Royal Caribbean Blog

You have to give credit where credit is due, and Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas is worthy of every accolade attributed to it so far.

Icon of the Seas is the world's biggest cruise ship, but size alone doesn't make it necessarily the best. It's the assortment of features, tweaks, and enhancements that really make the new ship stand out from every other Royal Caribbean ship in the fleet.

I sailed on Icon of the Seas last week for the first time since the ship's inaugural voyage in January. I was curious to see now that it's been about six months since her launch, would the novelty have worn off and the ship live up to hype she received earlier this year.

Read more: I took the inaugural cruise on Royal Caribbean's newest ship

After spending 7-nights onboard, I'm convinced Icon is not only still worthy of all the praise, but Royal Caribbean raised the bar yet again for what all other cruise ships are judged against.

Crowd management second to none

It's amazing how a cruise ship that can handle over 7,000 passengers doesn't feel crowded.

When you walk around Icon of the Seas, you'll quickly start to wonder where everyone else is.  Our summer sailing had plenty of kids onboard, and that meant the ship was pretty much maxed out to capacity.

Whether you were on the Royal Promenade, around the pool deck, or going to a show, crowds were few and far between.  I don't want to make it seem like you have the ship to yourself, but compared to other Royal Caribbean cruise ships, crowds were largely absent.

On other ships, the Promenade is a zoo of people (especially on embarkation day).  The pool deck is packed on sea days too.

On Icon, there was much more space to spread people around and it showed.

Royal Caribbean also solved crowding with its destination elevators, which more efficiently assign elevators to passengers.  Waiting for an elevator on a cruise ship is a traditional pain point for guests, and Royal Caribbean referred internally to those wait times as, "microwave minutes" because it feels like the longest wait ever.

If you've cruised on other ships and then try the elevators on Icon, I think you'll find the waits pleasantly better.

Read more: Is the world's largest cruise ship crowded? Not as much as you might fear

Shows you'll want to see again

Royal Caribbean has a well-deserved reputation for offering the best entertainment at sea, and once again, they lapped the competition with Icon.

While the shows were not totally ready for the maiden voyage, I got to experience all the shows this time around and it's best collection assembled on one ship.

The Wizard of Oz production show in the Royal Theater is by far the best show on a cruise ship that didn't first begin on Broadway.

An adaptation to the beloved 1939 film, Royal Caribbean crafted a show that combines incredible visuals, a talented cast, and songs the audience knows well.  

As someone that values seeing shows with a plot, it was so nice to see Wizard of Oz on Icon and enjoy Royal Caribbean's version.

The other signature shows on Icon include Aqua Action! in the AquaTheater and Starbust in Absolute Zero.  While aqua shows and ice performances are not new to Royal Caribbean ships, the versions on Icon of the Seas incorporate the best tricks and lessons learned to date.

I'd be remiss if I didn't talk about the live music on Icon, because it blew me away. Musicians onboard will change every few months, but we had an all-star lineup on our sailing  Jennifer Hart in the Schooner Bar and Kevin Philip in the Pub were outstanding talents that I went to see every night of the cruise.

The new Dueling Pianos bar is such a fun spot, especially if you can bring a group with you to enjoy.  The two pianists feed off guest participation, and there are as much laughs as songs you know the words to.

When you sail on Icon of the Seas and see your first show, it's going to hook you to want to see the rest.

The best included food in the fleet

The eternal cruiser debate of if it's worth it to pay for specialty restaurants is quite different on Icon of the Seas because of the superior food options that are included in your cruise fare.

Other Royal Caribbean cruise ships tend to have a few restaurants included that certainly cover the basics, but there isn't a great deal of variety.

With Icon, many passengers remarked how they skipped paying for extra-cost restaurants because they found the included restaurants so much better than they expected.

Read more: Icon of the Seas restaurant and dining guide

There are a few new restaurant concepts, starting with Aquadome Market. This is Royal Caribbean's first foray into a food hall, and it's a revelation.  Five different food cuisines, and a few stay open well into the night offering something other than pizza.

Pearl Cafe has 24-hour grab-and-go snacks that also give you choices of snacks that include healthy and indulgent.

You have enhanced stalwarts of the included food game, such as El Loco Fresh on the pool deck and even a Windjammer buffet that serves steak and lobster.

Read more: What the Food Was Like on Icon of the Seas

I think the destination elevators still get the most attention from those that try Icon, but the included food quality has to be a close second.

Elevated dining worth the $200 price tag

After telling you how good the included food is, I feel obliged to talk about how impressive the Empire Supper Club experience is.

When Royal Caribbean announced Icon of the Seas would have a specialty restaurant that cost $200 per person, it raised a few eyebrows.  But Royal Caribbean was adamant this was not going to be just another new restaurant.

Empire Supper Club is a three hour dining adventure that combines food, cocktails, and entertainment. Supper clubs are about enveloping everyone attending in a performance, and I was surprised how much I really liked it all.

The jazz music was beautiful, and every course is paired with a signature cocktail. It was fun to see what would be served next, and the service was personalized given the limited capacity of the venue. There's just one seating each night.

To put it in perspective how much I enjoyed it, I was invited by Royal Caribbean to try it without any cost the first time, and then I turned around and paid to do it again a week later. 

Just like how you might do a fancy night out in a city at a well-known restaurant, I think Empire Supper Club is the sort of night out you could choose to do that you just won't find on another cruise ship.

Icon retains fan favorites

While there are a lot of new innovations, Icon of the Seas still has the "Royal Caribbean DNA" that fans of the line will find familiar.

