Royal Caribbean Blog

Royal Caribbean is one of the most popular cruise lines in the world, and it’s also my personal favorite after 33 sailings with the brand.

My first cruise with them was when I was in fifth grade. My grandparents were celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary and decided to bring our entire family aboard Enchantment of the Seas. That trip sparked a lifelong love for cruising with Royal Caribbean! 

From that point on, my family continued sailing with the cruise line nearly every year. As we got older, cruising became part of our routine, with spring breaks, summer vacations, and holidays often spent onboard a Royal Caribbean cruise.

By the time I was in high school and college, our family became more destination-focused when booking cruises. We started taking more diverse sailings in Europe and Asia, and cruising allowed us to see more of the world together. Seeing the Eiffel Tower in Paris was my biggest travel dream, and it came true when I was just 16 years old aboard Vision of the Seas!

A few years later, I introduced my now-husband to Royal Caribbean during college on Mariner of the Seas for a Southeast Asia cruise. He was immediately hooked on the experience! A few years later, he proposed in Venice while we were cruising the Mediterranean on Brilliance of the Seas. The following year, we honeymooned aboard Rhapsody of the Seas across Greece and Croatia. 

Since then, we have taken bucket-list cruises to Alaska, Iceland, and the Canary Islands with Royal Caribbean. And most recently, I sailed across Asia with my family on Anthem of the Seas from Singapore to Tokyo.

As you can probably tell, cruising with Royal Caribbean has been a constant in my life. I’ve celebrated major milestones onboard, making many of the ships sentimental because of the precious memories made onboard.

But even after trying other cruise lines, like Norwegian Cruise Line and Carnival Cruise Line, I keep coming back to Royal Caribbean. Here’s why Royal Caribbean is my favorite cruise line, even after 33 cruises.

A loyalty program with great perks

One of the biggest reasons I continue cruising with Royal Caribbean is the Crown and Anchor Society loyalty program. I proudly earned Diamond Plus status while I was still in college - I was thrilled to enjoy happy hour after turning 21 in the Diamond Lounge!

After getting married, my husband inherited my Diamond Plus status and started enjoying the same perks. Since then, we’ve also taken full advantage of the reciprocal benefits with Celebrity Cruises to earn Elite Plus status with similar benefits.

One of the best perks we receive is five daily drink vouchers aboard every Royal Caribbean cruise. This alone saves us hundreds of dollars on every sailing, and it’s not something we take for granted. Because of those loyalty drink vouchers, we rarely feel the need to purchase drinks or book a drink package at all.

We also appreciate many of the other benefits, including complimentary Wi-Fi, BOGO specialty dining credit, free photos, complimentary laundry service, and more. I appreciate that Royal Caribbean recognizes my loyalty and provides rewards that are meaningful and valuable.

Looking ahead, I’m especially interested in the new Points Choice program, which will give me even more flexibility to continue building status with the brand that best fits each trip.

Innovative ships that still impress me

Royal Caribbean remains one of the strongest innovators in the cruise industry, and its ships continue to rank among the most advanced in the world. 

I’ll never forget sailing on Mariner of the Seas shortly after she debuted and realizing I could ice skate on a cruise ship! At the time, it felt unbelievable. That moment has always stayed with me, and it forever changed the way I view Royal Caribbean as a brand.

Since then, Royal Caribbean’s innovation has only continued. I love the Oasis and Quantum Class ships, with Quantum Class being my personal favorite in the fleet.

While I’ve only spent a short amount of time onboard an Icon Class ship so far, the ship's massive size and impressive design left me speechless.

Because of this, my family and I gravitate toward the newest and largest ships in Royal Caribbean's fleet. These vessels are packed with amazing amenities and they’re thoughtfully designed. Royal Caribbean’s innovation continues to surprise me, even after decades of cruising with them!

Entertainment is top-notch

Once you start sailing with other cruise lines, it becomes very clear how strong Royal Caribbean’s entertainment really is, especially on newer ships. While other cruise lines are cutting back on entertainment, Royal Caribbean continues to invest and innovate with its onboard entertainment.

In my opinion, Oasis and Icon ships have some of the best cruise ship entertainment in the entire industry. This is one of the biggest highlights when cruising aboard Royal Caribbean’s newest vessels.

To start, AquaTheater shows feature high-diving stunts and aerialist performances that you can barely find on land, let alone on a cruise ship. Additionally, I’ve always loved the ice skating productions in Studio B with Olympic-style jumps and twirls. The performances are truly impressive and unlike anything else that you’ll find on competing cruise lines.

In addition, Royal Caribbean’s Broadway-style productions and cutting-edge technology take onboard entertainment to another level. Some ships even feature full-length musicals, which have been just as enjoyable as the Broadway shows I’ve seen on land.

However, I’ll be honest that some of Royal Caribbean’s older ships could benefit from refreshed entertainment options. You won’t find the wow-factor that the newer vessels have, mostly because the ships lack the dedicated venues needed for the performances. 

Even still, I appreciate that Royal Caribbean consistently offers a nightly headliner show on every cruise, which isn’t always the case on other cruise lines. For instance, I’ve cruised many times with Norwegian Cruise Line where some evenings lacked any entertainment!

Intuitive and impressive ship design

Royal Caribbean’s newest ships are not only beautiful, but they're also intuitively designed. Even on older ships, I don’t experience the same level of crowding I’ve felt on other cruise lines.

The cruise line has always prioritized forward-thinking ship design, and the introduction of neighborhoods on Oasis Class vessels was truly revolutionary for the industry. These distinct spaces help spread guests out, improve crowd flow, and reduce onboard lines. I also love that each area has its own personality, with dedicated dining, bars, lounges, and attractions.

I’m especially excited about Royal Caribbean’s upcoming Discovery Class ships. Rumors about this new ship class had been circulating for years, with expectations that the vessels would be smaller and designed to replace the aging Vision and Radiance Class ships. That long-anticipated class was finally confirmed this week!

The idea of smaller vessels that can access more ports is exciting, which should bring more diverse itineraries to Royal Caribbean’s fleet. 

A global presence 

Historically, Royal Caribbean offered port-intensive and diverse itineraries. However, there’s no denying that the cruise line has shifted more toward shorter Caribbean sailings in recent years, which has reduced the itinerary variety.

Even still, the past two decades of cruising with Royal Caribbean allowed me to see parts of the world I never imagined visiting.

With Royal Caribbean, I’ve walked the streets of Jerusalem, watched my veteran father be deeply moved by the history of Vietnam in Ho Chi Minh City, met elephants in Thailand, stood at the Great Wall of China in Beijing, admired the Eiffel Tower in Paris, got engaged in Venice, and finally visited Tenerife as a long-standing bucket-list destination.

Being able to experience so much of the world with Royal Caribbean has been a huge blessing in my life. Those experiences have absolutely shaped how I travel and how I see the world. Cruising with Royal Caribbean inspired me to study abroad on Semester at Sea, where I spent 100 days traveling the world in college on a cruise ship. 

Broad appeal to many demographics

Over the years, I've grown to appreciate how Royal Caribbean has been a good fit for our family at every stage of life. When we were kids, the ships had more than enough activities to keep everyone entertained. The onboard thrills were always so impressive and exciting!

