Royal Caribbean Blog

After your cruise is over, Royal Caribbean will send you a survey to get feedback on your vacation, but there's one question that trips up a lot of people.

The Royal Caribbean survey is emailed to all passengers and it's used for staffing decisions, service improvements, and crew recognition.

The company wants to know what you thought of the trip, what stood out, and to rank pretty much everything you experienced.  But it's also a tool for evaluating crew members.

One question, in particular, is a potential red flag for crew members and passengers certainly don't want to get anyone in trouble.

Here's what to do with the post-cruise survey and how honest you should be about crew asking for positive ratings.

What Royal Caribbean wants you to do with that question

Royal Caribbean places a great deal of emphasis on its post-cruise survey because it offers the best opportunity to gather feedback from customers immediately after sailing.

There's one question that seems to trip some cruisers up because they aren't sure how to answer it.

"Were you asked by any crew member(s) to provide positive ratings/reviews on this survey?"

This question is aimed at protecting the integrity of the survey. 

The reason Royal Caribbean asks if someone asked for a high score is because it skews the reality of how well something is working.

The cruise line wants you to be honest so it can improve what needs improving and maintain what's well-received. But if the responses are the result of a crew member guilting, coaching, or encouraging a higher score than deserved, it artificially drives up scores and doesn't allow for a proper evaluation.

Royal Caribbean uses Net Promoter Scores (NPS) to evaluate how effective its cruise ships and private destinations operate.

In short, this is a tool for measuring customer loyalty and predicting business growth. 

Each question is calculated on a scale of 0-10, and the answer has a major impact on how it sees performance:

• 9-10: Promoters, Loyal enthusiasts who fuel growth.
• 7-8: Passives, Satisfied but unenthusiastic; vulnerable to competitors (not included in score).
• 0-6: Detractors, Unhappy customers who can damage your brand.

Basically, this is a way to take the question of "On a scale of 1 - 10, how likely are you to recommend ____", but apply it to different kinds of questions.

You take the percentage of Promoters and subtract the percentage of Detractors from it.  

Why crew members sometimes ask for positive ratings

Based on things crew members have shared in the past, NPS scores are a major factor in how they are rated.

Every crew member on a ship works on a contract, and when it's time for a new contract or for a promotion, Royal Caribbean will use guest survey results as a factor in determining if they should get a new contract, raise, or higher position.

Publicly, there's only anecdotal evidence as to how the NPS scores factor into a crew member's career.

One person posted on Facebook, "I did a galley tour last month, and saw the sign for the employees. The staff person with the top survey numbers over one month would get a day off. The second top person would get a Half-Day off. Considering the number of workers that is a huge prize."

Similarly, lower scores could signal there's a problem.

Mark Lipton, professor emeritus of management at The New School and Parsons School of Design, said in a recent interview how NPS scores tied to compensation can lead to gaming the system, "Whenever something is going to impact my compensation, my odds of a promotion or my very stability in keeping my job here, I am going to be driven to see how I can influence those numbers."

"I never know how to answer this"

Cruisers get confused because most don't want to get the hard working crew members in trouble.

On Facebook, someone asked "I never know how to answer this. Our server did ask for a 10/10 review. But if I said yes, would I get anyone in trouble?"

On the one hand, answering "yes" could alert the cruise line to someone trying to spike scores higher than they should be.

But on the other hand, is this question a test to see if crew members are effectively communicating to guests the importance of the survey and answering "no" gets someone in trouble?

Over 500 comments were shared to the original Facebook post, garnering lots of opinions:

"I answered yes, I feel it is a management issue and if they want true results they should not be trying to skew your response."

"Say no always, but if a specific crew member was off putting, then address that one specifically."

"The answer is No! We just confirmed this on our Oct cruise with a well seasoned bartender. We were informed no staff member is supposed to ask that you give them a 10 rating nor suggest any rating at all!"

"I always say yes, but I never provide names or anything. Because almost every staff member asks in every department."

How I answer this survey question every time

I don't claim to be an NPS expert, but I believe it's important to be honest about the answer if a crew member is clearly trying to push for a higher score out of a sense of guilt or fear.

