Royal Caribbean Blog

Passengers hate when a cruise skips a port.

Excursions you spent hours picking out go missed, plans are disrupted, and it feels like part of your vacation is suddenly missing.

And then it happened to me again. Before I even boarded my Silversea cruise this week, we had an itinerary change to drop two ports of call because of weather.

But after sitting through a live Q&A with a cruise ship captain explaining exactly how these decisions are made, I came away seeing itinerary changes very differently.

What I heard wasn’t about convenience, cost, or even just guest satisfaction. It was about avoiding situations that can turn dangerous faster than most people realize.

Weather changes quickly, even when it doesn't look it

While sailing on Silver Ray, Captain Giovani Schiaffino held a special event to explain why we were having a change in plans and more importantly, to illustrate the dangers had we not shifted plans.

One of the biggest misconceptions passengers have is assuming decisions are based on current conditions.

Royal Caribbean Group is always looking much further ahead, even up to a week early.

"We are always… looking ahead," the captain explained. "Four or five days ago… we noticed that there was something building up."

That "something" was a developing low-pressure system in the Atlantic, moving toward the coast of Portugal. Silver Ray was scheduled to start a sailing from Lisbon, and sail north to Porto and Vigo before heading south to the Mediterranean.

Royal Caribbean Group doesn't just rely on one app or report, they have multiple layers of forecasting.

Captain Schiaffino said they have three tiers of forecasts, including government reports, the Weather Reporting Institute, and even third-party sites like Windy.

They're taking into account a constant stream of real-time data from professional forecasting systems to make an informed decision. They're certainly not guessing.

Wind, waves, and what happens next

No one wants it to rain on their cruise, but precipitation isn't going to change cruise plans alone.

What the ship's Captain is worried about is what's happening out in the open ocean.

Captain Schiaffino broke it down into the factors they monitor, "Wind condition, sea state, precipitation… and what are they building in the ocean… storms… swell…"

In our case, the concern was the coming danger associated with strong winds and large waves.

"We have gust of 40 knots of wind and… five, six meters swell," he explained.

To put that in perspective, a six-meter swell is nearly 20 feet. Not only is that a very tall wave, but you get lots of motion.

"The period of the swell… the ship will be going up and down… sometimes the period can be anticipated… delayed… and that’s why the ship is moving too much."

That unpredictable movement is what makes conditions uncomfortable at best, but could be unsafe.

Why not just wait out the storm?

A common question passengers ask is simple: why not go to the port and wait for the weather to pass?

The Captain's answer surprised me because sometimes waiting creates a bigger problem.

"We could… stay 60 hours, 72… we were stuck… for three days," he said.

That would have an enormous ripple effect in the rest of our itinerary. Missing one port, and suddenly you're missing the next one too. The entire itinerary can fall apart.

He also mentioned there's another issue people don't think about, which is the port could close because of bad weather.

"Some ports… get closed for the bad weather… they don’t want to have any responsibility."

Cruise ships can handle bad weather, but the Captain is worried about everyone onboard

Modern cruise ships are built to sustain terrible weather conditions that they'll like never actually sail into. They can handle rough seas, but that doesn't mean they should.

The captain was blunt about this, "Ship is very stable… very solid… but I will avoid… I will be a criminal if I put a ship in six, seven meters swell."

That line stuck with me, because it reframes the entire discussion. This isn't about what the ship can do. It's about what the Captain is willing to risk.

Lots of people are involved with a change in plans

A cruise ship Captain isn't acting like Captain Kirk on instinct.  He involves a lot of people, both onboard and onshore.

It’s a coordinated effort between:

• The ship’s bridge team
• Cruise line operations teams
• Weather experts
• Port authorities

Royal Caribbean Group employs their own Chief Meteorologist, who is one of those key people in provide guidance.

Craig Setzer's primary job is detection and look at the incoming weather to see signs that skipping a port or sailing elsewhere is something to be considered.

Outrunning a storm is another option

A surprising insight from Captain Schiaffino was going faster is another way to avoid bad weather.

"I increased the speed in order to skip the passage of this weather," he said.

That means burning more fuel to stay ahead of the front and minimizing the impact to the ship and guests onboard.

Cruise ships are called "floating hotels", but they're constantly navigating changing conditions.

Why I'll look at itinerary changes differently now

I'll probably still be disappointed anytime a port gets skipped, but having the proper context helps understand it better.

The next time it happens, I won't chalk it up to some gut call, guess, or assumption. I'll know the ship's Captain saw something coming, and took a deeper look along with leveraging a heck of a lot of resources.

And after hearing how those decisions are made, that’s exactly what I would want them to do.

I was recently asked what's one dessert that can't be missed on a Royal Caribbean ship, and it got me thinking about the perfect answer.

Royal Caribbean serves lots of food on its cruise ships, and desserts range from the rich to to he decadent. Plus, they have timeless classics.

