Royal Caribbean Blog

How do some of the industry's oldest and smallest cruise ships compare?

Growing up, I was convinced that newer meant better — that the newer the ship, the better the dining options, amenities, and overall vibe of the ship. 

However, as I began branching out and sailing on older vessels, I quickly discovered why so many veteran sailors adamantly avoid mega-ships like Utopia of the Seas and Icon of the Seas. For example, they lack the same intimate feel as older ships, and they often feel way more crowded. 

Size isn't the only thing that's changed about cruises over the past three decades. Today's vessels are almost like floating amusement parks, with roller coasters, water slides, ice skating rinks, unique bars, fun dining concepts, and other innovative features. 

In 2024, I sailed on Vision of the Seas and Carnival Elation. Both these ships launched in 1998 and are among the two lines' oldest and smallest vessels at sea. 

Vision of the Seas, for example, measures 78,340 gross tons, while Star of the Seas, one of the world's largest cruise ships, comes in at 248,663 gross tons. Comparatively, Carnival Elation measures 71,909 gross tons, and Carnival Jubilee, Carnival's biggest ship, is 183,521 gross tons, according to the cruise line. 

Although these vacations were far from glamorous, they offered a different perspective on cruising that's often overlooked today. 

Here's how my cruises on old Royal Caribbean and Carnival ships compared — and which one offered a better experience for the money. 

Cabin Comparison

On both five-night cruises aboard Vision of the Seas and Carnival Elation, I stayed in the cheapest possible accommodations: windowless interior staterooms. 

There were pros and cons to both rooms. Carnival Elation's, for example, felt a little more modern, with added charging options, including bedside USB ports. This was due to the ship's multi-million-dollar refurbishment in 2017, when all staterooms received new island-inspired interiors and upgrades. 

As such, my inside room on Carnival Elation didn’t feel nearly as dark or worn as I expected for a ship approaching 30 years old.

On the flip side, Vision of the Seas' bathroom was cleaner and better maintained, though both had shower curtains and were compact. 

The bathroom on Carnival Elation was the worst part of the stateroom. For starters, there was barely any storage, and the showerhead was disgusting, showing obvious signs of limescale build-up. 

It also broke a few days into the cruise, with the small piece attaching the showerhead to the bolted rod falling off. It took over a day before maintenance could fix it, and whenever we showered, water splashed everywhere.

I also thought that, while Vision of the Seas' room was smaller at 132 square feet (compared to Elation's 185 square feet), it had a more efficient and functional layout. 

There was a small couch that served as a great catch-all place for our tote bags, lanyards, and raincoats. There were also two nightstands, so my friend and I had equal space to store water bottles, books, and portable phone chargers. 

I also preferred this cabin's storage options, which included a cabinet with deep shelves above the television and built-in shelves in the bathroom. 

Read more: I sailed in tiny interior cabins on old Carnival and Royal Caribbean ships. I'd only book one again

In comparison, there was more empty space in my Carnival Elation cabin, with no loveseat and just one nightstand. This was strange since there were two USB ports built into the headboard on that side of the bed.  

The storage wasn't as ideal, either. For example, although there were shelves near the vanity, they were exposed, making the space feel more cluttered. There was also just one small rack for toiletries and cosmetics in the bathroom. 

In the end, while the décor and amenities of my Vision of the Seas inside cabin were a little more dated, it was the more comfortable choice due to its cozy layout, smart storage options, and updated bathroom.

Ship Amenities

Neither Vision of the Seas nor Carnival Elation is known for its record-breaking amenities. In fact, both vessels are pretty bare-bones compared to today's mega-ships. You won't find zip lines, ice skating rinks, rope courses, or roller coasters onboard. 

That said, Carnival Elation offered more exciting activities beyond the standard daily schedule and pool deck, including a small water park and mini-golf course. Comparatively, Vision of the Seas offers a rock climbing wall and a sports court. 

I also enjoyed Carnival's evening entertainment lineup more, with hilarious comedians at the Punchliner Comedy Club and talented musicians at Duke's Piano Bar. The live shows weren't all that bad, either, though they were a far cry from the Center Stage productions on newer ships like Mardi Gras or Carnival Celebration. 

That said, I much preferred Vision of the Seas' pool areas, especially the adult-only Solarium. The enclosed space was so relaxing, and it kept us shielded from the inclement weather that plagued most of our voyage. Plus, it was steps from the Vitality Spa, which had a complimentary sauna and steam room available to adults. 

The adult-only deck on Carnival Elation wasn't well-kept, with soot blanketing the lounge chairs and even staining my partner's clothing. 

Beyond that, both vessels also offer a casino, live music, game shows, and more. Generally speaking, I thought that Royal Caribbean's events were more low-key. However, the silent disco in the centrum was just as fun as Carnival's on the Lido Deck!

Read more: After taking 18 cruises, I sailed on Carnival Elation. Here are 4 things I loved (and 4 I didn’t) about Carnival's smallest ship

Food Review

Carnival has long blown Royal Caribbean out of the water when it comes to its fast-casual dining options — and that remained true aboard Carnival Elation. The Fantasy Class ship had everything from juicy cheeseburgers to made-to-order tacos and fresh pizza. 

The casual options on Vision of the Seas were more limited in comparison. However, I'd argue that Vision of the Seas is a better ship for foodies since it places a greater emphasis on its main dining experience and specialty restaurants. 

Onboard Vision, there are four specialty restaurants, including the cruise line's beloved steakhouse, Chops Grille. Carnival Elation doesn't even offer that, with its two specialty restaurants being the pricey Chef's Table experience and a casual sushi joint. 

While it's safe to say that most cruisers believe the overall quality of Royal Caribbean's food has declined in recent years, my experience on Vision of the Seas was a pleasant surprise. 

Izumi Sushi, in particular, was a home run, where I enjoyed everything from the edamame to the creamy firecracker shrimp roll and savory miso ramen.

That said, the Main Dining Room was consistent and reliable. I had more hits than misses, including the French Onion Soup, Warm Apple Cobbler, Crispy Coconut Jumbo Shrimp, Rustic Chicken Korma, and Tiramisu.

Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for Carnival Elation, where my partner and I left the dining room disappointed and underwhelmed on multiple occasions. 

One night, for example, my partner was served a bland chicken breast with hardly-seasoned vegetables. The same lackluster vegetables were served with my chicken parmigiana.

Not only was the dining room's food mediocre, but the service was slow. Our drink orders weren't taken one night until about thirty minutes after we sat down. 

Read more: I spent 5 days eating on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship. Here’s everything I ate, including some dishes I’d skip

Vision of the Seas vs. Carnival Elation: Which is best?

Picking a cruise ship can be a difficult choice. Not only do you have to think about the itinerary, but also whether the vessel has the onboard amenities that you're interested in. 

If, for example, you want a newer mega-ship, neither Vision of the Seas nor Carnival Elation is a good choice since these dated vessels lack when compared to the endless dining options, world-class shows, and high-tech amenities found on ships like Star of the Seas and Carnival Celebration. 

