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The strategy is to attract new customers, but established cruisers feel slighted because they don't like going on short cruises and it's cannibalizing what they see as some of the best ships in the fleet.
They dislike the idea of short cruises for their lack of port diversity, higher per-night pricing, and unattractiveness to travel to sail to these cruises.
Royal Caribbean is now selling Star Class VIP perks on its smaller cruise ships
Icon of the Seas is known for being the largest cruise ship in the world. Not only is her size record-breaking, but she's also the first cruise ship to have a dog living onboard full-time.
Rover is an adorable golden retriever who has been sailing the high seas since she was a puppy. Known as the "Chief Dog Officer," Rover's duties include meeting passengers, strolling through Central Park, and making visits to the Bridge.
On a recent cruise aboard Icon of the Seas, two families bid for a private session with Rover during the Make-A-Wish auction.
"We got to have the private session [with Rover] by winning the Make a Wish Auction on the second day of the cruise. In case you aren't aware, Royal Caribbean has a partnership with Make a Wish and does special auctions on each cruise for a variety of experiences / perks," Chalker explained on a Royal Caribbean Blog discussion forum.
"On Icon of the Seas, a private session with Rover is usually one of the items. We got into a small bidding war with another family, but stopped bidding at $300. The cruise director then offered both our families sessions with Rover if we both made a $300 donation. We quickly agreed."
On Day 6, the family met Rover's handler outside of Spotlight Karaoke, where they were escorted to a private room for 25 minutes.
"Rover had a ton of energy and was sniffing all over the place and loved rolling around and being petted. We got to spend about 25 minutes total with them, asking lots of questions and getting pictures and videos taken with Rover," they continued.
Afterward, Chalker decided to share what they learned about Rover. Here are 19 facts about the cutest dog at sea!
1. Rover is almost two years old
Icon of the Seas' crew went all out for Rover's first birthday party. According to an Instagram reel shared to Rover's official account, she was groomed before her celebration, sporting a party hat and a colorful bandana.
The crew-only area was decorated with balloons and plenty of sweet treats. Rover even got her own dog-friendly cake! Of course, she also received tons of pets and brand-new toys.
Her second birthday is quickly approaching! It's an exciting one because she'll finally be allowed to have plush toys.
2. She joined the ship when she was 6 months old
Rover has been living on Icon of the Seas for most of her life. While she wasn't part of the overseas action in Finland or Spain, she joined the crew in Puerto Rico ahead of the official christening ceremonies in January 2024.
Before boarding Icon, Rover spent time aboard Freedom of the Seas. She needed some experience at sea before joining the world's largest cruise ship!
Thankfully, she has great sea legs and has hardly had any issues during rough weather.
3. Rover's handler has the best job in the world
"Rover's Chief of Staff" is responsible for taking care of her. When Chalker met Rover, her handler had been onboard since Sept. 2024 and was preparing for vacation. Rover's first Chief of Staff was Alison Hubble, who had been with Royal Caribbean for six years before joining Rover's team.
"Another crew member was ‘in-training’ to take over and would be moving into the cabin in the near future," Chalker explains, "This position is highly competitive due to the perks that come with it (i.e. the cabin, the duties, and schedule). It only goes to staff [who] have spent a significant amount of time on Icon and already know and interact with Rover a lot."
4. Royal Caribbean has a partnership with the American Humane Society
Rover's role as Chief Dog Officer was created in consultation with animal welfare experts at the American Humane Society.
Today, the American Humane Society conducts regular visits and inspections to ensure Rover's health and well-being.
5. As such, Rover can only "work" for a set number of hours daily
(Credit: JohnK6404/Royal Caribbean Blog Discussion Board)
The guidelines mandate that she can only work a maximum of two to three hours per day in 20-minute shifts.
These measures ensure Rover has time to relax, enjoy playtime, and receive proper care at sea. "The rest of her day is doing normal 'dog' stuff," Chalker says.
6. She doesn't like big crowds
Measuring over 248,000 gross registered tons with a passenger capacity of 7,600, one might assume that Rover is a social puppy who doesn't mind large crowds.
However, according to Chalker, Rover is quite the opposite. As such, she typically makes unscheduled appearances in quieter areas, like Central Park and the Overlook.
7. Rover is a 3 Stripe Officer
Because of her rank, she gets to live in a special suite with enough space to play and sleep — in one of three different beds! Rover also has plenty of toys and activities available to keep her entertained.
The cabin itself has windows, a spacious living area, a large desk for her handler, a separate bedroom, and a specially designed crate.
8. She spends a lot of time in the crew areas
While one of her primary duties is to bring joy to guests, the crew loves her just as much!
"She regularly visits the bridge and the captain loves her. The crew in general love[s] interacting with her through the day, such as in the crew café area," says Chalker.
"There are certain areas she can also run around, such as the helipad, where she regularly plays fetch."
9. Rover gets off the ship in Miami
Icon of the Seas sails 7-night itineraries to the Eastern and Western Caribbean, returning to Miami every Saturday.
When Icon is docked in Florida, Rover disembarks for regular vet visits and to see her groomer. Not only that, but she loves going to the beach, outdoor parks, and even the mall!
"She’s sometimes recognized as Rover by people walking around Miami," Chalker adds.
10. She has a few costumes
While Rover doesn't dress up often, she has a Captain's hat, pirate costume, reindeer costume, and various bandanas.
Additionally, when Chalker met Rover, she was wearing a cute skirt that was designed to look like a mermaid tail.
11. Rover loves fetch and tug-of-war
In fact, she loves playing so much that crew members can't say "ball" or "tug" in front of her! Whenever the crew is talking about fetch or tug-of-war, they have the spell the words out.
She gets so excited that she thinks it's time to play and will wait by certain doors since the games are only allowed in specific areas, such as the helipad.
12. She has a special life vest
Cruise ships have enough life vests for all passengers (and dogs)!
Similarly, like all guests, Rover has a muster station to report to in case there's an emergency. According to Chalker, "Her muster station is by the giant dog statue on the Royal Promenade."
