Royal Caribbean Blog

It’s easy to stick to the status quo when cruising, but this year, I made it a goal to step outside my comfort zone. After taking four Royal Caribbean cruises in 2025, I tried a handful of new activities and shore excursions that took me by surprise.

Instead of saying “I’ll try that activity someday,” I made the most of my cruises and experienced all that the ships (and ports of call) had to offer.

In the process, I discovered some new must-dos... and some things I probably wouldn’t do again.

Whether riding down waterslides on the world’s biggest cruise ship or trying out a walking tour, these are the eight new things I tried this year. One even became my new favorite thing to do onboard.

First, I dared the Category 6 Waterpark

Cruisers rave about the Category 6 Waterpark on Icon Class ships, but I ran out of time to try it on my Icon of the Seas cruise last year. So, I gave it a try on this year’s Star of the Seas cruise. I wondered if it would live up to the hype.

In the past, I tried the Perfect Storm waterslides on ships like Freedom of the Seas, but they weren’t as thrilling as I expected. At one point, the water moved so slowly that I even had to push myself down the slide!

Read more: Icon of the Seas vs. Star of the Seas: Which ship should you choose?

Fortunately, the Category 6 Waterpark was everything I hoped it would be. I particularly loved the raft slides, which bring guests up, down, and around crazy twists and turns—and even over the side of the ship!

Unsurprisingly, the waterpark gets crowded during the day, and especially on sea days. I waited until dinner time to try the slides, and lines were minimal. If you’re hoping to avoid crowds at the waterpark, try to visit outside of peak times.

I attended onboard lectures on my Alaska cruise

Alaska is one of my favorite cruising destinations, and I spent a week aboard Anthem of the Seas this summer for a trip to the Last Frontier.

While onboard, I spent most of my time enjoying Alaska’s stunning scenery from the outdoor decks. From time to time, though, I attended activities around the ship, trying everything from trivia to craft classes, archery, and karaoke.

Read more: I did these 5 small things before my Alaska cruise that made a huge difference

My favorite activities to attend, however, were the onboard lectures. Royal Caribbean partners with Voyij, an Alaska marketplace, to bring local Alaskans onboard the fleet’s ships. These locals give lectures to guests about life in Alaska, sharing what it’s like to live in remote mountain towns.

A Haines-based artist was onboard my ship, and she gave several lectures about life in her small town of 2,000 residents near Skagway. I loved attending these lectures during my cruise, as it gave me a better insight into my ship's destination.

I booked an “On Your Own” shore excursion in the Mediterranean

When I set sail on the amplified Allure of the Seas from Barcelona this spring, I knew I wanted to book an excursion during our visit to Marseille.

Because I had been to the port twice before, I wanted to explore somewhere different from Marseille’s city center. After browsing excursions on Royal Caribbean’s Cruise Planner, I came across one that intrigued me more than the rest: an “On Your Own” tour to Aix en Provence.

This tour, as advertised, would allow me to explore the charming French city “on my own” instead of with a guide. The excursion included roundtrip bus transport to Aix en Provence, and we received around four hours of free time upon arrival.

For $52.99, I found the price reasonable for the convenience. I preferred the flexibility of exploring on my own versus following a rigid schedule on a guided tour.

I would book this type of excursion again, especially if I want to experience a city further from the cruise port.

I tried Luggage Valet for the first time on disembarkation day

A little-known disembarkation day hack on Royal Caribbean is to sign up for Luggage Valet.

With this service, you place your luggage outside your cabin door on the last evening of your cruise, and you don’t see it again until you arrive at your home airport. The luggage is transported from your ship to the airport and directly onto your flight.

Luggage Valet is only offered at select ports, and I used the service on my Alaska cruise from Seattle. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport offers the service free of charge aside from any applicable baggage fees from your airline.

Read more: Luggage Valet review on Royal Caribbean

It was extremely convenient. I disembarked my ship without worrying about picking up my luggage, and I bypassed all of the baggage lines at the airport.

I would definitely use this service again, as it made my disembarkation day totally stress-free.

I tried sharing a cabin with my parents, and it wasn’t as bad as I expected

I love cruising with friends and family around the world, but sharing a cabin with both of my parents wasn’t initially on my 2025 to-do list.

Last year, I planned a summer getaway to Greece with my mom on Explorer of the Seas, but my dad decided to join the trip just a few months before our May departure. At that point, most staterooms had sold out, so we added him as a third guest to our tiny inside cabin.

Read more: What it was really like sharing a 150-square-foot cruise cabin with my parents

I initially thought sharing a room would feel too cramped, but it wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be. During our week onboard, the three of us spent little time in our room, as there was so much to experience both on the ship and in our four ports of call.

My one gripe with sharing the room was sleeping in an uncomfortable pullman bed, but I would still share a cabin again if necessary.

I booked a historic walking tour in port

On my Greek Isles cruise, I booked a historic walking tour in Split, Croatia. It is now one of my preferred ways to explore a new port.

You can find walking tours through Royal Caribbean, but I booked my tour through GetYourGuide. The 90-minute tour was less than $20 per person, and it provided a convenient way to learn about the port’s history.

What I liked about the walking tour was that it only took up a small portion of my day. Following the tour, I was able to explore Split on my own for several hours.

Tours through Royal Caribbean can be convenient, but they're often more expensive than tours through independent providers. I’ll continue to book walking tours on cruises around the world, as they offer a great value and insight into local history and culture.

I attended the Love & Marriage Game Show, but it wasn’t my favorite activity

The Love & Marriage Game Show is a staple activity on every Royal Caribbean ship, but I never got around to attending it until this year.

