Royal Caribbean Blog

Before specialty restaurants and late-night pizza became the norm, cruise ships had a different after-hours tradition: the legendary midnight buffet.

(Credit: @Dtj780/Reddit)

Today, nearly every Royal Caribbean cruiser is familiar with the Windjammer Marketplace, El Loco Fresh, and Sorrento's. However, these dining options weren't always around. In fact, there's one that, if given the option, many cruisers would gladly bring back — even if it meant replacing greasy late-night pizza.

The cruise ship midnight buffet was once a beloved tradition at sea. Even today, with ships larger and more technically advanced than ever before, nothing quite captures the mystique of the midnight buffet's gorging and excitement in the same way. 

The midnight buffet was more than a grand feast (though without fast-casual options like Sorrento's, it was needed to satisfy late-night cravings). At its core, the midnight buffet was a spectacle and a form of entertainment during a time when AquaTheaters, high-quality musicals, and more did not exist. 

(Credit: @Dtj780/Reddit)

The Main Dining Room was transformed into a dazzling display of culinary artistry — think the Seafood Extravaganza at the Oceanview Café on Celebrity Cruises, but on an even grander scale — and before cruisers could dig in, they were allowed to walk through and admire the carefully arranged tables. 

Unfortunately, Royal Caribbean began phasing out the elegant ice carvings, fruit sculptures, and chocolate fountains in the 1990s and early 2000s. Now, the once-popular midnight buffet, also known as the "Gala Buffet," exists only in memories, photographs, and home movies. 

Read more: What it was like to go on a Royal Caribbean cruise in the 1970s

The Royal Caribbean midnight buffet was replaced with other dining options

(Credit: @Dtj780/Reddit)

Over the years, late-night venues like Sorrento's and Café Promenade rose in popularity, reflecting a bigger shift in the cruising industry. While these included spots offer around-the-clock snacks, from simple sandwiches to cookies, fruit, and hot slices of pizza, they also highlight that today’s ships cater to a more casual, flexible crowd. 

Unlike the midnight buffet, towering displays of food aren't set out for one hour and then discarded. Instead, fast-casual food options are prepared and replenished as needed throughout the day, ensuring that less goes to waste. 

(Credit: @Dtj780/Reddit)

Plus, these spots just easily adjust production as needed, rather than pumping out massive quantities of food when many passengers are already asleep. 

That said, although mega-ships place a greater emphasis on the economy of scale (meaning that the costs of successfully executing a midnight buffet don't make a lot of business sense), many cruisers fondly remember the specialty and would be happy to see it return to Royal Caribbean's fleet. 

(Credit: @Dtj780/Reddit)

"Went on my first cruise in 2005 (18 years old) and all i talked about was the food. 14 years later and my wife books an alaskan cruise for our honeymoon and in some weird twist of fate it was the same exact boat...," explained Worldly_Project_6173 on the r/royalcaribbean Reddit thread. 

"She had heard all our stories, saw the pictures, and was disappointed when we got there and all the food options were so generic and there was no midnight buffet. Feels like they switched from chefs to food warmer uppers."

(Credit: @Dtj780/Reddit)

Burnt_Crust_00 added, "Loved them! Ice carvings, bread sculptures, fruit carvings, etc. One of the highlights of the cruise!!!"

 "My first cruise was [on] Majesty in 1994 and they had afternoon tea and a midnight buffet every night!! You walked through the dining room to admire all the fruit and ice sculptures then a second walk through to serve yourself," said AutumnOpal717. 

"I was lucky enough to be alive at a time when this was still a thing. It was the best part of the cruise," reminisced another cruiser.

The Royal Caribbean food options past 10:00 p.m. are limited

(Credit: @Dtj780/Reddit)

Compared with the elaborate midnight buffets of decades past, the late-night options on Royal Caribbean's ships are disappointing, especially if you're on an older ship. Generally speaking, you are limited to pizza and whatever pre-made options are available at the coffee bar. 

Comparatively, Carnival Cruise Line reintroduced a late-night buffet a few years ago. Although it is not as extravagant as its predecessor, with impressive dessert displays and fruit carvings, the options are plentiful — ranging from chips and salsa to hot dogs, chicken tenders, French fries, potato salad, and more. 

(Credit: @Dtj780/Reddit)

Even Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean's premium sister brand, has a section of its buffet open at night, allowing guests to choose from salads, meats and cheeses, pizza, and more. On some ships, you can request made-to-order pasta, too. 

Will Royal Caribbean ever bring back its midnight buffet? Only time will tell. However, if they decide to appease nostalgic cruisers, the buffet would likely be more about efficiency than boasting elaborate displays to brag about on social media. 

Read more: 4 things that are different about dinner on a cruise ship in the 80s vs today

I booked a 299-square-foot Junior Suite during my seven-night voyage to the Southern Caribbean aboard Royal Caribbean's Brilliance of the Seas.

Ordinarily, I don't book a Junior Suite because the price is much higher than a balcony, but the added amenities and great use of space were worth it when the total cost was just $2,596.17 for two people.

Plus, reserving the Junior Suite had perks. There is a priority check-in line at the cruise terminal in San Juan, Puerto Rico; an extra loyalty point per night, and upgraded toiletries. There are additional perks if you book a Junior Suite on a newer ship, such as access to Coastal Kitchen for dinner.

Take a look inside our junior suite.

When I entered the 299-square-foot accommodation, I was surprised by its spaciousness

One thing you'll notice walking into a Junior Suite is how much space there is to utilize.

I was booked in stateroom 1584, located on deck 10.

I was very impressed by the use of space, and it felt like a giant balcony room. Compared to a balcony, you'll quickly notice just how much more living space there is, which makes it feel far less cramped.

There is a walk-in closet that is almost big enough to be a bedroom

As you walk into the room, there is a giant walk-in closet on the right.

This closet has a door, and there are shelves and hangers to use.

I was impressed how big this closet was, because I'm guessing it could fit a crib in here without a problem. I'm not advocating putting a small child in here to sleep. But there is a lot of space.