13. There's a dedicated pet relief area onboard Icon of the Seas
The area is on Deck 5 along the walking track near the front of the ship and is a comfortable space for Rover to take care of her needs at sea.
Chalker explains that, "It’s got what looks like a raised bed garden planter in it with what looks like wood chips or similar that is a dirt simulant."
14. She loves treats and is typically hand-fed
Rover's Chief of Staff always has a fanny pack on them filled with Rover's food, which is why you might see her nibbling throughout the day. However, she does get other treats, including carrots and bananas.
In fact, she's quite the fan of carrots. One day, her Chief of Staff asked the Galley crew if Rover could have a spare carrot on the floor. They said no and disappeared into the cooler, returning with a clean, full-sized carrot for the pup!
"Rover thought this was the most amazing thing and was strutting around with the carrot in her mouth like a stick or bone for a while (they clearly didn’t want Rover to have to settle for a ‘scrap of carrot’)," explains Chalker.
15. She's smart and responds to hand signals
Before Rover joined Icon of the Seas, she underwent extensive training. For example, not only does she know how to sit on command, but she loves posing and waving for the camera!
During their private session, Chalker got a short video of their family and Rover waving to the camera at the same time.
16. Royal Caribbean allows service animals onboard
Whenever there's a service dog onboard, the Chief of Staff is notified because Rover isn't a fan of smaller dogs, as they're usually aggressive around her.
She's been introduced to the Toto puppet for the onboard production of The Wizard of Oz and was confused because, though it looks like a small dog, it didn't smell, sound, or move like one.
17. Rover has a traditional dog collar
Crew members have special ID tags that are different from standard guest SeaPass cards. Rover, however, wears a traditional dog collar with a tag revealing her name and phone number.
Her Chief of Staff said they want Rover to have a unique crew ID but haven't been able to get one yet.
19. Star of the Seas will also have a Chief Dog Officer
Sailor was born in February and is growing up fast! She's opened her eyes, taken her first steps, learned to play with her friends, and had her teeth start growing in!
While Sailor still must undergo training before she can assume her role as Chief Dog Officer aboard Star of the Seas, she's proving to be just as adorable as Rover!
19. Rover won't stay on Icon forever
While Rover enjoys living her life aboard Icon of the Seas, she's only expected to remain onboard until she's 5 or 6 years old.
Then, she'll be adopted by a loving family to live out the rest of her life in a "normal home environment," rather than at sea visiting ports in the Caribbean.
According to Chalker, there's already a long list of interested adoptees eager to welcome Rover into their homes when she retires.
Royal Caribbean appears to have introduced a new, unannounced Wi-Fi option that might fit your cruise needs nicely.
Internet on a cruise ship has slowly moved from novelty to must-have for so many people. It's less about doing work from a cruise ship, but rather being connected and being able to stay in touch with friends and social media.
Royal Caribbean has sold a 24-hour pass on its ships that isn't well known, but that's still much more access than just a quick task. Plus, it costs $29.99 and is more expensive than the daily rate of the unlimited packages.
It looks like we may have a fix for those that need very limited internet.
New 60-minute Wi-Fi package
Guests on at least two Royal Caribbean ships this week report there's a new option for short-term internet needs.
Elizabeth Wright is an Associate Editor with Cruise.Blog and is sailing on Icon of the Seas this week. She confirmed the new option of a 60-minute package that costs $9.99.
It's only available once you're onboard, not pre-cruise.
There's one more catch, you actually have to ask them at the Voom desk to purchase it.
Just like the longer duration packages, it's the same high speed Starlink internet access that works quite well. Our team has consistently found good success with Royal Caribbean's Voom options.
Better option for quick needs
Adding a one hour internet package may not be important for most cruisers, but it should serve a need that some have always wanted.
There are plenty of reasons why someone might want a short duration internet package but don't want or need to invest in something much longer. Royal Caribbean's internet options were previously "all or nothing."
Some people prefer to completely disconnect on vacation, and that means not having internet during their cruise. However, they may have reasons to be connected periodically.
Checking in for flights
Submitting school work
Checking in with family periodically
Emergencies
There's clearly a niche need, and those people may have skipped Royal Caribbean's internet all together in favor of using wifi in the ports they visit instead.
One good cruise hack is to find internet hot spots in the ports of call you visit because it can either be free or quite inexpensive.
The problem with this hack is finding an actual place offering it. In my experience, the free spots are inundated with other people and speeds can be abysmal.
Plus there's the security concerns of using public hotspots.
A Royal Caribbean option is certainly going to be more convenient and safer.
It's an effective option, but costs add up quickly
I think this new 60 minute option is perfect for people that have limited needs, but there's an argument for buying an unlimited package anyway.
The hour long package is only sold onboard the ship and for now is something you have to physically go to the Voom desk to get added to your account. There is no way to pre-purchase or plan ahead.
That alone is a hassle, especially when the line for the Voom desk is inundated with cruisers who are trying to get their device working.
As an example, for my 3-night Utopia of the Seas cruise in 2026 I have booked, it would cost just $65.97 if I pre-purchased an unlimited package. That is 6 times the price of the one hour package, but the it's a better value per minute, and I can use it throughout the cruise.
The more of these one hour packages you buy, the quicker the unlimited package makes more financial sense.
Keep in mind you can always change your mind on the ship.
Royal Caribbean allows you to buy an internet package for a pro-rated amount as the cruise goes on. You could wait until the last day and buy it then, or even half way and only pay for the remaining days.
A new option that should make someone's cruise better
Ultimately, I think this new 60 minute internet package should be a benefit for at least some cruisers.
It will bring a little more revenue to Royal Caribbean from people that might of otherwise tried to find internet ashore or simply not bought it at all.
I think adding more flexibility is great for consumers. Now the question is could we see even more flexible Voom packages in the future?
When MSC Cruises first showed the world a sneak peek at how new ship MSC World America would look, it was clear that the line had borrowed a few tricks from the playbooks of other cruise lines – largely Royal Caribbean.
The most obvious similarity is the ship’s “district” concept. In 2009, with the debut of Oasis of the Seas, Royal Caribbean introduced “neighborhoods,” which grouped similar amenities together, making it easier for cruisers to find the areas that appeal to them. It also helps with passenger flow.
