Royal Caribbean Blog

In the real world, things like landing a job, graduating from college, or having a baby are wildly celebrated. But somehow, earning 80 cruise points with Royal Caribbean feels just as monumental in the cruise industry. 

The significant milestone comes with some impressive benefits, including access to the Diamond Lounge, complimentary internet, and free drink vouchers every day of the cruise.

I didn't reach Diamond status until I was in my 20s, but it's already changed how I cruise. For example, drink packages have become a thing of the past thanks to the four daily Diamond drinks. 

In turn, this has freed my mind from the seemingly constant "is a drink package worth it" debate, since I can begin my mornings with a specialty latte, sip on a crisp Diet Coke by the pool, and sample the ship's extensive cocktail selection — all at no extra charge. 

Here's why I love my Diamond Crown and Anchor status — and why I think every diehard cruise fan should strive for it. 

How do you become a Diamond member on Royal Caribbean?

Royal Caribbean's Crown and Anchor Society has six different loyalty tiers, starting with Gold. The more you cruise, the faster you will move up the ranks. However, the real benefits don't kick in until you reach Diamond status at 80 cruise points.

Through Royal Caribbean's loyalty program, every cruiser gets one point for every night of the cruise. You can earn two points per night if you stay in a Junior Suite or higher, as well as if you're traveling solo. 

Crown and Anchor points never expire, which means you can continue to accrue points even if your last Royal Caribbean cruise was over a decade ago. Plus, once you reach Diamond status, you'll never be bumped back to Gold, Platinum, or Emerald. 

It takes the average cruiser about 12 seven-night sailings to finally reach the Diamond tier. Guests who primarily sail on shorter itineraries may take longer to hit the milestone. For example, you'd have to take 20 four-night cruises to earn 80 points in the Crown and Anchor Society. 

As mentioned, cruisers booking suites or traveling by themselves can reach Diamond status faster. Regardless of how long it takes, hitting Diamond is a rewarding achievement for all Royal Caribbean fans. 

What are the best Royal Caribbean Diamond benefits?

The best benefits of Royal Caribbean's Crown and Anchor Society are reserved for the top-tier members (AKA Diamond and above). Although all cruisers will receive some level of recognition through the loyalty program, the perks become noticeably more valuable once you hit 80 cruise points. 

Royal Caribbean Diamond drinks

By far, one of the most popular Diamond benefits is the four free drink vouchers. Diamond, Diamond Plus, and Pinnacle Club members receive four, five, and six complimentary drink vouchers per day, respectively, leading to significant savings throughout any cruise. 

These can be used on both non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages, each of which would cost up to $14 without the voucher. This means you can save upwards of $56 each day of your cruise, totaling around $392 on a seven-night voyage!

There are a few exclusions to be aware of. For starters, drink vouchers can't be used at the onboard Starbucks or the Bionic Bar. Additionally, there’s a $14 price limit per beverage. For the most part, however, you can order just about whatever you want, whether soda, a cocktail, a glass of wine, or beer.

There are other drink perks, too. For example, Diamond cruisers also get two coupons for 50% off any glass of wine, beer, or soda, along with 50% off Johnny Rockets milkshakes. 

Royal Caribbean Crown Lounge

The Crown Lounge (formerly the Diamond Lounge) is another perk I enjoy about being a Diamond member. 

This exclusive space is a private, relaxing environment on a Royal Caribbean cruise, complete with a dedicated concierge who will help with dining reservations, tender tickets, and more. Complimentary food is available in the mornings and evenings, and there's a self-serve coffee/latte maker in the lounge, too. 

The biggest downsides of the Crown Lounge are that non-Diamond members aren't allowed in, so if you're cruising with other people who have lower status, you likely won't use the lounge all that much. 

Moreover, due to the high number of top-tier loyalty members, access for Diamond cruisers can occasionally be restricted during peak hours on crowded sailings. 

Wash & Fold laundry bag discount

Although the $10 discount likely is not enough on its own to send you straight down to Next Cruise to put down a deposit on your next sailing, it still adds up as a small but appreciated perk.

Returning home from a cruise with clean clothes is convenient, especially after longer voyages or if you simply don't want to deal with multiple loads of laundry before returning to work. 

Once you reach the higher Diamond Plus tier, you’ll even receive a complimentary Wash & Fold laundry bag on all cruises of five nights or more.

Complimentary professional photograph

Many travelers don't want to haul around a professional camera on vacation, especially when it could get exposed to elements like sand, saltwater, or rain. 

Well, good news! As a Diamond cruiser, you can get one professional photograph per sailing. This makes it a little easier to capture your family's memories without having to awkwardly ask a stranger if they'll snap a picture with your phone. Diamond members also get a 30% discount on another single picture, photo package, or photo book. 

The best part is that it does not cost anything to have the pictures taken. As such, if you end up not liking any of the options, you aren't required to take any home. There's not really a downside to stopping for a few photos, especially on formal night or when debarking the ship in port, throughout your cruise.

Casino FreePlay

Unfortunately, gambling on a cruise ship is one of my favorite vices, especially since I cut out drinking. Even more unfortunate is that I rarely seem to walk away ahead.

Although it is very unlikely to change my life, I love using the Diamond FreePlay benefit. The $6 means I can sit down at a slot machine and play a few rounds without immediately drawing from my wallet — and you never know when that $6 will be doubled, tripled, or even quadrupled! 

Moreover, Crown and Anchor Society members get free jackpot cards when they purchase a multi-game bingo package. It is not a life-changing perk, but the six cards could boost your chances at walking away with a little extra cash. 

Royal Caribbean status match

As I've gotten older, I've noticed that my travel preferences do not always align with the Royal Caribbean brand. Enter the company's lucrative status match program, which rewards brand loyalty across the Royal Caribbean Group portfolio.

My Diamond status with Royal Caribbean automatically grants me Elite status with Celebrity Cruises, allowing me to enjoy a range of benefits even though I have few cruise points with the premium line. My favorites are the Elite Happy Hour, complimentary laundry bag, and the free access to the Persian Garden thermal spa when in port (once per sailing). 

Plus, as of this year, you no longer have to earn points with the brand you sail. In other words, you can choose which line's loyalty program you want your points to be added to. This means that you can sail with Celebrity and continue to work your way toward Diamond, Diamond Plus, and Pinnacle Club status. 

Are the Royal Caribbean Diamond perks worth it?

Overall, being Diamond greatly enhances my cruise experience with Royal Caribbean. Of course, it took a lot of time and money to reach this coveted tier. Still, the perks, recognition, and added convenience make every sailing feel rewarding. 

The daily drinks, especially, are a huge benefit of reaching Diamond status. Having complimentary beverages each day of the voyage saves money, whether I was going to get a drink package or not. 

I also love the free professional photograph. Normally, I would never spend $20 or more on a single picture, so getting one for free is much appreciated.

Plus, being able to match my status to Celebrity Cruises has been beneficial on numerous occasions, from sailing the Greek Isles on Celebrity Ascent to exploring Norway on Celebrity Eclipse. 