Still, an older ship can be a good home base for your next vacation, especially if you're worried about the price. 

For example, my five-night cruise on Vision of the Seas in an inside stateroom cost $1,396.76 for two travelers, including taxes, port fees, and gratuities. 

My five-night sailing on Carnival Elation over spring break cost nearly the same, coming in at $1,475.30 for two passengers in a standard inside room. 

Comparatively, I recently paid over $1,700 for a seven-night cruise on Carnival's Mardi Gras ship from Port Canaveral to The Bahamas and the Eastern Caribbean, and my weeklong cruise on Icon of the Seas last year cost well over $7,000, including our Central Park infinite veranda cabin, drink package, and shore excursions. 

So, yeah, older ships can provide tremendous value for travelers looking to stretch their budgets as far as possible. However, as this article shows, it's even more important that you devote time to researching the specific ship before putting down a deposit.

In the end, I'd pick Vision of the Seas over Carnival Elation any day because it offered a more balanced overall experience. 

Both ships show their age and lack the flashy features of modern mega-ships. That said, although the onboard entertainment and amenities weren't as impressive as Carnival Elation's, I much preferred the dining experience, adult-only sun deck, and overall vibe of the vessel. 

Read more: I tried Carnival's older cruise ships and never want to go back

After cruising to Alaska six times, I’ve learned there are several things cruise lines don’t warn you about before you set sail.

Marketing materials tout the state’s marvelous glaciers and historic towns, but they fail to mention important details about planning your cruise.

They won’t tell you that one itinerary is preferred over another, or that you can save money with a few hidden tricks.

Here are my top Alaska cruise warnings that the brochures and cruise line websites won’t tell you about.

Itineraries from Vancouver are (arguably) better than those from Seattle

Seattle and Vancouver are the two most popular embarkation ports for sailings to the Last Frontier, but itineraries can vary greatly between these two cities.

Cruises from Seattle are typically roundtrip itineraries, and most cruise lines deploy their newer, larger ships from the city. Cruises from Vancouver, on the other hand, are usually offered on smaller ships. Many of these itineraries are one-way cruises, in which you sail from Vancouver to Seward, Alaska (or vice versa).

Read more: Guide to Seattle cruise port for Alaska cruises

After trying both, I would choose a one-way itinerary from Vancouver over a roundtrip sailing from Seattle. A cruise from Vancouver to Seward can visit four Alaska ports in one week, while the latter may only visit two or three.

Plus, going farther north brings you to the doorstep of Alaska's interior. Before or after the cruise, you can visit places like Denali National Park and Preserve and Fairbanks.

A one-way cruise requires more complex travel logistics, but I think it's worth the hassle.

Ports can be overwhelmingly packed with tourists

Marketing materials about Alaska cruises showcase the state’s natural beauty, but they fail to show pictures of what ports actually look like.

If you’re cruising to Alaska in the peak summer season, expect crowds... and a lot of them. In 2025, Juneau reported up to 21,000 cruise tourists in the city in a single day. In 2026, new regulations will limit that number to 16,000 (and 12,000 on Saturdays).

Read more: Top 10 things to do in Juneau, Alaska

Even with the new limitations, crowds are still a major issue. Most ports, whether Sitka, Ketchikan, Skagway, or Juneau, host several ships every day, and each ship has thousands of passengers onboard.

As a result, downtown streets are often packed, and popular attractions, like Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau, are filled with other tourists.

There are ways to avoid some crowds on an Alaska cruise, but don’t expect calm, quiet cruise ports.

You might not visit the jewel of Alaska cruise itineraries: Glacier Bay

A disappointing fact of cruising to Alaska is that not all cruise lines offer sailings to Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve.

This national park covers 3.3 million acres of wilderness, and it’s absolutely breathtaking. Unfortunately, only select cruise lines acquire permits to visit the park.

In 2026, Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, and Holland America Line have permits to visit the park, along with a selection of smaller cruise lines.

Read more: Hubbard Glacier vs. Glacier Bay: which glacier is better to see on a cruise?

Lines like Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruise Line, and MSC Cruises do not have permits. These cruise lines often feature itineraries to other glaciers, such as Dawes Glacier and Hubbard Glacier. Any glacier is beautiful, of course, but I’d argue that Glacier Bay is the crown jewel of the area.

Brochures from these cruise lines won’t mention anything about Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve. If you’re set on visiting Glacier Bay, select your cruise line carefully.

Shore excursions aren’t necessary, but you probably want to book them

For a long time, I thought shore excursions were unnecessary on an Alaska cruise. There’s a lot to do within walking distance of where your cruise ship docks, and I’ve enjoyed many excellent port days in Alaska without an organized tour.

Yet on my most recent cruise to Alaska, I regretted not booking a shore excursion. Although towns like Skagway and Ketchikan are charming, you have to travel farther from downtown to experience the best of Alaska’s outdoor experiences.

Read more: Best Alaska cruise excursions to book

For many passengers, visiting Alaska is something they’ll only do once. I think it’s worth it to splurge on a few excursions to make the most of each port day.

Activities like helicopter rides, whale watching tours, and glacier hikes can truly elevate your time in Alaska in a way that exploring on your own cannot.

There are hidden ways to save a lot of money

Alaska cruises can be expensive, but there are some easy ways to save money on your trip.

If you’re purchasing airfare to Seattle or Vancouver, check flights through Flights by Royal first. This is Royal Caribbean’s flight booking system, and the cruise line often offers lower prices compared to booking flights directly through the airlines.

I once scored a roundtrip flight to Seattle in first class for less than booking an economy flight directly through Alaska Airlines.

There are sneaky ways to save money on shore excursions, too.

Read more: Here's how much I spent on a 7-night Alaska cruise

Last year, for example, I visited Juneau aboard Anthem of the Seas. I wanted to visit Mendenhall Glacier, but didn’t want to pay $60 for a roundtrip shuttle (or over $150 on a Royal Caribbean shore excursion).

Instead, I took the local city bus for $2 each way. The 8 Valley Express Bus leaves from downtown Juneau every thirty minutes. It takes roughly thirty minutes to reach Dredge Lake Road, the bus stop closest to the glacier.

From there, it’s a half-hour walk to the glacier, or you can rent a bike from a bike share station near the bus stop.

It took a little longer than an organized excursion, but I still had time to see the glacier, hike to Nugget Falls, and spend time in downtown Juneau before heading back onboard.

If you do a little research beforehand, you might find hidden ways to save a lot of money on your cruise.

You’ll want a ship with an indoor pool

Outdoor pools and jacuzzis typically remain open on an Alaska cruise, but I recommend booking a ship with an indoor pool. Most (but not all) ships sailing to Alaska offer indoor pools, but you’ll want to double check before booking. Options vary by cruise line.

When I cruised to Alaska on Royal Princess, for example, I was disappointed there was no indoor pool on the ship. Even if you don’t plan on swimming, this climate-controlled space is a comfortable area to enjoy the scenery.