Early in Icon's development, Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley said Icon of the Seas will feature a combination of "tradition, evolution and revolution", which means it would stay honest to the company's roots while also adding in new ideas.

Stalwart restaurants such as Sorrento's Pizza, Chops Grille, and the Windjammer buffet are all here and they are arguably the best versions of each.

You'll find Boleros, the Schooner Bar, and the Lime and Coconut, in addition to the new bars.

The Central Park neighborhood is familiar, yet more refined than the Oasis Class version.

There's always room for improvement

I am certain if you asked Royal Caribbean, they would acknowledge there are things that could be better on Icon of the Seas. No cruise ship is perfect, and I certainly have my wish list of improvements.

If you're someone who usually stays in a suite, I think the Oasis Class suite offerings are still better because of they are larger and Icon's suite lounge feels very cramped.

Speaking of cabins, there seems to be less storage space than on Oasis Class ships too. As an example, the choice of baskets instead of drawers seems like a solution to a problem that never existed.

Read more: What a cabin on Icon of the Seas is like

I also think staggered performance times on the Royal Promenade isn't practical. On many nights, the live music in the Schooner Bar, Pub, or Boleros ended far too early because of noise bleed concerns.  Royal Caribbean wanted a lively Royal Promenade with lots of energy, but I think it's a disservice to passengers.

The choice of Absolute Zero having one entrance and exit that flows through Playmakers Sports Bar is another head scratcher.

Whether these issues get sorted out on one of the new Icon Class ships or Icon of the Seas itself, they aren't enough to detract from Icon of the Seas being not only my favorite Royal Caribbean cruise ship, but a generational leap forward within the industry.

Tropical Storm Beryl continues to disrupt cruise ship plans, and this time it's impacting cruises from Galveston, Texas.

Royal Caribbean's Mariner of the Seas will be delayed returning to port by one day, meaning the current sailing will be extended by one day and the next sailing shortened by a day.

Royal Caribbean Group Chief Meteorologist Craig Setzer confirmed the delay due to the arrival of Tropical Storm Beryl to the Texas area, along with the closure of the port.

"Mariner of the Seas will be delayed one day on her arrival," he posted on X/Twitter.

The 139,863 gross-ton, Voyager Class cruise ship is homeported in Galveston, Texas and departed on her current sailing July 4 on a 4-night Western Caribbean itinerary was scheduled to visit Cozumel on July 6.

Beryl reached Category 4 status and impacted many parts of the Caribbean, especially Grenada and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. It has since weakened to a Category 2 by the time it made landfall Friday on Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula and is now down to a tropical storm as it moved across the peninsula.

The cruise ship will remain outside of the bad weather as the tropical storm moves inland, "She will stay well south of Beryl & out of the bad weather today and Monday."

Royal Caribbean subsequently informed guests booked on Mariner of the Seas of the change in itinerary. Guests booked on the July 8th sailing will now sail on July 9th.

"Due to Tropical Storm Beryl's track through the Western Caribbean, our previous Mariner of the Seas sailing is delayed in returning to Galveston, Texas. As a result, our sailing will now take place on July 9, 2024."

"Unfortunately, this means we will not be able to visit Costa Maya, Mexico."

Royal Caribbean added they are continuing to monitor the weather, in case any changes are needed.

Royal Caribbean cruise ships always seek to avoid hurricanes and tropical storms, and in this situation where the embarkation port is impacted, there is little choice but to wait the storm out.

Royal Caribbean's changed plans are also reflected in the Port of Galveston shutting down operations.

"The U.S. Coast Guard has suspended vessel operations and is expected to close the port to vessel traffic at 4 p.m. today in advance of tropical storm conditions," said in a statement by the Port of Galveston.

Tropical Storm Beryl Update

The National Weather Service forecast shows Beryl moving NW at 12 mph with 60 mph sustained winds.

As of 10 a.m. Sunday, Beryl was located 195 miles south-southeast of Matagorda and it had maximum sustained winds of 65 mph.

Tropical Storm Beryl is expected to intensify to a Category 1 hurricane just before landfall near Matagorda Bay Monday morning.

The hurricane impacted the itineraries of several other cruise ships last week, including Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas, Grandeur of the Seas, and Harmony of the Seas.

Happy Sunday! I hope you are having a wonderful weekend and are ready to catch up on all the Royal Caribbean news from this week!

One cruise passenger swears she will be a Royal Caribbean fan for life, thanks to the medical attention she received onboard a cruise ship.

An emergency medical procedure meant one woman's cruise seemed like it would be lost, but Royal Caribbean waived the cancellation terms and offered her a chance to change sailings for a nominal fee.

"I’m so grateful for their kindness and compassion, fully knowing it was saw something they didn’t have to do," she wrote in her summary.

Royal Caribbean News

• Hurricane Beryl's path forces Royal Caribbean to change cruise ship itineraries
• Royal Caribbean celebrates July 4th with discounts up to 35% off cruise ship add-ons
• Cruise lines have changed their prices because of California's new 'Honest Pricing Law'
• Trendy outfit ideas for a summer Mediterranean cruise
• Caribbean cruise outfits for women

New RCB Video: What happens when a cruise is OVERBOOKED

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 — What happens when a cruise is OVERBOOKED — and don’t forget to subscribe to our channel.

Meghan Trainor named godmother of new Royal Caribbean ship

Meghan Trainor is about to add godmother to her many titles.

Royal Caribbean announced she will serve as godmother to its newest cruise ship, Utopia of the Seas.

The cruise line also announced a contest to give away to 52 winners free sailings on the July 15 departure of Utopia on the three-night cruise that will name the new ship.

