be accepted. Local artisans, for example, might not have a card reader to accept payments. 

If you're traveling abroad, like to Europe or Australia, make sure you bring the local currency with you. While USD is generally accepted in The Bahamas and the Caribbean, you won't be able to buy anything with U.S. dollars in places like Norway, Spain, or Italy. 

Read more: How much cash should you bring on a cruise?

Bring a European power adapter 

If you're sailing on an older Royal Caribbean ship (i.e., Vision, Radiance, Voyager, or Freedom Class vessels), you'll want to bring a European power adapter to maximize your stateroom's charging options. 

For example, when I sailed on Vision of the Seas, there were just two standard American outlets, as well as two 220V European outlets. Between cell phones, laptops, smartwatches, and earphones, it's easy to run out of outlets if you aren't prepared. 

Additionally, there aren't any bedside outlets on older ships. As such, a long charging cable will enable you to charge your devices conveniently from across the room while in bed. 

Read more: The 1-item upgrade you need for a better cruise ship cabin experience (it’s already in your house)

Prepare to be seasick (but hope you aren't)

Even if you've never suffered from motion sickness before, the swaying of a cruise ship can affect anyone. Before your cruise, pack common seasickness remedies, including medication like Bonine and Dramamine, SeaBands, and motion sickness patches. 

When I took my partner on her first cruise, she assumed she wouldn’t get seasick on a short Bahamas voyage. But just a few hours after we set sail, she started feeling unwell, and we had to pick up over-the-counter remedies from Guest Services.

Since then, she's learned to always come prepared. In preparation for our cruise to Bermuda last fall, she got a Scopolamine patch prescribed by her doctor. Although it’s supposed to prevent seasickness, she experienced blurred vision. Now, she prefers to stick with over-the-counter remedies and behind-the-ear patches from Amazon. 

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

Happy weekend! We hope you are enjoying a wonderful and relaxing weekend and managing to stay warm. Now it is time to sit back with a cuppa tea or java, and check out the latest in Royal Caribbean cruise news.

A woman was charged for defrauding her clients over $50,000, including making fake Royal Caribbean cruise bookings.

Tavia Thomas is alleged to have defrauded families by taking payments for vacations and failing to actually book them.

Thomas faces three counts of third-degree grand larceny, three counts of first-degree scheme to defraud, and two counts of fourth-degree grand larceny.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean breaks ground on new Miami cruise terminal
• Quantum of the Seas embarkation delayed by over four hours because of medical emergency
• The Royal Up bid trick (it's all luck and availability)
• 16 Do's and Don'ts of taking a Royal Caribbean cruise in 2026
• Can you cruise with a felony?
• 8 ways to celebrate a birthday on your Royal Caribbean cruise
• Rare look inside a cruise ship captain's living quarters
• The trick to finding cheap cruises is picking the right time
• 10 stylish and casual outfits that are perfect for a cruise and the office

New RCB Video: Boarding day cruise ship tips for 2026

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 — Boarding day cruise ship tips for 2026 — and don’t forget to subscribe to our channel.

Royal Caribbean rumored to announce new ship class soon

A new report claims a French shipyard is poised to announce plans to build a new Royal Caribbean ship class.

According to the report, it's for a "a class of medium to large tonnage ships for Royal Caribbean."

It's speculated this could refer to the Discovery Class ships.

Royal Caribbean banned new tech gear

There's now a new list of things Royal Caribbean won't let you bring on a cruise ship.

The cruise line's list of banned items that you aren't allowed to bring on a ship now includes more cybersecurity gear.

The changes include things like satellite dishes, routers, and more.

Royal Caribbean recategorizes some cabins on Legend of the Seas

Passengers booked on Royal Caribbean's next new cruise ship got emails about a change in room assignments.

Guests booked in certain cabins on Legend of the Seas got a notification that cabins have been recategorized and it's necessitated a change in rooms.

That's lead to some people to be upgraded or moved to a different cabin that can accommodate their party size.