Fortunately, most Royal Caribbean ships sailing to Alaska have an indoor pool and/or an adults-only Solarium. On ships without a separate indoor pool for all passengers, the adults-only indoor pool is opened to all ages at select times during the sailing.

Finally, when you sail makes a huge difference

I took my first Alaska cruise in October, and the weather was far from ideal. It rained every day and temperatures were near freezing. I still had fun, but the poor weather put a damper on the trip.

For the most part, the Alaska cruise season runs from May through September. My rainy October cruise was a rare exception, and I certainly wouldn’t book a cruise that late in the season again.

Each month of the season offers pros and cons. The ideal months to visit are June and July, where you’ll experience the warmest temperatures and most hours of daylight. May can offer comfortable temperatures, too, and often has lower prices.

Similarly, August and September may see fewer crowds, especially once the school year begins.

Before booking the first or cheapest Alaska cruise you see, take time to research weather conditions at that time of year.

Royal Caribbean guests will face a surprising ban at its private island for one day this month.

Guests on two upcoming Royal Caribbean sailings learned that alcohol sales are banned from Perfect Day at CocoCay on the day of their scheduled visit. 

Although CocoCay is not the cruise line's newest addition to its private destination portfolio, it's undoubtedly a fan favorite, winning numerous accolades from major news outlets. 

It has everything from resort-style pools and over-the-water cabanas to an adult-only retreat, beautiful beaches, a massive water park, and more, ensuring that everyone has their "perfect day" ashore. 

Admission to the island is included in your cruise fare, meaning that it won't cost you anything extra to debark from the ship and enjoy a day frolicking in the Bahamian waters. 

However, cruise passengers on two upcoming sailings received a sudden email informing them that their visit to Perfect Day at CocoCay will come with an unexpected restriction: no alcohol sales anywhere on the island. 

"There is a public notice issued by the Ministry of National Security in The Bahamas that prohibits the distribution of alcohol during national elections. We've explored whether any exceptions could be made; however, this restriction applies nationwide throughout The Bahamas," the email reads.

It continues, "As a result, alcoholic beverages will not be served at Perfect Day at CocoCay during your visit. Please note, Perfect Day at CocoCay will remain fully open, and nonalcoholic beverages will continue to be available throughout the island. You'll still be able to enjoy the beach, amenities, food, entertainment, and other offerings available during your visit."

The ban only applies to alcoholic beverages served on the island. This means that those who remain on the cruise ship can continue to take full advantage of their alcoholic beverage packages and Diamond drink vouchers. 

Two ships will be in CocoCay on Election Day — Oasis of the Seas and Wonder of the Seas — which is scheduled for May 12, 2026. 

The 226,838-gross-ton Oasis of the Seas will be on a seven-night Bahamas cruise from Cape Liberty, New Jersey, according to Cruise Mapper. CocoCay is the last stop on the weeklong itinerary before the 5,602-passenger ship makes her way back up north. 

On the flip side, Wonder of the Seas will have just departed from Miami, Florida, on a four-night cruise. CocoCay is the first port of call on the short itinerary, followed by Nassau on the 13th. 

Alcohol sales were also banned from Royal Caribbean's new beach club last month

(Credit: BIS Bahamas / Facebook)

The Royal Beach Club Paradise Island is one of the cruise line's newest endeavors, offering guests an all-inclusive beach experience with upgraded dining, private beaches, and sweeping ocean views just minutes from the Nassau cruise port. 

Unlike CocoCay, admission isn't included in your cruise fare, and you can pay a pretty penny for the exclusive escape. For example, the open bar day pass with unlimited alcoholic beverages and dining costs around $170 per person, before any pre-cruise discounts through the Cruise Planner.

However, on Thursday, April 30, the open bar day pass was essentially useless since alcohol service was banned at the private destination due to the ongoing early voting for the national elections. 

"Pursuant to section 99 of the Parliamentary Elections Act (Chapter 7), the Parliamentary Commissioner hereby informs the general public that all licenses issued under the provisions of the Business Licence Act (No. 25 of 2010) for the sale of any intoxicating liquour shall be suspended during the hours of the day on which a poll is being held for a general election (including the Advanced Poll)," reads the public notice issued by the Commonwealth of The Bahamas' Ministry of National Security.

The dates and hours on the public notice include Thursday, April 30, and Tuesday, May 12, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

"...[A]ny person selling or exposing or offering for sale any intoxicating liquor during such hours shall be deemed doing so while not holding a licence under the provisions of the Business Licence Act," the notice continues.

As Royal Caribbean Blog previously reported, Royal Caribbean provided full refunds to guests who had purchased the alcoholic day passes on April 30. 

"Earlier today, we were informed of a public notice issued by the Ministry of National Security in The Bahamas that prohibits the distribution of alcohol during national elections where advanced polling stations are located," the letter given to impacted passengers begins. 

It continues, "As a result, alcoholic beverages could not be served during your visit [to the Royal Beach Club Paradise Island] due to this nationwide restriction that applies throughout The Bahamas... While this may not have matched your expectations, especially while enjoying your day ashore, guests continued to have full access to the beach, amenities, and all other aspects of the Royal Beach Club experience during the stay."

According to the public notice, Royal Caribbean cannot distribute alcohol on May 12, either, since it is a general election day in The Bahamas. As such, guests visiting the Royal Beach Club should expect similar restrictions at the beach club. 

The only Royal Caribbean ship docking in Nassau on May 12 is Utopia of the Seas, according to Cruise Mapper.

Cruisers took to social media to express their confusion about the ban at CocoCay

Alcohol sales at CocoCay were still permitted on April 30 during The Bahamas' early voting, so many cruisers are confused as to why the stricter enforcement now appears to apply to the private island. 

"I'm going down rabbit holes to figure out why this suddenly would apply to Coco Cay when it hasn't in the past (assuming that email is authentic). The Berry Islands were part of a voting district realignment new for this election but that doesn't seem to be relevant since it's not like they were unrepresented before," smokeybandit wrote on the Royal Caribbean Blog discussion forum. 

They added, "I really hope RC clarifies why this is suddenly an issue. And I wonder if they'll avoid Coco Cay stops in future election years."

Why wasn't the island closed for maintenance during the national election?

This year, Royal Caribbean closed Perfect Day at CocoCay the week before the election. This is due to its annual maintenance to keep everything running smoothly and reduce the likelihood of unexpected issues down the road.

According to Cruise Mapper, CocoCay's next ship arrivals are not until Sunday, May 10, when Wonder of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas arrive on the final day of their Bahamian voyages from Florida.

As such, CocoCay is open and on the schedule during the national election, leaving some passengers wondering whether the cruise line underestimated the impact of The Bahamas’ nationwide alcohol restrictions when planning itineraries to CocoCay. 

"They usually do maintenance in May and close the island with no stops. I guess they didn't foresee this enough to coordinate it for this week," AshleyDillo remarked. 

Every month, Royal Caribbean has a different casino offer for its high roller members, and this month's has a new fee.

Cruisers have noticed that along with its May offer of a complimentary cruise, there's now a booking fee that goes with.

