Royal Caribbean Blog

Allure of the Seas just completed her $100M+ amplification, and I’m onboard to check out all of the latest upgrades and enhancements.

Let’s take a look inside the ship to see what has changed!

After 2 months, Allure of the Seas has completed her long-awaited renovation

For years, Allure had been considered the most outdated of Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Class cruise ships. Having launched in 2009, the ship had yet to receive any major upgrades to onboard venues and activities.

There were no waterslides, for instance, and several of the ship’s restaurants, like Sabor Modern Mexican, have largely been retired from Royal Caribbean’s fleet.

Allure of the Seas was set to receive her amplification in 2020, but it was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Five years later, however, she has finally received her much-anticipated amplification. Here’s everything that has changed on the vessel, both the minor upgrades and major renovations.

The pool deck has completely changed, both in decor and amenities

One of the most notable changes to Allure of the Seas is the Caribbean-style pool deck; it has been totally transformed.

The ship now has three waterslides: the Perfect Storm racing slides and the Supercell, a champagne bowl slide.

These waterslides are a welcome change to the ship, which was the only vessel in the Oasis Class without them.

In addition, Splashaway Bay has replaced the H2O Zone. This aqua park features splash areas, a water dump bucket, and a small slide designed for younger children.

There is no pool nor are there hot tubs in this area—these were removed during the switch to Splashaway Bay.

As a result, two hot tubs were added to the upper pool deck on deck 16, fitting the resort-style vibe.

All bars on Allure of the Seas’ pool deck have been remodeled to The Lime and Coconut. This Caribbean bar features vibrant decor and a selection of fruity, tropical drinks.

Aside from The Lime and Coconut, Caribbean-themed decor is found elsewhere on the pool deck. Colorful seating is placed around the deck, and there are also private cabanas available to rent.

Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade can be found in the Boardwalk Neighborhood

Royal Caribbean’s beloved sports bar has finally launched on Allure of the Seas.

Replacing Sabor Modern Mexican, Playmakers offers a variety of casual bar food with an extra cost, à la carte menu. Passengers can indulge in fan-favorites like the Pile On Nachos, Buffalo Chicken Crunch Roll, and Truffle Burger.

Read more: Guide to Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade

Of course, you can’t forget to order the Campfire Cookie, a skillet-baked chocolate chip cookie topped with toasted marshmallows and Nutella.

Royal Caribbean’s all-new tiki bar, Pesky Parrot, is now on the Royal Promenade

When Royal Caribbean’s newest ship, Utopia of the Seas, launched last summer, the cruise line premiered an all-new bar concept for the line: Pesky Parrot.

This bar is designed to transport guests straight to a Caribbean resort. Pesky Parrot combines beach-themed decor with tropical cocktails, whether the Peanut Butter Piña Colada or Tiki ‘Mosa.

Given the success on Utopia of the Seas, it’s no surprise to see Pesky Parrot added to Allure of the Seas on the Royal Promenade. This venue replaces the Champagne Bar, and it was jam-packed on embarkation day.

The Mason Jar offers southern-inspired cuisine, a live country trio, and inventive cocktails

Allure of the Seas is the third Royal Caribbean ship to feature The Mason Jar, and given the venue’s beloved reputation, it’s sure to be a busy spot onboard.

The Mason Jar is divided into two sections: a southern restaurant and a country bar with live music.

The restaurant serves southern favorites for brunch and dinner, whether the Stuffed French Toast or Lobster n’ Crawfish Gumbo, and comes with a cover charge.

The bar is open to all guests regardless of whether or not they dine in the restaurant.

While you can find a variety of drinks available, the menu shines in its bourbon cocktails, such as the Mint Julep and PB&J Old Fashioned.

Read more: Royal Caribbean's best bar scene is at The Mason Jar

On most evenings, a country trio performs in the bar, which absolutely can’t be missed.

Compared to the venue on Wonder and Utopia of the Seas, the bar space on Allure has more seating.

El Loco Fresh serves up Mexican favorites on the pool deck

Although Allure of the Seas removed Sabor Modern Mexican from the Boardwalk Neighborhood, passengers can still find Mexican favorites at El Loco Fresh, Royal Caribbean’s complimentary, grab-and-go Mexican restaurant.

Prior to her amplification, the ship was retrofitted with a temporary El Loco Fresh in the Wipe Out Café. Now, though, the venue has officially changed to El Loco Fresh and is complete with the restaurant’s branding and decor.

The AquaTheater show has been upgraded

With high divers, aerialists, and slackliners, production shows in the AquaTheater are a highlight of any Oasis Class cruise. Royal Caribbean has retired OceanAria, Allure’s old AquaTheater show, for a new one: Aqua80Too.

Also available on Utopia of the Seas, Aqua80Too is the sequel to Aqua80 found on Oasis of the Seas. The show features classic AquaTheater stunts set to the tune of the biggest hits of the 1980s.

Adventure Ocean has been revamped with upgraded kids and teens clubs

Families boarding the amplified Allure of the Seas can look forward to new and improved youth programming facilities in Adventure Ocean.

Royal Caribbean’s Adventure Ocean provides childcare for passengers aged 0 to 17, and offers specific venues for each age group. Allure’s existing Adventure Ocean has been retrofitted with the cruise line’s more modern take on the facilities.

Read more: Ultimate Guide to Adventure Ocean

New additions include:

• Adventure Ocean Theater, offering movies and a small space for performances and shows
• The Workshop, offering craft and science experiments
• Play Place, an unsupervised play area for young cruisers (parents must be present)
• The Arena, designed for sports and physical activity

Teens have access to an enhanced hangout space, Social298, which offers activities like video games, movies, and music for guests aged 13-17.

The Crown Lounge is now on deck 15

Royal Caribbean’s exclusive lounge for Diamond members and above in the Crown & Anchor Society has been moved to a new location on Allure of the Seas.

