Royal Caribbean Blog

I've stayed in different Royal Caribbean suites, and I think anyone trying one for the first time should take advantage of a few important tips.

Suite cabins aren't cheap, but they are impressive in how spacious they are and how many extra perks you get.

Most recently I stayed in an Infinite Grand Suite on Star of the Seas and I focused more on the perks Royal Caribbean offers to its suite guests.  These benefits are both an incentive to book and a reward for spending more on a more expensive room.

None of the suite benefits will make a suite a good value, but that doesn't mean you can't maximize what's included. By utilizing these extras, it certainly makes enjoying the suite go well beyond the room itself.

My week on Star of the Seas was fantastic, but I've found there's a bit of a learning curve to how to get the most out of a suite. Here's what I think first-timers staying in a suite should know.

Reach out to the concierge before the cruise

You should get an email from the suite concierge about a week or so before your cruise (usually 3-5 days prior), and this is a tremendous resource.

This is your open invitation to email them any pre-cruise requests you may have, such as dining.

Since you can now book specialty restaurants when pre-purchasing a dining package, the suite concierge is useful for handling Coastal Kitchen reservations.

If you're in a Sky Class or higher, you're able to dine at Coastal Kitchen for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Reservations are especially important for dinner.

If you're wondering if you can rely just on Coastal Kitchen instead of specialty restaurants, I think most nights you definitely can. Just like the Main Dining Room, the menu rotates at Coastal Kitchen.  Some menus might be more appealing than others.

You could easily alternate between Coastal Kitchen and the Main Dining Room depending on which menu is more appealing.  But don't overlook Coastal Kitchen as one of the best suite amenities.

Speaking of the concierge, any questions or problems you have should be directed to them.  Don't bother going to Guest Services when you have access to them.

Go to the Suite Lounge or Sun Deck as soon as you board

The moment you step aboard your ship, you have access to suite amenities, including the suite areas of the ship.

I'd recommend heading up to the Suite Lounge and/or Suite Sun Deck to start enjoying these venues. Both area areas just for passengers booked in a suite.

I especially love the Suite Sun Deck on the Icon Class ships or Utopia and Wonder of the Seas. They're large, have lots of seating in the shade and out in the sun, and have a bar nearby.

Plus, going to the suite-only areas means a less crowed start to the cruise. Because they're exclusive, it's an enclave you should get to know quickly. 

I've noticed the suite areas are less crowded on the first day or two because other suite guests haven't discovered them yet.

Plan around happy hour

Every Royal Caribbean ship has a Suite Lounge, and you'll want to hang out there in the evening.

The Suite Lounge hosts a happy hour in the evening, usually between 5-8pm (hours vary slightly depending on the ship), where there are hors d'oeuvres and complimentary drinks served.

While free drinks are a good enough reason to come, I think it can be a fun social experience too.

You'll find a lot of other suite guests in the lounge chatting and hanging out.  It can be a good opportunity to meet people and maybe make a new friend.

Regardless of the other passengers there, the bartenders in the Suite Lounge are fun and usually bring a lot of energy and personality. In my experience, bartenders that work in the Suite Lounge usually get promoted to work there because they've demonstrated a great connection with guests.

Look for reserved seating at shows

Whether at the Aquatheater, Royal Theater, or Studio B, there is a special section of seating for suite guests.

You'll still need to make a show reservation ahead of time, but the reserved seating ensures you have seats available if a lot of other people who made reservations rush in first.

The reserved seating may not be in an optimal spot, but I've found it to be a good backup seating option if you cannot find seats together elsewhere in the theater.

Room service is included

If there's one suite benefit I forget about the most, it's the complimentary room service.

Royal Caribbean waives the $7.95 fee that usually comes with room service, so I'd recommend ordering as much or little as you like.

Start off your morning with breakfast on your balcony, have a mid-afternoon snack brought, and maybe order dinner in if you had a long day in port.

Not only can suite guests order room service, they can order off the Main Dining Room menu too.  As long as the Main Dining Room is open when you place the order, you can alternatively order off their menu.

This is a great way to full take advantage of your big suite and have a full meal in your room.

Skip the disembarkation line on the last day

One of my favorite suite perks of all time is the escort off the ship on the final morning.

Suites include priority embarkation and disembarkation, but the walk off the last morning has saved me so much of my own sanity over the years.

There can be a long line to disembark the ship, especially if you want to walk off the ship later in the morning.  

Speak to the Suite Concierge ahead of time, and they'll tell you where and when to go so they can meet you and bypass the entire line and give you a cut right to the front.  It feels almost wrong, but it's included as a benefit so enjoy it!

Tips for suites by ship

I wanted to add a bonus section for secrets and tricks that depend on which ship you're sailing on, because the amenities vary by ship.

On Icon Class ships, the Suite Lounge has a view of the Aquatheater. You can not only watch a show if you're there for dinner on select evenings, but see the cast rehearsing.

The three big ship classes have complimentary beer, wine, water, and soft drinks in the Suite Lounge from 11 AM to 11 PM, which means you can go up there and grab something and be on your way.

Admittedly, the suite perks on a smaller, older ship aren't as robust as the ones on Icon, Quantum, or Oasis Class ships. Nonetheless, a suite is still a great room choice.

While you don't have Coastal Kitchen or a suite sun deck nearly as impressive as the big ships, I think the Suite Lounge is really nice on the smaller ships.  In fact, the Radiance Class lounges have the best bar set up.

Plus, many of the smaller ships have a Suite Lounge with both indoor and outdoor space.

Be sure to take advantage of the reserved pool seating areas for suite guests (look for the gold colored loungers). 

Unfortunately, there's no included Voom packages on smaller ships, so you'll want to pre-book internet access to take advantage of better pricing.

The pier at CocoCay sustained damage over the weekend, causing at least one ship to be diverted to another port of call at the last minute. 

Passengers were informed of the itinerary change aboard Freedom of the Seas after they embarked on Monday, February 2. 

Rather than calling at Perfect Day at CocoCay on Tuesday as planned, guests were told that they'd now enjoy a sea day before heading to Cabo Rojo, Dominican Republic, on Wednesday. 

