Royal Caribbean Blog

Most pre-teens spend their days attending school, hanging out with friends, or enjoying their favorite hobbies, but one 11-year-old is living out his wildest dreams as a cruise ship performer.

Edward Jones, 11, of Wolverhampton, England, has made history as one of the youngest performers to appear in a Royal Caribbean production, joining the cast of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory aboard the new Legend of the Seas.

This isn't Jones' first time performing as Charlie, either. According to his Instagram, he took the stage as Charlie Bucket at The Grand in Wolverhampton in March 2025 and had "the best time ever." 

He was also part of the D-Day Juniors, a young troupe of performers inspired by The D-Day Darlings, with whom he gained valuable stage experience. While with the group, Jones performed live on ITV's This Morning and even took part in the No. 10 VE Day Street Party, hosted by Prime Minister Keir Starmer. 

(Credit: Edward Jones / Instagram)

During an interview aboard Legend, Jones said that performing as Charlie in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory on the ship is his first professional gig. 

He continued, "[It's a] big step up from all the amateur stuff I've been doing," then joked that Sorrento's has been his favorite part of the ship so far. 

Still, just because he is working aboard a cruise ship doesn't mean he can neglect his studies. In the mornings, Jones is expected to pop down to Adventure Ocean to work with a tutor. 

(Credit: Edward Jones / Instagram)

Then, in the afternoons and evenings, he trades the makeshift classroom for the stage, entertaining thousands of passengers aboard one of the world's largest cruise ships. 

According to a recent Instagram story, Jones will be on board Legend from July 15 to August 13, 2026. After that, another young performer will take the Royal Theater stage. 

Jones isn't the only child performer on Legend of the Seas

(Credit: Oliver Dawson / Instagram)

To help young performers balance their careers with their education, Royal Caribbean rotates child cast members every 30 days, allowing them to continue their schooling while another young performer steps into the role.

In this case, Jones shares the role of Charlie with Oliver Dawson, 13, of South London, England. 

Jones isn't new to the professional stage, having performed the role of young Harry Potter in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child on the West End, as well as Edwin Cratchit in A Christmas Carol — A Ghost Story at the Alexandra Palace Theatre in London.

(Credit: Oliver Dawson / Instagram)

"I’m so grateful to be living a dream I once only imagined. Having the opportunity to play Charlie Bucket in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory aboard the biggest cruise ship in the world is something I will never take for granted," Dawson wrote on Instagram, captioning a split image showing him today alongside a photo of himself dressed as Willy Wonka when he was just three years old.

"Every performance is a reminder of how lucky I am to do what I love, surrounded by incredible people and sharing such a magical story with audiences from all over the world. This journey has taught me that dreams really can come true with passion, perseverance, and a little bit of faith."

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory musical

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is a musical based on the 1964 children's book by Roald Dahl. It premiered on the West End in June 2013, running for over three years before the final curtain closed on January 7, 2017. 

Afterward, the musical was reworked for Broadway, opening in April 2017 at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre. The production had a short run, though, closing just nine months later in January 2018. 

In October 2025, it was revealed that Royal Caribbean would bring the beloved tale to the high seas aboard its newest Icon Class ship, Legend of the Seas. 

The musical, like the book, focuses on Charlie Bucket, who wins a golden ticket to Willy Wonka's mysterious candy factory. 

There, he and the other winners explore the factory and learn valuable lessons about kindness, honesty, humility, and most importantly, the true meaning of family. 

About Legend of the Seas

Legend of the Seas embarked on her maiden voyage on July 4, 2026. The 248,663 gross-ton ship measures 1,196 feet long and can accommodate over 5,600 passengers at double occupancy, according to the cruise line. 

She will be based in Europe through November 2026, offering sailings from Barcelona, Spain, and Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy. Then, she will relocate to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, for the winter season. 

While in Florida, Legend of the Seas will alternate between six- and eight-night Caribbean cruises before finally making her way back across the Atlantic in April for another seasonal European stint. 

Highlights aboard this Icon Class ship include the Hollywoodland Supper Club, Royal Railway — Legend Station, the Category 6 Waterpark, two-deck Casino Royale, Dueling Pianos bar, family-friendly Surfside neighborhood, and, of course, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory in the Royal Theater. 

At the time of publication, a six-night Western Caribbean cruise aboard Legend starts at $1,033 per person in 2027, while a weeklong Mediterranean voyage increases to over $1,700 per person. 

I've cruised so many times on Royal Caribbean that I've noticed what others that go even more often than me do, and I copied their best habits.

The saying "stand on the shoulders of giants" applies to travel, because you can learn a lot from others without enduring the harsh lessons learned along the way.

Going on a cruise has its own nuances that even seasoned travelers on land may not be prepared for.  This is because cruise ships operate differently, and there are things that happen on a cruise that you would never encounter on land.

While there is a learning curve to a cruise, it's a pretty small one. No one should be intimidated by trying a cruise, but understand somethings are going to be different than flying on an airplane or staying at a resort.

To help you get situated faster, here are the things I started doing because I saw people that cruise all the time were doing it.

They will talk to the crew members

Probably the first thing you'll notice about people that cruise a lot is how much they value and interact with crew members.

When I stay at a hotel or resort, I rarely learn anyone's name there. But on cruise ships, it's completely different.

Crew members have a much bigger impact on how someone enjoys their cruise, and there are all star crew members you'll not only want to know, but seek out on future sailings.

Talking to crew members and striking up a conversation is a great way to pass the time and get to know people better. People just tend to be more social on cruise ships compared to on land.

Plus, getting to know crew members gives you insight into what's happening onboard, opportunities available, and advice too. Since crew members live onboard, they see it all, so they are great resources.

Plus, I've found talking with crew members is quite enjoyable because many of them are so friendly and personable. They're not robots, and striking up friendships with them has been a wonderful value add for every cruise.

They always check-in for a cruise immediately

When I fly, I check-in for my flight the day before.  But on a cruise, that's a mistake.

Royal Caribbean opens up the option to check-in for a cruise at 45 days before the sailing begins, and cruisers will wait until midnight to do just that.

They do this because they want to get the earliest check-in time at the cruise terminal so that they can get onboard as soon as possible.

I know lots of people that will wait until midnight of the time zone the ship is sailing from to get the earliest time slot.

Plus, getting it out of the way means one less thing to do later and faster embarkation.

They will take maximize the loyalty program benefits

Royal Caribbean's loyalty program offers some terrific benefits, especially at the higher tiers.

I learned from my first sailings to maximize those freebies and discounts to help save money. They look at it almost like a bingo game, where their goal is to use up as many of the perks as possible.