As we grew into teenagers and young adults, cruising together was still our family’s preferred way to travel and spend time together. Royal Caribbean gave us lasting memories, all while allowing us to explore the world as a family.

Whether that means relaxing by the pool, enjoying a show at night, or just spending time together without the stress of constant logistics, cruising makes multigenerational travel easy and convenient.

Now, as adult children traveling with parents in their 60s, Royal Caribbean continues to be our top choice. The ships are accessible and comfortable, with a good balance between activity and downtime. Everyone can move at their own pace, which is perfect for multigenerational travel.

For example, we cruised with my 90-year-old grandparents aboard Utopia of the Seas last winter. It was an incredibly special trip, as it ended up being my grandfather’s final cruise before he passed away later that winter. It’s rare to find a vacation that still works as families change, but Royal Caribbean has continued to fit our lives over time.

Perfect Day at CocoCay is the best private island experience

When it comes to private island experiences, Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay is in a league of its own. I remember visiting the island as a kid, when it felt pretty bleak and forgettable, long before its massive transformation. I was shocked the first time I visited the revamped island after the pandemic. 

And after experiencing Amber Cove with Carnival and Great Stirrup Cay with Norwegian, I can confidently say that Royal Caribbean’s private island stands out as the best. Overall, the island feels well designed and everything is spread out nicely, which makes it feel less crowded and easier to enjoy. 

There are many reasons to love Perfect Day at CocoCay, but one of the biggest reasons is how inclusive it feels. I love that I can use my loyalty drink vouchers and internet package on the island, just like I do onboard the ship. 

The included food options are also excellent with multiple options throughout the island. Where else can you enjoy unlimited funnel cakes? In this way, I really don’t feel nickel-and-dimed on Royal Caribbean's private island, even if there are upgraded experiences that you can splurge on.

In comparison, other cruise lines charge extra for food and drinks on their private islands, which adds up quickly. You also need to purchase separate drink packages to use ashore, which is frustrating and feels less inclusive. 

Consistently strong service

Over my 33 cruises, I’ve consistently had excellent service on Royal Caribbean. I’ve never once felt that service was lacking or disappointing. From dining room servers and cabin stewards to bartenders, the crew delivers an attentive, professional experience.

For instance, you never have to go far for a drink, as bar servers are always happy to help. Service always feels efficient without being rushed, and crew members are clearly well-trained and professional. After cruising with other brands, I've noticed Royal Caribbean's high level of service and consistency even more.

Smooth operations and logistics

This is something I didn’t fully appreciate until I started cruising more with other cruise lines. In my experience, Royal Caribbean is simply better at onboard logistics, and the entire ship runs like a well-oiled machine.

For me, this is most apparent on culturally immersive sailings, such as my recent cruise that visited Vietnam, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Japan, and South Korea. From the beginning, Royal Caribbean clearly communicated what was required for embarkation, including visas and printed documents. Everyone onboard understood when passports needed to be turned in and how to obtain tender tickets.

For instance, when Jeju Island was experiencing a downpour of rain, Royal Caribbean preemptively offered a refund for our excursion if we decided to cancel. They also provided partial compensation due to the weather, which is completely out of their control anyway!

On the other hand, I’ve found that Norwegian often struggles with operational planning and logistics. Processes like lining up early in the morning for tender tickets, instead of distributing them the day before, don’t make sense to me. There also tends to be more confusion onboard Norwegian’s sailings, especially when itineraries or ports of call change. 

By comparison, Royal Caribbean seems to be more proactive than reactive. Communication tends to be transparent and plans are well explained. Logistics are easy to follow and consistent across the fleet, which I appreciate.

Finally, I also don’t experience the same bait-and-switch feeling with Royal Caribbean. For instance, I’ve had multiple Norwegian sailings with changed or dropped ports of call after final payment, which can be frustrating. On the other hand, Royal Caribbean has never given me that same impression, and I trust the brand with my vacation.

In just weeks, Royal Caribbean's new beach club became Nassau's top-rated cruise experience, and it explains why private destinations matter more than ever.

Royal Beach Club Paradise Island opened in late December, and it's already a ratings win with cruise ship passengers.

Speaking during an earnings call with Wall Street analysts, Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley explained how the new beach club has completely changed how cruise ship passengers view Nassau.

"Within four weeks, the Royal Beach Club has already become the number one top rated experience in the in Nassau for our cruise guests," he said.

That's a tremendous change of fortunes, and exemplifies how private destinations are going to change cruises in the future.

A big hit with cruisers

Mr. Bayley shared some incredible stats to illustrate how popular Royal Beach Club has become in less than a month of operation.

As it opened, they slowly scaled up capacity to ensure, "we've got the product absolutely perfect."

Clearly, they got it right quickly.

According to Mr. Bayley, the Royal Beach Club has, "already outperformed all other products that are available in the market." 

Sure, Royal Beach Club is better than other Nassau shore excursions, but that's almost to be expected. What he said next was more eye opening.

"Our latest results show at about 0.8 of 1%, behind Perfect Day [at CocoCay] for a satisfaction delivery, which means that the [Net Promotor Score] is really stunning."

Up until now, Perfect Day at CocoCay has been the gold standard for guest satisfaction scores by Royal Caribbean guests.  In terms of popularity, Perfect Day is to Royal Caribbean as the iPhone is to Apple.

Mr. Bayley said they want to push the beach club to, "get to exactly the same level of satisfaction as Perfect Day." It seems as they're close.

"We feel like we're going to have a huge success with the product."

A predictable beach day

While beach clubs cost extra to visit, Royal Caribbean sees it as a can't-miss beach day that is sure to extend the fun and level of expectations to their port visit.

Royal Caribbean Senior Vice President and Chief Product Innovation Officer Jay Schneider described the new operation in The Bahamas as, "this is the perfect beach day."

He called the beach "breathtakingly beautiful" and pointed to things like adding a heated pool, optimal sight lines of the ocean, and a dedicated team to delivering a great experience.

One key differentiator about a beach club is it's more of a controlled experience for guests compared to a traditional port. Crowds, logistics, and variability are all more predictable for both guests and cruise line.

Part of the reason why Mr. Bayley cited such high guest satisfaction rates is because the experience has been fine tuned to offer consistent guest satisfaction while allowing them to scale experiences without sacrificing quality.

This speaks to one of the top concerns any vacationer has about any shore excursion they take: is it going to be as good as it looks on paper.

Beach clubs are part of a strategy to make better cruises

Royal Beach Club Paradise Island is the first beach club to open, and two others will open up this year.

The next one to open will be this summer with Royal Beach Club Santorini in the Greek Isles. At the end of 2026, Royal Beach Club Cozumel will open in Mexico.

All three beach clubs have one thing in common: they're cruise ports that get a lot of cruise ship visits and Royal Caribbean wants to offer something to stand out from every other thing there.

It's no coincidence that Nassau and Cozumel are two ports that will have a beach club, because each "anchors" itineraries in their respective part of the Caribbean.

When the other new beach clubs open this year, the goal is to offer something fresh and new.