Prior to her amplification, Allure’s Crown Lounge was located on decks 11 and 12, and it was one of the biggest locations in the fleet, offering views of the Boardwalk Neighborhood below.

Now, the Crown Lounge is located on deck 15 next to The Mason Jar. The lounge has ample natural light, differentiating itself from the interior, windowless Crown Lounge on most other Oasis Class ships.

Cabins were added to the ship, too

Over 100 new cabins have been added to Allure of the Seas during her amplification.

By moving the Crown Lounge, a large space became available for additional interior cabins on decks 11 and 12. Aside from these rooms, Royal Caribbean added Ultimate Panoramic Suites above the ship’s bridge. These cabins provide 200-degree ocean views through floor-to-ceiling windows and come with exclusive Star Class perks.

Read more: Royal Caribbean Luxury Star Class Suite Review

As far as existing cabins go, no major renovations were made. In my interior cabin, furnishings like the couch did not get replaced or reupholstered, and no new outlets or USB ports were added to the room.

There are three new activities passengers can try

As if there wasn’t enough to do on Allure of the Seas before her amplification, now passengers can try even more activities.

First, the Ultimate Abyss has been added to the ship’s aft. Like with waterslides, Allure of the Seas was previously the only Oasis Class ship without The Ultimate Abyss, a dry slide taking guests from the Sports Deck to the Boardwalk.

This slide is complimentary for guests, and it’s undoubtedly the most thrilling way to get from one place to another onboard.

An escape room was added to the vessel, too. Passengers can test their wits at Mission Control: The Lunar Landing, where they’ll navigate a series of puzzles and clues to “escape” the room before time runs out.

This activity costs $44 per passenger for the 30-minute experience.

Finally, laser tag is now available, and it’s included in guests’ cruise fares.

Vitality Café has been removed from the spa

A change some cruisers may be surprised to see is the removal of Vitality Café.

Prior to amplification, Vitality Café served juices, smoothies, protein shakes, and snacks in the ship’s spa. Aside from a few food items, the venue came with an extra cost.

Now, the area is used for additional seating. Based on deck plans, it appears additional cabins were added behind this area.

The good news is the Vitality Café menu is still available!

You can find it at Sorrento's.

Photo area has been converted

The photo gallery is now fully digital.

Instead of printed photos to peruse, any photos that the ship's photographers take are now easily viewable from a kiosk.

Likewise, the Shore Excursion desk is now digital too and has a refreshed look.

Shaved Ice Bar added

Royal Caribbean added another feature from Utopia of the Seas, with the Shaved Ice Bar.

Located at Wipeout Cafe near the entrance to the Ultimate Abyss, you can purchase flavored shave ice here, including adult beverages that come with alcohol.

New location for Chef's Table

Chef's Table has been moved to deck 4.

It's located in the same area as Izumi, but on the other side.

One of Celebrity Cruises' most luxurious ships is returning to England for its summer season. 

Celebrity Apex, an Edge Class ship that debuted in 2021, began cruising out of Southampton last year. Throughout the summer, she quickly became a favorite for destination-focused sailors who didn't want to sacrifice style or comfort. 

"Guests told us how much they loved the amazing itineraries we offered with our Celebrity Apex sailings last year, so we're excited to homeport this revolutionary ship in Southampton again this summer," said Laura Hodges Bethge, President of Celebrity Cruises.

Apex will kickstart the 2025 summer season with a series of immersive sailings to some of Europe’s most captivating destinations, starting with an 11-night cruise on Sunday, April 13, to the Canary Islands and Portugal.

Between April and October, passengers can choose between sailings to the Norwegian Fjords, the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, and other bucket-list worthy ports. 

Sailing out of Southampton also unlocks London as a pre- and post-cruise destination. With easy access to the United Kingdom's capital, guests can extend their vacation by exploring London's iconic landmarks, museums, and world-class culinary scene. 

Not to mention with Heathrow, Gatwick, London City, and Stansted airports all nearby, getting to and from the United Kingdom for a cruise aboard Celebrity Apex is convenient. You'll find extensive flight options from across the globe. 

The 2025 President's Cruise will be held on Celebrity Apex

Hodges Bethge will join thousands of loyal Celebrity cruisers on May 17, 2025, for an 8-night cruise to Norway, calling at ports like Zeebrugge, Belgium; Olden, Norway; Geiranger, Norway; Alesund, Norway; and Stavanger, Norway. 

The President's Cruise is an annual sailing hosted by Hodges Bethge, who succeeded Lisa Lutoff-Perlo as President in 2023. All interested guests can attend, so you don't have to hold a certain status within the Captain's Club to book a cabin. It's a great opportunity for Celebrity fans to sail together with exclusive merchandise and special events with executives. 

This year, guests can look forward to culinary events hosted by executive chefs and Celebrity's global culinary ambassador Chef Daniel Boulud, who is responsible for the upscale specialty restaurant Le Voyage on Celebrity Beyond and Ascent. 

The sailing will also feature exclusive entertainment performances and specially curated shore excursions hosted by Hodges Bethge.

Celebrity Apex showcases some of the best amenities Celebrity Cruises offers

From the cantalivered Magic Carpet to the multi-level Eden venue and mouthwatering restaurants, Celebrity Apex is a destination in and of herself. 

In total, Apex boasts 29 restaurants, bars, and lounges for guests to enjoy, including the Fine Cut Steakhouse, famous Martini Bar, and Oceanview Café, featuring some of the best buffet food at sea.

She's also an entertainment hub, with three exclusive stage shows in The Theater, as well as an intimate cabaret show in The Club. The ship's daily schedule is filled with themed experiences and activities, too. 

Not the only Edge Class ship in Europe this summer

Offering captivating itineraries throughout the Mediterranean and Greek Isles, Celebrity Ascent will take guests on port-intensive voyages where they can explore the rich history, culture, and cuisine of Europe. 