Periodically (and seemingly randomly), Royal Caribbean's Casino Royale program will send to its members offers to sail for free or at a reduced rate.  These are targeted offers for people that gamble a lot on Royal Caribbean ships.

What's different this month is there's now a fee to go along with the "free" cruise offer.

Here's what the booking fee looks like, and why it's generating a lot of chatter among those that like to cruise and gamble.

There's a new $100 casino comp fee

As soon as the new casino offers started rolling into cruisers' accounts, many saw the same thing: a new fee.

The $100 casino comp fee means you'll need to pay $100 for a complimentary cruise, along with the port fees and taxes.

It's a nominal fee for what is otherwise representative of thousands of dollars off a cruise fare, but it's not what cruisers have typically found.

In the example provided by Royal Caribbean Blog reader madkidd00000007, the offer is for a complimentary Balcony or Oceanview cabin for two.  It has a $100 booking fee per stateroom.

The offer is valid to be booked by May 31st for sailings the depart between May 4 and December 31, 2026.

To be fair, this isn't the first time we've seen this fee. A similar fee happened once a few months ago on an offer for two rooms, but it's back again today. 

According to Ampurp85, they were told the fee is to supplement the fact it's a better-than-usual offer.

"The rep says there will now be some offers that have a booking fee. Either because they will offer better rooms or longer cruise dates."

The representative added that in the event of a cancellation, everything but the booking fee is refundable. Moreover, this booking fee will not be on all offers, just certain ones. 

How to get complimentary casino offers

Booking fee or not, you may be curious how to qualify for a "free" cruise.

Truthfully, there isn't a rhyme or reason that can be determined how to consistently receive offers other than playing often in the casino on every sailing you take.

Certainly, reaching higher casino loyalty tiers helps.

While not a hard and fast rule, it seems more offers go out to casino players in the Signature and Masters tier than Prime.  But that doesn't mean those in Choice or Prime don't receive offers as well.

Moreover, if you do get an offer, it's important to play in the casino and spend enough onboard.  It's been a common observation from casino players that any complimentary cruise you take, there's an unwritten expectation that you'll gamble enough on that sailing too. Otherwise, the quantity of future offers may decrease.

How much do you need to gamble? Most cruisers believe you need to earn at least 200 points on a comped cruise.

Casino offers have been changing this year

One theme so far with Casino Royale has been they're not doing the same old predictable things.

Since the new casino calendar year began in April, there have been some big changes to Royal Caribbean's casino program.

The biggest has been for the annual complimentary cruise that is included with the Prime tier and higher.

Instead of having an an exclusion list of which sailings aren't eligible for the annual complimentary sailing, there's now a list of included sailings. All other cruises are not available.

In addition, Casino Royale introduced a variety of program changes related to earning points and tracking points.

The Royal Caribbean app now shows your casino points and status, further integrating casino loyalty with cruise loyalty.

Another key change is Signature level players now receive onboard credit based on the length of their sailing. Previously, Signature players didn’t receive any onboard credit at all.

Royal Caribbean also increased the earning requirement for video poker to $15 per point. That means you now have to wager more money to earn the same number of points.

Lastly, the onboard instant offers seem to have been cut back.  While nothing has been announced by the line, cruisers have noticed the cabin categories offered were lower than before, and the amount of free play was reduced.

Royal Caribbean opened its first beach club in Europe with an exclusive offering for its cruise ship passengers.

Royal Beach Club Santorini opened last week, offering passengers a full-day shore excursion on the popular Greek island.

Leon is a good friend of ours and runs the wildly popular Loyal to Royal Instagram account. He was among the first to try the new beach club and check out what's new and different.

Here is his full review of the new private beach club.

Welcome to the newest Royal Beach Club

The new Royal Beach Club Santorini by Royal Caribbean genuinely surprised me, not just because of how beautiful it is, but because of how different it feels from what I experienced at Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in the Bahamas when it first opened last year.

Of course, I expected some differences. 

The Mediterranean has a completely different vibe than the Bahamas. And honestly, that is exactly what makes this beach club work so well. Instead of a high energy, party style destination, this feels like a calm, laid back escape that perfectly matches the vibes of Santorini.

From Odyssey of the Seas to the Royal Beach Club 

Our day started with a tender ride from Odyssey of the Seas to the island. 

From there, everything was seamlessly organized by Royal Caribbean. We hopped on a bus and within about 20 minutes, we arrived at the beach club.

The drive itself was already something special. You travel through the rugged interior of Santorini, surrounded by rocky landscapes, before suddenly arriving at the coast. It is one of those moments where you realize you are somewhere truly unique.

My first impression

The arrival set the tone immediately. 

We were welcomed with a refreshing Greek drink, but without any over the top fanfare. No loud music, no party crowds, just a calm, easygoing atmosphere. 

Once inside, you are free to explore and pick any spot you like. There is no need to reserve seating, no extra tickets, and no long lines. That sense of freedom really stood out to me. It felt effortless from the very beginning.

Greek flavors done right

Around noon, the buffet opened and this is where the experience really comes to life if you love food. 

You will find a wide range of fresh Greek dishes: gyros served in warm pita bread, crisp salads, freshly prepared fish, souvlaki and more. There is truly something for everyone.

And do not skip dessert. The Greek sweets are worth trying, but the real standout for me was the Greek frozen yogurt served at the bar. It is offered in three flavor combinations and incredibly creamy.

Designed for comfort and the heat

One of the smartest design choices is the large, mostly covered terrace. On hot summer days, you can sit comfortably in the shade almost anywhere. There is also a smaller open air section if you prefer to soak up the sun.

The whole space feels light, airy, and fresh, thanks to the color palette and overall design. It is stylish without trying too hard and very much in line with the Santorini aesthetic. From the main terrace, you can walk down to the beach below, a striking black volcanic shoreline lined with loungers and umbrellas.

What I really appreciated is that it never felt overcrowded. Capacity is clearly managed well, so you always have space to relax. Guests come and go throughout the day, which keeps the experience feeling exclusive while still accessible.

How I would compare it to Royal Beach Club Paradise Island

Having visited both beach clubs, the contrast between Santorini and Nassau is clear and intentional. 

The beach club in Nassau leans into that classic Caribbean energy: lively, social, and more focused on a beach party vibe. 

In Santorini, it is the opposite. Everything is about slowing down, enjoying the scenery, and embracing a more relaxed Mediterranean pace. Neither is better. They are just designed for completely different experiences.

Final thoughts

Royal Beach Club Santorini is a fantastic addition to Royal Caribbean’s growing beach club collection. It feels thoughtfully designed for its location, blending seamlessly with the island’s natural beauty and atmosphere. 

Set between the dramatic cliffs of Santorini, it truly feels like a hidden escape. And the best part is that it is easy to combine with exploring the rest of the island, which has so much more to offer.

If you are cruising the Mediterranean, this is exactly the kind of experience you did not know you needed, until you are there.

Check out Loyal to Royal for more Royal Caribbean news, updates, and more!