All in all, Diamond status is genuinely worth it for frequent cruisers. The combination of everyday benefits, savings, and reciprocal status across sister brands makes the time and money put into climbing the Crown and Anchor Society worthwhile. 

Royal Caribbean recently launched a new brunch option that I wanted to try because this has historically been an underserved meal option.

The cruise line has offered brunch occasionally in the Main Dining Room, and it does have it at the Mason Jar specialty restaurant. But Chops Grille rolling out a brunch option means the opportunity to try it on every ship in the fleet.

After booking a 4-night cruise on Radiance of the Seas, I reserved brunch on one of our sea days to give it a try.

Lunch is still offered on some days, but Royal Caribbean has now added a brunch option with its own menu.

Booking it pre-cruise, I was able to get a reservation for $48 per person.

Chops Grille brunch menu

At first glance, the brunch menu is quite large.

You start off with the choice of a specialty beverage.  The first round is included, but any additional drinks will cost you extra (unless you have a drink package).

Starters and desserts are served family style, but you can request as many as you like.

The rest of the menu is all a la carte, similar to other meals at Chops Grille.

I was impressed by how much food you could have, especially when you mix and match

I usually over order when I'm on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship because serving sizes are usually smaller than on land. I quickly found myself surrounded by food.

As you're seated, a selection of bakery items are brought to you.  Many of the items are the same ones you could get at Cafe Promenade or the Windjammer, such as the very popular cinnamon roll.

I chose a cappuccino for my beverage, which may seem like a faux pas to brunch aficionados who always opt for a mimosa or Aperol spritz. I needed caffeine, so I stand by my decision.

Next was the avocado toast, which I was disappointed by because the avocado is that prepared stuff that comes out of a bag. 

I then made the always difficult choice of waffles or pancakes, and went with pancakes.

I was pleased to see two freshly made pancakes that even had searing on the edges. Certainly not something off the buffet here.

They were fluffy and very satisfying.  I tried to go healthier and skip the syrup, but that was a mistake and I quickly dunked each piece in it with great enjoyment.

The bowls is the heart of this menu, and I struggled what to order. There were so many good options to consider, but I ultimately went with the Steak & Eggs. How can you go wrong with filet mignon?

The menu says you get filet and fried egg, but my server informed me they didn't have fried egg that day and scrambled egg was the option. Personally, I don't like runny eggs, so this substitution didn't bother me one bit!

As I'd expect from Chops Grille, the steak was fantastic. Having eggs along with it is a nice touch. 

I was very tempted to order a second item from the Hearty Bowls section, but there was already so much food.  There's no way I could have finished it all.

For the sides, I went with the mashed potatoes and arugula and parmigiano salad. Both sounded good because I wanted the potatoes with the steak, and a salad seemed like a good lighter option to delve into.

The salad reminded me of the Giovanni's Italian Kitchen house salad, and I thought it was quite tasty.

Brownie from Chops Grille

"Chocolate Bar" from Park Cafe

To finish my meal, I had the chocolate brownie. I was surprised to see this was straight out of the Park Cafe menu, because I had it earlier in the cruise.

I wanted to love brunch, but the high price and some items disappointed me

I love that Royal Caribbean is trying to offer a quality brunch option, because it's a meal that's largely been underserved despite how popular it is on land.  Nonetheless, I think the price is too high for what's being served.

The main courses look like the real winner here.  You can argue the filet mignon alone is worth $20, given that's how much it costs to order one from the Main Dining Room at dinner.

The steak was top quality, and I really enjoyed it.

But I think there are ways to improve brunch going forward.

First and foremost, I don't think a specialty restaurant should serve food you can get at other complimentary venues. At least two of the main menu items were things I've had elsewhere, and I'm guessing the entire bakery option is also.

To be fair, I doubt anyone but someone like me notices that. 

Regardless, I think they just priced brunch too high.

Brunch cost $47.99, but lunch at Chops Grille was just $21.99. Moreover, the cruise line's dining packages include lunch but brunch has a $30 surcharge applied once on board.

I suspect Royal Caribbean will listen to the feedback from guests and adjust the price moving forward, but in the meantime, it's a pricey meal.

If I could offer one more piece of advice, I think brunch should have a bottomless mimosa or champagne option to go with it. That seems to be a fairly standard practice among brunch options, including Royal Caribbean's Sip. Tour. Brunch. experience.

I'd return to brunch if it was fully included with a dining package. I'm hopeful we'll see tweaks soon.

At a May 18 press conference in Mexico City, Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum responded to ecological concerns about Royal Caribbean’s upcoming private destination, Perfect Day Mexico.

Set to launch in 2027, Perfect Day Mexico is currently under construction in the small town of Mahahual, located in the country’s state of Quintana Roo. Mahahual is more commonly known as the Costa Maya cruise port, which accommodates over 550 cruise ships per year.

Royal Caribbean purchased the port in July 2025 with big plans. The cruise line promptly submitted an environmental impact assessment of the site last year in line with Mexico’s federal guidelines.

Yet while Perfect Day Mexico has been met with excitement in the cruise industry, some activists have expressed concern about the ecological impact of the destination.

Mexico's President referenced its government approval process for Perfect Day Mexico

Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum responded to these concerns today, reinforcing that the country would not approve a project that would damage the local ecosystem.

“There have been many protests and many people who are against it,” said Sheinbaum at the May 18 press conference.

"I asked Alicia Bárcena to take a close look at the project." She is Mexico’s Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT).

She went on to say her request to Ms. Bárcena is to "review it very carefully."

More important, Mexico's President reiterated its government is focused on ensuring any project is going to analyze the proposal.

"SEMARNAT is conducting a very detailed analysis, but I can already tell you that we are not going to do anything that puts the ecological balance of that area at risk."

"But I want to tell everyone who is concerned about this situation that the government is not going to do anything that would put the ecosystem in that area at risk." 

Perfect Day Mexico has already been assessed for environmental impacts

Despite concerns from online activists, both Royal Caribbean International and the Mexican government are following the necessary procedures to ensure Perfect Day Mexico does not cause lasting damage to the local ecosystem.

We contacted Royal Caribbean today for additional information about the environmental concerns.

Royal Caribbean submitted an environment impact assessment last year, which followed the appropriate federal process that Mexico's President alluded to.

A summary of Royal Caribbean’s environmental impact assessment can be found here.

Environmental measures include conserving 100% of the site’s existing mangrove areas, preserving 64.09% of the site as natural areas, and guaranteeing the rescue, transfer, and relocation of low-mobility wildlife species in the area.

An online petition calls for the cancellation of Perfect Day Mexico

Perfect Day Mexico has been met with opposition due to concerns about the destination’s ecological impact on the town of Mahahual, despite the fact that Royal Caribbean and the Mexican government have already conducted environmental research on the site.

The quaint fishing village of Mahahual is home to fewer than 3,000 permanent residents. It sits in a remote area on Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula and is surrounded by jungle, mangroves, and coral reefs. Environmental activists worry that construction of Perfect Day Mexico could permanently damage the local ecosystem.