"As the Captain announced earlier, due to this past weekend's winter storm, which included strong winds and heavy seas at Perfect Day at CocoCay, Bahamas, catwalks fell into the sea on the eastern side of the pier," read a letter delivered to current cruisers. 

(Credit: Sara Lynn/Facebook)

Continuing on, "Unfortunately, divers have not been able to locate all of them, which prevents us from safely docking the ship at Perfect Day at CocoCay. After exploring and exhausting all other alternatives, we'll skip our visit. We'll now enjoy a sea day tomorrow and visit Cabo Rojo, Dominican Republic, on Wednesday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM." 

There's no change to Freedom's scheduled visit to the Bahamian capital of Nassau on Friday. 

Perfect Day at CocoCay is one of Royal Caribbean’s most popular destinations. The private island has won numerous awards and features something for every traveler, from thrill seekers to relaxation-focused cruisers. As such, it's a major selling point on Caribbean and Bahamian itineraries.

(Credit: Cruise Mapper. Screenshot taken at 6:20 p.m. EST on Feb. 3)

Cruise Mapper further confirms the change, showing the Freedom Class ship sailing past Cuba en route to the Dominican Republic.

At the time of publication, Royal Caribbean has not yet publicly commented on the extent of the damage to the pier or how long repairs are expected to take. This means that it's unclear how many future sailings to the private island will be impacted.

Celebrity Reflection is also skipping CocoCay

According to one Facebook user, Celebrity Reflection is skipping its scheduled visit to CocoCay on Feb. 4. Instead, it will be calling at Freeport, Bahamas. 

However, Utopia of the Seas' visit remains unchanged, revealing that the issue appears to be isolated to one side of the pier, rather than impacting the entire dock. 

Winter Storm Gianna wreaked havoc on the cruise industry over the weekend

Strong winds and rough waves from an unusual winter storm forced multiple Royal Caribbean Group ships to cancel every port of call on their itineraries over the weekend. 

Wonder of the Seas was supposed to visit Perfect Day at CocoCay and Nassau, but ended up sailing to nowhere. Similarly, Celebrity Reflection's visit to Key West, Florida, was canceled. 

Utopia of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas also had their itineraries altered, though less dramatically, along with vessels from competitors, including Carnival Sunshine, Norwegian Getaway, and Disney Wish. 

Read more: Winter storm forces two ships to sail "cruise to nowhere"

Winter Storm Gianna brought freezing temperatures, extreme winds, and record-breaking snowfall to the East Coast. The historic nor'easter slammed North Carolina particularly hard. 

FOX Weather Storm Specialist Mike Seidel claimed the storm rivaled some of the most intense he's experienced during his 30-plus-year career covering extreme weather, FOX News reported.

Inland, Charlotte saw the largest snowfall in over 20 years, with 11 inches falling. That total ties for the fourth-largest one-day snowfall on record in the Queen City. Additionally, many surrounding areas, including Kannapolis, China Grove, and Concord, saw over one foot of snow. 

Many people plan cruises to visit new destinations. However, did you know that you don't have to get off the ship in port?

Even short weekend voyages visit dreamy places like Perfect Day at CocoCay, which is definitely better than your average office workday. But if you stay on board, you can skip the usual crowds and enjoy the ship's amenities in peace. 

In fact, staying on board during port days is becoming more and more common, especially on massive ships like Icon and Star of the Seas, where the ship is a destination in and of itself.

Still, the majority of passengers are likely to disembark to explore the port of call, even if just to lie on the beach for a few hours. 

As such, the ship's amenities — including the pools, water slides, surfing simulator, and more — can be enjoyed without battling crowds or long sea day lines. 

Here are six reasons why savvy travelers choose to remain on board when their cruise ship stops at a port of call. 

Forces you to slow down and relax

If you're like me, you might want to cross everything (and more) off your to-do list. Sometimes, however, that isn't possible without wearing yourself down. 

On port-intensive itineraries and larger vessels, it's easy to cram your schedule full of activities, from all-day shore excursions to evening production shows and more. 

If you do not intentionally set aside time to rest, it's easy to quickly burn out, especially if you're sailing somewhere warm like the Caribbean or Mediterranean. 

By skipping one port and staying on board, you are giving yourself permission to slow down and recharge. You don't have to worry about waking up early to catch your departing tour or claim a pool chair. 

Instead, you can sleep in, enjoy a leisurely breakfast, and spend the day catching up on your TBR ("to be read") list — or however else you best unwind. 

Fewer lines

Another benefit to staying on board is that, since there are fewer people on the ship, lines are shorter. This means that you won't have to wait as long to try out the FlowRider surf simulator, zip line, water slides, and more. 

Shorter lines aren’t just for fun activities, either. Guest Services, for example, tends to be quieter, which makes port days an ideal time to address any issues you've had during your cruise. 

It's also easier to get in and out of the buffet, browsing the seemingly endless assortment of food without navigating other hungry passengers. With fewer people around, finding a table, preferably with a view, is less time-consuming, too. 

Plenty of poolside lounge chairs

A similar perk is that you don't have to fight for a prime pool chair. On sea days, it's common (though frowned upon) for passengers to reserve lounge chairs when they aren't actively using them. 

This is common on warm-weather itineraries when everyone flocks to the top decks to take advantage of the pool. 

On port days, the pool deck is quieter and more laid-back. As such, you will find that it is easier to grab a pool chair, flag down a server, and soak up the sunshine — all without having to wake up at the crack of dawn. 

Potential spa discounts

Getting pampered at the spa is one of the best ways to relax on vacation. Cruise ship spas, however, aren't known for being affordable. In fact, you can likely reserve a massage or facial for far less at home than at sea. 

One way to save money on your luxurious spa day is to book a treatment on a port day. Usually, cruise lines will incentivize guests to stay on the ship and spend money by offering discounts on spa services. 

The best way to check is to visit the spa on embarkation day. If they don't have any available offers, don't be afraid to periodically check in throughout your sailing. Discounts may appear in the daily Cruise Planner schedule, too. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean Spa Package Prices

You can use your drink and Wi-Fi packages

While Royal Caribbean's fare is pretty inclusive compared to land vacations to destinations like Walt Disney World or New York City, certain things come with an extra cost — most notably alcoholic beverages and internet. 