Certainly I would never fault someone for having the soft serve ice cream at the pool deck, but I quickly thought of one dessert my family will order every single cruise.

If your ship has Playmakers Sports Bar and Grille, you've got to try the Campfire Cookie for a home run of a treat.

We order a Campfire Cookie at least once a cruise

Royal Caribbean's sports bar has two desserts on its menu, each priced a la carte.

The Campfire Cookie is a warm, gooey treat that needs time to prepare before you can have it.  Usually it's about 15-20 minutes of prep time, which is a good sign because it means it's not mass produced.

It's a freshly baked and served hot chocolate chip cookie topped with marshmallows, but that description doesn't do it justice.

Baked and served in a sizzling skillet, the first layer is a warm, gooey chocolate chip cookie. It is topped with a generous layer of toasted marshmallows and served with Nutella and caramel sauce.

It's served with a side of vanilla ice cream and milk shooters. That's right, you're going to want to chug a shot of milk to help with the richness of it.

It's theoretically big enough to share, but good luck on relinquishing control of it to someone else. I find I want to keep eating bite after bite. So while you could share one between two people, I'd recommend ordering one for each of you to avoid the competition.

Why it's better than other desserts

Typical cruise desserts are mass produced and while they are sweet, there's nothing like a hot, baked, fresh dessert.

Each one is prepared when you order it, so you can't get it immediately.  The bake time starts off as a sign something special is coming.

It's also a consistently good dessert, meaning regardless if you order one on Symphony of the Seas, Independence of the Seas, or Star of the Seas, it's really good.

I also think the genius of this dessert is it hits multiple cravings at once: cookie, smore, and ice cream in one.

And yes, it's theoretically shareable because it's large enough. However, in practice, you probably won't want to.

Best time to order it

We've had the Campfire Cookie as both an after dinner dessert, as well as a snack.

If you're already having lunch or dinner at Playmakers, then we will tell our waiter that we intend to order the Campfire Cookie. That way, they can prep it and we just have to tell them we're ready for it and they can time it properly.

I think it's best in the evening, but we've come back aboard the ship after a shore excursion to have one as an afternoon snack.

Regardless of what time of day you order it, there's just enough time to have a drink while you wait.

It's an affordable treat for a great after-dinner stop

Everything on the Playmakers menu is priced a la carte, which means you only pay for what you order.

We will often wrap up dinner at the Main Dining Room and then head to Playmakers just for dessert.  Since it only costs $9, it's a reasonable cost and doesn't require a full cover charge.

It's decadent, and when nothing jumps out from the dessert menu elsewhere, my kids (and wife) will suggest we go get a Campfire Cookie instead.

No reservations are required (or available) at Playmakers, you just have to go there and order it from the waiter.

I've tried so many different Royal Caribbean desserts over the years, but none compare to the Campfire Cookie.

The red velvet cake at Chops Grille, mochi ice cream at Izumi, or Royal Cheesecake at the Main Dining Room are all pretty darn good.  But I don't think any of them are remotely on the same level as this cookie.

If you're going to spend money on one dessert on your cruise, make it this one. Even if you think you’re too full… this is the one time to ignore that feeling.

Playmakers has an over-the-top ice cream sundae too

If marshmallow isn't your thing, I could make a good argument for the other dessert on Playmaker's menu, the Touchdown Sundae.

Served in a football helmet, it's an impressive five scoops of ice cream piled on top of each other with caramel, chocolate syrup,
whipped cream and more! 

Yes, you get to keep the helmet after.

Happy Easter! Whether you are celebrating the beautiful Spring holiday with a luxurious meal, or hunting for eggs hidden by the Easter Bunny, I hope that you are having a relaxing Sunday.

Royal Caribbean revealed its new cruise ship coming next year, Hero of the Seas.

The fourth Icon Class ship is packed with new venues, updates, and a few surprises.

Launching in August 2027, Hero will be based in Miami.

Royal Caribbean News

• 5 subtle changes to coming to Hero of the Seas
• Royal Caribbean just changed the names of the zones at its Bahamas beach club
• Perfect Day Mexico gets green light again after legal fight
• Tampa cruise port plans a massive new terminal expansion to meet demand
• 6 things Royal Caribbean should steal from Celebrity Cruises
• The hidden robots quietly running your Royal Caribbean cruise
• What you need to know about the Royal Caribbean soda cup
• Royal Caribbean Drink Vouchers vs Celebrity Elite Happy Hour
• Experts predict "below average" hurricane season
• Royal Caribbean swaps cruise ships sailing from Europe in latest deployment change

New RCB Video: Hero of the Seas details, rumors and what's new

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 — HERO OF THE SEAS: Details, rumors, and what's new — and don’t forget to subscribe to our channel.

New Royal Caribbean credit card just announced that works across all brands

A new Royal Caribbean credit card was announced this week, and it will introduce new perks to encourage brand loyalty.