Steak and lobster are still available in the buffet of the world's largest cruise ship

The embarkation day lunch on Icon of the Seas features a wide selection of food, including filet mignon and lobster tail.

It's unusual for the buffet to offer these premium items, but Icon has been serving it up on embarkation day ever since the ship debuted in January.

As you walk into the Windjammer on embarkation day, there is a selection of freshly grilled filet mignon steaks on the first buffet line. along with lobster and shrimp.

A look at the Icon Loft Suite that costs over $35,000 for a week

What do you get for a suite that costs over $5,000 per night?

The Icon Loft Suite is one of the top suites on Icon of the Seas, and it comes with the best perks available onboard.

Measuring 656 square feet, with a balcony that falls anywhere between 108 and 172 square feet, there's also the Royal Genie services that come with it.

Setting sail in style is a challenge during the summer months. You'll want to dress well and comfortably, while also being mindful of the scorching sun.

On a Mediterranean cruise, you can expect the region to run hot and dry during the summer, averaging daily highs of 85º Fahrenheit.

Not only is it important to dress carefully, but you also have a limited amount of space to pack.

For my 7-night Mediterranean cruise, I knew I had to pack light while preparing for the hot temperatures and long days.

Here's what I packed and how I styled it.

What should I pack for a Mediterranean cruise?

I started packing by picking out my shoes, knowing I had to choose carefully because of how much space they take up in my luggage.

They're also unavoidably important for protecting your feet and supporting you during long tours.

I packed one pair of comfortable green sneakers, one pair of white heeled sandals, and one pair of simple brown sandals.

Since I wore the sneakers on the plane and during most of my travels, my shoes didn't take up too much space in my luggage.

To continue my packing process, I selected three simple, summery dresses. Dresses make great cruise outfits for women, especially in the heat. 

They can range from simple to elegant and you're able to dress them up or down depending on your shoes and accessories.

The open, flowy pattern of a dress also makes for cooler wear, and it can double as a swimsuit cover-up.

In addition to these dresses, I packed a white lace cardigan and a brown lace dress. 

Either of these would work as extra layers for indoor areas with air conditioning, or as cover-ups for swimsuits.

Bringing items that have multiple purposes is a great way to save packing space and dress efficiently while traveling.

For my swimsuits, I packed two bikinis and one tankini. 

I tried to choose colors that varied broadly, so I'd be able to put together a variety of different outfits.

Read more: What to wear on a cruise that works for all dress codes

Since I already packed several dresses, I selected just five small tops to wear on the cruise.

I choose a variety of, from tank tops to crop tops to a longer-sleeved shirt.

To go along with these tops, I also packed two scarves, so that I could stack layers on top if I got cold or needed to cover up more.

To layer over my tops, I packed three light jackets: two brown and one white.

These made for great layering pieces, because I could leave them open or button them up, depending on the temperature.

However, I did end up wishing I had brought one slightly heavier jacket to wear in cold areas like the airplane and the Main Dining Room.

I also selected one set of workout clothes, just in case I wanted to go to the gym.

As you might imagine, I never ended up going to the cruise ship's gym. My cruise involved so many long shore excursions and hours of walking that I didn't feel the need to exercise again.

However, the T-shirt still came in use for pajamas.

For pants, I packed three pairs of light, flowy pants. A patterned blue pair served as a more formal option for evenings, while my brown and black pairs had a palazzo cut for warmer weather.

Additionally, I packed one long skirt and two pairs of shorts. The skirt ended up being a great airplane piece, since it was long and covered my legs, but also had enough ventilation that I didn't overheat.

I also found that the shorts were my favorite pieces to wear out in the hot summer weather.

To prepare for the heat and the sun, I also packed two pairs of sunglasses and a hand fan.

The fan was a genius touch: I ended up using it everywhere and got many compliments on the idea. 

In fact, I used it so much that it broke near the end of my cruise, and I immediately went out to buy another!

In addition to my pieces of luggage (a large suitcase and a comfortable backpack), I decided to bring one wide tote bag and one black fanny pack.

The tote bag was large enough to store objects like books and a water bottle, so I could carry it around the pool and to the beach.

The fanny pack made a great shore excursion tool since it could hold my wallet, phone, and power bank safely close to my body.

Outfit guide for a Mediterranean cruise

For day one, I wore shorts to protect myself from the heat and all the movement I'd be doing to board the ship.

I also paired those with one of my light sweaters, since I knew I would be exploring the ship indoors for the rest of the day.

Read more: Best travel clothes for women on shore excursions

On day 2, we visited Palma de Mallorca.

I went to the Cala Mayor beach, so I brought my pink beach hat, along with a long dress. I wore these pieces with my brown sandals.

I wore my swimsuit under the dress so that I could easily change on the sand. 

That night was also formal night, so I changed into my blue pants and paired them with a sheer top and a white distressed bag I'd purchased in Spain.

To match the white elements of the outfit, I wore my white heels to dinner.

Day 3 was a sea day, so I dressed casually in a red tube top I purchased in Spain, paired with the brown palazzo pants.

Armed with my brown tote bag, this was the perfect outfit for wandering the Windjammer and longing at the pool under the sun.

For day 4, I prepared for a shore excursion to Naples by wearing jean shorts and a tank top under my light, longer-sleeved shirt.

I made sure to wear my comfortable sneakers since I knew we'd be doing a lot of walking.

Also, I styled the look with a big gold necklace but later regretted it because the waitress at a restaurant I visited told me to be careful wearing large jewelry, as it could attract thieves and put me in danger.

The cruise ship stopped near Rome, Italy on day 5, so I dressed in a crop top and jean shorts, along with my light white cardigan.