The famous game show brings three married couples onstage to ask them lighthearted (and personal) questions about their life together. Although the game show is technically family-friendly, the answers are known to get a little spicy, to say the least.

I watched the show on Anthem of the Seas, and while it was entertaining, I realized that I prefer game shows with more direct audience participation. The Quest, for instance, brings all guests into the competition.

After learning far too much about my fellow passengers during the show, I don’t think I need to attend it again on future cruises.

Finally, I watched sunset from The Hideaway on Star of the Seas, and it’s my new favorite thing to do onboard

Of all the new things I tried on Royal Caribbean in 2025, swimming in The Hideaway’s infinity pool was my favorite.

Royal Caribbean’s Icon Class ships feature The Hideaway, an adults-only pool area in the aft of the ship. The neighborhood features a bar, hot tubs, and a picture-perfect infinity pool with unbeatable views of the ocean.

I couldn’t wait to swim in this pool for the first time during my Star of the Seas cruise. It was too stunning to pass up.

I headed to the pool around sunset on the last evening of my cruise, when most passengers had already left to get ready for dinner. With few guests around me, I enjoyed a magical sunset over the ocean. It was the best way I could think of to end a memorable vacation.

On future Icon Class cruises, I’ll be sure to visit The Hideaway for stunning sunset views, whether I’m taking a dip in the pool or sipping a fruity drink from the bar with live DJ tunes.

Royal Caribbean is one step closer to breaking ground on its new beach club in Cozumel. 

The cruise giant submitted its required environmental impact study for approval, as reported by Riviera Maya News. This submission is an important milestone and one of the final hurdles before construction can officially begin. 

According to the INEGI Classification of Economic Activities, the Royal Beach Club Cozumel project is categorized within the tertiary sector, specifically under "cultural and sports entertainment services, and other recreational services."

This means that the beach club won't include hotels. Rather, it will focus on daily recreational activities, such as swimming, shopping, and dining. 

Royal Caribbean's environmental impact study adds that the beach club will generate a daily flow of visitors without overnight stays, consistent with the definition of economic units classified under sub-sector 713. 

The Royal Beach Club Cozumel is proposed to be located within the municipality of Cozumel, Quintana Roo, Mexico. 

The cruise line is taking an existing spot, the Playa Mia Grand Beach Park, and redeveloping it for its guests. This makes it one of the least invasive options, as it can utilize existing infrastructure and prior authorizations.

The site is located about 6.5 miles from Cozumel’s International Cruise Terminal and is roughly 42 acres. Of that acreage, about 13 acres are designated for the project's development, while 29 acres are designated as open areas. 

According to the environmental study, the landscaped green areas and surrounding natural areas will be preserved, restored, and left undisturbed. 

Moreover, Royal Caribbean plans to incorporate local natural materials, such as quarry stone and native woods, into the construction.

They will also finish with regional colors to create an atmosphere that complements Quintana Roo's coastal landscape.

Inside the beach club, guests can expect restaurants offering picturesque ocean views, a market-style food court with Mexican and other classic fast food options, and plenty of bars to stay "hydrated." In particular, the Royal Beach Club Cozumel will feature poolside bars that offer themed drinks throughout the day. 

Additionally, there will be private beach palapas (stilt houses); outdoor lounge areas with sun loungers, hammocks, and lounge chairs; shower and restroom facilities; and sports and beach activities. 

Read more: We got our first look at Royal Caribbean's private beach club in Mexico, and it looks stunning

The Royal Beach Club Cozumel is based on three fundamental pillars

The first, operational and recreational excellence, guarantees efficient services, comfort, and a high-value-added experience for tourists. 

The second pillar, environmental commitment, focuses on minimizing impact, respecting the natural environment, ensuring a responsible use of resources, and a harmonious integration with the ecosystem. 

Finally, the third pillar emphasizes the use of previously affected areas. Rather than build on untouched land, the Royal Beach Club Cozumel will be developed on a site where previously authorized facilities already exist (i.e., the Playa Mia Grand Beach Park). 

The Royal Beach Club Cozumel project is estimated to have a useful life of 26 years and 3 months. 1 year and 3 months constitute the preparation and construction phases, leaving the remaining 25 for the operation and maintenance phases. 

When will the Royal Beach Club Cozumel open?

Royal Caribbean hasn't released an official opening date. However, the brand-new beach club is expected to welcome guests in 2026. 

According to Jay Schneider, Royal Caribbean’s Chief Product Innovation Director, work began around May 2025. 

If the timeline is consistent with the environmental impact proposal, that would indicate an opening in August or September 2026. This is simply speculation and has not been confirmed by Royal Caribbean. 

Similar to Royal Beach Club Paradise Island, the Royal Beach Club Cozumel is a bookable shore excursion. The experience comes with an extra cost, unlike Perfect Day at CocoCay, where guests can enjoy the island's beaches for free. 

Virgin Voyages is offering to recognize your airline, hotel, or cruise loyalty status, so you can enjoy special benefits on an adults-only cruise. 

This means that now is the best time for elite Royal Caribbean and Celebrity members to try the cruise line without losing their hard-earned benefits. 

The all-new Sailing Club Status Match promotion is valid on new bookings made between December 9, 2025, and March 31, 2026, and submissions must be received at least 14 days before your sailing.

Guests who qualify will unlock Blue Extras perks on their first sailing, including one complimentary bag of laundry, one complimentary specialty coffee per day, and an invitation to an exclusive onboard cocktail hour. 

"Loyalty programs have gotten it backward," said Nirmal Saverimuttu, CEO of Virgin Voyages. "They ask for more, give less, and call it a reward. We’re flipping that. From the moment Sailors step aboard, we want them to feel recognized, relaxed, and reminded of why they fell in love with travel in the first place."