A petition on Change.org currently has over 2.5 million signatures. The petition, "@Claudiashein: Let’s save Mahahual — Let’s stop Royal Caribbean’s destructive project," calls for the immediate cancellation of the Perfect Day Mexico project.

Perfect Day Mexico’s grand opening is still more than a year away

Perfect Day Mexico is still in the early stages of construction. Although the private destination was originally set to open in September 2027, the opening has now been delayed.

On April 30, 2026, Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley provided an update on Perfect Day Mexico. He confirmed that the project is progressing, but that it will now open in two stages.

The soft opening of Perfect Day Mexico will take place in Q4 2027, but additional features and areas of the destination will open throughout 2028.

“As we move into ‘28,” Bayley explained, “we’ll be fully opening the whole experience, which is, you know, in many ways very similar to often how we open up big attractions or big events of new ships, for example.”

According to these recent statements from both Michael Bayley and Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum, it appears that plans are still proceeding as planned with Perfect Day Mexico.

Seward’s highly anticipated new cruise terminal won’t open as scheduled after a recent inspection uncovered issues that still need to be resolved before larger cruise ships can safely dock.

The delay has impacted several Alaska sailings across multiple cruise lines. As a result, several vessels were forced to temporarily reroute to nearby Whittier instead of Seward, including Royal Caribbean’s Ovation of the Seas.

The new terminal was originally scheduled to welcome passengers beginning May 14, 2026, but officials have now pushed the opening date back to May 22, 2026. During the delay, cruise ships that were expected to embark or debark in Seward will instead use Whittier, temporarily changing homeport operations during the start of Alaska’s busy summer cruise season.

The opening delay impacts Seward’s major “Port of Tomorrow” redevelopment project, which has been years in the making. The initiative was first announced in 2022 as a partnership between the Alaska Railroad Company, Royal Caribbean Group, Turnagain Marine, and the Seward Company.

The project essentially rebuilt Seward’s cruise infrastructure with a new double-berth floating pier and upgraded marine facilities. The 41,500-square-foot cruise terminal is also designed to support larger vessels and growing passenger numbers.

The massive investment cost an estimated $137 million and is expected to play a major role in future Alaska cruise operations. However, the project needs a little more time before opening.

“Port of Tomorrow” project hits an unexpected setback

According to the Seward Chamber of Commerce, a recent inspection found “several large clusters of piles” that still need to be removed before cruise ships can safely use the new facilities. In a social media post, Seward Chamber of Commerce shared:

“The Cruise Ship Terminal will delay opening and receiving passengers until May 22nd (rather than the originally scheduled date, May 14th). The ships that were to dock in Seward prior to May 22nd will be rerouted to Whittier, AK.”

“The delay is due to a recent inspection that revealed several large clusters of piles that need to be removed prior to receiving ships. Beginning May 22nd, the dock will remain fully functional for the remainder of the season with the temporary trestle and mooring dolphin in place.”

These pile clusters are associated with marine dolphin structures, which help support docking and mooring operations. Officials determined the remaining clusters must be removed before the port can begin receiving larger ships.

Once operations begin, the port plans to use this temporary trestle and mooring dolphin system for the remainder of the season. The setup will allow larger vessels to dock safely, including Royal Caribbean’s Quantum Class ships.

Ovation of the Seas temporarily moves operations to Whittier

During the delay, impacted vessels will dock in Whittier, Alaska, instead of Seward. The two ports are located about 88.5 miles apart by road, with the drive typically taking just under two hours.

One of the biggest impacts involves Royal Caribbean’s Ovation of the Seas. The 168,666-gross-ton Quantum Class ship was scheduled to split Alaska homeport operations between Vancouver and Seward. The vessel will be sailing one-way, 7-night itineraries between the two destinations throughout the Alaska season this summer.

Instead, guests sailing from Vancouver on Ovation of the Seas’ May 15, 2026 itinerary will now end their cruise in Whittier rather than Seward. Royal Caribbean informed passengers of the change just one day before embarkation, according to a post on Reddit.

“Due to port construction in Seward, Alaska, debarkation for your sailing will now take place in Whittier, Alaska,” the cruise line shared with guests.

The next sailing will also be affected. Guests booked on Ovation of the Seas’ May 22, 2026 departure must now board the ship in Whittier instead of Seward for their southbound Alaska itinerary. Luckily, those travelers received roughly one week of notice to adjust transportation and post-cruise plans.

Royal Caribbean emphasized that the change is strictly related to port construction and not the ship itself. The cruise line confirmed there are no propulsion issues, mechanical problems, or technical concerns impacting Ovation of the Seas.

At this time, sailings departing Vancouver on May 29 and Seward on June 5 have not been modified. If construction stays on schedule and the terminal opens on May 22, those voyages should still operate normally.

Guests scramble to adjust Alaska Railroad plans and post-cruise travel

The unexpected switch from Seward to Whittier created logistical challenges for many guests, especially those who had pre-arranged transportation independently. In communication sent to impacted passengers, Royal Caribbean explained that guests booked on cruise tours would still be accommodated despite the port change.

The email stated, “For guests joining one of our Cruise Tours, your journey will continue seamlessly, with your train service now taking you directly to Whittier for embarkation.”

Additionally, Royal Caribbean stated that shore excursions and post-cruise transfers booked through the cruise line would be adjusted automatically.

“All Royal Caribbean shore excursions and post-cruise transfers will be adjusted to reflect the updated times. Revised information will be communicated directly to you by our Shore Excursions team and through our onboard As You Depart Flyer. If you previously reserved a Royal Caribbean coach transfer, train transfer, or shore excursion, no action is required on your part, as we will make the necessary adjustments for you.”

However, the situation is proving more complicated for travelers who made their own arrangements.

Royal Caribbean advised that “guests with independent transportation or privately arranged excursions are encouraged to contact their providers directly,” leaving some passengers scrambling to adjust plans.

One guest explained they had built their entire trip around ending in Seward before receiving the unexpected update.

“We originally planned everything around ending in Seward and already booked the Alaska Railroad train from Seward to Anchorage at 6 PM the same day,” the impacted cruisers wrote. “Now I’m trying to figure out what to do.”

The passenger added that they booked directly through Alaska Railroad rather than Royal Caribbean and discovered their tickets were non-refundable. “I’m supposed to get off now in Whittier, but have two nights booked in Seward with two non-Royal excursions and the train from Seward to Anchorage afterward,” the passenger wrote.

Multiple cruise lines have been impacted by the delay

Royal Caribbean is not the only cruise line affected by the delay. Several other ships that were expected to use Seward have also been redirected to Whittier. According to Seward Folly, three vessels have been impacted by the last-minute delay: Silver Moon, Celebrity Summit, and Viking Venus.

One passenger sailing aboard Silver Moon on a one-way Alaska cruise to Vancouver shared in a Facebook group that they had already arranged transportation before learning of the port change.

“[Silversea] just announced departure from Seward to Whittier,” the guest wrote. “We had made arrangements for transfer from Anchorage to Seward. Purchased bus tickets on Alaska transit. Canceled. Now I have to ask for refund of lost money. Just a little put out about last minute change. Just frustrated.”

