Royal Caribbean Blog

I just spent 7 nights aboard Royal Caribbean’s newest and biggest cruise ship, Legend of the Seas. After sailing on 22 Royal Caribbean cruise ships, Legend of the Seas was almost flawless, although there were a few things that surprised me.

Legend of the Seas, the third ship in the cruise line’s Icon Class, launched earlier this month. Like her sister ships, Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas, the vessel is known for offering expansive pools, endless thrills, astounding entertainment, and a wide selection of dining venues.

I’ve sailed on every ship in the Icon Class, and while the vessels are largely similar to each other, they each have their own set of features and quirks.

Here’s what I loved, disliked, and found surprising after 7 nights aboard Legend of the Seas.

I loved my unexpected cabin upgrade

Sailing on a brand-new cruise ship is never cheap, and Legend of the Seas is no exception. When I reserved my cruise five months before departure, I paid nearly $5,000 for the cheapest cabin available—an inside guarantee room.

A guarantee stateroom means you cannot select your cabin location on the ship. Rather, it will be assigned to you closer to the sail date.

In most instances, this means you’ll be assigned the “leftover” room that no other guests wanted to book. On my Star of the Seas cruise last year, for example, I was assigned a tiny windowless cabin in the very back of the ship, and the location was far from ideal.

Related: Star of the Seas interior cabin review

This time, though, luck was in my favor. A few weeks before my sail date, I was assigned cabin #8339, a Surfside neighborhood view room. This cabin has a porthole window that looks out at the ship’s family-friendly Surfside neighborhood while also offering a limited ocean view.

This was a huge upgrade compared to the interior guarantee cabin I initially booked.

The cabin was surprisingly spacious. Like in any cabin, it featured a bed, desk, closet, and private bathroom, but there were a few features that made this cabin even more impressive.

The cabin’s couch was huge, and it was far more useful than the small armchair found in most interior cabins. I also appreciated the room’s portable side table, as you could use it as a desk by the couch, an extra nightstand, or a table for room service.

Like on all Icon Class ships, storage was abundant throughout the room. There were more outlets than I ever needed, and the bathroom had a larger-than-typical shower.

When I booked the cheapest interior guarantee room on Legend of the Seas, I never imagined I would end up with such a bright and spacious place to call home for the week.

I enjoyed the AquaDome Market, but thought some options were lacking

The AquaDome Market was my favorite place to eat onboard Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas, but I can’t say the same for Legend of the Seas.

The grab-and-go food hall, which is included in guests’ cruise fares, has been a hit among the Icon Class ships. Each ship features five food stands with varied cuisines, offering anything from Chinese rice bowls to empanadas and barbecued meats.

Related: Ranking every food hall at AquaDome Market

On Legend of the Seas you’ll find five options for food and one for drinks:

• Seoulmate for Korean rice bowls
• La Española for Spanish tapas
• Cajun Kitchen for New Orleans gumbo
• Adobo for Mexican street tacos
• Simply Pressed for fresh smoothies and juices
• Crème de la Crêpe for sweet French crêpes

I appreciate that Royal Caribbean tests out cuisines in the AquaDome Market that they haven’t otherwise offered in the fleet, such as Korean and Cajun food. However, as someone who primarily sticks to a vegetarian or pescatarian diet, I found Legend’s options quite limiting.

Seoulmate, for instance, offered the choice between a beef or chicken bowl. While I tried a bowl without meat added, it was essentially just rice. Likewise, Adobo offered no options for vegetarians, as just chicken or pork tacos were available. Cajun Kitchen offers chicken, sausage, or shrimp gumbo, but no vegetarian option.

Related: What's included on Legend of the Seas?

I missed the vegetarian options on Icon and Star of the Seas, such as falafel bowls at Feta Mediterranean or sandwiches at Toast & Garden.

I did enjoy the Spanish tapas at La Española and the market’s crêpes, but meatless options were definitely lacking compared to Legend’s sister ships.