As the newest ship in Celebrity's award-winning Edge Class (until Xcel launches this winter!), Celebrity Ascent brings even more to love with reimagined venues, new entertainment, and upscale dining options. 

European cruises on Celebrity Ascent depart from Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy; Barcelona, Spain; and Piraeus (Athens), Greece, from May through October. 

Read more: I Sailed the Greek Islands With Celebrity Cruises and Found the Upscale Cruise Line to Be the Perfect Summer Escape

After being delayed departing for a few days, Allure of the Seas is ready to welcome guests back onboard.

Before that happens, Royal Caribbean informed guests booked on the first sailing back that its first sailing will start a bit later than originally planned.

Passengers booked on the April 11th sailing received an update today that boarding would be delayed by 4 hours.

Allure of the Seas will be boarding in the Port of Barcelona a bit later than originally planned. Due to this delay, all arrival windows have been pushed back by four (4) hours. Please arrive according to your updated arrival time to ensure a smooth boarding process. We’ve sent you an email with further details. See you soon!

No reason was given for the delay, but it's possible because of a last-minute issue with the ship's propulsion that needed to be fixed.

The original plan was for Allure to depart the shipyard on Monday, April 7, but a technician discovered that several propellers had a problem.

It turned out the propellors were in poor condition, and additional work was needed beyond what was originally planned.

Royal Caribbean decided to take the extra time and replace them prior to the ship departing for her summer homeport of Barcelona, Spain.

According to local media, the cost is $2.2 - $3.3 million to make the fix.

The good news is there will not be any push back of Allure's return to service, minus a few hours.

Arrival times for check-in at the cruise terminal will consequently be pushed back 4 hours to adjust for the new time.

Big upgrades for the ship

Royal Caribbean has spent $100+ million on Allure's updates and changes, and it's the first ship to get major upgrades like this since 2020.

Over the past five weeks, Allure of the Seas has been getting a massive renovation to bring her up-to-date with amenities like Playmaker's, the Perfect Storm water slides, Ultimate Abyss, the Mason Jar specialty restaurant, resort-style pool deck, new Ultimate Panoramic Suites, and more. 

The updates were initially scheduled for 2020; however, her much-needed revitalization was indefinitely delayed because of the pandemic. Details regarding the dry dock were finally announced last August. 

Changes include the addition of water slides, the Pesky Parrot Bar, a revamped pool deck, new staterooms, an Ultimate Abyss slide, and many updates around the ship to make it look refreshed.

Key upgrades include:

• Installation of "The Perfect Storm" water slides and the transformation of the H2O Zone into Splashaway Bay for aquatic fun.
• A contemporary, resort-style pool deck featuring Caribbean-inspired décor, new seating, updated hot tubs, and the addition of The Lime & Coconut pool bar.
• A 10-story dry slide offering a thrilling descent to the Boardwalk neighborhood.
• Introduction of the Pesky Parrot tiki bar on the Royal Promenade, replacing the Champagne Bar, and The Mason Jar Southern American specialty restaurant on Deck 15.
• Addition of 30 new cabins, including the Ultimate Panoramic Suite near the ship's bridge, offering 914 square feet of space with 200-degree floor-to-ceiling views.
• Revamped Adventure Ocean kids' club with new spaces like Play Place, AO Theater, Workshop, Arena, and The Hangout, along with a relocated teen club, Social298.
• Laser tag sessions in Studio B, providing interactive gaming experiences for guests. 

Allure of the Seas will re-enter service in April, offering a summer cruise season in the Mediterranean with 7-night voyages.

Following Allure's season in Europe, she'll reposition to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in November 2025. Allure will homeport in Port Everglades through October 2026, minus a short stint in Galveston, Texas, in March and April 2026. 

Royal Caribbean built arguably the best cruise line private island experience in the industry, so why would you want to skip it and stay on the ship?

Skipping Perfect Day at CocoCay sounds like sacrilege, and I felt the same way on my most recent visit while sailing on the world's biggest cruise ship, Icon of the Seas.

Believe it or not, a lot of people stay on the ship instead of going to the island for a variety of different reasons.  The impetus is less about if CocoCay is worth it or not, rather, it's about balancing needs on the ship and what sort of a day you'd like to have.

It's a surprisingly common dilemma for cruisers, especially those that have visited CocoCay more than once. While Royal Caribbean designed it to be as all encompassing as possible, there are a few good reasons to think twice about staying onboard.

I almost skipped CocoCay, but I’m glad I didn’t, and here’s why.

Should you stay on the ship at CocoCay?

If it seems crazy to skip your CocoCay day, it makes more sense if you consider the advantages of it.

The best reason to stay onboard is the same reason it makes sense to not disembark in any port: the ship is way less crowded.

One of the regrets I had from my Icon of the Seas cruise was I really didn't get to spend much time in the pools and waterslides. I booked so many things to do in the ports we visited, including CocoCay.

Because of how popular CocoCay is, your ship will feel like you have it to yourself if you decided to stay onboard.  Most people don't start returning to the ship until after lunch, so the morning hours are the best time to take advantage of quiet pools and hot tubs.  

Plus, there's no cost to use the waterpark on Icon of the Seas compared to the island's extra cost waterpark.

Another reason to stay onboard is if you've been to CocoCay before.

It might sound jaded, but some people like to go to a port of call and experience it, but the repeat value might not be there. Given how many cruise ships now visit CocoCay on almost every Caribbean itinerary, the chances you've been there before is quite high.

And did you know the spa offers some great deals if you stay onboard? 

There are spa specials every day, but the biggest discounts are reserved for port days.  There's so few customers willing to come to the spa on a port day, that they will often throw in more freebies or extra percentage off for services you book.

Another common reason I hear from cruisers why they stay on the ship is because they simply prefer shade and air conditioning to sun and sand.