The living room has a king size bed, but it lacks power outlets

Like almost any Royal Caribbean cabin, the bed is comprised of two beds pushed together. You can have them separated by your stateroom attendant, if you prefer.

After unpacking, my suitcase rolled under the bed, where they stayed until the last night of the cruise.

One issue is there are no power outlets on either side of the bed.  This is typical of older cruise ships, when having your electronics nearby was useful. After all, Brilliance of the Seas was built 5 years before the first iPhone.

I bought a 10 foot USB cable, but the room is so big that the cable only reached the foot of the bed.

There is a large vanity and storage space across from the bed

The only power outlets in the room are located on the vanity, across from the bed.

There are a few power outlets, so I'd recommend bringing a USB power adaptor that won't get confiscated by the cruise line. This is one I recommend (and bring on all my cruises).

Another nice perk of staying in a Junior Suite is it comes with a coffee maker and teapot. You don't get these appliances in smaller cabins, and you're not allowed to bring your own.

I never make coffee or tea in my room, but I know a lot of cruisers love to take advantage of them.

There's also a flat screen television on the left side of the vanity, which is above the well-concealed fridge.

Above it is a safe for storing valuables and travel documents.

The living room felt spacious, with extra seating

Where this cabin really feels big is in the living room area, because it's expansive and has lots of seating.

A sofa offers a place to sit (or lay down), and there's a table for room service to deliver meals here.  Room service is included with a Junior Suite, and that is the perfect way to start your day with breakfast.

Across from the sofa is a sitting chair and ottoman.  I love to sit anywhere I can put my feet up, and it was the perfect temporary office when I needed to do so some work and the vanity seemed not comfortable enough.

If you have kids, this would be an excellent play area since there's enough room to crawl or stumble around.

The Junior Suite bathroom was a nice upgrade, with a tub

Pretty much all standard cruise cabins have tiny bathrooms, but moving up to a Junior Suite gets you a bigger bathroom.

There's a full-size tub and shower here.  Not only is the tub larger, but it avoids the clingy shower curtain problem smaller cabins have on Radiance Class ships.

There are upgraded toiletries provided too, instead of the two-in-one mystery liquid.

The sink area has lots of storage too, which is something missing from bathrooms on newer ships.

The balcony was long, adding extra private room

Instead of the balcony going out further, it extends along the side of the ship.

It's a 66 square-foot balcony, which just about doubles the balcony space.

There's even a lounger in addition to the table and chairs.

The extra furniture is nice, but I wish the balcony was deeper to make it easier to move around the furniture.

Because our suite's location, I was able to see the bridge wing and watch the captain and officers guide the ship into ports of call.

Like any balcony, I loved being able to walk out and enjoy sailaway, watch the ocean waves pass by, or simply enjoy the ocean breeze.

The best reason to book a Junior Suite isn't even the room

While I loved how much more space there was in the cabin, the best reason for staying in a Junior Suite are all the extra points you can rack up.

Royal Caribbean will give you an extra loyalty point per night for staying in any suite.  Since I was cruising solo, that meant I was able to stack my solo cruiser bonus point and suite bonus point to accrue three points per night.

This is one of the best strategies for moving up to higher tiers of Crown and Anchor Society. In my case, I'll get 21 points from this one cruise and catapult up above the 1,000 point threshold to keep me well ahead of Michael Poole.

I wouldn't book a Junior Suite for any sailing, but when the price isn't expensive, I think it's worth it to upgrade. There's a better chance of finding a great deal when you choose an older, smaller ship like Brilliance of the Seas.

I found the value of all the extra living space in this cabin, combined with the perks and bonus cruise points to be well worth the splurge above a balcony room.

After taking over 30 cruises, I finally tried an all-inclusive resort. There were some upsides to the experience, but in the end, I still prefer cruising.

I love visiting multiple destinations in one week on a cruise ship, so I was always wary of booking an all-inclusive. I didn’t want to feel “bored” or “trapped” in one place for an entire vacation.

Yet recently, I spent three nights at Palmaïa: The House of AïA in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. This 5-star all-inclusive resort places a strong emphasis on wellness, and the property is designed for guests to feel rejuvenated and connected with nature during their stay.

I was blown away by the property’s amenities, including a cenote, infinity pools, beach access, and multiple restaurants. Nonetheless, there were some major downsides, such as the high price.

Here’s how I’d compare my first experience at an all-inclusive resort to a Royal Caribbean cruise.

First, let’s talk price

Cruise fares can vary significantly, and the same goes for all-inclusive resorts. Just as you can find low fares on an old ship like Grandeur of the Seas, you can also find cheap deals at older all-inclusive resorts.

Palmaïa: The House of AïA opened in 2020, and prices reflected that. The wellness resort offers an upscale atmosphere, and rooms run anywhere from $950 to $1,500 per night at double occupancy. This rate is all-inclusive.

Royal Caribbean cruise prices can vary greatly. For most ships in the fleet, you can expect to pay around $2,500 to $3,500 for two adults in an interior cabin on a 7-night cruise. This brings the nightly cost to around $200-$300, which is significantly less than a night at the resort.

Although extras like drink packages, specialty dining, and shore excursions aren’t included in the Royal Caribbean cruise fare, they’re unlikely to add up to the roughly $800-per-night difference between Palmaïa: The House of AïA and a cruise.

Given the price difference, I think cruises offer a better value, even if the fares aren’t all-inclusive.

My suite at the all-inclusive was unlike any cabin on Royal Caribbean

Cruise ship cabins are notorious for their tiny size, with most standard cabins ranging between 160 and 200 square feet. The size of cruise cabins has never really bothered me before, as I spend most of my time onboard outside of my cabin.

After staying in a suite at an all-inclusive resort, though, I’m not sure how I’ll ever go back to a closet-sized cruise room.