Crew members can remind you about taking the survey or even say how important the survey is in evaluating them. I feel these are perfectly acceptable reminders because most people on a cruise ship are brand new to cruising.

However, specifically asking for a perfect score or inferring anything less than a perfect score will cause a problem is likely grounds for answering "yes" to the question.

Regardless of how you answer the question, I think it's vitally important to use the open comment section at the end of the survey to call out your favorite crew members and explain why.

That section is indexed and searchable, and managers will pull from this data to identify which crew members stand out as being recognized by guests.

Royal Caribbean offers cruises around the world, which in many cases requires flying to reach.

Just this past cruise season, I flew four times to get to cruises around Europe. It's not as simple as hopping in a car, but mixing up the destinations and itineraries is well worth it.

However, before I commit to any cruise overseas, I have to take airfare into consideration because it might be the difference in if the trip makes practical sense or not.

There's cost, logistics, and how well it all fits into my cruise plans. The last thing I want to do is pick what seems like a fantastic cruise, but create a problem for myself in trying to get there and back.

Here are the six things I'll always do before booking any cruise where I have to fly.

I first look at if there are direct flights available

Not only are direct flights more convenient, they are essential to mitigate the chances of travel delays messing up my cruise.

Getting a direct flight isn't always possible, but I'll prioritize them over spending less on connecting flights.  

Simply put, airline flight schedules are notorious for getting messed up because of bad weather, mechanical issues, late crew members, and a whole array of other unexpected problems. 

Taking a direct flight means I have just one flight with potential hiccups, instead of two or more.

Plus, direct flights mean less travel time and that reduces stress and fatigue. I'm all for starting my trip as relaxed and happy as possible.

I'll check with the cruise line to book flights as a first choice

If there's one lesson I've learned the hard way, it's that booking flights through Royal Caribbean is a smart choice.

Royal Caribbean offers flights through Air2Sea, and I've been impressed by how much cheaper it can be to book through them.

The cruise line regularly discounts flights to places like Alaska and Europe as an incentive to book the flight with them.

As an example, air bookings made between October 1, 2025 - June 6, 2026 for Europe and Alaska sailings departing between March 15, 2026 - November 2, 2026 can qualify for a discount.

Up to $250 per person discount, depending on the destination and airfare:

• Alaska
  • $50 USD per person for Economy and Premium Economy Class seats
  • $100 USD per person for First and Business Class seats
• Europe
  • $100 USD per person for Economy seats
  • $150 USD per person for Premium Economy Class seats
  • $250 USD per person for First and Business Class seats

Last year I booked a flight with the airline only to cancel and rebook with Air2Seas because of the savings offered.

In addition, you can add an Air2Sea flight that remains refundable until final payment due date and it doesn't cost anything to make the booking.  If you find a better deal, cancel the Air2Sea booking before final payment due date at no cost.

I also like that Air2Sea has an "Assured Arrival" policy that can help if an airline mess causes you to miss the cruise.  

I come up with a jet lag plan

Each time I've flown to Europe for a cruise, I've had to come up with a way to combat jetlag.

Jetlag isn't just annoying, it can downright ruin the first few days of your trip. The last thing I want to do is sleep away half my trip.

Depending on what time you land in Europe, I'll craft a strategy that is built around acclimating myself to the local time as fast as possible.

I can't sleep on airplanes, no matter how much I try. I'm just too nervous when I fly and cannot get comfortable enough to get meaningful sleep.  Even in lay flat seats in business class it hasn't worked.

Ideally, I'll get a flight that lands as late in the afternoon as possible.  The idea is to land, get to my hotel, and then go to sleep when it's appropriate for the local time.

Unfortunately, most of my European flights have landed in the morning.  That meant I forced myself to stay awake all day without any naps.  Not easy, but there's no question it got me on the local time so much faster.

I never book a flight to land the same day my cruise begins

If you take one tip from this entire article, let it be this one: never fly the same day your cruise departs.

I cannot imagine the anxiety I would have trying to fly the same day my cruise departed.

Travel delays are too numerous to put your entire vacation at risk because you didn't want to pay for a hotel the night before the cruise.

Even when flying domestically, I won't consider it because I'm just too paranoid about missing the ship. Even with Air2Sea's backing, I'd rather travel with less stress and get to my destination city with lots of time to spare.