The new Royal ONE card comes in two versions, and it will allow guests to earn points they can use towards sailings on Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, or Silversea.

The new cards are about encouraging repeat cruisers to sail more and within the Royal Caribbean Group brands.

Royal Caribbean's new Treehouse Suites costs as much as $200,000 (and people are booking it)

One of the new ideas coming to Hero of the Seas is a three-deck Ultimate Treehouse Suite that costs over $200,000 for a week.

This is an epic suite that has just about everything a family could wish for in a cruise ship cabin, plus incredible theming and every perk available onboard.

It sleeps twelve, spans three decks, and includes a rooftop terrace with a private whirlpool, a two-deck teen area, and a hideout game room.

The worst shore excursions cruisers say they’d never book again

Some shore excursions are downright disappointing, and there's a clear pattern as to which ones were mentioned the most.

Over 500 responses were sent in for which tours cruisers disliked, and large sightseeing tours were by far the most commonly mentioned kind of cruise excursion that were filled with regret.

Nearly all the tours people did not like were ones that sounded great on paper, but didn't deliver on the expectations.

I stopped joining Facebook groups for my cruises

I hate to say it, but cruise ship Facebook groups have become more painful than helpful.

I used to always sign up for them, but they've largely become filled with unnecessary drama, misinformation, and spam.

While I like sharing in the pre-cruise excitement with others, I've stopped signing up for them to avoid the negatives.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 602nd episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where Matt talks about the Ultimate Family Treehouse proves an idea.

The response to the Ultimate Family Treehouse has generally been intrigue, so Matt thinks it's time to expand this idea to other cabins.

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

I've taken a few cruises on Celebrity Cruises and found policies and ideas that Royal Caribbean is missing out on.

Every cruise line has its plusses and minuses, including my beloved Royal Caribbean.  

Among the cruise lines, there seems to be a gamesmanship of trying to out do each other.  But since Celebrity and Royal Caribbean are owned by the same company, why reinvent the wheel?

I'm not advocating both lines operate exactly the same, but when there's a good idea, it's a good idea for both. After all, Celebrity ships visit Royal Caribbean's private destinations and beach clubs openly.

I came up with five ideas I think Royal Caribbean should copy from Celebrity Cruises immediately.

Passengers can drop their luggage off in their cabins before rooms are ready

The first time I took a Celebrity Cruise, I thought it was incredible that you could drop off your bags, cans of soda, or anything else you carried on in your stateroom before they're officially ready.

Like Royal Caribbean, cabins are not ready on embarkation day for you to use until the early afternoon. The difference is on Celebrity, you can stop by to drop anything you want off. 

This takes away a major pain point of boarding day, because rooms aren't usually ready until 1pm. Until then, you have to carry backpacks, strollers, and other knick-knacks around. For families, this is a big problem.

Heck, you could bring your luggage on the ship yourself too and avoid having to wait for the bags to be delivered later.

Keeping part of the buffet open late

I think Royal Caribbean has always lacked compelling late night food options that go beyond pizza.

On Celebrity, they keep one section of their buffet at Oceanview Cafe open much later after the rest of the buffet closes.

Part of the reason Celebrity does this is their late night pizza is located in Oceanview Cafe, so the venue is already open anyway.  However, you'll also find pastas, salad, and a few other options.

To Royal Caribbean's credit, adding the Aquadome Market and keeping that open until midnight is a worthy alternative. But that's only available on Icon Class ships.

Making the casino completely non-smoking

Both Celebrity Cruises and Silversea have completely non-smoking casinos, and Royal Caribbean should finally make that change too.

I admit, as a non-smoker, this is something that directly benefits me.  But given how much more space Royal Caribbean has given to building out non-smoking casino space, clearly there's a demand.

Today, Royal Caribbean's casinos are split into a smoking and non-smoking side. As you might imagine, the smoke (and odor) doesn't obey the dividing line.

Back in 2022, Royal Caribbean International CEO Michael Bayley said they saw a drop in casino business whenever they experimented with a non-smoking casino. I could be wrong, but I've not seen the line run another experiment since a temporary Covid restriction in 2021.

I think attitudes about smoking have changed a lot, and if they're willing to expand the casinos to offer more non-smoking space, that's a sign there's a lot of demand for that. I think it's time to rip the band aid off and copy Celebrity's lead.

A more full service cafe like Cafe al Bacio

Sometimes a small change makes a big difference, and Cafe al Bacio is a great example.

The genius of Cafe al Bacio on Celebrity is the service that comes with it.  You can get your own coffee at the bar, or take a seat and have someone bring it to you.

That might not sound like a big deal, but it really adds to making the venue feel like a coffee house vibe.  And I'm willing to bet I'll spend more on coffee if someone is offering to bring me another.

Pearl Cafe on the Icon Class ships is certainly a major step up from Cafe Promenade, but I'd love to see it go full service.

