Royal Caribbean Blog

Royal Caribbean's new home in Galveston, Texas is open for cruise ships.

Terminal 3 in Galveston is Royal Caribbean's brand new cruise terminal, purpose built to allow the cruise line to send in the biggest cruise ships in the world.

The new $125 million cruise terminal is a symbol of the cruise line's dedication to the Galveston cruise market, and following in the tradition set forth by Royal Caribbean's other recently constructed buildings, it's spectacular to see.

I was invited to sail on Allure of the Seas for a 4-night preview event, where we could walk through and experience the new cruise terminal.

The new terminal is located at Pier 10 for exclusive use by Royal Caribbean.

The building is 161,300 square feet and is a state-of-the-art building, including mobile check-in and facial recognition to expedite guest arrival.

It will is a LEED-certified terminal (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), which means it is environmentally responsible and use resources efficiently. 

Architects Bermello Ajamil & Partners Inc. came up with the look of the new terminal, but this firm is no stranger to Royal Caribbean. They also designed Terminal A in Miami, Cape Liberty Cruise Terminal, and Port Everglades' Terminal 18 and 25.

Not only can Terminal 3 handle Oasis Class ships, it will also be able to accommodate Royal Caribbean's new Icon Class ships.

Let's take a virtual tour in and around the new terminal!

Outside

Similar to the other new cruise terminals that Royal Caribbean has built recently, the new Galveston terminal is bright with lots of large signage.

As you drive in, there is a pick up and drop off area, with multiple lanes to allow cars to easily get in and out.

The porters in the new terminal all have a new Caribbean-inspired motif to them, which they say they will wear every day. 

There is parking available across 4 different lots at the terminal.

Once you drop off your luggage, the entrance is towards the front of the terminal.

Keep in mind the waiting area if you have a later check-in time was uncovered from the sun on the day I was there.

Entry way

Once inside the new cruise terminal, you are greeted with a cavernous lobby.

Similar to Terminal A in PortMiami, there are different ways to enter for suite guests and everyone else. Also similar to Terminal A are the large propellors hanging from the ceiling.

The main entrance for most guests will be up the escalator on the left. There is an elevator as well.

Check-in

Your first stop inside the terminal will be for check-in.

There are agents lined up to check you in by scanning your SetSail pass.  This is when completing the online check-in before the cruise pays off, because if you do everything ahead of time, this will take a matter of seconds.

Once you complete check-in, you'll go through security. This is when your bags and belongings get scanned.

Suites area

The new Galveston cruise terminal has a special area for suite guests.

When you enter the terminal, there is a special entrance for suite guests.

This not only means a shorter wait, but it expedites the process of getting you physically from curb to the waiting area.

Waiting area

Once you are past security, you will have a seat in the waiting area if the ship isn't ready to board yet.

There are lots of comfortable couches on both sides of the enormous room.

There are also restrooms here and vending machines, should you need them.

There's also a fun Instagrammable wall.

You will also find a large piece of art that was sourced by local artists.

Forged in stainless steel and lost-wax bronze, the Galveston Beach Trio is the embodiment of island time and a dynamic first impression. It is the creation of Texas-based Brad Oldham Sculpture.

Boarding and gangway

When they call you to board your ship, the process is just like any other cruise terminal.

Your SetSail pass gets scanned one last time and then you walk down a hallway, where you can stop to take a photo with the ship.

Then, it's onto the ship and walking onboard!

Galveston port parking coupon

The Port of Galveston is running a special for parking at the port during the month of November.

Cruise Terminal 10 parking includes a park-and-walk lot and parking with free shuttles.

If you pre-book your parking in November, you can save $10 off with coupon code THANKYOU.

Just go to www.portofgalveston.com and use the code to save on your next cruise.

Are you ready to book an Alaska cruise in 2024?

Royal Caribbean has released its Alaska cruises for the 2024 season.

The cruise line will send four cruise ships to Alaska in 2023, matching the amount of ships it has been sending to the region in the years prior.

The new sailings are posted on Royal Caribbean's website.

Why booking early is so important

If you want to get in some of the lowest Alaska cruise prices, booking early is the key.

Equally important is the ability to get a specific cabin, especially suites.  Some highly desirable cruise cabins sell out quickly, especially the aft balcony cabins on the Radiance Class ships.

Read more: Difference between aft balcony & balcony cabins

While you could roll the dice and hope for a better last-minute deal on an Alaska cruise, the cabin selections will be paltry at best.

More information to help you save money on an Alaska cruise:

• How far in advance to book an Alaska cruise
• What is the cheapest month for an Alaska cruise?
• Tips for taking an Alaska cruise on a budget

A look at the 2024 Alaska cruises

The new Alaska 2022 cruises are available to book between April and September 2024.

Ovation of the Seas will sail from Seattle and offer 7- and 8-night Alaska glacier cruises.

Quantum of the Seas will also sail from Seattle, sailing 7-night cruises.

Both Quantum Class ships will visit scenic cities and towns along the Northwest coastline, including Victoria, British Columbia; Sitka, Skagway, Ketchikan and Juneau, Alaska.

The two Radiance Class ships will offer cruises from Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

Radiance of the Seas will offer 7-10 night Alaska cruises that can also combine with Land Tours to offer immersive visits to Alaska, including in-land destinations such as Denali. 

Radiance is sailing alternating, open-jaw itineraries between Vancouver and Seward.

Brilliance of the Seas will sail primarily 7-night roundtrip cruises, including some multi-glacier cruises that visit Hubbard Glacier in addition to Dawes Glacier.

Be sure to consult the Royal Caribbean website or your travel professional for further assistance with itinerary options and booking.

Hawaii 2024 cruises

In addition to the Alaska cruises, Royal Caribbean also included Hawaii cruises in this new deployment.

Royal Caribbean sails to Hawaii as part of the repositioning process to get its vessels between North America and Australia. This means each ship that sails to Alaska, does a one-time Hawaii cruise as it gets into position.

At the time of this article's posting, Radiance of the Seas Hawaii itineraries are not listed yet.