Celebrity Cruises passengers reported similar changes aboard Celebrity Summit. One guest who sailed on the May 8 to May 15 itinerary warned future passengers to double-check embarkation details as work continues around the port area. 

“There was a change from Seward to Whittier,” the guest wrote on Facebook. “For next cruise, the terminal for Seward is under complete construction. It has been under construction for a while. Check your final destination.”

Several passengers praised Celebrity’s handling of the situation, saying transportation plans and rail arrangements were automatically updated.

“We found out on Tuesday afternoon that we’d be boarding in Whittier,” another cruiser shared. “Celebrity has handled it well. Train tickets were automatically switched from Seward to Whittier. On board now and life is good.”

Another passenger echoed that experience, noting the transition just added extra travel time.

“Celebrity took care of our transportation from Seward to here,” the passenger wrote. “Just took a little longer to get to the ship.”

Seward’s “Port of Tomorrow” project aims to transform Alaska cruise operations

The delayed terminal is part of Seward’s larger “Port of Tomorrow” redevelopment project, an ambitious effort to completely modernize the city’s aging cruise infrastructure ahead of future growth in Alaska cruising. The project is led by The Seward Company in partnership with the Alaska Railroad, Royal Caribbean Group, and Turnagain Marine. 

The partnership aimed to replace Seward’s existing dock facilities with a new floating cruise berth and upgraded terminal complex designed to handle larger ships and streamline passenger operations.

The redevelopment features a 41,500-square-foot enclosed cruise terminal along with an additional 27,000 square feet of open luggage transfer and flex space. During the Alaska cruise season, the building will support embarking and debarking guests, while the space can transition into community and storage use during the winter months.

The project features a floating double-berth pier measuring approximately 748 feet long and 100 feet wide, creating one of the largest cruise docking facilities in Alaska. The floating design allows the berth to rise and fall with Alaska’s extreme tides while accommodating ships on both sides of the structure.

The terminal complex also incorporates a transportation hub spread across roughly 13 acres of upland space with dedicated areas for buses, passenger loading, and parking. The redesigned layout includes 32 bus stalls, 48 vehicle spaces, dispatch-style loading lanes, and improved connections intended to streamline transfers between cruise ships, Alaska Railroad service, and ground transportation.

Royal Caribbean Group serves as the project’s anchor partner and will receive preferential berthing rights under long-term agreements, although the port will continue operating as a multi-line facility open to other cruise operators.

The World Cup will be arguably the biggest sporting event of the summer, and Royal Caribbean ships are ready to host the fun onboard.

To put any concerns at ease, Royal Caribbean wants soccer fans to know they won’t have to choose between taking a cruise vacation and watching the FIFA World Cup.

The cruise line announced it will broadcast FIFA World Cup 2026 matches across its fleet during the tournament. This means you'll be able to watch the games live on pool decks, in sports bars, theaters, and even inside passenger cabins.

This year's World Cup is a big deal given that it's being hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Miami is one of the key host cities, and Royal Caribbean is leaning heavily into that connection with onboard programming and citywide events.

How to watch the World Cup on your cruise ship

From June 11 through July 19, 2026, guests sailing on Royal Caribbean ships will be able to watch matches live through the Sport 24 television channel.

According to Royal Caribbean, every ship in the fleet will carry the broadcasts in real time.

You'll be able to watch both from your stateroom TV, as well as throughout public venues onboard.

Royal Caribbean said matches will air in venues like Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade, pool deck screens, theaters, and other gathering spaces around the ship.

Traditionally, internet access limitations and time zone differences made following live sporting events difficult on a cruise ship.

For cruise passengers, it removes one of the biggest concerns about traveling during a major sports tournament: missing live games because they are at sea.

However, Royal Caribbean is ensuring there's no compromise with being able to watch the games.

Because the World Cup lasts more than a month, some fans might hesitate to go on cruises because they do not want to lose access to games. Royal Caribbean is clearly trying to eliminate that hesitation.

Royal Caribbean did not announce special themed cruises or dedicated soccer sailings, but the company did say guests can expect onboard activities centered around the tournament.

That could include viewing parties, trivia contests, themed food and beverage offerings, or other fan-focused events.

The exact programming will likely vary by ship and itinerary.

High speed internet access is another way you can stay up-to-date

Royal Caribbean passengers also have the option to purchase an internet package and stream the World Cup from the ship.

Thanks to the cruise line's partnership with Starlink, connectivity has never been better at sea. 

Guests can realistically stream highlights, follow social media reactions, check scores, and communicate with friends while at sea far more easily than they could just a few years ago.

Royal Caribbean is supporting the World Cup celebrations in Miami too

The company is the Official Miami World Cup 2026 Host City Supporter, which means the cruise line will play a visible role in local events tied to the tournament.

One of the biggest activations will take place at the FIFA Fan Festival Miami at Bayfront Park in downtown Miami.

The festival will run throughout the tournament and feature live broadcasts of every match on giant screens alongside entertainment, food, and fan experiences.

Royal Caribbean said it plans immersive brand activations at the event and additional marketing displays throughout Miami during the tournament.

Given Royal Caribbean is headquartered in Miami and a primary sponsor of the Inter Miami CF soccer team, this sponsorship makes a lot of sense.

For 4 nights, I woke up in a pitch dark room that had no windows or views outside while sailing the Caribbean Sea.

I was aboard Royal Caribbean's Radiance of the Seas, which is one of the line's oldest and smallest ships.

During my long weekend voyage from Tampa, Florida, I sailed to Cozumel, Mexico. It was a last-minute getaway and the perfect opportunity to get out of town for a few days.

I stayed in an inside stateroom on deck eight for $792. There was a special group rate I was able to take advantage of because I used a travel agent, which cut the fare down to about half of it would have otherwise cost me.

Take a look inside the 162-square-foot space.

My room was a low-tier cabin in the middle of deck eight

My inside cabin is the lowest category of stateroom you can book on a cruise ship, with no windows or outside access.

It's two steps below a balcony, which is arguably the most popular type of cruise ship room. I chose room 8581, which was the first cabin in the hallway off the Centrum.

Why did I pick this room? It was inexpensive! Before taxes and gratuities, it cost just $592. That's just $148 per day!

When I stepped inside my stateroom, I noticed how it had just the basics

Right away, I opened the cabin door to discover a room that would just fine for a couple days.

The choice of an inside or balcony room has many factors, but you have the basics covered with an inside room.

It's a small space, but since I was cruising solo, it was plenty of space for just me.

One side of the room was filled with a mirror and a desk with several outlets for charging electronics with American and European ports

The vanity area is designed for getting yourself ready, but I used it as my work desk.

My stateroom attendant would deliver flyers and other important paperwork here about what was going on each day.

There are no USB ports, because this ship is over 25 years old. However, there are two sets of American and European outlets.  Since I brought my cruise-approved power adaptor, I was able to keep everything charging.

I was surprised how much storage space this tiny room had

Next to the desk, a set of drawers included a cabinet with a minifridge inside.