Cozumel is a port that is visited on nearly every single Western Caribbean itinerary, and a beach club there provides something new to try. 

In Greece, they think this will be a new way to experience one of the most popular destinations in the Mediterranean, "everybody's bucket list is to go visit Santorini, and we've crafted just the most amazing day for you," Mr. Schneider explained.

"Santorini is a great location, where we know guests are looking for gorgeous views, great pictures of the blue roofs, excellent Greek food, and the spectacular service Royal Caribbean is known for."

Each of these beach clubs are an "easy button" for cruise ship passengers to pick an excursion without worrying about quality, value, or safety.

By relying on controlled capacity, elevated amenities, and premium experiences, a Royal Beach Club visit is positioned to offer more than "just another beach day".

Happy weekend! We hope you are in the midst of a wonderful weekend full of things to do to pass the time between cruises.  We have a summary of all of this week's Royal Caribbean news in case you missed any of it!

At long last, Royal Caribbean announced it's building the Discovery Class cruise ships.

The announcement was made, but there's no indication yet what the size will be, what features will be onboard, or any other clues about what will make Discovery different.

The first ship will be ready in 2029.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean's AI push helps explain why cruises cost more
• Royal Caribbean CEO shoots down rumors of what Discovery Class ships could be
• Judge agrees to review urban development plan semi-related to approving Perfect Day Mexico project
• Winter storm rerouted two ships to have a cruise to nowhere
• Royal Caribbean ship skips private island and shortens port visit because of winds
• Royal Caribbean delays return of cruise ship by a day because of winter storm
• Royal Caribbean opinions that divide cruisers, according to Reddit
• What you gain (and lose) by choosing an older cruise ship
• Drink package vs Diamond Vouchers
• Is a balcony cabin on your cruise worth it? 7 reasons to try one
• 4 things that are different about dinner on a cruise ship in the 80s vs today
• It's been two years since Icon of the Seas debuted. How it went from launch to legend

Video: Royal Caribbean Confirms a New Discovery Class Ship

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 — Royal Caribbean Confirms a New Discovery Class Ship For 2029 — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

First sailing of Legend of the Seas has been moved up

Royal Caribbean added an even earlier first sailing on Legend of the Seas this summer.

For the second time, the inaugural sailing has been changed as a result of the new cruise ship being ready even sooner than expected.

Guests that were booked on the previous first sailing will have the first chance to switch to the new voyage.

4 reasons your cruise will cost more in 2026

Royal Caribbean Group executives said it pretty clearly this week: cruise prices are higher than last year.

A combination of strong demand and strategic pricing have pushed prices higher, and we're now seeing the result in advertised fares.

During an earnings call with analysts, there were four signs that point towards a more expensive cruise in 2026.

Is 3 nights enough time on Utopia of the Seas?

As the newest Oasis Class ship, is it worth it to sail for just 3 nights on Utopia of the Seas?

While your time onboard is limited, it's still one heck of a weekend escape to enjoy the very best Royal Caribbean has to offer.

Truthfully you cannot do everything in that short time span, but there's still a lot of good reasons to go anyway.

Should I use a travel agent to book a cruise?

I think everyone should use a travel agent to book a cruise, especially first timers.

Travel agents can be an incredible resource for planning cruise vacations because of their deep knowledge of the lines, ships, and cabins. 

Plus, they could even save you money with access to special fares.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 594th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, sharing things Matt is annoyed by from other guests.

Unfortunately, some people that go on a cruise do things that are truly irksome and Matt has a list of his personal worst of the worst list.

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.

Strong winds and big waves from a storm have forced two ships to cancel every port of call on each of their itineraries.

Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas had plans to visit Perfect Day at CocoCay and Nassau, but will miss both ports.

Wonder of the Seas will spend both of its days at sea instead of visiting either port out of concern for weather conditions.

Celebrity Reflection is also sailing a 3-night weekend cruise that was scheduled to visit Key West, Florida and Bimini, Bahamas.

Initially, plans were to salvage the sailing with a shortened visit to Key West. However, those plans had to be scratched at the last minute.

According to a letter distributed to passengers, Reflection will now skip all of its ports and sail a "cruise to nowhere".

Strong winds changing plans

Royal Caribbean Group Chief Meteorologist Craig Setzer worked with the Captain of Celebrity Reflection to determine changes to the ship's plans.

A faster-than-anticipated storm is to blame for the drastic cruise changes.

"We have been closely monitoring the advancing weather front passing through the Florida Keys and the Bahamas. Initial forecasts indicated that the high winds would not develop until around 2:00pm," the letter to guests said.

"As the system advanced more quickly than expected, the onset of these stronger winds is expected to happen closer to midday. This earlier arrival of adverse conditions would make both our stay in Key West, and our departure unsafe, and we had to cancel our visit."

Plans were for the ship to make it to Bimini the next day, but that too has changed.

"Due to the significant increase in winds on Sunday and the Port of Bimini, Bahamas just advising us that they will be closed tomorrow to maintain port safety, we will need to cancel our call to Bimini and will enjoy a day at sea instead."

As a result, there will be no ports of call for this sailing.

"We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, and we have no doubt your time with us will be nothing short of amazing."

Money offered to make up for the change

Celebrity is offering passengers onboard credit to take the sting out of the change in plans.

Every passenger is being given onboard credit based on their stateroom category:

• Inside Stateroom: $150 USD
• Outside Stateroom: $150 USD
• Veranda Stateroom: $200 USD
• Concierge Class Stateroom: $250 USD
• AquaClass Stateroom: $250 USD
• Suites: $400 USD
• Additional Guests (3rd and 4th): $25 USD per guest

Any pre-paid Celebrity Cruises shore excursions booked for Key West or Bimini will automatically be refunded as an Onboard Credit.

To be clear, cruise lines have no obligation to offer any money back in the case of cancelled ports.

The Celebrity cruise contract that all passengers agree to before booking a cruise stipulates they reserve the right to cancel or change any voyage at any time for any reason.

Carrier may for any reason at any time and without prior notice, cancel, advance, postpone or deviate from any scheduled sailing, port of call, destination, lodging or any activity on or off the Vessel, or substitute another vessel or port of call, destination, lodging or activity.

Moreover, no compensation is inherently expected.

Carrier shall not be liable for any claim whatsoever by Passenger, including but not limited to loss, compensation or refund, by reason of such cancellation, advancement, postponement, substitution or deviation.

Why cruises to nowhere are rare

A cruise ship sailing from the United States and visiting no ports of call is all but impossible, except for extenuating circumstances like bad weather.

The Passenger Vessel Services Act of 1886 (PVSA) requires foreign flagged ships that sail from the United States to stop in at least one foreign port.

Nearly every cruise ship operated by cruise lines are foreign flagged, so they are legally required to stop in another country and it's why you don't see a "cruise to nowhere" offered for sale.

Other cruise ships impacted by this storm

Celebrity Reflection is one of many ships to change plans this weekend.

Utopia of the Seas, Liberty of the Seas, and Wonder of the Seas all had their itineraries radically altered.  In fact, Perfect Day at CocoCay is closed to all ships on Sunday because of strong winds and large waves.