What they're doing makes sense: Royal Caribbean is offering significant savings if you're willing to remember to use them.  Drink vouchers, free photos, and discounts on internet are the top ones, but there's plenty more.

When I come onboard, I know exactly which perks I'll be taking advantage of immediately, and which ones I'll keep in mind if I decide to pursue it.

Those that haven't cruised as much might regret later on having spent more than they had to, when there was a coupon available to them.

People that love to cruise book sailings as soon as they come out

There is no such thing as "too early" to book a cruise for the folks that go all the time.

I used to think booking a cruise more than 6 months in advance was "early", but they will actually book them two years in advance and as soon as Royal Caribbean opens them up.

The reason this is a great strategy is because it gives them the first shot at any cabin type they have, including the coveted suites.  There aren't many suites on any ship, so you have to book early to get one.

Moreover, booking that early often gets the best price.  Because cruise vacations are so popular, prices tend to only go up. I've consistently saved money by booking a cruise 1-2 years early using this strategy.

There is a downside, and that's if you want to change your mind. New ships get released, friends invite you to their cruise, or a better deal emerges. 

It's not a perfect system, but it does work for times of the year I know my family will want to cruise (i.e. Thanksgiving or Spring Break).

They will take advantage of less people onboard while in port

When I ask Pinnacle Club members what their port plans are, usually the answer is something like "we're staying on the ship".

I used to think they were being sticks in the mud, but it turns out they were onto something.  Staying on the ship while it's in port allows you to enjoy more of what the ship has to offer without crowds or lines.

When you book one of Royal Caribbean's newest ships, like Legend of the Seas, you probably did so for the ship and not necessarily the destinations it visits.

New cruisers might be surprised how much is open while a ship is in port, including the slides, pools, restaurants and activities around the ship.

I still wouldn't go to the extreme of never leaving the ship, but picking one port day to stay onboard and do more on the ship is a really solid cruise tip.

A good travel agent is a common denominator among all the top cruisers

I take my travel agent for granted, but newbies often balk when they hear people still use travel agents.

In the cruising world, a good travel agent is the best decision you can make and it's why all the top cruisers I speak with always use one too.

Travel agents should cost you nothing extra to use, and they're like a concierge service to assist with everything.

What I've discovered is a good travel agent is so useful when a new ship opens up for bookings, or when there's a change in deployments.  My travel agent takes care of everything and I don't have to bother.

More often than not, I'll ask my travel agent to book a cruise and be pleasantly surprised when they find a special group discount rate.  

It's not a coincidence that people that cruise a lot all use travel agents.

At Top Tier events, the people with the most cruises always love cruising outside the Caribbean

After you reach Platinum status, Royal Caribbean will invite you to a Top Tier event on cruises longer than 4 nights.  It's here where I noticed a trend among the top cruisers: they always highlight places outside of the Caribbean.

Nearly everyone gets started with a 7-night Caribbean cruise, but I've discovered how much more of the world there is to see by ship.

I've cruised to Alaska and Europe, and these places opened my eyes to so much more of what you can do.

When you ask someone that cruises a lot their favorite places, ports in the Caribbean probably aren't at the top of the list. It's a good reminder to branch out and try more sailings.

I started tipping in cash when I order any drink

Every drink ordered has an automatic gratuity that Royal Caribbean includes, but I've discovered tipping an extra dollar makes a big difference.

I'll walk around with extra dollar bills and tip a bartender or waiter $1 when I order a drink because it serves two purposes.

First, I absolutely get better service because they notice me.  This is important when the bar is busy and I'm trying to get a refill.

Second, this goes back to my earlier lesson about getting to know crew members. Not only will they notice you, but they'll start talking to you.  It's a nice ancillary reason because it demonstrates care on both sides.

There is such a thing as too much cruising

Some of my readers may be surprised to learn I don't want to live on a cruise ship. It's why I purposefully don't cruise every week.

My friends that cruise even more than I do recognize it's good to take a break from cruises because it allows the yearning to cruise again start to grow.

I prefer to cruise ideally every 4-6 weeks so that I have enough time at home to start missing being on a cruise.  

Disembarking the ship as early as possible is something I see them do every cruise

The last morning of the cruise is bittersweet, and it seems people that cruise a lot rip that band-aid off and go home as early as they can.

The truth is that there isn't much happening on the ship that final morning. Other than breakfast and coffee, it's basically a place to hang out for a bit before you have to leave. So they get it over with and walk off the ship as soon as possible.

I've found this makes a lot of sense. You have to be out of your stateroom by 8am anyway, so I'd rather be on my way home to beat the traffic.

Plus, it's usually less crowded getting off the ship early in the morning.

Travel insurance is a must-buy for them

I started buying travel insurance for every cruise I take because I learned all the top cruisers do the same.

Travel insurance covers so many unforeseen situations that I cannot fathom cruising without it today.  Sure, it costs extra to buy, but if you ever need it, it's a major difference maker.

Like all insurance, it seems like a waste until you need it.  I've seen and read so many stories of people who would have been out thousands of dollars without travel insurance, so I started buying it.

If I had to pick one habit to adopt from people that cruise a lot, buying travel insurance is probably the one to go with. You never know how useful it could be!

I've cruised enough to know that Royal Caribbean programs its ships to deliver a lot of fun, but the cabin design is where you might notice differences on an older vessel. 

Generally speaking, accommodations on older vessels are simpler and often lack modern comforts such as bedside outlets and contemporary décor. Comparatively, newer staterooms feature more efficient layouts, smart storage solutions, and more. 

I've sailed on both ends of Royal Caribbean's fleet spectrum, embarking on a five-night cruise aboard Vision of the Seas to Bermuda and a weeklong Caribbean sailing on Icon of the Seas. 

Experiencing these ships highlighted just how much cruise ship design has evolved, particularly in accommodations and passenger comfort. 

After sailing in Royal Caribbean's oldest and newest cabins, it was fascinating to see just how much the cruise line's cabin design has changed from the 1990s to today. 

That contrast is even more apparent when comparing notes with other Royal Caribbean Blog team members, including Matt Hochberg and Jenna DeLaurentis, who have also had the opportunity to sail across a wide range of cruise ships, both old and new. 

Their experiences on older Vision Class ships and newer Icon Class ships further reinforce just how varied cruise cabin design is.

Here's a look at how cabins compare onboard the oldest and newest ships in Royal Caribbean's fleet. 

My interior cruise room on Vision of the Seas was outdated but cleverly designed to maximize the available space.