Royal Caribbean's Deluxe Beverage Package is one of the most popular cruise add-ons. By purchasing the package, you receive unlimited drinks per day for one set price, typically anywhere from $56 to $115 per day. 

The VOOM SURF + STREAM Internet Package gives cruisers access to some of the fastest Wi-Fi speeds at sea. You can browse the web, stream your favorite shows, FaceTime, and more. 

However, unless you're visiting Royal Caribbean's Perfect Day at CocoCay, these packages are useless while ashore. If, for example, you are in Nassau or St. Thomas, all drinks purchased ashore will cost extra — in addition to what you paid for the beverage package. 

By staying on the ship, you can maximize the value of these add-ons.

You don't have to buy pricey excursions

Staying on board also means you can save money by skipping pricey tours. With proper planning, you can easily plan an affordable day ashore, either by sticking to "free" activities (like the beach at CocoCay) or exploring ports independently.

However, even small taxi fares can quickly add up, especially once you factor in the other purchases, such as beach chairs, food, etc. 

By staying on the cruise ship, you avoid the temptation to overspend and take advantage of everything that you've already paid for. As such, it's a surprisingly smart way to keep overall cruise costs in check without sacrificing fun. 

Read more: Guide to picking the perfect Royal Caribbean shore excursion

You love to cruise, but you're taking a first-timer with you, so how do you prevent going overboard with cruise overload?

As someone that's cruised a lot, I love to share this fun with friends and family. Often, we'll invite people that we know to cruise with us, and it's either their first time or it's been many years since their last trip.

It's easy to start bombarding them with everything you think they need to know, along with dozens of questions about how to approach dining, port days, and everything inbetween.

The problem is if you go too deep, you risk turning them off to the entire trip. They might look at a cruise as a logistical obstacle course instead of a fun escape.

I think the important thing is to focus on the big picture, so here are my recommendations not to overwhelm a first time cruiser.

You don't have to figure everything out immediately

After you all booked the cruise, don't feel like you need to plan everything out immediately.

You're excited, they're excited, but cruise planning as a group is kind of like dating. You don't want to come on too strong with everything you want to know and do.

My recommendation is to start off the process by getting them booked on the cruise and assist with picking the right cabin, dining time choices, and the basics.

Unless you convinced them to book a last-minute cruise, you'll have months to get to the rest.  

Sure, planning early is the best approach, but let them enjoy the "I just booked a cruise" feeling before breaking out the planning spreadsheet.

Plan dinners, but leave the other meals open

I think dinner is the most important aspect of any group cruise because it's a single time for everyone to meet up and share in their daily activities.

What you don't want to do is plan out your day like a military operation.

You should leave a certain amount of organic discovery to every day. Let them explore and enjoy things as you once did.  

Certainly if they text you to meet up for breakfast or lunch, go for it. But you don't need to plan for it if they'd prefer to sleep in or do their own thing.

Explain the cruise rhythm, not every activity

You can't wait to show them all the fun stuff to do, but you don't want to hit them with a Wikipedia lengthy explanation.

New cruisers usually have certain misconceptions about what a cruise is like, and they'll probably ask you if they'll be bored, feel trapped, or one of the other tropes.

Start off with giving first-timers an overview of how a cruise day flows, such as the mornings, afternoons, and evening.

It's hard to convey how open-ended a cruise is, because you could do a ton of activities one day but nap and sleep off the next day. So I think it's better they understand that the daily rhythm matters more than knowing the schedule.

Shore excursions: suggest, don't assign

Probably the first pre-cruise booking I'd look into are shore excursion plans.

The destinations a cruise ship visits is among the top reasons anyone books a cruise, so it's a logical starting point for planning.

Let them do some research and you do your own, and come back with 1-2 solid options per port instead of a laundry list of ideas. If you've been to the ports of call, then you can offer a suggestion to guide them.

The last thing you want to do is pick it all without taking into account what they're interested in doing. This is especially true in a port like Cozumel, where you could visit the beach, Mayan ruins, shop, or see a museum.

Set expectations about costs early

I think a cruise is a great value, but there are some upfront costs that you don't want to scare them with.

There are probably three big surprises to anyone's vacation budget after you book the cruise

• Drinks
• Internet
• Gratuities

The fact there's no free WiFi is usually a big surprise to newbies because they're used to ubiquitous internet access on land, especially at hotels.

They don't have to buy an internet package, but they should understand it'll cost money and be cheaper to prebook.

The other big cost that can add up quickly are drinks. Some drinks are included, but most cost extra. 

Drink packages are a convenient budget tool, but they have sticker shock.  A drink package for two people on a 7-night cruise can easily cost over $1,000.

I think clarity upfront prevents awkward conversations later.

Give them one "must-do" per day

Another trick to avoiding falling into the trap of overplanning your day is to highlight a single activity and leave the rest to chance.

On port days, this is easy. Pick a shore excursion, tour, or activity you'll do and make that the primary focus.

But on sea days, choose one activity that should be the group event to highlight.

• A show
• A specialty meal
• A sailaway party

Letting the rest be optional discovery not only allows them to feel like you're not dictating what you'll do, but gives them the chance for relaxation or their own contributions to what you've planned.

Resist the urge to make them cruise like you

My last recommendation is my most important: they don't need do what you do on a ship to have a good time. There's a difference between a great cruise and your cruise, and they're not mutually exclusive.

I think first-timers need space to form their own opinions. You can certainly guide them and offer recommendations, but they're not your kids that you're bringing along.

When I've brought a first timer on and showed them the ropes but set them free to have plenty of time to vacation how they like to, it usually results in them feeling in control of their vacation. Plus, they get to lean into the things they prefer.

Having a relaxed approach to planning tends to lead to repeat cruisers. Cruising sells itself when you don’t overmanage it!

Alaska is known for its natural beauty, so should you spend more to book a balcony cabin?

As you'll quickly discover, a balcony will cost more than an interior cabin, and the price difference can be substantial on an Alaska cruise.

With a front-row viewing spot for glaciers, breaching whales, and breathtaking fjords, Alaska cruise balconies can turn moments you might otherwise miss into lifelong memories. That said, balconies are not cheap and can often cost thousands of dollars more than interior staterooms. 