16 best foods on Royal Caribbean

There's lots of great food to try, but Matt has his list of 16 best food that he'll eat every time.

While he admits he's no food critic, these are routinely the kind of food that never disappoints.

French onion soup, crepes, Tomahawk steak, and more made his list. 

When it comes to making a bid to upgrade your Royal Caribbean cabin, there's a mix of strategy and a dash of luck involved.

Cruise ship passengers can choose to bid for a stateroom upgrade through Royal Up for less than it would have cost to have booked the room outright.

The cruise line uses Royal Up to sell unsold cabins, while passengers could get a better room.

The trick to winning a Royal Up bid isn't as simple as putting in the highest possible bid. Based on our experience, there's a few different factors at play.

If you're wondering what it will take to get a room upgrade, here are the tricks other cruisers have found.

First, check if there's actually a room available

The first truth of Royal Up is just because you can place a bid does not mean there's a room available.

Royal Up is used for both selling unsold cabins and guarding against a last-minute cancellation.

What it's really asking is if there was a room available, how much would you bid for it.

Before you get hopes up, I'd recommend making a mock booking for the cruise you're sailing on via Royal Caribbean's website to see if there are actually cabins in that category available.

This is especially important with suites, as they are the most desirable staterooms and have the least inventory.

The closer you are to your sail date, the less likely there are unsold cabins left.

While you're looking at which cabins are left, you could also simply call Royal Caribbean and ask how much to upgrade your cabin "the old fashioned way". Not only could it be for a reasonable price, but there's no guessing or algorithm to contend with.

The room you're already booked in plays a factor

Many cruisers swear the cabin you booked is taken into consideration for which bid is accepted.

A reader wrote, "It's as much the cabin you're currently assigned as it is your bidding."

"If you have a cabin type that will sell easily vs a more expensive cabin, your chances increase. Last two upgrades were from junior suites to higher category suites."

For example, if you're booked in a centrally located balcony, your bid would be more desirable than someone booked in a balcony at the very front of the ship. Or at least, that's what we think.

Part of the reason Royal Caribbean offers stateroom bidding is to maximize the profitability of a sailing. Many people believe the algorithm takes into account:

• How much you originally paid for the cabin
• How much you bid
• How likely and how much it could resell your old cabin

No one really knows how the Royal Up system works, but this rationale seems to hold up given that simply placing a maximum bid doesn't always work.

Try bidding for upgrades on an offseason cruise

I think your highest chance of success with Royal Up is to try it out on a less popular cruise.

If you can take advantage of a shoulder season cruise when there are less families onboard and demand is lower, you might have better luck.

Being on a cruise with higher availability of rooms simply will help your chances.

That isn't to say you can't win an upgrade on a spring break or Christmas cruise, but it's likely Royal Caribbean will sell the cabins conventionally without needing to offer them as an upgrade.

More bid upgrade tips

Many cruisers have shared in their experience, bidding a little more than the minimum has won them a Royal Up.

Going just a few dollars above the minimum price works just as well as max bid.

Plus, in some cases the max bid price will cost more than the stateroom might have cost outright.

Also, keep your hopes in check for that suite.

Reality check: everyone wants a suite, but bidding on a Promenade View cabin is more likely to get accepted because less people are interested in it.

If you book your cruise in an interior room, I think you'll have a better shot at winning a Royal Up when trying for a balcony or lower category room.

Royal Caribbean ships typically have a lot of room categories that offer different views and spaces.  Even just upgrading to a "spacious" room could make your voyage more enjoyable.

Don't rely on Royal Up as your primary room selection strategy

Think of Royal Up like playing the lotto at home: you don't play it expecting to win.  

Instead, book the room you really want and will enjoy for a cruise. You should never depend on winning a Royal Up because the odds are against you with so many other people trying to Royal Up too.

Royal Caribbean could be getting close to finalizing an order for a new kind of cruise ship, according to a French media outlet. 