Royal Caribbean’s private island will be unusually quiet this week, with no passengers basking in the tropical sun, racing down waterslides, or enjoying one too many Coco Locos.

Instead, Perfect Day at CocoCay is closed this week for annual maintenance. This helps keep everything in tip-top shape and mitigates the chances of sudden problems occurring down the road. 

According to Cruise Mapper, CocoCay won't see its next ship until Sunday, May 10, when Wonder of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas arrive on the final day of their three-night Bahamian voyages from Florida.

In an email to Royal Caribbean Blog, Royal Caribbean International confirmed that the temporary shutdown is part of its scheduled annual maintenance.

This happened last year, too. Royal Caribbean Blog previously reported that Perfect Day at CocoCay was closed from May 4-10, 2025, as part of the company's ongoing effort to keep its private destination running smoothly.

One cruiser, Russell McEwen, shared what he heard from a crew member working on the island, posting on Facebook that it was "mostly back of the house stuff being renovated. Some work on roads that shuttles use. Replacing worn equipment. [And] staff accommodations enhanced."

Annual maintenance is required to keep Perfect Day at CocoCay in award-winning condition

Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay is located in the Berry Islands chain in The Bahamas, about halfway between Nassau and Great Abaco.

The island underwent a $250 million renovation in 2019 that transformed the laid-back beach destination into a fully curated, well-thought-out private island experience.

Since reopening, it's earned numerous accolades. Most recently, Perfect Day at CocoCay won "Best Private Island/Destination" at Travel Weekly's Readers’ Choice Awards for the sixth consecutive year. 

Today, you'll find everything from over half a dozen beaches to a massive water park, freshwater pool, adult-only retreat, kids' splash area, zip line, hot air balloon, and more. 

Annual maintenance helps ensure everything continues operating at the high standard guests have come to expect. After all, passengers do not want to disembark to learn that certain amenities are out of order, turning what is marketed as a "Perfect Day" into a frustrating and disappointing ordeal. 

Read more: 41 Perfect Day at CocoCay tips, tricks, and secrets

Cruise ships are also taken out of service to undergo routine maintenance and add new amenities 

Dry docks are scheduled years in advance to ensure all necessary materials and personnel are available. During this time, ships are pulled out of service, which allows workers to conduct comprehensive inspections, such as hull openings and critical systems like firefighting, navigation, and lifesaving equipment.

The ship's crew can also replace things like carpets, bedding, and other minor cosmetic upgrades. However, the ship may also undergo bigger changes to bring it up to speed with modern vessels in the fleet. 

Royal Caribbean's Royal Amplification program, for example, was designed to give new life to the line's older cruise ships, such as Freedom of the Seas, Liberty of the Seas, and Navigator of the Seas. 

Unlike a standard dry dock, which focuses more on maintenance and repairs, these amplifications go further, adding new ways to drink, play, relax, and dine. 

For instance, in 2018, Mariner of the Seas underwent a major refurbishment that introduced new venues, refreshed public spaces, and added experiences throughout the ship, including the Perfect Storm waterslides, the cruise line's first-ever Polynesian-inspired tiki bar, Izumi Hibachi and Sushi, the FlowRider surf simulator, and more. 

Allure of the Seas finally received a long-anticipated refurbishment in 2025. This brought popular amenities, activities, and more to the Oasis Class ship — ranging from The Lime and Coconut to the Pesky Parrot tiki bar, Perfect Storm waterslides, The Mason Jar Southern Restaurant & Bar, and the Ultimate Abyss dry slide.

Three ships are currently wrapping up dry docks in Europe and Asia, receiving similar upgrades and enhancements as part of Royal Caribbean's ongoing fleet modernization: Harmony of the Seas, Liberty of the Seas, and Ovation of the Seas. 

Whenever I go on a Royal Caribbean cruise, I almost always go to the ship's buffet first.

There are many restaurants on every ship, but the Windjammer buffet is a staple and its wide selection is why I'll eat there on every single cruise I take.

Even though I cruise about once a month, I actually look forward to eating at the buffet because I've found it delivers a mix of fan favorite dishes and a few surprises too.

Plus, the sheer selection of options is perfect for everyone in our family, including the picky eaters. I love the Asian food choices, while my kids go for the chicken fingers and burgers. Everyone gets what they want with very little fuss.

Over the years, I've learned to do five important things every time I eat at the Windjammer, El Loco Fresh, or any other ship buffet to make the meal more enjoyable from the start.

I always wash my hands before I enter

Even though there are fun crew members to remind me, I make it a point to wash my hands before I go to any buffet.

On most ships, there is a handwashing station at the entrance and while no one will force you to stop, you really should wash your hands for your (and everyone's) benefit.

No one wants to get sick on vacation, and a buffet setting more easily spreads germs because of the shared utensils.

There's even hand sanitizer for anyone in a rush, but health experts say handwashing is a safer bet.

I'm frankly surprised how many other passengers walk by hand the handwashing stations, like they didn't see them at all. 

I get it, you're hungry and you "just washed your hands a few minutes ago", but it really is worth stopping and doing it again.

I'll find my family a table first, so we know where to go

It can get very busy in the Windjammer and at other buffets, nearby table seating is limited. That's why the first thing I do is find a table for all of us.

I've learned from experience telling my kids "we'll be in this general area" doesn't work.  It seems like my kids have "Mr. Magoo vision" when they need to find us.

Instead, I'll grab an open table and sit down to reserve it.  Always leave one person at the table, because a random cup or bag alone isn't clear if you reserved the table or forgot your belongings.

Then, as soon as the first person returns with their food, I get up and get my food.

Reserving a table first is important for breakfast or at lunch sea days when the buffets get really busy.

I will look to see all the food choices before I start piling food on my plate

It's a rookie mistake to grab a plate and load up on the first thing you see.

I cannot tell you how many times I've done that, only to discover food I'd much rather have elsewhere at another buffet station.

Then you're left in a situation where you don't want to be totally wasteful and discard a full plate of food.  So you eat some or all of it before getting to the food you really wanted the most.

Take a quick walk around the buffet, and be sure to look for the cooking stations towards the back to see what specials are being offered.

The cooking stations are the hidden gem of the Windjammer

Speaking of cooking stations, you should look for these as a primary target in your food quest.

The Windjammer usually has at least one cooking station that changes what it offers every day for lunch and dinner.

At breakfast, it's an omelet station to cook eggs exactly the way you prefer it.

Later in the day, it could serve custom-made pasta, Asian stir fry, or some other cuisine.  

There's no cost to order food at the cooking stations, and the best thing is it's all freshly prepared.  

If there's outdoor seating, I'll always sit there

Certain types of Royal Caribbean ships have outdoor seating at the back of the Windjammer, and you really should go there to eat your food. This is one of my favorite spots on a ship.

On Radiance, Freedom, and most Quantum Class ships, the Windjammer has outdoor seating towards the very back.

I think there's something so enjoyable with having your food along with the sea breeze and endless ocean views. Plus, most of the seating is covered, so you're safe from rain.