The Hideaway was perfect for sailaway, but it closed earlier than I expected

One of the most photogenic spots on Legend of the Seas is The Hideaway, an adults-only neighborhood in the aft of the ship. This area features two large hot tubs, a bar, and a picture-perfect infinity pool.

There are seven pools on Legend of the Seas, but The Hideaway is my favorite. The adults-only beach club vibe is a plus, but the views are what really make this space stand out from the rest.

I loved spending my evenings in the pool watching Legend of the Seas sail away from scenic destinations like Palma de Mallorca and La Spezia. Unfortunately, though, the pool closed earlier than I would have liked.

The infinity pool closed each evening at 9PM, along with all but one pool on the ship, the Cloud 17 pool, which closed at 11PM.

Because the sun sets so late in the Mediterranean during the summer, guests were kicked out of The Hideaway pool just as the sun was setting. I wish the pool had stayed open just a little later into the night, especially since the area markets an adults-only party atmosphere.

I was impressed by all the signature entertainment, especially Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

As expected, Royal Caribbean delivered in its entertainment options on Legend of the Seas. I saw three signature productions during my week onboard, and every show was excellent.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, the full-length Broadway show in the Royal Theater, blew me away. The performance was captivating and professional. It incorporated intricately-designed sets and technology to transport guests straight into the world of Willy Wonka.

To my surprise, the role of Charlie was played by a child actor, the youngest crew member ever hired by Royal Caribbean. His performance was spot-on, and having an age-accurate lead added to the immersive feel of the show.

Related: Meet Royal Caribbean's youngest crew member

Aside from the ship’s Broadway show, I also caught the performances of Shockwave in the AquaTheater and Fusion in the Absolute Zero ice rink. As always, the spectacular high-divers, slackliners, figure skaters, aerialists, and acrobats performed wild tricks.

I watched in awe as a pair of acrobats climbed, flipped, and slid around two poles during Fusion, and the slackliners’ flips and jumps in Shockwave were nothing short of outstanding.

Beyond the signature production shows, Legend of the Seas was packed with additional entertainment. Lou’s Jazz n’ Blues was my preferred music venue for a more tranquil evening, while Dueling Pianos was always full of cheers, laughs, and friendly musical competition.

After sailing on a ship like Legend of the Seas, it might be hard to book a cruise on a ship with fewer entertainment options.

I loved The Overlook, but wish it were adults-only

If you’re a fan of Royal Caribbean’s adults-only Solarium on other ships, you might be disappointed while cruising on Legend of the Seas and her sister ships.

Icon Class cruise ships do not have a traditional Solarium. Instead, the adults-only pool is located in The Hideaway neighborhood, but the pool’s party vibes are quite different from the calm Solariums on other ships.

Surprisingly, the area I find most equivalent to a traditional Solarium on Icon Class ships is The Overlook, despite the fact that it lacks pools and jacuzzis.

Related: The unexpected place people are hiding for peace and quiet on Royal Caribbean

The Overlook is inside the 82-foot-high AquaDome in Legend of the Seas' AquaDome neighborhood. It’s an indoor observation space perfect for relaxing with stunning ocean views.

I visited The Overlook every day of my cruise, and I never got tired of the area’s calm atmosphere, comfortable seating, and beautiful sunsets. Yet if I have one complaint about the space, it’s that it isn’t exclusively for adults.

At the risk of sounding old and grumpy, the area was continuously swarmed with large groups of teenagers during the cruise, particularly in the Overlook Pods, which act as semi-private hangout areas.

For such a quiet, peaceful space, The Overlook often became quite loud, making it difficult to relax. I found myself wishing this area were reserved for adults, like the Solarium on other ships.

Despite this small complaint, it was still one of my favorite spaces to visit onboard.

The itinerary was exciting, but I still prefer other European itineraries

Before Legend of the Seas heads to Florida in October, she’s spending the summer sailing 7-night Western Mediterranean cruises from Barcelona and Rome.