I love the theater design from the Edge Class ships

When I went on Celebrity Ascent, I was very impressed by how much the stage design contributed to making a regular musical revue show better.

First, the stage is more circular than a traditional stage, allowing the audience to surround it.  That adds a different dimension to the show, as you feel more immersed.

Second, there's an amazing LED screen behind the stage that does a better job of storytelling than lasers and lights ever could.

I really think this makes a typical cruise ship show of singing and dancing stand out more.

You don't have to check out towels

On Celebrity, pool towels are given out without having scan your Seapass card and it's so much better.

On Royal Caribbean, you have to scan the towels out, and then back in or face a $25 fee.

I get that they want towels to be brought back and not left all over, but it's one of those policies that seems to cause more problems than it solves.  Not only is having to scan towels in and out cumbersome, but there's been a real problem with incorrectly being charged for towels after the cruise is over.

Royal Caribbean has renamed the main areas of its private beach club in The Bahamas.

Since opening in December 2025, Royal Caribbean has quietly made small tweaks to improve the guest experience at Royal Beach Club Paradise Island.

This is the cruise line's private beach option in Nassau, Bahamas where cruisers can choose to purchase admission to it.

The latest change is to rename the key areas of the club.

It appears the name changes are more a reflection of how they're being used by guests, rather than a fundamental change in what's being offered.

Adjusting to match the experience

Royal Beach Club Paradise Island is the first of four beach clubs that will open by 2027, and the cruise line isn't afraid to make tweaks.

The change is reflected in the names of each beach going forward: Chill, Party and Paradise.

Family Beach is being renamed to Chill Beach, and Royal Caribbean is making the change because they want the area to be welcoming to all. A "family" area might sound like it's just for kids, and preclude someone from even going there.

As a result, the area formerly known as Family Beach will swap names to Chill Beach.

The new Chill Beach has a zero-entry pool, beach games, and more. In addition, family-focused activities including Captain Cool, beach games and pool games will continue to take place at Chill Beach (previously Family Beach)

The original Chill Beach will now be called Paradise Beach, as a way to reflect its location.

Signs around Royal Beach Club will be updated very soon to reflect the name changes.

Cabana name changes too

Since the zones are changing names, some cabanas are too.

Prior to the official name change news breaking, guests received emails from Royal Caribbean informing them that their cabana rental has changed in name only. The locations and amenities remain unchanged.

"We have a small update to share," an email to guests read. "Your Beach Cabana (Family Beach) is now called the Beach Cabana (Chill Beach)."

"That’s the only change—everything else about your reservation remains exactly the same."

Why Royal Caribbean likely made the change

Labels can make or break someone's decision how they spend their day at the beach club, and I think Royal Caribbean wants to make sure any assumptions are correct.

Simpler, more intuitive naming is a good idea for first-time visitors. And it doesn't create any pre-conceived notions about if a certain area should be avoided.

I think "family beach" may have kept some visitors from even going over to see the area because they believed it was just for kids.

In truth, the area formerly known as Family Beach was massive, especially the beach area. It was quite possible to get away from the crowds there.

Remember, each zone is just a starting point

Despite the names, you can go to any of the zones with or without kids.  Royal Caribbean likes to use colorful names to make it easy to distinguish.

Party Cove is where you'll find the DJ playing party music and a pool party vibe. Kids are welcome to join in.

Similarly, the new Chill Beach has more for young kids with a zero-entry pool. But it's also one of the largest beaches.

Basically, the names are primarily a general motif and not immersive.

Guest feedback is like gold to Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean places a high value on guest feedback about any of their products, but new ones get even more attention.

Every passenger that visits Royal Beach Club gets a post-visit email survey link, where they have the chance to rate just about everything offered.  Plus, there is an opportunity to enter suggestions or general feedback in text form.

They then aggregate the surveys to look for patterns, and potentially, a policy change.

Royal Caribbean even holds focus groups from time to time to ask more specific questions of cruisers.

Tampa's cruise port is so busy that it's building a new terminal to handle the demand. 

Although Tampa isn't home to record-breaking mega-ships, it's a popular departure port for mid-sized vessels, ranging from Grandeur of the Seas to Rhapsody of the Seas, Margaritaville at Sea's Islander, Carnival Paradise, and more. 

In 2025, Port Tampa Bay had record-breaking numbers, welcoming over 1.6 million cruise passengers and over 262,000 shipping containers, according to Spectrum Bay News 9. 

And there are no signs of slowing down, either. In 2026, for example, Tampa expects over 390 cruise ship calls, reflecting strong demand fueled by its convenient location and efficient operations.

Port officials are also expecting around 1.8 million cruise passengers to pass through the Tampa this year. 

Matthew Thompson, VP of Port Operations, explained why he believes the port continues to attract so many cruisers.

"We have a [world-class] airport. It is easy to get around. Our passenger[s] are finding it [really] simple to make...reservations, get on the ships and just have a great time," he told Bay News 9.