Having sailed on some of the newest and oldest ships at sea, ranging from Disney Magic to Carnival Elation, Brilliant Lady, and Norwegian Aqua, I've become quite good at managing my expectations for cruise cabins. 

As such, I wasn't surprised when I stepped into my interior stateroom on Vision of the Seas. The cabin featured many design elements common in the 1990s, such as darker accents and traditional wood finishes. 

Basic features of the cabin include a Royal King bed, vanity, closet, safe, television, ensuite bathroom, small loveseat, two nightstands, and a full-length mirror. 

The storage situation was pretty average, especially for an older cruise ship. My friend and I managed to comfortably unpack during our five-night cruise, hanging our dresses in the closet and utilizing the vanity's drawers for undergarments, t-shirts, and bathing suits. 

Moving on, one downside of this older cruise room was the limited number of charging options. Unlike newer ships designed with today's device-addicted travelers in mind, my cabin aboard Vision of the Seas offered just a few power outlets, all located near the vanity. 

With only two American and two European outlets, I was super thankful that I had packed multiple European adapters. Without them, we would have been stuck sharing just two outlets for the entire cruise!

Another con was the bathroom. It served its purpose, but it was definitely lacking in some areas. For example, there wasn't a plexiglass shower door. Instead, there was a clingy shower curtain that did a poor job of actually keeping water in the shower. 

However, the bathroom itself was pretty spacious, and there was a good amount of storage for toiletries and cosmetics thanks to the built-in cubbies. It was also exceptionally clean and well-maintained by the ship's crew. 

On a similar note, I was surprised by how spacious the tiny room felt. In particular, I loved that Royal Caribbean designed the stateroom to include a loveseat. This became our catch-all place for things like souvenir bags and raincoats, and it was nice that the vanity could stay relatively clutter-free. 

Overall, the room prioritized practicality, with a straightforward layout and tired furnishings. Considering the ship's age, she could greatly appreciate some sort of Royal Amplification. However, even if Royal Caribbean were to significantly upgrade its older vessels, the staterooms likely would not receive much TLC.

Inside cabins on Star of the Seas are bright, colorful, and modern. 

Royal Caribbean Blog's video editor, Jenna, stayed in an inside stateroom on Star of the Seas in 2025, and it's easy to notice how much the experience differs from older ships like Vision of the Seas.

For starters, rather than darker tones and traditional furnishings, her cabin had a sleeker, contemporary design with lighter colors and improved lighting. 

She remarked that the color scheme and décor exuded a calm, relaxing atmosphere. This made the cabin a great place to rest aboard the busy Icon Class cruise ship. 

Additionally, the charging situation has much improved on these newer vessels. For instance, cabins now include a mix of USB ports, standard American plugs, and European outlets near the vanity. There's also a bedside USB port, which makes it more convenient to charge your phone overnight. 

On the flip side, Jenna said that one of the biggest downsides of her inside cabin on Star of the Seas was the storage options. In fact, she found it challenging to properly unpack her belongings. The closet, for example, didn't have any built-in shelving, and there weren't any traditional drawers — just wire baskets. 

The vanity area also lacked any useful storage solutions. Rather, there were just two narrow drawers that had an awkward diagonal configuration. As such, they were pretty useless. 

Next time, Jenna would pack items like magnetic hooks and an over-the-door shoe organizer to help better organize her belongings while aboard Star of the Seas. 

That said, the bathroom is unlike any other in the fleet, and it's clear Royal Caribbean put a lot of thought and care into designing Icon Class ensuite bathrooms. 

The layout, for example, features a larger-than-average shower with a plexiglass door and a small, rectangular seat. There's also thoughtfully placed shelving that makes the space feel more functional than normal cruise bathrooms. 

In the end, the most affordable cruise rooms are far from the fanciest cabins on the ship. However, the newer the ship, the more modern the stateroom will feel. In addition to fresh aesthetics, you will typically find that newer cabins have better charging options, upgraded bathroom layouts, and more. 

Older ships were built with fewer balconies and suites.

Regardless of which class of ship you book, you'll find four basic stateroom categories: Interior, Outside View, Balcony, and Suite. However, there are far fewer sub-categories on Vision Class ships, and the options tend to be pretty straightforward. 

Royal Caribbean Blog's Head Honcho, Matt Hochberg, sailed on Enchantment of the Seas in a spacious ocean-view balcony cabin — and he definitely was impressed by its roominess. 

There was ample storage space and a noticeably open layout, which made his stateroom a comfortable place to relax during his low-key four-night Western Caribbean voyage. 

However, similar to the interior cabin aboard Vision of the Seas, the room showed clear signs of aging and felt dated. It had the same dark color scheme and darker finishes. 

The lighting had a yellowish tint to it, too, which made the space feel dimmer. There wasn't a mini-fridge in Matt's balcony stateroom, either.

Moreover, although the cabin had a nice sitting area next to the bed, there weren't any convenient charging options; all of the outlets were located near the vanity. 

To his surprise, the bathroom was bigger than he expected, and he thought it was akin to standard bathrooms you'd find aboard Voyager or Freedom Class ships — minus the shower curtain. 

That said, not all bathrooms on Enchantment of the Seas are created equally. He had a friend on the same cruise and toured his interior room, discovering that their bathroom felt noticeably more compact and basic. 

Of course, the highlight of this specific cabin was the balcony. It was carved out of the ship’s superstructure rather than built extending outward from the hull. As such, its view is slightly obstructed by the surrounding structure. 

Still, Matt enjoyed taking in the ocean breeze from the 39-square-foot balcony.

Icon Class ships have more categories of balcony rooms to choose from. 

Finally, older Royal Caribbean ships don't have many unique stateroom options. Icon Class ships, however, have an extensive selection of balcony types, suites, and other family-focused layouts designed to suit different budgets and needs. 

For example, I stayed in an Infinite Central Park-view balcony cabin. This type of stateroom is exclusive to Icon Class ships since it features the controversial infinite verandah design (more on that in a second). 

Overall, I thought this room had a boutique hotel-style feel, complemented by the funky lamps mounted on either side of the bed. The extra-large couch was another benefit, as we had plenty of space to stretch out and keep our miscellaneous items that somehow were never properly put away. 

There was also a good variety of outlets near the vanity, including USB ports, European plugs, and American outlets. My one quarrel was that there was just one USB port beside the bed, which meant my fiancée and I couldn’t both have a convenient charging spot at night.

Moving on, between the two closets, four wire basket drawers, numerous shelves, and dresser, we had lots of space to unpack. In fact, I'd argue that there was enough room to unpack for a two-week cruise with room to spare!