Although MSC isn’t the first cruise line to co-opt the idea from Royal Caribbean – Carnival Cruise Line also adopted it for its Excel Class ships in the form of “zones” – it is the first one to borrow not only the grouping premise but also the physical layout of several spaces.
With its partially enclosed outer deck, punctuated by a heart-pounding dry slide and straddled by inward-facing balcony cabins, and its interior social hub of stores, bars and restaurants, MSC World America evokes Royal Caribbean’s Icon and Oasis Class vessels in many ways. But that doesn’t mean it hasn’t added some touches of its own.
Here, we’ll look at how the 6,764-passenger vessel compares to both Icon Class and Oasis Class ships and ways in which it might have actually done things better (or worse) than the competition.
Atrium areas
The Galleria, MSC World America’s indoor promenade area, feels like a shopping mall. Its mix of stores, bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues is reminiscent of the Royal Promenade on many Royal Caribbean vessels. (Although the Royal Promenade was first introduced on Voyager of the Seas in 1999, it was such a hit that Royal Caribbean made it one of the key Oasis Class neighborhoods and then carried if over to Icon Class ships.)
For its version, MSC has added arcade-style gaming, a complimentary burger and pizza joint, and a third deck, allowing the space to encompass much of the ship’s added-fee specialty dining – something that also makes it similar to Norwegian Cruise Line’s 678 Ocean Place social hub. It has also carried over the LED ceiling from its Meraviglia Class ships, showing fun scenes like SCUBA divers swimming around overhead.
Like Royal Caribbean, MSC has positioned its guest services, shore excursion and future cruise desks in this area.
What’s most notably different, though, is that MSC’s version of the highly trafficked thoroughfare feels less crowded. There are no jewelry counters or standalone Starbucks kiosks to clog up the works as cruisers pass through. Also absent in MSC’s take are a classic car and the Rising Tide Bar – both hallmarks of the Royal Promenade.
Additionally, the two upper decks of The Galleria offer full walk-around access for passengers – something that makes it more similar to the Royal Promenade on Icon Class ships than on Oasis Class ones. There are no dead ends that force them to double back in order to move from deck to deck, which is often an issue in the Royal Promenade on some of Royal Caribbean’s ships. Despite the somewhat cumbersome positioning of the beautiful chrome staircases that zig-zag between all three decks of The Galleria, the setup still affords decent passenger flow.
Outdoor areas
MSC World America’s largely outdoor promenade area, known as The Promenade (not to be confused with the indoor Royal Promenade on Royal Caribbean ships), is the most obvious example of MSC’s “borrowing” of ideas. Not only is the space almost structurally identical to Royal Caribbean’s Boardwalk neighborhood, but it also offers similar amenities.
The biggest copycat offerings include the district’s inward-facing balconies; a single 11-deck Jaw Drop dry slide, mimicking Royal Caribbean’s dual 10-deck Ultimate Abyss dry slides; All-Star Sports Bar, which is similar to Royal Caribbean’s Playmakers; and a burger and hot dog outpost that combines elements of Royal’s Boardwalk Dog House and Johnny Rockets, which has locations on several Royal Caribbean vessels.
World America’s Promenade also houses Sweet Temptations – like Royal Caribbean’s Sugar Beach, on steroids. It sells small toys and stuffed animals, as well as candy, ice cream, waffles, milkshakes and crepes that can be adorned with a variety of colored and flavored frostings and toppings. The layout is magical, too, making you feel like you’ve stepped into the Candy Land board game.
Much like The Galleria has eliminated many of the passenger flow problems the Royal Promenade has, The Promenade has removed walkway obstacles you’d expect to find on The Boardwalk. There’s no carousel or aft-facing AquaTheater. That makes the area feel less congested, and passengers can enjoy unobstructed views of World America’s wake.
Two other big tweaks MSC has made to this district are the addition of the Coffee Emporium – a lovely cafe that offers sweet treats, sandwiches and for-fee specialty coffee beverages – and Paxos, a Greek taverna specialty restaurant.
Family areas
Family areas are another realm where MSC has challenged Royal Caribbean head-on. Combined, MSC World America’s Family Aventura and Aqua Deck districts comprise similar indoor and outdoor spaces and activities to what would result if you combined Royal Caribbean’s Youth Zone and Pool and Sports Zone neighborhoods. Within these sections, passengers can seek out thrill rides, video games and watery fun.
MSC offers five different clubs under its Doremiland youth programming umbrella; similarly, Royal Caribbean’s Adventure Ocean is parsed into five groups. Both lines divide children by age and cater to kids from 6 months to 17 years.
MSC leverages its partnership with LEGO to offer a building-block wonderland for kids of all ages – Duplo for the littlest cruisers and standard bricks for older kids. MSC has also added a theater-style room (similar to Royal Caribbean’s Adventure Ocean Theater) for Doremiland participants, allowing for performances and movie viewing.
One major difference here, which complicates things further, is that Royal Caribbean has replaced the Boardwalk Neighborhood on its Icon Class ships with Surfside, which hosts most of the vessels’ family-friendly activities, splash areas and kids clubs.
On MSC World America, Doremiland is part of the Family Aventura district, which also includes a gaming arcade and MSC Sportplex (nearly identical to Royal Caribbean’s Quantum Class SeaPlex sports and gaming area, right down to the bumper cars), outdoor thrill rides (Cliffhanger mechanical swings and a ropes course on MSC and FlowRider surf simulators and rock climbing walls on Royal Caribbean), entry to the ship’s Jaw Drop dry slide (a knock-off of Royal Caribbean’s Ultimate Abyss) and The Harbor waterslides and kiddie splash zones (rivaling Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Storm waterslides and Splashaway Bay splash area).
World America’s Aqua Deck district wraps up two distinct all-ages pool areas: the outdoor Mar Azul, which is great for sunbathers, and the indoor Botanic Garden Pool, which is enclosed and features a cool, leafy theme. Both have their own bars and hot tubs.