If you're wondering, "What type of room is best for an Alaska cruise?" consider this your ultimate guide for Alaska cruise cabins. We'll go over the different cabin categories, prices, and pros and cons to help you make the most informed decision. 

Alaska cruise cabin types

Royal Caribbean cruise ships have four standard stateroom categories: Interior, Ocean View, Balcony, and Suite. Inside cabins are usually the smallest, while suites come in a variety of layouts, from Junior Suites to spacious multi-deck Loft Suites. 

All cabins come equipped with the same basic amenities, including an ensuite bathroom, vanity area with mirror, mini-fridge, storage space, a television, and a Royal King bed that can be split into two twin beds. 

Newer Royal Caribbean ships, such as Anthem of the Seas, have more balconies than older vessels. Even still, balconies, especially on scenic cruises to destinations like Alaska, are in high demand, which keeps prices high — regardless of the ship's age. 

Alaska cruise balcony room price

If you plan in advance, budget-conscious travelers can get away with cruise fares of around $750 per person. However, if you're eyeing a balcony cabin, you should expect fares starting above $1,200 per person. 

Because cruise fares are priced dynamically, the cost of a cruise today may differ from the same cruise tomorrow or next week. That said, the cost of an Alaska cruise mainly depends on two factors: the month of your sailing and the cabin category. 

Starting with the former, the Royal Caribbean Alaska cruise season usually runs from May to September, with the most popular months to visit being June, July, and August. As such, fares during the summer months are typically significantly higher due to the increased demand. 

Cruise cabins also drastically impact the price of an Alaska cruise. Interior, Ocean View, Balcony, and Suite rooms range in cost, with windowless inside rooms the most budget-friendly and suites costing several thousand dollars per person.

As an example, we priced out cruise fares for three sailings during summer 2027. The prices reflect the total cruise fare per person, including taxes and fees. Gratuities, however, are excluded. The staterooms are priced to include two adults. 

Depending on when you book, the available inventory could result in higher prices and fewer stateroom options. These prices were accurate at the time of publication and are subject to change without warning.

Read more: How much does an Alaska cruise cost?

Anthem of the Seas: 7-night Northbound Alaska & Hubbard Glacier from Vancouver, Canada, to Seward, Alaska

May 14, 2027: 

• Interior: $1,575
• Oceanview: $2,215
• Balcony: $2,414
• Suite: $5,054

Voyager of the Seas: 7-night Alaska Adventure Cruise from Seattle, Washington

July 9, 2027: 

• Interior: $1,876
• Oceanview: $3,136
• Balcony: $3,681
• Suite: $5,422

In both cases, the cost of an Alaska balcony cabin was at least $800 more for two passengers. On Anthem of the Seas in May 2027, the balcony cost $839 more, while the discrepancy on Voyager of the Seas during the region's peak travel season was even steeper, coming in at $1,805. This breaks down to over $900 extra per traveler. 

Pros of an Alaska cruise balcony room

For many cruisers, an Alaska balcony is more than just their "home away from home" — it’s part of the entire vacation experience.

One of the biggest advantages is that having a balcony means you have private, direct access to Alaska's scenery. This means that you don't have to compete for space on the public decks. 

While this is important on scenic sailing days, it also gives you a chance to experience the views whenever you want. You never know when you'll pass by a breaching whale or snow-capped mountains. 

Another benefit is that balconies are typically larger than Interior or Ocean View rooms. As such, they come with extra space that can be beneficial for families traveling together. 

Read more: 10 Alaska cruise essentials to not forget

Cons of an Alaska cruise balcony room

There's no denying that balcony cabins offer front-row seats to amazing views and extra space. However, there are a few drawbacks to consider when planning your Alaska cruise — with the most obvious being the cost. 

Because balcony cabins are some of the most expensive (other than suites), accommodations could take up a hefty percentage of your vacation budget. 

Those with tighter budgets may not think that the extra cost can be justified, especially with shore excursions typically costing more than destinations like The Bahamas or the Caribbean. 

Something else to consider is that Alaska's chillier temperatures and unpredictable weather may prevent you from using the balcony as much as you would on other itineraries. 

Read more: Alaska cruise ports guide

Royal Caribbean is one of the most popular cruise lines in the world, and it’s also my personal favorite after 33 sailings with the brand.

My first cruise with them was when I was in fifth grade. My grandparents were celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary and decided to bring our entire family aboard Enchantment of the Seas. That trip sparked a lifelong love for cruising with Royal Caribbean! 

From that point on, my family continued sailing with the cruise line nearly every year. As we got older, cruising became part of our routine, with spring breaks, summer vacations, and holidays often spent onboard a Royal Caribbean cruise.

By the time I was in high school and college, our family became more destination-focused when booking cruises. We started taking more diverse sailings in Europe and Asia, and cruising allowed us to see more of the world together. Seeing the Eiffel Tower in Paris was my biggest travel dream, and it came true when I was just 16 years old aboard Vision of the Seas!

A few years later, I introduced my now-husband to Royal Caribbean during college on Mariner of the Seas for a Southeast Asia cruise. He was immediately hooked on the experience! A few years later, he proposed in Venice while we were cruising the Mediterranean on Brilliance of the Seas. The following year, we honeymooned aboard Rhapsody of the Seas across Greece and Croatia. 

Since then, we have taken bucket-list cruises to Alaska, Iceland, and the Canary Islands with Royal Caribbean. And most recently, I sailed across Asia with my family on Anthem of the Seas from Singapore to Tokyo.

As you can probably tell, cruising with Royal Caribbean has been a constant in my life. I’ve celebrated major milestones onboard, making many of the ships sentimental because of the precious memories made onboard.

But even after trying other cruise lines, like Norwegian Cruise Line and Carnival Cruise Line, I keep coming back to Royal Caribbean. Here’s why Royal Caribbean is my favorite cruise line, even after 33 cruises.

A loyalty program with great perks

One of the biggest reasons I continue cruising with Royal Caribbean is the Crown and Anchor Society loyalty program. I proudly earned Diamond Plus status while I was still in college - I was thrilled to enjoy happy hour after turning 21 in the Diamond Lounge!