The bathroom was identical to the one in the inside cabin aboard Star of the Seas with the same spacious shower, plentiful shelving, and functional layout. 

The highlight (or drawback) of the balcony on Icon of the Seas was the interior-facing infinite verandah. Instead of having a private outdoor space, this particular stateroom had a floor-to-ceiling window, with the top half sliding open to create a seamless transition between the indoor living space and the outdoors. 

Because this wasn't an ocean-view cabin, we had less privacy than anticipated, so we had to be careful whenever leaving the curtains open. This led to a feeling of disconnect and exposure, especially when napping in the afternoons, as it almost felt like we were in an extra-large inside cabin.

On the flip side, the additional living space was nice, and the "balcony" furniture was of a higher quality than standard outdoor furniture since it did not have to withstand rain, wind, and the salty sea air. 

Overall, I wasn't upset with my infinite verandah on Icon of the Seas. However, nothing compares to waking up and seeing the open ocean stretched out, with front-row views of the sunrise peeking over the horizon.

Royal Caribbean's new credit cards offer better cruise perks and rewards, and you can maximize their value by earning points strategically and making the most of key cardholder benefits.

For some people, the words "credit card" bring up concerns about overspending, debt, and managing timely payments. However, when used responsibly, credit cards can be a valuable tool for earning rewards. 

Truthfully, I can't remember the last time I used my debit card. Instead, I'm always calculating which of my five credit cards will help me earn the most rewards on any given purchase and get me closer to my next travel goal.

That said, the key to being a responsible credit cardholder isn't to spend more; it's to make the most of everyday purchases you're already going to make, such as groceries, gas, and restaurants. 

Not to toot my own horn, but I've gotten good at maximizing credit cards without changing my spending habits, redeeming rewards to help offset the cost of pricey vacations I likely wouldn't pay for out of pocket. 

In this article, I'll provide a detailed breakdown of how to maximize cruise-related perks and annual credits for Royal Caribbean's new Royal ONE™ Visa Signature® and Royal ONE Plus™ Visa Signature® credit cards. 

Earn the welcome bonus

First, you should strive to meet the requirements for the welcome bonus of whichever card you apply for. It's important to stay in the loop about current offers since they're subject to change. 

At the time of writing, the Royal ONE™ Visa Signature®, which has no annual fee, offered a welcome bonus of 45,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases within the first 90 days of account opening. According to the company, those points can be redeemed for $450 in cruise rewards!

For the Royal ONE Plus™ Visa Signature®, which has a $99 annual fee, new cardholders can earn a bonus of 70,000 points after spending $3,000 in the first 90 days of account opening. This comes out to around $700 in cruise rewards that can be redeemed for onboard credit, discounts, and more. 

Pro tip: I'd recommend waiting to apply for a new rewards card until you have larger purchases or planned expenses in the foreseeable future. This generally makes it easier to reach the minimum spending requirement for sign-up bonuses without changing your spending habits or buying things you don't really need. 

Use your card for Royal Caribbean Group purchases

Regardless of whether you're eyeing the Royal ONE™ Visa Signature® or Royal ONE Plus™ Visa Signature® credit card, you'll want to use it on cruise spending, as you will earn extra points per dollar on purchases with Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea. 

With the Royal ONE™ Visa Signature® card, you will earn three points per dollar spent on Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea. So, if you buy a drink package for $500, you'll automatically earn a whopping 1,500 points! 

Additionally, Royal ONE Plus™ Visa Signature® cardholders will earn four points per dollar spent on Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea, turning that same $500 drink package into 2,000 credit card points. 

One important caveat to keep in mind is that third-party bookings may not qualify. In other words, if you book a Royal Caribbean cruise through a travel website like Expedia, you shouldn't expect that purchase to count toward the bonus spending.

Book cruises for family and friends

On that note, if you are planning group travel, consider using your Royal ONE™ card to pay for eligible cruise expenses for family and friends and ask to be reimbursed. 

For example, if you are organizing a big family cruise and cover everyone's initial deposit, you could easily rack up thousands of points without spending more than you normally would.

The same strategy also applies to final payments and pre-cruise purchases. Of course, you want to trust the people you're booking for, so you aren't stuck chasing down payments or covering other people's vacations.

However, as long as everyone is prompt with their reimbursements, this can be a simple way to quickly build your rewards balance! 

Earn additional points on everyday spending and non-cruise purchases

While Royal Caribbean Group purchases are the best way to rack up points with the new credit cards, cardholders can also earn bonus points on other purchases in select categories.

For instance, with either card, you'll earn two points per dollar spent on gas, groceries, and electric vehicle charging purchases. This means that certain everyday spending will help you build your rewards balance — even when you aren't planning your next cruise.

All other eligible purchases earn one point per dollar, allowing you to continue accumulating points on everyday spending. Over time, those random shopping trips, movie tickets, and oil changes add up! 

Additionally, those with the Royal ONE Plus™ Visa Signature® will earn two points per dollar on eligible purchases with airlines, hotels, and restaurants.

Make the card your default option with Apple Pay

With tap-to-pay becoming increasingly common, adding your Royal ONE™ card to Apple Pay is an easy way to make sure you're earning points on purchases you already make — even if you forget your physical card at home. 

By setting the card as your default payment option, you can quickly pull the card up on your mobile device without fumbling through your wallet. 

This small convenience makes it easier to use your card consistently, rather than handing the cashier the first card you stumble upon. 

Take advantage of cruise-related benefits and perks

As a branded credit card, you'll also enjoy a slew of onboard benefits aboard Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, and Silversea cruises. 

All cardholders, regardless of whether you have the Royal ONE™ or Royal ONE Plus™ Visa Signature® card, can take advantage of priority boarding at the terminal. This means you can get on the ship faster and start enjoying your hard-earned vacation sooner.

Those with the Royal ONE Plus™ Visa Signature® card will also benefit from expedited luggage delivery, so you won't be stuck waiting hours for your suitcase to finally make its way on board. 

Finally, all cardholders should keep an eye out for special events during their sailings. 

Use the card's travel credits and benefits

Aside from cruise-related benefits, both credit cards offer perks that are useful for land-based travel. As a Visa Signature® cardholder, you'll have access to the Visa Signature® Luxury Hotel Collection and receive special rates and VIP status at select hotels worldwide. 

Moreover, the cards include 24-hour travel and emergency assistance, car rental coverage, access to emergency roadside assistance, trip delay and lost luggage expense reimbursement, trip cancellation and interruption coverage, and extended warranty protection. 

Those with the Royal ONE Plus™ Visa Signature® card can also take advantage of the $120 statement credit for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry enrollment or renewal. The benefit is available once every four years.