I have to admit, I'm one of those people generally, because I hate being hot and sweaty.  

When you visit CocoCay in the summer, it can be stifling outside between the temperatures and humidity. 

Before you write off CocoCay, let's consider the top reasons you shouldn't skip CocoCay.

The hype is real, and Perfect Day lives up to the reason.

There are so many incredible things to do, and so much of it is included in your cruise fare. There are different beaches and pools, and also really good food.

If you have young kids, I think Splashaway Bay and Captain Jill's Galleon are the perfect spot to hang out and let them splash.

There's volleyball courts, different bars to visit, live music to enjoy, and hammocks to take a nap in.

Plus, we're talking about picturesque Bahamian beaches that are what a lot of people envision with their vacation. You don't need to spend extra to enjoy it.

It's also easy to forget getting off the ship doesn't mean you have to spend all day there.

It’s easy to go for just a couple hours and return to the ship, giving you a taste of what's offered without committing to an entire day.

What I actually did — and why

I ultimately spent my day at CocoCay, but I went with a promise to myself.

We booked a beach cabana for my family to enjoy, thanks to a Black Friday sale that significantly discounted the price. Not only that, it was located in the Coco Beach Club and the food there alone is worth going.

While it's true you don't have to spend extra to have a good time, the fantastic discount made it too good of a deal to pass up.

Plus, it meant we could enjoy a relaxing day without worrying about vying for a beach lounger elsewhere on the island.

It's also my personality to get a bit of "cabin fever" after a sea day. I really enjoy being off the ship for a bit.

But the deal I made with myself was I wasn't going to fall prey to the "I paid a lot for this vacation and we're gonna have a good time, or else" dad trope.

Sure, I got a good price, but that meant my "break even" value point would be lower. When we felt sufficiently relaxed, we'd go back without trying to justify the value to myself.

As it turned out, we spent more time at our cabana than I imagined, and that's because we had very comfortable weather with low humidity and it wasn't that hot out.  Being we cruised over spring break, it meant the weather was much milder than I expected.

If I was going to have stayed onboard, I would have gone back in time and done that in Cozumel instead.

My ideal “half-day” strategy

If you're also teetering on what to do, here's what I'd recommend doing. In fact, I'll do exactly this on my next visit to CocoCay while visiting on the brand new Star of the Seas this summer.

Splitting your day and just going for the morning is a great compromise.

Getting up early and off the ship as close to when the gangway opens means you get to enjoy the cooler temperatures and a far less crowded start to the day.

Usually ships dock quite early, sometimes by 7:30am, so if you can be off the ship by 8am, you'll have your pick of where to go and sit.  There will be hardly anyone around.

In fact, you could head to Oasis Lagoon and grab one of the coveted in-pool loungers that are available on a first-come basis.

No matter where you go, it's going to be much less crowded in and out of the water. If you plan to snorkel, this should be your plan because the water gets cloudier later once people start kicking up sand.

Enjoy your morning, and head back to the ship either before lunch, or right after it. 

If you're back on the ship by 1pm, you could still take advantage of less crowds onboard at the pools and waterslides.  And you'll already have your bathing suit on!

Or, book a spa appointment.  Those port day specials apply in the afternoon too!

I think this is the perfect strategy for anyone that wants to try CocoCay without committing to the a day.

You do you

There isn't a right or wrong answer if you should stay on the ship at CocoCay. It just matters what's more important to you.

I think it's important to weigh your own preferences, and not be swayed by popular opinion.

Skipping CocoCay might seem strange to even consider, but you won't be alone.  There will be other guests around and the many facilities will remain open, including bars, the pool, and Windjammer buffet.

But you should also not look at your CocoCay day in absolutes. Being flexible and going in for just the morning is a great third choice, because you're not locked into an all-day thing.

Even if you’re on the fence, just give it an hour. You might fall in love with it like I did.

It's no secret cruise lines are building and expanding their private island and beaches, but Royal Caribbean Group's CEO doesn't see it as purely a money grab.

Private islands have become a major difference maker for cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, and they are working on building a second one in Mexico, along with beach clubs around the world.

The appeal is undeniable, but Royal Caribbean Group CEO Jason Liberty thinks the media has gotten it wrong when it comes to the bigger picture involved.

"While there is economic benefit, we're building in these communities. We're creating jobs," he said this week while speaking at the Seatrade Cruise Global conference in Miami Beach earlier this week.

His view is the benefits go well beyond simply a money making endeavor, and there are important things missing from the narrative.

Economic growth for local communities

Mr. Liberty isn't denying that private destinations are profitable, but he believes that is not the only story to be told.

With its new projects they are working on, his company is partnering with the local communities to provide value to them too.

He explained, "The economic element of this is not concentrated per se in just the company. It's the broader economic activity that's happening within the area."

"In many cases, we're partnering directly with local citizens."

He's talking about how in places like The Bahamas and Mexico, Royal Caribbean is offering opportunities and incentives to the people living and working nearby to benefit too.

In the case of the Royal Beach Club Paradise Island, one percent of the annual gross revenue from there will be allocated to a National Investment Fund. 

Additionally, Bahamians will have the opportunity to invest in the project owning up to 49 percent equity, with the remainder held by the cruise line.

Over in Mexico, Royal Caribbean is going to bring its Perfect Day concept to Costa Maya, which is nearby the village of Mahahual.

The entire project will create 3,000 jobs, of which at least 1,000 will be in the construction phase. The rest will be jobs tied to the operation once it opens.

In addition, Royal Caribbean is partnering with Quintana Roo’s Agency for Strategic Projects and the University of Quintana Roo to ensure Perfect Day Mexico has a positive social impact. 

Royal Caribbean has promised environmentally sustainable facilities, including a dedicated water treatment plant and a reverse-osmosis system to provide a self-sustaining drinking water supply.