According to the report, Royal Caribbean Group is on the verge of ordering a new class of cruise ships from the Chantiers de l'Atlantique shi[yard in Saint-Nazaire, France.

The report claims the new order is for a class of medium to large tonnage ships for Royal Caribbean International — more specifically, the cruise line's long-awaited Discovery Class. 

The cruise line has been silent on an official announcement, but there have been rumors of the Discovery Class for years.

(Credit: Le Marin)

Royal Caribbean began hinting at a new, smaller ship class in July 2023. During a sailing on Allure of the Seas, Michael Bayley, Royal Caribbean International's President and CEO, shared that the company was "deeply considering" expanding its fleet with smaller vessels. 

Over the years, Royal Caribbean’s Discovery Class has been one of the most intriguing rumors in the industry. Although the cruise line is known for building giants like Utopia and Icon of the Seas, many claim that the older ships are outdated and don't meet the standards of modern travelers. 

In September, Bayley seemed to confirm that the Discovery Class project was moving forward, revealing tidbits like where the cruise line expected to deploy the ships and their estimated size. However, he was firm in emphasizing that no formal announcement could be made at that time.

For example, although he didn't give exact measurements, Bayley said that Discovery Class ships would be small enough to sail through the Panama Canal. 

To date, the largest cruise ship to successfully sail through the Panama Canal was the Norwegian Bliss. Based on this fact, it's fairly safe to assume that the Discovery Class ships won't be larger than 168,000 gross tons and 1,094 feet long.

Additionally, instead of offering voyages to The Bahamas or the Caribbean, markets that are heavily dominated by Oasis and Icon Class ships, Discovery vessels will likely sail to exotic ports in regions like the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Asia, Alaska, and the South Pacific.

While details still have not been confirmed, the promise of a smaller class of ships that combines innovation with access to smaller ports has generated significant excitement among loyal Royal Caribbean fans. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean CEO talks rumored new ship size and where it could sail

What would the order of the Discovery Class ships mean?

If the French article is correct and an official Discovery Class order is in the foreseeable future, it would mean that Royal Caribbean is moving forward with a highly-anticipated project to modernize its offerings by phasing out its older ships. 

It would also mark a strategic shift in Royal Caribbean’s fleet composition, as the older ships would likely be replaced with vessels that are smaller but still packed with upgraded features and amenities, such as modern staterooms, new dining concepts, innovative entertainment options, and more. 

That said, based on past projects, even if the Discovery Class is ordered soon, passengers won’t see the first ship for several years. 

Royal Caribbean, for example, placed an order for the first Icon Class ships in Oct. 2016. Steel-cutting Icon of the Seas didn't begin until June 2021, with Icon's maiden voyage commencing in Jan. 2024. 

Similarly, in Feb. 2024, Royal Caribbean ordered the seventh Oasis Class ship from the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard. This unnamed vessel isn't expected to enter service until 2028. 

Another ship class too?

In addition to this possible ship class in France, there's another project on the horizon.

In September, Royal Caribbean confirmed the order of the fifth Icon Class ship with Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland. However, the announcement also alluded to the possibility of another ship class. 

"This multi-year agreement strengthens Royal Caribbean Group's relationship with Meyer Turku, one of the world's largest and most modern shipyards specializing in cruise ships, and readies Royal Caribbean Group for a new, game-changing class of ship beyond Icon," the press release said. 

This could possibly mean, because again, this is all speculation, that Royal Caribbean is actively planning more than one new class of ships. 

Even as the company looks forward to welcoming at least three more Icon Class vessels to the fleet, it appears that they're also focusing on long-term investment in innovation and fleet diversification.

Additionally, the mention of the "game-changing" class emphasizes that Royal Caribbean wants to maintain an edge in the cruise industry, a position it has held for well over a decade since the launch of Freedom of the Seas in 2006. 