There’s no denying that this is a dreamy itinerary. With ports like Barcelona and Naples on the agenda, some of the world’s most popular attractions are just a stone's throw from the ship.

Even still, the itinerary isn’t my favorite in Europe. Western Mediterranean cruises typically visit big cities over the smaller, more charming destinations you might visit on, say, a Norwegian fjords or an Adriatic cruise.

For me, walking around a metropolis like Barcelona in the summer heat is a different level of exhausting compared to planning beach days in the Greek Isles or glacier visits in Norway.

Related: Western Mediterranean vs. Greek Isles cruises: Which is better?

Plus, most ports on the itinerary require a shuttle to reach the city center from where the ship docks. If you don’t book an excursion, these shuttles are not included, and they range between €6 and €20 per person round-trip depending on the port. Overall, I prefer ports that are more easily accessible from where the ship docks.

If you’ve never been to Europe before or don’t mind exploring cities in the heat, the itinerary might be exactly what you’re looking for. For me, though, I might stick to other European itineraries, even if it means sailing on a smaller ship.

Finally, I loved the ship’s layout, which is designed to improve passenger flow and minimize crowds

Although the layout of Legend of the Seas is, for the most part, identical to her sister ships, I still found myself impressed by just how well-designed these ships really are. The ship has a maximum capacity of over 7,000 passengers, but there were times I felt as if I had the ship to myself.

It wasn’t uncommon for an elevator to arrive just seconds after pressing the button, thanks to the Icon Class’ destination elevator system. Likewise, the plethora of pool decks and lounge chairs meant I never had to fight for a chair by the pool.

Walking from place to place on a cruise ship often means fighting crowds, but this wasn’t the case on Legend of the Seas. The sheer number of decks, staircases, and venues throughout the ship make passenger flow seamless and controlled.

There were only a few times the ship felt crowded. Crowds were heavy at the Windjammer buffet during peak breakfast hours, for example, and during events on the Royal Promenade.

Outside of these few instances, I never felt like I was overwhelmed with crowds on the ship. The thoughtful design of Legend of the Seas allowed me to enjoy my vacation to the fullest.

Is an ocean-view room that much nicer than an inside cabin to justify the higher cost?

Both types of staterooms are typically the least expensive Royal Caribbean rooms you can book, and usually the price difference is negligible.

I've stayed in both kinds of cabins across different ships, and there's a justification to picking one over the other.  Like all cabin choices, it comes down to your budget and how you like to cruise.

I also base my decision to book an ocean-view or an inside room based on cost.  In many cases, how much more an ocean-view costs will play a major role in my decision.

If you're debating which cruise ship room to book, here is what to consider before making a decision.

Having natural light is more important than it sounds

You might think it's not that big of a deal to have a window, but I think it's the difference between feeling like you're in a cave or not.

Ocean-view cabins on Royal Caribbean ships generally don't have portholes, but usually a larger window. Depending on the ship, the size of this window will vary.

Having a window of any size means daylight can pour in, making your stateroom feel less small and dark.  

If nothing else, I've booked an ocean-view room purely to have the light so I know when it's daytime or nighttime out.

Plus, you can also peek outside to see what the weather looks like.  While none of the ocean-view cabin windows open, being able to see what it looks like outside helps.

That view is also helpful to enjoy the passing scenery.  Admittedly, I don't think it's nearly as good as having a balcony to enjoy the passing views.  In many cases, the window is behind the bed, which makes active viewing outside cumbersome.

I book inside cabins because I'd rather save the extra cost

Having light and a view is great, but I usually rationalize the decision of going with an inside room based on cost.

The actual square footage of an inside room vs an ocean-view room is minimal. On Wonder of the Seas, an inside room measures 172 sq. ft., whereas an ocean-view cabin is 179 sq. ft. of space. That's a barely noticeable amount of space.