A recent Wall Street Journal publication talked about the how cruise-owned private islands are becoming more prevalent, "the idea is to keep them [passengers] in these private destinations for a particular amount of time, and to basically keep them spending there and not leave, "said Martha Honey, CEO of Responsible Travel Consulting.

Mr. Liberty explained there's more to these operations than simply the guest experience, "The articles that have been out there, they have just focused on we're building these things...they don't get into the experience we're trying to solve for."

"They don't get into the partnering that we're doing. They're not getting into the supply chain. They're not getting into all the employees that we're hiring."

Bringing more people around the Caribbean

Another benefit to building more private destinations is it brings a greater focus on ships sailing within the Caribbean, and that means more people to visit more islands.

Harry Sommer, President and Chief Executive Officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., explained there's a net effect to consider as well. His company is looking to grow the amount of passengers sailing the Caribbean from 1.2 million to 2.2 million guests a year by 2026.

"The fact that we're bringing a million more guests to the Caribbean that are going to visit lots of different islands doesn't only mean that Great Stirrup Cay will have a benefit, it also means all the other islands that were that were visiting will have twice as many visitors as well," he explained.

"We think that's part of partnering with the local communities, and we're very proud to do that."

Executive Chairman of MSC Cruises, Pierfrancesco Vago, agrees that the media has it all wrong.

"I heard about the news saying the private destination to keep our passenger spending is actually exactly the opposite," he retorted.

"It's a very good example of how we can support a circular economy in so many ways with the local population and obviously with our neighboring islands."

The Wall Street Journal video used MSC's Ocean Cay as an example of how the visit and some amenities are included, but there are extra cost add-ons, such as cabanas or ice cream.

Mr. Vago points out prior to MSC leasing the island, it was an "an industrial site dredging for aragonite."

"We developed that island from being an industrial site to replenish 700,000 plants so we can create the paradise."

Crew members work very hard on cruise ships, but have you ever wondered how much they make?

Chris Wong is a crew member onboard Royal Caribbean’s Quantum of the Seas working in the casino onboard. He also produces in-depth videos about living and working on a cruise ship on his YouTube channel, Chris Wong Vlogs. In fact, he claims in the video he might be one of the world’s most followed casino hosts on YouTube!

To celebrate his recent milestone of achieving 100K subscribers, Wong wanted to provide insight into his current salary working for Royal Caribbean on his channel. He just received a promotion within the company to a senior-level position in the casino while also posting regularly to his YouTube channel with 107K subscribers.

Wong has been working for Royal Caribbean over the last decade and started his YouTube channel a few years after. Although Wong is currently working on Quantum of the Seas, he previously worked in the casino onboard Icon of the Seas, which is Royal Caribbean’s newest and most innovative ship to date.

The video is extremely insightful, especially for those looking to potentially begin a career working on a cruise ship. Throughout the video, Wong shares a transparent look into his personal finances, and explains why he doesn’t plan to leave Royal Caribbean anytime soon.

Wong shows his first paycheck for $2,890.21, followed by a second paycheck for less.

Continuing in his video, Wong shares how Royal Caribbean pays employees on a biweekly basis. This means each crew member is paid twice per month, but not every paycheck for Wong is the same amount.

In the video, Wong shares a glimpse into his actual paycheck from Royal Caribbean. He shows his first paycheck (with sensitive information redacted) with a total net payment of $2,890.21. This paycheck covers the first two weeks of January 2025, as Wong says he filmed the video back in February 2025.

Next, Wong shares his second payment from January 2025. This time, the total net payment was less at only $1,450.09. This brings the total monthly payment to $4,340.30 for Wong in USD.

He has also blurred out the itemized paycheck, which Wong says includes commission, tips and several other factors. Ultimately, Wong says this is a fantastic salary for him, especially considering the rising cost of living and inflation. He states he wouldn’t be able to make this much working back in his home country of the United Kingdom.

In addition, Wong emphasizes that he has very few bills to pay by living onboard. He said he only pays for his cell phone bill and internet usage onboard. Wong states he will occasionally spend money in ports of call. However, he doesn't currently have any large payments, such as a mortgage or car payment.

Why his pay fluctuates so much

Interestingly, Wong’s paychecks appear to vary drastically, as his first paycheck is about $1,440 more than the second paycheck. What is causing this fluctuation? Wong says there are multiple factors at play that contribute to each biweekly paycheck.

While Wong says he can’t provide too much detail for confidentiality reasons, he says the combination of commission, tips and “a bunch of other things” are factored into each paycheck.

Further, Wong emphasizes that casino host salaries can vary across Royal Caribbean’s fleet depending on the ship and itinerary. Currently, Quantum of the Seas is sailing around Australia, although the ship was previously sailing in Alaska and also spent some time in Asia.

According to Wong’s video, he is actually getting paid less working on this ship compared to his time on Icon of the Seas. The biggest reason for this involves the ship’s destination and tipping culture. 

Wong states that crew members usually have the highest earning potential when sailing from the United States to the Caribbean. Because tipping culture is more prevalent in the United States, crew members often get paid more.

In fact, Wong says he was making more as an assistant casino host on Icon of the Seas sailing to the Caribbean than he currently makes in a more senior position on Quantum of the Seas. The most he was paid for one month working as an assistant on Icon of the Seas was closer to $5,000, according to Wong.

In general, he states that crew members typically earn the most when sailing to the Caribbean. However, each position varies onboard and some are paid differently. Realistically, crew members should plan to earn a smaller starting salary when first beginning their career with Royal Caribbean or any other cruise line.

How are crew members paid?

Wong also shared interesting insight regarding how crew members on cruise ships actually receive the money. When you first board for the start of your contract, Wong says you will be set up with a US-based bank account to receive payment. This is how you will receive your paychecks while onboard. 