How to participate in Virgin's Sailing Club Status Match program

First, you must create a Sailor Account through Virgin Voyages' website. If you already have an account, you'll have to log in to access the Status Match request form. 

Then, you'll choose your eligible airline, hotel, or cruise loyalty program and upload proof of your status by Jan. 16, 2026. Moreover, Sailing Club Status Match submissions must be received at least 14 days before your voyage.

If you aren't at least a Platinum Royal Caribbean or Select Celebrity cruiser, don't worry — there are over 35 travel programs included in the promotion. 

As such, frequent flyers, hotel loyalists, and cruisers across a wide range of brands may qualify for the limited-time deal. 

Here's a rundown of some of the included programs:

• Royal Caribbean's Crown & Anchor Society
• Celebrity Cruises' Captains Club
• Norwegian Cruise Line’s Latitudes Rewards
• Carnival’s VIFP (Very Important Fun Person) Club
• MSC Cruises' Voyagers Club
• Princess Cruises Captain's Circle
• Holland America's Mariner Society
• Disney Cruise Line's Castaway Club
• American Airlines’ AAdvantage
• United MileagePlus Program
• Delta SkyMiles
• Marriott Bonvoy
• Hilton Honors
• World of Hyatt
• IHG One Rewards

After your status application is approved, you will be sent an exclusive Access Key via email. This must be used when making your new Virgin Voyages booking to unlock the Blue Extras benefits. 

To take advantage of this offer, your cruise must be booked by March 31, 2026. All open-for-sale revenue cruises are eligible. 

Note that the loyalty perks are only applied to the primary sailor on the reservation and can only be used once. Finally, the benefits earned through the Sailing Club Status Match offer are not transferable, non-exchangeable, and have no cash value.

Virgin Voyages vs Royal Caribbean: Why loyal Royal Caribbean cruisers should consider a Virgin cruise

Earlier this year, I embarked on my first-ever Virgin Voyages cruise after over a dozen sailings with Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises. 

Although there are areas where Royal and Celebrity shine, I would be open to sailing with Virgin again for a few key reasons. 

First, the dining is more diverse. Rather than being limited to a crowded buffet or a single dining room, Virgin Voyages offers a wide range of globally inspired options. The best part? Everything's included. 

This means that, unlike on Royal Caribbean or Celebrity, guests don't have to pay extra for the specialty Italian restaurant, upscale steakhouse, Mexican eatery, or lively Korean BBQ spot. 

Moreover, the standard buffet was replaced with The Galley, a massive food hall with multiple stalls all specializing in different cuisines. My favorites were Noodle Around and Let’s Taco Bout It. 

Moving on, I appreciated the modern touches throughout the ship. Starting with my interior stateroom, the touch-screen tablet could be used to adjust the cabin's lighting, order room service, and even operate the television. The rainfall shower was a bonus, too. 

Beyond the cabin, the ship was filled with stylish design elements that made it feel like a boutique hotel, rather than a mass-market cruise ship — think sleek lounges, ambient lighting, and cozy nooks for reading. 

Still, the highlight of a Virgin Voyages cruise is the adult-oriented experience. Although Celebrity Cruises caters more to adults than Royal Caribbean, it doesn't come close to the offerings on Virgin, including drag performances, wild late-night parties, and more. 

At the end of the day, a Virgin Voyages cruise will be different than Royal Caribbean. There aren't any Broadway-style productions, waterslides, surf simulators, or zip lines. 

Read more: I took my first Virgin Voyages cruise on its newest ship. Here are my brutally honest thoughts

However, the trade-off is an edgy, gastronomic adults-only cruise where you don't have to worry about kids splashing in the pool or running around the hallways. 

Virgin's new Sailing Club Status Match promotion makes it easier for loyal Royal Caribbean and Celebrity guests to be open to trying this unique take on cruising.  

A viral video shows an outraged passenger attacking another crew member on one of the world's biggest cruise ships, and the shocking footage has sparked major discussions across social media platforms. 

Fighting is one of the easiest ways to get kicked off (and banned) from cruise ships. However, despite the headlines, some guests have not learned that their actions have consequences. 

Recently, a hostile guest assaulted a crew member on Icon of the Seas at the Category 6 Waterpark. The kicker? His actions were caught on camera and shared on Facebook. Since being posted on December 5, the video has been viewed over 1 million times. 

Before throwing the violent punch, the belligerent guest is seen getting in the crew member's face and aggressively yelling. 

(Credit: Pat Brumley Ph D/Facebook)

The crew member, who appears to be a lifeguard based on their uniform, was knocked to the ground by the forceful blow. Another crew member intervened and tackled the passenger to the ground, presumably to prevent further violence. 

After regaining his stance, the unidentified passenger walked away with his middle finger raised toward the crew and stunned passersby. 

He was followed by crew members, though — likely to keep a close eye on them until the ship's security team could arrive and apprehend the guest for questioning. 

"This behavior is absolutely disgusting"

(Credit: Pat Brumley Ph D/Facebook)

Social media users reacted to the 55-second clip online. Some simply stated that the behavior should not be tolerated on board, while others were quick to blame the line's unlimited drink package.

"[The guest] should be forced to pay the employee for pain and suffering - this is abuse, doing this to any random person would result in jail time. For some reason assaults on service workers always get walked off as nothing," commented one person on a thread in the r/Cruise Reddit community. 

Someone else chimed in, "Wow, what a little punk piece of garbage. As soon as he gets off the ship, I hope they have cops waiting to send him to jail."