Frankly, I was impressed how much storage space I had.  There were sets of drawers, a full closet, and another set of drawers in a separate closet elsewhere.

Two people could easily share this cabin and have more storage space than they need.

Across from the desk, I had a new couch

Radiance of the Seas had a quick refurbishment in January 2026, and I noticed the couch was actually replaced.

Royal Caribbean does not typically update its soft goods inside a cabin during a drydock, but this blue couch was clearly new.

It's a small seating area that would be too small to sleep on (unless you were a toddler).  Nonetheless, it's nice having somewhere else to sit to watch TV.

The bathroom is the worst part of this room, but I used clever hacks to improve it

Cruise ship bathrooms are notoriously small, and my bathroom was no different.  It also had the worst feature still on some ships.

The shower curtain is a cloth curtain instead of a plastic or glass divider. This means the curtain easily clings to you during the shower, and I hate it.

I came prepared, and used magnets to keep the curtain attached to the wall and away from me.  Using heavy duty magnets that cost just $4, I was able to mitigate the problem easily.

As for the bathroom, even though it was just me, counter space is limited.  I brought a magnetic toothbrush holder that I could place anywhere on the wall and free up space.  

In the bathroom, Royal Caribbean provided two glasses, a bar of soap, and a two-in-one hair and body wash.

My king-size bed at the back of the room was actually two twin beds pushed together

All Royal Caribbean cabins come with this configuration so that they may be separated for additional guests.

I had my room attendant split the beds because it makes the room feel bigger. I know it sounds strange, but it's the truth.

Plus, when the beds are pushed together I sometimes wake up in the middle of the night in the crevice.

There are two nightstands on both sides of the bed with reading lights and lamps.

There was a small flatscreen TV mounted to the dresser

There is a television in a swivel arm that you can adjust to make it easy to watch TV from the couch of bed.

Royal Caribbean provides a limited lineup of channels, but there's enough to pass the time.

The Wi-Fi signal was barely useable in my room

The most frustrating part of this room was the ship's Wi-Fi had a very weak signal in my cabin.

Unlike newer ships that have more repeaters closer together, the Voom signal would go in and out periodically. Moreover, when it did work, it was slow.

The ship's Wi-Fi worked very well in other areas of the ship, so I did most of my work there. But the lack of good internet access in my cabin was painful when I was in bed and wanted to check email or social media.

While most people prefer rooms with a balcony, this room was just right for me

This no-frills cruise cabin was perfect for a quick cruise, especially one where I was solo.

While I would have preferred a window and view to the outside, I did relish how cold my room was kept as a result of no sunlight radiating in.  Plus, the lack of natural light meant I slept really well.

It looks small, but there's deceptively more storage space than you might expect inside. 

Happy weekend! In case you missed any Royal Caribbean news, here is a look at everything that happened this week!

Royal Caribbean changed itineraries for its upcoming summer Asia cruises on one ship.

Spectrum of the Seas has been redeployed for summer 2027, although no specific reason was given.

Guests booked on the sailings received an email alerting them to the change of plans and what their new options are for switching voyages.

Royal Caribbean News

• Casino secrets shared by TikToker that cruises for months at a time
• 6 changes Royal Caribbean's CEO said no to happening
• I don't recommend carrying your bags onto a cruise. Here's why
• Many cruisers skip these 7 ports more than you'd think
• After cruising with Royal Caribbean for 20 years, there are 7 places I always tell tourists to visit
• I shopped at Target before my cruise. Here's what was worth it under $20
• The best places to eat lunch on embarkation day on a Royal Caribbean cruise
• Food hack shows how to make a DIY lobster roll
• I was taken off a cruise ship for a medical emergency
• 'Alpha' Is a Code Word Cruise Employees Use — Here's What It Means
• Freedom of the Seas turned 20 years old this week

New RCB Video: Why I Keep Booking the Same Royal Caribbean Cruise Again and Again

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—Why I Keep Booking the Same Royal Caribbean Cruise Again and Again—don’t forget to subscribe to our channel!

6 cruise ideas that seem smart, but can easily backfire

It's easy to think you've stumbled upon a smart cruise trick only to realize it's a bad idea.

Sometimes it's an idea that sounds better on paper than in reality, and other times it's an oopsie waiting to happen.

These ideas seem tempting, but I've found them to be the recipe for instant regrets.

This underrated Florida port is great for cheap cruises (but has one downside)

With cruise prices only going up, you can still find good deals if you're willing to sail from Tampa, Florida.

I've consistently found reasonable prices for cruises, even when booked at the last-minute.

Before you book, the choice in ships (or lack thereof) might be a surprise to you.

Balcony vs Junior Suites: Which is better for you?

Is it worth it to book a Junior Suite or stick to a balcony room?

The extra perks and living space make a Junior Suite tempting, especially if the price is right.

But you'll save money with a balcony and those savings can go a long way to enhancing your cruise.

Most passengers have no idea Royal Caribbean does this for Make-A-Wish families

Royal Caribbean and Make-A-Wish America have tightened their bonds, and it might surprise you how much this nonprofit is connected.

Earlier this week, Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley was added to agency's national board.

Mr. Bayley is credited with spearheading the company's deep commitment to Make-A-Wish, which has granted more than 3,000 wishes to date.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 608th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available! 

After 4 Royal Caribbean cruises in 4 months, here's what takeaways Matt has from these sailings.

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

Cruisers are always trying to figure out what's next for Royal Caribbean, and sometimes its CEO has given us hints along the way.

Michael Bayley has been the President and CEO of Royal Caribbean International since 2014, and he's had an active role in crafting policies, changes, and innovation.

Over the years, I've observed Mr. Bayley immerse himself in projects, and he's never been one to shy away from a microphone when addressing questions or concerns from cruisers.

In fact, he hosts the President's Cruise each year, in which he sails with cruise fans who are eager to ask him a variety of questions on just about every topic.

Many times, he's seemingly shut the door on certain ideas or proposals. To be fair, Royal Caribbean isn't afraid to change its mind, so sometimes a "no" becomes a "yes" later.

Here are six examples of policy changes or ideas that he said Royal Caribbean won't do.

Switch to all-inclusive pricing

When Celebrity Cruises made the jump to including more in its cruise fare, it turned heads because it's something Royal Caribbean fans wondered if it could come to them too.

Celebrity includes a base drink package and internet access in its All Included fare.

When asked in 2024, Mr. Bayley said including those things on Royal Caribbean didn't make sense to his customers. He based this on the fact about half of cruisers don't want a drink package.

"Our research says that around about 50% of the guests don't want a beverage package," he explained.

"Our strategy has always been the unbundling of pricing to give people as much choice as they possibly can."

"We've learned that unbundling is much easier and better for the guest. It also gets the price point in front of the customer, especially for families. And remember family is our is our real core target market."

He went on to explain that cruisers prefer having the choice later to add those things on, rather than paying more up-front for a cruise fare.

"We feel like the pricing strategy that we have on the bundling, unbundling is the right path to go."