In April 2024, the ships will offer cruises from Hawaii to North America:

• Brilliance of the Seas: 8-night cruise from Oahu to Vancouver with stops in Maui & Hawaii.
• Ovation of the Seas: 9-night cruise from Oahu to Vancouver with stops in Maui & Hawaii.
• Quantum of the Seas: 10-night cruise from Oahu to Vancouver with a sailing along the Napali Coast and stops in Maui & Hawaii.

At the conclusion of the Alaska cruise season, the ships reverse the itinerary and sail from Vancouver to Hawaii.

• Brilliance of the Seas: 10-night cruise from Vancouver to Oahu with stops in Kauai, Maui, Hilo& Hawaii.
• Ovation of the Seas: 9-night cruise from Vancouver to Oahu with a stop in Maui and sailing along the Napali Coast.
• Quantum of the Seas: 10-night cruise from Vancouver to Oahu with stops in Victoria, Seattle & Maui.

More about Alaska cruises

• 50 tips for planning your Alaska cruise
• How to choose the right Alaska cruise itinerary
• What is the best time to cruise to Alaska?
• What Is an Alaska Inside Passage Cruise?
• What to pack for a cruise to Alaska?
• Best things to do on an Alaska cruise

A Royal Caribbean cruise may be synonymous with endless piña coladas on the pool deck… but what about laptops?

Cruise ships, despite being designed for vacations, can make for an excellent work environment. Working on a cruise means working without worrying about cooking, cleaning, or travel logistics. 

Just ask Super Mario, Royal Caribbean’s top cruiser, who has been working remotely on the cruise line’s ships for the better part of the past two decades!

Related: Life at sea - An interview with Royal Caribbean’s top cruiser, Super Mario

But even though "workationing" on a Royal Caribbean cruise may seem appealing to the most adventurous of remote workers, there's always been one major setback: the onboard Internet speeds (or lack thereof).

As Royal Caribbean begins implementing SpaceX Starlink internet on its cruise ships, though, will working remotely become a more feasible option for cruisers?

To see for myself, I boarded Royal Caribbean’s Liberty of the Seas earlier this week to put the ship’s new internet service to the test. Is it really possible to successfully work remotely on a cruise ship in 2022?

Let's find out.

Why in the world would you work from a cruise ship?

We must first address the elephant in the room: why would anyone ever work from a cruise ship instead of taking a vacation?

Throughout the past few years, remote work has become increasingly common. More and more people are able to work from home—or from anywhere. Remote work means many workers have the freedom to travel and work at the same time without worrying about limited PTO.

So while we don't recommend working on a vacation, remote workers are on workation. Working during the day and enjoying the ship’s fantastic dining options and entertainment at night? Cruising while working remotely can be an attractive option for those who want to travel more than they otherwise could have.

Improving internet on cruise ships

In the past, cruise ship internet was notoriously slow and connection issues were rampant. Facetiming friends and family back home, for example, would, more often than not, encounter delays and video freezes.

And if you had to upload any type of large file to the internet? Good luck. You would most likely end up finding yourself running to the nearest spot for wifi once in port.

Earlier this year, however, Royal Caribbean announced they would add SpaceX Starlink internet to every ship in the fleet. Their goal is to implement Starlink on all 26 ships in the fleet by the end of the first quarter of 2023.

Related: Spotted: Starlink being installed across multiple Royal Caribbean cruise ships

As someone who commonly works from a Royal Caribbean cruise ship, working with the ships’ internet speeds has been a constant struggle. I was curious to see how much Starlink internet would improve my working experience.

Putting it to the test: working remotely from Liberty of the Seas

I’ve been onboard Liberty of the Seas for the past three days now and have been blown away by how much easier working remotely (or even just browsing the internet) from the ship has been with Starlink internet speeds.

As soon as I got onboard, I tested the ship’s new internet, which was implemented just a few weeks ago. I was shocked to see a speed of nearly 70 mbps download and 8 mbps upload. For those unfamiliar with internet speeds, this is, as Google tells me, “very fast”.

Royal Caribbean’s previous internet service, VOOM internet, would typically have speeds of only 4 mbps download and 2 mbps upload. This is a huge difference not only for remote workers, but for anyone trying to use the internet onboard a cruise ship.

During my first day onboard, I was ecstatic to be able to send a few photos over to the Royal Caribbean Blog team and video chat family back home with no hassle, but how would the speeds hold up when sailing through the middle of the Caribbean?

Day 2 of our sailing was a sea day en route to the Dominican Republic. Being nowhere near land, I assumed the speed would be slower, but I still saw speeds of 18mbps download and 10 mbps upload.

Uploading a video on Starlink internet

To put these speeds into perspective, I’ll give an example of one way Royal Caribbean’s new Starlink internet can improve working conditions for remote workers.

Because we upload three videos weekly to the Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube channel, I need a solid internet connection while onboard. Previously, it might take 4+ hours to upload a 2GB video file to YouTube. I would usually leave the video to upload overnight and pray it successfully uploaded by the time I woke up the next morning!

When I tested it out this week on Liberty of the Seas, however, I was able to upload a 2GB video (a large file size) in just 45 minutes…while in the middle of the Caribbean Sea!

While the upload and download speeds still aren't the fastest internet speeds in the world, they are 1000x better than the non-Starlink internet onboard. Unsurprisingly, internet speeds seem to be a bit faster when near land compared to at sea.

Today, for example, I checked the speed as we are nearing the coastline of the Dominican Republic and was impressed to see a speed of 76 mbps download and 15.8 mbps upload!

In addition to working remotely, I’ve had absolutely zero connection issues when using the internet to stream videos on YouTube or video chat family back home. Compared to the past when Royal Caribbean’s VOOM internet would randomly shut on and off, my experience with Starlink onboard has been nothing but incredible!

The biggest issues with working remotely on a cruise

While Starlink Internet has made working remotely on a cruise ship infinitely better than in the past, it still comes with a few struggles that can make or break your ability to work remotely onboard.

Lack of public outlets

My biggest struggle whenever I work remotely on a cruise ship is that it’s difficult to find places to charge electronics outside of your cabin.