(Credit: Pat Brumley Ph D/Facebook)

"If I [were] a betting man, I’d be more likely to blame the onboard free-flowing unlimited drink packages," another added on a separate post. 

Although Royal Caribbean has yet to comment on the incident, the cruise giant has strict policies on passenger misconduct

The cruise line's Guest Health, Safety, and Conduct Policy is extremely clear: Inappropriate or abusive behavior is not permitted on board. "Uninvited physical contact" is also against Royal Caribbean's rules. 

These policies aren't suggestions, either. Should a passenger violate these rules, which are all agreed upon in the cruise contract, they face removal from the ship, possible legal action, and a permanent ban from future Royal Caribbean Group sailings. 

Unfortunately, incidents like that aren't uncommon. Multiple livestreamers were recently kicked off Royal Caribbean's Harmony of the Seas. Two members of the "Cx group" — David Ryan and Dave Willis — got into a violent altercation on the pool deck that was recorded in real time. 

According to bystanders, the duo began arguing over another streamer. However, things quickly escalated, and they began throwing punches and eventually tackling one another to the ground. 

As a result of their actions, Ryan and Willis were kicked off Harmony and left in Roatán, Honduras. 

Royal Caribbean just revealed its next batch of Caribbean cruises in 2027 and 2028. 

As part of the cruise line's scheduled deployment release, Royal Caribbean's seasonal Caribbean sailings are now available for booking. 

13 ships based out of Florida, Louisiana, Puerto Rico, Colombia, and Panama are part of this week's release, including Allure of the Seas, Legend of the Seas, Mariner of the Seas, and Enchantment of the Seas. 

Here's a breakdown of what's new and what's on the horizon. 

Legend of the Seas will return to Fort Lauderdale in 2027

After Legend's second seasonal European deployment, the third Icon Class ship will return to Fort Lauderdale for a winter stint, sailing on 6- and 8-night getaways to the Southern and Western Caribbean. 

You can book cruises to places like the cruise line's award-winning Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas; Cozumel, Mexico (the soon-to-be-home for the Royal Beach Club Cozumel), Willemstad, Curaçao; Cabo Rojo, Dominican Republic, and more. 

Highlights of Legend's onboard experience include 28 dining options, all-new entertainment headlined by Roald Dahl’s "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," and more. 

Mariner of the Seas to sail from The Big Easy

Following Mariner's European deployment, she will move to New Orleans, Louisiana, for the 2027-2028 winter and spring seasons. The 6- to 9-night adventures will call at a variety of ports, including Belize City, Roatán, and Cozumel. 

New Orleans is a great pre- or post-cruise destination. From the historic French Quarter to the lively Bourbon Street and famous Creole cuisine, there's no shortage of ways to enjoy your time in NOLA. 

Grandeur of the Seas to sail from Puerto Rico and Latin America

From May to December 2027, Grandeur of the Seas will be based out of San Juan, Puerto Rico. As such, she will offer port-intensive Southern Caribbean cruises to hot spots like Tortola, British Virgin Islands; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; Castries, St. Lucia; and more.

In December, she'll sail from Colón, Panama, and Cartagena, Colombia, to the ABC islands: Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao. These cruises present a unique opportunity to call at some of the Caribbean's most sought-after destinations, while also highlighting vibrant local cultures. 

Allure of the Seas will call two South Florida ports home

The recently amplified Allure of the Seas will sail from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, starting in May 2027 before moving to Miami in November. 

While in Fort Lauderdale, Allure's line-up will consist of 6- and 8-night voyages to the Western and Southern Caribbean. Ports of call include Perfect Day at CocoCay; Willemstad, Curacao; Falmouth, Jamaica; and more.

After she moves to Miami, she'll offer weeklong cruises to the Eastern and Western Caribbean. 

Oasis of the Seas will take Allure's spot in Fort Lauderdale, offering short cruises to The Bahamas

Fort Lauderdale won't be without an Oasis Class ship for long — after Allure moves to Miami, her spot will be taken by Oasis of the Seas. 

Starting in November 2027, Oasis will offer a series of 3- and 4-night cruises to Perfect Day at CocoCay and Nassau, Bahamas. 

Freedom of the Seas will offer a range of different itineraries 

Freedom of the Seas is a fan favorite — and for good reason. The OG Freedom Class ship offers a good mix of value and amenities. In short, she's a great pick for budget-conscious travelers who don't want to sacrifice adrenaline-pumping activities, comfort, and entertainment. 

Starting April 2027, Freedom of the Seas will sail from Miami, Florida, on 4-, 5-, 7-, and 9-night cruises around the Caribbean. 

Destinations vary but include Curaçao, Aruba, Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay, Nassau, and more.

Independence of the Seas will also sail from Miami

Independence will join Freedom of the Seas in Miami, Florida, in November 2027. During the winter and spring, the ship will offer 4- to 8-night cruises to the Eastern and Western Caribbean. 

The getaways will take guests to visit iconic landmarks like Blackbeard’s Castle in Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, admire vibrant sea life in Grand Cayman, and soak in the Caribbean sun at the all-new Royal Beach Club Cozumel. 

Adventure of the Seas will spend the summer and winter in Port Canaveral

Adventure of the Seas will begin offering cruises from Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida, in April 2027. Travelers can look forward to a variety of itineraries, including 4-, 5, and 9-night voyages. 

According to the cruise line, Adventure's itineraries are perfect for beach lovers, as the ship will visit destinations like Perfect Day at CocoCay, Nassau (for the Royal Beach Club Paradise Island), and Cozumel (for the Royal Beach Club Cozumel). 

Another Voyager Class ship will sail from Florida

Explorer of the Seas will join Oasis of the Seas in Fort Lauderdale in November 2027. 