This setup differs substantially from Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Class Pool and Sports Deck neighborhood in a couple of key ways. First, in its pool neighborhood, Oasis Class ships incorporate a lot of the sports and thrill experiences that MSC has, instead, rolled into its Family Aventura district.
Additionally, Royal Caribbean’s Pool and Sports Deck section features four themed, clustered outdoor pools (the standard Main Pool, a graded-entry Beach Pool, the H2O Zone Pool for families and the Sports Pool, which hosts activities like lap swimming and badminton) and a separate enclosed Solarium pool that’s just for adults. (MSC World America offers two adults-only pools, but they’re part of its Zen Area district, which is separate from the Aqua Deck pool district.)
World America’s layout is more closely related to that of Royal Caribbean’s Icon Class vessels – Icon of the Seas and soon-to-debut Star of the Seas – which feature neighborhoods different from those found on Oasis Class ships.
Like MSC World America’s Aqua Deck, Icon of the Seas’ Chill Island encompasses two pools – Bay Pool, the largest pool on a cruise ship, and the Cloud 17 infinity pool. Additionally, the Thrill Island neighborhood aligns closely with World America’s Family Aventura district in that it features waterslides and a ropes course.
Suites
Although Royal Caribbean has historically led the way in terms of cruise ship innovations, suite enclaves are one area where MSC was faster to the market. Norwegian Cruise Line introduced the concept of a dedicated suite area in 2005, and MSC followed suit in 2008.
However, Royal Caribbean didn’t focus heavily on high-end accommodations until it rolled out the Royal Suite Class in 2016. Even so, not all ships that offer Royal Suite Class amenities have private, exclusive areas. With the debut of Oasis Class ship Wonder of the Seas in 2022, a Suite Neighborhood was officially added to the fleet and has since appeared on other ships in the Oasis and Icon Classes.
MSC’s version, the MSC Yacht Club, which is one of the seven districts on World America, offers swankier versions of all cabin types, ranging from insides to spacious suites with multiple rooms. Meanwhile, Royal Caribbean’s Suite Neighborhood is made up of only true suites – cabins (not including insides) with more space and luxury touches.
Cabins in both the MSC Yacht Club and the Suite Neighborhood are grouped in a private keycard-accessed area that offers passengers exclusive dining, drinks, a lounge, a sun deck and the services of a butler and concierge. Also included are perks like free Wi-Fi, priority embarkation and disembarkation, and exclusive beach access in the lines’ private destinations of Ocean Cay (MSC) and Labadee (Royal Caribbean).
Other similarities
The most in-your-face similarities between MSC World America and Royal Caribbean’s Icon and Oasis Class ships lie in the vessels’ themed districts and zones, but they aren’t the only places with similar concepts.
MSC didn’t attempt to create its own version of Central Park, a Royal Caribbean neighborhood with thousands of real plants and a resident gardener. Instead, it created plant walls in a couple of places throughout World America – including above The Promenade. (Upon closer inspection, I discovered the greenery is fake.)
Additionally, if you take in a show or event in World America’s Panorama Lounge, you’ll feel a lot like you’re in Two70, a lounge on Royal Caribbean’s Quantum Class vessels – but without as much over-the-top technology. The venues share a similar circular layout with pedestal stages that host song-and-dance performances featuring lots of aerial acrobatics.
The final parallel I’ll draw – and it’s a big one because it’s what, in my opinion, will make or break MSC World America – is the onboard service. MSC has struggled for years to appeal to North American cruisers, and service outside of the Yacht Club has always been one of its weakest areas. Adapting an entire staff to a more bubbly, attentive and less brusque style of hospitality is key to the success of the line’s World Class vessels, the next of which (World Atlantic) is projected to set sail in 2027.
On my voyage – a three-night preview cruise from Miami to private island Ocean Cay – the service was excellent. However, the ship was also sailing with only about 3,200 passengers, which is less than half of the maximum capacity. If the crew can manage to keep service at that level when the cruiser count doubles, I think MSC will give Royal Caribbean a run for its money.
Royal Caribbean ships offer a lot of restaurants onboard, including new concepts that are not only novel, but incredibly different and fun.
After cruising on almost every ship in the fleet, I've eaten at every single one at least once. In many cases, numerous times. In my experience, some absolutely live up to the hype, but others aren't worth your time or money.
One piece of advice I always give before sharing any of my opinions is to try it yourself. There are very few restaurants that I think are worth skipping, but it can totally be a "me problem" rather than a holistic issue.
As an example, I don't like Hooked Seafood restaurant, but I also choose not to eat shellfish as a general rule. That precludes me from most of the menu, so it's no surprise I don't love it.
Here's my list of six restaurants worth trying and the two you might want to skip on your next Royal Caribbean cruise.
Izumi Hibachi
The best crowd pleaser in my list is Izumi Hibachi because of how much fun it is, while also offering really good food.
Hibachi dining is something you likely have done on land, but Royal Caribbean has its own take on the popular cooking style.
Unfortunately there's no fire element on cruise ships because of how incredibly dangerous open flames can be, but they still put on a great show. Each chef has their own style, and there's different tricks, songs, puns, and anything else to get a smile out of you.
The food is wonderful too, and even the pickiest of eaters should find something here. The chicken option is quite plain and I've eaten with enough friends who love it to know it's a safe bet.
Overall, it's an entertaining meal that is so consistently good, I love going here on pretty much every cruise.
Portside BBQ
It's only available on Oasis of the Seas, but this is one of the best new ideas to come out of Royal Caribbean headquarters.
Portside BBQ is a casual restaurant where you order a combination of different bbq food and it's all so very good.
I was skeptical of the idea when it was first announced, but I'll eat here multiple times per cruise because it's that good.
The smoked turkey sammie along with beef brisket is the kind of food I'd love to eat every day, if I could.
The side dishes are just as good as the mains. Gooey and thick mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food, and I ended up doubling down on mac and cheese on subsequent visits. The beans where combined with burnt ends, and had a fantastic, tangy flavor.
I also think the pricing is a great value, and a cheap meal overall.