For obvious reasons, Royal Caribbean does not want its guests to sit on their computers and phones when they could be exploring the ship, participating in activities, shopping, and ordering drinks. There’s no real benefit in offering public outlets around the ship from a revenue perspective.

With a little exploration, however, you can usually find a few outlets in most public venues onboard. These outlets are almost always European-style (Type C) outlets, as these are the outlets used for the ship’s vacuums, so be sure to pack an outlet adapter.

If you’re able to work for several hours on one computer charge, you’ll find it easier to work remotely from a cruise ship compared to someone who must keep their electronics constantly plugged in.

I must say, however, that Liberty of the Seas has had the best remote work setup I've seen on any of the cruise line's ships yet. The internet cafe onboard has tables and chairs with several sets of both European and US-style outlets.

Ambient sound

If your work involves back-to-back calls throughout the day, you’ll find it difficult to find a quiet space to work from outside of your cabin.

From background music to ship announcements and conversations from fellow passengers, you’ll encounter noise in most public areas. While not always loud, it can be distracting if you’re hoping for a quiet “office” space.

Working from an international location

One other potential problem you may run into when trying to work remotely from a cruise ship is that you are technically working outside of the United States.

It’s important to review your company’s protocols and applicable tax laws before clocking in from the beach in Mexico or when sailing near the Cuban coastline.

My conclusion: it's totally possible to work from a cruise ship

As a remote worker, I constantly found myself wasting hours onboard waiting for photos and videos to upload to the Royal Caribbean Blog website or YouTube channel and it was insanely frustrating.

My recent cruise on Liberty of the Seas gave me the confidence that I can successfully work from a Royal Caribbean ship without any unnecessary stress or headaches.

Due to the fleet’s new Starlink internet and the increase in digital nomads—remote workers who travel the world with their laptops—I believe we will see more and more passengers taking a “workation” on Royal Caribbean’s ships in the future.

While working remotely on Royal Caribbean’s ships has always been possible, it’s certainly easier and more enjoyable now than ever before.

It's been a few weeks since our last construction photo update of Royal Caribbean's next new cruise ship.

Icon of the Seas is being constructed at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland, and RoyalCaribbeanBlog commissioned a new set of drone photos to share with all of you what the ship looks like.

Since these are exclusive photos, please do not redistribute these photos. Feel free to share a link to this article instead.

These photos were taken earlier today from near the shipyard.

Last time we shared a photo update, we did not know what features Royal Caribbean had planned for the ship as details were still under wraps.  Since then, Royal Caribbean has revealed what the ship looks like, as well as many of the notable fun things to do onboard.  

One major change you're likely to notice is the addition of the AquaDome to the front of the ship.

The AquaDome will be a new neighborhood on Icon of the Seas that doubles as dining venue and evening theater.

The AquaDome was lifted from its former location behind the ship to its current position at the front of the ship.

You'll also notice the bow of the ship is fully installed, featuring the parabolic bow.

This is a functional design element that creates a curved indentation in the bottom of the vessel’s hull. 

Moving to the side of the ship, we can see a good look at the progress being made across the ship.

While none of the water slides are added yet, we can see the support structures for them.

The Royal Caribbean logo is also on the side of the ship, which is where you can try the Crown’s Edge aerial adventure.

It’s part skywalk, part ropes course, part thrill ride, and the floor can fall away leaving you dangling high over the ocean. 

Let's move to the aft of the ship and see the progress being made on the back half of the ship.

Where the AquaDome was located before, we still see something in its place.

Icon of the Seas is scheduled to be delivered in late 2023 and begin sailing in January 2024.

Icon of the Seas is the first of three Icon Class cruise ships, although more could be ordered. The other two Icon Class ships will be in service by 2026.

Liberty of the Seas, one of Royal Caribbean’s Freedom Class cruise ships, is packed with onboard activities, dining options, and impressive entertainment. Everything from waterslides and ice skating to a Broadway show can be found onboard, but with all the excitement of a Royal Caribbean cruise, it’s easy to miss out on some of the ship’s best features.

Because Liberty of the Seas just repositioned from Galveston to Fort Lauderdale, there will be many cruisers onboard this ship for the very first time. To make sure you are as prepared as possible for a cruise on Liberty of the Seas, we’re sharing our top 10 hidden secrets that you shouldn’t overlook.

Tidal Wave waterslide

Waterslides have become more and more common on cruise ships, and Liberty of the Seas has one of the most unique waterslides in Royal Caribbean’s fleet: the Tidal Wave.

The Tidal Wave waterslide is a boomerang-style slide, which allows guests to slide on a raft downhill before “boomeranging” up a nearly vertical wall. This boomerang motion brings a feeling of weightlessness to passengers before they slide back down for a big splash.

Related: Which Royal Caribbean ships have water slides?

Because this type of waterslide is only found on Liberty of the Seas, don’t miss the opportunity to try it once onboard!

Other than the Tidal Wave, you can also find the Perfect Storm waterslides on Liberty of the Seas.

In-pool seating at the Solarium

There’s no swim up bar available on Liberty of the Seas (the fleet’s first will come to Icon of the Seas). You can, however, order a drink at the Solarium Bar and enjoy it from the ship’s in-pool table and chairs.

Located directly under the bridge above the Solarium pool is a small table with chairs located underwater. If you’re looking for the most refreshing place to enjoy a tropical cocktail or beer onboard, this is undoubtedly the best spot.

Because this area is located in the Solarium, it’s reserved for guests aged 16 and above.

Related: Everything about Royal Caribbean’s Solarium

Free saunas and steam rooms

One perk of sailing on Liberty of the Seas is having access to complimentary saunas and steam rooms in the Shipshape Fitness Center.

These saunas and steam rooms are gender-segregated. They can be found in both the men and women’s changing rooms in the gym on Liberty of the Seas. Each changing room has one sauna and one steam room.

On newer or recently amplified Royal Caribbean ships, these complimentary spa areas have been removed. On some ships this area has been removed altogether whereas on others they have built a thermal spa in its place.

The thermal spa on those ships, though, comes at an extra cost. This makes the complimentary saunas and steam rooms a huge benefit of sailing on Liberty of the Seas.

