Royal Caribbean Blog

What's worth exploring on "The World's Biggest Weekend"?

Utopia of the Seas, just launched this summer, features 18 decks and 2,834 staterooms, with a capacity for 5,668 passengers at double occupancy.

It is the second-largest cruise ship in the world and offers lots for cruisers to experience on short sailings.

The Oasis-Class vessel currently sails three and four-night cruises to the Bahamas and Perfect Day at CocoCay. 

Its shorter sailings require cruisers to plan their time carefully, choosing the most important amenities to take advantage of.

Amid two casinos, carousels, multiple pools and whirlpools, surf simulators, rock climbing walls, and more, how can you decide which features to spend time on?

Utopia is home to 22 dining venues and 13 bars and lounges, but there are ten onboard attractions, in particular, that you can't afford to miss.

1. Royal Railway ($)

The Royal Railway: Utopia Station is a must-see attraction, especially if you're looking to splurge on a specialty restaurant.

This venue is the only one of its kind in the entire fleet, so it's worth exploring during a sailing on Utopia of the Seas.

The Royal Railway takes a dinner-and-a-show concept to a new level. It's more like an immersive experience than a simple restaurant.

Jay Schneider, Royal Caribbean's Senior Vice President and Chief Product Innovation Officer, called the venue a "storytelling platform." 

There's room for multiple stories on the train-car-themed platform, but the vessel currently features a Wild West experience.

The Royal Railway has a flat entrance fee of $74.99 per adult and $24.99 per child. It's also included in the Unlimited Dining Package for a $15 surcharge for adults (no extra cost for kids).

2. Ultimate Abyss

Royal Caribbean's signature dry slide, the recognizable bright purple Ultimate Abyss, is worth trying on Utopia.

While most Oasis Class ships feature the 10-deck slide, Utopia's is 43 feet longer than previous iterations—and is the tallest dry slide at sea.

The Ultimate Abyss spans 259 feet long, offering 10 stories of thrilling drop.

Intrepid guests can queue up to ride a mat down the stainless steel slide.

A glass platform at the launch area shows cruisers just how high the area is—going all the way from the top decks down to the Boardwalk.

A ride down the Ultimate Abyss can reach up to nine miles per hour as it twists and turns!

The Ultimate Abyss is free to ride and has no age limit. However, guests must be at least 44 inches tall and weigh less than 300 pounds.

2. Escape U ($)

Whether or not you're a puzzle aficionado, the escape room on Utopia of the Seas is worth a shot.

Royal Caribbean was the first cruise line to have escape rooms on its ships, and Escape U: Freshman Year is a brand-new concept for the fleet.

For $30 per person, guests join a team to try to escape from the university-themed room.

Groups of 2-12 guests receive 30 minutes to solve various puzzles and figure out where their missing professor has gone. 

It's neither too easy nor too hard, and passengers of all ages will enjoy putting their minds to this mystery.

3. Perfect Storm waterslides 

The Perfect Storm waterslides on Utopia of the Seas are a thrilling trio of slides designed for guests to have a variety of experiences.

Typhoon is a fast-paced slide with steep drops and rapid turns. Cyclone has another intense ride experience, with tight spirals at a dizzying speed.

Read more: 5 things to know before sailing on Royal Caribbean's Utopia of the Seas

Supercell has a giant, swirling bowl that spins guests around before dropping them through the center.

The waterslides are free of charge, but guests must be 48 inches tall to ride.

4. Laser tag 

Did you know you can play laser tag on a cruise ship?

Utopia's laser tag takes place in Studio B, which is the ice skating rink that doubles for many other events.

Families and guests of all ages can participate in this fun-filled, fast-paced game. 

Each participant receives a lightweight vest with sensors and a harmless laser gun that shoots infrared beams.

Laser tag is free of charge, but you'll want to book a time slot ahead of time using the Royal Caribbean app. Guests must wear close-toed shoes to participate.

5. Aqua80 Too 

Aqua80 was such a fan-favorite on Oasis of the Seas that Royal Caribbean decided to debut a sequel on its newest Oasis-Class ship.

Aqua80 Too, Utopia's AquaShow, features a live performance by world-class acrobats, athletes, dancers, and divers, all set to a soundtrack of upbeat, familiar hits from the 1980s.

Whether you attend for the nostalgic 80s music, the awe-inspiring feats of athleticism, or the wonderous light shows, this show has something for everyone.

Among all of Utopia's entertainment, it's one of the must-see performances onboard.

6. FlowRider 

The FlowRider is a thrilling surf simulator found on most Royal Caribbean ships.

Powerful jets of water are pumped over its blue vinyl surface to simulate a 40-foot-long wave.

Guests can either bodyboard lying down or stand up surfing on an ocean-like wave of water.

It's an adventurous experience where you can learn to surf on a cruise ship!

The Flowrider area also has lifeguards present and seating all around the pool, so spectators can enjoy the experience.

The FlowRider is free to watch and use, but guests needing extra practice can pay for additional lessons.

7. Izumi Omakase ($)

The chef-led Izumi Omakase is only available on Utopia of the Seas, and it's worth the extra cost.

It's an eight-course communal dining experience. 