Since then, Royal Caribbean has consistently pushed the boundaries of design, entertainment, and technology — both on board and ashore at private destinations like Perfect Day at CocoCay and the Royal Beach Club Paradise Island. 

To be very clear: We can’t confirm whether Royal Caribbean is planning a class larger than Icon or is on the verge of officially ordering Discovery Class ships. However, it's clear that Royal Caribbean’s ambitions are helping to shape the future of cruising for decades to come. 

Miami-Dade County and Royal Caribbean Group celebrated the groundbreaking of Cruise Terminal G at PortMiami, marking a major milestone in the continued evolution of one of the world's busiest cruise ports. 

The brand-new cruise terminal will cost $345 million and have the capacity to accommodate up to 7,000 passengers. Once completed, it will feature a dedicated parking garage, an intermodal facility, and other essential infrastructure to accommodate the world's largest Icon Class vessels. 

Terminal G will be located adjacent to Virgin Voyages’ Terminal V at PortMiami at the northern tip of Dodge Island. Comparatively, Terminal A is situated on the opposite end of the port. 

According to officials, Terminal G's estimated completion date is late 2027. However, an exact date has yet to be announced. 

"Cruise Terminal G represents a major investment in Miami's future. Built with advanced technology and sustainable design, this new facility will deliver a smarter, faster, more seamless experience for guests sailing with our industry-leading brands: Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea," said Royal Caribbean Group Chairman and CEO Jason Liberty.

"It reflects what matters most to us: innovation, collaboration, and delivering the world's best vacations responsibly — while creating jobs and supporting the local economy for years to come."

Terminal G initially opened in 1999 to house Voyager of the Seas. At the time, she was the largest, most innovative cruise ship in the world. Voyager was the first ship in Royal Caribbean’s fleet to introduce the Royal Promenade and to feature the industry’s first ice-skating rink at sea.

Since the opening of Terminal A in November 2018, Terminal G has largely functioned as a backup terminal for Royal Caribbean Group. 

As such, it wasn't uncommon for itineraries on older and smaller vessels to depart from Terminal G, reserving Terminal A for mega-ships like Oasis and Icon Class vessels. 

Demolition of the former Terminal G began in July 2025, clearing the way for the future LEED-certified cruise terminal. 

Read more: First look at the new cruise terminal Royal Caribbean is building in Miami

Not only will the terminal highlight the company's sustainability efforts, but it will also showcase cutting-edge technology designed to streamline embarkation and disembarkation. 

"This world-class facility will enhance Miami-Dade County's skyline while marking another milestone in PortMiami's evolution. Our modern terminals are transforming how we do business and move people, delivering greater efficiency through innovative technology," said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava.

PortMiami set a record for cruise passenger traffic in 2025

According to Miami officials, PortMiami set a passenger record for fiscal year 2025, which ran from Oct. 1, 2024, to Sept. 30, 2025. 

The Miami port welcomed 8,564,225 cruise passengers, representing a 4.02% increase in cruise passenger totals compared to the 2024 record of 8,233,056.

This growth reflects the fact that PortMiami is home to some of the world’s largest cruise ships, including Icon of the Seas and MSC World America.

Read more: PortMiami, Port Canaveral set yearly records for cruise passengers

These record-breaking totals translate to significant weekly traffic. Each Saturday, more than 10,000 passengers embark on 7-night sailings to the Eastern and Western Caribbean from the cruise hub between these two vessels alone.

To help meet the growing demand in South Florida, MSC Cruises also opened a massive new terminal in March. The 492,678-square-foot Terminal AA was designed to simultaneously accommodate up to three ships from MSC’s World, Seaside, and Meraviglia Classes. This equates to a maximum of 36,000 embarking and disembarking passengers. 

As someone who travels almost every month on Royal Caribbean ships, I get to try a lot of cruise ship food.

Royal Caribbean executives have said that food is one of the top two reasons people book a cruise, and I've found a list of my favorites that I'll order every time I visit.