Plus, I enjoy exploring the city I'm sailing from and playing tourist there for a day or two. Not only is it fun, but it expands your vacation.

I never fly (or cruise) without travel insurance

If there's one extra cost I think everyone should buy for their cruise, it's a travel insurance policy.

Like all insurance, it's a waste of money until you need it. Then it feels like the best investment you ever made.

I think most people will find travel insurance to cost less than expected, and it covers both the flights and cruise.

Travel insurance covers you for so many possible scenarios in which you'd be on your own otherwise financially to deal with. Lost luggage, travel delays preventing you from making the cruise, accidents and more are covered.

The peace of mind it offers is why I'll buy it every single time.

Pad my flight home

No one wants the "should I book a 10:45am flight?" anxiety spiral. 

While I also don't want to sit in the airport all day after my cruise is over, I'd rather be bored than upset I missed my flight.

Depending on which airport you're flying out of and how far that is from the cruise terminal, you should always give yourself more time to travel to the airport, check luggage, and then get through security and immigration.

If the flight isn't until much later in the afternoon, I'll buy a day pass to nearby hotel. That way I can relax, take a shower, and nap without having to feel like I'm living at the airport that day. 

Royal Caribbean's ships have cabins for all types of cruisers, and their new mega-ships are no exception. 

Budget-friendly cruisers can book affordable, albeit windowless, interior staterooms, while those with more wiggle room can splurge on multi-story suites within the Royal Suite Class.

One such suite is the Royal Loft Suite. Although it still doesn't compete with the three-story Ultimate Family Townhouse, it delivers an elevated cruise experience with access to the suite-only Coastal Kitchen dining room, a spacious private balcony, exclusive sun deck, upgraded bathrooms, and more. 

Lesley Sawhook, one of the owners of Exclusive Travel Partners, shared photos of the Royal Loft Suite on Star of the Seas, Royal Caribbean's newest Icon Class ship. Sawhook has over 15 years of experience and specializes in all-inclusive resorts, Disney and Universal trips, and major cruise lines. 

Onboard Star of the Seas, there's just one Royal Loft Suite. It's located within the Suite Neighborhood on Decks 17 and 18, although the entrance to the suite is on Deck 17. 

The Royal Loft Suite is steps from the suite-only Coastal Kitchen restaurant and Cloud 17 pool. It's also one deck below The Grove Sun Deck. 

Like the Ultimate Family Townhouse, the Royal Loft Suite isn't cheap. In fact, don't be surprised if it's more expensive than the family-friendly suite. 

For example, the cost for two people in a Royal Loft Suite (at the time of publication) on Star of the Seas' 7-night Jan. 11, 2026, departure costs $66,761. Comparatively, the Ultimate Family Townhouse is $65,481. 

Here's a photo tour of the Royal Loft Suite on Star of the Seas, Royal Caribbean's newest Icon Class ship, sailing from Port Canaveral, Florida, to the Eastern and Western Caribbean. 

Spacious indoor and outdoor living areas

With over 1,400 square feet of interior living space, the Royal Loft Suite on Star of the Seas isn't a cramped stateroom. Instead, it offers more than enough room to relax and entertain on one of the world's largest cruise ships.

In addition to two sectionals, the living area has a dining table, which is nice for when you want to enjoy meals or snacks in your spacious suite. There's also a wet bar with an upgraded coffee machine, ice bucket, and glasses. 

Additionally, the living area acts as a third (yes, third!) bedroom with a convertible double sofa bed, allowing up to six guests to stay in the suite.

It also features a piano, which can be a major plus if you have a talented cruiser in your travel party. Even still, it's a nice statement decoration that makes the space feel more refined. 

Although the interior living space is impressive, the balcony is undoubtedly a major highlight of the Royal Loft Suite. 

Coming in at 705 square feet, there's no shortage of space (or ways) to take advantage of the suite's verandah.

From the two outdoor dining tables to the private hot tub, it’s designed for relaxation and entertaining. Plus, the wrap-around balcony gives you a front-row view of the ocean, as well as the ship's top deck. 