This account is given for the sole purpose of Royal Caribbean paying employees their salaries. Crew members are not paid to their personal bank accounts. Once he receives his paycheck in this account, he can do whatever he wants with it.

Why Wong isn’t planning to leave Royal Caribbean anytime soon

At the end of his video, Wong shares that many subscribers often inquire about whether the casino host plans to get a land-based job anytime soon. Ultimately, the answer is “no”.

Between his low living expenses, comfortable paychecks and engaged online YouTube audience, Wong is very happy with his current lifestyle. He states he has been able to save so much money by working on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship and doesn’t plan to leave in the near future.

In addition, Wong says he would need to restart his career from the bottom if he pursued work back in the United Kingdom. The casino host questions why he would want to leave a comfortable salary onboard to make less money and have more bills to pay on land. 

Of course, Wong clarifies that he misses his family and friends; however, he is very comfortable living and working on the cruise ship. Essentially, Wong is happy with the life he’s built onboard and online. Between the stream of income from YouTube and his salary from Royal Caribbean, he doesn’t plan to leave the ship life for a “normal job” in the United Kingdom.

Wong says he first started his YouTube channel about five years into his Royal Caribbean career when he was still working in the online retail shops. During the pandemic, Wong says he channel really exploded in growth during the pandemic and continues to be a steady source of income for him. Now, he shares in-depth looks at the crew member lifestyle to his thousands of followers. 

Royal Caribbean is almost ready to bring back into service one of its mega ships, but it needs a few more days to solve a propulsion problem.

Local media reports that Allure of the Seas' departure from Cádiz, Spain, has been delayed. To be clear, there's been no announced delay from the cruise line in the start of the first sailing back for Allure of the Seas.

The Oasis Class ship was scheduled to depart from Cádiz on Monday, April 7, before her post-revitalization debut on the 11th. 

However, during her time at Navantia's dry dock, a technician discovered that several propellers on the three azipods, the electronic propulsion systems attached to the ship's hull beneath the waterline, were in poor condition. 

They didn't need to be replaced; however, Royal Caribbean opted to add new propellers to Allure before sending her to Barcelona to start a busy seasonal stint in the Mediterranean — her first since 2015. 

Diario de Cádiz reported that the issues could keep Allure in Cádiz for three extra days. However, Navantia and the auxiliary companies reduced the estimated timeline to a day and a half if there aren't further complications. 

According to Bryan James, a musician onboard, Allure of the Seas just left the dryock this evening, "We are leaving the shipyard and heading to Barcelona! "

Replacing the propellers isn't cheap. While Navantia hasn't released the price, Diario de Cádiz revealed it could cost €2 or €3 million (approximately $2.2 - $3.3 million). This is on top of the $100+ million spent on the scheduled renovation. 

Passengers booked on Allure of the Seas' April 11 cruise to Marseille and Palma de Mallorca haven't been informed of any changes to their itinerary, though this could change depending on when Allure finally departs. 

Allure of the Seas has spent over five weeks in Spain undergoing a massive renovation to bring her up-to-date with amenities like Playmaker's, the Perfect Storm water slides, Ultimate Abyss, the Mason Jar specialty restaurant, resort-style pool deck, new Ultimate Panoramic Suites, and more. 

The updates were initially scheduled for 2020; however, her much-needed revitalization was indefinitely delayed because of the pandemic. Details regarding the dry dock were finally announced last August. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean ship classes ultimate guide

Over 2,300 contractors — including electricians, carpenters, painters, and plasterers — have been working hard to ensure that every new feature is ready, as reported by The Independent. 

In addition to new amenities, the crew has spent time refreshing existing spaces. For example, over 28,000 bulbs have been replaced in cabins with more energy-efficient LED lighting. 

Moreover, thousands of cracked or worn tiles in the outdoor Central Park neighborhood on Deck 8 have been replaced, as well as the mini-golf turf on Deck 15.

Following the scheduled 4-night cruise on Apr. 11 and 5-night cruise on Apr. 15, Allure of the Seas will offer weeklong Mediterranean voyages through October 2025. 

Guests can depart on round-trip itineraries from either Barcelona, Spain, or Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy. Ports of call include Palma de Mallorca, Spain; Marseille, France; La Spezia, Italy; and Naples, Italy. 

Allure of the Seas will return to North America, offering winter cruises to the Caribbean from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. 

Royal Caribbean's homebase is always going to be Florida, but it's ready to bet big with adding more ships in California.

While west coast cruises may never become as popular as their east coast compliment, we're about to see a shift in adding more ships than it's ever had there.

The Australia cruise season is coming to an end, and that signals the migration of cruise ships across the Pacific Ocean.

While many will head to Seattle and Vancouver to begin Alaska cruises, Royal Caribbean is ready to invest more further south.

Welcome to LA, Ovation

Ovation of the Seas will head to Los Angeles soon to start her summer season. 

Up until now, Royal Caribbean has only had one ship in the LA cruise market, and that came after a decade of completely omitting sailings from there.

Navigator of the Seas had been the only ship operating from Los Angeles ever since the cruise industry restarted operations in 2021.  

Ovation will not only add another ship to the California cruise roster, but it's no slouch of a ship either.

This is one of Royal Caribbean's newer and bigger ships. Ovation of the Seas is less than a decade old and is over 30,000 gross larger than Navigator.

The Quantum Class ships first entered service in 2014, and are known for being big ships with innovative features. They have an observation pod, sky diving simulator, robots that are part of a show, and more climate controlled pool space. 

There are even bumper cars on this ship, which are included in the cruise fare and it's a fantastic family activity.

My favorite spot on these ships is the theater at the back, with sweeping views of the ocean called Two70. It's anything but a conventional theater, as there are robot arms and moving platforms that can transform the show immediately. There are some shows that use the roboscreens to project fun and imaginative scenes that are captivating to watch.

When there isn't a show, it's a beautiful lounge for enjoying coffee, reading a book, or talking with friends.