There’s a Broadway show

Most Broadway shows are found only on Oasis or Quantum Class ships in Royal Caribbean’s fleet, but did you know Liberty of the Seas also has a Broadway show?

Saturday Night Fever can be found on Liberty of the Seas. This show transports guests straight to the 1970s to follow the story of Tony Manero, a Brooklynite who spends his weeknights dancing at a local nightclub.

The 90-minute show features music from the Bee Gees, Sunshine Band, and Tavares.

Sabor

Liberty of the Seas is one of the only ships in Royal Caribbean’s fleet without Izumi Sushi, but another top-notch restaurant can be found in its place: Sabor.

Sabor is Royal Caribbean’s Mexican specialty restaurant which focuses on combining traditional flavors with a modern twist. The restaurant is most well-known for offering endless guacamole customized to your spice preference.

Related: How to know if you should buy a Royal Caribbean dining package

Don’t miss the opportunity to build your own tacos with a choice of barbacoa, spicy chicken, fish tempura, or shrimp. If you’d prefer something different, consider a burrito, quesadilla, ceviche, calamari, or chicken-stuffed jalapeños.

You can also pair your meal with one of Sabor’s specialty margaritas, such as the Sweet & Spicy Margarita. Combining Patrón Reposado tequila with fresh juices from pineapple, carrot, lime, and red chili pepper, this drink is sure to pair perfectly with endless Mexican food.

Ben & Jerry’s Suite

When Royal Caribbean built the Freedom Class ships, including Liberty of the Seas, they built a Ben & Jerry’s ice cream parlor in the Royal Promenade.

The decor of Ben & Jerry’s includes signage with two cow statues overlooking the promenade. Although these statues added to the store’s design, they created a problem: the statues blocked the view from cabin 6305, one of the ship’s interior promenade view staterooms.

Related: The rare cruise ship cabins that get booked very quickly

Because of this, Royal Caribbean turned cabin 6305 into the Ben & Jerry’s Sweet. Instead of the typical cabin decor found elsewhere onboard, this cabin is designed with cow motif, including cow-print bedding, cow pillows, and cow wall art.

The best perks of the Ben & Jerry Sweet, however, include vouchers for complimentary Ben & Jerry’s ice cream and access to the Suite Lounge.

Helicopter Pad

All Radiance, Voyager, and Freedom Class cruise ships provide guests access to the helicopter pad. Located in the front of the ship, this spot is one of the best places to watch sailaway on Liberty of the Seas.

Related: The best spot for sailaway on every Royal Caribbean cruise ship

To access the helicopter pad on Liberty of the Seas, go to the outdoor Promenade Deck on deck 4. Walk all the way forward until you reach a set of stairs. Go up the stairs to deck 5, walk all the way forward, and you will reach the helicopter pad.

Easily missed quiet areas

While most people spend a Royal Caribbean cruise enjoying activities, entertainment, and lounging by the pool, some guests are looking for a quiet space to relax.

Liberty of the Seas has quite a few hidden places to take a break from the hustle and bustle found elsewhere onboard. Most of these locations can easily be overlooked, however, especially if you don’t stumble upon them by chance.

Here are our favorite tranquil spots on Liberty of the Seas:

• Internet Cafe/Loyalty Ambassador space (deck 8 between aft elevators)
• Library (deck 9 between aft elevators)
• Card Room (deck 10 between aft elevators)
• Seating space near Liberty Dunes (deck 13 forward)

On Air Karaoke Club

Karaoke is a popular nighttime activity onboard any Royal Caribbean cruise ship, but Liberty of the Seas has a separate karaoke venue, the On Air club. Located on deck 3 by the Studio B ice-skating rink, this area of the ship is often overlooked due to areas like the theater and Royal Promenade.

If you’re looking to watch your fellow passengers put their vocal skills to the test (or bust out your own favorite tune) be sure to spend time at On Air while on Liberty of the Seas.

Most karaoke-specific venues are only found on Oasis Class ships, with others opting to have karaoke in other onboard entertainment spaces instead. This makes the On Air club on Liberty of the Seas unique—and the best place to watch karaoke onboard.

Red dog statue

If you’re searching for a fun photo opportunity, head to the port side aft elevators on Liberty of the Seas. Here you’ll find a cute statue of a red dog overlooking the Royal Promenade.

This fun statue may not bark or play fetch, but it’s a fun piece of art in addition to all the other unique artwork found on Liberty of the Seas.

For the best photo opportunity with the big red dog, have the photo-taker stand directly across from the dog at the starboard side elevators.

Cruising soon? Check out more hidden secrets on Royal Caribbean cruise ships:

• Top 10 Oasis of the Seas hidden secrets
• Top 10 Mariner of the Seas hidden secrets
• Top 10 Wonder of the Seas hidden secrets
• Top 10 Odyssey of the Seas hidden secrets

Construction of Icon of the Seas has reached a new milestone with one of the signature areas added to the ship.

Royal Caribbean has designed Icon of the Seas to have many new features that stand out from the rest of the fleet, as well as just about every other cruise ship out there.

The AquaDome is a new neighborhood concept that will take the AquaTheater concept from Oasis Class cruise ships to a new level.

On Sunday, the Meyer Turku shipyard installed the 363-ton dome, which has over 600 glass panels and was installed using more than 1,600 feet of cables. The length of cables is longer than the height of the Empire State Building.

The process of lifting the massive dome is a large-scale, complex process.

Up until now, the AquaDome was located next to Icon of the Seas at the shipyard.

The dome had been constructed on its own in tandem with ship construction. This is a common strategy in cruise ship building, as it allows multiple facets of the cruise ship construction process to be done simultaneously.

Cruise ship cabins, ship blocks, and other features are built elsewhere and then assembled together later at the shipyard.

What is the AquaDome?

Once complete, the AquaDome is located at the very top of Icon of the Seas.

It will be home to restaurants, retail, bars, lounge spaces, and–most importantly–Royal Caribbean’s next-level AquaTheater.