My room at Palmaïa: The House of AïA was nothing short of spectacular. I stayed in a Queen Suite that measured 538 square feet, which is over double the size of most cruise cabins. The room featured two queen-sized beds, two showers, and best of all, a patio that led directly to one of the resort’s pools.

Having direct access to the pool was unbelievable, and it’s something that isn’t even possible in Royal Caribbean’s biggest and most expensive suites.

By and large, all-inclusive resorts have more spacious and well-appointed rooms.

I prefer the dining experience on Royal Caribbean

Dining is one of my favorite aspects of any Royal Caribbean cruise. Whether I’m enjoying a sit-down meal in the Main Dining Room or grabbing a quick crêpe from the AquaDome market, I love the variety of flavors and dining venues throughout the fleet.

Yet not everything is perfect with Royal Caribbean’s dining. Quality can be hit or miss, and there’s a clear quality difference between the complimentary and extra-cost options.

Palmaïa: The House of AïA focuses on wellness, and that translates into the food as well. Most menu items are vegan by default, but guests can request meat, fish, egg, and dairy options.

I ate at four different venues during my stay, and I enjoyed every dish, from spicy chilaquiles to fresh açaí bowls. However, there were a few downsides. Portions were significantly smaller than standard dishes on Royal Caribbean, and the resort had limited quick-service options. There was no buffet, and even the casual cafe often had a long wait.

Additionally, I missed the personalized service found on a Royal Caribbean cruise. I still received excellent service at the all-inclusive, but it didn’t feel quite as personal as having friendly chats with my Main Dining Room waiters or other staff around the ship.

One positive at the all-inclusive was the lack of a busy schedule

On my first day at Palmaïa: The House of AïA, I felt a strong sense of tranquility that I generally don’t feel onboard a busy cruise ship. I first attributed this to the resort’s wellness vibe, but later realized it was from something totally different—a lack of a set schedule.

Most cruisers keep a busy schedule during their vacation. While onboard, it’s common to plan your day around activities and entertainment. In port, you have to constantly check the time to ensure you don’t miss the ship’s departure.

At an all-inclusive, there’s no need to think about the time beyond your dinner reservation. Personally, I preferred this type of atmosphere, even if there weren’t as many activities as a cruise.

You can truly enjoy time at the beach or pool without worrying about what comes next.

I was also surprised by the lack of crowds at the all-inclusive. I was told the resort wasn’t at full capacity, but it seemed to be almost empty. I never struggled to find pool chairs, and I certainly never had to walk around crowded hallways and thoroughfares to get from one place to another.

I missed visiting multiple destinations, though

As a destination-focused cruiser, I love any chance to cross new islands, cities, and countries off my travel wishlist. At the same time, I hate not being able to experience these destinations for more than just a few hours.

I thought staying at an all-inclusive resort might be a nice change from the fast-paced nature of a cruise, but honestly, I missed visiting multiple destinations. After three days of being in the same place, I was ready to go somewhere new.

Being at the resort felt somewhat stale in comparison to planning diverse activities on each port day while cruising. Next time, I’d plan a few activities outside the resort so I don’t feel as trapped.

Despite the positives of an all-inclusive, I’d still rather book a cruise

All in all, I had a wonderful experience at my first all-inclusive resort, but I still don’t think it’s my preferred type of vacation.

I absolutely loved spending time at the beach and pool, and in my spacious room, but part of me missed the variety of activities available on a cruise. Relaxing all day can be fun, but I missed having the chance to attend programming like AquaTheater shows, live music, trivia, and the infamous bellyflop competition.

The cost of an upscale resort like Palmaïa: The House of AïA felt prohibitive, too. I’m not a heavy drinker, and I didn’t feel I got the most out of the all-inclusive experience. I far prefer being able to pick and choose which add-ons to buy on a Royal Caribbean cruise.

I’m not opposed to staying at an all-inclusive resort again, but I might pick one that is more budget-friendly. Even still, I don’t think I could spend an entire week at this type of resort. It’s hard to beat the variety of destinations and activities I can experience on a Royal Caribbean cruise.

Happy weekend! We hope you remembered to Spring Forward! Here’s all the Royal Caribbean news this week!

Royal Caribbean just made cruise dinner planning easier.

In an effort to improve the pre-cruise online experience, there's a new feature on the website that allows guests to change their dining times effortlessly.

The cruise line recently added a new way for passengers to update their cruise dining plans on its website before their cruise.

Royal Caribbean News

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• Royal Caribbean is working on a way to fix an annoying problem before Perfect Day Mexico opens
• The 4 best cruises to maximize Crown & Anchor loyalty benefits
• Unwritten rules to know before eating at the Main Dining Room
• 10 Things to check after booking a Royal Caribbean cruise
• The best shows on Royal Caribbean cruise ships, according to cruisers
• The best Caribbean cruise for every type of traveler
• I spent 7 nights on the one of the biggest cruise ships and did 6 things right to prepare for a stress-free vacation

New RCB Video: I Tried a 7 Day Cruise on a 24 Year Old Ship

Have you subscribed to the Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube Channel? We share some great videos there regularly, all about taking a Royal Caribbean cruise! This week, we are sharing our latest video — I Tried a 7 Day Cruise on a 24 Year Old Ship — and don’t forget to subscribe to our channel.

Royal Caribbean is testing out a new day pass option

If you want a no-frills admission into the new Royal Beach Club, there could be a new way to get it.

On a handful of cruises, a new nothing included day pass is being offered for just $49 per person.

Drinks and food would cost extra, but you'd be able to get into the highly sought after beach club without paying a higher price for all-inclusive.

Royal Caribbean has the same bar on every ship, but it’s better on these ships

While you'll find a Schooner Bar on every ship in the fleet, I think the best one is on one of its older ships.

I generally gravitate towards big ships, but you can't deny the Schooner Bar is better on a Radiance Class ship.

After sailing on many ships, the truth is the Schooner Bar isn’t the same everywhere.

4 dining changes Royal Caribbean made that fixed frustrating problems

Thanks to a number of recent improvements, planning dinner on a Royal Caribbean cruise is now easier than ever.