Her arrival for summer 2025 will offer sailings down Baja California, including destinations like Ensenada and Cabo San Lucas. 

Fares for these new LA cruises on Ovation of the Seas for her 2025 season start at $309 per person based on double occupancy, for a quick 3-night cruise to Ensenada, Mexico. Five or six night sailings begin at around $600 per person.

More ships are coming soon

Ovation's arrival marks a turning point in Royal Caribbean's attitude towards west coast cruises.

The cruise will bring two more ships to California soon.

Quantum of the Seas will also sail from Los Angeles, and for a short period, become the third ship to operate there at the same time.

Navigator paved the way for Royal Caribbean's return, and business has been so good that they wanted to add more ships.

Vicki Freed, Senior Vice President of Sales and Trade Support & Service for Royal Caribbean International, is just as excited as future passengers to have so many ships sailing from the west coast, "As a Los Angeles native, I'm thrilled about this, but what excites me the most is the announcement that Royal Caribbean will have a brand new home port in San Diego starting Fall 2026. San Diego holds a special place in my heart since I went to college there, so I can't wait to go back soon to experience the new adventure for myself."

Beginning in October 2026, Royal Caribbean will homeport a ship in San Diego.

One advantage a cruise from San Diego has over LA is the convenience factor, as the cruise terminal is just 3 miles from the airport. Plus, it's convenient for many residents of Southern California to easily drive to without dealing with notoriously bad LA traffic.

Serenade of the Seas will offer a variety of sailings from San Diego to Ensenada, Mexico and the Mexican Riviera.

This many ships operating out of California means more choices in itineraries and ships for consumers.  And it offers those on the west coast far more convenient options.

Getting to Port Canaveral from the nearest major airport isn't as convenient as Miami or Fort Lauderdale. 

Orlando International Airport (MCO) is roughly 45 miles from Port Canaveral, whereas Port Everglades is less than 5 miles from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL). 

While you can hire an Uber or Lyft to Port Canaveral, the price varies depending on traffic and demand. It's not uncommon to see fares as expensive as $70 to $100 for a one-way ride. 

Recently, my partner and I decided to try out Go Port's shuttle service from MCO to Port Canaveral. Since it was only the two of us, we didn’t want to risk spending $200 or more on transportation to and from the cruise ship. 

Plus, having pre-arranged transportation meant we wouldn't have any long wait times while the app searched for an available driver. 

We booked our round-trip transportation on the website for $59.98 per person, which worked out to about $30 per person each way. This meant we wouldn’t be stuck paying $100 for a one-way ride on embarkation or disembarkation day. Instead, the total cost for transfers to and from Orlando came out to just under $120 for both of us.

Overall, I was pleased with Go Port and would consider using their shuttle service to Port Canaveral in the future, especially if I'm traveling alone or with one other person. 

Easy-to-locate check-in deck

My partner and I stayed in Orlando for two nights before our cruise aboard Wonder of the Seas. As such, we took a short Lyft from our hotel across from Universal Studios to MCO on embarkation morning. 

After being dropped off at Terminal A, we took the elevator down to the ground transportation area, which is where you'll also find the car rental counters. 

It felt strange skipping the usual airport baggage drop-off and security process. However, we walked to the end of the far right hallway near Door A105 and quickly checked in for our shuttle to Port Canaveral. 

Instead of choosing a specific shuttle time, passengers are assigned a specific boarding number on a first-come, first-served basis. This system made the process smooth and flexible, as we didn’t have to rush to catch the first bus or feel stuck with a later departure. 

Still, we wanted to be at Port Canaveral as soon as possible. While we enjoyed our day at Universal Studios, we we eager to kickstart our week aboard Wonder of the Seas! 

We arrived at MCO at 9:45am, with the first shuttle scheduled for 10:00am. As such, we were given boarding number 82. We were also given luggage tags, which helped the driver know the ship the bags were headed to. 

Go Port caters to multiple cruise lines, meaning passengers onboard their shuttles could be cruising with Royal Caribbean, Princess, MSC, Carnival, Disney, or Celebrity. Ensuring that luggage tags are secured on all bags placed underneath the bus helps luggage handlers easily sort and deliver the bags to the correct ships. 

It was obvious other cruisers also wanted to make their way to Port Canaveral early. While the seating area near the check-in desk was expansive, it was pretty full by 10:00am, though there were a few remaining seats. 

I waited for our group to be called while my partner ran to the conveniently located restrooms. Note that while the buses do have restrooms onboard, they are locked during the ride from MCO to Port Canaveral and vice versa. 

I didn't get comfortable for long, as boarding for groups 71 through 98 started shortly after 10:00am, less than twenty minutes after checking in and receiving our group number. 

I’d recommend staying close to the check-in area, as it might be difficult to hear the Go Port representatives calling boarding numbers if you wander too far. For instance, my partner wouldn't have been able to hear them from the restroom, which is why I stayed in the waiting area. 

Efficient boarding process and smooth ride

I was amazed at how fast the boarding process was. Within minutes of being instructed to line up, we were heading out the doors and onto the buses. Luggage handlers quickly loaded everyone's bags onto the shuttles while passengers took their seats and situated their carry-on bags. 

By 10:15am, we were pulling out of the airport and en route to Port Canaveral! The buses weren't anything super luxurious, but they were a step-up from public transportation. Instead of hard plastic seats, the coach buses had fabric-cushioned seats. 

Additionally, the buses had a two-by-two seating arrangement, and by the time my partner and I were boarding, it was pretty full. We made our way to the back of the bus with our bags and found two seats together. 

The ride itself was smooth and shorter than I thought. Since we were sailing aboard Wonder of the Seas, we were dropped off first and bypassed a line of cars. However, your ride time may be slightly longer if sailing on a different cruise line. 