150 Central Park
Too many new cruisers skip 150 Central Park because they aren't exactly sure what it is, or are afraid it's too fancy for them.
I was the same way until friends made me try it, and since then, it's a must-eat on any Oasis Class ship.
It's American food that's served in an upscale manner. You'll find steak, chicken, lobster, fish, and a few other notable dishes.
The Beef Tenderloin is probably the best steak on the ship, even better than neighboring Chops Grille.
Each dish at the restaurant is prepared with locally sourced ingredients, all of which are harvested during the peak of their season. I
This is an immersive train car dining experience and it's unlike any other specialty restaurant in the fleet (or on land).
From the moment you step foot on the station's "platform," you'll believe you're about to board a train.
It's family friendly, so bring the kids. I think it's a fantastic memory maker for families. The sort of activity that you'll be talking about when you get home after the cruise.
Playmakers
Comfort food will always have its place on cruise ships, and some of the best are at Playmakers Sports Bar.
Wings, burgers, fries, and beers are available in abundance while you watch one of the many television screens around the ship.
My family ends up in Playmakers for lunch and dinner a lot because it's simple yet satisfying. We don't have to get dressed up, and the food is really good too.
So many items on the menu are going to become favorites: onion ring tower, buffalo crunch roll, truffle burger, and touchdown nachos are all fantastic.
I like that we can go for a beer and a snack, or an entire meal. Sometimes we stop in for just dessert.
Empire Supper Club
Empire Supper Club is another new restaurant idea and it's the ultimate date night out.
This is a glitzy themed meal that incorporates high quality food, live entertainment, and cocktail pairings. It takes three hours to complete and men need to wear a jacket, but don't let that scare you aware.
The level of thought that went into matching the music, food, and beverages together is why I love cruises so much.
All the other restaurants on this list are typical specialty restaurants that differentiate themselves by cuisine or cooking style. Empire Supper Club is an entirely different experience all together.
You'll be able to enjoy an eight-course meal, paired with cocktails that have been specially created for Royal Caribbean by a world renowned mixologist, Tony Abou-Ganim.
As you sip and dine, you'll be serenaded by a jazz trio that perform musical standards from Gershwin, Sinatra, and the sort.
The venue can only seat 38 people and there's just one seating each night. It's intimate and personalized.
However, I recommend skipping Samba Grill
I was surprised I didn't love Royal Caribbean's Brazilian steakhouse idea more, but Samba Grill really disappointed me each time I've dined there.
Available only on Radiance and Allure of the Seas, it meets the basics of a churrasco style of cooking, but falls flat on execution.
If you've eaten at one of these restaurants on land, you know about how the servers come by early and often with skewers of meat to serve you. As long as you have the green button up, they'll come by.
The problem is Royal Caribbean chooses to ask its guests at what temperature they prefer their meats cooked, and that slows down the entire experience. I spent more time waiting for the next round than eating, and it kind of ruined the atmosphere as I just decided I didn't want to wait again for the medium steak to come out of the kitchen again.
In my opinion, there are better spots than Johnny Rockets
Maybe I'm jaded, but I really don't see the value anymore with Johnny Rockets.
The menu hasn't changed in decades (but the price has gone up), and it's fairly lackluster food. Burgers, shakes, hot dogs, and fries are great, but I really don't think it's that much better than the Windjammer buffet (which is free). And it really doesn't stack up to similar food at Playmakers.
The best thing about Johnny Rockets is that it's probably one of the cheapest "all you can eat" specialty restaurants, but I've been disappointed in what's offered.
Small things can make a big difference on your cruise, including the role your stateroom attendant plays.
One of the things I try to do on the first day of the cruise is to meet my stateroom attendant so I can start things off on the right note. They are the crew member you're likely to interact with the most, and I think how your cabin is attended to matters to a lot of people.
No matter if your cabin is small or large, I think it's important to ensure you're happy with the experience in it.
On any cruise I go on, when I meet my stateroom attendant, I always ask them four important things. Sometimes there's more, but I think these four are the ones that can be substantive.
How to pronounce their name
I hate awkward interactions and in my early cruising career, I was too embarrassed to ask a crew member how to say their name and then for the rest of the cruise it became "Hey you...".
Crew members come from around the world, and most names are easy enough to know how to say without asking. But sometimes they can be difficult to know how to say it properly.
Even if the name appears like I'd know how to say it, they may say it differently. Or they may have a nickname they prefer to go by.
I'll usually greet them and the first thing I ask is how to pronounce their name, repeating it out loud to avoid the embarrassment of admitting I still don't know their name later.
My preference is to have it cleaned in the evening so my room is nice and prepared when I return in the evening for bed.
I've tried the morning too, but I find I feel rushed to get out of the cabin in the morning so the cabin attendant can tidy it up. Since I work on a cruise ship, the morning is usually my busiest time of the day.
In addition, I prefer to have my bed made before I go to sleep. There's always a good chance I'll take a nap during the day, and then the sheets are messed up again before bed. I know, first world problem stuff.
Most importantly, I think it's just more convenient to have them clean the room in the evening because I'm almost always out and about the ship at dinner or at a show.
Extra towels in the bathroom
When I cruise with my family, having extra bath towels is a must-do.
By default, there's only two shower towels in a cabin. That's fine for a solo traveler, but two towels is not going to last 24 hours when someone is washing their hair too.
Asking for more towels up front ensures we don't run out later, and no arguments among the kids of "who hogged up all the towels".
Opening the connecting doors
I think one of the best family cruise tips out there is to book two connecting rooms.
Two rooms provides separation from the kids, adds an extra bathroom, and lots of living space too. Plus, it's probably cheaper than a suite.
It's usually the case that the connecting door between both rooms isn't unlocked when we get into the cabin on the first day, so I'll ask them to unlock it.
In addition, if I have connecting balcony rooms, I'll ask for the balcony divider to be unlocked.
Not all balcony dividers can be unlocked, but my experience has been new ships have no issues.
I'll never ask my cabin attendant to do anything beyond their normal duties
There are a wide range of reasonable requests to make of your cabin attendant, but it's important to respect their boundaries.