With a greater emphasis on digital offerings, the website and app have both gotten upgrades for simplifying the pre-cruise dinner planning process.

All of it has contributed to making the vacation be as smooth as possible.

Royal Caribbean wants to build something huge to change how ships get repaired

Royal Caribbean has proposed building a new floating dry dock in Central America.

The proposal would be to construct in Panama as an alternative to drydocks in Asia.

Plus, it would open up more space for ships since existing drydocks are very busy.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

We've just released the 599th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast. In it, Matt talks about the recent change to remove soda cups and machines from most drink packages.

You can subscribe to the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast via YouTube, iTunes, Google Play or RSS.

Royal Caribbean is one of many companies hit hard this week by the fallout of the Iran conflict, as its stock price took a tumble.

Oil prices surged on Friday amid growing fears of a broader storage crisis in the Middle East, which could force the world's largest oil producers to halt extraction. But what does this mean for cruise lines that rely on massive amounts of fuel for their ships to travel between ports?

Unsurprisingly, fuel is one of the cruise industry's largest and most volatile expenses. In Q4 2025, Royal Caribbean consumed 439,000 metric tons of fuel at $667 per metric ton, according to GuruFocus, and the company projects using 1.76 million metric tons throughout 2026, at a total cost of roughly $1.17 billion. 

Although 60% of Royal Caribbean's 2026 fuel was hedged (or pre-bought) at $474 per metric ton, the remaining 40% is subject to market fluctuations — for better or worse. Approximately 10% of the 2026 fuel consumption is expected to be from LNG and biofuel blends. 

As such, based on the 2026 fuel forecasts, there are over 520,000 metric tons of fuel that could be subject to a 30% price increase. 

The cost of West Texas Intermediate oil, the U.S. oil benchmark, jumped to $86.57 per barrel on Friday morning, while Brent crude, the international benchmark, rose 4.7% to $89.44, as shared by CBS News. Both were trading near their highest levels since April 2024. 

Thankfully, oil prices aren't close to what they were in late 2007 and 2008, when the West Texas Intermediate benchmark hit roughly $146 per barrel — around $220 in today's money when adjusted for inflation. At around $86 per barrel as of Friday, current oil prices remain well below those historic highs.

Royal Caribbean's hedges mean that the company isn't as susceptible to wild market swings, which helps soften the blow of rising fuel prices.

Unlike Royal Caribbean, Carnival Corporation & plc doesn't hedge any of its fuel. Brokerage William Blair & Co. claims that the rising fuel costs could penalize the company's full-year earnings by about 20 cents per share, Seatrade Cruise News reported. 

Consequently, the rising oil prices have created significant uncertainty for cruise operators, contributing to a sudden decline in cruise stocks. If prices remain high, cruise companies like Royal Caribbean and Carnival may face tighter profit margins and see major impacts on current share prices. 

Will Royal Caribbean pass on a fuel surcharge to guests?

According to Royal Caribbean's cruise contract, the cruise line has the right to impose a fuel surcharge on its guests without warning, either when booking the cruise or anytime before the sailing begins. 

"Subject to the terms of this Section, Carrier reserves the right, without prior notice to Guest, to impose a fuel supplement charge (the 'Fuel Supplement'). Carrier may impose such Fuel Supplement either at the time of booking or thereafter at any time prior to sailing," the contract states. 

The contract further specifies when a fuel surcharge could be imposed. If, after booking, the price of West Texas Intermediate crude exceeds $65 per barrel or the Henry Hub Natural Gas Spot price exceeds $3 per million British Thermal Units, Royal Caribbean can charge guests up to $12 per day, per person.

"Carrier may, in its sole discretion, require Guest to prepay the Fuel Supplement prior to boarding the Vessel or apply such charge to Guest’s onboard folio at the time of sailing. Guest’s refusal or failure to prepay any Fuel Supplement may be deemed as a cancellation by Guest," the contract continues. 

Despite the specific terms and conditions (and West Texas Intermediate fuel clearly exceeding $65 per barrel as of March 6), it is unlikely that Royal Caribbean will add fuel surcharges, even as oil prices continue to spike. 

When oil prices rose in 2022, Royal Caribbean Group opted not to pass the costs directly onto passengers, The Points Guy reported. Then-spokesperson Jonathon Fishman explicitly said, "We won't be imposing fuel surcharges" in an emailed statement to the online publication. 

The company’s hedging strategy plays a key role in the decision since 60% of the 2026 fuel has already been locked in and accounted for in the budget, meaning the cruise line has a buffer for sudden market changes. 

In other words, they don't have to immediately resort to drastic measures like imposing fuel surcharges and can avoid burdening passengers with unexpected fees, even though it's something everyone agrees to in the contract. 

Why are crude oil prices rising?

Last weekend, the U.S. and Israel launched multiple sustained air and missile strikes against Iran, targeting the country's missile infrastructure, military sites, and leadership, the BBC reported. During the attacks, Iran's Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, and several high-ranking officials were killed.

Iran retaliated by launching ballistic missiles towards Israel and several Gulf states, which hit or were intercepted in countries like Lebanon, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. 

They also halted shipments of oil and liquefied natural gas through the Strait of Hormuz, which normally carries about 20% of global oil shipments.

On a normal day, about 138 vessels travel through the Strait of Hormuz. However, that number dropped to "single-digit levels," according to a statement issued on March 6 by the Joint Maritime Information Center. 

"Recent AIS review indicates transits continue at single-digit levels, with only 04 confirmed commercial transits observed in the past 24 hours. JMIC has no indication that these vessels were escorted," reads the statement. 

"This represents a near-total temporary pause in routine commercial traffic, resulting from ongoing regional conflict dynamics involving Iran, including warnings against transits by U.S., Israeli, European, and allied vessels."

Read more: How the US-Israeli attacks in Iran are impacting cruises so far

Within the past two years, Royal Caribbean has made multiple dining changes that are helping to reshape and simplify the line's food experience. 