After getting married, my husband inherited my Diamond Plus status and started enjoying the same perks. Since then, we’ve also taken full advantage of the reciprocal benefits with Celebrity Cruises to earn Elite Plus status with similar benefits.

One of the best perks we receive is five daily drink vouchers aboard every Royal Caribbean cruise. This alone saves us hundreds of dollars on every sailing, and it’s not something we take for granted. Because of those loyalty drink vouchers, we rarely feel the need to purchase drinks or book a drink package at all.

We also appreciate many of the other benefits, including complimentary Wi-Fi, BOGO specialty dining credit, free photos, complimentary laundry service, and more. I appreciate that Royal Caribbean recognizes my loyalty and provides rewards that are meaningful and valuable.

Looking ahead, I’m especially interested in the new Points Choice program, which will give me even more flexibility to continue building status with the brand that best fits each trip.

Innovative ships that still impress me

Royal Caribbean remains one of the strongest innovators in the cruise industry, and its ships continue to rank among the most advanced in the world. 

I’ll never forget sailing on Mariner of the Seas shortly after she debuted and realizing I could ice skate on a cruise ship! At the time, it felt unbelievable. That moment has always stayed with me, and it forever changed the way I view Royal Caribbean as a brand.

Since then, Royal Caribbean’s innovation has only continued. I love the Oasis and Quantum Class ships, with Quantum Class being my personal favorite in the fleet.

While I’ve only spent a short amount of time onboard an Icon Class ship so far, the ship's massive size and impressive design left me speechless.

Because of this, my family and I gravitate toward the newest and largest ships in Royal Caribbean's fleet. These vessels are packed with amazing amenities and they’re thoughtfully designed. Royal Caribbean’s innovation continues to surprise me, even after decades of cruising with them!

Entertainment is top-notch

Once you start sailing with other cruise lines, it becomes very clear how strong Royal Caribbean’s entertainment really is, especially on newer ships. While other cruise lines are cutting back on entertainment, Royal Caribbean continues to invest and innovate with its onboard entertainment.

In my opinion, Oasis and Icon ships have some of the best cruise ship entertainment in the entire industry. This is one of the biggest highlights when cruising aboard Royal Caribbean’s newest vessels.

To start, AquaTheater shows feature high-diving stunts and aerialist performances that you can barely find on land, let alone on a cruise ship. Additionally, I’ve always loved the ice skating productions in Studio B with Olympic-style jumps and twirls. The performances are truly impressive and unlike anything else that you’ll find on competing cruise lines.

In addition, Royal Caribbean’s Broadway-style productions and cutting-edge technology take onboard entertainment to another level. Some ships even feature full-length musicals, which have been just as enjoyable as the Broadway shows I’ve seen on land.

However, I’ll be honest that some of Royal Caribbean’s older ships could benefit from refreshed entertainment options. You won’t find the wow-factor that the newer vessels have, mostly because the ships lack the dedicated venues needed for the performances. 

Even still, I appreciate that Royal Caribbean consistently offers a nightly headliner show on every cruise, which isn’t always the case on other cruise lines. For instance, I’ve cruised many times with Norwegian Cruise Line where some evenings lacked any entertainment!

Intuitive and impressive ship design

Royal Caribbean’s newest ships are not only beautiful, but they're also intuitively designed. Even on older ships, I don’t experience the same level of crowding I’ve felt on other cruise lines.

The cruise line has always prioritized forward-thinking ship design, and the introduction of neighborhoods on Oasis Class vessels was truly revolutionary for the industry. These distinct spaces help spread guests out, improve crowd flow, and reduce onboard lines. I also love that each area has its own personality, with dedicated dining, bars, lounges, and attractions.

I’m especially excited about Royal Caribbean’s upcoming Discovery Class ships. Rumors about this new ship class had been circulating for years, with expectations that the vessels would be smaller and designed to replace the aging Vision and Radiance Class ships. That long-anticipated class was finally confirmed this week!

The idea of smaller vessels that can access more ports is exciting, which should bring more diverse itineraries to Royal Caribbean’s fleet. 

A global presence 

Historically, Royal Caribbean offered port-intensive and diverse itineraries. However, there’s no denying that the cruise line has shifted more toward shorter Caribbean sailings in recent years, which has reduced the itinerary variety.

Even still, the past two decades of cruising with Royal Caribbean allowed me to see parts of the world I never imagined visiting.

With Royal Caribbean, I’ve walked the streets of Jerusalem, watched my veteran father be deeply moved by the history of Vietnam in Ho Chi Minh City, met elephants in Thailand, stood at the Great Wall of China in Beijing, admired the Eiffel Tower in Paris, got engaged in Venice, and finally visited Tenerife as a long-standing bucket-list destination.

Being able to experience so much of the world with Royal Caribbean has been a huge blessing in my life. Those experiences have absolutely shaped how I travel and how I see the world. Cruising with Royal Caribbean inspired me to study abroad on Semester at Sea, where I spent 100 days traveling the world in college on a cruise ship. 

Broad appeal to many demographics

Over the years, I've grown to appreciate how Royal Caribbean has been a good fit for our family at every stage of life. When we were kids, the ships had more than enough activities to keep everyone entertained. The onboard thrills were always so impressive and exciting!

As we grew into teenagers and young adults, cruising together was still our family’s preferred way to travel and spend time together. Royal Caribbean gave us lasting memories, all while allowing us to explore the world as a family.

Whether that means relaxing by the pool, enjoying a show at night, or just spending time together without the stress of constant logistics, cruising makes multigenerational travel easy and convenient.

Now, as adult children traveling with parents in their 60s, Royal Caribbean continues to be our top choice. The ships are accessible and comfortable, with a good balance between activity and downtime. Everyone can move at their own pace, which is perfect for multigenerational travel.

For example, we cruised with my 90-year-old grandparents aboard Utopia of the Seas last winter. It was an incredibly special trip, as it ended up being my grandfather’s final cruise before he passed away later that winter. It’s rare to find a vacation that still works as families change, but Royal Caribbean has continued to fit our lives over time.

Perfect Day at CocoCay is the best private island experience

When it comes to private island experiences, Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay is in a league of its own. I remember visiting the island as a kid, when it felt pretty bleak and forgettable, long before its massive transformation. I was shocked the first time I visited the revamped island after the pandemic. 