While I'm no food critic, I think these are dishes that truly stand out as being really darn satisfying.  

Based on my dining experiences and personal tastes, these are the top 15 best Royal Caribbean food if you love to eat.

Tomahawk steak from Chops

If you're a steak lover, you probably should try the Tomahawk steak option.

It's available as one of the premium cuts at the Chops Grille specialty restaurant. That means there's an additional cost on top of the restaurant's cover charge. 

My readers raved about this steak and implored me to try it when I sailed on Icon of the Seas recently. It's a giant piece of high quality steak.

I don't consider myself a steak expert, but I think this is the ultimate steak for anyone that considers themselves one.

World from Wonderland

One of the most different specialty restaurants you'll find is Wonderland, which is loosely based on the Alice in Wonderland tales.

Their dessert is so darn good. It not only tastes good, but looks so cool.

You are served a chocolate globe and then warm chocolate is poured on top of it to melt it all into a gooey and rich dish.

French Onion Soup from Main Dining Room

You don't have to pay extra for all of the best food, because an all-time favorite Royal Caribbean food is the French Onion Soup.

I've had French Onion Soup at a lot of restaurants, but Royal Caribbean's version is verifiably better. I'm not sure exactly why, but they do it right.

It's served piping hot with a fresh layer of melted cheese and just the right mix of onions, broth and bread.  Plus, the soup broth flavor is top notch.

It's also available every night at Coastal Kitchen on the dinner menu there.

There's a DIY version of this soup on some nights in the Windjammer, but it never hits the same way.

Crepes from Aquadome Marketplace

I probably could call out each of the food halls at Aquadome Market as worthy of being on this list, but the Crepes station deserves top honors.

The proof is in the consistently long lines for people waiting to get one.

It's freshly made just the way you want, and the perfect snack or meal.

Brisket from Portside BBQ

One of the most underrated restaurants across Royal Caribbean is Portside BBQ.  I don't know why it isn't on more ships, but it's really good.

Among the choices on the menu, I don't think you can go wrong with the beef brisket.  It's tender, smoked, and almost melts as you eat it.

Ranger Cookie from Cafe Promenade

Whenever I poll cruise fans for their favorite snack on Royal Caribbean, the Ranger Cookie comes up as a winner.

First and foremost, it's chewy and not brittle.  That's a win.  Plus it has a really good sweet flavor to it.

I'm not a huge coconut fan, but these cookies are probably the best quick snack around.

Kummelwick Sandwich from Park Cafe

Ever since I tried my first Kummelwick sandwich on Oasis of the Seas back in 2010, I've been hooked on this snack.

It's a roast beef sandwich served on a Kummelwick roll, and you can choose to have mustard, au jus, and/or horseradish served on it.

I think they've tweaked the sandwich over the years, but it's still a solid "I wasn't hungry, but I want one" kind of snack.

Broiled cod from Izumi Omakase

When I tried the new chef-driven Japanese restaurant on Utopia of the Seas, I expected the sushi to be my favorite food. But I fell in love with the broiled black cod.

Among the courses, this was my favorite for the incredible flavor.

It's really tender and after I finished it I wanted two more (I didn't get them, but I need to get back and have it again).

"Deep dish pizza" bread from Lincoln Park Supper Club

I'm a sucker for a good starter, and Lincoln Park Supper Club was exactly the right choice.

The "Deep dish pizza" bread is essentially a deconstructed pizza.  You are served the bread, and then add the cheese and toppings.

Indian curry from Windjammer

Want to know the most underrated food Royal Caribbean has on all of its ships? Indian curry.

You can get it every day in the Windjammer buffet or at dinner at the Main Dining Room. Each day they offer different varieties. 

I've been eating Indian food on Royal Caribbean since my first cruise and it's consistently one of the most flavorful dishes you'll find and remarkably satisfying.

Spaghetti Bolognese from the Main Dining Room

I know spaghetti and meat sauce isn't an exotic dish or something new you've never tried, but it's still one of my go-to MDR dishes to order.