What better way to learn how to improve your Royal Caribbean vacation than from loyal cruisers themselves?

Royal Caribbean International took to Facebook to ask its customers for their best "pro" tips, ranging from off-the-menu snack hacks to the best theater seats and more. 

The post received over 90 comments in around 24 hours, with seasoned guests eager to share the small tricks that they've learned. 

Depending on your cruising style, not all of these tips may apply to you. However, you never know what useful hacks you'll come across that will make a world of difference on your next vacation! 

Write down your favorite crew members' names 

You've likely heard a lot about the post-cruise survey, whether from dining room servers or Guest Services staff. The results are important because they're used for staffing decisions, service improvements, and crew recognition.

One Facebook user gave a great suggestion to help remember crew members who went above and beyond during your sailing. Although you don't have to give anyone a shout-out, positive feedback helps the cruise line decide whether crew members should get another contract, raise, or promotion.  

"I write down names to give good reviews on the survey. The more good comments in a [crew member's] file the more internet time they're given. That's major when they’re halfway around the world from their families. The comments are also considered for raises and promotions," said Kathy Eilen Mattei.

Don't be afraid to splurge on connecting cruise rooms

Cruise cabins are much smaller than standard hotel rooms. Although some are designed to accommodate three or four guests, it can be a tight squeeze and not ideal for long family vacations. 

Jeremy Randolph recommends that families spend the extra money on connecting staterooms, "even if it means getting two inside cabins."

In addition to the added living space, having two staterooms means you will have two bathrooms, which can make a huge difference when getting ready for an early morning excursion or rushing to freshen up before dinner. 

Bring a hanging organizer for more storage space

(Credit: Ashley Molitor / Facebook)

Cruise staterooms also aren't known for offering an abundance of storage space. Although many ships do have clever storage solutions, some creativity on your end may help keep everything a little more organized and accessible. 

Ashley Molitor, for example, never travels without a hanging organizer. The portable, easy-to-pack storage instantly adds extra shelving for clothing, shoes, and other miscellaneous items. It also makes the closet look much more put-together. 

Royal Caribbean's team loved this pro tip, commenting, " Packing level: expert unlocked!🧳✨ love this hack."

Pack magnetic hooks

There's an even more popular storage hack in the cruise community. Many travelers swear by magnetic hooks since they give you dedicated space to hang lanyards, swimsuits, tote bags, hats, and more. 

Alisha Mc, for example, loves using magnetic hooks to hang bathing suits and create a place for her cruise lanyards. Another cruiser, Lisa Davis, agrees, saying that magnetic hooks have been the most helpful cruise hack she's learned. 

You can even bring magnetic hooks with clips to help keep daily schedules and shore excursion tickets organized without cluttering up the vanity area!

Bring shower curtain magnets for older ships

Most Royal Caribbean ships have bathrooms with capsule showers that feature a rounded, sliding door. Older vessels, however, such as Vision and Radiance Class ships, have shower curtains instead of enclosed pods. 

"[Since] some ships still have shower curtains... use magnets to pop on the bottom of them as it helps keep them in place. It avoids them attacking you while you’re trying to shower!" suggests Courtney Troka.

It is a simple but effective tip, especially for a moving ship, where lightweight curtains can easily move and cling to your skin. 

Get passports for everyone

Many first-time cruisers aren't sure whether a passport is necessary or not. Generally speaking, U.S. citizens can go on a lot of cruises without a passport (so long as they depart from and return to the same U.S. port), but having a valid passport is highly recommended. 

"Get passports for everyone kids included. It's... efficient for flights and cruising. As well as just walking [through] the facial recognition at TSA at the port when you disembark if you cruised with a passport. You don't even take it out to show it. People with random documents use the slow line to have docs checked," explains Nancy Merryman Wickersham. 

Those without passports have to show physical documents, which can result in longer lines at embarkation and disembarkation while the staff verifies the paperwork. Not only that, but passports allow you to sail on more worldly itineraries to destinations like the Mediterranean, South Pacific, and beyond. 

Check in for your cruise at midnight

Royal Caribbean's online check-in portal opens 45 days before your cruise departure date, and those who complete the process as soon as possible are among the first to choose their desired check-in times. 

If you want to guarantee an earlier arrival time, Cruising with Shannon says you should check in at midnight when it opens. Otherwise, you might end up stuck with an afternoon appointment and waste your first day on the ship. 

"I love getting the early times and that makes so much [of a] difference. I'm all about maximizing my time on the ship," she adds. 

Start your cruise with a relaxing specialty lunch

Embarkation day is hectic, to say the least. Between shuffling through the terminal, boarding the ship with thousands of other passengers, exploring the vessel, and finishing the muster drill on time, it's easy to feel like the day flies by in a blur.

That's why many guests like to carve out time for a low-key specialty lunch. Choosing a quieter restaurant means you can kickstart your vacation on a positive note, rather than head straight to the buffet like nearly every other guest. 

"Book whichever specialty dining venue is open for lunch on embarkation day. We avoid WJ if at all possible. So much nicer to begin a cruise with a nice quiet lunch," agrees Judy Rouse. 

Don't overschedule yourself

Modern-day cruise ships are nothing short of impressive, floating cities, offering everything from countless dining options to jaw-dropping entertainment, retail shopping, high-end spas, water parks, and more. Each ship also has a jam-packed daily schedule with trivia sessions, live music, poolside competitions, and family-friendly parades. 

With so much happening at once, it's very tempting to fill every hour of your day with shows, meals, excursions, and other activities. However, this isn't necessarily the smartest strategy for making the most of your cruise vacation. 

"My cruise hack is not to overschedule myself. I review the cruise compass and when there are 2 things (or more!) that I want to do at the same time, I check to see if an activity is offered at a different time, or consider whether I really need to play Sudoku in a group setting," explains Teffany Hefner. 

Try something new

As important as it is to not overschedule yourself, you also don't want to miss out on all the exciting and unique amenities on the ship. 

"Try something new! Check out the daily planner and pick something you’ve never done. It could be something you always wanted to try or something you never thought of. Have fun!" suggests Suzanne Potts.

Downtime helps you relax and recharge, while stepping out of your comfort zone is often what makes a cruise so memorable.

Stock up on bottled water

Between alcoholic beverages, fountain drinks, and specialty coffees, it is important to stay hydrated, especially if you are traveling somewhere warm like The Bahamas, Caribbean, or Mediterranean. 

Thankfully, two of Royal Caribbean's drink packages include bottled water: the Royal Refreshment Package and Deluxe Beverage Package. 

"If I have the drink package, I will get bottled water before heading [to my] room for the night. I'll have it through the night or when I wake up," says Ann Fick. 

Sarah Molitor also says that you can get a case of water delivered to your stateroom on embarkation day before arriving. This is a good hack for those who are not planning to splurge on a pricey drink package.

Don't overlook this breakfast option

Did you know that Royal Caribbean ships have free room service? Okay, that isn't entirely true. Although you can get free breakfast delivered to your room, the options are pretty limited, and it is only available during certain hours. 