And after experiencing Amber Cove with Carnival and Great Stirrup Cay with Norwegian, I can confidently say that Royal Caribbean’s private island stands out as the best. Overall, the island feels well designed and everything is spread out nicely, which makes it feel less crowded and easier to enjoy. 

There are many reasons to love Perfect Day at CocoCay, but one of the biggest reasons is how inclusive it feels. I love that I can use my loyalty drink vouchers and internet package on the island, just like I do onboard the ship. 

The included food options are also excellent with multiple options throughout the island. Where else can you enjoy unlimited funnel cakes? In this way, I really don’t feel nickel-and-dimed on Royal Caribbean's private island, even if there are upgraded experiences that you can splurge on.

In comparison, other cruise lines charge extra for food and drinks on their private islands, which adds up quickly. You also need to purchase separate drink packages to use ashore, which is frustrating and feels less inclusive. 

Consistently strong service

Over my 33 cruises, I’ve consistently had excellent service on Royal Caribbean. I’ve never once felt that service was lacking or disappointing. From dining room servers and cabin stewards to bartenders, the crew delivers an attentive, professional experience.

For instance, you never have to go far for a drink, as bar servers are always happy to help. Service always feels efficient without being rushed, and crew members are clearly well-trained and professional. After cruising with other brands, I've noticed Royal Caribbean's high level of service and consistency even more.

Smooth operations and logistics

This is something I didn’t fully appreciate until I started cruising more with other cruise lines. In my experience, Royal Caribbean is simply better at onboard logistics, and the entire ship runs like a well-oiled machine.

For me, this is most apparent on culturally immersive sailings, such as my recent cruise that visited Vietnam, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Japan, and South Korea. From the beginning, Royal Caribbean clearly communicated what was required for embarkation, including visas and printed documents. Everyone onboard understood when passports needed to be turned in and how to obtain tender tickets.

For instance, when Jeju Island was experiencing a downpour of rain, Royal Caribbean preemptively offered a refund for our excursion if we decided to cancel. They also provided partial compensation due to the weather, which is completely out of their control anyway!

On the other hand, I’ve found that Norwegian often struggles with operational planning and logistics. Processes like lining up early in the morning for tender tickets, instead of distributing them the day before, don’t make sense to me. There also tends to be more confusion onboard Norwegian’s sailings, especially when itineraries or ports of call change. 

By comparison, Royal Caribbean seems to be more proactive than reactive. Communication tends to be transparent and plans are well explained. Logistics are easy to follow and consistent across the fleet, which I appreciate.

Finally, I also don’t experience the same bait-and-switch feeling with Royal Caribbean. For instance, I’ve had multiple Norwegian sailings with changed or dropped ports of call after final payment, which can be frustrating. On the other hand, Royal Caribbean has never given me that same impression, and I trust the brand with my vacation.

In just weeks, Royal Caribbean's new beach club became Nassau's top-rated cruise experience, and it explains why private destinations matter more than ever.

Royal Beach Club Paradise Island opened in late December, and it's already a ratings win with cruise ship passengers.

Speaking during an earnings call with Wall Street analysts, Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley explained how the new beach club has completely changed how cruise ship passengers view Nassau.

"Within four weeks, the Royal Beach Club has already become the number one top rated experience in the in Nassau for our cruise guests," he said.

That's a tremendous change of fortunes, and exemplifies how private destinations are going to change cruises in the future.

A big hit with cruisers

Mr. Bayley shared some incredible stats to illustrate how popular Royal Beach Club has become in less than a month of operation.

As it opened, they slowly scaled up capacity to ensure, "we've got the product absolutely perfect."

Clearly, they got it right quickly.

According to Mr. Bayley, the Royal Beach Club has, "already outperformed all other products that are available in the market." 

Sure, Royal Beach Club is better than other Nassau shore excursions, but that's almost to be expected. What he said next was more eye opening.

"Our latest results show at about 0.8 of 1%, behind Perfect Day [at CocoCay] for a satisfaction delivery, which means that the [Net Promotor Score] is really stunning."

Up until now, Perfect Day at CocoCay has been the gold standard for guest satisfaction scores by Royal Caribbean guests.  In terms of popularity, Perfect Day is to Royal Caribbean as the iPhone is to Apple.

Mr. Bayley said they want to push the beach club to, "get to exactly the same level of satisfaction as Perfect Day." It seems as they're close.

"We feel like we're going to have a huge success with the product."

A predictable beach day

While beach clubs cost extra to visit, Royal Caribbean sees it as a can't-miss beach day that is sure to extend the fun and level of expectations to their port visit.

Royal Caribbean Senior Vice President and Chief Product Innovation Officer Jay Schneider described the new operation in The Bahamas as, "this is the perfect beach day."

He called the beach "breathtakingly beautiful" and pointed to things like adding a heated pool, optimal sight lines of the ocean, and a dedicated team to delivering a great experience.

One key differentiator about a beach club is it's more of a controlled experience for guests compared to a traditional port. Crowds, logistics, and variability are all more predictable for both guests and cruise line.

Part of the reason why Mr. Bayley cited such high guest satisfaction rates is because the experience has been fine tuned to offer consistent guest satisfaction while allowing them to scale experiences without sacrificing quality.

This speaks to one of the top concerns any vacationer has about any shore excursion they take: is it going to be as good as it looks on paper.

Beach clubs are part of a strategy to make better cruises

Royal Beach Club Paradise Island is the first beach club to open, and two others will open up this year.

The next one to open will be this summer with Royal Beach Club Santorini in the Greek Isles. At the end of 2026, Royal Beach Club Cozumel will open in Mexico.

All three beach clubs have one thing in common: they're cruise ports that get a lot of cruise ship visits and Royal Caribbean wants to offer something to stand out from every other thing there.

It's no coincidence that Nassau and Cozumel are two ports that will have a beach club, because each "anchors" itineraries in their respective part of the Caribbean.

When the other new beach clubs open this year, the goal is to offer something fresh and new.

Cozumel is a port that is visited on nearly every single Western Caribbean itinerary, and a beach club there provides something new to try. 