By day, passengers can relax in one of the AquaDome’s comfortable seating areas with expansive, 220 degree views of the ocean. Based on the ship’s deck plans, the AquaDome also features several dining venues including Hooked Seafood.

The show has the tallest waterfall at sea (55 feet tall), along with flying artists and divers.

Royal Caribbean is also promising guests will see a transforming pool, four robotic arms, state-of-the-art projection, and more.

Other notable new neighborhoods on Icon of the Seas

Besides AquaDome, there will be a few other new areas added to Icon of the Seas that are new to Royal Caribbean.

Thrill Island is a new water park at the top of Icon of the Seas, which has 6 waterslides to choose from.

If you prefer relaxation over excitement, then Chill Island neighborhood is for you, with seven pools to choose from, along with whirlpools, in-water loungers and breathtaking views. 

The Surfside neighborhood is another new concept designed with young families in mind, where adults and kids ages six and under can stay and play all day.

There will also be a revamped adults-only area, known as Cloud 17. For guests age 16+ years old, it overlooks the ocean with dedicated Lime &
Coconut bar and whirlpool.

The Hideaway has a multilevel terrace and first suspended infinity pool at sea.

Icon of the Seas launches in 2024

Icon of the Seas will debut in January 2024 from her homeport of Miami.

The first sailing of Icon of the Seas, a seven-night voyage out of Miami to the Eastern Caribbean, is scheduled for Jan. 27, 2024.

The ship will alternate between Eastern Caribbean and Western Caribbean itineraries.

Hurricane season isn't over yet, and the proof of that is in the late-season subtropical storm Nicole.

While not a hurricane yet (and possibly never a true hurricane), Royal Caribbean has begun re-routing a number of ships to avoid the path of the storm.  

Guests with sailings this week have been notified on a series of changes.

"We're very sorry for the last-minute change caused by the weather. The decision to modify our itinerary is not one taken lightly, and we explored all options before taking this measure," a letter distributed to guests on Liberty of the Seas said.

"However, as always, your safety comes first."

"Please know, being onboard a ship is one of the safest places to be because we are faster and can move out of the way of any inclement weather.

Read more: Safe at sea: what it’s like on a cruise ship when there’s a hurricane

Here are the changes due to Subtropical storm Nicole so far:

Liberty of the Seas will change her 4-night Bahamas cruise to skip all scheduled ports and instead sail to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic.

Freedom of the Seas will change from a 4-night Bahamas cruise to head to Falmouth, Jamaica instead.

Anthem of the Seas is altering her 7-night Bahamas itinerary to instead visit Labadee for two days in a row.

Independence of the Seas will still be able to visit Nassau as scheduled, but will drop a visit to Perfect Day at CocoCay.

The November 7 sailing of Independence of the Seas will be extended by one day and will now return on November 12. As a result, the November 11 sailing of Independence of the Seas will be shortened by a day and begin on November 12.

Enchantment of the Seas is on an 8-night Southeast Coast and Perfect Day Cruise.  She was already able to visit Charleston and Port Canaveral, but will drop Nassau and CocoCay and head back north.

Read more: What to know about cruising during hurricane season in the Caribbean

Necessary changes

Altering the planned itinerary for cruise ships due to a tropical storm is no simple task, and a large part of the planning process falls to Royal Caribbean's in-house meteorologist.

James Van Fleet shared a video update on Monday explaining the nuances of predicting a hurricane's track, which is necessary to know where to send Royal Caribbean's fleet to avoid the path.

"This is a very odd track, friends. It looks super weird, but it all makes sense to me meteorologically how this plays out."

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Mr. Van Fleet explained that the storm's track is the result of various fronts the storm will encounter, including a cold front that is going to, "punch it right in the face, knock it back to the south west."

"That's why such a weird track over the Bahamas, down over Florida, and then finally going north. It's because that first front literally pushes it back to the southwest. It hangs out for about 12 hours or so, and then a next front comes and grabs it as we get into Thursday and Friday and will yank it up the East Coast as we head into Saturday, Sunday and Monday."

Mr. Van Fleet sees swells between North Carolina, the Bahamas, and the east coast of Florida.

"I think the worst part of that will be on Wednesday in the middle of the week. And that's when much of the fleet is out in ports and away from Florida."

How bad seas? Mr. Van Fleet is expecting ocean swells between 21-28 feet (7 or 8 meters).

Where is Subtropical storm Nicole headed?

According to the National Hurricane Center, the storm is located about 495 miles east of the northwestern Bahamas.

Nicole has maximum sustained winds of 45 mph and a minimum central pressure of 1002 mb.

According to the National Hurricane Center, a subtropical storm is a cyclone where maximum sustained surface wind speed is 39 mph or more.

Meteorologists expect Nicole will gradually strengthen over the next few days and be near or at hurricane intensity by Wednesday as it approaches Florida.

There is nothing better than finding a great deal on a cruise, especially a cruise fare that starts in the double digits.

Not only does a low price allow me to cruise more often, but I'm also able to budget more on the extras that matter to me. While I’ve seen prices for short cruises in the $100’s, we recently spotted the deal of the year: a $99, 3-night cruise on Liberty of the Seas.

This was Liberty’s first sailing out of her new home port, Fort Lauderdale, FL. She had previously been in Galveston, TX since 2015. She dropped her last guests off in Galveston on October 30, and then made the 2 day trek to Fort Lauderdale to set sail again on November 1. 

After going on my first 3-night cruise this summer, I knew that this would be a perfect getaway. While normally a cruise priced this low would keep my expectations relatively low as well - that was not the case here. I sailed on Liberty in 2019, and knew that it was a great ship with the perfect amount of onboard activities.

For this cruise, I was sailing with my mom who had only ever been on Oasis of the Seas for our wedding, and she found that to be too overwhelming. I knew that she would love a Freedom class ship, and was excited to show her around.

How I found a $99 Cruise Fare

Just like flights, cruise prices are constantly changing. They can vary by length, destinations, occupancy and current promotions.

If you have the flexibility to go on last minute cruises, some of the best prices you'll find are the Going, Going, Gone rates. These deals are sent out weekly to Royal Caribbean's travel agent partners, and are only available for a short period of time, or until it sells out.

