Royal Caribbean Blog

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

Royal Railway

If you're looking for the hottest dining ticket on a cruise ship today, it's Royal Railway Utopia Station.

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 Johnny Rockets menu on land is significantly better looking than the few options on the cruise ship version.

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.

Have the room cleaned at night

Ever since Royal Caribbean cut twice a day cabin service, there's been a debate as to when to have your room cleaned.

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 January, a similar letter was sent to passengers about two past passengers later were sickened by Legionnaires' disease after sailing on Symphony.

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.

Read more: 6 things to consider before booking a flight to your cruise

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.

Read more: Lessons learned after trying a Mediterranean cruise

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.

But because the ship was ready sooner than expected, Royal Caribbean decided to add three “showcase sailings” ahead of the ship’s inaugural voyage.

"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.  

A Royal Caribbean passenger was arrested after allegedly beating up another person while on Royal Caribbean's Liberty of the Seas, according to court documents.

Documents obtained by WPLG show Michael White and others assaulted the victim to the point of unconsciousness. He, and another unnamed person, were arrested by Broward County police on Friday after the Liberty of the Seas returned to Port Everglades.

The police report says the victim and a woman asked a group of youths to “stop jumping up and down on the elevator,” which was causing it to sway. This happened last Thursday, while the ship was at sea.

The group started yelling and saying, “B----, who are you talking to?”

BSO Deputy Demetrius Williams wrote in the report, "At this point, (the victim) said he yelled to stop jumping in the elevator, but the kids wouldn’t stop; they kept arguing and fussing at them and calling them names."

The report continues that the elevator stopped on the eighth floor and the victim and the woman decided they needed to exit the elevator immediately, "We got to get out of here."

"The kids did not move when the door opened, so he pushed through the crowd to exit the elevator."

"Once he got out, he said he started getting struck by individuals in the face area, causing him to stagger backward. After staggering backward, he (redacted) fell to the floor and that’s when he started getting kicked. Also, at this point, (the victim) said he blacked out and the next thing he knew, he woke up in a pool of blood on the floor."

The 3,648 passenger Liberty of the Seas was sailing a four-night Bahamas itinerary that departed Port Everglades on Monday, April 14th.

Mr. White is from Siler City, North Carolina and was charged with a felony of aggravated battery causing bodily harm. The co-defendant's name was not listed in Broward court records.

BSO records show he was released from jail on Saturday after posting a $5,000 bond.

A judge ordered Mr. White have no contact with the victim.

Violence on cruise ships: what happens

While Royal Caribbean has not issued any kind of statement or update on the incident, they take security incidents like this very seriously.

A few months ago a man was detained after attempting to break down a cabin door in an altercation with other guests.

A cell phone video captured the moment a man was seen hurling threats and trying to kick down a door aboard Navigator of the Seas. 

In an attempt to subdue him, the disruptive passenger kicked a crew member in the face and punched another.

Eventually, the ship's security team—armed with pepper spray, zip ties, and handcuffs—detained the shirtless guest who had also been spewing profanity and racial comments. 

Unruly guests disrupt the experience for other passengers and risk the safety of guests and crew, which is of paramount importance to cruise lines. 

Incidents like these often result in immediate intervention by the ship's security staff, with offenders facing fines, legal action, and permanent bans from the cruise line, especially when crew members are assaulted. 

In fact, Royal Caribbean will ban passengers for life for far less violent attacks.

I knew I wanted to take a cruise to Northern Europe this summer, but I also wanted to avoid the worst months to go there.

Ever since I took my first cruise in Europe a couple of years ago, I've jumped at the chance to try it again.  This year will be my third year in a row heading overseas to go on a cruise.

I'm booked on Royal Caribbean's Independence of the Seas for two cruises in a row, where I'll visit cities in Northern Europe as well as sail the Norwegian fjords.

When I was picking out my cruises, I knew there were better months than others to sail, and I wanted to avoid the hot and crowded times of the year. 

I think I picked the best time to cruise to Northern Europe that balances weather, prices, and crowds.

Worst time to cruise Northern Europe: May, July and August

There are definitely a few months of the summer cruise season that are probably not the ideal time to cruise around Northern Europe.

I live in Florida and don't need to go anywhere that can be just as hot as where I live.  But that doesn't mean I want it frigid either.

Royal Caribbean sails ships between May and September across Europe, but not all months are created equal and I think the weather is a major factor.

While it won't get as hot as the Mediterranean, there can still be plenty warm months.  Considering I want to do a lot of outdoor activities, I'd prefer it to be comfortable.

On the flip side, I didn't want it to be unnecessarily chilly either.  

When I took a Norwegian fjords cruise in May, it was downright chilly most days and you needed a jacket.

I think the sweet spot for a European cruise is right around mid June.  You're out of the danger of a spring chill hitting, but not quite into the depths of summer.

The summer months have the highest pricing

If you want to save money on a Northern European cruise, the best prices tend to be in the shoulder season.

Another reason I was drawn to June was the pricing, as I found much better prices for a June cruise compared to later in July.

This is because of the family cruise component.  Once you're in July, kids are out of school everywhere and that drives up demand considerably.  

High season ends in mid-August, and while going later may see less crowds, it's also the beginning of seasonal closures and the summer tourism industry drawing to a close.

The two cheapest months to cruise in Northern Europe will be May and September. These months are when school is back in session, and it's also at the very start and end of the season.

Both of my cruises take place in June, and I'll wrap up both cruises at the start of July.

June is the best month for a Northern European cruise

Not only is June a great value, it also offers the most sunlight of the year.