Dining is a central part of any cruise vacation. Whether you enjoy the vast options of the buffet, indulgent three-course meals in the Main Dining Room, or intimate specialty restaurants, a lot of your decisions revolve around when and where you're going to eat. 

Not only that, but mealtime serves as a built-in social time, where you gather with friends and family to reconnect, talk about the day's activities, and plan the rest of your time on board. 

As such, small tweaks to menus, seating times, or better reservation systems can feel significant when planning a cruise. Cruises are all about convenience, so any well-thought-out update isn't just about the food itself — it's about making your vacation flow as smoothly as possible. 

Introduced a third seating time in the dining room

Historically, Royal Caribbean offered two traditional dinner times on its ships, seating guests around 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Although the traditional seating worked for many, others thought the times were either too early or too late. 

Consequently, in 2024, the cruise line added a third dining time to fit other passengers' schedules, ensuring that dinner remained a convenient and enjoyable part of the daily cruise experience. The exact time of the extra seating depends on the ship and itinerary, but it typically starts between 6:45 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. 

While My Time Dining lets guests choose when they want to eat each night, the third traditional seating offers a middle ground for those who still enjoy having the same wait staff but want something more flexible.

According to Royal Caribbean's Senior Vice President of Food & Beverage, Linken D'Souza, the change was made to give cruisers "more choice and variety and flexibility for their vacation."

"We're just trying to create more convenience, variety, and options for our guests," he said during an exclusive interview with Royal Caribbean Blog. 

He added that early tests of the new third set dining time were overwhelmingly positive, with cruisers giving the seating higher ratings than the early, late, and My Time Dining options. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean introduces third dining time

Added a feature to pre-book specialty restaurants with dining packages

Specialty restaurants are popular add-ons on Royal Caribbean cruises — from the classic Chops Grille to interactive hibachi experiences, indulgent Italian feasts, and more. 

Many cruisers prefer the specialty experience over the Main Dining Room, citing the intimate vibe, higher-quality food, and personalized service as making the meals more memorable. 

With the cruise line's dining packages, guests can now enjoy specialty meals without the hassle of paying for each experience separately. 

In the past, one of the major caveats with the packages was that you had to wait until you were on the ship to confirm your reservations. 

Now, however, you can pre-book specialty restaurants for the Unlimited Dining Package, along with the 3-Night Dining Package, on the Cruise Planner. This means you do not have to scramble to the reservations desk on embarkation day! 

You can make reservations for dinner or lunch (when available). Plus, the online portal indicates all available dining times, blocking out those that are fully booked.

Read more: Royal Caribbean extends a fix to a huge dining package problem

Began charging no-shows at restaurants

On a similar note, with specialty restaurants being in such high demand, the cruise line implemented a policy to cut down on last-minute cancellations caused by no-shows. 

In Sept. 2024, Royal Caribbean sent an email to travel agents informing them that it had plans to begin charging for no-shows at its specialty dining restaurants. 

"We will be implementing charges for no-shows at specialty dining reservations across the fleet. Our goal is to preserve these limited seats for clients eager to experience our exclusive, limited-capacity dining options. By encouraging guests to honor their reservations, we aim to enhance the overall experience," the notice read. 

Modifications to the reservation are not allowed within 24 hours of the scheduled dining time. According to the cruise line's website, cancellation fees start at $25 per person and increase to $50 for restaurants like the Empire Supper Club, Lincoln Park Supper Club, Chef's Table, Royal Railway, and Izumi Hibachi, where seating is more limited. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean will now charge for no-shows at specialty restaurants

Simplified how cruisers can request a dining change

Most recently, Royal Caribbean made it easier for guests to change their preferred dining time through its website. 

Previously, you had to either call the cruise line or your travel agent, which could be time-consuming. Now, with just a few clicks online, it's easier than ever to move from the early seating to the late seating. 

You can also request to change from one of the traditional seatings to My Time Dining, giving you the option to choose when you'd like to eat each night (and vice versa). 

If an option is full, such as the early seating, you can select the box to be put on the waitlist. Should a spot open up, the system will update to reflect the change. 

To access the new dining change feature, you must first log in to your Royal Caribbean account on the website. From there, navigate to your upcoming cruise and click "Manage Reservation," followed by "Room and Guests."

Your current dining selection will appear under "Preferred Dining Time." However, you can easily click “Edit” to choose a new time or put yourself on the waitlist for your preferred option. Note that if you booked through a travel agent, you may still have to contact them to change the dining time on your cruise. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean simplifies dinner planning with website update

Royal Caribbean is known for its world-class entertainment, but some shows are better than others.

From high-diving spectacles in the AquaTheater to Broadway-caliber productions in the main theater, Royal Caribbean's ships consistently deliver shows that leave spectators speechless. However, not every show lives up to the hype. 

One curious cruiser went to Reddit to ask other sailors what performances left a more memorable impression than others. 

"What Royal Caribbean shows or entertainment left you in awe during your cruise?" asked papabauer on the r/royalcaribbean thread. 

"I'm curious to hear about the performances or entertainment options on Royal Caribbean ships that truly captivated you! Whether it was a Broadway-style musical, an ice skating show, or the stunning Aqua Theater performances, I’d love to know what impressed you the most."

Within one day, the post received over 90 comments, with cruisers passionately sharing their experiences from recent voyages. Some praised the jaw-dropping AquaTheater shows, while others couldn't stop talking about the ice skating shows and musicals. 

In no particular order, here are the best Royal Caribbean shows that cruisers can't get enough of. 

The Wizard of Oz (Icon of the Seas)

"The Wizard of Oz" is exclusive to Icon of the Seas. This Broadway-style musical brings the beloved classic film to life with stunning costumes, immersive sets, and talented performers. 

The show quickly became a favorite among cruisers, with many flocking to the comments of the Reddit post to praise the musical production. 