In early October, the weekly Going, Going, Gone flyer had dozens of sailings listed, but this 3-night cruise from Fort Lauderdale was one of the lowest rates, with only a 2-night Freedom of the Seas cruise coming in lower at $89. For $10 more, who doesn't want an extra night?

We knew we had to act quickly, so we confirmed that we could make these dates work, and contacted our travel agent to secure the booking!

Cruise Planner Purchases

With the cost of the cruise being so low, we were able to splurge on some extras that we could enjoy. 

We purchased the Unlimited Dining package during a cruise planner sale. We always enjoy the offerings in the Main Dining Room, but I wanted my mom to experience the other options onboard.

When going to purchase my internet package, which luckily was serviced by Starlink, I noticed that The Key was only $2 more per day than Voom Surf and Stream. Having never tried The Key, but reading Jenna’s recent review on her experience with it, I figured why not try it! It was nice to have priority boarding in the terminal, as well as being able to avoid the Windjammer for lunch on the first day. 

We also decided to purchase Royal Caribbean's drink package, as it’s nice not to have to worry about how much you’re spending once you’re onboard.

I’ve also been able to try a variety of new drinks when having the package, since it is reassuring that if I don’t like the drink I’m not out $15. 

Stateroom

We booked a month before the cruise was set to sail, and there were still plenty of staterooms available in all categories. The $99 price tag was for a Guarantee Interior stateroom, and was the per person price.

About two weeks before boarding, we were assigned our interior stateroom on deck 2. Around this time we got an email for a chance to bid on a RoyalUp offer. Our offers ranged from $10 - $130 per person, for a Spacious Interior Stateroom to an Ocean View Balcony. 

I have made Royal Up bids before, without success, though most of those sailings were at or near capacity. We realized that this sailing still had staterooms available in every category at this point, and we decided to bid the minimum ($30) for a chance at a Panoramic Ocean View.

Within an hour, I received the email notification that we had won the bid, and were reassigned to Deck 12. 

One of the gripes I’ve heard about Liberty in recent years is that the staterooms were in need of an upgrade. We were pleasantly surprised to find that our room had looked renovated, and offered plenty of storage. After speaking with our stateroom attendant, we learned that the rooms on these decks had been added within the last few years, which would explain why they didn’t feel rundown. 

I have never sailed in a Panoramic Ocean View cabin before, and immediately fell in love with it. With the floor to ceiling windows that were angled out, I felt like I had found a cheat code for room categories. Not only did we have amazing views, but it is always so refreshing to have natural light in the cabin. 

Itinerary

Due to Liberty arriving from Galveston the same day that we embarked, the cruise didn’t depart until 8pm at night. In fact, the earliest check-in time you could select was 2:30pm. This was helpful for us, as we decided to drive down the morning of the cruise from Sarasota. The drive is only 3 hours, and it was nice to have a leisurely morning, and be able to avoid the rush-hour traffic. 

This cruise had one stop at Perfect Day at CocoCay, and a sea day. This was perfect for us, as it was my mom’s first time at CocoCay, and also gave us a full day to enjoy the ship. 

One of my favorite parts of going to CocoCay is that you don’t have to spend any money to have fun. We decided not to do any excursions, and just enjoy the island. After walking around to see the offerings, we opted to grab some chairs on South Beach, and spent the day enjoying the sunshine, floating bar, and of course, the mozzarella sticks. It really was the Perfect Day! 

Our last day was a Sea Day, which was a perfect opportunity to relax and take it slow.

After having breakfast in the Windjammer, we went to search for a spot in the Solarium. We had a feeling at this point that the cruise wasn’t sailing at capacity, but when I looked around the Solarium at 9am and there were no chair hogs in sight, that is when I knew for sure.

It turns out that we only had 2,800 passengers on board. I felt like we had won the lottery, as we’ve never had so many choices on which chairs to choose! We spent the day relaxing, watching the World’s Sexiest Man and Belly Flop competitions, and tricking my mom into riding The Tidal Wave water slide. 

Dining

With having the Unlimited Dining Package, our first night’s dinner was at Sabor. This restaurant was replaced with Izumi on Freedom of the Seas and Independence of the Seas. It will likely be replaced when Liberty eventually goes to her dry dock, so I knew I needed to go while we still could. Starting with fresh guacamole, and then ordering 3 more courses, we left feeling like we wouldn’t need to eat again for the rest of the cruise.

Of course, this wasn’t the case. What can I say, cruising really brings out my appetite! We enjoyed Chops Grille our second night, which I knew would impress my mom. She said it was the best meal of any cruise she has been on. We rounded out our third night with an excellent meal at Giovanni’s Table. 

We ate breakfast every morning at the Windjammer buffet, and were happy with the offerings they had. With the lower capacity, it was easy to find a table, and the lines never felt crowded. 

Of course, there were also a few trips to Sorrentos included. There is something about pizza at sea that just makes it taste better. 

How Much Does a $99 Cruise Really Cost

When booking a cruise, it’s important to remember that there are extra fees that will be added into your final cost.

When booking a cruise, you'll notice a line item for Taxes, Fees and Port Expenses. These include any government imposed fees, tolls, taxes, as well as fees or charges incurred from docking in port. These fees are charged per person, and vary per cruise.

Additionally, you'll want to factor in daily gratuities, which are currently $16 per person, per day for non-suite staterooms, and $18.50 per person, per day for suites.

You’ll also want to factor in any Cruise Planner purchases, such as excursions, dining, drink and internet packages, or onboard spending you may want to do.

So, how much did this $99 cruise end up costing us? Let’s break it down:

Cabin type & party size

Cruise length: 3 nights

Stateroom category: Guarantee Interior

Passengers: 2 adults

Base cruise fare

Cruise fare: $198

Taxes, Fees and Port Expenses: $192.50

Prepaid gratuities: $96

Base price after taxes and fees: $486.50

Cruise extras

RoyalUp: $60

Deluxe Beverage Package (including gratuities): $472.35

Unlimited Dining Package (including gratuities): 235.98

The Key: $125.94

Onboard spending: $26

Parking at port: $45

Grand total

Grand Total: $1,451.77

As you can see, the $99 cruise fare advertised rate ends up costing a bit more once you factor in the fees and taxes. Had we not purchased the extra packages (and if I had remembered my flip flops and didn't have to buy them onboard) the total cost of the cruise was $486.50, or $234.25 per person.