In Greece, they think this will be a new way to experience one of the most popular destinations in the Mediterranean, "everybody's bucket list is to go visit Santorini, and we've crafted just the most amazing day for you," Mr. Schneider explained.

"Santorini is a great location, where we know guests are looking for gorgeous views, great pictures of the blue roofs, excellent Greek food, and the spectacular service Royal Caribbean is known for."

Each of these beach clubs are an "easy button" for cruise ship passengers to pick an excursion without worrying about quality, value, or safety.

By relying on controlled capacity, elevated amenities, and premium experiences, a Royal Beach Club visit is positioned to offer more than "just another beach day".

Happy weekend! We hope you are in the midst of a wonderful weekend full of things to do to pass the time between cruises.  We have a summary of all of this week's Royal Caribbean news in case you missed any of it!

At long last, Royal Caribbean announced it's building the Discovery Class cruise ships.

The announcement was made, but there's no indication yet what the size will be, what features will be onboard, or any other clues about what will make Discovery different.

The first ship will be ready in 2029.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean's AI push helps explain why cruises cost more
• Royal Caribbean CEO shoots down rumors of what Discovery Class ships could be
• Judge agrees to review urban development plan semi-related to approving Perfect Day Mexico project
• Winter storm rerouted two ships to have a cruise to nowhere
• Royal Caribbean ship skips private island and shortens port visit because of winds
• Royal Caribbean delays return of cruise ship by a day because of winter storm
• Royal Caribbean opinions that divide cruisers, according to Reddit
• What you gain (and lose) by choosing an older cruise ship
• Drink package vs Diamond Vouchers
• Is a balcony cabin on your cruise worth it? 7 reasons to try one
• 4 things that are different about dinner on a cruise ship in the 80s vs today
• It's been two years since Icon of the Seas debuted. How it went from launch to legend

Video: Royal Caribbean Confirms a New Discovery Class Ship

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 — Royal Caribbean Confirms a New Discovery Class Ship For 2029 — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

First sailing of Legend of the Seas has been moved up

Royal Caribbean added an even earlier first sailing on Legend of the Seas this summer.

For the second time, the inaugural sailing has been changed as a result of the new cruise ship being ready even sooner than expected.

Guests that were booked on the previous first sailing will have the first chance to switch to the new voyage.

4 reasons your cruise will cost more in 2026

Royal Caribbean Group executives said it pretty clearly this week: cruise prices are higher than last year.

A combination of strong demand and strategic pricing have pushed prices higher, and we're now seeing the result in advertised fares.

During an earnings call with analysts, there were four signs that point towards a more expensive cruise in 2026.

Is 3 nights enough time on Utopia of the Seas?

As the newest Oasis Class ship, is it worth it to sail for just 3 nights on Utopia of the Seas?

While your time onboard is limited, it's still one heck of a weekend escape to enjoy the very best Royal Caribbean has to offer.

Truthfully you cannot do everything in that short time span, but there's still a lot of good reasons to go anyway.

Should I use a travel agent to book a cruise?

I think everyone should use a travel agent to book a cruise, especially first timers.

Travel agents can be an incredible resource for planning cruise vacations because of their deep knowledge of the lines, ships, and cabins. 

Plus, they could even save you money with access to special fares.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 594th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, sharing things Matt is annoyed by from other guests.

Unfortunately, some people that go on a cruise do things that are truly irksome and Matt has a list of his personal worst of the worst list.

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

Strong winds and big waves from a storm have forced two ships to cancel every port of call on each of their itineraries.

Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas had plans to visit Perfect Day at CocoCay and Nassau, but will miss both ports.

Wonder of the Seas will spend both of its days at sea instead of visiting either port out of concern for weather conditions.

Celebrity Reflection is also sailing a 3-night weekend cruise that was scheduled to visit Key West, Florida and Bimini, Bahamas.

Initially, plans were to salvage the sailing with a shortened visit to Key West. However, those plans had to be scratched at the last minute.

According to a letter distributed to passengers, Reflection will now skip all of its ports and sail a "cruise to nowhere".

Strong winds changing plans

Royal Caribbean Group Chief Meteorologist Craig Setzer worked with the Captain of Celebrity Reflection to determine changes to the ship's plans.

A faster-than-anticipated storm is to blame for the drastic cruise changes.

"We have been closely monitoring the advancing weather front passing through the Florida Keys and the Bahamas. Initial forecasts indicated that the high winds would not develop until around 2:00pm," the letter to guests said.

"As the system advanced more quickly than expected, the onset of these stronger winds is expected to happen closer to midday. This earlier arrival of adverse conditions would make both our stay in Key West, and our departure unsafe, and we had to cancel our visit."

Plans were for the ship to make it to Bimini the next day, but that too has changed.

"Due to the significant increase in winds on Sunday and the Port of Bimini, Bahamas just advising us that they will be closed tomorrow to maintain port safety, we will need to cancel our call to Bimini and will enjoy a day at sea instead."

As a result, there will be no ports of call for this sailing.

"We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, and we have no doubt your time with us will be nothing short of amazing."

Money offered to make up for the change

Celebrity is offering passengers onboard credit to take the sting out of the change in plans.

Every passenger is being given onboard credit based on their stateroom category:

• Inside Stateroom: $150 USD
• Outside Stateroom: $150 USD
• Veranda Stateroom: $200 USD
• Concierge Class Stateroom: $250 USD
• AquaClass Stateroom: $250 USD
• Suites: $400 USD
• Additional Guests (3rd and 4th): $25 USD per guest

Any pre-paid Celebrity Cruises shore excursions booked for Key West or Bimini will automatically be refunded as an Onboard Credit.

To be clear, cruise lines have no obligation to offer any money back in the case of cancelled ports.

The Celebrity cruise contract that all passengers agree to before booking a cruise stipulates they reserve the right to cancel or change any voyage at any time for any reason.

Carrier may for any reason at any time and without prior notice, cancel, advance, postpone or deviate from any scheduled sailing, port of call, destination, lodging or any activity on or off the Vessel, or substitute another vessel or port of call, destination, lodging or activity.

Moreover, no compensation is inherently expected.