Ultimately, I'll consider the costs to make a decision.

Inside rooms have exactly the same amenities as ocean-view rooms (minus the window).  There is a king size bed that can be split into two, a vanity, sitting area, and a private full bathroom.

My thought process is I'd rather save the $50-$200 to upgrade to an ocean-view cabin for something else on my cruise, like a drink package.

Bidding to upgrade to an ocean-view room would probably work too

Royal Caribbean allows its guests to bid for a cabin upgrade, and this might be a good workaround.

Because inside rooms are the cheapest option, and balcony rooms and suites cost the most, they each get a lot of attention from people on opposite ends of the budget spectrum.

I've observed ocean-view rooms typically are overlooked because it's not as glamorous an upgrade.  I doubt many people day dream of going from an inside to a slightly larger room that has a window. People dream big, and look immediately to a balcony.

For that reason, you might get lucky by putting a bid for an ocean-view room and then moving up to that for less than it might have otherwise cost to book it initially. Of course, that's more of a theory than a rule.

After you have a cruise booked, you can check if you are Royal Up eligible and place a bid on a higher category room.

One downside to this strategy is you won't be able to pick your room location if your bid is accepted.  Royal Caribbean does allow you to choose if you're willing to pay $30 extra, but at that point I doubt you're saving money with a RoyalUp bid.

How much time do you think you'll spend in your room?

No matter which cruise room you book, the real question you ought to ask is how much time you will actually be in the cabin.

Royal Caribbean ships are designed to have so much to see, do, eat, and experience. That leaves little downtime to sit around your cabin.

I think people overestimate how much time they will actually spend in their rooms during a cruise because of how much else there is to do onboard.

In reality, cruise ship rooms become a place to sleep, shower, and change clothes.  It's not like a hotel or resort where you might spend the bulk of your day in them.

Of course, everyone cruises differently and some people do stay in their staterooms more. My parents love to go on cruises and relax in their room much more than I ever do.

Inside rooms have an advantage with their locations

One thing to keep in mind about choosing an inside room is that you can find inside cabins on low and high decks, but ocean-view rooms tend to be only on the lower decks.

On some ships ocean-view rooms will be on a higher deck, like the ones that are at the very front of the ship overlooking the helipad. 

I tried one of those cabins on Utopia of the Seas and instantly regretted it because it was more prone to more motion.

There’s nothing wrong with booking an ocean-view room on a lower deck, but a lot of people prefer a room on higher decks and closer to other kinds of cabins.

How much nicer an ocean-view than an inside?

You're not making a mistake by booking an ocean-view or inside room, so it really depends on how much more it will cost.

If you're sailing a more scenic itinerary, such as Alaska, you can better justify an ocean-view room. Heck, you might just decide to splurge for a room with a balcony instead and get the full outside experience to go with your stateroom.

Ultimately, I will look at the price difference and make a decision based on that.  If it's less than $50 total, I'd probably go for an ocean-view so my room feels less like small. Otherwise, I'll save the money and opt for an inside room.

The rumor mill says the Port of Galveston is looking to build another cruise terminal, and Royal Caribbean is eyeing it.

According to a report by the Galveston Daily News, Royal Caribbean is "interested" in the project.

Galveston is a rapidly growing cruise market for Royal Caribbean, and they recently opened a new terminal that can handle the biggest cruise ships in the world.

Port of Galveston Director Rodger Rees confirmed Royal Caribbean has shown interest if a proposed fifth cruise terminal gets added.

Nothing confirmed, but a possibility

Royal Caribbean has not made any announcement regarding interest or plans to build a new cruise terminal in Galveston. Everything we know so far has come from this report by the port's director.

Mr. Rees described the interest as being "word on the street", but was quick to note the location of the new terminal would be adjacent to Royal Caribbean's current building.

Royal Caribbean operates Terminal 10, and there is a proposal to construct Terminal 14.  If approved, it would be Galveston's third new cruise terminal since Royal Caribbean opened Terminal 10 in 2022.