I wore comfortable sneakers again, preparing for a long day of tours.

I also brought a scarf in case I needed to cover up in air conditioning or to enter a religious building.

On our last port day—day 6—I wore a simple black skirt for my tours.

In the evening, I changed into shorts styled with a white top and jacket.

This was my outfit for dinner, karaoke, and going to the ship's nightclub.

On day 7, I styled a pair of pants that I purchased in Italy with a red tank top. 

I again wore a swimsuit under my outfit so that I could go straight to the hot tub.

Read more: Alaska cruise outfits: ideas of what to wear

The world's biggest cruise ship has extravagant suites that come with the best benefits you'll find at sea.

Icon of the Seas has 8 neighborhoods onboard, including one just for cruise ship suites. 

The Icon Loft Suite is one of the most expensive suites on the ship, and it comes with more living space than a traditional cabin. The price tag gets you Star Class benefits, which includes complimentary specialty dining, a drink package, gratuities, and the services of the Royal Genie.  

It has the best benefits offered by Royal Caribbean, and we got a chance to tour the cabin. Let's take a look inside.

The Icon Loft Suite is located on deck 17

Located within the suite neighborhood, the Icon Loft Suite is in a part of the ship exclusive to those that booked a suite. 

Being within the suite neighborhood means convenient access to the suite pool deck, Coastal Kitchen restaurant, and suite lounge. Having access to these amenities is a highly sought-after perk because of the extra value they represent.

Guests walk into a two level suite

As you walk into the Icon Loft Suite, you'll quickly notice the this is unlike other cruise ship cabins.

Loft suites encompass two levels, and it has a giant floor-to-ceiling window leading to the balcony.

The look of the room is also quite opulent, with tile floors and marble furnishings.

This suite features a large living room and dining area

With an occupancy of up to 4 passengers, being able to spread out is what makes this suite stand out.

There's a dining room table that can seat four people, and it's meant to be a place to enjoy meals delivered to your suite. Room service is included with this suite, and that includes being able to order food from specialty restaurants or the Main Dining Room. Guests staying in this cabin are able to have their meal served in the dining room.

Behind the table is a bar area with coffee maker, glasses, and stocked beverages. The Royal Genie ask prior to the cruise which beverages you'd like to have waiting in your cabin, and that includes alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

Moving further into the suite is the living room, with large couch. The couch opens up into a sofa bed and that's where up to two people can sleep.

There are two floors, with the master bedroom exclusively on the upper level

Having two floors, the master bedroom is on the upper level, including the master bathroom.

Stairs lead to the upper level, where you'll find a king size bed. The bed overlooks the rest of the suite and has views to the windows, providing ocean views.

If you need privacy, a curtain can be extended by manually dragging the curtain. It provides very good darkness for sleeping in.

There are a large set of closets near the stairs.

You'll also find a vanity near the bed, with a television to the side of the bed.

There are outlets and a nightstand on both sides of the bed.

The master bathroom has a giant shower

You'll really notice the extra space in this suite in the master bathroom.

The shower has two showerheads on opposite sides of the shower, with a walk-in door.

The dual sinks ensures there is ample counter space for a couple sharing this cabin.

The balcony is smaller I expected

There are many suites across Royal Caribbean's fleet, and I would characterize the balcony on the smaller side relative to the room category booked.

There's certainly enough space for people staying in this suite, but it feels smaller than I expected.  

However, the ocean views provided are perfect for lounging in one of the provided loungers.

The second full bathroom is the best thing about this suite

On the lower level is a second full bathroom, making it perfect for entertaining friends or sharing the cabin with others.

Having a second shower, sink, and toilet ensures the master bedroom level remains exclusive.

The Royal Genie is my favorite reason to book this suite

When you book a Star Class cabin, you'll get the services of a Royal Genie.

The genie services three cabins on Icon of the Seas, and assists with just about every need their guests might have. Dinner reservations, seats for a show, escorting on and off the ship, and even getting elevators for their guests are just some of the benefits they provide.

Think of a genie as an "easy button" for the cruise, where you don't need to pre-book things and simply inform the genie what you want to do, and they will make it happen.

The Icon Loft Suite combines size and service

If you want a suite with everything, the Icon Loft Suite is an excellent, albeit expensive choice.

You'll never got a great value out of a suite, because they're meant to be splurges that you can indulge and enjoy. Between the extra living space and the perks included with the suite, it's what someone seeking luxury accommodations would love.

The daunting price tag is going to limit who can afford to reserve it, but it's a lovely way to cruise.

Singer, songwriter and now godmother to a cruise ship are the titles for Meghan Trainor.

Utopia of the Seas is a brand new mega cruise ship set to launch in July 2024.

Royal Caribbean announced the news on Friday, revealing one of the final unknown aspects to Utopia.

"We're beyond excited to announce that Meghan Trainor will be the Godmother of Royal Caribbean's newest ship, Utopia of the Seas," the announcement on social media read.

As part of a longstanding maritime tradition, Trainor will take part in the naming celebration for Utopia in July 2024 in Miami. 

The naming ceremony will take place prior to the inaugural voyage on July 19, 2024.

“Utopia of the Seas is where making the most of the weekend and every moment are more than a state a mind, they’re a reality any day of the week. This is the short getaway that’s all about celebrations, celebrating friends, family and the memories you make together,” said Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. 

“Meghan embodies that in every way, from who she is to how she shares her music with the world, making her the perfect godmother to match Utopia’s big weekend energy. We’re thrilled to welcome her to the family and host a party of epic proportions fit for the ultimate short getaway.”