First and foremost, never ask them to cover for you breaking cruise line rules, such as smoking in the cabin or balcony.
They're also very busy people, so I'd never request them leave their post to go check on something. Many issues are for Guest Services, so if it's not a problem in my cabin, I'll seek assistance elsewhere.
Lastly, cabin attendants are some of the hardest working crew members onboard, and you should treat them with respect. Don't make demands or acting in a way that is disrespectful or inconsiderate.
Passengers that sailed on a Royal Caribbean ship have gotten a notice someone on their sailing later were sickened by Legionnaires' disease.
Guests across various sailings in March and April 2025 received emails from the cruise line to inform to inform them of a possibility to be aware of, and the preventative measures the cruise line is taking.
To be clear, the guests were not diagnosed onboard the cruise ship, nor has there been a recognized outbreak linked to a specific sailing.
In the Symphony of the Seas Facebook group, Jenn Yazzetti, posted a copy of an email she received from Royal Caribbean after the the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warned Royal Caribbean about the case.
The letter was sent to passengers booked on the April 30th sailing.
The CDC said one passenger was later diagnosed with Legionella after sailing on Symphony of the Seas.
"The CDC has advised that while they are unsure where exposed, a guest who recently sailed on Symphony of the Seas, was later diagnosed with Legionella."
"As a precautionary measure, we implemented heightened sanitation protocols and followed all CDC guidance."
No other information was shared related to who the person is, or other details.
Other people that were on recent Symphony of the Seas sailings received similar emails:
March 9
March 16
April 6
April 13
Another Legionella incident
This is the second time this year such letters were sent to passengers.
In that case, one passenger had sailed on Symphony of the Seas in October 2024 and the other in December 2024, according to the CDC.
How it spreads
Legionella is not easily spread from person to person, but it's still something that could occur because cruise ships have pools and hot tubs.
According to Royal Caribbean, Legionella is not contagious from person to person. It is contracted by inhaling water droplets from a source containing the bacteria, which can be found throughout the world in any environment containing water - ponds, lakes, rivers, and streams, as well as municipal water systems, fountains, and whirlpools.
Moreover, most healthy people exposed to Legionella do not get sick.
Symptoms include cough, shortness of breath, fever, muscle aches, and headaches. It's often confused with pneumonia.
Legionnaires' on cruise ships
Legionnaires' is a rare condition to begin with, but it has happened on cruise ships in the past.
During November 2022–June 2024, the CDC was notified of 12 cases of Legionnaires disease among travelers on two cruise ships. The CDC did not disclose the cruise line names or ships.
According to the CDC, their investigation revealed private hot tubs on selected cabin balconies were the most likely exposure source.
Some cruise ship cabin suites have a hot tub on the balcony, which is for the exclusive use of the guests staying in that cabin. The CDC says, "private hot tubs on cruise ships are not subject to the same maintenance requirements as are public hot tubs in common areas."
They recommended to cruise lines modification of the operation and maintenance of these devices by removing the heating elements, draining water between uses, and increasing the frequency of hyperchlorination and cleaning.
Royal Caribbean just finished updating Allure of the Seas with so many new changes, and I wanted to be the first to see it all.
Following a $100M amplification, the vessel was modernized to include new activities, dining venues, and updated entertainment.
With all the enhancements, whether the tropical Pesky Parrot bar or Playmakers Sports Bar and Arcade, I couldn’t wait to get onboard and check out everything new on the amplified ship.
I paid $1,260 for an interior cabin
I booked my Allure of the Seas cruise nine months prior to departure. I was set to sail on the first cruise following her amplification, a 4-night Mediterranean itinerary from Barcelona.
Expecting high airfare costs, I hoped to save money on the price of my cabin, opting for an interior guarantee room over a balcony or suite. The guarantee rate meant my small, windowless stateroom would not be assigned until closer to the sail date.
There’s some risk involved with guarantee cabins, such as being assigned a room in an unfavorable location, but still, it helped me save money.
In total, I paid $1,260 for my cruise fare. This included the price of the cabin for two adults along with taxes, fees, and prepaid gratuities.
My room wasn’t anything special, but choosing the cheapest cabin option allowed me to spend more money elsewhere.
At $1,360, my economy flight to Europe was more expensive than my cruise fare
Because Allure of the Seas’ first cruise following her amplification left from Spain, I knew my flight would be expensive. I paid $1,360 for a round trip flight to Barcelona. While somewhat expected, this was, admittedly, more than I hoped to pay.
I fly to Europe every summer for both cruises and land-based travel. Coming from the west coast of the US, I usually find savvy ways to save money on airfare.
Sometimes I fly to the cheapest destination, such as London, and buy a budget hopper flight to my cruise embarkation city. I also typically search for deals in the months leading up to my cruise, keeping travel dates somewhat flexible in order to find the best option.
For this cruise, I didn’t have as much flexibility due to schedule constraints. As a result, I spent more for my flight than on previous trips to Europe.
A pre-cruise hotel in Barcelona was $252
It’s always recommended to arrive to your embarkation city the day before your cruise begins.
This is especially true in Europe. Arriving a day early not only gives you extra time to make it to the port in case of delays, but it also helps you recover from jet lag before your cruise begins.
Before embarking Allure of the Seas, I booked a one night stay at Hotel Rec, an adults-only hotel near Barcelona’s Arc de Triomf. At $252, I thought the price was fair for the city center, and I was impressed by the location and facilities.
A rooftop bar provided excellent views of the city. As another plus, I was just steps away from some of Barcelona's most iconic attractions.
It was the perfect place to catch up on rest before heading to the cruise port the following day.
My in-country transportation was only $30
Something I love about cruising in Europe are the well-connected ports and city centers. One way I saved money on my Allure of the Seas cruise was by utilizing public transportation to and from the airport, my hotel, and the cruise port.
Instead of taking a $40 taxi from the airport to my hotel, for example, I took the airport bus and subway, setting me back just $11. In total, I spent around $30 for all in-country transportation before and after my cruise.
Taking public transportation can be a great way to save money, but only under the right circumstances. I traveled with just a carry-on suitcase and backpack, so it was easy to navigate the transit systems.