You never have to wonder what the vibe is like on the pool deck, but the best part is that you don't have to worry about crowded hot tubs. 

Loft bedroom

The primary master bedroom of the Royal Loft suite isn't enclosed. Instead, the open concept allows guests to take in the sweeping ocean views from the second-story bedroom. 

The large floor-to-ceiling windows allow tons of natural light in, rather than hiding suite guests away in a dark room. It also features a king-sized bed with a Matermoll Summer Mattress. 

That said, one of the highlights is the spacious ensuite master bathroom. 

Outfitted with an extra-large vanity with dual sinks, a massive shower, soaking tub, and ample storage, you don't need to worry about stepping over one another when getting ready. 

The soaking tub is a nice touch for families with younger children, too. 

Although there’s another full bathroom downstairs, that one doesn’t have a tub — just a standing shower. 

Another plus is that the master bathroom has some natural light, as well as a spacious vanity area. There's also a separate toilet room with another sink. 

Yes, that makes 3 sinks on the second level of the Royal Loft Suite!

Second bedroom

Downstairs, there's a second full bedroom. It lacks access to the balcony, but the floor-to-ceiling window overlooks the pool deck. 

As expected for a suite, the furnishings are a major upgrade compared to standard staterooms. For example, the nightstands are nicer, and there's an abundance of bedside charging ports.

The stylish headboard further helps distinguish the second bedroom in the Royal Loft Suite from standard cabins. 

The second full bathroom isn't too shabby, either. The extra-long vanity doesn't have dual sinks, but it offers plenty of counter space for toiletries and other everyday essentials. 

 What perks come with a Royal Loft Suite on Star of the Seas?

Royal Caribbean's Royal Suite Class is comprised of three different tiers: Sea, Sky, and Star. The Royal Loft Suite falls within the highest Star Class tier. As such, it comes with a slew of benefits to enhance the onboard experience.

Perks for the Star Class Royal Loft Suite include: 

• Exclusive access to Royal Genie Service
• All-day access to Coastal Kitchen
• Complimentary dining throughout the ship (including most specialty dining venues; premium choices in the Main Dining Room; lobster at Chops Grille; Trellis Bar and Playmakers food items; ice cream floats, milkshakes, and shakes at Desserted; and more)!
• Priority reservations and a discounted per-person cover charge at Izumi, Hibachi/Teppanyaki ($15.00), Chef’s Table ($50.00), Izumi Omakase ($60.00), and the Lincoln Park Supper Club ($130.00)
• Complimentary Deluxe Beverage Package (for guests 21 years or older)
• Complimentary Refreshment Package (for guests under the legal drinking age)
• Still and sparkling water replenished daily
• Complimentary gratuities
• Complimentary VOOM Wi-Fi
• Expedited boarding & departure
• Best seats in the house in select entertainment venues
• Priority entrance to many onboard activities
• Suite Lounge access (complimentary hors d’oeuvres and cocktails from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm each evening)
• Access to The Grove
• Complimentary minibar stocked with Coca-Cola® beverages and water
• Complimentary laundry and pressing services
• Luxury mattress, pillows, and linens
• Luxury bathroom amenities
• Luxury bathrobes for use onboard
• In-suite coffee machine

Ever since Royal Caribbean announced plans to open Perfect Day Mexico, cruisers want to know when it will open.

Royal Caribbean generated more buzz than ever in its history with the announcement of a massive new private beach destination in eastern Mexico.

Not only is it a follow-up to the wildly successful Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas, but this one is poised to deliver a bold new take that expands could redefine what a cruise line private island experience is all about.

What's unclear is when exactly the first cruise ships will be able to go to Perfect Day Mexico and the official opening date.

The timeline has changed a bit since the official announcement was made, and there is more ambiguity as to when the first passengers will be able to visit.

Here's what we know so far about an opening date for Perfect Day Mexico.

Opening late 2027

Originally Royal Caribbean announced Perfect Day Mexico would open in September 2027, but that date seems to have been walked back.

At a special event in May held in New York, plans for Perfect Day Mexico were revealed and September was given as the estimated date.

However, Royal Caribbean is now saying there isn't yet a specific month or date picked out yet.

In November 2025, Royal Caribbean spokesperson said that an opening date will be revealed sometime in 2026.