Read more: Utopia of the Seas restaurant and dining guide

Each course of dinner is paired with a special drink, and both the host and chef will guide you through it in English and Japanese.

The cost is $129.99 per guest, and there is no kids pricing. It is also included in the Unlimited Dining Package with a $59.99 surcharge.

Utopia of the Seas is also the second Royal Caribbean ship to place Izumi Sushi and Hibachi in Central Park (after Icon of the Seas).

A 66-year-old woman went overboard from a cruise ship late Tuesday night, and it's being reported she jumped.

Search efforts were made quickly to try to find the woman who was sailing on Royal Caribbean's Allure of the Seas.

TMZ reports that the, "woman jumped from the 14th floor of the cruise ship."

Both the U.S. Coast Guard and Royal Bahamas Defense Force conducted searches, along with Royal Caribbean cruise ships.

Search efforts proved unsuccessful and the operation was called off on Wednesday.

The woman went overboard at 9:40 PM on Tuesday.

Earlier, Royal Caribbean issued a statement, "Our crew immediately launched a search and rescue effort and is working with local authorities. We are also providing support and assistance to the guest's family during this difficult time. To respect the privacy of our guest’s family, we have no additional details to share."

Jump, not fall

A representative for the Royal Bahamas Defense Force made the distinction that the woman jumped from the ship, which is important understanding what happened.

News of someone going overboard into the ocean is enough to scare a lot of people that are unaware of how safe cruise ships really are.

Unfortunately, media reports tend to use the word "fall" to describe the action, which conjures up imagery of a passenger minding their own business when they fall unexpectedly over the side of a cruise ship.

"I'll stress that people don't just fall over the side," said Brian Salerno, senior vice president of global maritime policy at Cruise Lines International Association (now retired). 

"There are railings and they're pretty high. It's almost always the result of an intentional act."

Cruise ships have railings that are around chest height to ensure passenger safety and to prevent someone from slipping and falling overboard.

The situation is either the result of someone intentionally jumping, or being somewhere they shouldn't be and then falling.  As an example, climbing on the railing or standing on a deck chair.

Royal Caribbean's guest-conduct policy says, "Sitting, standing, laying or climbing on, over or across any exterior or interior railings or other protective barriers, or tampering with ship's equipment, facilities or systems designed for guest safety is not permitted." 

Breaking the rules can result in being kicked off the ship at the next port.

In past similar incidents, guests have not only been kicked off the ship but also banned for life from the cruise line.

A woman that stood on her balcony railing in 2019 was banned for life.

What happens when someone is overboard?

As is the case with the incident this week on Spectrum of the Seas, the first thing the ship's crew will do is attempt to ascertain when the man overboard situation occurred.

The ship will also contact local authorities to help conduct a search.

In the United States, the Coast Guard is contact, but since this occurred in Asia, the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre Singapore was the agency Royal Caribbean contacted to assist in the search.

The ship and local authorities will attempt to search an area based on where the person likely hit the water, and where they are likely to be.

If you love big ships, there's a new way to see more of Alaska than ever before on Royal Caribbean.

Cruisers can now book their 2026 Royal Caribbean sailing to Alaska, and they've changed their lineup by having one of their megaships do open-jaw runs instead of a smaller ship.

Ovation of the Seas is one of four Royal Caribbean ships just announced to sail to Alaska in 2026, and the voyages are open for booking on the Royal Caribbean website or by speaking with a travel agent.

Following in the tradition of previous deployments, Royal Caribbean will send four ships of the fleet to Alaska. 

In addition to Ovation, Royal Caribbean will also deploy Anthem of the Seas, Voyager of the Seas, and Serenade of the Seas to the Last Frontier.

Read more: I went on a 7-night cruise to Alaska. Here are 16 things that surprised me the most.

Take a look at the 2026 cruises to Alaska

The 2026 Alaska cruises are available to book between May and September 2026.

The most notable change is Ovation of the Seas will sail open-jaw sailings out of Vancouver.

This Quantum-Class mega-ship is scheduled to cruise 7-night Northbound Alaska and Hubbard Glacier itineraries. 

Between May and September of 2026, the vessel will visit ports such as Sitka, Juneau, Skagway, Seward, Icy Strait Point, with views of the Hubbard Glacier.

This means you can sail from Vancouver to Seward, or Seward to Vancouver and see more of Alaska than ever before because you can combine the sailing with a Cruisetour.

Cruisetours are pre- and post-land trips you can add-on to a cruise that are operated through Royal Caribbean and can take you to inland places, such as Denali National Park and Preserve and Banff National Park.

New CruiseTours available in summer 2026 include a 9-night Destination Denali CruiseTour, 12-night Kenai Trek and Inland Wildlife CruiseTour and a 13-night Homer Adventure and Interior Wildlife CruiseTour. 

These sort of sailings have traditionally been only offered by much smaller ships.

The change to have a big ship such as Ovation of the Seas is related to a $137 million cruise ship port that is being built in Seward, Alaska that should be ready for the 2026 cruise season.

Anthem of the Seas will sail roundtrip, 7-night voyages out of Seattle, Washington.

Voyager of the Seas will also homeport in Seattle, offering 7-night sailings to popular Alaskan ports.