This is a huge benefit for frequent flyers since it makes it easier to breeze through airport security and re-enter the U.S. after an international flight. Since many travelers already plan to pay for one of these programs, the statement credit also helps offset the annual fee by covering a purchase you likely will make anyway.

Take advantage of the anniversary credit

Personally, I don't like to keep all my eggs in one basket when it comes to credit card spending. In other words, I strategically spread my spending across several rewards cards to maximize the value I earn from different loyalty programs.

However, that isn't everyone's jam — and that's okay! If you're someone who loves Royal Caribbean cruises, you may find yourself drawn to these credit cards more than others. 

Enter the anniversary credit. Those with the Royal ONE™ Visa Signature® card who spend at least $10,000 in one year will receive a $100 cruise discount. Meanwhile, Royal ONE Plus™ cardholders who spend at least $20,000 in one year will earn a $200 discount. 

There are a few caveats to keep in mind when redeeming this credit. First, it can only be applied to future cruise bookings purchased directly with Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, or Silversea. As such, travel agent bookings or those made with third parties, like Expedia or Vacations To Go, won't count. Additionally, you must use the discount before your next card anniversary. 

Bottom line: Is the Royal Caribbean credit card worth it?

Royal Caribbean's new credit card options are a huge upgrade from the existing offering, as they let cruisers earn rewards across the entire Royal Caribbean Group portfolio.

Before Royal ONE™ launched, the program wasn't as flexible, and all rewards were tied to a single brand. Now, cruisers can earn and redeem rewards seamlessly across all three brands: Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea.

In my opinion, the no-annual-fee Royal ONE™ card is a solid option for occasional cruisers. On the flip side, the Royal ONE Plus™ card has better earning rates, priority suite boarding, a higher anniversary reward, and a generous TSA PreCheck®/Global Entry credit.

As such, it's easy to justify the premium card's $99 annual fee if you cruise with Royal Caribbean Group regularly and can take advantage of its added perks. 

Over the weekend, a Royal Caribbean passenger fell off the pier into the ocean at the cruise line's private island. 

Witnesses captured the terrifying moment when a guest plunged from the pier into the water, as well as the harrowing rescue that followed, on Saturday, July 11, at Perfect Day at CocoCay. 

Two cruise ships visited CocoCay on Saturday: Adventure of the Seas and Wonder of the Seas. Although it's unclear what ship the passenger was sailing on, he fell from the pier into the water between the dock and Adventure of the Seas.

(Credit: Don Goldstein)

According to passenger reports, the secret code word "Oscar, Oscar, Oscar" was broadcast around 1:25 p.m., indicating a man-overboard incident. 

Supposedly, the guest was on a mobility scooter that suddenly malfunctioned, causing him to veer off the designated path and into the water. However, that has not been confirmed by the cruise line. 

(Credit: @dogsfamily_love / TikTok)

Moments after the guest fell into the water, a security guard immediately jumped in after him, and other crew members rushed into action, gathering life rings and other rescue equipment. 

Another crew member climbed onto one of the fenders to get a closer look at the scary situation and help coordinate the rescue with those on the dock.

(Credit: @dogsfamily_love / TikTok)

In the end, over two dozen cruise line employees took part in the rescue effort, ranging from senior officers to maintenance workers and medical staff. 

One video shows that the elderly passenger was eventually pulled from the water on a spine board stretcher before being moved to another stretcher for easier transport. He was then covered with blankets and urgently rushed on Wonder of the Seas to receive further medical treatment. 

(Credit: @dogsfamily_love / TikTok)

As he was rescued, cheers erupted from witnesses, both ashore and on the ships, who had watched the dramatic overboard incident unfold. 

Wonder of the Seas was on a three-night cruise to The Bahamas from Miami, returning to Florida on Monday, July 13, according to CruiseMapper. CocoCay was the first port of call on the short itinerary, followed by Nassau on Sunday, July 12. 

(Credit: @dogsfamily_love / TikTok)

Adventure of the Seas, on the other hand, had just kicked off an eight-night Caribbean cruise to Perfect Day at CocoCay, the Dominican Republic, Aruba, and Curaçao. The Voyager Class ship is scheduled to return to Port Canaveral, Florida, on July 18. 

At the time of publication, Royal Caribbean International had not provided a comment regarding the incident at its private island. 

Social media response

The videos quickly went viral on social media, with many viewers expressing concern for the passenger's well-being and wishing him a speedy recovery. 

"Thanks for sharing WOW hope he is ok," said Lisa Fazio Frelier on TikTok. 

user3168693269714 added, "I hope he is ok saw this yesterday we're on the adventure of the seas."

"I pray he is okay truly my family and I watched and we're really concerned ♥️♥️♥️," Brittany added. 

Not the first time someone fell off the cruise pier at CocoCay

(Credit: Henry Yeany / Facebook)

Last year, a child fell off the pier into the ocean at Perfect Day at CocoCay. The incident occurred near the area where the cruise ships are tied up to the moorings, with the fenders leaving a small gap between the vessel and the dock, as Royal Caribbean Blog previously reported.

Thankfully, passenger reports indicate that the young child was quickly rescued and brought back on Symphony of the Seas for medical treatment. 

A few months later, another Royal Caribbean passenger fell into the ocean while visiting the island. The incident happened after the guest reportedly walked too close to the edge of the dock while filming Star of the Seas, triggering "man overboard" protocols around 8:00 a.m. 

Crew members quickly responded, throwing a life ring to the passenger, who then grabbed and clung to it while awaiting rescue from the water. A rescue team on a jet ski quickly approached and safely returned him to shore.

I think Perfect Day at CocoCay is the best beach day you can find in the Caribbean, but there are mistakes I see people making there all too often.

Royal Caribbean designed its private island in The Bahamas to be an all-encompassing beach escape. Unlike traditional cruise line private islands that just have a beach, there's so much more to do.

I estimate I've been to CocoCay around 50 times over my many years of cruising. That's increased in recent years with Royal Caribbean sending more ships to include a visit to the island.

I think you should maximize your visit by taking advantage of everything you can do. First-time visitors often are unaware of all the options, and squander their time.

Here are my 12 things not to do when you visit Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Don't sleep away your day

The top mistake I've seen people make is sleep in and miss out on CocoCay.

The problem with sleeping late is you disembark late, and by the time you get to mid-day, everything is packed and it's the hottest time of the day.

If you can disembark the ship the first hour your ship is docked there, you will have the best choices of seats everywhere.  Moreover, it's the best time for the water park to minimize waits for slides.