Moreover, cruise ships from Carnival Cruise Line, Disney Cruise Line, and Norwegian Cruise Line are all getting re-routed.

Royal Caribbean's loyalty perks are arguably the best in the industry, but are the drink vouchers good enough to replace a drink package?

I reached Diamond status in Crown and Anchor Society many years ago, and the daily drink vouchers the cruise line offers is an impressive benefit.

Now that I'm a Pinnacle Club member, I get 6 drink vouchers per day to use on any beverage that a drink package would cover.

Having a few complimentary drinks is far from unlimited, but can you rely on them in lieu of spending hundreds of dollars on a beverage package?

The answer is a mixed bag, and greatly depends on your habits.

How exactly do loyalty drink vouchers work?

One of the benefits of reaching Diamond status are daily drink vouchers you can use during your cruise.

The amount of drinks depends on which loyalty tier you are at:

• Diamond: 4 drinks per person, per day
• Diamond Plus: 5 drinks per person, per day
• Pinnacle Club: 6 drinks per person, per day

Yes, even kids get the benefit, although they are limited to non-alcoholic drinks.

When you order a drink, all you need to do is tell the bartender or waiter that you'd like to use your drink voucher when you place the order.

"Hi, I'd like a pina colada and I'd like to use my Diamond drink."

The vouchers are good for that day and it's "use it or lose it".  Once you reach 6am the next day, the voucher total resets. You cannot save vouchers for another day or "borrow" them from future days.

You can redeem your drink vouchers at any bar, restaurant, or lounge. They even work at Perfect Day at CocoCay or Labadee.

Relying on drink vouchers is like having a mini-drink package

When I was on Utopia of the Seas, I skipped buying a drink package and relied purely on the vouchers for my drinking.

I found it was more difficult initially at the start of the cruise to exercise restraint and not go through most of them before dinner. This is because you're excited when you get onboard and in the mood for fun and to start enjoying vacation.

But as the days pass, I find the temptation to drink lessens somewhat as the novelty wears off.

Nonetheless, redeeming my drink vouchers is quite easy and I could go to any bar to enjoy them.

I think there are two ways to think about the drink vouchers: these are the only extra cost drinks you'll get, or you can use them and then pay for a few drinks on top of it because it's still cheaper than a drink package.

As I said earlier in this post, how much of a drinker you are and how you like to indulge greatly influence how quickly you'll go through your vouchers.

I decided to exercise restraint and wait to use my drinks until after dinner. I chose this because I enjoy social drinking a lot more at night when the bars have entertainment. And I didn't want to overdo it earlier in the day.

Admittedly, this is one advantage of a drink package. You don't have to debate where and when to use up your drinks. A beverage package is much more convenient in that way.

After dinner, I headed to the Mason Jar, which is my favorite bar on any Royal Caribbean ship.

The best drink on the menu is the PB&J Old Fashioned, which costs $13 before gratuity.  

I love how tasty they are, and I can easily have a couple to start things off. They're sweet, but not sugary, and it certainly fits the bill when you're at a country bar.

As the evening progressed, we bar hopped and I easily used all of my 6 vouchers before calling it a night.

The next day we were in Nassau, and spent the day at the Royal Beach Club.  Since this is all-inclusive, my drink vouchers were safe and not needed for the entire day.

Our last day of the cruise was docked at Perfect Day at CocoCay. Drink vouchers work here, just like on the ship. This adds a tremendous amount of value, because I'm far more tempted to want a drink as part of the beach vibe than hanging around the ship.

I went over my daily limit on one day

Not totally unexpectedly, I paid out of pocket for a few drinks during my cruise. 

I would expect this to be more the case if someone had just 4 drinks for the day, but it can happen. When you're enjoying being on a cruise and having a good time with friends, I won't let the good times stop because I'm out of vouchers.

While I did pay for a few drinks out of pocket, I did not spend nearly enough to come close to the cost of a drink package.

I estimated as long as I didn't pay out of pocket for more than 3 or 4 drinks, it was still cheaper than the total cost of a beverage package.

Drink vouchers are the best loyalty perk, but it's limited

My experience with relying on drink vouchers is they're either too few or more than enough, and it all depends on the person.

As an example, my parents are Diamond members and the idea of having 4 alcoholic drinks per day to them is crazy. Suffice to say, it's more than they need.

Plus, drink vouchers can be used for non-alcoholic drinks too, including premium coffee, bottled water, sodas, and more.

However, my friend that affectionally goes by "Big Dawg Ron", can use up his daily drinks before the end of lunch on embarkation day.

On this Utopia cruise, I went in with the mindset I'd limit myself to the drink vouchers and forgo a drink package.  But I bought the drink package already for my upcoming Brilliance of the Seas cruise.

Part of the decision matrix everyone goes through is the price of a drink package.

The daily cost can vary greatly, from as low as the mid $40 per day range to $115 per day when bought onboard.

Drink vouchers are perfect for casual drinkers or someone on a budget. Since they're included as a perk, you can use them or not and there's no value lost.

However, it still requires you to remember to use them and specifically ask the bartender to redeem one.  Many bar staff will notice you have a voucher and ask if you want to use it, but you cannot rely on that.

I find the drink vouchers are a fantastic perk if it matches your natural habits. But if you regularly exceed the allotment, a beverage package can be cheaper and less annoying.

Royal Caribbean has arguably the best private island with Perfect Day at CocoCay, and it's loaded with so much to try.

This is an exclusive place for Royal Caribbean passengers, and there are many ways to relax and optional add-ons to purchase.

I've visited CocoCay over 50 times so far, and explored just about every corner of it to determine the best things to do and how to maximize your visit. 

I love the variety of ways to spend a day within this tropical playground. There are beaches to visit, water park to conquer, cabanas to rent, and lots of food to try.

Admission to the island comes with your cruise fare, but there are certain areas that require an extra cost admission. Most of it is included with your fare.

If you're ready to learn everything you can do, how to make the most of your time, and whether it's something you should be excited about, here’s everything you need to know about Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay.

What is a day at Perfect Day at CocoCay like?

Many Caribbean cruises include a visit to Perfect Day at CocoCay, which is an island in The Bahamas owned and operated by Royal Caribbean.

Unlike other ports your cruise may visit, this one is just for Royal Caribbean passengers. Your ship pulls up to the pier and docks with up to one other ship.

Expect to be docked at the island for about 8 to 10 hours. You'll get a schedule of times you can disembark and the time to be back onboard by.

You can then walk off the ship and explore at your leisure.

The island is divided up into different zones, with each trying to provide a different vibe or experience. 

It's easy enough to walk around the island, but there is free tram service to take you around if you prefer. I'd estimate you could walk off your ship and to the furthest point in about 15 minutes at a leisurely pace.

The best things to try

It's up to you which area of Perfect Day at CocoCay you want to visit. Aside from an excursion or specific activity you book, you can roam the island as you see fit.