Before you start dreaming which ships could be homeported there, the new terminal plans are still far from a reality.

It's still in the planning stage, but Mr. Rees indicated a study showed it wouldn't have a detrimental impact on surrounding roads.

A major project with challenges

According to Mr. Rees, if approved, Royal Caribbean would partner with the port to build it. Both sides would contribute to the overall cost.

One thing that would be needed is a new parking garage that could cost between $120 and $130 million. That garage would double the current parking capacity.

Another issue would be fitting Terminal 14 between Terminal 10 and 16, as it would require changes to the port's current layout.

Specifically, the spot where ships docked in Terminal 16 (the berth) would need to be extended to make room for a ship coming into Terminal 14.

Galveston is a hot market for Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean's recent "chess moves" of cruise ship deployments indicate how lucrative Galveston has become to the company.

Next summer one of the crown jewels in their fleet, Icon of the Seas, will be redeployed to Galveston to be homeported there.

Royal Caribbean doesn't put one of its most successful and recognizable cruise ships anywhere. These ships are major revenue generators and incredibly well-received by consumers, so the cruise line wants them in the best position to succeed.

Icon of the Seas has 20 decks, seven pools, and an entire water park on the back of the ship.

It's divided up into 8 neighborhoods to make it easier to navigate the ship and know where you are. Each neighborhood has a distinct look and feel, including a giant outdoor park in the middle of the ship.

Icon is home to over 40 places to eat and drink onboard, including hibachi, a supper club, a food hall, and giant buffet.

It is 1,198 feet long and 213 feet wide.

Icon will offer alternating 6- and 8-night cruises to the Western Caribbean.

Prior to Icon's announced shift, Royal Caribbean had already been prioritizing Galveston more and more.

It started with adding bigger ships there, and then the opening of a new $125 million cruise terminal in 2022 really set the stage.

Terminal 10 was designed for ships as large as Oasis Class and Icon Class, which was no coincidence. The company immediately moved Allure of the Seas into the new port, and megaships have been sailing from there ever since.

Royal Caribbean will not visit its private destination in Labadee, Haiti until at least July 2027.

A Royal Caribbean Group spokesperson confirmed in a statement to RoyalCaribbeanBlog.com that they've decided to extend the pause for an additional six months.

Previously, Royal Caribbean had halted visits through the end of 2026. Today's update extends that suspension through June 2026.

"As we continue to evaluate conditions in Haiti and our ability to deliver the best vacations responsibly, we have decided to extend the suspension of ship calls to Labadee through June 2027," the statement read.

"This decision was made with the safety and well-being of our guests and crew members in mind."

Royal Caribbean ships started skipping Labadee in April 2025, and haven't been back since.  It had another stoppage of visits in 2024.

Labadee is a private beach that Royal Caribbean has continuously operated in Haiti since 1988.

With cancellations extending through June, that will mean at least another few months of no visits there.

Why Royal Caribbean is skipping visits to Haiti

The cruise line did not list any specific reasons their ships will bypass Labadee for another six months, only noting in their statement that they continuously evaluate conditions in Haiti.

The country has been suffering from continued violence involving armed groups across Haiti for the last few years.

Earlier this week, heavily armed members of the “Viv Ansanm” gang alliance reportedly attacked the village of Robin in the Grand Fond communal section. There were reports of deaths, injuries, kidnappings and homes being set on fire during the attack.

In the country's capital of Port-au-Prince, armed gangs continue to control large areas.

The U.S. State Department has Haiti at its highest travel advisory level warning against visiting Haiti, which is “Level 4: Do Not Travel." 

Cruise ships have been re-routed

Late on Tuesday, emails were sent to guests on any sailings scheduled to visit Labadee between January and June 2027 to inform them of itinerary updates.

Emails sent to guests only mentioned a change in plans, "We've reviewed our sailing plans and made an adjustment to the ports of call we will visit."