Still, it is a convenient perk if you don't want to rush to the Windjammer before your excursions — or want to sit on the balcony while pulling into port and enjoy freshly brewed coffee, fruit, and light pastries. 

"[Get] free room service for Continental breakfast. If you have a balcony, this is just the best!" Christine Cappuccia commented. 

Try Royal Caribbean's secret sandwich at CocoCay

Royal Caribbean ships offer plenty of delicious food, and their private destinations do as well. However, you'll find some of the best options if you look beyond the standard menu offerings — starting with CocoCay's "Secret Shack" Sandwich. 

Essentially, it is an amalgamation of two regular menu items — the chicken sandwich and mozzarella sticks — with marinara sauce drizzled on top. (Pro tip: if you are not visiting CocoCay, you can recreate the iconic secret sandwich in the Main Dining Room during sea day lunch.)

Jacob Millstein also recommends taking the coconut cookies to the soft-serve machine and topping them with a swirl of ice cream to level up sweet treat o'clock. 

Easy anti-wrinkle hack

Steamers and irons are not allowed on Royal Caribbean ships due to their fire hazard risk and potential safety concerns. 

That, however, doesn't mean you have to walk around the ship with wrinkled clothes. Many cruisers rely on things like anti-wrinkle spray, but one cruiser suggested something even more innovative. 

"No steamers or irons allowed, ladies, use your flat irons to help with some wrinkles in your clothes, works great on collars!" says Kelly Costa Coelho. 

Eat at Giovanni's on Utopia of the Seas for amazing AquaTheater views

Utopia of the Seas is the only cruise ship in the fleet that has a Giovanni's Italian Kitchen with an al fresco dining patio. Although the concept of outdoor dining on ships isn't new, this is the first time an open-air terrace overlooks the lively Boardwalk neighborhood. 

While it is a worthwhile experience in and of itself, Jami Lynne gave an excellent suggestion for cruisers who want to combine their dinner experience with a show. 

"Book [Giovanni's] on Utopia right before the aquashow and request the balcony seating so you can watch the show while you eat dinner," she explains. 

The Solarium Bistro is a quieter place to get a buffet breakfast

The buffet is a quintessential cruise experience, where you will see passengers load their plates high with an unbelievable amount of food. Unsurprisingly, it's a popular choice for many guests since there's so much variety, and it's easy to find something for everyone. 

However, that means it can also get really busy, especially during peak meal times. Thankfully, there's another option on many newer ships, including Oasis and Quantum Class vessels, that gives passengers a more relaxed buffet experience without the crowds. 

"For Oasis Class and other ships with the Solarium, their breakfast is a smaller version of the Windjammer… fewer crowds, great food, and perfect views," explains Ron Harrison.

Buy arcade credits for the cruise

Royal Caribbean isn't an all-inclusive cruise line, meaning you can expect to pay for add-ons like drink packages, Wi-Fi, specialty restaurants, shore excursions, and more. 

Arcade credits are an optional expense, too. However, you can save money on them by purchasing credits in advance through the Cruise Planner, as suggested by Pam Jaffe. 

The savings aren't anything monumental, but there's no reason you should pay more for something when it's so easy to buy credits before you sail for less. 

Use the gym showers

Since cruise rooms only have one tiny shower, there's an easy workaround to ensure that everyone is ready in time to snap a few professional photos before dinner. 

"[My husband] showers in the gym while I can shower and get ready for dinner in the cabin!" Susan Greenhouse Knutson shares. 

This is an easy hack that helps give everyone a little more space, privacy, and time to freshen up.

Bring Ziploc bags for late-night snacks

Cruise ships have endless food options, from the buffet to the Main Dining Room, poolside quick-service spots, late-night pizza, room service, and more. 

Still, sometimes it’s nice to have your own small stash of snacks on hand, especially since the options get more limited as the night goes on. 

"I always pack [Ziploc] bags to keep cookies (or other snacks) [in] my cabin refrigerator (cooler). Sometimes a midnight snack is needed," remarks Sondra Branch-Young. 

Royal Caribbean has rebranded how you can book a flight along with your cruise.

For years, the cruise line has offered an option to add a flight to your cruise through the Air2Sea program.  Going forward, it will have a new name.

Travel agents were informed of the change on Monday.

Regardless of the name, it's one of the most useful tools for combining cruise and flight together, especially to take advantage of promotional discounts.

Here's what has changed about the program, and why I recommend using it when you're flying internationally.

Introducing Flights by Royal

Without much hoopla, Royal Caribbean confirmed it has changed the name of the Air2Sea program.

"The Royal Caribbean Air2Sea program has recently been renamed to Flights by Royal," a notice read in an update sent to travel agents.

It appears this is purely a name change only, and nothing about Flights by Royal is different from Air2Sea.

Royal Caribbean still advertises three major reasons to book your flight with the cruise line.

First and foremost, it has a Guaranteed Arrival feature. This means if anyone that books a flight with them and has a delayed or cancelled flight, Royal Caribbean has a team available 24/7 to assist in getting you on the ship, even if it means flying you to the next port.

If you booked a flight independently, you wouldn't have that option and would be on the hook for missing the cruise.

In fact, Royal Caribbean advertises if they cannot get you to the ship, you will receive a full flight refund and a future cruise credit
equal to the value of your cruise. Plus, the dedicated support team can also assist with flight rebooking, hotel accommodations, and ground transportation.

Another key benefit is they claim they offer the lowest prices for flights.

"Flights by Royal offers some of the most competitive refundable with fee, or fully non-refundable rates."

Plus, you have the choice of your preferred airlines. Every major global airline is offered on Flights by Royal.

My favorite benefit is the least known perk

While many people are aware you can book a flight with Royal Caribbean and they include the Guaranteed Arrival benefit, less know about the pay later option.

The FLEX Fare is a book now, pay later option. 

The way it works is guests can reserve eligible flights with no money down when selecting a refundable (with fee) fare before their cruise final payment date. 

By taking this option, you can cancel or change your flight without a cancellation or change fee up to the cruise final payment date for the specified sailing. 

These fares also include Guaranteed Arrival protection and continue to deliver strong value in the market.

The majority of flights are eligible for the Flights by Royal FLEX Fare, which will be noted with a "Pay Later" option.

I love this option because it allows you book a cruise and lock in a flight price while still being able to take advantage of a flight price decrease later. Or change your mind without penalty.

Plus, you don't have to pay for your flight up front.

How to book a flight with Flights by Royal

There are three ways to book a flight with this rebranded program.

First, is ask your travel agent. They can do it all for you.

If you prefer, you can book it on your own online from their website.

Once on the website, you'll need your cruise confirmation number and you can view the airline schedules.  From there, you can choose the airline, price and flight times that best fit your trip.

You may also book your flight by calling 844-278-9745. Representatives are available to assist you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

If you want to look up prices before booking a cruise, you can browse current prices with a ship and sail date in mind. Flight prices are subject to change and you won't be able to book a flight until you have a cruise confirmation number.