Both ships will visit popular ports such as Skagway, Juneau, Sitka, and Icy Strait Point. Alaskan sailings out of Seattle also offer cruisers the opportunity to view Dawes Glacier, as long as the weather permits a sighting. 

Itineraries will vary depending on the sailing.

Read more: I cruised on the oldest and newest cruise ships to Alaska: here’s how they compare

Returning to Alaska in 2026, Serenade of the Seas will cruise 7-night roundtrip sailings from Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

One notable change is Serenade will visit Prince Rupert, British Columbia, which is located on Kaien Island near the Alaskan panhandle.

Repositioning cruises are also open for booking

Royal Caribbean has also added two repositioning cruises to its 2026 Alaska deployments.

Voyager of the Seas will cruise a 25-night Transpacific itinerary, departing on April 14th from Brisbane, Austrailia. 

The sailing will call at Papeetee, Tahiti; Moorea, French Polynesia; Honolulu, Hawaii; Hailua Kona, Hawaii; and Hilo, Hawaii, before reaching Seattle, Washington.

Anthem of the Seas also offers a repositioning cruise: a 18-night Transpacific sailing departing on April 14th.

The Quantum-Class ship will sail from Sydney, Australia, to New Zealand; Papeetee, Tahiti; Moorea, French Polynesia; Raiatea, French Polynesia; and Honolulu, Hawaii.

What is an open-jaw cruise?

An open-jaw sailing is essentially a one-way cruise that embarks in one port and disembarks in another.

Open-jaw cruises are a popular choice to sail to Alaska because of the beautiful land views the state offers.

Cruisers find that the more remote ports and inland areas of Alaska provide the most authentic view. For those who value the landscapes and wildlife of the Last Frontier, an open-jaw cruise provides more opportunities to sight-see.

These sailings visit more ports than round-trip cruises and allow you to book land tours before or after the cruise in different locations.

However, one-way sailings come with additional logistics questions and often cost more in transportation to and from the cruise ports.

For example, you'll have to book two one-way flights instead of round-trip airfare. These two flights will often be more expensive, in addition to the extra cost of travel to and from the airports.

For example, if your cruise begins or ends in Seward, Alaska, you'll have to account for a 2+ hour drive to the airport.

Another disadvantage of open-jaw sailings is that they require a valid passport. US citizens cannot use a birth certificate or government ID for these sailings.

Book earlier for the best price

Alaskan cruises are more expensive than Caribbean sailings, but you can get a better price by booking early.

Typically, the lowest pricing for an Alaska cruise is found right when itineraries are released.

Especially if you'd like to sail during the peak of the cruising season, with warmer weather (in June and July), you should book your cruise as soon as possible.

Read more: The worst months to cruise to Alaska

The shoulder season (the months of May and September) offers good deals on occasion but worse weather.

Plus, specific cabins can sell out quickly on popular sailings. For example, if you want to book a suite or aft balcony cabin on Serenade of the Seas, you'll need to book as early as possible to ensure your preferred category.

As a rule, placing your initial deposit as soon as you can gets you the best price.

Booking your Alaska cruise:

• How to choose the right Alaska cruise itinerary
• 50 Royal Caribbean Alaska Cruise Tips
• Royal Caribbean Alaska excursions: Recommended tours for each port
• What Is an Alaska Inside Passage Cruise?
• What is the most useful time to cruise to Alaska?
• Best things to do on an Alaska cruise
• Alaska cruise packing list: What to pack for your sailing

A cruise ship passenger may have gone overboard from a Royal Caribbean cruise ship, the U.S. Coast Guard says.

The U.S. Coast Guard said a search is underway for a a 66-year-old woman that somehow went into the ocean while sailing on Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas.

The report of the passenger overboard occurred at 9:40pm on Tuesday evening, roughly 17 miles north of Nassau, Bahamas.

Allure of the Seas is sailing a 4-night Bahamas cruise that departed Miami.

Search efforts by the Coast Guard include a plane and a helicopter dispatched from Miami.

Royal Caribbean also brought Icon of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas to assist in the search.

Photo by X user @Navaleye1

Royal Caribbean confirmed the incident in a statement, "Our crew immediately launched a search and rescue effort and is working with local authorities. We are also providing support and assistance to the guest’s family during this difficult time. 

"To respect the privacy of our guest’s family, we have no additional details to share."

"Hoping for a miracle"

Passengers sailing on Allure of the Seas posted on social media their account of what happened last night.

"Allure of the seas. Code Oscar," wrote Reddit user Kaylaaa002.  Oscar is a maritime code for someone that has gone overboard.

"Heart goes out to the family."

Suspicious-Visit8634 added, "That is terrible, hoping for a miracle".

One user tracked the search efforts of the Coast Guard airplane, noting the pattern the plane took to try to locate the woman.

Onboard safety precautions

The chances of falling overboard on a cruise ship are extremely low.

Deck railings on Royal Caribbean cruise ships are at least 42-inches high, which comply Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act (CVSSA) of 2010.

In addition, there are thick metal or Plexiglas panels or metal bars are positioned under the railings to prevent people from slipping through. 

When a man overboard situation occurs, the media usually reports on it and it leads some to wonder how it could happen in the first place.

An article from The Points Guy points out cruise ships have railings that are around chest height to ensure passenger safety and to prevent someone from slipping and falling overboard.