Nearly all the activities involve being in, around, or near the water.  The beach is number one activity, and you'll find a few different beaches to choose from:

• Chill Island: The traditional beach day experience
• South Beach: Beach day meets music, activities nearby, and even a floating bar
• Harbor Beach: An inlet that has little to no waves, great for young swimmers
• Breezy Bay: Another beach option that's convenient to other areas of the island
• Cove Beach: The place to go if you want to get away from everyone else because of it's remote location

There's also a giant freshwater pool at Oasis Lagoon which has a really fun swim-up bar. There's music playing here, and it has more of a pool party vibe to it.  

There are two aquatic play areas for young kids that you won't want to miss if you have children under the age of 8.

Captain Jill's Galleon is a pirate ship themed playground. There are slides, geysers, fountains and plenty of excuses to climb, descend, and get wet.

Right behind that is Splashaway Bay, which is an extra large version of the kids water play area found on many ships. There are even a few kiddie water slides here.

There are so many ways to get absolutely soaked, but luckily there are comfortable Adirondack chairs around it for parents to sit and watch while staying dry.

Thrill Waterpark is home to the giant water slides and wave pool. There's an admission cost, but you'll find all sorts of slides to challenge your sense of excitement.

The waterpark is quite popular with teens, but there's enough here for all members of the family.

If you prefer an upscale beach day, check out the Coco Beach Club.  

The beach club has a limited capacity and elevated features. The chairs are nicer, there's a wonderful sit down lunch offered in its own restaurant.

Another popular option is the adults-only area of Hideaway Beach.  Admission requires you to be at least 18 years old, and there's an enormous temperature-controlled pool, DJ playing music, and a few casual restaurants.

What costs extra and what is included?

It's your choice if you want to spend extra on the optional add-ons for your day at CocoCay.

There's enough included for free by Royal Caribbean that you don't need to pay for other things.

Included for no extra cost

• Oasis Lagoon pool access
• Chill Island beach access
• Breezy Bay beach access (including sports courts & games)
• South Beach beach access (including sports courts & games)
• Harbor Beach beach access
• Cove Beach beach access
• Captain Jack’s (for seating, not food)
• Splashaway Bay
• Captain Jill's Galleon
• Towels (from ship), beach chairs, umbrellas, hammocks
• Buffet-style lunch at Skipper’s Grill and Chill Grill
• Food from Snack Shack
• Tram service
• Lockers
• Beach access wheelchairs

Costs extra

• Thrill Waterpark
• Zipline
• Up Up & Away helium balloon
• Cabanas
• Day Beds
• Snorkel gear
• Jet skis
• Coco Beach Club
• Hideaway Beach
• All bars and self-serve beer stations (Your drink package still works on the island)

Prices for these add-ons vary depending on your sailing. There isn't a standard cost, because Royal Caribbean uses variable pricing based on demand.

Here are some example prices for a visit on Star of the Seas in summer 2026 when pre-purchased before the cruise:

• Hideaway Beach pass: $55.99 per person
• Coco Beach Club pass: $229.99 per person
• Thrill Waterpark day pass: $104.00 per person
• Zipline: $62.99 per person
• Up Up & Away helium balloon: $78.99 per person
• Breezy Bay Full-Day Beach Bed Rental: $549.00 each
• Floating Beach Mat: $15.99 each
• Chill Island Cabanas: $1,449.00 each

Some of these prices are on the lower end of the spectrum, and priced well because of a pre-cruise sale.

Food options

After all the fun you'll have around the island, you're going to want lunch (and a few snacks).

Royal Caribbean includes a lot of food for your CocoCay visit. There are four Snack Shack locations you can visit, and it's a great grab-and-go option. Be sure to try the best mozzarella sticks ever. 

Alternatively Chill Grill and Skipper's Grill have a buffet, including a taco bar. There's also more typical island fare, like burgers, hot dogs, and salads.

If you go to the paid areas (Hideaway Beach, Coco Beach Club, or Thrill Waterpark), there are restaurants in each of those areas too.

My favorite food from food quality perspective is the Coco Beach Club restaurant.  Filet mignon, lobster, fried shrimp, and it's specialty restaurant level good stuff. 

For free food, I really like the taco bar because I can make a taco bowl and load it up with so many toppings. It's the perfect beach day refresh.

There are no shortage of bars, and some are really fun. 

The floating bar in South Beach requires a short swim to reach, but it's worth the effort. Far easier to get to, the swim-up bar in Oasis Lagoon is a party and has lots of shade. If you're more of a beach bar person, try the Wacky Seagull (Chill Island) or Coconut Willie’s Bar (South Beach).

Should you reserve things before your visit?

The free areas require no advanced reservations or bookings. It's all first-come, first-reserved.

But if you want to purchase any of the optional add-ons, I would recommend booking it in advance because they sell out often.

Demand for these activities has been higher because Royal Caribbean has done a better job at marketing them.

Plus, the cost is always cheaper if you pre-book, rather than waiting to book it onboard the ship or even on the island. In fact, I think it's a mistake to wait to book these items because of the elevated risk of it selling out.

You can book anything at Perfect Day at CocoCay before the cruise begins on the Cruise Planner site or in the Royal Caribbean app.

I prefer to use the Cruise Planner site because it's easier to quickly navigate. Log into your Royal Caribbean account and then find your upcoming sailing.

There is a Perfect Day at CocoCay section, and from here you can find every single add-on to purchase.

Recommendations to bring with you

Visiting CocoCay is a lot like any cruise port in that you should bring certain items with you.  

You absolutely need to bring your SeaPass card with you to get on and off the ship. Plus, it's the only way to pay for drinks or add-ons around the island.

Before you head ashore, here's what you should have with you.

• Swimsuit & cover-up
• Shoes (flip flops or water shoes)
  • Closed-toe shoes if you're doing the zip line
• Sunscreen
• SeaPass card
• Towels (provided on ship)
  • If you are in a cabana or Coco Beach Club, towels are provided for you.

Of course, I'd recommend bringing a hat, sunglasses, rash guard, and a beach bag to help make your day more enjoyable.

One thing you definitely don't need to bring is your passport. Leave it on the ship.

Got kids? Here's what to know

Without a doubt, you'll find lots for kids to do at Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Thrill Waterpark is an obvious choice for families, given the water slides are such an inviting option.  You can buy day passes for everyone, or opt for a Thrill Waterpark cabana because it includes admission for up to six people.

Keep in mind there are height requirements for the water slides, ranging between 42 inches and 48 inches.

Families with young children will love the two splash areas that are near the entrance to the island. 

Not only are both free, but it's perfect for kids to run around and get drenched. There are life guards here (and at every pool and beach), so it's a safe environment for them to play and splash.

If you want a family beach day, Harbor Beach is a great choice if you have swimmers that aren't very strong. There aren't big waves at CocoCay top begin with, but the cove here is almost like a pool because of how calm the water is.  

Plus, it's the least crowded beach you're likely to find.

In terms of food, there's no shortage of the usual foods picky eaters love. There's no excuse for your kids being hangry given how much food is offered, and that it's all included.

Hot dogs, burgers, tacos, and more are available at both Skipper's Grill and Chill Grill. 

My top tips for your first visit

Before you head off the ship and start your day, here's my top recommendations for Perfect Day at CocoCay do's and don'ts.