Royal Caribbean is even giving away 52 free passes to see Meghan Trainor perform live at the ship's naming party. Details for the giveaway are included on Royal Caribbean's Instagram page.

Beginning today, Friday, July 5, and until Sunday, July 7, at 11:59 p.m. EDT, fans can enter for their chance to win a pass.

Trainor joins a lineage of celebrities who have been chosen to be named godmother.

What is a cruise ship godmother?

Every cruise ship has a godmother, and it's an important part of maritime tradition.

It's a ceremonial position that is traditionally held by a woman, but in recent years that has changed.  Symphony of the Seas had a Godfamily, and Icon of the Seas had a godfather with Lionel Messi.

Other ships have had women hold the role, including renowned athletes, celebrities and royalty.

The godmother's job is to give the ship a blessing for the safety of the crew members and passengers who will sail onboard it. 

Who is Meghan Trainor?

Meghan Trainor is a contemporary American singer-songwriter known for her distinctive blend of pop, R&B, and doo-wop influences. 

Her breakthrough came in 2014 with the release of her debut single "All About That Bass," which topped charts worldwide and earned her widespread recognition.

Trainor's debut studio album, "Title," was released in 2015 and included hits like "Lips Are Movin" and "Dear Future Husband." Throughout her career, Trainor has continued to release music that combines nostalgic nods to classic pop with modern sensibilities, carving out a unique niche in the industry.

Beyond her music career, Meghan Trainor has also ventured into television, appearing as a judge on the reality singing competition "The Four: Battle for Stardom" and serving as a guest judge on "RuPaul's Drag Race." Her presence in popular culture extends to collaborations with other artists and contributions to film soundtracks, further solidifying her influence and reach.

Party ship welcomes party seekers

There's a good chance if you're at a party one of Meghan Trainor's songs will be on the playlist, and that's probably part of why Royal Caribbean chose her to be godmother.

The 236,860 gross registered ton (GRT) Utopia of the Seas is just weeks away from hitting the high seas, boasting new features that cannot be found on any of the other five Oasis Class ships. 

Guests onboard the 5,668-passenger vessel can enjoy an exciting array of amenities, from exhilarating waterslides to mesmerizing high-diving shows and the cruise line's first immersive train car dining experience. 

Departing from Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida, Utopia of the Seas will call at CocoCay on July 20 and Nassau on July 21 before returning to Florida and welcoming a new set of passengers onboard for a 4-night cruise.

The ship introduces a new era of cruising, as it's the line's first ship entering service catering to the short cruising market. Rather than reserving older vessels for 3- and 4-night sailings, those loyal to the brand or curious about cruising can experience cutting-edge amenities and world-class entertainment not found on any other short cruise in the world. 

Get ready to celebrate the Fourth of July with a new sale that could save net you big savings over this big holiday.

Royal Caribbean is offering a July 4th sale on pre-cruise purchases, which includes possibly savings on drink packages, Wi-Fi and shore excursions.

The sale runs over the holiday, and applies to purchases made via the Cruise Planner website or by calling Royal Caribbean.

Deal basics

To get this offer, you need to either log into your Royal Caribbean account and go to the Cruise Planner or call Royal Caribbean to purchase a drink package.

The sale is valid for sailings departing July 7, 2024 - July 31, 2025. It's only available to bookings made between July 2, 2024 - July 5, 2024.

Depending on your sailing, there might be better prices now for shore excursions, WiFi packages, drink packages, or specialty dining.

Keep in mind if you buy the Deluxe Beverage Package, if you have multiple guests 21 and older staying in the same stateroom, all adults will be required to purchase their own package. This is done to help reduce the sharing of benefits. 

Celebrity Cruises is also offering its own Fourth of July sale on pre-cruise purchases. It has up to 35% off shore excursions, "and other onboard amenities."

Celebrity's sale runs through July 5, 2024 at11:59 PM EST (“Offer Period”) and applies to guests booked on select sailings departing July 8, 2024 – December 26, 2025, excluding 

• Celebrity Beyond August 24th, September 7th, September 21st
• Celebrity Edge July 26th, August 30th, September 13th
• Celebrity Equinox July 20th, July 30th
• Celebrity Infinity August 3rd, August 17th, August 31st 
• Celebrity Millennium July 14th, July 26th, August 7th
• Celebrity Solstice July 28th, August 18th, August 25th
• Celebrity Summit July 26th, August 2nd, August 30th

Will this offer save me money?

The Fourth of July is usually a big retail holiday, but there's no guarantee the actual price of your drink package, excursion, or spa treatment will be any different.

Royal Caribbean runs promotions throughout the year on its cruise add-ons, and there seems to be sales just about every week.

The Fourth of July is a bigger holiday for sales, and there have been anecdotal evidence of our readers reporting better discounts than usual. So it seems it's one of those sales worth checking for a better price.

To check if your sailing has this new offer available, log into the Cruise Planner on Royal Caribbean's web site look for any available offers. Not all sailings may see the sale applicable, nor are all offers significantly cheaper than previously posted.

To find the discounted rates, log into the My Cruises section of the Royal Caribbean web site, and navigate to the Cruise Planner section for the sailing you are interested in.

Once logged in, any available discounts will be automatically applied for the sale. Look for prices highlighted in magenta to indicate deeper discounts.

When it comes to Royal Caribbean sales, it's best to ignore the percentage off advertised, and focus on the total price when you add it your cart.

Remember, the pre-cruise price is almost certainly going to be better than the price onboard the ship if you wait to book it once you board the ship.

If the price of the cruise extra is cheaper than what you bought previously, you can cancel the purchase and then re-purchase the drink package again with this discount.