There's something about their sauce that stands out, but the Spaghetti Bolognese is likely my top comfort food on Royal Caribbean.

Asian stir fry station in the Windjammer

The variety of food served at the cruise ship buffet is amazing, but I'll overlook it all if there's Asian stir fry available.

At one of the cooking stations that are usually at the back of the Windjammer, there is a custom stir fry offered (it's sometimes called Mongolian Grill too). You tell the chef which ingredients to include, as well as the sauce.

It's combined with noodles and a protein and it's the kind of food you can eat over and over again.

Margherita pizza from Giovanni's Italian Kitchen

Ever since Royal Caribbean overhauled Giovanni's, I've found so many new favorites.  But I think the margherita pizza is their best option.

It's not that surprising considering the cruise line tapped a master pizza expert to help them craft their pizzas.

Trust me, it's so much better than what you'll get at Sorrento's.

Filet mignon from Coco Beach Club

There are many candidates for the best steak across Royal Caribbean, but I think the best filet mignon isn't even on a cruise ship.

Available at the Coco Beach Club, it's easily the best steak I'll reserve the beach club just to have it.

I'm not good at describing how steak tastes, but compared to the versions at Chops, 150 Central Park, or other restaurants, I'll always prefer the Coco Beach Club version.

Fried cheesecake at 150 Central Park

Fried food usually a solid win for taste, but the fried cheesecake at 150 Central Park is worth the cost of admission alone.

This dessert is so sweet, and they serve you two.  Every time I think "I'll only eat one" but of course, I cannot help but eat them both.

Buddha bowl at Pier 7

Easily overlooked, but Pier 7 on the Icon Class ships has some great food, including the Buddha bowl.

A mix of fresh vegetables, fruit, grains, and a protein, I think it has a great combination of satisfaction while feeling guilt-free.

Can you cruise with a criminal record? The answer isn't cut and dry. 

Understanding how different countries and immigration authorities handle felony records is important to ensuring a hiccup-free vacation. 

In most cases, felons can generally go on a cruise, as there's no law prohibiting someone with a criminal record from boarding a ship. 

Ron Harper, a Licensed Paralegal and owner of OTD Ticket Defenders Legal Service, told Royal Caribbean Blog that lines can deny boarding to individuals with felony convictions.

Additionally, some countries have strict entry restrictions and may refuse entry to felons. Harper explains,

"Just having a ticket to board a ship does not mean you will be allowed to enter each and every port of call."

Cruise lines are allowed to perform background checks

Cruise lines reserve the right to deny boarding to anyone with a criminal history that could put the safety of other passengers and crew at risk. 

"Although there is no federal law that prohibits someone convicted of a felony from boarding a cruise ship, several large cruise lines (e.g., Carnival, Royal Caribbean) perform criminal background checks," Harper said. 

According to Royal Caribbean's website, the cruise line checks booking details against law enforcement registers and its internal records for the safety of all customers.

Carnival Cruise Line also conducts criminal background checks to safeguard Carnival guests and crew members. 

Their website is even more specific, adding that felons convicted of physical and/or sexual assault, armed robbery, and other violent crimes may be denied boarding. 

Where are felons allowed to cruise?

Generally speaking, most convicted felons can cruise to places like The Bahamas and the Caribbean. However, certain countries may restrict entry to people with a criminal record. 

"Most of the travelers believe that if they remain aboard the ship when they visit a port, they are not in trouble, but the fact is that the border agencies know about the ship by its manifest at least 96 hours before arrival," Barry Nussbaum, Owner and Senior Lawyer at Nussbaum Law in Ontario, said. 

Canada, Mexico, Australia, and New Zealand are among the countries that felons cannot travel to, even if the departing cruise leaves from the United States. 

According to Canada's laws, anyone with a criminal record is banned from entering the country, regardless of the crime's severity or when it was committed. Even minor offenses, like a DUI from college, may prevent entry unless an application for individual rehabilitation or a temporary resident permit is approved.