Get off the ship as early as you can: You really should arrive early to claim a spot for your family.

There are lots of chairs and umbrellas, but they do go quickly. The first area to run out of chairs is Oasis Lagoon, followed by Chill Island.

I'd recommend disembarking the ship before 10am to get a shady spot in the area you want.

Bring a waterproof phone case for pool/beach pics: You're going to want to take photos, so I'd recommend a good waterproof case. (This link contains an affiliate link, which costs you nothing extra)

Buy cabanas or passes early: No matter the price, most of the extra cost options around CocoCay will sell out before your cruise begins.

Plan ahead and book your shore excursions beforehand! 

You can always cancel and rebook later if there's a price drop, but waiting to book it is usually a mistake.

Your beverage and WiFi package work on the island: If you bought a Voom internet package or drink package, those benefits work also on CocoCay. It's a huge amunt of added value.

Best times for the water park slides: Lines are worst from mid-morning to about lunch time.  

Try to hit the slides before 10:30am or after 2pm.

Swimming with the pigs is overrated: Trust us, as cute as it sounds, it's a waste of money and you're going to end up surrounded by pig poop.

Swap your wet towels out: There are towel stations around the island, so there's no reason to bring back wet towels.

Another major winter storm is expected to slam the United States over the weekend. The effects, however, are being felt beyond land — with cruise itineraries being disrupted in anticipation of strong winds. 

Passengers sailing on this weekend's Utopia of the Seas voyage were informed that their scheduled visit to Perfect Day at CocoCay was canceled due to the weather forecast and unsafe docking conditions. 

"[W]e unfortunately have to cancel our visit to Perfect Day at CocoCay, Bahamas on Sunday due to strong winds. As a result, and to provide you with the best and safest experience, we'll now enjoy a Sea Day instead," reads a letter given to guests. 

That isn't the only change, either. Rather than departing Nassau at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 31, Utopia of the Seas will had her departure time changed.

First, they shortened it to leaving the Bahamian capital at 5:00pm, but then the all aboard time was revised again to 2:30pm.

"We're terribly sorry for the last-minute change caused by the weather — your safety is our top priority. Please know, being onboard is the safest place to be, as we can move out of the way of any inclement weather," the letter continues. 

Royal Caribbean is not providing any compensation for the canceled port beyond the standard port fee refund. Those who pre-booked shore excursions through the cruise line will receive an onboard credit, which can be used anywhere on the Oasis Class ship.

Any remaining funds at the end of the sailing will be reimbursed to the card on file in up to 14 business days after disembarkation. 

At the time of writing, Utopia of the Seas is expected to return to Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida, as scheduled at 6:30 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 2. 

Royal Caribbean's Liberty of the Seas is also skipping its stop at Perfect Day at CocoCay on Sunday. Like Utopia, Liberty will spend an extra day at sea before returning to Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Additionally, the Freedom Class vessel will depart Nassau early on Saturday, leaving around 2:30 p.m. 

Finally, Adventure of the Seas is rumored to depart 2 hours earlier than scheduled on Saturday, Jan. 31, from Port Canaveral, Florida. Moreover, the ship is skipping its stop in Nassau on Feb. 1. 

Massive bomb cyclone targeting the East Coast

According to the Weather Channel, Winter Storm Gianna is expected to intensify into a bomb cyclone, with snow, strong winds, and coastal flooding impacting the Carolinas, Virginia, and New England. 

Winter storm warnings are in effect for much of the East Coast, ranging from the Southeast all the way up to Cape Cod and Nantucket Island, Massachusetts. 

AccuWeather reported that certain southern cities, including Charlotte, Raleigh, and Greensboro, North Carolina, could be facing their biggest snowstorm in decades. Preliminary estimates also suggest that snowfall totals in Norfolk, Virginia, could top last February’s 11.1 inches.

The arctic blast is pushing south as well, with impacts expected as far as South Florida and the Bahamas. In Port Canaveral, for example, the low on Saturday is forecast around 29°F, and near-freezing temperatures are possible across parts of Broward and Miami-Dade counties, CBS News confirmed. 

Other ships impacted by the strengthening major nor'easter

(Credit: Scott Sanders, The DCL Blog/X)

Like Utopia of the Seas, Disney Wish will skip its scheduled stop to Castaway Cay, Disney Cruise Line's private Bahamaian island, this weekend. 

"We have been closely monitoring a weather system that will impact our planned stop at Disney Castaway Cay," a letter given to impacted passengers reads. 

"Given the anticipated strong winds and adverse sea conditions predicted in The Bahamas overnight on Saturday and during the day on Sunday, we will not be able to visit Disney Castaway Cay on Sunday. We will instead spend more time in Nassau, on Saturday night and throughout the morning on Sunday."

(Credit: John Wojtasiak/Facebook)

Even ships already at sea are being forced to adjust. Carnival Sunshine, for example, is returning to Norfolk at 7:00 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 31. The Sunshine Class vessel was originally expected to arrive in Virginia on Sunday. 

Consequently, the ship’s scheduled visit to Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos, on Thursday was canceled to allow enough time to sail up the East Coast.

Carnival Sunshine passengers do not have to disembark from the ship upon its arrival in Virginia — they may remain on board until Sunday as originally planned. 

Read more: Carnival ends cruise early to avoid developing Nor'easter

Regardless, everyone will receive a one-day prorated refund of the paid cruise fare to the original form of payment, along with a one-day prorated refund for any pre-purchased drink packages, Wi-Fi plans, and prepaid gratuities. Carnival is also providing passengers with a complimentary Value Wi-Fi plan to handle last-minute travel arrangements. 

Carnival's letter, which was signed by Captain Leonardo Contarino, concludes, "Once again, we are truly sorry that the weather is affecting our plans this week and thank you for your patience and understanding. My team and I remain committed to taking good care of you for the rest of our time together." 

Similarly, Norwegian Breakaway is rushing back to New York and skipping its visit to St. Thomas. The ship is expected to arrive on Feb. 1 at 11:00 p.m., rather than Feb. 3. The extra two nights in New York will be treated as an overnight port of call.

Is it cheaper to use a travel agent and do travel agents get better deals on cruises?

Travel agents are an incredible resource for planning your first cruise, and yet so many new cruisers miss out on their expertise.

I always use a travel agent to book my cruises, and firmly believe only stand to benefit from using a good travel agent.

Unlike air travel, cruises are very personalized.  Picking the right cruise ship, choosing the right stateroom, deciding when to have dinner, navigating travel insurance and more are all personal decisions that someone who has never cruised before needs to figure out.

A good travel agent is there to not just book a cruise, but be your guide and advocate all the way through the vacation itself. 

If you're trying to figure out if you should use a travel agent to book a cruise, here are my top reasons to try one.

The best agents don't charge you any fees for their services

Let's debunk one myth about travel agents, which is they cost you money to use them.

There are some agencies that have service fees, but most do not. This is because Royal Caribbean pays them a commission for bookings they make, so they're paid in that way.

Moreover, it's in their best interest to treat you right because the way they grow their business (and profits) is to have their clients come back and book more sailings.