Beverage package purchases made online can be canceled and full refunded at any time, up until about 3 days before your sail date.

Advantage to booking before the cruise

No matter which add-on you want to buy, it's always cheaper to buy it before the cruise begins.

One common mistake cruisers make is waiting to book extras, either because they want to see if the price will continue to drop or they hesitate to book.

The reason waiting to book until closer to your sail date is a mistake is because the price could go up, and then you would end you paying more than you originally saw it listed for online.

If you know you will buy an add-on, you should book it at whatever price you see it for online before your cruise.  Remember, you can always cancel it if you change your mind later, up to 48 hours before your cruise begins.

This locks in the price and protects yourself against a price increase while still being able to take advantage of a price drop.

Unexpected emergencies arise and prevent people from embarking on their long-awaited cruise, and those who don't purchase travel insurance are often out hundreds or thousands of dollars. One individual, however, took to Reddit to share a feel-good story about her experience with Royal Caribbean's customer service after undergoing emergency surgery. 

Infamousunicornsocks was set to embark on a Royal Caribbean cruise in less than one month with her husband of seven years and five-year-old daughter. However, an emergency abdominal surgery and nasojejunal feeding tube placement postponed their plans. 

"Unsure how long I would be in the hospital for, much less how long the Dobhoff [tube] would be in for, I called Royal Caribbean customer service fully expecting to [lose] my entire deposit & cruise price as I didn’t buy the travel insurance," she writes. 

She spoke to a customer service representative who couldn't promise anything without first reviewing her medical documentation. However, within less than 24 hours, she received a call back with an offer to change the sail date for just $100 per person. 

Typically, if you cancel a Royal Caribbean cruise less than 30 days before sailing, you forfeit 100% of the cruise fare, regardless if the sailing is 4 or 10 nights. 

To receive a full refund, you must cancel your cruise 90 or 75 days or more before the first day of sailing. Even then, non-refundable deposits won't be refunded. Guests on shorter sailings (i.e. between 1 and 4 nights) have a longer window, as they can cancel for a refund up to 75 days before the cruise. 

Passengers on sailings 5+ nights must cancel 90 days or more in advance for a full refund, minus the non-refundable deposit. Those canceled between 89 and 75 days before will have to pay a 25% cancelation fee, while those who cancel the cruise 74 to 61 days prior to departure will pay 50% of the total fare. 

"Our sailing has been postponed to this fall and although I’m set to now have the [nasojejunal] feeding tube replaced with a G-J tube directly through my stomach and probably won’t get [to] enjoy much of any food, I’m so grateful for their kindness and compassion, fully knowing it was saw something they didn’t have to do," Infamousunicornsocks shares about their resolution.  

"My hope [is] that by sharing this, the next person going through something similar can be hopeful knowing that they’re dealing with a company that at least tries to help the consumer by listening and being understanding."

While Infamousunicornsocks had a positive experience with Royal Caribbean's customer service, do not neglect to add travel insurance to your upcoming cruise

Travel insurance plans provide financial peace of mind during stressful and unexpected situations, from lost luggage to medical evacuations. 

Policies purchased through Royal Caribbean include six benefits underwritten by Arch Insurance Company: 

• Trip Interruption: Up to 150% of total trip cost if you can't start or finish your cruise vacation because you're sick or hurt, there's a death in the family, or another covered reason.
• Trip Delay: Up to $2,000 ($250 per day) for catch-up expenses
• Missed Connection: Up to $300 if you miss your trip departure for covered reasons by three hours or more. 
• Accident and Sickness Medical: up to $25,000 if you get hurt and $25,000 if you get sick on your cruise vacation.
• Emergency Medical Evacuation: Up to $50,000 for emergency medical transportation during your vacation. 
• Baggage Protection and Delay: Up to $1,500 if your bags are lost, stolen, or damaged and up to $500 to buy necessary personal items if your bags are delayed.

Read more: Royal Caribbean will increase price of travel insurance policy

If that's not enough, you can add a "Cancel for Any Reason Credit" for an extra cost by calling 1-888-722-2195 or informing your travel agent. 

Per the policy's contract, "This additional enhancement is offered by Royal Caribbean International as a special service to guests that purchase this cruise ticket Cancellation Penalty Waiver Addendum...Credits are valid for one year from issue date, are not transferable, and have no cash value."

"To be eligible for the credits: 1. The travel protection plan must be purchased prior to having made final payment for the cruise; and 2. Notification of cancellation must be given to Royal Caribbean International prior to the ship's departure."

Alternatively, those who travel frequently—for work or leisure—should look into annual policies, which provide insurance coverage for one year of travel, rather than on a trip-by-trip basis. 

Even if you plan on taking just one cruise this year, annual policies cover all types of trips for one set price, including land-based trips to Europe, road trips along the Pacific Coast Highway, all-inclusive stays in Mexico, domestic flights, and more. Typically, however, the destination must be 100+ miles from home. 

Travel insurance is helpful for situations that occur before and during the sailing

In 2019, Vincent Wasney and his fiancée, Sarah Eberlein, were hit with a $2,500.22 medical bill from onboard treatment that had to be paid out-of-pocket since they did not purchase insurance, as KFF Health News and NPR reported. 

According to the invoice, the general ward admission and observation totaled $2,285.78, with the i-STAT blood test, out-of-facility services, and medication amounted to $97.99, $104.55, and $11.90, respectively.

The couple was traveling on Independence of the Seas on a cruise gifted by their real estate agent after purchasing their first home in Saginaw, Michigan in 2018.