If I were with a larger group or had heavy luggage, sharing a taxi might be more cost-effective and less stressful.
While onboard, I spent nothing extra aside from tips
It wasn’t necessarily intentional, but my bill at the end of my Allure of the Seas cruise was $0.
Royal Caribbean cruises include a lot in the cruise fare, but most passengers still spend extra onboard. Whether a spa treatment, specialty dining meal, or drink at a bar, it’s easy to find ways to spend money around the ship.
For my short 4-night cruise, I found enough variety in dining options and activities that I didn’t feel the need to spend anything extra. While I would have enjoyed a meal at Izumi Sushi or Giovanni’s Table, there were more than enough complimentary dining venues to keep me satisfied.
Likewise, my five daily drink vouchers through Royal Caribbean’s Crown & Anchor Society meant I never needed to spend extra on drinks. I loved using these vouchers to try cocktails around the ship, including those from Allure’s new Lime and Coconut bar and the Trellis Bar in Central Park.
Aside from tipping a few crew members at the end of the cruise, I didn’t spend anything extra onboard.
I spent $53 on a shore excursion in France and $120 while exploring port
My 4-night Allure of the Seas cruise included two ports of call: Marseille, France and Palma de Mallorca, Spain.
I rarely book organized shore excursions when I cruise, but I knew I wanted to plan a tour in Marseille. After visiting the port last year, I felt as if I had already seen most of Marseille’s highlights.
This time, I wanted to visit a small town near the city, but I was nervous to travel far distances on my own. With just eight hours in Marseille, I didn’t want to risk missing the ship.
Instead, I spent $53 on a tour to Aix-en-Provence. This small city is known for its charming architecture and lively markets, and it’s just a half hour drive from the cruise port. The tour, Aix On Your Own, included transport to the city, four hours of free time upon arrival, and transport back to the cruise port.
I originally booked the tour for $71, but later noticed a price drop. As a result, I canceled the tour and rebooked through Royal Caribbean’s Cruise Planner site, saving me $18 in the process.
In addition to the excursion cost, I also encountered additional expenses exploring ports of call. From a $3 latte to $10 crêpe, I spent around $120 total in Spain and France.
Spending $3,075 was costly for a 4-night cruise. Next time, I’d book a longer itinerary.
After spending $3,075 for my short trip to Europe, I don’t think I would ever do it again. Flying to Europe takes significant money and effort. Booking a longer cruise would have made the expenses more justified.
Some travel purchases, like a pre-cruise hotel and airfare, are set in stone regardless of whether I book a 4-night or 12-night European cruise.
So although the cruise fare may be more expensive on a longer itinerary, the price per day (when taking into account airfare and hotels) is typically much lower.
At the end of the day, I’m glad I got to sail on the amplified Allure of the Seas. It was a beautiful ship and I love all the new features Royal Caribbean added to the vessel.
On future trips to Europe, though, I’ll definitely book a longer itinerary or even back-to-back cruises. There are so many unique itineraries on the continent and I wish I had more time to discover them all.
You'll be able to sail on the next new Celebrity Cruise ship a little bit earlier than expected.
Travel agents were informed today the cruise line has made some unexpected changes to the new ship’s inaugural sailings.
Celebrity Xcel is the next new ship and will be the fifth and final ship in Celebrity Cruises' Edge Class series.
The ship debuts first in Fort Lauderdale's Port Everglades for a brief winter season before transitioning to Europe, where it will offer Celebrity's first-ever overnight calls on Madeira, Portugal. Itineraries will last from seven to 11 nights, cruising from Barcelona and Athens.
Celebrity Xcel was originally scheduled to sail its inaugural cruise on November 18, 2025.
However, the new ship is closer to completion than originally anticipated, and there's a new "preview cruise" before it.
Earlier arrival
In an email to travel agents, Celebrity indicated they're adding a new sailing before the official inaugural.
"Our teams have been working diligently on building our new ship, and the completion is now earlier than we had originally anticipated."
"With the earlier delivery, we've now added a 4-Night Celebrity Xcel Preview Cruise, setting sail on November 9, 2025."
The catch is the November 18th sailing remains the official Inaugural Sailing, according to the cruise line.
"Please note that our November 18th sailing, that your clients are booked on, continues to be our Inaugural Sailing, where the main festivities will take place, as planned. We understand that for some guests, it's important to be the first onboard, and for others, being part of the inaugural celebration is what matters most."
With the new sailing, it's an opportunity to get on sooner and check out the ship before the maiden voyage.
Booked guests have the choice of moving their original reservation up to the November 9 one in the exact same suite or like-for-like stateroom currently booked - at the current prevailing rate. If there's an overpayment on the booking, they'll be refunded for the difference.
Suite guests will have their same suites held for them as a courtesy.
Guests in Aqua Class staterooms and below will have like-for-like staterooms available to choose from.
But if someone booked on the inaugural wants to remain there, there's nothing extra to do.
Booked passengers have until May 8, 2025 to decide.
The same thing happened to Royal Caribbean
It's deja vu for Royal Caribbean fans, as this is exactly what has happened to Star of the Seas.
The sequel to Royal Caribbean’s in-demand mega-ship Icon of the Seas was originally scheduled to sail its inaugural cruise on August 31, 2025.
"We have an updated timeline for the arrival of Star of the Seas at Port Canaveral," Royal Caribbean said in an email to passenger booked on the ship’s first sailings.
"Building such a large and incredible ship is no easy feat, but lucky for us, there are times when we get to embark on our new ship ahead of schedule, and that time is now!"
Royal Caribbean has done this twice, and now has three preview sailings:
3-Night Perfect Day Cruise departing on Aug. 20, 2025
4-night Perfect Day Cruise departing on Aug. 23, 2025
4-night Perfect Day Cruise departing on Aug. 27, 2025
It opened up more sailings on a hot new ship, while of course adding more revenue for the line.
Xcel is not a copy and paste job
One big change is instead of The Eden, there will be The Bazaar. Located on the back of the ship, it's where you'll find shopping, dining, activity and entertainment options that take on the vibe of the ports the ship visits, changing each day to match the destination.