Depending on the ship and sail date, the revised plans differ. Some ships are now headed to Costa Maya, Mexico; Nassau, Bahamas; Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; or Grand Cayman.

Any prepaid excursions for purchases in Labadee will automatically refund.

The news sparked a discussion within the Royal Caribbean Blog community, where cruisers shared their opinions. Many seemed to understand the realities of what Haiti is dealing with.

"It's not a safe place and folks should recognize that [Royal Caribbean] is about keeping them from potential harm," Megan Ford wrote.

Bryan Lamb wrote, "I really wasn't surprised or upset. I'm happy they haven't canceled Labadee permanently. I'm sure the people want Royal to resume operations."

Others posted about the revised itineraries and how they felt about the new port options.

• "I'm sad they won't be going back to Labadee but my itinerary had Falmouth as well. So glad it changed to Mexico ports!"
• We are doing Turk and Caïcos instead of Labadee!!"
• "I wish they would include another stop rather than another sea day."

Royal Caribbean remains committed to Labadee

Despite the fact no Royal Caribbean ship has had a day visit to Labadee since April 2025, the company says they are not giving up on the destination.

"We remain committed to our Labadee team members and are working to ensure they feel informed and supported," the company said in a statement.

In fact, they're still supporting the people in the area through a school they've funded for the last 15 years, as well as infrastructure and community development initiatives.

One of their projects provided approximately 7,000 residents in Labadie Village with access to clean water and improved sanitation. 

They continue to provide monthly food donations in partnership with the SOLANO group. 

Passengers on at least eight Royal Caribbean cruises have had their visits to the cruise line's private destination in Haiti suddenly canceled. 

According to an email sent to guests, Legend of the Seas will no longer call at Labadee, Haiti, on its February 14, 2027, cruise from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. 

"As you prepare for your vacation, we wanted to share an update to your February 14, 2027, itinerary. We've reviewed our sailing plans and made an adjustment to the ports of call we will visit," reads the email.

Originally, the six-night cruise was slated to call at Perfect Day at CocoCay; Labadee, Haiti; and Falmouth, Jamaica, according to CruiseMapper. Now, however, the Icon Class ship will visit Costa Maya, Mexico, and Cozumel, Mexico. 

(Credit: Michelle Gillespie / Facebook)

"Instead of visiting Labadee, we'll now enjoy a day in Costa Maya, Mexico. We'll arrive at 8:00 AM and depart at 5:00 PM. Additionally, we'll now visit Cozumel, Mexico, from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM instead of Falmouth, Jamaica," the email continues. 

Another passenger shared that their March 28, 2027, cruise aboard Legend of the Seas was also changed. Now, they'll call at Ponce, Puerto Rico, and Samaná, Dominican Republic. 

No explanation has been given for the change, but the email concludes by saying they're sorry for the inconvenience, adding that safety is the cruise line's top priority. 

Royal Caribbean last visited the private destination in April 2025, marking a brief return to the destination after earlier unrest in Haiti forced itinerary changes. Shortly after that, however, the cruise line began to cancel visits to Labadee again. 

More recently, the cruise line axed all calls to Labadee through January 2026, which seems to indicate that the cruise line is keeping guests away from the private destination longer than previously expected. 

Although Royal Caribbean has not publicly revealed a specific cause for the change to the February 14 sailing, it is likely due to the ongoing gang violence in the island nation, which has resulted in widespread violence, hunger, and displacement.

Other Ships Also Pull the Plug on Haiti

(Credit: davidisai0707 / Reddit)

Guests aboard at least five more Royal Caribbean ships — Adventure, Allure, Independence, Freedom, and Star of the Seas — have also reported that their upcoming cruises will no longer stop at Labadee, Haiti. 

"I really wanted to visit Labadee... apparently is not coming back for 2027," shared davidisai0707 on Reddit. 