Following three seizures, Wasney was evacuated by a rescue boat and transported to the emergency room at Broward Health Medical Center, where he incurred further debt.

Have you ever put a travel insurance policy to use? Let us know in the comments! 

Are you packing for a Caribbean cruise and not sure what outfits to bring? Are you looking for some cruise outfit inspiration?

Well, I just returned from a five-night Caribbean cruise on Independence of the Seas with my mom, and we are here to show you the outfits we wore during our voyage. Our cruise visited Perfect Day at CocoCay and Cozumel, Mexico.

Of course, you can wear whatever you want on a cruise (within reason). While there is a dress code on a Royal Caribbean cruise, it isn't strictly enforced. Gone are the days of dressing up in your finest ball gown and fanciest tuxedo, though you can still do this if you want. You will often find that people dress casually rather than formally.

My mom and I are certainly no fashion icons, but if we can help make your packing easier by giving you ideas of what to wear, then that is our goal. If you are a woman searching for some cruise outfit ideas, you’ve come to the right place.

Please note that I’ve linked items on Amazon, which contain an affiliate link. This affiliate link costs you nothing extra, but Royal Caribbean Blog makes a small commission if you purchase it. You can shop more on the Royal Caribbean Blog Amazon Storefront.

Embarkation day outfits

On embarkation day, I tend to wear something not too dressy, but also something not too casual like what I wear in my day-to-day (which is usually t-shirts).

I chose to wear a white top with some navy high-waisted shorts. These shorts are actually ones that my grandma wore when she was young. I am also wearing a cross-body bag from Amazon. I love this bag for many reasons, but mainly because I can keep valuables, like my passport and phone, close to me.

My mom wore a casual outfit as well, including a navy top and capris, a light jacket, and tennis shoes. You wouldn't think you’d need a jacket when cruising to the Caribbean, but it is always smart to bring at least one because indoor venues tend to get chilly.

Many cruisers who are vacationing with family and friends like to wear matching t-shirts on embarkation day. This is something I have never partaken in, but it’s a fun way for large groups of family or friends to celebrate the beginning of their vacation.

It's always smart to pack an additional outfit in your carry-on luggage on embarkation day. There have been times when I couldn't change clothes before dinner because my large suitcase hadn't arrived at my cabin yet. On this cruise, we didn't have to worry because our luggage arrived hours before our early dining time.

Dinner outfits

Getting dressed up for dinner during a Royal Caribbean cruise is one of my favorite parts of cruising. Because I work from home, I rarely get the opportunity to dress up, so when I cruise, I take advantage of it.

For three of our dinners, we ate in the Main Dining Room. Every night of the cruise, there was a dress code in the Main Dining Room, including casual, dress to impress (formal), and Caribbean.

On our particular cruise, the dress code was very casual, even in the Main Dining Room. Personally, I wear a dress or jumpsuit every night, and that is acceptable for all of these dress codes. On formal night, I like to wear my nicest outfit. 

Honestly, formal night varies quite a bit, so you can get away with almost anything.

Read more: What to wear to dinner on your Royal Caribbean cruise

On the first night of our cruise in the Main Dining Room, I chose a black floral dress from H&M while my mom sported a dressy black top from Anne Klein with coral pants from Costco.

On night two in the Main Dining Room, I wore a pink ruffle dress from Amazon. My mom wore a burgundy dress from 32 Degrees.

Night three was formal night, and while we decided to dress up, we actually had dinner in the Windjammer buffet. We did this because we didn't want to miss the musical Grease that was showing during our normal dining time.

I wore a blue jumpsuit from Charming Charlie while my mom wore a long black dress, also from Charming Charlie. What a coincidence!

Night four was back in the Main Dining Room. I opted to wear a long green dress from Old Navy while my mom wore a green floral dress from Ross Dress for Less.

On the last night of our cruise, we ate at the specialty restaurant Giovanni’s Table. Specialty restaurants have a different dress code from the Main Dining Room, which is usually smart casual and formal. In my experience, I’ve noticed specialty restaurants are not strict about what you wear. Just try not to wear t-shirts and swimming suits in these venues.

I opted to wear a tropical dress from H&M while my mom wore a red sleeveless top from Express and black faux leather pants from H&M. She wore these pants because they have a stretchy waist, which is essential when you are eating at a specialty restaurant!

Sea day and port day outfits

Our first port of call was Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s private island in The Bahamas. My mom and I decided to splurge on a day pass to the new adults-only area on the island called Hideaway Beach, so this is where we spent our “perfect” day.

This is the swimming suit I wore while on the island. I love this swimming suit because it covers my arms and I don’t have to worry about them getting sunburnt. I also wore high-waisted shorts from Old Navy when getting on the island and coming back to the ship. My mom wore a swimming suit as well, though she barely got in the water. On top of her swimming suit, she wore an Aztec-style dress as a coverup.

Our next (and last) port of call was Cozumel, Mexico. Since we did not have an excursion planned, we decided to walk around the pier area and do some shopping. There are lots of shopping opportunities close to the pier.

This is the romper I wore while out and about in Cozumel. This romper is one of my favorite cruise outfits, though I wish it had pockets. As for shoes, I am wearing my favorite black Birkenstock sandals. These shoes can be dressed up or down, and the material is waterproof and so comfortable. My mom decided to wear a neon athleisure top with some jean shorts from Old Navy and closed-toe shoes from Clarks.

When we weren't docked in port, my mom and I wore casual outfits during our sea days.

I chose to wear a black top from Old Navy along with some high-waisted shorts from Costco. My mom wore a white top along with lightweight, elastic-waisted pants. This is another pair of pants my grandma (her mom) used to wear. We are leaning into the vintage style, especially since high-waisted shorts are back in style.