"We are also seeing and hearing stories that a lot of them either on the front end or the back end... [wanting] to spend some time in Tampa or maybe the beaches in Pinellas and just kind of check out this area in conjunction with their cruise."

As such, the port is gearing up for future growth and moving forward with its "Master Plan Vision 2030" project, which includes constructing warehouses and expanding terminals to increase passenger capacity. 

Simply expanding existing infrastructure isn't enough, though, so Tampa is also building a brand-new cruise terminal.

Fourth cruise terminal in the works

As of 2026, Port Tampa Bay has three cruise terminals: Terminal 2, Terminal 3, and Terminal 6. However, these terminals are running out of room and cannot meet the current demand. 

Tampa Lastest, for example, shared that the port is "already turning away new cruise itineraries due to limited space."

Supposedly, Tampa's fourth cruise terminal will be able to deliver up to 200 more ship calls annually and welcome over 1 million additional passengers, putting the port's yearly totals over 2.5 million, the Tampa Bay Business Journal reported. 

Although still in the early planning phases, design work is expected to be completed sometime in the next year. 

The port has also already outlined its goals for the new terminal, with the expansion project hopefully improving passenger flow, reducing downtown traffic congestion, adding modern amenities like shore power, and giving cruise lines the extra capacity they need. 

Dreams of bigger cruise ships sailing from Tampa are dead

In January, SSA Marine, a marine terminal operator that's been around since 1949, announced a proposal, in collaboration with Tampa-based Slip Knott LLC, to build a multi-berth cruise port in Manatee County.

The terminal would have been built on a massive coastal property known as the Knott‑Cowen tract at the mouth of Tampa Bay, next to the Bob Graham Sunshine Skyway Bridge. 

Being on the seaward side of the bridge would bypass the bridge’s height restrictions, allowing larger and more innovative ships to dock in Tampa.

However, on Thursday, March 19, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a bill blocking the proposed cruise port, as reported by The Herald-Tribune.

"Florida remains an important destination for cruise expeditions," DeSantis said during the press conference in Bradenton. "There's not really a need to add another port in the middle of a conserved area and aquatic preserve."

He added that the necessary work required to build the new terminal "...would have a major, major change in the lifestyle and the environment of the folks that live in this area."

Read more: It's Official: New Tampa Cruise Port Plans Are Dead

Everyone says to join a cruise Facebook group. I wish I hadn't.

I love sharing information, meeting new people, and staying informed, but I stopped joining Facebook groups for my sailings.

As groups have risen in popularity, so have the problems.  What used to be infrequent annoyances have become far more commonplace, and it's the sort of things that turn me off from bothering to go about it.

I cruise a monthly basis, so I run across lots of groups. If I'm on a big ship, it's not uncommon for there to be hundreds of people in there.

I hate to paint with a wide brush, because there are lots of people who use Facebook to learn from others, share their own experiences, and generally help get excited about an awesome vacation that's coming up.

The drama, misinformation, and spam are why I don't recommend joining Facebook groups anymore for a cruise.

Know-it-alls, judging others, and drama is a big turnoff

Squabbles over silly issues usually crop up, even before the cruise begins.

A simple question about dress codes, where to find information, or other "cruise 101" posts conjure up responses that are plain nasty.

While the correct answer usually gets shared, it's mired with trolling messages and personal attacks.  Some people get annoyed anyone would ask a question that cannot be searched on Google first.  

Then there are the sarcastic and joke responses.  The people writing it think they're funny, but humor doesn't travel well in written form without being able to hear the inflection. That results in nasty comments back (because they think they're being attacked), or even someone thinking the joke response is the correct answer.

My personal pet peeve are the "weather pearl clutchers". These are the people that look at a 21 day weather forecast and start freaking out because there's any chance of rain. They bring the doom and gloom and bring down the vibe quickly.

All of it bogs down the usefulness of being in a Facebook group, and all it takes is one bored person to quickly set the wrong tone for everyone.

Some travel agents use Facebook groups to drum up business

The amount of unsolicited sales pitches in Facebook groups is a quickly growing problem.

Some travel agents will create a group as a means of gathering potential future sales leads. They lock down sharing links that might conflict with their own business interests, and share lots of posts offering to book future cruises.

I have no problem with someone marketing themselves and trying to grow their business, but a Facebook group that passes itself off as a place for everyone to meet isn't the place for that. 

Absentee group admins foster chaos

If a travel agent that rules their group with an iron fist is bad, a group with no admin at the helm is even worse.

Facebook has a bad spam problem, and if you start a public group for a sailing, you can start a countdown on an egg timer before someone will post advertising a taxi service, shore excursion in Roatan, or t-shirts to buy.

Beyond the spam, arguments grow out of control and problem makers are left unchecked.

Misinformation spreads fast, and it's tiring to try to help

Even if there's a benevolent group admin that does a good job at rooting out the worst offenders, incorrect info can still run wild.