"The only way you risk a fall is if you're standing on furniture to peer over the side or climbing somewhere you're not supposed to. It's not possible for you to trip over a door frame or slip on a wet deck and fall off of a vessel."

Passengers going overboard are rare

The chances of a cruise ship passenger going overboard are quite low, but it does occasionally happen.

In a report from Cruise Line International Association (CLIA), there were 212 identified overboard incidents from cruise ships for either crew members or passengers between 2009 to 2019. 

Of these overboard incidents, only 48 (or 28.2%) individuals were successfully rescued. Around 71.8% of people who go overboard from cruise ships are sadly never recovered or located. 

The CLIA report also shows an overall decline in overboard incidents throughout the 10-year period. The overboard incident rate decreased 64% from 2009 to 2019, with an incidence rate of 0.00004 overboard reports per active lower berth in 2019.

The report states, “When compared with the growth in capacity in the industry over the study years, man overboard incidents continue on a downward trend.” 

A group of Taylor Swift fans embarked on the cruise of their Wildest Dreams. 

Marvelous Mouse Travels organized a 4-night group cruise aboard Royal Caribbean's Allure of the Seas following Swift's visit to Miami, Florida, on the Eras Tour. 

Though not a full-ship charter, the travel agency reserved 199 staterooms onboard the 225,282 gross registered ton vessel. According to a TikTok shared by travel agent and co-organizer Jessica Malerman, 400 people registered for the Swiftie sailing. 

"Join us as we celebrate all things Taylor, make new friends, dress up in our favorite eras, trade friendship bracelets, and enjoy everything this amazing ship has to offer!" the website states. The Taylor-themed events are exclusively available to guests who booked through Marvelous Mouse Travels and are included in the cruise fare. 

That said, Marvelous Mouse Travels is neither affiliated nor endorsed by TASRM or Taylor Swift. Moreover, Taylor Swift is not on the sailing. Instead, she's gearing up for her shows in New Orleans, Louisiana scheduled for October 25, 26, and 27. The group cruise is simply a place for Swifties to celebrate their love for the iconic pop star. 

The sailing departed from Miami, Florida, on October 21, 2024, with scheduled ports of call in Nassau, Bahamas, and Perfect Day at CocoCay. 

A TikTok shared by @ashleytravels715 reveals attendees varying in age, from children to young adults and even parents who grew up listening to Swift's earlier albums. Most passengers were sporting, "In my cruise era" t-shirts, which cleverly nods to Swift's record-breaking Eras Tour. 

Read more: I'm a new cruiser and tried a weekend cruise on one of the biggest cruise ships

The concert runs over 3.5 hours, with a setlist of over 40 songs from all of Swift's studio albums, ranging from Fearless to The Tortured Poets Department. 

The tour began on March 17, 2023, in Glendale, Arizona, and is scheduled to conclude on December 8, 2024, in Toronto, Canada, after over 120 performances. 

While re-sale ticket prices for the tour have soared into the tens of thousands, the 4-night Swiftie group cruise was much more affordable, with double occupancy cabins starting at around $1,573. Considering the price includes unlimited food in complimentary venues, transportation to two ports in The Bahamas, and Taylor-themed events, it's a much better value for fans looking to mingle in a unique setting. 

That said, add-ons—including but not limited to—drink packages, Wi-Fi, spa treatments, specialty restaurants, and shore excursions were extra. 

Read more: The Ultimate Guide to Freebies on a Royal Caribbean Cruise

Taylor Swift performed on Allure of the Seas in 2011

"...the hands of fate" played perfectly into this cruise, with Allure of the Seas setting sail the day after Swift finished her 3-night stint in Miami. Not only did the date align, but what better place to host a Swiftie cruise than onboard a ship that Taylor herself has performed on? 

When Swift performed on Allure of the Seas, the ship was the world's newest and largest. The concert, which was held at the AquaTheater, had about 735 attendees.

However, during a later interview, Swift remarked that the AquaTheater was a unique venue to perform at, allowing her to see fans not only in the amphitheater but also from their Boardwalk balcony cabins. 

Allure of the Seas to undergo a $100 million-plus renovation in early 2025

During her Royal Amplification in March 2025, Allure will be outfitted with new restaurants, updates, and concepts. 

First, the pool deck will be refreshed and receive Royal Caribbean's relatively new Caribbean-inspired decor. There will be more seating and shade, from casitas to in-pool lounges, daybeds, and more. 

Additionally, children can stay cool at Splashway Bay, a kid-friendly water play area, or rush down the Perfect Storm waterslides. Not only that, but adults will appreciate the enhanced adults-only Solarium. The top deck will also receive El Loco Fresh, a fast-casual Mexican-inspired joint included in the cost of the cruise. 

Inside, passengers can grab a pre-dinner drink at the tropical Pesky Parrot Bar, which made its grand debut on Utopia of the Seas, before dining at one of two new specialty restaurants: Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade or The Mason Jar. 

In terms of activities, guests can expect a new Royal Escape Room, glow-in-the-dark laser tag, an Ultimate Abyss dry slide, and even a new layout for the Adventure Ocean. 

Finally, Allure will be outfitted with a massive 914-square-foot Ultimate Panoramic Suite above the ship's bridge. 