Porters were available as soon as we got off the bus, so we didn't have to lug our bags closer to the terminal. This was convenient and saved time, allowing us to head inside and start our cruise check-in process without any hassle.

Disembarkation was just as easy

After an amazing seven days on Wonder, we were faced with the reality that our cruise had come and gone. 

Go Port's shuttles to MCO begin at around 7:00am and continue until disembarkation is complete. However, rather than wasting time onboard, we decided to disembark in case there were any long lines for bag drop or security. 

The check-in kiosk was right where the bus had dropped us off one week earlier, and though the line was a little longer than when we checked in at MCO, it wasn't unbearable or annoying. I'd assume guests disembarking later might have a longer wait. 

Unlike when we were heading to Port Canaveral, we weren't given a boarding number or luggage tags. Instead, everyone funneled onto the shuttles after giving the agents their name. Additionally, MCO is the only stop the bus makes, so all bags are unloaded at the airport upon arrival. 

Since the bus was nearly full, we were off minutes after boarding. We arrived at MCO by 8:30am and were through security and in The Club by 9:10am, hours ahead of our 1:00pm flight to Charlotte. 

I was happy with Go Port and would use their services again

When we arrived at MCO, my partner checked Uber to see how much a one-way ride would have cost. At $90 before tip, taking an Uber from Orlando International Airport to Port Canaveral would have been more expensive than booking with Go Port.

I knew we made the right decision since we would've had to pay for a return ride from Port Canaveral to the airport one week later. Though this wasn't necessarily a budget cruise for us, saving on transportation costs was a nice bonus. 

That said, I understand why families of four might be hesitant to pay for Go Port since it would cost around $240; however, I'd argue that the convenience is worth the cost, especially since you won't have to worry about hiring a larger rideshare, and subsequently paying more, for everyone's suitcases. 

The check-in process during embarkation and disembarkation was straightforward; the shuttle buses were comfortable; and the overall experience was hassle-free. Everything went as planned with Go Port, making the start and end of our cruise on Wonder of the Seas more enjoyable and less stressful.

With the announcement of new tariffs from the United States, the cruise industry is starting to weigh what it means to them.

Speaking at Seatrade Cruise Global conference in Miami, Florida, Royal Caribbean Group CEO Jason Liberty joined a panel of other CEOs during the keynote "State of the Global Cruise Industry" session to address the geopolitical issues facing cruising.

It's quite early since the policy change was announced, but the question of what new tariffs and visa requirements will have on cruising.

Overall, none of the cruise line CEOs thought the tariffs would have an immediate impact.

Tariff question

One of the first questions addressed was the nature of new tariffs, but all of the cruise line CEOs said there was no direct impact from tariffs at this point.

They collectively shook their head, "no" and then talked about that tariffs will impact consumers.

Carnival CEO Josh Weinstein spoke more candidly about them, "The short answer is no, for various reasons."

"Because of how we could resource a lot locally," Mr. Weinstein said. "And we also go to different places, we're not we're not landlocked, so to speak."

But he did caution that a greater economic impact to cruises is not out of the question, "The uncertainty and the ripple effects absolutely has an impact on the industry.

"The hard part about that is that as of now, the answer is we don't know. And so anytime there's an answer, we don't know, it just takes some time for people to get comfortable with the uncertainty."

He went on to say that part of working with any government is to engage with them, "we listen well, we educate, and it's also one of the powers of our platform is it's flexible."

Ambitions to continue to grow

Mr. Liberty talked about his outlook given the recent economic woes by simply saying, "Current economic noise will not prevent our collective ambitions to grow this industry."

He pointed to the fact that all cruise lines are ordering ships further and further out, demonstrating the strong demand to build new ships.

He also pointed out that new ship growth isn't necessarily for the sake of adding new vessels.

"Because we are also looking further out, some of these ships are getting to 35 to 40 years in age, some of these (new ships) will be net replacement,” Liberty said.

That reality is paramount for Royal Caribbean as the Vision Class ships are approaching that milestone in age.

The cruise line has danced around the topic of replacing them with a new class of cruise ships, but so far there has been no official confirmation.

Destination is an important factor

One of the major topics discussed was the role of destinations, both private and traditional ports.

The moderator of the discussion alluded to recent mainstream media coverage of cruise line private destinations as, "building these to keep the money all to themselves," such as coverage by the Wall Street Journal.

Mr. Liberty dismissed this sort of coverage as missing the broader picture, "They focus on well, you must have a completely captured audience in doing that, they don't get into the experience we're trying to solve for."

What he means is new projects like Perfect Day Mexico and an array of private beach clubs are about making the guest experience better and partnering with local communities to create new jobs for them, and expose the cruise ship passenger to new opportunities.

"We're trying to elevate the experience and making sure that the end to end experience lives up to what our guests are expecting it to be," Mr. Liberty explained.

"The economic element of this is not concentrated per se in just the company. It's the broader economic activity that's happening within the area."

As an example, Royal Caribbean created an equity fund to provide fair market value of the four acres of crown land that the government contributed to the project.

There's also an investment fund to essentially buy shares in the investment fund to buy equity into the fund.

On top of all of that, a new tourism tax that will be part of this project that benefits local Bahamians, where 1% of gross profits are moved into a new tourism levy in perpetuity.

River cruises are about expanding choices for their customers

Mr. Liberty also talked briefly about the news that Celebrity Cruises will launch a river cruise division in 2027.

"We're trying to meet all of our customers, where they are, and the vacation experiences that they're seeking," he said after being asked about plans for this new venture.

Their research indicated customers wanted to try a river cruise to augment their cruise vacations.

"We look at what our guests are doing when they're not with us. One of the things that they tell us that they're looking to do, not as as a substitute for a cruise, but as an additional vacation experience is, is to go on river."

It's an opportunity to serve a need Royal Caribbean Group customers have while retaining business within their own ecosystem.