Any travel agent you use should not charge you fees to book, service, change, or cancel a cruise.  While Royal Caribbean may charge you change fees (they do that to everyone), the agent should not.

Yes, a travel agent could save you money

A lot of people try a travel agent for one reason: they want to get the best price on a cruise.

The listed price of a cruise is the same if you book with Royal Caribbean or a travel agent, but travel agents sometimes have access to special rates.

Known as group rates, sometimes an agency can negotiate a better price than what you see on the cruise line website because they have a bulk rate set up. 

It's not always the case, but my travel agent routinely surprises me with better-than-expected prices because of group prices.

In addition, a travel agent might have extra booking benefits to offer. There can be bonus onboard credit, complimentary specialty dining, or a free soda package included when you book a cruise.

Perks for booking are a nice bonus, but it's not always offered. What perks travel agents get you when booking cruises depends on the arrangement they have at the time with the cruise line.

At worst, you'll pay no more for using a travel agent. But you might just get a better price.

You're going to have a lot of questions that a travel agent can answer

A lot of people book with a travel agent for the first time because they're chasing the lowest price, but their expertise is why you should really use a travel agent.

Cruises are complicated and there are a lot of decisions you need to make at the time of booking:

• Cruise line
• Itinerary
• Ship
• Stateroom
• Refundable or non-refundable deposit
• Prepay gratuities or not
• My Time Dining or Traditional Dining
• Travel insurance
• Pre-cruise transportation

Sure, you can read all about those things on this blog (thank you!), but a travel agent will make it all easier for you.

Think of it like having a lawyer versus not having one.  You can certainly represent yourself in court, but a lawyer is so much easier.  But unlike a lawyer, a good travel agent costs you nothing extra.

One of the most common problems new cruisers run into are situations they had no idea were a mistake.  Booking the wrong stateroom, choosing a ship that doesn't have the amenities they expected, cruising during the wrong time of year, and more are all situations where a travel agent could have warned them about what they should do instead.

The saying, "you don't know what you don't know" applies very much to a cruise. Cruises aren't difficult, but there are a lot of nuances to figure out.

I find a travel agent makes it all so much easier, whether it's your first cruise or not.

Travel agents can step in if there's a problem

Another you didn't know you needed a travel agent reason is if there's some kind of a problem.

Royal Caribbean isn't perfect, and issues can pop up.  Reservations get accidentally cancelled, ships are redeployed, things break on your sailing, and plenty of other unforeseen circumstances can pop-up. In all of these, a travel agent is the one that will "fight" with the cruise line to get you a resolution.

First and foremost, travel agents are the ones that wait on hold for someone to answer the phone and then pursue a problem.

Unlike you, a travel agent knows how to escalate problems to higher-ups when the solution is unsatisfactory. 

The best agents have resources within the cruise line that can "bend" policies from time to time, when the situation messy.

During hurricane season, a travel agent can assist if you vacation is impacted by changing flight plans or excursions.

They're not just there to book a cruise. Rather, they are "in your corner" until you get home.

They can reprice a cruise so much easier than you can

Want to know my favorite perk of using a travel agent? Taking advantage of a price drop.

Royal Caribbean has a not-so-simply means of repricing a cruise before the final payment date, and there is no doubt repricing is easier for travel agents than someone that books directly.

Travel agents have self-service tools to allow them to reprice a cruise, and if there's a problem, they reach out and speak to their reps to get a resolution.

When people that booked directly try to reprice, I have seen far too many situations where one phone rep doesn't know the rules and gives the guest incorrect information.

Not to mention all I have to do is text my travel agent to reprice and that's it.  They do the work and I do nothing else and do not waste my time on the phone.

Reality check: not all travel agents are the same

Just like there are bad Italian restaurants, not every travel agent is the best.

I recommend using a good travel agent, which means you need to find the right one.

I'm certain someone in the comments will say something like "I used a travel agent and it was terrible." But do you swear off all Italian restaurants after one bad meal? No, you find a great restaurant.

The same logic applies to travel agents. You should ask friends and family for recommendations on who to use.

Since you're wondering, I recommend and use MEI Travel to book all of my Royal Caribbean cruises.  

Full disclosure, MEI Travel is a sponsor of this site. But I have used them for many years before they were ever a sponsor, and I refer my parents and siblings to them when they need to book a cruise, because I trust them that much.

MEI Travel are experts in Royal Caribbean cruises and have agents that have seen just about every crazy situation and gets results.  Plus, they go an extra step and will actually proactively check for price drops so I don't have to (although, I still do anyway)! 

Best yet, MEI Travel does not charge any fees for their services.

How to find a travel agent for a cruise

I've found the best way to find a travel agent is to ask for a recommendation from family or friends that one that they love.

No matter which agent you find, I'd ask the cruise travel agent a few questions before you book anything.

• How long have you sold cruises with Royal Caribbean?
• How many cruises have you taken with Royal Caribbean?
• How will we communicate if I have questions or changes (phone, email, text)?
• What can I expect in response times to questions I have?

Establishing expectations and lines of communication are critical with a travel agent. I find establishing what you and the agent can expect initially reduces the chance of problems later.

If you prefer phone calls over emails, you'll want an agent that's available for phone calls. Some are, and some aren't.

There's a travel agent out there for everyone, but you need to find one that meshes well with your style.

Cruising has long been considered one of the most affordable types of vacations. In 2026, however, setting sail comes with a higher price tag than ever before.

From rising operational costs to unprecedented demand (including over 9.4 million vacations in 2025), travelers will notice that booking a Royal Caribbean cruise costs more than it did in years past. 

For example, during Royal Caribbean Group's (RCG) Q4 earnings call on Thursday, January 29, executives remarked that pricing in the Caribbean was higher than in previous years. 

"[W]e're seeing high demand [of travelers] wanting to go to the Caribbean... [So] we're not only seeing good volume, but our pricing is higher in the Caribbean than it was last year," Jason Liberty, Royal Caribbean Group's CEO, reported. 

While the value is still strong compared to land-based vacations, pricey add-ons and dynamic pricing strategies can quickly drive up the total cost of a cruise by hundreds (or thousands) of dollars. 

Here are four key reasons why your cruise will likely cost more in 2026 — and a few ways to save money on your long-awaited getaway. 

Record-breaking demand

It seems as though every few months, Royal Caribbean announces its strongest booking period ever. Most recently, they experienced the strongest seven booking weeks in the company's history since the last earnings call in October 2025. 

"2025 was an outstanding year defined by strong demand for our brands and vacation experiences," Liberty stated. 

This demand has a direct impact on pricing, as travelers are willing to pay more and spend more money on board Royal's ships. In fact, recent research from the cruise line shows that its target audience feels financially secure, with 40% planning to increase their leisure travel spending over the next year.

Liberty continued, "We're getting the volumes that are more than what our capacity increases, and we're benefiting from a lot of the investments that we've made," indicating that demand is also exceeding capacity growth. 

Read more: 5 Royal Caribbean cruises where your dollar will go further right now

Limited 2026 inventory

Demand for cruising has surged well beyond pre-pandemic levels, and it's evident in how quickly and how far in advance ships are selling out. 

Liberty put it plainly: demand is off the charts, with the company already about two-thirds booked for the year.