Unlike the Oasis Class ship, however, Explorer won't offer any short cruises. Instead, vacationers can pick from 6- to 8-night adventures to the Eastern and Western Caribbean. 

Ports include Perfect Day at CocoCay; Falmouth, Jamaica; Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; and more. 

Enchantment of the Seas will sail from Tampa

Enchantment might not be the flashiest ship in the fleet, but there's a lot to love about the classic charm of Vision Class ships. 

Starting in April 2027, Enchantment will set sail on a variety of sun-soaked 5- and 7-night Western Caribbean cruises, visiting destinations like Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico.

In November, she'll move to offering shorter 4- and 5-night cruises, also to the Western Caribbean. 

Guests can embark on weeklong cruises aboard Brilliance of the Seas

Starting in November 2027, Brilliance of the Seas will offer 7-night cruises from Tampa, Florida.

The Western Caribbean cruises will call at popular ports including Roatán, Honduras; Cozumel and Costa Maya, Mexico; Belize City, Belize; and more.

Rhapsody of the Seas will be based out of San Juan

Guests can sail to idyllic destinations aboard Rhapsody of the Seas during the ship's winter 2027 deployment. 

The 6- to 8-night getaways will call at various ports, including St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands; St. Johns, Antigua; Castries, St. Lucia; and Basseterre, St. Kitts & Nevis. 

Jewel of the Seas to offer short cruises from Fort Lauderdale in 2027

Finally, from April to November 2027, Jewel of the Seas will offer 3- and 4-night voyages from Port Everglades to Perfect Day at CocoCay and Nassau. 

These cruises are perfect for travelers looking to enjoy a quick Caribbean getaway without committing to a full week at sea. Plus, the Royal Beach Club Paradise Island will be open by then, so guests can enjoy two days ashore at private destinations in The Bahamas. 

More deployments coming soon

Royal Caribbean will continue releasing new sailings soon. The next round of Caribbean deployments is scheduled for the week of February 9, 2026. 

We're still missing the cruise line's October 2027 - April 2027 deployments in Australia, China, and Singapore. However, as of December 9, Royal Caribbean hasn't given an estimated date for when these will be shared. 

For now, here's what's open for booking: 

• NOW OPEN: Alaska (May 2027-Sept. 2027)
• NOW OPEN: Europe (April 2027-Oct. 2027)
• NOW OPEN: 7-night & short Caribbean (March 2027-April 2028)
• NOW OPEN: Northeast, California, & Texas (April 2027-April 2028)
• NOW OPEN: Seasonal Caribbean (April 2027-April 2028)

Royal Caribbean was forced to change over a dozen itineraries on Spectrum of the Seas as tensions between Japan and China continue to rise. 

Guests on at least 14 voyages leaving Shanghai between January and April 2026 were told their cruises would no longer call at Japanese ports.

"We're looking forward to welcoming you onboard Spectrum of the Seas for our February 18, 2026 sailing!" reads an email shared by Cruise the World on Facebook. 

"As part of our ongoing itinerary planning process, we've modified our upcoming sailing. On Day 3, we'll now be visiting Jeju (Seogwipo), South Korea, in place of our previously scheduled stop [of Okinawa]." 

(Credit: Cruise the World/Facebook)

The email continues, stating that the cruise line adjusted the ship's departure time from Shanghai (Baoshan), China, to 4:00 p.m.

Cruise the World shared a second communication received from Royal Caribbean, informing them that the 5-night Feb. 27 departure will no longer call at Okinawa or Ishigaki, Japan. 

Rather, guests will enjoy an overnight visit to Seoul (Incheon), South Korea, arriving at 7:00 a.m. on Day 3 and departing at 5:00 p.m. on Day 4. 

"We're excited to bring you this refreshed experience and appreciate your understanding, as itinerary planning is an ongoing process that requires cruisers to have a certain level of flexibility," the email concludes. 

Other changes to Royal Caribbean's Asia cruises

These aren’t the only voyages impacted by the escalating tensions in Japan and China. 

Alongside the Feb. 18 and 27 cruises, several other Spectrum of the Seas itineraries scheduled from late January into early April have also been adjusted. 

Starting with the Jan. 28 sailing, multiple cruises to Nagasaki have been reworked to visit alternative ports outside of Japan. 

Read more: 5 things I wish I knew before trying a Royal Caribbean cruise in Asia

In all cases, the Japanese cruise destinations were swapped with South Korean ports.

• Jan. 28, 2026: Replaced Nagasaki, Japan, with Busan, South Korea.
• Feb. 1, 2026: Replaced Okinawa and Ishigaki, Japan, with an overnight stay in Seoul (Incheon), South Korea.
• Feb. 6, 2026: Replaced Fukuoka, Japan, with Busan, South Korea.
• Feb. 14, 2026: Replaced Nagasaki, Japan, with Busan, South Korea.
• Feb. 18, 2026: Replaced Okinawa, Japan, with Jeju (Seogwipo), South Korea.
• Feb. 27, 2026: Replaced Okinawa and Ishigaki, Japan, with an overnight stay in Seoul (Incheon), South Korea.
• March 4, 2026: Replaced Nagasaki, Japan, with Jeju (Seogwipo), South Korea.
• March 8, 2026: Replaced Kumamoto and Kagoshima, Japan, with Busan and Jeju (Seogwipo), South Korea.
• March 13, 2026: Replaced Okinawa, Japan, with Jeju (Seogwipo), South Korea.
• March 17, 2026: Replaced Fukuoka, Japan, with Seoul (Incheon), South Korea.
• April 6, 2026: Replaced Okinawa, Japan, with Jeju (Seogwipo), South Korea. 