Anytime I've slept in, it's been a real challenge to find chairs and an umbrella in a location you prefer.  While there are more beach chairs (no cost to them) than needed, you might need to go to the very back of the seating area or significantly far away from the water.

It's tempting to sleep late, but I'd recommend hitting up the island early and then either taking a nap on the island or head back to the ship for that shower and nap.

I really don't think you need to book an excursion

I've forgotten on a few occasions that Royal Caribbean actually sells excursions off the island, and I think they're all a waste of money.

There is so much to do around CocoCay, from beaches to a waterpark, to pools, that I just don't think this is the day of your cruise to spend money on a tour.

The scuba and snorkeling around CocoCay are mediocre from the perspective of what you can see, and the swimming with the pigs tour is way too expensive and short.

Jet skiing and parasailing sound fun, but I'd argue all the tours are better done on any other island you are visiting.

While you can debate the merits of certain add-on extras being worth the cost around CocoCay, I'd skip any shore excursion that takes you off the island.

The adults-only area is a party, not a quiet area

Hideaway Beach was built as an adults-only enclave, but some people assume it's going to be quiet and reserved.

The extra cost venue is meant to be an escape from kids and families, but the idea is for it to be more of a Vegas pool party.  Think of it more like an adults pool and beach day party.

There is a DJ at the center of the giant pool, and the music is pumped quite loudly and all over Hideaway Beach. Unless you go to the very ends of the beach, the music is fairly loud. 

There's also a sports bar near the entrance that offers a bar, televisions, and very comfortable seating. There's a band that plays music here most of the day.

I love the energy Hideaway Beach has, but don't go in thinking it will be a place to read a book without any distractions.

Don't run back to the ship as soon as it rains

It will almost certainly rain while you're at Perfect Day at CocoCay, but that shouldn't be the end of your plans for the day.

Rain in the tropics is common, but short lived. It might be a light passing shower or an intense thunderstorm.  But it's rarely an all-day rain out.

If it does rain, seek shelter nearby but give it time to pass. Most of the time, rain will last less than an hour. Heck, if there's no lightning, continue the fun in the water while it rains!

A lot of newbies will immediately pack up and run back to the ship as soon as it starts raining.  This means when the rain passes, crowds will be much less. This is great for enjoying more time in the water park, pools, or floating bar.

There's no coffee on the island

Since you're taking my earlier advice of not sleeping in, be sure to properly caffeinate before you disembark the ship.

There is no coffee served on CocoCay, so if you need a cup to get going in the morning, be sure to get it prior to leaving the ship. Yes, you can take it with you off the ship to continue drinking.

There is one exception, and that's at the Coco Beach Club, where they serve your basic hot coffee.  Since this area has an extra cost and limited capacity, it's likely not an option for most people looking to get their cup of joe.

You don't have to walk everywhere

CocoCay isn't a big island, but walking around it can be tiring, especially when it's hot out.

Royal Caribbean offers complimentary trams around the island that you can hop on and off at the designated stations. 

Take advantage of the tram to get around quicker and reduce fatigue. 

It can feel cool when you're on the pier, but the wind will often disappear as soon as you get to the interior of the island.

Another advantage of the tram is it's a great way to see everything there is, and the layout of where everything is situated. It's a fun mid-day "excursion" if you're considering switching spots.

Oasis Lagoon is my favorite spot, but the pool isn't heated

If your cruise sails in the winter months, be prepared for a cold pool day.

To be clear, I prefer my pool to be on the "refreshing" side than feel like a bathtub, but not everyone feels that way.

Oasis Lagoon is a massive freshwater pool and right in the middle, featuring a swim-up bar that's a lot of fun.  But prepare yourself for the chill.

In the summer, it feels great because of how hot it is outside. But even during spring break, the pool can be quite cold.

If you want a heated pool day, you'll find that at the Coco Beach Club or Hideaway Beach.

Apply sunscreen often, because you don't want to get sunburned

If it seems obvious to say it's a mistake to not get sunburned when out in the sun, clearly not enough people know this tip.

When I walk back to the ship in the afternoon, there are always dozens of people who are headed back onboard with a shiny red "souvenir" on their back.

Be sure to apply sunscreen before disembarking the ship, and then re-apply every couple of hours. Being in the water washes away the sunscreen quickly.

Don't book two extra cost areas on the same day

I recommend not booking two extra cost experiences to try to do on the same day.

For example, don't book the Coco Beach Club and Thrill Waterpark.  Or Hideaway Beach and Coco Beach Club.

The reason is you're unlikely get full value out of either one if you split your time. Royal Caribbean only docks their ships at CocoCay for about 8-9 hours, and each of these experiences is designed to be a full day activity.

If you're trying to do all the water slides and wave pool, that will take up most of your day.  That doesn't leave a lot of time for enjoying the beach clubs.

Book one or the other, but not both.

You don't need to bring towels off the ship if you booked an extra cost area

If you booked a cabana or Coco Beach Club, leave the ship towels onboard.

These extra cost areas include towels you can use, meaning it's one less thing to haul around.

In fact, the towels at the Coco Beach Club are must bigger and softer than the ones from the ship. It's a nice upgrade to enjoy.

There are towel exchange stations around the island. In my experience, you could get towels from there's a chance they could run out of clean towels. So bring towels off the ship if you're headed anywhere else.

Babies can go to any pool or beach

While swim diapers aren't allowed to be used in your cruise ship's pools or slides, your infant can wear them around the island.

The health regulations are different on land versus on a ship.  This means your baby can come with you into Oasis Lagoon or the other pools and splash areas.

The waterpark is a mistake if your kids are younger than 7 years old. Go to the free splash areas instead

Families see a water park and think it's great for kids, but it's probably a mistake for young children.

The water slides have strict height requirements and the wave pool is pretty intense. I think kids that are younger than 6 or 7 years old are probably too short to get value from it.

Instead, go to Splashaway Bay and Captain Jill's Galleon for water and slide fun at no additional cost.

Splashaway Bay has a few slides that are perfect for younger children, and there are other small slides at Captain Jill's. 

For parents, there are comfortable adirondock chairs surrounding Splashaway Bay, and Captain Jack's bar a few steps away.

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

There's a new rival for Royal Caribbean's Icon Class megaships.

Carnival began construction for its first Ace Class ship, which is over 50,000 gross tons bigger than its current largest ship.

Once complete, these will be the largest cruise ships ever built.