They were supposed to call at Labadee on Independence of the Seas' March 14, 2027, cruise out of Miami, Florida. Now, however, they'll visit Nassau, Bahamas. 

Similarly, Star of the Seas' May 2, 2027, voyage will steer clear of Haiti, instead replacing the Royal Caribbean destination with its private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay, in The Bahamas.

The original itinerary had the 248,663-gross-ton ship visiting St. Thomas and Labadee on a seven-night cruise from Port Canaveral, Florida. 

In an email sent to booked guests, Royal Caribbean explained the change, stating, "We've reviewed our sailing plans and made an adjustment to the ports of call we will visit. Instead of visiting Labadee, we'll now enjoy a day in Perfect Day at CocoCay. We'll arrive at 7:00 AM and depart at 5:00 PM."

(Credit: Pie Crust Travels / Facebook)

Another traveler shared that their five-night cruise aboard Freedom of the Seas will no longer be visiting Haiti. 

"Instead of visiting Labadee, we'll now enjoy a day in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. We'll arrive at 8:00 AM and depart at 5:00 PM."

No changes were made to the ship's other stop in Nassau, Bahamas, on March 21. 

According to comments on a Reddit post in the r/royalcaribbean community, sailings on Allure of the Seas and Adventure of the Seas have also been impacted. 

"Adventure of the Seas on Feb 21st swapped out Labadee for Grand Cayman. Not the worst reschedule!" wrote salmcap. 

UnsubstantialGoat added, "My Allure cruise just swapped out Labadee and Falmouth with Cozumel and Costa Maya. I'd much rather go to the new ports than Falmouth an additional sea day. It sucks to not go to Labadee but I'm happier with my itinerary change."

Another comment states that the April 25, 2027, sailing on Independence of the Seas swapped Labadee, Haiti, for Grand Cayman. 

Is Labadee Haiti Safe?

As of July 2026, the U.S. Department of State's website lists Haiti at its highest warning level, Level 4: "Do Not Travel."

Reasons for the harsh warning include rampant violent crime, limited law enforcement, widespread kidnapping, and anti-gang vigilante attacks. 

In mid-May, a new wave of gang violence in the country's capital forced hundreds to flee their homes over the weekend, as reported by The Associated Press. 

The outlet reports that gangs have overtaken more than 90% of Port-au-Prince since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in July 2021. Violence has expanded into the countryside, too. 

Although Labadee is far from the capital of Port-au-Prince, safety concerns have shaped Royal Caribbean's decision to steer clear of Haiti for now. 

Previous emails have explained that the cancellations were implemented "out of an abundance of caution" to ensure the safety and well-being of guests and crew members. 

If you've been holding out on making Cruise Planner purchases for your upcoming Royal Caribbean vacation, now might be the time to finally pull the trigger. 

The cruise line's "Sun's Out Sale's On" promotion offers some of the lowest prices of the season on CocoCay add-ons, namely admission to the adult-only Hideaway Beach. 

You'll have to act fast, though. According to the terms and conditions, the sale applies to purchases made through July 14, 2026, on select voyages departing from July 10, 2026, through June 30, 2027. 

Even if you've already bought your Perfect Day at CocoCay add-ons, this sale is a good opportunity to review your bookings, as Royal Caribbean allows guests to cancel eligible purchases and rebook them at the lower price before their sailing. 

Hideaway Beach for as low as $43.99 per person

One of the most popular add-ons at CocoCay is Hideaway Beach. This adult-only enclave is available to guests 18+ and features an infinity-edge pool with a swim-up bar, exclusive dining options, hammocks, and more. 

During the "Sun's Out Sale's On" promotion, select sailings are seeing day passes to Hideaway Beach for as low as $43.99 per person. 

On an upcoming voyage aboard Odyssey of the Seas, for example, the onboard price is listed at $89 per person. 

With the current discount, however, the price drops to just $43.99 per person —a savings of more than 50% compared to the onboard rate!