Escalating Japan-China tensions

Relations between the two Asian countries began rapidly deteriorating in November over Japan's stance on Taiwan's political status. 

Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi made controversial remarks about Taiwan, prompting China's Consul-General to retaliate on X. 

The post, which has since been deleted, claimed "the intruding dirty neck" must be cut off without a moment's hesitation, and was directed at Takaichi. 

Tensions have continued to rise since then. Most recently, Japan lodged a formal protest after Chinese J-15 fighter jets locked radar on Japanese aircraft near the southern island of Okinawa, as reported by the Associated Press. 

Japan's Defense Minister said it was "an extremely regrettable" act and "a dangerous" one that "exceeded the scope necessary for safe aircraft operations."

The radar lock on Saturday is believed to be the first involving Japanese and Chinese military aircraft.

Read more: Royal Caribbean is betting big on this exotic destination. After 4 cruises here, I can see why

Chinese citizens have been advised to avoid travel to Japan

The Japan Times reports that the directive has resulted in mass flight and hotel cancellations across the country. 

According to the Kansai International Airport (KIX), the number of December flights scheduled between Osaka and mainland China, excluding Hong Kong and Macau, has been reduced by 34%. 

Additionally, about 50% to 70% of reservations at 21 hotels made by Chinese nationals through Dec. 31 have been canceled. 

Although Royal Caribbean has neither confirmed nor denied that the recent itinerary changes were prompted by the ongoing geopolitical situation, the timing closely aligns with the rapid decline in Japan–China relations and other travel disruptions across the region. 

A high-profile incident last year aboard a Royal Caribbean cruise ship involving a cruise ship passenger who was detained and later died has resulted in a new lawsuit from the family.

The guest, who was identified as Michael Virgil, 35, was detained after assaulting crew members and threatening other cruisers in a drunken rage. 

Virgil's fiancée, Connie Aguilar, is suing the cruise line for their part in his untimely death. According to court documents obtained by TMZ, crew members served Virgil "at least 33 alcoholic beverages" before his behavior escalated. 

Aguilar claims that they boarded the ship with their 7-year-old son and were directed to wait at one of the bars since their stateroom wasn't ready. 

Their son, who has autism, grew impatient, so Aguilar left to take him on a walk and check on their stateroom, leaving Virgil alone at the bar. The court documents add that he was served dozens of drinks before he ventured off to find their cabin. 

The incident happened aboard Navigator of the Seas in December 2024 on a cruise out of Los Angeles (San Pedro), California, to Ensenada, Mexico.

A bystander, Christifer Mikhail, recounted that he encountered the now-deceased passenger less than an hour after sailing away during what was supposed to be a quick stop to his cabin to grab his phone charger and a sweater. 

Virgil was making a scene, trying to kick down one of the stateroom doors, punching crew members, and spewing profanity and racial comments.

"I was waiting for them to say cut and come out of the rooms," he said, "I was kinda scared [because] I was like, 'Dude, I'm stuck in this hallway [and] everyone else is kind of behind something.'"

The ship's security team then intervened and assisted in restraining Virgil, who fell victim to "the excessive force and fatal actions taken by crew members including security and medical personnel."

After being detained using towels, zip ties, and handcuffs, he was injected with Haloperidol, a sedative that can have severe side effects when combined with heavy alcohol consumption, in an attempt to calm him down. Unfortunately, he passed away within the hour. 

Moreover, the court filings assert that the crew caused "significant hypoxia and impaired ventilation, respiratory failure, cardiovascular instability and ultimately cardiopulmonary arrest, leading to his death..."

The news aligns with what Virgil's family initially claimed last year, stating that his death was wrongfully caused by the cruise line. 

Aguilar's lawsuit seeks damages for the loss of support, inheritance, past and future earnings, funeral and medical expenses, mental pain and suffering, and more.

His death is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

The FBI is typically called to investigate deaths involving U.S. citizens on the high seas. However, cruise criminal jurisdiction is complicated since ships are registered in foreign countries, with most crimes occurring in international waters. 

The location of the vessel, the nationality of the suspect or victim, the ownership of the vessel, the points of embarkation and debarkation, and the country where the vessel is registered all determine the FBI’s role and ability to investigate.

As part of the cruise line's security guidelines, Royal Caribbean reports all allegations of crime to the FBI and United States Coast Guard (USCG).

Another family blamed Royal Caribbean for the death of their loved one, claiming that crew members served her too many drinks

In October 2024, a cruise ship passenger was reported overboard during Allure of the Seas' Taylor Swift-themed cruise. At the time, the vessel was roughly 17 miles north of Nassau. 

The guest was later identified as Dulcie White, 66, with authorities confirming that she didn't fall off the ship: she jumped. 

Despite extensive search efforts, White's body was never recovered. 

According to her daughter, Megan Klewin, White had Royal's unlimited drink package, and the family alleges that crew members overserved her. The lawsuit filed in Miami-Dade County states that she was served seven drinks in just over six hours.

"Because of that [drink package, my mom] did overdo it, trying to maybe get her money's worth," Klewin told CBS News. 

"She was completely intoxicated in a way I haven't seen before. It saddens me that that is my last memory of her."

The lawsuit continues, claiming that crew members ignored obvious signs of intoxication, including slurred speech, stammering, and difficulty standing up. Additionally, another passenger noticed White's dangerous behavior and assisted her safely to her stateroom. 

Klewin saw her mother go onto the balcony on Deck 14, then looked away for a moment. The next time she saw her mother, White was "[sitting] on the edge of the balcony like she had climbed up" and fell into the ocean before Klewin could react. 