On a recent sailing, someone asked which cruise terminal we were boarding from in San Juan, Puerto Rico and I saw a couple of people insisting it was the wrong port.

I certainly don't want to go into any group and try to correct everyone. And I don't think anyone wants to be "that guy" that responds to every post and risks being seen as annoying or a know-it-all.

On the one hand, I hate to see people lead astray with the wrong info. But on the other hand, I have no interest in trying to correct everyone, especially people that think they're providing the right answer.

This is especially true of dress codes, because they're quite subjective and open for interpretation.  Royal Caribbean doesn't really enforce dress codes much, so the result is a wide gap in personal preference.

Imagine sailing on a cruise ship where robots move alongside talented performers, help clean hard-to-reach windows, and even scrub the hull underwater. 

Royal Caribbean has found a way to use technology to add to the overall entertainment experience and improve efficiency.

"We have always been acutely focused on delivering the best possible experience using technology... We are constantly trying to innovate and improve it," says Michael Bayley, President & CEO of Royal Caribbean International, in a recent YouTube video.

Enter collaborative robots, AKA cobots. These cobots aren't tucked away in a back room like traditional industrial robots that purposely work behind the scenes. Rather, they work side by side with crew members to enhance every part of the cruise experience. 

Here's a look at how Royal Caribbean uses robots aboard its newer cruise ships. 

Cobots help create immersive and unforgettable shows

"We've been working with robots for years at Royal. Obviously, on the Quantum Class ships, we have these amazing robots on [a] gantry with these giant 7x4-foot LED screens. We thought, okay, how can we bring those into the mix again?" explains Alex Marchant, Senior Director, Entertainment Creative & Strategy at Royal Caribbean.

In addition to the impressive robots in Two70, robots have been integrated into the enclosed AquaTheaters aboard Icon Class ships. 

On Icon of the Seas, for example, there are four robots located on the three-meter upstage area that help to set the scene. 

(Credit: Royal Caribbean International / YouTube)

They aren't just props or something there for street cred — though they certainly do wow the audience. Instead, they serve as a point of connection for a lot of the show's signature pieces and are just as important as the entertainers. 

"It isn't our classic AquaTheater. It is truly kind of the reboot and reimagination. And the robots being integrated into it is an amazing transformation of our AquaTheater experience," remarks Jay Schneider, Senior Vice President, Chief Product Innovation Officer at Royal Caribbean. 

In the Royal Theater, Royal Caribbean continues to evolve the entertainment experience with advanced features, such as a giant LED wall, six motorized platforms that move dynamically, and side stages with additional LED screens.

"[O]ur visual for the audience has just grown immensely. The audience is not going to know what's hit them," Marchant boasts. 

Cobots also help keep cruise ships running smoothly

Other robots help keep the ship running smoothly. This makes operations more efficient and sustainable for crew and guests. For example, aboard Star of the Seas, robotic cleaners help keep the ship clean. 

"We do not want to decrease crew members; we want to increase their productivity and their interaction with the guests. And that's the whole idea of getting the robots on board to help them... We wanted to add to the quality of our work, and [the robots] offer us that," explains Johanita Jacobs, Senior Director, Housekeeping Operations at Royal Caribbean. 

When the robots were added on board, every area of the ship was mapped and assigned a QR code, which tells the robotic cleaners — named Bob and Betsy — what duty is expected of them in different places. 

(Credit: Royal Caribbean International / YouTube)

Jacobs also confirmed that robotic cleaners will be coming to all Icon Class ships, and she can see them potentially being added to new developments in the future. 

Something else innovative aboard Icon Class ships is the use of underwater hull-scrubbing robots. 

"We have our hull scrubbing vessel [robots] on board Icon Class. This underwater robot is like a drone, and it has brushes... [to] scrub the hull. Keeping the hull clean is everything to do with fuel consumption and efficiency," says Rob Hempstead, Captain of Star of the Seas. 

(Credit: Royal Caribbean International / YouTube)

Harri Kulovaara, Executive Vice President, Maritime, added that keeping a hull as clean as possible is essential for the ship’s performance and sustainability. 

Since nearly half of the ship’s energy is used for propulsion — and 80% of that energy is spent overcoming friction with the water — a clean hull can significantly reduce fuel consumption and environmental impact.

Read more: Technology that changed cruises: 5 of the best uses of tech on Royal Caribbean today

This year's Atlantic hurricane season is right around the corner, with experts predicting up to 16 named storms, including as many as four major hurricanes.

Tropical storms can quickly disrupt cruise itineraries and travel plans. However, staying informed and purchasing travel insurance can help cruisers navigate the season's unpredictability with greater confidence. 

AccuWeather's forecast points to a slightly near to below-average season, but still warns that anywhere from 11 to 16 named storms are predicted to develop. Additionally, three to five storms could make direct landfall in the United States.