Include free Wi-Fi access like land resorts

Many resorts and restaurants on land include free Wi-Fi, so why can't Royal Caribbean?

This was the question asked as well on the 2024 President's Cruise, and the simple answer is costs are very different at sea versus on land.

"Are we going to give free WiFi? No."

"We got to pay a ton, a ton, a ton of money for WiFi," Mr. Bayley said.

Cruise ships use satellite internet access, but Wi-Fi on land relies on underground and undersea cables. Land-based internet is faster and cheaper than satellites.

Royal Caribbean enters into contracts with satellite tech companies, and this comes at a huge yearly cost.

Offer overnight visits to Perfect Day at CocoCay

As soon as Royal Caribbean opened Perfect Day at CocoCay, one of the top questions was how cruisers could spend more time there.  Overnight visits seemed like the perfect solution.

In 2020, Mr. Bayley said they actually considered that idea, but it "became problematic" once the logistics were considered.

He admitted, "Part of the ongoing capital investment in Perfect Day was allowing us to accommodate additional ships so we could have one ship stay overnight."

There are two primary issues related to offering overnight stays at CocoCay.

The first is a lot of crew members and supplies are offloaded every day from the ship. The island doesn't have a supply route otherwise, and those crew members are needed back onboard later.

The reason those crew members are needed back onboard is Royal Caribbean realized their guests love a fun beach day, but like the cadence of being on the ship in the evening.

"[I]t doesn't look like we will be doing overnights because our guests, even with our late-night stays, once they want to come back, they really do want to come back onto the ship and enjoy the fine dining and they want to enjoy the entertainment that we have onboard," Vicki Freed, Royal Caribbean Senior Vice President of Sales and Trade Relations.

Ban smoking in the casino

During the 2022 President's Cruise, Mr. Bayley was asked about banning smoking in its casinos.

Bayley admitted, "smoking in the casinos is a bit of a conundrum."

"The dilemma is that there are many people who do want to smoke in the casino. I know that's not a popular response, but it's it's the truth."

"I'm not judging anyone or anything, but there's a large group of people who do want to smoke in the casino."

He explained, "Every, I would say every couple of years, we do test this and we take one or two or three ships we ban smoking in the casino. And the result is less people go in the casino and that that's the reality of it."

Banning smoking completely in its casino doesn't seem to be on the table.

To their credit, Royal Caribbean has added new non-smoking casino space on some of its ships, although that's come at the expense of other guest favorite areas.  The cruise line has turned wine bars, comedy clubs, and even one of its English pubs into a casino.

On Utopia of the Seas, they added a non-smoking casino and then subsequently converted the entire original casino into a smoking area

Making it more difficult to become Pinnacle and Diamond Plus

In 2024 on the President's Cruise, one cruiser asked Mr. Bayley about any plans in the future to modify the loyalty program.

"No, we have no plans to to do that," he said.

He said the comments they receive periodically about too many top tier members tend to focus on a minority of sailings.

"Sometimes we get these comments and they're obviously they're valid comments. They're often based upon certain sailings... where we do get peak numbers of Pinnacle and Diamond Plus, but 90% of the sailings, it's just not true."

He was talking about trans-Atlantic and trans-Pacific crossings, where you get a lot of Pinnacles and Diamond Plus members.

Include gratuities in the cruise fare

If there was one change I'd love to see Royal Caribbean make, it would be to include gratuities for the hard working crew members in the fare instead of pretending they are somehow optional.

Despite Mr. Bayley being an outspoken supporter of seafarers, his line has no plans to make that change.

During the 2025 President's Cruise, President and CEO Michael Bayley was asked by a passenger if they'd ever consider building it into the cruise fare instead of leaving it up to the guest, especially when some passengers don't pay it.

Mr. Bayley explained that they've "put a lot of thought" into gratuities and how to best handle them.  It's why some countries have it baked in, while others do not.

"The bottom line is, is the model that seems to be genuinely the most productive, effective, and rewarding for the employees is is is the model that we operate today," he said.

He admitted there are pros and cons to each tipping model, but "we think we've got the right system in place."

Cruising is a great excuse to buy new travel essentials, and I recently shopped at Target to check out the store’s top cruise items.

I often visit Target to stock up on toiletries before my cruises, and I wanted to see what other items the store offered at a budget-friendly price. Packing for a cruise means bringing essentials like a swimsuit, sunscreen, and your passport, but there are some lesser-known items that can make a huge difference.

Although the Royal Caribbean Blog team has covered pre-cruise shopping trips at Dollar Tree, Five Below, and Amazon, this is our first dedicated shopping trip to Target.

I set a budget of $20 per item to see what products are available that won’t break the bank before your next cruise.

After browsing nearly every aisle, these are the 11 cruise essentials you’ll want to buy on your next trip to Target.

8-Piece Travel Toiletry Set: $14

One essential I always bring on a cruise is a set of reusable toiletry bottles, and I love this $14 silicone set from Target. Travel-sized toiletries like shampoo and conditioner can be expensive, so a set of reusable bottles will save you money in the long run.

Plus, having your own reusable bottles lets you put your preferred products into the containers. Not all toiletries come in travel-sized bottles, so this gives you more freedom over which products you can pack.

In my experience, the silicone material is also less likely to break compared to conventional plastic bottles.

Buy it here: 8-Piece Travel Toiletry Set

10-Foot Charging Cable: $16

In some cruise cabins, power outlets can be hard to come by. If you’re sailing on a ship built before 2014, you might be surprised by how few outlets there are in your stateroom.

Even if you are on a newer ship, the availability of USB outlets can vary greatly. When I sailed on Royal Caribbean’s newest ship, Star of the Seas, I was surprised to find a charging outlet on just one side of the bed.

Read more: What an inside cabin looks like on Star of the Seas

Because of this, I always travel with a long USB cable so that I can make the most of the available charging ports. This 10-foot cable from Target costs just $16, but greatly improves the charging capability of your cabin.

You can plug the cable into a USB port near the desk and it will reach your nightstand!

I recommend the USB-A to USB-C cable option, as most Royal Caribbean cabins do not feature USB-C outlets. As noted, outlets can vary greatly by ship, so it’s a good idea to pack a USB hub as well just in case your cabin has only standard plugs.

Buy it here: 10-foot USB-A to USB-C Charging Cable

Dual Port Wall Charger: $10

Speaking of outlets, I recommend packing a USB hub or dual-port charger, too.

Maximizing outlets is important, and this $10 charging hub from Target allows you to plug in two USB cables at once. There's one USB-A port and one USB-C port.

Royal Caribbean recently tightened its policies on outlet adapters. If your adapter is a multi-plug outlet, you cannot bring it onboard. USB adapters like this one are allowed.

Buy it here: Dual Port Wall Charger

Neida EVA Two-Band Sandals: $10

I always make sure I pack proper footwear on a cruise, and these $10 sandals from Target are my go-to sandals to wear onboard.

Whenever I cruise, I pack a wide range of footwear. At a minimum, I bring sneakers for travel days, dress shoes for formal night, and a pair of sandals or flip flops to wear onboard and in port.