"[Our] book load factors well within historical ranges at record rates. This sets us up to optimize pricing and yield growth as we continue to build the book of business for the balance of the year," he explained. 

Limited inventory directly correlates to higher fares and fewer too-good-to-be-true last-minute deals and promotions. 

As such, with much of 2026 already booked, travelers who wait to book their vacation risk paying a premium or missing out due to sold-out voyages. 

Read more: Why you should book a 2026 cruise right now

AI-driven pricing tools

While cruise fares have always been priced dynamically to help balance supply and demand, Royal Caribbean has recently leaned heavily into the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to max out prices. 

"Our yield management models... are AI-based. They do learn… [and] we have a pretty good handle now on close-in demand, how we market it, [and] how we price it... and our yield management and forecasting is informed by all of that," Liberty remarked during the earnings call. 

This means that the data that's analyzed and collected in real-time is used to increase cruise fares without hurting the overall demand. 

AI is also being used to make vacations easier to discover, plan, and personalize. Improving overall guest satisfaction means that people are typically comfortable paying more for high-end vacations and pricey add-ons. 

"We are improving our ability to curate and personalize what guests see while increasing pre-cruise engagement… The goal is to reduce friction, improve the experience, and present relevant options that add value to the guest," added Liberty. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean's AI push helps explain why cruises cost more

Working to close the value gap with land-based vacations

It's no secret that Royal Caribbean is actively working to make cruising more appealing than traditional land-based destinations. It's been one of their goals for years — and they believe that they are well on their way, noting that cruise vacations are increasingly competitive with tourist spots like Orlando and Las Vegas, Nevada. 

"The cruise value proposition continues to resonate due to quality, amenities, value, and convenience," explained Liberty. 

Included in the base fare are accommodations, entertainment, dining, and transportation to different destinations — an experience that cannot be replicated at Walt Disney World (no, drinking around the world at Epcot doesn't count). 

The success of the line's private destinations, including Perfect Day at CocoCay and the brand-new Royal Beach Club Paradise Island, further reinforces the value proposition. 

Within four weeks, for example, the Royal Beach Club has become the number one rated attraction in Nassau, according to Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley. 

These unique land experiences that can only be visited on a Royal Caribbean cruise, combined with the amenities and overall value offered on board, create a vacation that’s hard to beat.

The results speak for themselves, too. "[W]hat we see is we're closing gaps to Orlando. We're closing gaps to Vegas. We're closing gaps to other vacation all-inclusive experiences," Liberty claimed. 

Read more: Why are cruises so popular? 6 reasons cruise demand is bigger now than ever

Strategies to save money on Royal Caribbean cruises

Even with the rising prices, there are ways to make your vacation affordable. For starters, you should book as soon as possible. Securing your cabin in advance helps lock in lower fares since there's more available inventory. 

Additionally, dditionally, being flexible with dates lets you take advantage of lower shoulder-season rates, which can save money compared with peak travel periods. If, for instance, you're eyeing a Caribbean cruise, fares will be higher in July than in February or October.

Finally, there's no denying that balconies are tempting, but they aren't the cheapest stateroom option. To save money on your overall fare, consider booking an inside room. While you may not have access to a private verandah, you will have the same basic cabin amenities, including a television, an ensuite bathroom, storage space, and a Royal King bed that can be converted into two twins. 

Royal Caribbean Group's secret weapon isn’t new ships: it's AI. See the company's fourth quarter earnings for proof.

Backed by strong demand for its brands and vacation experiences, 2025 proved to be an outstanding year for Royal Caribbean.

During Royal Caribbean Group's (RCG) Q4 earnings call on Thursday, January 29, company executives acknowledged that demand for cruising remains strong. 

In fact, RCG experienced the best seven booking weeks in the company's history since the last earnings call in October 2025. Approximately two-thirds of the 2026 inventory has already been booked at higher rates than in the past. 

"We’re not only seeing good volume, but our pricing is higher in the Caribbean than it was last year," said Jason Liberty, Royal Caribbean Group CEO. 

However, higher fares are also being driven by the company’s expanding use of artificial intelligence (AI), which has helped RCG optimize pricing in real time and determine if last-minute discounts are necessary. 

Fares are higher than last year, but it's not just demand

Cruise fares have always been priced dynamically. In other words, the cost of an interior cabin on a weeklong cruise aboard Star of the Seas can fluctuate within hours based on how much inventory remains for that specific sailing.

This dynamic pricing system is standard within the cruise industry, as it helps companies balance supply and demand while keeping ships full during off-peak and peak travel periods. Recently, however, Royal Caribbean has leaned heavily into its use of AI to inform how it prices its cruises.

"Our yield management models... are AI-based," Liberty explained. "They do learn… [and] we have a pretty good handle now on close-in demand, how we market it, [and] how we price it... and our yield management and forecasting is informed by all of that." 

By analyzing the data these systems collect in real-time, Royal Caribbean can increase its fares without hurting the overall demand for its products. 

Read more: Analysis of cruise pricing data to find the cheapest time to book

Higher prices are sticking

Royal Caribbean’s cruise fares are rising, but demand remains strong because travelers are willing to pay more and spend more onboard. The cruise line's latest research shows that its consumers feel financially secure and continue to prioritize experiences, with 40% planning to increase their leisure travel spending in the next year. 

Not only that, but demand is exceeding capacity growth. As such, Royal Caribbean can continue raising fares while still keeping ships full, with premium experiences and onboard spending a central part of its long-term revenue strategy.

"[W]e're seeing people who are willing to pay more money than they did last year. They're willing to spend more money on the ships than they did last year," Liberty explained. "We're getting the volumes that are more than what our capacity increases, and we're benefiting from a lot of the investments that we've made."

Other ways Royal Caribbean is using AI across its operations

AI-driven pricing tools are just one way that Royal Caribbean is using artificial intelligence in its day-to-day operations. 

"AI and disruptive technology are becoming a foundational advantage for us. Representing a core capability that improves the guest experience, strengthens our commercial engine, and helps us run the business more intelligently," Liberty said during the Q4 call. 

Beyond pricing, the company is using AI to expand the way guests interact with its entire family of brands, not just a single line within its portfolio, such as Royal Caribbean or Celebrity Cruises.

"[T]echnology and AI that make the experience more seamless and more personal," he added. "This approach expands the way guests can vacation with our family of brands and reinforces our vacation of a lifetime strategy."

For example, they aim to use technology to make vacations easier to discover and plan, improving overall guest satisfaction. Relevance and personalization directly correlate to what people are willing to pay for a premium vacation and pricey add-ons. 

"We are improving our ability to curate and personalize what guests see while increasing pre-cruise engagement… The goal is to reduce friction, improve the experience, and present relevant options that add value to the guest," Liberty said. 

In their eyes, AI isn't meant to replace the work of paid employees, either. Rather, when used correctly, it's a tool that can make their experience better and provide even more value. 

Liberty continued, "We are also using AI to improve efficiency and execution, from supply chain forecasting to energy management and marine operations. These are the types of capabilities that build durable operating leverage over time and reinforce our focus on margin expansion and returns."