"I have witnessed families spend up to $5,000 on non-refundable tickets because they failed to obtain a Temporary Resident Permit or a full-fledged rehabilitation prior to going to the terminal," Nussbaum added.

With Canada being on the itinerary for nearly all Alaska cruises, voyages to The Last Frontier are off-limits to felons. The same applies to Canada/New England sailings from ports like Bayonne, New Jersey; Boston, Massachusetts; and Baltimore, Maryland.

Moreover, Caribbean cruises with scheduled stops in Mexico should be avoided, including popular Western Caribbean ports like Cozumel and Costa Maya, as well as Mexican Riviera destinations such as Puerto Vallarta and Cabo San Lucas.

While less severe than Canada's laws, those who have committed a serious crime — think murder, smuggling, tax fraud, human trafficking, and vehicular theft — could be denied entry to Mexico. Generally speaking, minor infractions, like petty theft, are unlikely to prevent entry to Mexico on a cruise. 

Moving on, travelers must meet the country’s character requirements to enter Australia or New Zealand, demonstrating that they are of good character.

When applying for New Zealand's Electronic Travel Authority clearance, travelers are required to disclose any issues or activities that could affect the country's decision. This means you must tell them if you've been involved in criminal or human rights abuse activities, or removed or deported from another country.

Similarly, to obtain the needed Electronic Travel Authority to enter Australia, you must declare all criminal conduct that you've been charged with, even if it is still awaiting legal action. 

Nussbaum summarized that while destinations like The Bahamas or Mexico are generally less restrictive, countries such as Australia and New Zealand have strict character requirements that could make a vacation void before its commencement. 

Harper continued to explain that those on probation may face even more issues:

"Probation can create yet another layer of complexity because, in general, international travel (or even intra-state travel) will require authorization from the probation officer who is responsible for supervising the individual."

If you're like me, you like to make your birthday a multi-day occasion. From dinners with friends to bar hopping and spa days, there are tons of ways to celebrate at home. However, there's nothing like celebrating your special day at sea. 

In fact, my partner and I both decided to celebrate our birthdays on a cruise this year. With nonstop entertainment, multi-course meals, and more, a cruise felt like the ultimate way to ring in our late-20s. 

It won't be the first time I've celebrated someone's birthday on a ship, either. Years ago, I remember my sister’s face flushing with embarrassment on a Disney cruise when the crew surrounded our dinner table and began singing to her.

The best part about taking a cruise for your birthday is how easy it is to make the celebration feel even more special. And yes, you can do way more than blow out a candle at dinner. 

Here are 8 ways you can elevate your birthday cruise and make it even more memorable. 

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

Tell your server in the dining room

Like in restaurants at home, cruise waitstaff will bring you a special dessert for your birthday free of charge — if you let them know. Plus, you (or your loved one) will become the center of attention for a minute as they crowd the table and sing a celebratory song.  

If you're traveling with a large party, you can purchase a full-sized cake for a nominal fee. According to the website, each cake costs $25.99 and comes in two flavors: spongy vanilla and decadent chocolate. Additionally, they're 6" round and serve 2 — 10 people. 

Let passengers and crew know you're celebrating with festive door decorations

Decorating cruise cabin doors is a fun and popular tradition. You don't have to be celebrating a birthday to spice up your door with fun magnets. However, it's not uncommon to see doors honoring someone's birthday with colorful décor and festive messages. 

In addition to pre-made birthday magnets, you can add a whiteboard, so fellow passengers can write dedicated birthday messages — just make sure the whiteboard has a magnetic dry-erase marker! 