Royal Caribbean News

• Typhoon delays return of Royal Caribbean ship
• Royal Caribbean expands its most creative wearables to its newest ship
• Royal Caribbean added these rare one-time cruises for 2027
• I always get off my cruise ship as early as possible
• How is Legend of the Seas different from Icon and Star of the Seas?
• I tried all the new food hall stands
• How much a "free" cruise from the casino actually costs
• What a balcony cabin looks like on Legend of the Seas
• Ways to get reservations at the popular specialty restaurants
• I cruise with my kids a lot, but sharing a cabin has been a disaster. I came up with a rule to keep everyone happy
• I skipped the cruise line excursion and found a better way to see Palma de Mallorca
• My $8,500 European trip included a $1,500 cruise on Liberty of the Seas

New RCB Video: Legend of the Seas walkthrough ship tour

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 — Legend of the Seas walkthrough ship tour — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Court overturns approval required for Royal Caribbean's new Rome cruise port

A court in Italy has blocked a new port project proposed by Royal Caribbean to proceed.

Royal Caribbean has plans to build a new cruise port near Rome's Leonardo da Vinci International Airport, which would reduce the travel time to the city of Rome.

Now, those plans are on pause with the judge's ruling.

Royal Caribbean is asking fans to help name its next cruise ships

A new survey is asking for suggestions what to name Royal Caribbean's new cruise ship.

The Discovery Class ships are just a few years away from arriving, but the cruise line is ready to think of a name that will perfectly encapsulate this ship.

As a cruise ship destined for exotic destinations, Royal Caribbean is looking for naming ideas that would fit.

Royal Caribbean plans to launch 7 cruise ships in 6 years

Now that Legend of the Seas is sailing, Royal Caribbean's ship building plans will only accelerate.

Over the next six years, we will see a burst of ships arriving.

In fact, there will be two ships debuting in the same year on a couple of occasions.

7 Surprising things about trying the new supper club restaurant

Royal Caribbean invited Matt to try the new Hollywoodland Supper Club, which is different from other specialty restaurants.

From the lengthy duration to the carefully themed food and drinks, it's a sensory experience that goes beyond conventional dining.

Anyone trying this restaurant will want to know some of the carefully orchestrated details before sitting down.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 616th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available.

After sailing on Legend of the Seas for the first time, Matt lists the things he didn't like about this new ship.

Please feel free to subscribe via YouTube, iTunes or RSS, and head over to rate and review the podcast on iTunes if you can! We’d appreciate it.

Royal Caribbean is a victim of its own success by introducing so many new specialty restaurants that look so darn good.

The first "I can't get a reservation" restaurant was Izumi hibachi, because it's a crowd pleasing meal that is as satisfying to eat as it is fun to watch.

Over the past five years, Royal Caribbean has really put its creative thinking hat on, because they've introduced so many new specialty restaurants that are undeniably fun.  

The new supper clubs on the Icon Class ships are a culinary and beverage journey that combines music, food, and entertainment.

Now there are two immersive railway restaurants that leverage a show element to go with dining.  I was really impressed when I tried it out on Legend of the Seas.

Both of these types of restaurants have extremely limited seating, and sell out regularly well before anyone steps onboard the ship.

So how do you get a reservation to ensure your family can try it out? With a little extra effort and the right approach, here are a few of my best strategies for getting a reservation at Royal Caribbean's popular restaurants.

Check manually once you start getting within 4-6 months

There is no minimum amount of time that Royal Caribbean specialty restaurants open up for reservations, so you're going to need to check manually.

Once you're about six months from your cruise, it's time to start planning. I find specialty restaurants tend to open closer to 3-5 months before the sail date, but there's really no pattern.  It's actually worse with brand new ships, because it seems someone at headquarters literally has to activate the bookings for each sailing.

I log into the Royal Caribbean Cruise Planner site regularly, and will make it part of my daily routine until it opens. 

I prefer checking on the website instead of the app, but either should work.

You're going to need to be patient, as sometimes reservations may not open until a month before your sail date.

Sign up for a Facebook group

While I generally don't like signing up for Facebook groups for my sailings anymore, they can be valuable to serve as another set of eyes.

If the group is active in the least bit, someone usually will post when they spot dining reservations open up. This is especially true on new ships, because there's far more excitement for a sailing on Star of the Seas than on Radiance of the Seas (in terms of new cruisers and novelty).

While I just said I check the Royal Caribbean site regularly, life happens and I get busy.  So while I try to be vigilant, it's not practical to check every day.

Being alerted by someone else in the Facebook group has saved me a few times.

Got a dining package? Book a reservation anyway

If you booked a Royal Caribbean dining package already, you probably want to take advantage of the discount that comes with it.  But if the restaurant isn't bookable yet, you're caught in no man's land.

My recommendation is to book one of these popular restaurants individually so you can be assured of a reservation.

When you arrive to the restaurant, let the host know you have a dining package and would like the discount applied.  They'll refund you back as onboard credit the difference.

Because reservations are so quick to go, I wouldn't risk waiting until getting on the ship to show up and then apply your dining package.

Go to the restaurant as soon as you board the ship

Let's assume you're reading this and it's too late.  You missed your chance, and now the specialty restaurant you want to eat at is sold out.

Besides manually checking the Cruise Planner to see if any spots open up (people cancel all the time), your next best strategy is go to the restaurant as soon as you board the ship.

Occasionally, I've observed a specialty restaurant listed as "sold out" online, but there are still a few spots available onboard.  This is especially true of hibachi.

I would go immediately to the restaurant you want to dine at upon boarding the ship and asking.  If it's still sold out, ask to be put on a waiting list.

It's not a foolproof plan, but it's better than nothing.

Try waiting at the restaurant for no-shows

One last ditch effort you can make is to go to the restaurant and wait to see if someone misses their reservation.

Approach the check-in desk and politely inform them you are here if there are any open tables because someone doesn't make it.

This strategy likely works better on port days because passengers are tired from their day ashore and oversleep or just can't make their reservation.

I wouldn't bet on this strategy, but when all else fails, there's a low chance it could work. I've seen it happen more often than you might think. 

One cruise ship is stuck at sea due to a major storm — but it has nothing to do with the Atlantic hurricane season. 

Spectrum of the Seas was scheduled to return to Shanghai, China, on July 11, but her arrival has been delayed due to Super Typhoon Bavi.

"We have been monitoring the progression of Typhoon Bavi as it slowly moves toward Shanghai. Due to the development of the storm and its impact, and the government closure of the Port of Shanghai (Baoshan), the previous Spectrum of the Seas sailing has been delayed returning to port," reads an email sent to guests. 

The email continued, "[A]s a result, our 4-Night, 11 July 2026, sailing has unfortunately been cancelled. We're truly sorry for the impact that this has on your vacation plans."