Save up to $250 off flights to Europe and Alaska

If you need another incentive to try Flights by Royal, how about free money?

Royal Caribbean will offer up to $250 per person for flights you combine with Europe, Alaska, and select Repos/Trans sailings departing between March 15, 2026 - November 2, 2026

The flights must be booked between now and June 6, 2026.

Here's how the discount works:

• Alaska itineraries
  • $50 USD per person for Economy and Premium Economy Class seats
  • $100 USD per person for First and Business Class seats
• Europe itineraries
  • $100 USD per person for Economy
  • $150 USD per person for Premium Economy Class seats
  • $250 USD per person for First and Business Class seats
• Alaska Open Jaw itineraries
  • $100 USD per person for all Class seat airfares

Guest must be booked outside of 150 days to sailings for Europe, Repos/Trans and Alaska excluding Open Jaw itinerary sailings. Guests on Alaska Open Jaw itinerary sailings may book inside or outside 150 days to sailing. These offers are applicable to all airlines. 

How does Royal Caribbean's top two premium beach offerings compare: Royal Beach Club Paradise Island vs. Coco Beach Club?

I have visited both in the past, but I wanted to pit the two against each other since they represent the top ways to spend extra while sailing through The Bahamas.

Royal Beach Club Paradise Island opened less than six months ago, and it's a new kind of higher-end shore excursion that is curated by the cruise line. A private enclave designed exclusively for Royal Caribbean passengers.

Then you have the Coco Beach Club, the original elevated way to splurge on a beach day.  Within a secluded portion of Perfect Day at CocoCay, you'll find an area with the best amenities and no crowds.

Each of them have an extra cost to visit, so I booked both over the same weekend while sailing on Utopia of the Seas in order to compare both and see which one stands out.

My goal was to look at how each delivers relaxation, food quality, crowds, and overall value.

Royal Beach Club combines the best features from its private island

It's clear Royal Caribbean designed the Royal Beach Club by taking all the lessons learned from building Perfect Day at CocoCay and combining it into a new offering.

I brought my family to the Royal Beach Club after pre-booking admission in the months leading up to the cruise.  Thanks to a variety of sales, I was able to get admission for $89.99 per person for unlimited food, alcohol, and access. 

If you've been to CocoCay before, I think you'll quickly notice Royal Caribbean took three ideas as the basis to craft this area:

• The concept of a premium, exclusive area from the Coco Beach Club
• The adults-focused energy and vibe of a pool party from Hideaway Beach
• The fun that a swim-up bar brings from the Oasis Lagoon

It makes sense: take the best ideas and turn them into one super idea, and that's what you have with the Royal Beach Club.

There are three zones, each with its own vibe.  Chill Beach is where families can go to enjoy a sprawling pool and beach area. Party Cove has an all-day pool party with DJ pumping tunes, and Paradise Beach is the more laid-back hangout spot.

We opted for Paradise Beach zone, and primarily spent time in the pool.  It's heated and has stunning views of the ocean and area around you.

No matter where you sit, there is fantastic waiter service.  One waiter is assigned to each group of chairs, and they'll deliver any drinks you need.

Of course, you could grab a drink at the swim-up bar or even go between zones and grab a drink on your way.  It's all very convenient and easy.

There are food stations throughout the property that serve quick-service options, such as burgers, salads, wraps, shrimp, and more.  It's casual dining, but perfect to keep your day going without taking you out of the fun in and around the water.

The water is definitely the focus at the Royal Beach Club. You are immersed with the perfect pools and turquoise blue ocean water.  You're never more than a few steps away from any of it.

Coco Beach Club is relaxing, easy to get to, and has amazing food

I've visited the Coco Beach Club many times over the years, and it's best selling point is you won't encounter crowds or have to compete for a beach chair.

It's effectively the same beach you'd find elsewhere on the island, but the difference is the elevated resort feel this area has compared to the rest of the island.

It's a short walk from the ship (there's tram service too), and as soon as you walk in, you'll see what I mean.  A beautiful deck leading to a heated infinity pool that overlooks the white sand beach.

You can grab a chair along the beach, or try for one of the day beds near the pool. It's all first-come, first-serve.

At the chairs, you simply have to turn the flag up on the chair to request drink service.  Keep in mind admission here does not include drinks, so you'll need to pay extra for beverages (unless you have a drink package from the ship).

Without a doubt, the food is where the Coco Beach Club truly excels. They have their own sit-down restaurant where you can dine on filet mignon, lobster, and more.

I believe this restaurant is just as good, if not better than, many Royal Caribbean ship-based restaurants.  In fact, I dined at 150 Central Park for dinner on the same night I visited the Coco Beach Club, and I swear my steak at the club was better.

Each club does one thing better than the other

After trying both out, I can see a clear advantage to each offering.

The Royal Beach Club has a superior beach and pool experience.  They have multiple pools, and their beach is arguably prettier with less seagrass.

While the Coco Beach Club has one heated pool, there are three heated pools. Plus, there's a party area for those looking for more energy in their pool day.  And all the pools have swim-up bars, which are undeniably fun.

Moreover, the Royal Beach Club is all-inclusive.

The Coco Beach Club has some of the best food you'll find on ship or land.  

The food at Royal Beach Club is good, but nothing you'll rave about.  But the CBC restaurant is going to leave you dreaming about it for weeks to come after your visit.

It's amazing the high quality of the food here, and it's probably the top reason I'll return every time.

The biggest difference: price vs experience

The biggest variable in comparing the two beach clubs is price.  Royal Caribbean uses dynamic pricing for each, and that means you could have wildly different prices than I did to visit.

In my experience, the Royal Beach Club prices usually range between $90 and $160 per person for the alcohol package when pre-purchased before your sailing.

The Royal Beach Club is usually priced around $130 - $250 per person before the cruise. Keep in mind no drinks are included with admission.

Both offer cabanas to rent for the day that include admission.

Almost certainly, you'll pay more to visit the Coco Beach Club because I've observed that Royal Caribbean has used price to balance demand for it since it opened.

Outside of price, you also have to think about what you want from your day.

Coco Beach Club can cost significantly more, but it's also more of an elevated feel than the Royal Beach Club.

You’re not getting the same experience, but you might not need it.

Final verdict

Having tried both, if I had to pick only one, I'd easily choose the Royal Beach Club Paradise Island instead of the Coco Beach Club.

I had a great day at both, but I think there's more to do and enjoy at the RBC without paying nearly as much.  Plus, you get food and drink for the price.

While there's no question the food is far superior at the Coco Beach Club, I cannot justify paying the price there. This is especially true when the price is over $200 per person.

I also think the pools are more fun and enjoyable at the Royal Beach Club, and the ocean color and clarity is better.

Not to mention I could still have a great day elsewhere for no extra cost at CocoCay. I can't say the same about Nassau if I skipped the club.

You should pick the Coco Beach Club if you're okay paying more for exclusivity. But go for the Royal Beach Club if you want a fun, social beach day and care more about value.