Here are a few door decoration packs available from Amazon for inspiration: 

• LEIFIDE 12 Pcs Cruise Door Decorations
• Dazoratix Birthday Cruise Door Magnets
• 27PCS Cruise Door Decorations Magnetic, Large Birthday Cruise Magnets
• Xuhal 25 Pcs Birthday Cruise Door Magnets

Spruce up the inside of your cabin

Don't stop at the door! You can also decorate the inside of your cruise stateroom. Some guests prefer to bring their own decorations, including streamers and balloons. You can do this affordably at stores like Dollar Tree or Five Below, just be sure you have enough space in your suitcase to bring everything. 

Alternatively, you can buy Royal Caribbean's decoration kit. One advantage to this option, though more expensive, is that it will be set up upon your arrival if bought through the Cruise Planner. 

For an upcoming cruise on Utopia of the Seas in July 2026, the "Happy Birthday Decorations" pack costs $55.99 and includes a mirror cling, magnetic door sign, wire photo cable with clips, hanging ceiling décor, and one photo frame. 

There are also more expensive options that include fresh roses, a premium birthday cake, Moët Champagne, and more. 

Hide rubber ducks

Hiding rubber ducks has become a popular trend among cruisers, and some guests attach small notes or letters to the ducks to let others know where the hider was from and if they're celebrating anything. 

Instead of just letting your birthday sailor collect their own cruise ducks, you can also hide them around the ship, adding a small sticker or note to let finders know the ducks are part of a fun birthday celebration at sea!

Read more: Hiding ducks on a cruise got an upgrade

Bring a birthday sash

Before you head out the door, make sure you have a special birthday sash to wear on the ship! You can go one step further and wear a tiara, hat, and/or a t-shirt to really stand out. 

Wearing a themed birthday outfit not only makes the guest feel celebrated, but it also makes it easy for fellow passengers to wish them a happy birthday. I love seeing guests dressed up and try to say, "Happy Birthday" to everyone I see celebrating on the ship or ashore!

Here are a few birthday sashes available from Amazon for inspiration: 

• CAVETEE Birthday Crown and Sash for Women
• 2 Pack "It's my Birthday Sash"
• "It's My Birthday" Glitter Sash
• King Crown and Birthday Sash

Book a special dinner

Royal Caribbean ships offer several complimentary dining options, so you can enjoy the included food without spending extra. However, if you’re looking to make your birthday a little more special, treating yourself to a specialty restaurant is a great way to splurge. 

From the classic Chops Grille steakhouse to the lively Izumi Hibachi experience and whimsical Wonderland restaurant, there's a range of specialty venues to suit every taste. Each venue is more intimate than the dining room and promises an elevated dining experience with premium menu options and ingredients. 

Make sure you book in advance, though. This will ensure that you secure the best rate through the Cruise Planner and get your desired dining time. 

Read more: I'm a travel writer who cruises on Royal Caribbean every month. These 6 extra cost restaurants are worth booking and the 2 you can skip

Reserve a spa treatment

Another way to make your otherwise normal cruise feel more special is by booking a spa treatment.

Normally, I’m against cruise ship spas since they can be more expensive than similar treatments at home, but splurging on a massage, facial, or other pampering service for your birthday is worth it.

Like specialty restaurants, though, consider booking in advance. Another way you can save money on the cruise spa is by looking for port day specials. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean Spa Package Prices

Stay in a suite

Finally, for the ultimate birthday experience at sea, consider booking a suite instead of a standard cruise cabin. While more expensive, suites come with extra perks and upgraded amenities — like access to a private restaurant and sun deck — that can further differentiate your birthday cruise from the average vacation.

On older Royal Caribbean ships (i.e., Vision, Radiance, Voyager, and Freedom Class vessels), the suite program is more straightforward, while on Quantum, Oasis, and Icon Class ships, the top-tier Royal Suite Class rooms include perks like a Deluxe Beverage Package, Royal Genie service, and much more.

Even if you don't have thousands of dollars to blow on accommodations, consider an entry-level suite for added space. The larger balcony is perfect for enjoying breakfast at sea, while the tub-shower combo is ideal for taking a relaxing soak after a long day ashore.