"[We got my dad] to agree to [see the] wizard of oz last month on icon. He stayed awake for the whole show. We are headed out on star soon. I mentioned [that] back to the future is the show scheduled for the trip. He said he would like to see it and was surprised [by] how much he enjoyed [the] wizard of oz. For him that’s a huge compliment for the show," shared oOoOsarahOoOo.

BeagleMom agreed, saying, "The Wizard of [Oz] on Icon was breathtaking." 

Aqua80 (Oasis of the Seas)

While BeagleMom was a fan of "The Wizard of Oz," she said nothing compares to Aqua80, the outdoor AquaTheater shows on Oasis of the Seas. 

Her opinion was a popular one, with many agreeing that Aqua80 is one of the best shows that Royal Caribbean offers. 

"Aqua 80 is the best thing I have ever seen on a ship, mind blowing, phenomenal," said karenmarie303. 

sedona71717 wrote, "Aqua 80 on Oasis. I grew up in the 80s and it felt like a time machine. I was crying at several points in the show— it just took me back."

Aside from Aqua80, many comments agreed that any of the AquaTheater shows are worth seeing. For example, tam6767 thought that the aqua show on Symphony of the Seas should have cost extra — it was THAT good. 

GermantownTiger also reminisced on their first time seeing an AquaTheater show, writing, "[The show] was incredible. Our first Oasis class ship we sailed was Symphony of the Seas in 2019. HIRO is the name of the show...we'll always remember it."

Someone else added that even though the standard Royal Caribbean performances don't really impress them, they're always awe-struck by the aqua shows.

"[T]he tightrope walkers for the Aqua show do absolutely impress me. Last time I went it was super windy and pouring, yet he got through it like it didn’t even bother him. Incredible," prettycote said. 

Back to the Future: The Musical (Star of the Seas)

As the second ship in the ground-breaking Icon Class, you'd expect Royal Caribbean to bring its A-game to Star of the Seas — and they certainly did. Starting in the main theater, multiple cruisers said they were wowed by "Back to the Future: The Musical."

Redditor jonregister couldn't wrap their head around the fact that the entire show took place aboard a moving cruise ship.

"Back to the Future on Star was insane!" agreed TheEverydayStoic. 

"Torque, Sol and [Back to the Future] are all insanely good. All would be hundreds for admission on land," said vpat48. 

Torque (Star of the Seas)

If musicals aren't your thing, make sure you prioritize seeing the aqua show on Star of the Seas. For many loyal cruisers, it's one of the best ones in the entire fleet. 

The AquaTheater on Icon Class vessels was moved to the front of the ship and enclosed within the AquaDome. As such, it's a little smaller than the outdoor venue. Still, the aerial stunts, high-tech visuals, and jaw-dropping dives are no less impressive. 

Organic_Question_860 commented, "I was in awe [of Torque] the entire time. So were my kids. They wanted to stay in our seats and watch the next show."

SOL (Star of the Seas)

A lot of passengers also thought that the ice skating show on Star of the Seas was better than the one aboard Icon of the Seas.

"Ice show on Star is better than Icon as it is not interrupted by the magician and then the stunt ramp skate guys are thrilling. It flows better," explained tsmrssmith. 

snowflakeFTW was also impressed with the ice skating show, saying, "Just got off Star last week. Back to the Future and SOL were great."

Mamma Mia (Allure of the Seas)

While there's a lot to appreciate about the new Icon Class ships, they aren't the most affordable in the fleet. However, you don't have to worry about sacrificing top-tier entertainment if you cruise on an older vessel. 

"Mamma Mia" on Allure of the Seas, for example, is a crowd favorite. And how could it not be? The production features ABBA's greatest hits, including "Dancing Queen," "Super Trouper," and "Mamma Mia," and energetic choreography that delivers the same fun night out atmosphere that made it a global sensation on land. 

"We were on Allure for 2 weeks (8d/6d back to back) a few years ago, and saw [Mamma] Mia three times because we enjoyed it so much. Twice on our own, and [then] again with friends who joined us for the second cruise," geko29 commented. 

Ice Odyssey (Voyager of the Seas)

Over half of Royal Caribbean's fleet has an ice rink onboard, making its ice-skating productions one of the cruise line’s signature entertainment offerings. 

One Redditor argued that Voyager of the Seas' Ice Odyssey showcased some of the best talent that can be found on the high seas. 

FearlessKnitter12 claimed that they have seen the ice show on Voyager "many times." Even with different casts, the performances have been "excellent." 

Once Upon a Time (Freedom of the Seas)

Older ships that lack Broadway-style musicals don't always have the best reputation, with some in the comments of the Reddit post talking about how they aren't fans of the original productions. "Once Upon a Time," however, is an exception.

This fairytale show is for those "who never abandoned their inner child." Rather than retelling one specific tale, it focuses on popular childhood stories and adds details that the Brothers Grimm and others left out. 

"'Once Upon a Time' was astonishingly good. The dancing and singing, yes, but also the tech. I was sure one of the backdrops was just impressively painted, but then parts of it moved and other parts opened like windows," said HawaiianShirtsOR.

Sonic Odyssey (Quantum of the Seas)

Another original production show that's well-received is "Sonic Odyssey" on Quantum of the Seas. From the Earth Harp to the massive drum wall, talented violinist, and harmonizing singers, the show celebrates the power of music in a multisensory way.

"Before sailing on [Quantum] of the Seas I read reviews on the show 'Starwater' how you will either like it or you wont and honestly I [didn't] get [the] hype for people who liked it. I thought it was boring...However Sonic Odyssey in the Royal Theater was fantastic!" wrote ClearCollar7201.

goinhungryyeah agreed, commenting, "There was...a really good one on Quantum (NOT Starwater), it was a guy with huge drums and other interesting instruments."

Flight: Dare to Dream (Symphony of the Seas)

grandmacruises and john4brown both thought that "Flight: Dare to Dream" aboard Symphony of the Seas was worth mentioning, with the latter saying that they really enjoyed it during their cruise. 