For this cruise, I packed three pairs of shoes: Birkenstocks, dressy sandals, and tennis shoes. My mom brought five pairs, including various heels and flats, as well as tennis shoes.

Read more: What to wear on a cruise that works for all dress codes

Did we wear all of the cruise outfits we packed?

If you’re curious about how much we packed, it greatly varied between me and my mom.

Since this was a five-day cruise, I felt I could get away with just a carry-on suitcase and a backpack. I was able to successfully pack everything I wanted in just these two items, mainly thanks to packing cubes.

My mom on the other hand packed a 50-pound suitcase and a carry-on suitcase. No matter if it’s a 3-night cruise or a 12-night cruise, she will pack a large suitcase!

She packed around 70 pieces of clothing (including 15 pairs of socks!) while I packed about 25 total. While I wore most of what I packed, my mom found that she could’ve easily packed ⅓ less of what she brought. She admitted that she changed her outfits several times because she felt compelled to wear most of the items she packed!

She also noted that she packed too many dressy tops, jackets, and t-shirts. She only packed three dresses, and she ended up wearing all of them rather than dressy tops and pants. Of the seven jackets she packed, she only wore three or four. I only packed one sweater and one jacket, and that was all I needed.

When it comes to packing, it’s important to minimize the amount of clothes you pack that get easily wrinkled. Remember: Irons and steamers are not allowed onboard.

You should also pack for comfort, especially shoes and pants. You will find that you walk a lot when you are on a cruise (especially on large ships) so comfortable, broke-in shoes are a must. You don't want blisters on your cruise.

Once again, we are not fashion consultants, but hopefully this blog can give you an idea of what cruise outfits to pack for your vacation!

When you book your next Royal Caribbean cruise, prices may appear higher than in the past. 

On July 1, Senate Bill 478, also known as the "Honest Pricing Law," went into effect. Rather than create confusion with different booking systems, cruise lines—including Royal Caribbean—have changed how they advertise cruise fares in the United States. 

Now, the advertised price will include a breakdown of fees to help give consumers more transparency when budgeting for their vacations, regardless of whether they reside in California, Florida, New York, etc. However, it neither impacts the total price of the cruise nor the portion of the fare that's commissionable to travel agents. 

Read more: New law forces Royal Caribbean to change advertised price for cruises

If, for example, you find a 7-night sailing aboard Wonder of the Seas advertised for $1,282 per person, you won't be surprised with added fees later on. Instead, you can estimate how much the fare will cost. In the past, passengers had to prepare for the cruise fare to increase once port fees and taxes were added. 

Though the total price is the same, the $1,282 cruise on Wonder of the Seas may have been advertised at around $1,120 per person in the past, with taxes & fees added once the cabin selection was made. Now, the $325.18—or $162.59 per person—of taxes & fees are included in the price, simplifying the booking process by providing transparency. 

Taxes & fees are included regardless of whether you're sailing to the Bahamas, Caribbean, Alaska, Europe, Australia, or Asia. With port fees notoriously higher in Alaska, potential cruisers aren't left shocked by the $300+ in fees added to the cruise fare. 

Note, however, that the law doesn't apply to bookings made from Canada. 

A sailing onboard Wonder of the Seas in July 2025, the price starts at $1,672 CAD, with taxes and fees listed as an extra $203 CAD. However, the same sailing on Royal Caribbean's Australian and United Kingdom websites includes taxes and fees. 

Port fees are charges imposed by each port of call to allow the ship to dock which are passed on to passengers 

It doesn't matter whether you're staying in a multi-level suite or a tiny interior stateroom, as everyone onboard pays the same amount in port fees. 

They're a combination of several charges, including the per-passenger fee (head tax), docking fee, and pilot fee, which covers the costs of bringing the local pilot onboard to help guide the ship into port. 

Unlike gratuities, you don't have the option to pay them onboard. Instead, they're part of the cruise fare that must be paid in full by the final payment date. 

Though the new advertised prices include taxes & fees, passengers will still have to budget for gratuities

As of November 2023, the daily gratuity for passengers in standard staterooms (i.e., interior cabins to Junior Suites) is $18.00 per person, per day, and $20.50 per person, per day for guests in Grand Suites and above.

If you're going on a 7-night cruise in a balcony stateroom, gratuities will amount to $126 per person. Unlike discounted rates for third and fourth guests, they're still subject to the full gratuity rate, so a family of four can expect to pay around $500 in tips for a weeklong sailing. 

This is upsetting to many who are fans of the updated pricing model. 

"Just need to include the gratuities in the headline cost and we'll all understand the basic cruise fare before we start the booking process," Mike Shad commented on a Royal Caribbean Blog post. 

"Good, now we just need gratuities in there too, because that's another $200-$300 that they don't disclose," added Tiffany Miller. 

When it comes to gratuities, passengers have the option to prepay them or have them added to their onboard account during the sailing to be settled at the end of the cruise. If you choose to prepay them, they must be paid in full by the final payment date.

Royal Caribbean isn't the only cruise line impacted

The advertised fares for Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean's upscale sister line, are also subject to California's Consumer Legal Remedies Act, as fares for sailings with Carnival, Virgin Voyages, Princess, and Holland America Line. 

"The prices displayed for Carnival cruises are now inclusive of taxes and fees. The total price has not changed due to this update, and by showing the total price while shopping you can now see the total cost before completing your booking," reads Carnival's website. 

Read more: After 6 Royal Caribbean cruises this year, my wife and I tried Carnival for the first time, and here’s what we liked and didn’t like