The amplified Allure of the Seas will begin sailing on April 11, 2025. After a stint in Europe, the Oasis Class vessel will make her way to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and sail alternating 6- and 8-night itineraries to the Western and Eastern Caribbean. 

What's it like to work on a cruise ship, and is working and living on a cruise ship the right career path for you?

Royal Caribbean employs thousands of crew members that live on their cruise ships in order to work there for months at a time.

Across the Royal Caribbean Group brands, the company employs 100,000 employees from over 130 nationalities that work both on ships and on land.

One crew member shared on Facebook his experience working on a ship. 

"Exciting and challenging"

Ervin Rebuyas posted in a Facebook group dedicated to Filipino crew members working on Royal Caribbean his reasons to consider working onboard.

Ervin's photo is a self-portrait taken on Icon of the Seas, which could indicate he does (or did) work on that ship.

He started by listing the five reasons being a crew member is worth it:

1. Travel opportunities

Ervin said you can, "visit multiple destinations and experience different cultures," as a crew member.

Royal Caribbean's ships sail around the world, and often ships transition from one part of the world to another during a single contract.

2. Meet people from diverse backgrounds

Because crew members live on cruise ships, they run into both other crew and passengers from all over the world.

Ervin said the opportunity to, "interact with passengers and crew from around the world," is a benefit to working there.

3. Career development

Royal Caribbean is a big company, and there's room to grow. 

Ervin believes working on a ship provides, "skills and experience in hospitality, tourism, and customer service," that could benefit his career within the company and beyond.

4. Competitive salary and benefits

While Ervin did not disclose his pay, he believes the compensation is good as a crew member.

He mentioned the fact crew get not just salary, but accommodations, meals, and access to onboard amenities.

The crew member only restaurants serve international cuisine to ensure everyone has something they like. There are also crew lounges, gyms, pools, and recreational activities.

Examples of social events held onboard a ship include crew gatherings, parties, and themed events.

5. Unique lifestyle

Most crew members work a number of months on the ship, then go home for a break for a few months, and then return again for  a new contract.

Contracts typically range from 3-12 months. He estimates time off between contracts is usually 2-6 weeks. He also said vacation days accrue during contracts, and are usable during time off.

He said you get to, "enjoy a distinctive work-life balance, with time off between contracts."

The downsides to working on a ship

No job is perfect, and Ervin also listed five negatives to working on a cruise ship.

1. Time away from family and friends

Because you live on the ship, you don't get to commute back home after the day's work is over.

Crew members' contracts are many months, and that means they don't get to see loved ones in person until the end of the contract.

2. Confined living space

It's no secret cabins on a cruise ship are small, and that applies to crew cabins too.

Crew members have shared or single accommodations, often with bunk beds.

Ervin said crew members share small cabins with limited personal space.

3. Long working hours

Every crew member has their own work schedule that corresponds to their duties, and Ervin said shifts include working evenings, weekends, and holidays.

4. High stress levels

Just like many jobs on land, a crew member job is not a cushy one.

"Manage demanding passenger expectations and tight deadlines," are how Ervin described the work environment. 

5. Limited personal freedom

Ervin said the "strict rules, regulations, and safety protocols" mean you have to live differently than on land.

Ships have stricter safety regulations to mitigate danger, especially fire. Crew members drill regularly to know what to do in the case of an emergency.

Ervin's advice before applying

For anyone who might consider a career working on a cruise ship, Ervin spelled out what to think about first.

He boiled it down to five key points:

1. Research roles and departments
2. Meet current or former crew members
3. Understand the lifestyle and challenges
4. Check requirements (age, education, certifications)
5. Apply through cruise lines or recruitment agencies

Utopia of the Seas is dubbed as a "non-stop party," so I wanted to see what it was like to try to keep the fun going all day and night.

When Royal Caribbean launched its first Oasis-Class ship with weekend cruises in mind, it wanted the vessel to offer something new and different.

Marketed as a "party ship," Utopia of the Seas offers non-stop activities throughout its short sailings.

It's the perfect combination for cruisers to make the most of their days onboard.

I spent four nights onboard Utopia this month, and I knew I wanted to maximize my short sailing.

For our only sea day onboard, I challenged myself to participate in a cruise ship activity all day long—more than 12 hours straight!

What does a busy day actually look like on Utopia of the Seas? There are so many activities to choose from—but it's more chill than you might expect.

The constant "party" atmosphere on the vessel actually translated into a calmer, chill vibe. No one was required to bring the energy, as staff and party squads made sure that guests were enjoying themselves.

In the end, I had so much fun and ended up being less exhausted than I thought I'd be.

Read more: 5 things to know before sailing on Royal Caribbean's Utopia of the Seas

9:00 A.M.: Breakfast

I started out with breakfast in the Park Cafe—an elegant, well-lit free cafe in Central Park. 

Breakfast in the Café usually includes fresh fruit, oatmeal, pastries, and more.

I dined on oatmeal with raisins and brown sugar, with a side of fresh grapes and hot coffee.

After breakfast, I hit the cruise ship gym, which was surprisingly busy for a relaxing sailing trip! 

Other cruisers, like me, wanted to take advantage of the quality gym and stay active despite all the tempting food.