"Flight: Dare to Dream" is an original show that chronicles the aviation milestones, starting in the near distant future with the land of the world's first-ever aerospace cruiser. 

One of the most show-stopping moments, however, comes at the end of the production, with a massive dramatization of the Wright Brothers' first flight at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. 

Royal Caribbean has proposed a new floating dry dock in a Central American country.

On Wednesday, Royal Caribbean Group officials met with José Raúl Mulino, Panama's President, to talk about constructing a floating dry dock on the country's Pacific coast, as first reported by Seatrade Cruise News. 

According to the proposal, the floating dock would be large enough to service large vessels and serve as an alternative to dry docks in Asia and North America that are either too busy or not large enough to accommodate massive mega-ships. 

Not only that, but the 130,000-ton, 1,312-foot dock would also be equipped to handle container ships and other specialized vessels.

During the meeting, Royal Caribbean officials presented the planned services and the project’s development phases scheduled from 2026 through 2031, adding that the project could generate anywhere from 500 to 800 jobs. 

Plans highlighted a low-carbon and resilient industrial platform, responsible wastewater management, and adherence to international safety and environmental standards.

The proposed facility would be located in Chiriquí Province on the Pacific coast of Panama, specifically in the Punta Piedra area of Puerto Armuelles. 

The location near one of the world's busiest maritime corridors could make the floating dry dock a strategic service point for cruise ships, container vessels, and other large ships.

Panama's president supports the dry dock, claiming that it would enhance the country's importance as a maritime hub and generate skilled jobs in an area that's been neglected for years.

The meeting was attended by representatives from Royal Caribbean Group, as well as Panamanian government officials and local authorities, including Luis Roquebert, administrator of the Panama Maritime Authority; Royal Caribbean Group's Josh Carroll, SVP of deployment; and Andre Pousada, regional VP of government relations.

Royal Caribbean has been building up its North American shipyard presence for a while

In 2000, Royal Caribbean Group, along with Carnival Corporation & plc and the Grand Bahama Port Authority, founded the Grand Bahama Shipyard. 

For more than two decades, the facility has been a leading destination for cruise ship dry docks, refits, and revitalizations, with Royal Caribbean maintaining a 40% ownership stake.

Under a 2024 agreement, the Bahamian government and the Grand Bahama Shipyard approved a $600 million project aimed at transforming the shipyard and turning it into the largest cruise ship repair facility in the world.

The upgrades will feature the world’s two largest floating dry docks, while also creating hundreds of jobs and an apprenticeship program.

In November 2025, the first of the two floating dry docks, called "East End," was delivered to the Freeport shipyard, as reported by The Nassau Guardian. The floating dry dock can lift 93,000 tons and measures roughly 1,172 feet in length and 229 feet in beam.

"The arrival of East End greatly enhances cruise docking and retrofit capability and expands our commercial docking capacity," said Chris Earl, CEO of Grand Bahama Shipyard Limited. 

"The transformation of Grand Bahama Shipyard represents a huge opportunity to create a world-class ship repair ecosystem here in The Bahamas, and we look forward to working with the community to make this significant investment a success."

Read more: Bahamas strikes $600M Deal: Inside the massive shipyard transformation set to dominate cruise repair

What happens during a cruise ship dry dock?

Dry dock is another term for scheduled ship maintenance, during which a vessel is taken out of service so that inspections, repairs, and upgrades can be completed that cannot be done while the ship is in the water. 

Typically, cruise ships undergo a routine dry dock every five years, though vessels may be pulled from service to fix sudden mechanical issues that cannot be safely repaired when the ship is operating. 

The ship is moved into a specially designed dock where the water is drained, providing easy access to the hull and other underwater components, such as the propellers, thrusters, and rudders.

At the same time, dry docks are also an opportunity to renovate public spaces, upgrade cabins, and introduce new venues that cannot be added when the vessel is full of paying passengers. 

Read more: What is a cruise ship dry dock?

One thing Royal Caribbean emphasizes is how much they value their top tier cruisers.

During Royal Caribbean Group's latest earnings call with Wall Street analysts, CEO Jason Liberty talked a lot about how they're investing in its loyalty members.  They see repeat cruisers as an important base to leverage, in the same way a political party relies on its base to boost its agenda.

Having reached the top tier of the cruise line's Crown & Anchor Society, I've seen firsthand how much the company cares about its repeat cruisers. Crew members go out of their way to recognize our loyalty, and the perks we receive are fantastic.

Once you reach the top tiers, it's obvious you enjoy not just cruising, but are a fan of Royal Caribbean.  Therefore, there are certain cruises that I think you should prioritize because they will enhance what you can get out of them as a top tier member.

Go on a President's Cruise with other super fans

Once you realize you're a fan of Royal Caribbean, going on a cruise that celebrates other super fans is a must-try.

I went on my first President's Cruise last year and it was an eye-opening opportunity.  Royal Caribbean holds an annual sailing where cruise line executives host special activities to celebrate all things Royal Caribbean.

There are special perks for the top tier members, including invite-only events. On my sailing, we were invited to get a sneak peek of the new Royal Beach Club before it opened. Each President's Cruise has a different event.

Plus, there are freebies and opportunities to speak to Michael Bayley and other top brass. 

More importantly, if you've made it to Diamond or higher, the President's Cruise is the kind of cruise that I think would be interesting because it's akin to attending a fan event for those that love a movie trilogy, comic books, or other similar fandoms.

The next President's Cruise is scheduled for October 2026 on Icon of the Seas, and I've got my cabin booked!

Pick a longer sailing, like a repositioning cruise

Now that you're getting the best perks as a top tier member, you'll want to prioritize longer sailings.

It's no coincidence that there are always a lot of Diamond Plus and Pinnacle Club members on these sailings, because longer sailings offer more value.

Repositioning cruises stand out as the sailings you'll find higher Crown and Anchor numbers because they're a tremendous value.  They're usually priced cheaper per night because there's less demand for a longer sailing with lots of sea days.

This fact attracts people that love to cruise, but are also looking for a good deal.