For its inaugural Caribbean season, Celebrity Xcel will rotate through four themed festivals celebrating the cultures of the Bahamas, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and the broader Caribbean.
When the ship moves to the Mediterranean in summer 2026, new festivals will highlight the European destinations on its itinerary.
As part of the experience, two restaurants inside a new space called The Bazaar will feature menus tailored to each festival’s theme. Guests can also take part in Celebrity’s first-ever destination-inspired cooking school, Chef’s Studio at Mosaic, where hands-on classes will teach regional recipes that match the day’s cultural spotlight.
The Bazaar is the first of seven redesigned venues debuting on Celebrity Xcel when it launches in November 2025.
The best perk of Royal Caribbean's suite program is now available for anyone to book on more of its ships.
Ever since the Royal Suite Class program was unveiled and began offering upgraded suite benefits, it's been the crown jewel of Royal Caribbean's suite program.
If you booked a Star Class cabin, you'd have access to a Royal Genie, who is responsible for making your cruise exceptional. This person is shared among 3-4 cabins and they are a combination concierge, problem solver, and front-of-the-line pass.
It's a personalized experience, and it easily stood out as the best reason to book one of Royal Caribbean's most expensive suites.
But now it looks like anyone might be able to book this as an a la carte service.
Royal Genie Package
A new option has appeared to book on Royal Caribbean's Cruise Planner site within the VIP Passes section.
The Royal Genie Package is new, and it's advertised as having your Royal Genie on ships that don't have Star Class cabins.
"An ultra-exclusive offering that bestows even more VIP perks for your stay. From the moment you step onboard, your personal Royal Genie is there to grant your boldest wishes — from best seats in the house at your favorite shows to once-in-a-lifetime adventures catered to your preferences.
"Dine in decadence onboard, with complimentary specialty dining and top-notch room service. Pack in more adrenaline with designated access to pulse-pounding activities, enjoy VIP welcome service, and sip the day away with unlimited beverages from anywhere onboard with a complimentary Deluxe Beverage Package."
In this example, the option is available to book on an Independence of the Seas cruise in June. Independence is a Freedom Class ships, and my cabin is a standard balcony cabin.
Benefits of booking a genie include:
Royal Genie Services: Arranges prime entertainment seating reservations, manages dining and activities reservations, coordinates luxury shopping onboard, plans special celebrations, handles special requests and much more!
Deluxe Beverage Package (for all guests of legal drinking age)
Refreshment Package (for all guests below legal drinking age)
Complimentary Specialty Dining at select venues onboard
Complimentary Room Service
VOOM® — Powered by Starlink internet, 1 Device per guest in the reservation
Complimentary Stateroom Mini Bar Beverages (Coca-Cola canned products)
Still & Sparkling Water Bottle Delivery
Complimentary Starbucks® Beverages
VIP Luggage Service (Arrival & Departure)
VIP Welcome Food & Beverage Amenity
Suite Lounge Access
Complimentary Ice Cream at Sugar Beach
Reserved Seating in the Main Theater
Designated time to FlowRider®, Rock Climbing Wall & Ice Skating
Complimentary Stateroom Movies
Malin+Goetz Bath Amenities
It not only gets you the services of the Genie, but you also get suite perks too.
In fact, the benefits are far above what suites guests on these ships receive, as it includes an internet package and drink package.
Before you hit the book button, the price isn't cheap.
For my 8-night cruise in Europe, it's listed at $300.00 per adult per day, and $200.00 per child per day (Guests under age 6 are complimentary). That comes out to $2,400.00 per person on this sailing.
Most important, the Royal Genie Package is non-refundable pre-cruise and onboard. Once booked, you cannot cancel it.
Cruisers react to new offering
As soon as the new option appeared, there was a lot of disbelief among cruisers that love the option.
Within the "Star Class Cruisers" Facebook group, many people saw this as a very intriguing idea.
"Wow! I would totally pay that for Star class benefits," wrote Tammi Anderson.
Another person thinks it has potential, "If this is only on ships that do not do the Royal Suite Class, that makes sense. If this is going to be on all ships, that’s crazy and totally devalues a Star Class room."
Allyson Haggerty added, "Could act as an incentive for higher spenders to book on older ships."
Another interesting take came from Gayle Musselman in how it changes how you think about booking a suite vs balcony, "I'm actually considering dropping down to a balcony because the perks of our currently booked Owners Suite really don't justify the price difference."
Does the Genie make a difference?
It's difficult to quantify the impact a Royal Genie can make on your cruise, but having been in Star Class suites a number of times, it's certainly special.
Having a Genie is like having an all-access pass at a concert, where you get perks and options simply not available to anyone else.
Your Genie can set up in-suite parties, arrange for specialty restaurant meals to be delivered to your room, and even be your personal shopper onboard.
Moreover, the Genie spends time every day with your family. They can walk around with you, instead of being at a desk. This means you can be escorted into events, and past lines.
But there's an x-factor with a Royal Genie that goes well beyond what's listed in the included benefits. Each Genie has their own style, and they can personalize the experience through requests you make as well as ideas they come up with.
Some examples of what I've seen a Genie do in the past include decorating the cabin for a surprise birthday party, bring up an entire ice cream buffet for an ice cream social in the suite, coordinate a party on the balcony that comes with bar servers, get private elevator rides, and more.
When you add up all the possibilities, it stands out as a great way to splurge and most importantly, have an "easy button" for your cruise.
I was skeptical that I needed a Genie because I was so adept at planning my cruises on my own. Frankly, it felt like a hindrance before I ever tried one because it felt like an extra step.
However, it turned out to be the fast pass for enjoying my cruise. It's like laying in your bed and imagining things happening and they do sort of cruise planning.
It remains to be seen how this non-Royal Suite Class Genie experience compares, but Royal Caribbean created an impressive Royal Genie product on its big new ships.
Royal Caribbean Blog is an unofficial fan blog written for other fans of Royal Caribbean International. The Royal Caribbean Blog is not affiliated with Royal Caribbean International
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