However, the gym was gigantic, so I didn't have to worry about overcrowding.

10:30 A.M.: Ice skating

After the gym, I headed straight down to Studio B for a short ice-skating activity.

I reserved a slot ahead of time on the Royal Caribbean app, so the staff gave me a wristband right away. When my wristband color was called, I went down to suit up with a helmet (required for safety) and ice skates.

The rink was a medium-sized, icy square. Skating around on it was fun, but it seemed more directed toward kids.

Struggling children kept falling and skating in front of me, which could make the experience more stressful for beginners.

Nevertheless, I enjoyed the experience. How many people can say they've ice skated on a cruise ship? 

11:20 A.M.: Lunch

After I finished ice skating, I'd worked up an appetite. I took the elevator up to the Windjammer, the ship's complimentary buffet.

I always enjoy eating at the Windjammer because of its variety of options. 

For lunch I directed myself towards the available brunch food, choosing hash browns, waffles, and biscuits.

1:00 P.M.: World's Sexiest Man Competition

After showering and meeting with my travel buddy, Val, we returned to the pool deck to watch the World's Sexiest Man Competition. 

Found on most Royal Caribbean ships, this competition is a hilarious, dramatic pageant show featuring several brave cruisers.

After each man flexes, dances, and poses in front of judges, one man in particular is awarded the title of the most attractive of the cruise.

2:00 P.M.: Plunge Party

As the World's Sexiest Man Competition ended, staff transitioned into the Plunge Party, a pool deck dance and music party.

The ship's "party squad"—a group of four dancers who showed up to each event in fun costumes—took the stage and encouraged guests to bop along to the music.

As that went on, Val and I headed to the Solarium to soak up the sun for a while.

5:00 P.M.: Main Dining Room dinner

Before the cruise, I selected a traditional, assigned dining time and received the early slot: 5:00 P.M. dinner.

We went to our assigned table at 5 sharp and were greeted by our friendly waiters.

Dinner started with bread, and then we placed our orders. For my appetizer, I ordered a tasty, hot tomato soup. 

My entree was a delicious crumbed slice of salmon, served with potatoes and asparagus. My waiter recommended the dish to me, and I was glad I ordered it!

Read more: I spent over a week on Royal Caribbean's new Utopia of the Seas. I was impressed by how much was changed for the world's newest cruise ship.

Dessert was a warm, caramel-covered brownie with a side of vanilla ice cream.

6:30 P.M.: Family Karaoke

After dinner, we went to join karaoke in the Spotlight Karaoke venue. For family karaoke, anyone of any age could sign up to choose a song and sing it on stage.

While I didn't join in performing, I always enjoy watching, cheering, and singing along.

On the way out of Karaoke, Val and I stopped to pick up togas (really just extra sheets) for the evening's Silent Toga party.

7:00 P.M.: SENSES Sunset Party

One of the new parties I was most excited to experience on Utopia of the Seas was the SENSES Sunset Party. 

The event is one of the more "Chill-topia" experiences onboard, perfect for sitting down with a drink to enjoy the views.

Just around sunset, the DJ begins to play house music as different views of sunsets from around the world (and around the fleet!) are projected on the screen.

8:00 P.M.: Name That Tune!

Name That Tune was titled a "live game show" in the Cruise Compass, and I noticed it was taking place in the Royal Theater.

The game show was a high-quality, hilarious production hosted by the Cruise Director, Ricky.

In between rounds of the game, Royal Caribbean performers would join a live band to perform popular songs.

Name That Tune far exceeded my expectations—it was like watching Family Feud or Wheel of Fortune live!

9:00 P.M.: Royal Kappa Chi

The Utopia Chapter of Royal Kappa Chi is a throwback to the collegiate days of frat parties, complete with flip cup and beer pong.

The event was held in Studio B, which had too much seating and stage space to accommodate all the ping-pong tables that were set up.

It was hard for all the attendees to find space to join in playing games or dancing, so many just ended up sitting down in chairs and watching the games.

10:45 P.M.: Silent Toga party

Our last event of the night was the Silent Toga Party, held in the Solarium.

I always love joining silent parties, in which every guest is given a headset with multiple music channels.

Royal Caribbean added a new and fun twist to the Silent Party on Utopia by making it a toga party—each guest was welcomed with a sheet and taught how to tie it on.

A common uniform always makes groups feel closer, so I thought this was a fun way to tie together the independent style of a silent party.

After the party, we headed back to the stateroom—tired but satisfied with our busy day. 

In 2010, Royal Caribbean and Starbucks signed a licensing agreement to open Starbucks locations on select cruise ships. It's become a popular way to enjoy made-to-order espresso beverages and Frappuccino blended beverages ever since.

Many cruisers are happy to discover there's a Starbucks on their ship, and it adds a new option for coffee beyond what Royal Caribbean offers.

Not all Royal Caribbean ships have a Starbucks location onboard, but many do (especially the newer ships). 

However, it can be somewhat confusing how it all works given that Starbucks is not included in your cruise fare and the rules about how you can use your Starbucks Rewards are different than on land.

Here's what you need to know about the Starbucks and Royal Caribbean partnership, including how to redeem free Starbucks Rewards drinks.

Is Starbucks coffee included in the price of my cruise?