After you factor in all the extras we decided to buy (and a new pair of flip flops), we spent about $725 per person, for a 3-night vacation.

Final Thoughts

We had an amazing time on this cruise, especially considering the price. With the fare being as low as it was, we felt like we were able to splurge in other areas like dining and the drink package. 

We felt that the value we got on this vacation was much higher than the rate that we paid. We would have never been able to enjoy all of what we did on a land vacation for that same price tag. Finding cruises at such low rates allows us to cruise more often, which is what’s most important for us!

Happy Sunday! Temperatures may be dropping, but there is plenty of Royal Caribbean news to share.  This is your weekly summary of all the Royal Caribbean news from this past week, perfectly fitted for your consumption.

Royal Caribbean shared when it will put new cruises on sale in 2024-2025.

While not complete, the initial deployment schedule gives an idea of when to expect new cruises to book to  Alaska, Hawaii, Europe, and Caribbean.

Royal Caribbean promises more release dates will be announced soon for other 2024 - 2025 sailings.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean drops pre-cruise testing requirement for almost all cruises
• Royal Caribbean adds daily limit to unlimited dining plan a la carte restaurants
• Royal Caribbean makes small change to make it easier to track Diamond drink vouchers
• Royal Caribbean has quietly brought back pre-cruise entertainment reservations on some cruise ships
• The best cruise itineraries for every type of traveler
• Royal Caribbean cruises in November 2022: What to expect
• What families will love about Icon of the Seas' new dedicated family neighborhood

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 475th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is available to enjoy, where Matt lists the things that change about how you cruise as you cruise more often.

Cruising a lot changes your outlook on how you cruise, and I have a list of 5 things I think people that cruise a lot would tell first time cruisers about how the process changes.

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

New RCB Video: Where to keep Seapass Card, phone, and cash when on a shore excursion?

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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 — Where to keep Seapass Card, phone, and cash when on a shore excursion? — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Royal Caribbean Group reports first quarterly profit in almost three years

Royal Caribbean reported its third quarter earnings this week, and had positive cash flow for the first time in almost three years.

Royal Caribbean Group posted better than expected earnings for the third quarter of 2022 with a total revenue of $3.0 billion and net income of $33 million.

Revenue hitting $3 billion is the highest since the third quarter of 2019.

What to expect with Royal Caribbean's Black Friday and Cyber Monday cruise deals

While Royal Caribbean’s Black Friday sale changes year to year, there will undoubtedly be a sale for cruise fares and add-ons.

Just like so many retailers, there will be a post-Thanksgiving sale to look for and it will bring potentially higher savings.

You might be wondering how lucrative these sales will be, and if it will save you any money.

Royal Caribbean is targeting people who vacation in Orlando

Are you a family that typically does a land vacation in Orlando? Royal Caribbean wants you to go on a cruise instead.

During Royal Caribbean Group's earnings call with investors this week, Royal Caribbean Group executives talked about how Icon of the Seas was designed to attract families away from a land vacation in Florida.

The ship's new family-centric offerings are part of the cruise line's more aggressive marketing approach to Orlando attractions.

Choosing the perfect destination to visit on a Royal Caribbean cruise can feel overwhelming, and the “perfect” cruise itinerary can vary greatly from cruiser to cruiser.

Whereas some travelers may prefer spending every day at the beach, others would prefer busy days of sightseeing at ancient monuments or strenuous hikes into the mountains.

Thankfully, Royal Caribbean offers cruise itineraries to destinations both close to home and across the world, meaning you’ll find an itinerary to meet any travel style.

Whether you’re planning a honeymoon, bachelorette party, or a once-in-a-lifetime cruise around the world, here are our top Royal Caribbean cruise itineraries for every type of traveler.

The stressed-out traveler

Our recommendation: any cruise to Perfect Day at CocoCay

A cruise is one of the best ways to forget about any stress at home. When you set sail, you’ll forget all about any project deadlines, schoolwork, or chores at home. Nothing but adventure lies ahead, and the best place to enjoy a stress-free getaway is at Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Related: 40 Perfect Day at CocoCay tips, tricks and secrets

Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s private island in the Bahamas, lives up to its name. This island is perfect, and it offers the best way to unwind. Most activities on the island are complimentary, including white-sand beaches and the Oasis Lagoon pool.

If you’d like to upgrade your day at the island, however, feel free to treat yourself to a day at the Coco Beach Club or Thrill Waterpark for more fun in the sun.

Related: Coco Beach Club: cost, tips & review

Regardless of what you do at Perfect Day at CocoCay, you’re guaranteed to leave the island much less stressed than when you arrived!

The island hopper

Our recommendation: Greek Isles cruise

Island hopping and cruising go hand in hand, but our top choice for the world’s best island hopping destination is Greece. From the world-renowned sunsets in Santorini to the ancient citadel of the Acropolis and charming Venetian harbor of Chania, there’s a wide range of sights to discover in every Greek cruise port.

Related: Ultimate Greek Isles cruise guide

What’s great about a Greek Isles cruise is that you can find activities for every type of cruiser. You’ll find everything from boat tours visiting secluded beaches, walking tours of famous archaeological sites, and beach clubs to kick back and relax with a cocktail.

Another benefit of a Greek Isles cruise is that it’s easy to explore without an excursion. If you’re the type of traveler who doesn’t like to plan organized tours, you’ll find cruise ports in Greece are an excellent place for spontaneous exploration.

The engineer

Our recommendation: Panama Canal cruise

If you find yourself fascinated by great marvels in engineering, whether the Pyramids of Giza or Hoover Dam, book a cruise traversing the Panama Canal.