Carrier shall not be liable for any claim whatsoever by Passenger, including but not limited to loss, compensation or refund, by reason of such cancellation, advancement, postponement, substitution or deviation.

Why cruises to nowhere are rare

A cruise ship sailing from the United States and visiting no ports of call is all but impossible, except for extenuating circumstances like bad weather.

The Passenger Vessel Services Act of 1886 (PVSA) requires foreign flagged ships that sail from the United States to stop in at least one foreign port.

Nearly every cruise ship operated by cruise lines are foreign flagged, so they are legally required to stop in another country and it's why you don't see a "cruise to nowhere" offered for sale.

Other cruise ships impacted by this storm

Celebrity Reflection is one of many ships to change plans this weekend.

Utopia of the Seas, Liberty of the Seas, and Wonder of the Seas all had their itineraries radically altered.  In fact, Perfect Day at CocoCay is closed to all ships on Sunday because of strong winds and large waves.

Moreover, cruise ships from Carnival Cruise Line, Disney Cruise Line, and Norwegian Cruise Line are all getting re-routed.

Royal Caribbean's loyalty perks are arguably the best in the industry, but are the drink vouchers good enough to replace a drink package?

I reached Diamond status in Crown and Anchor Society many years ago, and the daily drink vouchers the cruise line offers is an impressive benefit.

Now that I'm a Pinnacle Club member, I get 6 drink vouchers per day to use on any beverage that a drink package would cover.

Having a few complimentary drinks is far from unlimited, but can you rely on them in lieu of spending hundreds of dollars on a beverage package?

The answer is a mixed bag, and greatly depends on your habits.

How exactly do loyalty drink vouchers work?

One of the benefits of reaching Diamond status are daily drink vouchers you can use during your cruise.

The amount of drinks depends on which loyalty tier you are at:

• Diamond: 4 drinks per person, per day
• Diamond Plus: 5 drinks per person, per day
• Pinnacle Club: 6 drinks per person, per day

Yes, even kids get the benefit, although they are limited to non-alcoholic drinks.

When you order a drink, all you need to do is tell the bartender or waiter that you'd like to use your drink voucher when you place the order.

"Hi, I'd like a pina colada and I'd like to use my Diamond drink."

The vouchers are good for that day and it's "use it or lose it".  Once you reach 6am the next day, the voucher total resets. You cannot save vouchers for another day or "borrow" them from future days.

You can redeem your drink vouchers at any bar, restaurant, or lounge. They even work at Perfect Day at CocoCay or Labadee.

Relying on drink vouchers is like having a mini-drink package

When I was on Utopia of the Seas, I skipped buying a drink package and relied purely on the vouchers for my drinking.

I found it was more difficult initially at the start of the cruise to exercise restraint and not go through most of them before dinner. This is because you're excited when you get onboard and in the mood for fun and to start enjoying vacation.

But as the days pass, I find the temptation to drink lessens somewhat as the novelty wears off.

Nonetheless, redeeming my drink vouchers is quite easy and I could go to any bar to enjoy them.

I think there are two ways to think about the drink vouchers: these are the only extra cost drinks you'll get, or you can use them and then pay for a few drinks on top of it because it's still cheaper than a drink package.

As I said earlier in this post, how much of a drinker you are and how you like to indulge greatly influence how quickly you'll go through your vouchers.

I decided to exercise restraint and wait to use my drinks until after dinner. I chose this because I enjoy social drinking a lot more at night when the bars have entertainment. And I didn't want to overdo it earlier in the day.

Admittedly, this is one advantage of a drink package. You don't have to debate where and when to use up your drinks. A beverage package is much more convenient in that way.

After dinner, I headed to the Mason Jar, which is my favorite bar on any Royal Caribbean ship.

The best drink on the menu is the PB&J Old Fashioned, which costs $13 before gratuity.  

I love how tasty they are, and I can easily have a couple to start things off. They're sweet, but not sugary, and it certainly fits the bill when you're at a country bar.

As the evening progressed, we bar hopped and I easily used all of my 6 vouchers before calling it a night.

The next day we were in Nassau, and spent the day at the Royal Beach Club.  Since this is all-inclusive, my drink vouchers were safe and not needed for the entire day.

Our last day of the cruise was docked at Perfect Day at CocoCay. Drink vouchers work here, just like on the ship. This adds a tremendous amount of value, because I'm far more tempted to want a drink as part of the beach vibe than hanging around the ship.

I went over my daily limit on one day

Not totally unexpectedly, I paid out of pocket for a few drinks during my cruise. 

I would expect this to be more the case if someone had just 4 drinks for the day, but it can happen. When you're enjoying being on a cruise and having a good time with friends, I won't let the good times stop because I'm out of vouchers.

While I did pay for a few drinks out of pocket, I did not spend nearly enough to come close to the cost of a drink package.

I estimated as long as I didn't pay out of pocket for more than 3 or 4 drinks, it was still cheaper than the total cost of a beverage package.

Drink vouchers are the best loyalty perk, but it's limited

My experience with relying on drink vouchers is they're either too few or more than enough, and it all depends on the person.

As an example, my parents are Diamond members and the idea of having 4 alcoholic drinks per day to them is crazy. Suffice to say, it's more than they need.

Plus, drink vouchers can be used for non-alcoholic drinks too, including premium coffee, bottled water, sodas, and more.

However, my friend that affectionally goes by "Big Dawg Ron", can use up his daily drinks before the end of lunch on embarkation day.

On this Utopia cruise, I went in with the mindset I'd limit myself to the drink vouchers and forgo a drink package.  But I bought the drink package already for my upcoming Brilliance of the Seas cruise.

Part of the decision matrix everyone goes through is the price of a drink package.

The daily cost can vary greatly, from as low as the mid $40 per day range to $115 per day when bought onboard.

Drink vouchers are perfect for casual drinkers or someone on a budget. Since they're included as a perk, you can use them or not and there's no value lost.

However, it still requires you to remember to use them and specifically ask the bartender to redeem one.  Many bar staff will notice you have a voucher and ask if you want to use it, but you cannot rely on that.

I find the drink vouchers are a fantastic perk if it matches your natural habits. But if you regularly exceed the allotment, a beverage package can be cheaper and less annoying.