My favorite sandals to pack for a warm-weather cruise are the Neida EVA Two-Band Sandals from Target. I purchased a pair of these sandals nearly five years ago, and they’re holding up extremely well even with frequent use.

These sandals have a Birkenstock-style design, and they’re made with a durable foam material, making them comfortable and waterproof.

I love wearing these on beach days or for walking around the ship during the day. They feel much more sturdy than flip flops.

Buy it here: Neida EVA Two-Band Sandals

Plug-In LED Nightlight: $7

If you’re cruising in an interior cabin, your room will be pitch black at night and whenever the lights are turned off during the day. Even if you’re cruising in a balcony room, your room will still be extremely dark at night, especially if the blackout curtains are drawn.

If I wake up in the middle of the night on a cruise, I often use my phone’s flashlight to make my way around the cabin. I don’t want to wake up my cabinmate by turning on the main light just to walk to the bathroom.

A better option, though, is to plug an LED nightlight into one of the cabin’s outlets. This 2-pack set of LED nightlights costs just $7 at Target, and it’s an easy way to add just a little bit of light to your room.

Buy it here: Globe 2 pack LED Auto On/Off Nightlights

Premium Belt Bag: $20

Belt bags are popular hands-free handbags that are not only functional, but also fashionable. Essentially, belt bags are like fanny packs, but with a more polished style.

Belt bags are often associated with Lululemon’s popular Everywhere Belt Bag, but Target offers their own version as well. For $20, you can buy Target’s Premium Belt Bag, which is designed for traveling and outdoor activities.

I like wearing belt bags on a cruise, as it allows me to be hands-free when exploring. I don’t have to worry about wearing a bulky backpack or bringing a bigger purse around the ship. My belt bag fits my SeaPass card, phone, and any other small essentials I need throughout the day, such as a travel-sized tube of sunscreen or my sunglasses.

Buy it here: Premium Belt Bag - All In Motion™

4-Piece Packing Cube Set: $10

I don’t know how I ever traveled without packing cubes. They make packing for a cruise so much easier. I can keep all my belongings organized in my suitcase and easily unpack once I get to my cabin.

Packing cubes come in a huge variety of sizes and price points, but this $10 set from Target is a nice option. It includes three packing cubes and a shoe bag, and it's available in three different colors.

Personally, I recommend spending a little more for a sturdier set of packing cubes. I prefer packing cubes with a second zipper to compress the cubes. Compression features are only available with more expensive sets, such as this $35 set from Target.

If you just want a cheap, budget-friendly set, though, this $10 one will get the job done.

Buy it here: 4-Piece Packing Cube Set

8-Pack Reusable Snack Bags: $9.39

Some of the most useful items to pack for a cruise that take up little to no room in your suitcase are resealable snack bags. Many parents like bringing these bags to pack snacks for shore excursions, and I personally find them helpful as a water-resistant way to protect my passport in its case.

If you’re looking for a more eco-friendly option, consider Target’s 8-pack set of reusable snack bags. You can quickly wash the bags in your cabin’s sink (or in your dishwasher when you get home), and you won’t run through so much single-use plastic in the process.

Buy it here: Reusable Sandwich Bags

Pop-Up Mesh Hamper: $5

Another useful item that takes up little space in your suitcase is a pop-up laundry hamper. It might seem like a silly item to pack for a cruise, but it’s a foolproof way to keep your cabin just a little bit more organized.

I once shared a cabin with my brother and our stateroom’s closet quickly became filled with piles of dirty laundry. We didn’t know where to place our dirty clothes, so we just threw them onto the floor without a second thought.

From that point forward, I try to keep my dirty clothes more organized in my cabin. A pop-up laundry hamper, like this $5 option from Target, is an easy and cheap way to do that.

Buy it here: Pop-Up Mesh Hamper

Door and Room Decorations: $6

Many passengers enjoy decorating their cabin during a cruise, whether that means decorating the door, the inside of the room, or both! If you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want to join the fun, you can find plenty of decorations at Target.

Lining Target’s party aisle are dozens of decorations to buy, including Happy Birthday banners, sparkly backdrops, and colorful garlands.

Most items cost around $6, making decorations a low-cost purchase that will make your cabin a lot more colorful.

Buy decorations here.

Toiletries: Under $10

Target’s toiletry aisles are perfect for stocking up on essentials like sunscreen, over-the-counter medication, hand sanitizer, and also helpful items like stain remover pens.

I often head to Target to purchase last-minute toiletries for my cruises. They have a huge variety of products and the shelves are always well-stocked. If you’re traveling with just a carry-on, the travel-sized products are a lifesaver.

While you’re stocking up on toiletries, I also recommend purchasing items like Band-Aids in this section of the store. I never cruise without a box of blister-healing Band-Aids, but regular bandages are useful to have on hand.

Finally, grab a few boxes of over-the-counter medications like Ibuprofen and Benadryl. You never know when you might need them, and they're a lot cheaper to buy at Target than onboard the ship.

After taking more than 30 Royal Caribbean cruises, I’ve learned that embarkation day lunch can either be a relaxing start to your vacation or a stressful one.

Like many cruisers, the first thing I usually want to do after stepping onboard is grab something to eat. Between the excitement of finally boarding, exploring the ship for the first time, and carrying around my luggage after a long travel day, lunch quickly becomes a top priority.

While Royal Caribbean’s Windjammer Marketplace buffet is the most popular choice for embarkation day lunch, it’s often packed with passengers dragging luggage through crowded buffet lines. When staterooms aren’t ready yet and everyone is trying to start their vacation at the exact same time, many people naturally head straight to the Windjammer.

Last year, I sailed on Utopia of the Seas for the first time with my parents and grandparents. After completing our muster drill, we made the mistake of heading straight to the Windjammer for lunch. It was an absolute zoo! My poor grandma struggled to navigate through the crowds with her walker, and finding a table large enough for all of us felt nearly impossible.

Because of experiences like this, I usually try to avoid the Windjammer if the ship has enough alternative dining venues. Thankfully, Royal Caribbean’s newer ships make this much easier with more dining options.

For instance, I recently sailed on Odyssey of the Seas and chose to dine at El Loco Fresh on embarkation day. I love the selection of Mexican options here, so I grabbed a quesadilla for lunch. It was much quieter than dealing with the buffet crowds and ended up being a more relaxing way to start the cruise.

Of course, not every ship has endless dining choices. If you’re sailing on an older Vision or Radiance Class ship, the Windjammer may still be your best option for embarkation day lunch. 

With fewer complimentary dining venues onboard, your choices are more limited. Smaller spots like Park Cafe or Cafe Latte-tudes are often available too, although seating and menu selections can be minimal.

If you’re wondering where to eat after boarding your Royal Caribbean cruise, here are the restaurants that are usually open on embarkation day and the spots I personally think are worth trying first.

Complimentary restaurants open on embarkation day

The good news is that Royal Caribbean always has several complimentary dining venues open once passengers begin boarding, although what’s available depends on the ship you’re sailing on.