Before I walk off any cruise ship to head home, I'll double check my onboard account for certain charges to avoid problems later.

It's far easier to get billing discrepancies settled while onboard than at home. This is because once you're home, everything gets charged to your credit card and the refund process involves more steps.  On land, the shoreside team has to coordinate with the ship and figure out if what you're saying is accurate or not.

But if you head to Guest Services and bring up something on your bill that doesn't look right, it's a few keystrokes and they can fix the issue.

I really think every cruiser should double check their cruise bill prior to the conclusion of the voyage to ensure these five things are actually correct.

Unreturned towel fees

Did you know Royal Caribbean will charge you $25 for each pool towel you didn't return?

In my experience, this fee gets hit more accidentally than intentionally.

Sure, if you forgot to actually return a towel, go do that before the cruise ends.  Bring it back up to the pool towel distribution point on the pool deck and have them scan your SeaPass card.

However, I've seen a lot of instances where people returned their towels and accidentally have an unreturned towel fee.

If this is the case, definitely go to Guest Services on the final evening or morning and ask to have it taken off your account.

The wrong gratuity amount

Gratuities are part of the cruise experience these days, but I have seen discrepancies with how they get charged.

Verify the amount is not doubled up. If you prepaid gratuities, then ensure there are no daily gratuity fees onboard. This has happened to me at least once or twice.

Something else to verify is any gratuity you sign on a receipt is actually the right amount.

I have terrible handwriting, and one time I tipped $20 but the waiter misread my chicken scratch and entered $50 because my "2" looks like a "5".

This was an easy fix at Guest Services, but I'd hate to have tried to figure this out if I was at home.

Refunds that should be there

Now that you had Guest Services or a bartender apply a refund for something, you should verify it's fixed before disembarking.

Crew members want to make your life easy, so they'll often tell you that they'll take care of a billing issue (like a refund). The thing is, you want to verify that later.

If you returned something, cancelled a service, or found an accidental charge, be sure your onboard account reflects that.

If you're taking care of this on the final morning of the cruise, ask for a print out verifying the refunds you expect are actually there.

Onboard credit has been applied

There are two sources of onboard credit you could have, but occasionally it doesn't get added.

Any OBC you received from the cruise line is usually added to your account on the first day of the cruise.  You'll see a negative balance to start your sailing, which means it's there.

If you have more than one cabin, be sure each cabin has the credit.  In fact, if your kids are in another cabin, you could ask to have their credit moved to your account.

The other source of onboard credit is from a travel agent, and this one might take a day or two to apply. 

There have been many cruises where I didn't see OBC that my travel agent gave me hit my account until day 2 or 3.  

If you don't see onboard credit you expected in your account, head to Guest Services to verify it's in the process of being applied.

Total owed, and if you want to put cash down before the end of the cruise

Similar to your credit card bill that you probably browse each month, it's a good idea to look over everything while on the ship.

Some cruisers like to then deposit cash to reduce how much gets charged to the credit card.

If you won money in the casino or simply have leftover vacation cash, you can pay off some or all of your SeaPass bill before the cruise ends.  You can deposit cash at any time to offset charges.

How to check the bill

Now that I outlined all the things to look for in your bill, it might help if you knew how to check your bill.

The easiest way is to open the Royal Caribbean app and click the Person icon in the top right, and then scroll down to "Onboard account".

This is where you can see recent charge activity. You can click "Details" to see every single charge and credit there.

The app is updated in real time, so as soon as something is charged, it appears there.

The "old school" way is to go to Guest Services and ask for a print out.

They can do so at anytime, but it requires waiting in line. Plus, it's out of date the moment it prints out.

Who to talk to if there's a problem

Let's assume you find a billing discrepancy or have a question about what something is. What do you do next?

Guest Services is the best place to start. Every ship has a desk that's open 24 hours per day, and they can assist.

On the very newest ships, the Royal Caribbean app has a Guest Services chat feature that you could use to save yourself the trip.

If you're staying in a suite, the Suite Concierge can assist too.  The Suite Concierge may be faster since lines at Guest Services can be quite long.

In addition, if you're a Diamond member or above, the Crown Lounge concierge can assist with billing issues too.

The most wonderful time of the year is also a very popular time to go on a Royal Caribbean cruise.

Some people are surprised to hear that cruise ships are sold out for Christmas and New Years, but the truth is this is one of the very peak times for a cruise vacation. The combination of time off from school and work, along with cold weather at home compels a lot of families to head to the tropics for a warm cruise escape.

If you're booked on a cruise for the end of December and early January, here's what you should know and plan around before you embark.

Look for holiday decorations

Royal Caribbean decorates its ships for Christmas and Hanukkah, so be sure to look for it onboard. They go up after Thanksgiving across the fleet.

Usually the decorations are found on the Royal Promenade or Centrum area. It seems the bigger ships have more of it around.

There will almost certainly be a Christmas tree and a Hanukkah menorah, but likely other lights and signage.

I've also seen special holiday decorations around the Windjammer or Main Dining Room. Even some bars have stuff up.

Royal Caribbean doesn't go crazy with the decor, but there's enough to remind you it's the holiday season and they are great photo opportunities.

You should decorate your door instead of a tree

If Christmas doesn't feel the same without decorating, then plan to decorate your stateroom door.

Cabin doors are metal and with the assistance of magnets, you can give your door a very fun holiday look.

More passengers than you might expect will decorate their cabin doors, so don't feel embarrassed to be doing it.  In fact, some people get really creative.

Battery powered lights are usually fine. But don't bring anything that plugs into an outlet.  And all decorations cannot use any adhesives.  So magnets and magnetic hooks are your friends. 