"It's very important that everybody from South Texas all the way to Maine prepares equally for each and every hurricane season, regardless of what the official forecast is," AccuWeather Lead Hurricane Expert Alex DaSilva said.

"Even if it's expected to be a slightly below average hurricane season, we can still see major hits across the United States."

11 to 16 named storms in 2026, with four to seven becoming hurricanes and two to four major hurricanes, defined as Category 3 or higher

According to AccuWeather, this year's hurricane season will be shaped by a shifting climate pattern in the Pacific Ocean. 

El Niño is one phase of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) cycle, which also includes La Niña and ENSO-neutral. The ENSO cycle plays a key role in global climate patterns and can affect everything from weather to wildfires, ecosystems, and economies. 

Last month, meteorologists at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced that the likelihood of an El Niño developing by mid-summer significantly increased. 

Read more: El Niño watch issued, what it means for cruise ships during hurricane season

Typically, El Niño creates stronger upper-level winds across the Atlantic, which makes it more difficult for tropical storms to develop. This could mean there are fewer named tropical storms during the most active weeks of the season compared to the first half. 

Still, the presence of El Niño doesn't guarantee a below-average hurricane season. In fact, during the most recent El Niño in the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season, 20 named storms formed. 

"What made 2023 very special is it was also the warmest year on record if we take a look at the average sea surface temperatures across the Atlantic basin," DaSilva explained. 

AccuWeather's forecast predicts that the Atlantic waters will be warm throughout 2026, though not reaching the same record highs seen in 2023.

Concerned about rapid intensification

Storms draw a lot of their energy from warm water, which is why experts are worried about rapid intensification during this year's hurricane season. 

"This year we are very concerned about rapid intensification, very similar to the last couple of years," DaSilva said.

It's not just the surface temperatures that play a key role in storm development, either. Deep ocean heat content waters, which are hundreds of feet deep across most of the hurricane basin, can also intensify storms. 

"Those waters are also exceptionally, exceptionally warm. That is why once again we are very concerned about rapid intensification this upcoming hurricane season," DaSilva added. 

Another factor raising concerns is the possibility of the Atlantic hurricane season starting earlier than the official start on June 1.

AccuWeather's report says that warm weather in places where storms typically develop early in the season means that it may not take much for tropical activity to kick off. 

Early in the hurricane season, "homegrown development" is most frequent, which occurs when a storm or front moving across North America stalls over the Gulf, western Caribbean, or western Atlantic. As it sits over the warm water, it could develop into a tropical depression, tropical storm, or even a hurricane.

What to know about going on a cruise during the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season

You shouldn't avoid cruises during hurricane season. In fact, with proper planning and expectation management, it can be a great time to go.

Cruise lines closely monitor weather conditions and may adjust itineraries to avoid storms, making it a safe option for travelers. The only caveat is that you must remain flexible. If you want to visit the Eastern Caribbean, you might be disappointed if your itinerary is changed at the last minute to call at Cozumel, Mexico, and Roatán, Honduras. 

Additionally, cruisers can take advantage of lower prices during hurricane season. As an example, a 7-night cruise on Icon of the Seas in early July 2026 starts at around $1,586 per person for an inside room. However, the price for the same itinerary in October drops to $1,393 for an interior cabin. 

Regardless, having a good travel insurance policy that covers incidentals in case a named storm impacts your vacation is key. Hurricanes, for instance, can disrupt air travel as much as cruise itineraries, which could put a damper on your vacation before it even begins!

This year, experts say the northern and northeastern Gulf Coast and the Carolinas are at the highest risk for direct impacts, making flexibility and solid preparation crucial for travelers coming to or from these areas.

Read more: Why your Caribbean cruise forecast says rain every day (and why it usually doesn’t matter)

One of the top reasons people book a cruise ship vacation is to explore the destinations it visits, but no one wants to book a tour that leaves you disappointed.

I asked our readers for what shore excursions they booked and instantly regretted, and I was surprised the general consensus wasn't one specific excursion, but a type of tour. 

We had over 500 responses to my question in just a few days. What surprised me wasn't just how many people had regrets, but how often they came from the excursions that seemed like the safest choices.

Large sightseeing tours were by far the most commonly mentioned kind of cruise excursion that were filled with regret.

On paper, these tours sounded like a sure thing.  But after taking them, the reality was many tours were the type cruisers wish they could do over.

Here is why this type of cruise ship shore excursion was lackluster, and the other tours our readers say they'd never book again.

City tours and long bus tours

The shore excursion most people regretted the most were bus tours, and it wasn't even close to the rest.

An excursion that takes you around a city seems like a safe and easy way to see a destination. In reality, many cruisers said they felt like they spent most of their port day staring out a bus window instead of actually experiencing anything.

• "We sat on a bus for hours and barely got out."
• "It was basically a drive-by tour with a few photo stops."
• "Felt like we saw everything… but experienced nothing."
• "Too much talking, not enough doing."