Windjammer Marketplace

The Windjammer Marketplace is the main embarkation day lunch venue across Royal Caribbean’s fleet. This large buffet typically opens first and remains available throughout most of the boarding process until sailaway approaches.

You’ll find a huge variety of food, from salads and sandwiches to pasta, burgers, international dishes, desserts, and fresh fruit. Some ships even offer special embarkation day food events, like Utopia of the Seas’ Seafood Extravaganza, which some passengers don’t realize is only available on the first day.

For first-time cruisers, the Windjammer can feel exciting because there are so many choices immediately after boarding. However, it’s also usually the busiest dining venue during embarkation day. On larger Oasis, Icon, and Quantum Class ships, I personally think it’s worth seeking out smaller venues instead.

Park Cafe

One of my favorite alternatives is Park Cafe, especially on Oasis Class ships. Located in Central Park, this complimentary cafe serves lighter options like sandwiches, soups, salads, and desserts.

Many passengers forget about it on embarkation day, which means it’s usually less busy than the Windjammer. You can also enjoy the fresh air in Central Park while visiting this restaurant on Oasis and Icon class ships, making it one of my favorite spots for embarkation day lunch.

Cafe Promenade and Cafe Latte-tudes

Cafe Promenade and Cafe Latte-tudes can also be good options if you only want something quick after boarding. Depending on the ship, you’ll typically find pastries, pizza, finger sandwiches, cookies, and coffee drinks. Seating can be limited, but these venues are often much less chaotic than the buffet.

If you’re sailing on an older Royal Caribbean ship, this will be your main alternative to the Windjammer Marketplace on embarkation day.

Sorrento’s Pizza

Sorrento’s Pizza is another great option for embarkation day lunch after boarding your ship. If you board later in the afternoon and don’t want a large meal, grabbing a few slices of pizza while continuing to explore the ship can be an easy option.

In my experience, Sorrento’s Pizza can still be pretty busy on embarkation day. Since passengers typically enter the Royal Promenade area when boarding the ship, Sorrento’s Pizza is a convenient place to grab a bite to eat. Because of this, many people tend to gravitate here for a slice of pizza, as it’s one of the first places they see after boarding.

El Loco Fresh

On select ships, El Loco Fresh has become one of my favorite embarkation day lunches on Royal Caribbean. Available on Icon and Oasis class ships, along with select Quantum and Freedom class vessels, the casual Mexican venue serves tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and nachos near the pool deck. The atmosphere usually feels much more relaxed than the Windjammer during boarding.

Solarium Bistro

Another hidden gem on some Oasis and Quantum Class ships is the Solarium Bistro. While many passengers head straight to the buffet, the Solarium Bistro often has a quieter atmosphere and lighter buffet-style offerings for lunch on embarkation day. I’ve found it to be one of the best places to escape the crowds while still enjoying a full meal.

AquaDome Market

Royal Caribbean introduced the AquaDome Market on its Icon Class ships as a food hall-style dining venue with several different food stations. It’s quickly become one of the best embarkation day lunch spots in the fleet because it helps spread passengers out while offering far more variety right after boarding. Depending on the station, you can find everything from crepes and Mediterranean dishes to Asian specialties, BBQ, and South American favorites.

Other venues

Depending on your ship, you can also find complimentary venues like Dog House, Wipeout Cafe, Surfside Eatery, Surfside Bites, or Basecamp open during embarkation day lunch hours. Royal Caribbean’s newest ships generally offer the widest variety of complimentary dining choices on the first day.

Is the Main Dining Room open for lunch on embarkation day?

In most cases, Royal Caribbean’s Main Dining Room is not open for embarkation day lunch, so this won’t be an option for most passengers.

However, there is one major exception. Guests who purchase The Key program typically receive a complimentary embarkation day lunch in the Main Dining Room. This can be one of the more relaxing dining experiences onboard during the busy boarding process.

Specialty restaurants open on embarkation day

If you don’t mind paying extra, several specialty restaurants may also open for lunch on embarkation day.

One advantage of booking a specialty lunch on the first day is that these restaurants are often far less crowded than complimentary venues. If you purchased a specialty dining package, you can usually begin using it immediately after boarding as well.

Common specialty restaurants that may open for lunch include Chops Grille, Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen or Giovanni’s Table, Jamie’s Italian, Johnny Rockets, and Playmakers Sports Bar. Unlike dinner reservations, embarkation day lunch at specialty restaurants is usually first-come, first-served.

Personally, I avoid the Windjammer buffet whenever possible on embarkation day

After many cruises with Royal Caribbean, I have a pretty basic embarkation day routine. After boarding, I’ll arrange specialty dining meals for the cruise, complete my muster drill, and then grab a bite to eat.

If I’m sailing on a newer Oasis, Quantum, or Icon Class ship, I avoid the Windjammer whenever possible. Instead, I usually head straight to one of the smaller complimentary venues because they’re significantly less chaotic during the first few hours onboard.

For instance, I cruised across Asia last year aboard Anthem of the Seas. As a Quantum class ship, we were able to visit The Cafe at Two70 for lunch on embarkation day.

This is one of my favorite places on the entire ship, as it’s located inside the stunning aft-facing Two70 venue with massive floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the ocean. During the day, the space is typically very calm and relaxing compared to the busy pool deck. This makes it a great place to grab a snack any time, but especially on embarkation day. The cafe serves lighter options like sandwiches, salads, soups, and pastries on embarkation day.

However, if I am sailing on an older ship with fewer dining venues, the Windjammer buffet is often unavoidable. In those cases, I try to board early before the buffet becomes completely packed. If that’s not possible, I try to wait until staterooms are announced as being open, as this usually clears out the crowds in the Windjammer.

I’ve also learned that embarkation day can feature unique menu items or special food events that don’t happen later in the cruise. For example, Utopia of the Seas offers a Seafood Extravaganza in the Windjammer Marketplace, but it’s also usually available in the Solarium Bistro.

How to check what restaurants will be open on your ship

One of the easiest ways to see what will actually be open on embarkation day is by checking the Royal Caribbean app for your specific sailing. You can click on the dining section and scroll through the different restaurants to view each venue’s hours. In my experience, most dining venues are open for lunch on embarkation day, including both complimentary spots and specialty restaurants.

Royal Caribbean tends to keep embarkation day dining schedules fairly consistent between sailings, so you can also review recent Cruise Compasses online. This can give you a good idea of what to expect before you board if the app hasn’t updated yet for your sailing.

Dinner on the first night is less confusing

By dinnertime on embarkation day, Royal Caribbean’s dining operations are usually fully running. That means nearly all complimentary and specialty restaurants onboard will be open as normal, including the Main Dining Room.

By this point in the day, most passengers have already dropped off their luggage in their staterooms, explored the ship, and settled into vacation mode. Instead of everyone rushing to grab food immediately after boarding, passengers are more spread out across the ship during dinner service.

Whether you choose traditional dining, My Time Dining, specialty restaurants, or casual venues, dinner on the first night is usually much less confusing and chaotic than embarkation day lunch.