The Panama Canal was built in 1914 and was, undoubtedly, an impressive feat of engineering at the time. Prior to the canal, a ship traveling from New York to San Francisco had to travel over 13,000 miles around South America. The 50 mile canal, however, cut this distance to around 5,000 miles, marking a turning point for trading and commerce opportunities around the world.

Related: 15 countries you didn’t know you could cruise to on Royal Caribbean

It takes around 8-10 hours for ships to traverse the canal as they pass through a series of locks which lift ships 85 feet above sea level and back down again. This is a highlight of all Panama Canal itineraries, and you’ll find hoards of passengers on the outside decks watching this process take place.

Previously, most Royal Caribbean cruises to the Panama Canal were only offered on long repositioning itineraries. However, Royal Caribbean will be deploying Rhapsody of the Seas on several 7-night Costa Rica & Panama Canal cruises in 2024. This gives passengers the opportunity to traverse the canal without requiring a multi-week sailing.

The foodie

Our recommendation: Mediterranean cruise

If you’re a foodie, look no further than a Mediterranean cruise. You’ll visit ports with some of the world’s most famous cuisines, from savory crepes in France to refreshing gelato in Italy. And did we mention the paella?

Related: Must-eat foods on a cruise to Italy

While Mediterranean cruises tend to involve busy port days exploring historic sites like the Colosseum and Pompeii, be sure to make time for a nice lunch each day in port. While you can find fantastic food onboard your cruise ship, you won’t want to miss the opportunity to taste authentic Mediterranean cuisine.

If you have more time, you can select a longer Mediterranean cruise to give you more ways to taste cuisines in a diverse array of countries. 12-night Holy Land cruises, for example, visit everywhere from Italy to Israel, Turkey, and Greece. Who can resist authentic falafel, pizza, and gyros?

Related: Western Mediterranean cruise guide

The exotic vacationer

Our recommendation: South Pacific cruise

Most cruisers are familiar with ports like Nassau and Cozumel, but did you know Royal Caribbean offers cruises to some of the world’s most remote islands?

South Pacific cruises from Australia visit ports in Vanuatu, Fiji, and the French territory of New Caledonia. You’ve likely never heard of islands like Lifou, Mare, and Aneityum, but these are all gorgeous destinations available on South Pacific cruise itineraries.

Related: 10 Royal Caribbean cruise destinations not to be missed

If you have the time, consider a transpacific cruise from Hawaii to Australia for the opportunity to visit French Polynesia. Picture yourself snorkeling coral reefs in Mo’orea or sunbathing on the black sand beaches of Tahiti. It really doesn’t get more exotic than that!

The bachelor(ette) party

Our recommendation: 3-night weekend cruise

Planning the perfect bachelor/bachelorette party is all about fun, and the best cruises for these getaways are quick 3-night weekend sailings.

3-night weekend cruises tend to have a higher party atmosphere onboard than longer sailings. This means your bachelor/bachelorette party will fit right in with the ship’s vibe, and you’ll find that the bars and clubs onboard are busy late into the night.

Related: Guide to weekend cruises: Tips for taking a 3-night Royal Caribbean cruise

In addition, most 3-night cruises from Florida include a stop at Perfect Day at CocoCay. With a swim-up bar and pool party every day, there’s no better place to celebrate!

There are several ships offering regularly scheduled 3-night weekend cruises. Freedom of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas both sail from South Florida, Independence of the Seas from Port Canaveral, and Navigator of the Seas from Los Angeles.

The honeymooners

Our recommendation: Caribbean cruise

After months of meticulous planning for your special day, it’s time for a honeymoon to kick off marriage with your new spouse. And what better way to do that than a Caribbean cruise?

The Caribbean is a destination for endless relaxation. Whether you’re swimming in the crystal clear waters of Antigua or sailing on a catamaran in Mexico, there are plenty of ways to make lifelong memories together.

Related: 20 tips for a Royal Caribbean honeymoon cruise

We recommend finding an itinerary with an adequate balance of port and sea days. While some 7-night cruises may stop at 5 or 6 ports, try to find an itinerary with at least 2 or 3 days at sea. Visiting ports each day can be exhausting, and having more sea days ensures you’ll find plenty of time to relax with your spouse.

The culture-focused traveler

Our recommendation: Asia cruise

If you’re looking for an adventurous itinerary that will bring you far out of your comfort zone, book a Royal Caribbean cruise in Asia. Spectrum of the Seas currently offers cruises from Singapore visiting destinations in Southeast and East Asia, including Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Hong Kong, and the Philippines.

Royal Caribbean calls these cruises “Culturally Enriching Cruises'' because they immerse guests into the local culture of a specific country or region. Whereas the majority of guests on a cruise from Florida tend to be from the United States or Canada, for example, the majority of guests on a cruise from Singapore or China are from those regions.

This means you will experience local flavors and culture while onboard, such as cuisine in the Main Dining Room and Windjammer inspired by local cuisine and production shows focusing on music and dancing as opposed to language.

In addition, once off the ship in port, you will continue to be immersed in a culture quite different from what you’re used to at home. From tasting spicy street food in Vietnam to exploring temples in Thailand, a whole world of adventure awaits you on a cruise to Asia!

The active traveler

Our recommendation: Alaska cruise

If the idea of your perfect vacation involves hiking, biking, and kayaking, look no further than a cruise to Alaska.

Those new to cruising may associate a cruise vacation with lounging on a pool chair and filling up plate after plate at the buffet. However, cruising offers so much more than that, and active travelers will find they have plenty of options when it comes to breaking a sweat in port.

Related: Best things to do on an Alaska cruise

An Alaska cruise is the perfect itinerary for those looking to explore the state’s breathtaking scenery. If you’re up for a challenge, put on your hiking boots for a summit hike of Mt. Roberts in Juneau. Or, if you'd prefer an adventure on water, kayak amongst the state's scenic fjords and glacial lakes.

Planning a cruise? Start here:

• 8 cruise tips for first-time Royal Caribbean cruisers
• What’s included in your Royal Caribbean cruise fare
• 5 quick and easy tips for finding a great shore excursion on your own
• Food on a Royal Caribbean cruise
• Which is the best Royal Caribbean cruise ship?
• What is the best time to go on a Caribbean cruise?