I've experienced this sort of regret too when I took a bus tour around a fjord in Norway. I wanted my family to see them, but so much of the tour is on the bus, with little outdoor time.

Our readers felt the same way, because a big frustration was how little time people actually had off the bus. Stops were often rushed, with just enough time for a quick photo before moving on.

• "Every stop felt rushed... like ‘take your picture and get back on.'"
• "We had 15 minutes here, 20 minutes there… it wasn’t relaxing at all."

Other issues with a bus tour can be the guide, and how easy it is (or not) to understand them. Or how knowledgeable they are of what you're seeing.

• "The guide talked nonstop, but none of it was memorable."
• "Half the time I couldn’t even hear what they were saying."

Ultimately, the issue with a bus tour is it feels like most of the time is spent in transit, rather than experiencing something. 

Our readers lamented that it left them like they wasted port time.

I recommend doing research before your visit to any port and honing in on an activity, place, or major sight.  Hop in a taxi, walk there, or book an excursion that only visits that place.

If you want to experience more of a destination rather than feel like you sat on a bus, you could hire a private driver or small group tour.  Because these excursions have less people, you can be more nimble and customize the experience.

Overcrowded and underwhelming beaches

The second most-mentioned regret was going to the beach, but this was more about one simple issue: expectation vs reality.

The complaint isn't against all beaches. Rather, a beach that didn't match up to expectations. People booked beach excursions expecting a pristine, relaxing escape, but what they got instead often felt crowded, expensive, and underwhelming.

• "It was packed—chairs right on top of each other."
• "Not worth what we paid at all."
• "I could’ve gone to a public beach for a fraction of the price."
• "Didn’t look anything like the photos."

Crowding was a major theme, especially at popular beach clubs tied to cruise traffic.

Tours that include a beach break will often end up at beaches that cater to cruise ship excursions because they have a large facility. 

• "Way too many people for the space."
• "Felt more like a resort pool deck than a beach day."

I've been to a few of these types of beaches, such as one in Jamaica that I would have volunteered to return to the ship within five minutes of arriving had that been an option.

When service and amenities don't live up to the marketing, it feels like you've been bamboozled.  It's one thing if you get sunburnt, drink too much, or have an annoying uncle with you.  But it's another when it feels like your day never had a chance to be fun.

The good news is beaches are easy to do on your own without an organized tour. You can easily search for the best beaches in any port your ship visits, and find lots of good recommendations.  

I would also look for reviews that speak to the location, exclusivity, or service components.  Find one that has exactly the vibe you're looking for.

Snorkeling photos look great, but the experience doesn't match the hype

Snorkeling tours was repeated a number of times, and it's primarily because the the idea sounded better than what they experienced.

Snorkeling can be very rewarding, but if it's too crowded or the weather doesn't cooperate, then it's lackluster.

• "The water was murky. You couldn’t see anything."
• "Too many people in the water at once."
• "We were all kicking each other trying to see fish."

Another issue is someone brand new might struggle to get the hang of how to properly snorkel.

• "I didn’t realize how hard snorkeling would be."
• "Spent more time trying to breathe than enjoying it."

Weather conditions are a major factor, and that's not the fault of the tour operator. A good snorkeling excursion relies on group size and instructors that can help everyone, even if they're brand new.

A small-group snorkel tour might be a good idea for minimizing those risks.  Also, if you can practice before the tour so breathing through a mask doesn't feel so foreign, that would help a lot.

Swimming with dolphins is expensive and overproduced

Dolphin swims are controversial, and also underwhelming for many readers.

Many cruisers said the experience felt overpriced and underwhelming. Dolphin encounters are usually a group event that involves very little individual time with the animal.

• "It was over so fast."
• "You spend more time waiting than actually with the dolphins."

A common complaint was how structured and limited the interaction felt.

• It felt very staged... like you’re just moving through a line."
• "You get your photo, your quick interaction, and that’s it."

Another issue is the ethical concerns of these tours.

• "It didn’t feel right once I saw the conditions."
• "After doing it, I wouldn’t do it again because of how the dolphins are kept."

I've never liked the idea of a dolphin encounter in a caged environment, so if you want to see marine life, I recommend booking a viewing tour of some kind in the open ocean.  You won't get a selfie with them, but it's best for both of you.

Glass-bottom boat tours sound so much more fun than they really are

Just like bus tours, taking a glass-bottom boat ride sounds great in theory, but rarely matches up.

The problem with this kind of a tour is how little you actually see.

• "The water wasn’t clear enough to see anything."
• "We were all squinting trying to spot something."
• "Definitely not what the brochure made it look like."

Like other tours on this list, the boats were crowded.  So when you add a small viewing area, that's a recipe for frustration.

For many, it ended up feeling like a passive, underwhelming ride.

There's so much luck involved with a glass-bottom boat ride in terms of the chances your boat passes over something interesting (or something interesting passes under your boat).  I'd much rather take my chances snorkeling.