That said, prices vary by sailing and demand. On another upcoming voyage on Utopia of the Seas, the onboard rate for Hideaway Beach is advertised at $99 per person. 

With the 50% discount, the "Sun's Out Sale's On" promotion brings the price of Hideaway down to $48.99. 

Regardless, paying less than $50 for Hideaway Beach is definitely a steal. Day passes often cost upwards of $70, depending on the sailing, so seeing prices dip this low is pretty uncommon. 

For example, I paid $51.68 per person when I visited Hideaway Beach in April 2024. Another travel writer paid over $80 per person when they visited in February 2025. 

Other add-ons worth checking out during the sale

The "Sun's Out Sale's On" promotion applies to more than just Hideaway Beach. As such, it's worth browsing your Cruise Planner to see what other discounts are available for your sailing.

Here are a few other deals available on an upcoming three-night cruise on Utopia of the Seas:

• Hideaway Cabana and Day Pass — Onboard Price: $1,849 / Cruise Planner Price: $1,108.99 (40% Off)
• South Beach Cabanas — Onboard Price: $1,369 / Cruise Planner Price: $820.99 (40% Off)
• Perfect Day CocoCay Zipline — Onboard Price: $69 / Cruise Planner Price: $33.99 (50% Off)
• South Beach Full-Day Beach Bed Rental — Onboard Price: $469 / Cruise Planner Price: $280.99 (40% Off)

Don't worry if the website is slow

If you're planning to take advantage of the sale, don't be surprised if the Cruise Planner website is slower than usual. 

Both Royal Caribbean Blog's Head Honcho, Matt Hochberg, and I experienced frustrating delays while browsing the Cruise Planner on Tuesday, July 14. 

This isn't surprising, though, as major promotions tend to drive a surge in traffic, and it is common for pages to load slowly.

If that happens during your time on the Cruise Planner website, be patient. Don't immediately try to refresh the page, as repeatedly reloading can interrupt the process and cause it to start over. 

Alternatively, you can call Royal Caribbean at 1-800-398-9819 for assistance with making pre-cruise purchases. However, keep in mind that wait times may also be longer than usual during the sale. 

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

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

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

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

(Credit: Edward Jones / Instagram)

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

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

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

(Credit: Edward Jones / Instagram)

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

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

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

(Credit: Oliver Dawson / Instagram)

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

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

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

(Credit: Oliver Dawson / Instagram)

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

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

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory musical

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

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

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

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

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

About Legend of the Seas

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

They will talk to the crew members

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

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

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

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

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

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

They always check-in for a cruise immediately

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

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

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

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

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

They will take maximize the loyalty program benefits

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

They will take advantage of less people onboard while in port

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I started tipping in cash when I order any drink

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

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

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

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

There is such a thing as too much cruising

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Travel insurance is a must-buy for them

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Older ships were built with fewer balconies and suites.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Editor's note: This article was updated on July 15, 2026, to reflect the new welcome bonus offer. 

Earn the welcome bonus

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

At the time of writing, the Royal ONE™ Visa Signature®, which has no annual fee, offered a welcome bonus of 30,000 bonus points after spending $1,500 on purchases within the first 90 days of account opening. According to the company, those points can be redeemed for $300 in cruise rewards!

For the Royal ONE Plus™ Visa Signature®, which has a $99 annual fee, new cardholders can earn a bonus of 60,000 points after spending $2,500 in the first 90 days of account opening. This comes out to around $600 in cruise rewards that can be redeemed for onboard credit, discounts, and more. 

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

Use your card for Royal Caribbean Group purchases

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

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

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

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

Book cruises for family and friends

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

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

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

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

Earn additional points on everyday spending and non-cruise purchases

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

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

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

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

Make the card your default option with Apple Pay

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

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

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

Take advantage of cruise-related benefits and perks

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

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

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

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

Use the card's travel credits and benefits

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

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

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

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

Take advantage of the anniversary credit

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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