No, there is an extra charge for any food or drink you order at a Starbucks kiosk.

Royal Caribbean drink packages do not include Starbucks drinks ordered from the licensed kiosk. Similarly, the coffee punch card does not work at Starbucks kiosks either.

There is one exception, and that is if you are a Star Class guest.  Star Class guests get complimentary drinks at a Starbucks kiosk.

There is complimentary coffee available at many other venues around the ship.

How do I pay my Starbucks food or drinks?

You'll need to use your SeaPass card to pay for any item you order at a Starbucks kiosk.

Alternatively, you could use your Starbucks app to pay for an order.  You cannot redeem Starbucks Rewards onboard to pay for items purchased onboard.

You don't need to have a WiFi package to use your app to pay.  Starbucks has its own internet connection to verify the funds available on your card. They will let you know if/when your account is empty.

Even if you have WiFi, you cannot use the mobile order (order ahead) functionality while on any ship.

Can I receive and redeem my Starbucks benefits on a Royal Caribbean ship?

You are indeed able to use your Starbucks card for purchases, and you will gain stars for those purchases. However, you cannot claim rewards for the stars you've accumulated, including the free birthday drink. 

This is commonly how licensed Starbucks locations operate, such as a Starbucks found in a supermarket or highway rest stop. 

Can I use a Starbucks gift cards as payment onboard? 

Yes, you can use a physical Starbucks gift card or a digital one in your Starbucks app to pay for food or beverages.

Is the Starbucks menu onboard the same as a Starbucks at home?

Mostly, yes. Starbucks kiosks on a Royal Caribbean ship get re-supplied every voyage, and you will find the same seasonal beverages offered, such as Holiday red cups, Pumpkin Spice Lattes, and the like.

They serve all the standard stuff, such as brewed coffees, refreshers, lattes, macchiatos, and Frappuccino's.

One notable exception is Starbucks locations on Royal Caribbean ships do not offer coffee beans for sale.

How is the Starbucks served at Cafe Promenade/Cafe Latte-tudes different than the coffee at a Starbucks kiosk?

It can be confusing to distinguish between the two, but Royal Caribbean also serves Starbucks brewed coffees, lattes, and Frappuccinos at Cafe Promenade or Cafe Latte-tudes and this is different from the kiosk.

The Starbucks drinks served at Cafe Promenade or Cafe Latte-tudes still cost extra, but they are included with a Royal Caribbean drink package. Likewise, Diamond drink vouchers also can be redeemed for drinks here.

You can use your SeaPass card to pay for drinks here, but not your Starbucks app. 

One other distinguishing factor about the Starbucks drinks at Cafe Promenade is you can have them with a shot of alcohol added to it.

Which Royal Caribbean ships have a Starbucks kiosk?

These are the ships with a Starbucks kiosk:

• Oasis of the Seas
• Allure of the Seas
• Harmony of the Seas
• Symphony of the Seas
• Wonder of the Seas
• Utopia of the Seas
• Icon of the Seas
• Mariner of the Seas
• Navigator of the Seas
• Odyssey of the Seas

Are there 'Been There' mugs for Royal Caribbean ships?

Yes! Each  of the 10 Royal Caribbean ships that have a Starbucks kiosk sell a mug that represents signature features onboard.

The price for a mug is $16.95.

If I want regular coffee, can I get it onboard without paying?

Yes, there's complimentary coffee served at a variety of locations on any Royal Caribbean ship.

Youu'll find coffee served every day at Cafe Promenade/Cafe Latte-tudes/Cafe @ Two70, dining rooms, Windjammer, specialty restaurants, and select bars and lounges.

It's official: Royal Caribbean will bring Doc Brown, Marty McFly, and Biff to sea.

Royal Caribbean Blog was the first to report on the new musical being licensed by Royal Caribbean last month, but the cruise line confirmed it on Monday.

"Blast to the past and introduce the entire fam to Marty McFly’s high-flying adventure, as Back to the Future: The Musical travels straight from Broadway to Star of the Seas, coming summer 2025," is what Royal Caribbean posted on social media.

The Royal Caribbean entertainment team is working alongside the musical’s original creative team to bring the musical to the Royal Theater stage on Star, and after two successful weeks of auditions in London and NYC, the team is excited to begin rehearsals in the next year.  

The show on Royal Caribbean's ship will be a reworked 100-minute version of the show. Royal Caribbean is working alongside the original creatives from the musical to make the iconic production come to life.

This includes:

• Bob Gale, Screenwriter/Co-creator of the film
• John Rando, Director of the Broadway musical
• Chris Bailey, Choreographer of the Broadway musical

Like Royal Caribbean's other musical productions, the cost of the show is included in the cruise fare.

Star of the Seas is under construction and will debut in August 2025.

Star of the Seas will be the second Icon Class cruise ship, and similar in size and features to the record breaking biggest cruise ship in the world, Icon of the Seas.

What is Back to the Future The Musical about?

Inspired by the 1985 film from Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment, the musical tells the story of teenager Marty McFly, who is unintentionally sent back to 1955 in a time-traveling DeLorean created by Dr. Emmett Brown. The show’s book is written by Bob Gale, with original music and lyrics by Alan Silvestri and Glen Ballard. It also features well-known songs from the movie, such as “The Power of Love” and “Johnny B. Goode.”