Plus, going on a longer sailing is how you climb the loyalty ladder faster.  By going on longer sailings, you'll earn more points quicker.

No matter how many points you have, there's always a need to earn more.  Perhaps to reach the next tier or just to stay head of Michael Poole.  Regardless, these longer sailings are how you can jump ahead.

Visit private islands

Another priority for any cruise you book is to look for ways to maximize your perks.

Because Royal Caribbean offers so many included freebies at its top levels, I'd recommend picking cruises that visit its private islands.

Royal Caribbean has two private destinations today, with one more on the way.  Perfect Day at CocoCay and Labadee are both enclaves for cruise guests and your onboard perks work there too.

Being able to use your Diamond drink vouchers and Wi-Fi package (CocoCay only) at these places extends the value of your perks.

When Perfect Day Mexico opens in 2027, there will be a new place in the Caribbean to use them too, which means almost any Caribbean sailing will have the opportunity to get more from your Crown and Anchor membership.

How to best use your free Pinnacle cruise

If you can get to Pinnacle Club status, Royal Caribbean will reward you with a free cruise certificate. But I'd be strategic with which one you use it on.

At 700 points, you'll get a free seven night cruise to the Caribbean in a balcony cabin to use. You'll get another free cruise every 350 points after that, which means there's a good reason to keep going.  For example: 700, 1050, 1400, 1750, 2100, et al.

Here's the catch: you can pick a non-Caribbean cruise, but the value is greatly diminished.

If you try to use your Pinnacle certificate for an Alaska cruise, you'll only get $2400 value to use towards it, and no discounts.

What you should do is pick a ship sailing in the Caribbean and go with a new ship.

New ships always cost more than older ships, therefore you'll get the most bang for your buck getting a free cruise on a newer and more in-demand ship than an older one.

Royal Caribbean has dozens of ships and hundreds of bars, but one venue appears on almost every ship in the fleet: Schooner Bar.

It's a classic nautical bar that has become a staple on any ship Royal Caribbean has sailed.  In fact, it's a bar their CEO once said can never be removed.

Jay Schneider, Senior Vice President and Chief Product Innovation Officer, shared when he was hired one directive he received immediately was to never omit the Schooner Bar.

"When I took this job, Michael Bayley said, If I ever proposed or got rid of the Schooner bar, he'd fire me," he quipped in a 2022 interview. "And so that's an example of tradition, things that we know our guests really love."

But after sailing on many ships, one thing becomes obvious: Schooner Bar isn’t the same everywhere. It's noticeably better on one class of ships, surprisingly, it’s not on the newest or biggest ships.

While you'll find a Schooner Bar on every ship, I think Royal Caribbean perfected it over 20 years ago with the launch of the Radiance Class ships.

The one bar you'll find on nearly every Royal Caribbean ship

The Schooner Bar is a signature venue that has been a feature on every ship in the fleet. You'll find one on Voyager Class, Radiance Class, Freedom Class, Oasis Class, and many others.

There are a few characteristics that make the Schooner Bar different.

• It has a nautical theme
• Trivia games during the day
• Live piano entertainment most evenings
• Unique menu of cocktails and martinis

For many cruisers, the Schooner Bar is the go-to evening hangout spot.

The appeal is simple: comfortable seating, views of the ocean, and a bar that feels like it belongs on a cruise ship. Having a nautical feel I think contributes to why so many cruisers prefer this venue.

The entertainment is the x-factor that pushes the Schooner Bar to the top.  Trivia in the day and live piano music each evening make this one of the best hangout spots you'll find.  

The Schooner Bar truly shines on the Radiance Class ships

While I love the Icon Class ships for how impressive they are, there's no question the Schooner Bar is better on the 20+ year old ships that came before it.

The first thing you'll notice about the Schooner Bar on a Radiance Class ship is how big it is. They're significantly wider and have a larger footprint than on new ships.

This allows for a better proportion of space used.

The next thing that makes a Schooner Bar better on Brilliance of the Seas than Star of the Seas is the connection to the ocean.

Schooner Bars on older ships have large windows on one side, allowing you to see what's happening from the comfort of your bar chair.

As newer ships have come out, the Schooner Bar became smaller and more enclosed.

Plus, I think the bar layout was perfected on Radiance Class ships. 

The piano player is the focal point, but there's a fabulous circular bar that has a "Cheers" TV show vibe on one side, with some of the most relaxing chairs you'll find in any bar on the other.

Newer ships don't capture the same vibe

I won't shy away from a Schooner Bar on a new ship, but after experiencing it on Radiance Class, you'll see the difference.

As newer ships have come online, the Schooner Bar became less nautical, has fewer windows, and became disjointed in the seating arrangement.

On the Oasis Class, the Schooner Bar seems like an afterthought, squeezed into a half deck above the Royal Promenade and stretched out.  It's a bit better on the Icon Class, but the position of the piano player is skewed to one side.

When I go on a new ship, the Schooner Bar feels like "just another lounge" rather than a standout spot.  It's still good, but not the focal point it is on other ships.

What makes Schooner Bar so beloved in the first place

The combination of nostalgia and tradition is why I think so many cruisers love the Schooner Bar.

The piano sing-alongs, trivia competitions, great cocktail menu, and loyal cruisers who look to it as their first stop each evening all make this a must-visit.

Speaking of the menu, I think the Schooner Bar has a vastly underrated drink menu.

Royal Caribbean has a special cocktail menu that you'll only find in the Schooner Bar, which adds to the appeal.  While there's nothing wrong with a piña colada or daiquiri, the beverage operations team crafted a new menu that goes well beyond those classics.

The Schooner Bar drink menu has drinks you might not have thought of initially, but sound amazing.

The Desert pear margarita, Toasted marshmallow old fashioned, and Lavender daquiri are all just as good as they sound.

If you have a Royal Caribbean drink package, the drinks listed are included with the package benefits.

For many cruisers, it's one of the few venues that feels the same across the fleet.