"Perfect Day Mexico is set to debut in late 2027. Royal Caribbean will announce the exact opening date in 2026."

The rumor mill has swirled as to what "late 2027" refers to, but as of now it's anyone's guess.

While 2027 and 2028 cruises are available to book that stop at Costa Maya, there's no official guidance as to which sailings will be officially a Perfect Day stop.

The last thing they want to do is sell a cruise advertised as visiting Perfect Day Mexico only to have to cancel that visit later.

Once the opening date is announced, itineraries will be revised to change from "Costa Maya" to "Perfect Day Mexico".

Based on previous comments from executives, I think it's safe to say it wont be any earlier than September.

Opening at once instead of phases

When Perfect Day Mexico does open, the plan is open it all at once instead of a phased approach.

Speaking to members of the media, Royal Caribbean Senior Vice President and Chief Product Innovation Officer Jay Schneider said they don't want to open parts, as was the case at CocoCay.

"The plan is still to open it all at once instead of phases," he explained. "We're going to open it all at once. I think at one point we were going to open [CocoCay] all at once, and then it became a phased approach. So yes, our ambition is all at once."

This means all the neighborhoods of Perfect Day Mexico are planned to be ready on the first official day of operation.

What's known about the construction progress

Royal Caribbean is in the process of lining up all the necessary permits, paperwork, and approvals before construction can begin.

Since the cruise line officially took ownership of the port of Costa May and land parcels nearby, it's begun some prep work.

In October 2025, plans were announced to cleanup areas of already contaminated Mahahual mangroves.

At a press conference, Mr. Schneider explained that for years, the coastal wetlands have been used to discharge wastewater from the municipal treatment plant.

According to him, the municipality currently dumps sewage into the coastal area of Mahahual, contaminating both the mangroves and the beach adjacent to the cruise ship pier.

Royal Caribbean plans to build their own reverse osmosis system to provide drinking water as well as a treatment plant to clean up the area, which will later be transferred to the municipal government to serve the entire community.

At some point, demolition and land clearing will begin in and around Costa Maya.

What features Perfect Day Mexico will include

Royal Caribbean is planning to offer the ultimate combo of "thrill and chill" with Perfect Day Mexico.

One of the most anticipated new features is going to be the longest lazy river in the world. There's a lazy component, along with a "crazy river" that will offer ways to get more wet and have a laugh too.

Plus, there's an entire water park with more than 30 waterslides across five towers. The Jaguar's Peak slide will be more than 170 feet tall, which makes it the tallest slide tower in either North or South America.

Chill Beach will have nearly 2 miles of white sand beaches.

Two extra cost admission areas will have day passes to purchase: the adults-only El Hideaway or Costa Beach Club. 

El Hideaway is just for guests 18 or older, and it has a 50,000 sq. ft. party pool. There are multiple swim-up bars, DJ entertainment, and live music.

Costa Beach Club is the elevated beach spot, where crowds are limited and you'll find secluded beaches and pools with luxurious loungers and private service.

How the opening could affect cruises in 2026 and 2027

Costa Maya, as we know it, will be completely redeveloped and reshaped, but it will be a process to get to opening day.

The plan is to demolish all of the current port area, which includes shops, restaurants, and bars. Royal Caribbean will clear it all to make way for Perfect Day Mexico.

Cruise ships visiting in 2026 and most of 2027 will likely encounter some level of construction and closure in the immediate area of the port.

Excursions to the village of Mahahual and surrounding area will remain unaffected.  Tour groups and those venturing on their own will be able to walk past the construction areas to access buses and taxis.

What to do if you want to be first?

If you'd like to experience Perfect Day Mexico on opening day, you'll need to wait a bit longer to know which cruise to book.

Since there's no official opening date announced yet, any sailing that is scheduled to visit Costa Maya in 2027 is debatable if it would be "the one".

If the opening of Royal Beach Club Paradise Island is any indication, a date will be announced as the opening date and then it's up to cruisers to determine which cruise ships are scheduled to visit the port on or after the opening day.

There almost certainly will be soft openings in the days leading up to the official first day, but we won't know for certain of that until much later in 2027.

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.