It's a relatively new show, having made its world premiere at the Manchester Opera House in March 2020.

The West End production opened in London September 13, 2021, and subsequently won the Best New Musical Olivier Award.

It opened on Broadway at the Winter Garden Theatre in August 2023, and continues to play there today.

The musical is also currently playing a North American national tour, and will open a Tokyo production in 2025.

Star of the Seas debuts in 2025

Royal Caribbean will homeport Star of the Seas at Port Canaveral, with her first sailing scheduled for August 31, 2025.

Her first cruise will be a Western Caribbean sailing calling at Perfect Day at Coco Cay, Royal Caribbean’s private island destination in the Bahamas; Costa Maya, Mexico; Roatan Island, Honduras; and Cozumel, Mexico.

The 248,663-gross ton Star of the Seas is under construction at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland and is slightly smaller than the 250,800-gross ton Icon of the Seas.

There will be eight distinct themed neighborhoods on Star of the Seas, including the popular Central Park and Royal Promenade. It will also feature Thrill Island, home to the largest waterpark at sea, named Category 6.

If you prefer a quieter pool day, Chill Island has multiple pools spread across three decks. There's also live music performed daily, and food options nearby.

Young families will enjoy a special area of the ship dedicated to them at Surfside. In Surfside, Splashaway Bay and the Playscape will get new features. The Water's Edge pool will be more kid focused. The kids clubs will get updates too.

Don't worry, there's an adults-only area on the ship at the Hideaway that has a great infinity pool.

At the AquaDome neighborhood, you'll find shows inside the Aquatheater. There's also great dining choices and amazing views to enjoy.

If you're like a lot of people, you want to enjoy your cruise vacation without tipping the scales when you get home.

Dining on a cruise ship is one of the top reasons people book a cruise in the first place (along with the destinations your ship will go), but keeping the pounds off on your holiday is just as important as being at home.

You'll find on any cruise ship many choices of places to eat and food to choose from.  If a cruise ship is like a floating city, then it has a very large restaurant district.

But there’s a habit that might be driving your weight up post-cruise up without you even knowing it. So we’re here to pinpoint the one clear thing you can do to bring your numbers down. Keep reading.

Stick to your eating habits at home

Because there are so many choices of food and places to eat, the bad habit you're likely to pick up on a cruise is stopping to eat at many of them.

Snacking on a cruise ship seems to be far more common on a cruise than at home, because it's all readily available and so much is included.

It could be a frozen yogurt cone at the pool deck, plate of cookies at Cafe Promenade, or couple slices of pizza at Sorrento's, but it all adds up.

While this isn't to say you shouldn't snack or indulge on a cruise, the key is to not over eat between meals. Eat when you are hungry. Stop eating before you are full.

In some cases, a lot of extra weight is gained because of either consuming a lot of extra calories, or they're retaining a lot of water from all the extra salt that their body isn't used to.

Speaking of things you probably do at home but not on a cruise is drink water.

If I were to ask our readers what's the first thing they want to do when they get on a cruise, the answer is likely to celebrate the start of vacation with a cocktail, beer, or glass of wine.  

There's nothing wrong with that, but not drinking enough water adds up quickly. A lot people gain weight because of water weight from salty food and alcohol.

If plain water that is included with your cruise fare isn't to your liking, you could opt for the flavored waters they have at select dining locations, such as the Windjammer or Cafe Promenade.

Or you could bring water drink mixes to enhance the flavor of the water included with your cruise fare. (Contains an affiliate link, which costs you nothing extra to use).

Strategies to not gain weight on a cruise

Here are more tried-and-true ways to avoid weight gain on your cruise.

Walk and take the stairs whenever possible: While your first instinct may be to hop in an elevator, the more you can walk, the more calories you can burn to offset the sweets and snacks.

If you're only climbing or descending a few decks, taking the stairs is a really good idea and alternative to crowded elevators. 

My personal strategy is up to 3 decks going up, I'll take the stairs.  Around 5-6 decks going down, and I'll opt for the stairs.

Start with a salad and glass of water at the buffet: Before you grab a plate and hit the Asian stir fry station, try to fill up first on a salad and some water. It will temper your appetite so you might eat less overall.

Beware the liquid calories: I find it's easy enough to skip the cookies and cake, but it's the sugary drinks that add up quickly and without you noticing as much.

Instead of a tropical drink, order low-calorie spirits like vodka. Pick a light beer instead of a traditional one, or opt for a spritzer.

Don't feel obligated to eat or drink your money back: Live your best life on a cruise and indulge, but don't come at your cruise as your attempt to eat because it's included.

Don't join the "clean plate club": Enjoy the food, but don't feel like you're obligated to eat everything they serve you.

There's no penalty if you don't finish everything on your plate. At the buffet, use it as an opportunity to try a wide range of foods, not to stuff yourself silly.

A little bit of weight gain is normal

While you might not want to gain weight, one mantra to remember is you are on vacation and a few extra pounds won't be a problem.

If you're indulging here and there and not being overly gluttonous, you'll probably come home with just a handful of extra pounds.

A great deal of that extra weight could be water weight as a result of the salty foods and cocktails, so it could go away after a few days.