(Credit: Deena Patel / Facebook)

Those on the cancelled voyage will receive a full refund of the paid portion of the cruise fare, including non-refundable deposits. The cruise line will also automatically refund guests who booked airfare through Royal Caribbean.

"You'll also be reimbursed for non-refundable, pre-purchased transportation change fees incurred," the letter states. However, guests must be able to provide documentation by September 10, 2026. 

In addition to the refund, Royal Caribbean is also handing out Future Cruise Credits (FCC) that can be used on any Royal Caribbean sailing through July 11, 2027. 

Credit amounts vary depending on stateroom category. Passengers booked in suites, for example, will receive RMB 3,400 (~$500 USD) per stateroom. Balcony cabins will receive RMB 1,700 (~$250 USD), while those in ocean view staterooms will get RMB 1,300 (~$190 USD). 

Finally, passengers in inside cabins will receive RMB 1,000 (~$147 USD), and third and fourth guests in each stateroom will get an additional RMB 340 (~$50 USD).

According to passenger reports, Spectrum of the Seas cannot return to Shanghai until July 13, around 6:00 p.m., due to the port closure. Additionally, the ship is being rerouted to Jeju, South Korea, to avoid being impacted by the storm. 

The July 7 cruise's only scheduled port of call was Busan, South Korea, so this extended delay means passengers will get to visit another destination, as well as spend more time aboard the 169,379 gross-ton ship. 

Typhoon Bavi takes aim at China

Typhoon Bavi, which extends 620 miles at its widest point (roughly the width of France), is heading across the Pacific toward China. The storm is expected to make landfall in southeastern China on Saturday, after dumping rain on Taiwan and a chain of remote Japanese islands, the BBC reported. 

Reuters added that Typhoon Bavi has the potential to be the most powerful storm the country has seen in years, with authorities in Beijing issuing the highest-level heavy rain alerts for six districts, forecasting the possibility of around six inches of rain within six hours in some areas.

Beijing's municipal government has also shut down parks, public events, some construction projects, and train services, and residents living in high-risk areas in the suburbs were evacuated on Thursday.

According to a live Typhoon Bavi tracker, the storm had sustained winds of around 178mph as of July 10 at 4:10 p.m. EST. Additionally, the storm was moving northwest at 13mph.

Spectrum of the Seas fast facts

Spectrum of the Seas, which launched in 2019, is a Quantum-Ultra Class ship that was designed specifically for the Asian market. As such, she's different from other ships in the fleet, with unique dining options, entertainment, and design features. 

According to the cruise line, she measures 169,379 gross tons, has a passenger capacity of 4,246 at double occupancy, and comes in at 1,139 feet long. 

Spectrum will offer three- to eight-night cruises from Shanghai through November 2026. Then, she will relocate to Hong Kong, China, for three months before returning to Shanghai in late January. 

Royal Caribbean is crowdsourcing names for its next new cruise ship.

Earlier this year, Royal Caribbean revealed long-rumored plans to build a new class of cruise ship that is slightly smaller than its current megaships.

Known as the Discovery Class, the first of these will debut in 2029 with two ships confirmed, and options for four additional ships.

Select past cruisers received an email survey this week that asks them questions about this new class, including ship name suggestions. 

Here's what the survey included.

Getting feedback about what people want on these new ships

Royal Caribbean Blog reader Stelli from La Floating Adventures, sent us a screenshot of these questions.

"Royal Caribbean Group recently announced a new class of ships called Discovery Class, designed to mark a new era of vacation experiences visiting the most sought after destinations around the world."

"Based on what you just read, what stands out to you most about this new ship class?"

Email surveys are a powerful tool for Royal Caribbean to collect data from its customers, and the latest survey was focused on the Discovery Class ships.

The cruise line research team spends time getting lots of feedback from guests, including in targeted surveys.

The "most sought after destinations around the world" statement seems to reinforce the idea these new ships are going to sail to places beyond simply the Caribbean.

Exotic destinations, such as Alaska, Asia, and Europe, are where executives have said the Discovery Class will head.

"Discovery Class is a class for Royal Caribbean. It is a class by its name that will go to Asia, it will go to Alaska, it will go to European itineraries," he said during a question and answer event last week.

"That ship will be specifically designed for those types of more exotic experiences."

Royal Caribbean wants ideas for ship names

Another question in the survey asked guests to name the ships.

"Imagine you got to name the first ship in Discovery Class! What are some names you would love to see for this very first ship? Tell us up to 5 names in the space below."

Typically, Royal Caribbean will name the first ship in a class after the class name.  Subsequent ships in the class sometimes have a name that relates to the original name, but not always.

Mr. Bayley recently explained they used to pay for a research company to generate a list of ship names based on analytical data, but that's changed recently.

"Some years ago, we just said, why don't we just, you know, make our own list," he recalled.

"We got a huge number of suggestions from, from our guests... We get names sent to us all the time, and we literally keep a list of names."

From those names, cruise line executives pick out the best ones and try to come to a consensus on the best one.

"We go through this process of either deciding which is the best name and/or doing more research to validate it. And then, and then we go through a process of getting everybody to agree."

Royal Caribbean asked what they expect from the name

If the Shakespearean quote, "What's in a name?" rings true, it certainly does for cruise ships.

The next question asked what guests expect from the ship name.

"Thinking about Royal Caribbean ships more generally, what (if anything) do you expect from the name of the first ship in a new class?"

This question speaks to the legacy of ship names and how branding plays into choosing one name over another.

A ship name will be in use for at least 30 years, so it's got to evoke the right feeling.

What's important to a ship name

The final question asked guests to rank in order of importance factors that go into a ship name.

"Which of the following, if any, matter to you when it comes to the name of a Discovery Class ship?"

• Something entirely new/different
• Connection to exploration or discovery
• Sense of adventure
• Sense of scale or grandeur
• Innovation or new experiences
• Continuity with past ship naming styles
• Connection to destinations or travel

Like the previous question, this is about getting a better understanding of what people expect from a Royal Caribbean ship's name.

Ship names are as much about branding as they are about distinguishing one from another.

Strong ship names like "Icon of the Seas" signify something being special and different from the rest. It not only is easy to remember, but it likely stands out.

The first Discovery Class ship arrives in 2029

The first Discovery Class ship will be built in the Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard in Saint Nazaire, France.

It will be ready in the fourth quarter of 2029 for delivery, and be the first new ship class since the Icon Class.

According to Royal Caribbean Group's form 10-Q filing with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, the new ship will have an approximate passenger count (berths) of 4,300.

That's about 1,300 passengers less than the Icon Class ships.