There will be holiday events during your sailing

If your sailing actually goes over a holiday, then expect to find special Christmas events onboard.

The Royal Caribbean app lists every event. Most of them are the usual assortment, but there are also Christmas events.

There can be gift exchanges, Christmas trivia, caroling, and more. For Hanukkah, there is usually a menorah lighting (it's electric) ceremony held each evening.

In the Main Dining Room, there will be a special Christmas menu. On New Years Eve, the Main Dining Room has plastic hats and noise makers on each table.

Cruises that sail in December and early January but aren't over any holiday probably won't have specific events like this.  

You can meet Santa on cruises over Christmas

If your cruise goes over Christmas, expect Santa to be waiting for you onboard. However, he isn't onboard for other sailings that don't fall over Christmas.

Typically there are a few events where guests can line up and meet Santa Claus. 

It's a lot like meeting Santa at the mall. Report to a specific location, wait in line, and then wait your turn.

Check for holiday hours in ports you are visiting

One of the biggest x-factors with a cruise over Christmas or New Years is what to expect in port. 

The ports will still be open and tourist areas too, but restaurants can be hit or miss.

Certainly shore excursions booked in advance will be safe, along with beaches and resorts.

The question mark is what to expect when you go downtown and look to do shopping or enjoy a meal. Often these establishments are closed for the day, if you're visiting on a holiday.

Booking a shore excursion might be a safer bet to ensure you aren't left with few options.

New Years Eve is a giant party, with paid areas

One of my favorite times of the year to go on a cruise is for New Years Eve because it's the best kind of party.

The ship will transform into a giant floating party. Different parts of the ship are designated for different kinds of ways to celebrate.

There is a Times Square style party on the Royal Promenade, a DJ dance party in a lounge, pool party, and more.

On the Promenade, expect certain areas to be roped off for guests willing to pay for a table. Usually the Pub, Playmakers, and Vintages turn into VIP velvet rope areas that you must book onboard for access. 

Buying a table means you have a reserved seat, drink service, and usually a bottle of champagne too.

The rest of the Royal Promenade is open to a first-come, first-standing area for a midnight countdown and balloon drop.

There's music, dancing, and a lot of energy as everyone awaits the clock to strike twelve.  Then, the entire Royal Promenade is drowned in balloons.

And yes, the kids club is open too during all of this so you can drop off your children while you enjoy a party out.

The holiday decorations come down right after New Years

Once New Years hits, the decorations come down pretty quickly.

Any sailings that begin after January 1st shouldn't expect holiday decorations to remain on display.

Plan around winter weather before or after your cruise

While your embarkation port in Florida, Texas, or Southern California is probably safe from a winter storm, the situation at home might be very different.

Snow and ice can cause major delays and cancellations of flights, so you need to have backup plans.

I always recommend planning to arrive at least one day before your cruise begins to protect against a travel delay.

Coming home can be more of a toss up since accurate weather forecasts likely do not develop until well into your cruise. Your best bet is to plan to fly home the day your cruise ends, but know what your options are for a flight later that evening or the next day.

Having travel insurance is essential any time of the year, but especially in the winter. Travel insurance pays you back for cancelled travel plans, missing luggage, or other weather-related problems.

Good news, we are all one week closer to our next Royal Caribbean cruise!  In case you missed any of the Royal Caribbean fun from this week, here is our weekly round up!

Watch out, repricing a Royal Caribbean cruise might be more difficult than last time you tried it.

Someone claiming to to "work in the pre-cruise department" of Royal Caribbean, shared why the repricing rules have changed.

New terms and conditions may alter if you're able to take advantage a price drop.

Royal Caribbean News

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• I sailed on Star of the Seas for 7-nights and saw passengers making 6 mistakes
• What is the best time to eat dinner on a cruise ship for better schedule of shows, pool time, and kids
• 7 things I wish I knew before my first cruise on Star of the Seas
• 5 things that surprised me about Carnival's Amber Cove
• Hiding ducks on a cruise got an upgrade, and all the kids on my ship were using a new app to make it better
• How to pick a cruise you'll love

New RCB Video: 6 Things People Worry Too Much About On A Cruise

Have you subscribed to the Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube Channel? We share some great videos there regularly, all about taking a Royal Caribbean cruise! This week, we are sharing our latest video — 6 Things People Worry Too Much About On A Cruise — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Trademark reveals plans for a new restaurant

A new trademark application made with the United States Patent and Trademark Office points to a possible new restaurant coming to Royal Caribbean ships.

While trademark applications are vague and don't always lead to a tangible product, it's a sign of what the cruise line may be strongly considering.

"Saved my Honeymoon": Royal Caribbean CEO saves couple from losing their cruise

Reaching out to Royal Caribbean's CEO actually got one couple the one-time exemption they desperately needed.

When a couple realized they were expecting a baby and it would now interfere with their cruise, they thought they would lose their vacation money.

Thanks to a tip from the internet, they were able to change dates even though the official rules prohibit it.

First cruise ships will return to Jamaica after Hurricane Melissa

Cruise ships will be able to return to Jamaica again.

Hurricane Melissa devastated the island, and ships had to go elsewhere while clean-up efforts commenced.

However, Falmouth is officially open to cruise traffic once again. 

16 years ago, the biggest cruise ship ever debuted (and it changed cruises forever)

The arrival of Oasis of the Seas literally changed the cruise industry and continues to impact it to this day.

Exactly 16 years ago, the maiden voyage of the first Oasis Class cruise ship took place.

This ship fundamentally altered the economics and perception of what a cruise vacation is all about, and ships built today are still judged against Oasis.