The summer solstice takes place during this time, and that provides more sunlight than any other time of the year.  The more sun you have, the more comfortable the outdoor temperatures can be too. That makes for great viewing late at "night" during the longest days of the year.

Unlike the end of the summer cruise season, in June you don't have to worry about seasonal closures, and the possibility of seeing the midnight sun is a unique advantage.

If you have a clear night, it's well worth staying up until midnight to watch the sun dip and start back up without setting.

One more advantage of June is you can still enjoy beautiful waterfalls with a lot of water coming down from the melting snow still occurring.

Flexibility is so important, regardless of the "best" or "worst" month

You can do all the research in the world and speak to a lot of experts, but ultimately weather and crowds are going to be a variable that you can't control.

I always caution anyone that asks for a recommendation of when to cruise anywhere that just because it was the case in the past, doesn't mean it will occur again.  

More importantly, I'm a firm believer in a cruise is what you make of it.  You can choose to have a great cruise anytime of the year, or allow gripes to "ruin" your vacation.

No temperature or crowd can prevent you from enjoying a stunning view, ancient site, or incredible culinary experience if you don't let it.

Ultimately, I'd choose to cruise any month in Northern Europe over not cruising at all.  You just have to come in with a good plan, prepare for certain possibilities, and be flexible with your plans when the rain, temperature, or crowds don't cooperate.

You can have a great time at Royal Caribbean's Perfect Day at CocoCay without spending a fortune.

It's a myth that CocoCay is all about big upcharges and high-cost thrills. Sure, those options exist, but pro cruisers will tell you there is so much more to enjoy beyond that.

Having been many times to this private island, it's clear you can enjoy a day here without blowing through your budget. In fact, you can easily spend absolutely nothing extra and have a great time.

I love having the choice to splurge if I'd like to, but ultimately I can walk off with nothing special booked and still enjoy a day in the water, beach, and plenty of food inbetween.

If you want to stay within your budget, here's what’s included for free, low-cost upgrades that might be worth it, and money-saving tricks you can add into your visit.

Royal Caribbean includes a lot that costs nothing extra

Before you pay for anything extra at Perfect Day at CocoCay, you should know what's included with your cruise fare.

• Oasis Lagoon – the largest freshwater pool in the Caribbean
• Beaches -  free beach chairs, umbrellas, and gorgeous ocean views
  • Chill Island
  • South Beach
  • Harbor Beach
• Splashaway Bay & Captain Jill’s Galleon – free water play areas for kids
• Skipper’s Grill, Chill Grill, and Snack Shack – all meals and snacks included
• Beach chairs, towels, and tram transportation – no need to carry anything around

I know what you're thinking, if it's free, how good it could be? And is it going to be super crowded?

The temptation to pay extra because "it's got to be better" is a pretty common notion, but the reality is these included options are really good. 

I wouldn't hesitate to take my family to any of them for the day, and the truth is it's also really good too.

What you don't need to pay for

There are four areas I'd caution you not to pay extra for simply to achieve in your visit.

Beach loungers or hammocks are everywhere, so you really don't need to spend extra admission to another area of the island if this is your concern.

If getting a prime spot is important to you, I'd recommend getting off the ship early.  As long as you get to the island before 10am, you're going to have a pretty easy time picking out chairs, loungers, and umbrellas.

Certainly access to the beaches and pools are another area where you don't need to pay extra.

I think a lot of new cruisers are surprised how much is included for no extra cost, but they don't realize it until they get to the island.

If you're thinking of splurging for a CocoCay cabana or daybed, you really don't need to get one unless you're in a large group.

I've rented plenty of cabanas, but they're not essential.  Nice to have, sure, but don't for a family of four or less, you can skip them.

Lastly, an upgraded lunch is something else you can skip spending on specifically.

While I think the Coco Beach Club restaurant has amazing food, I'd be lying to you if I didn't say the free food at the Snack Shack or Skipper's Grill isn't incredibly satisfying.

Optional extras that might be worth it only if…

If you're on the fence about spending extra for exclusive areas of CocoCay, here's what I would recommend and when to buy it.

Thrill Waterpark

If you're into water slides and love the idea of going on them all day long, then Thrill Waterpark is worth the cost.

By far teens and anyone that really wants a thrill experience is who's going to be attracted to this area.

If you want a chill day, definitely skip paying for admission.

The key is ensuring you're good with spending all day.  It's simply not worth it if you're not going to come for just a couple of hours.

Coco Beach Club

The best way I can describe the appeal of the Coco Beach Club is if you truly value a bougie kind of beach day.

It's gorgeous, uncrowded, and has the best food, but very expensive. Skip unless you're looking for a luxury day and don’t mind the splurge.

Hideaway Beach

Royal Caribbean built this area specifically for anyone that wants a break from the kids and families.

Hideaway Beach delivers on it, but don't confuse it with a quiet experience either.  This adults-only area is more Vegas pool party than calm and quiet.

While you can find some quiet if you're willing to walk as far away from the pool as possible, you're better off saving money for a quiet day by going to the end of South Beach and not spending anything extra.

Up, Up & Away Balloon Ride

It's incredibly scenic, but the chances it actually goes up seems to be quite low.

The balloon requires near perfect weather for it to be able to safely operate, and in my experience, that rarely occurs.

I'd recommend not buying it in advance because you're going to likely plan your day around it and then end up disappointed when it likely gets cancelled.

Best strategy for a budget-friendly day

My recommendation for a low cost day is to embrace these tips.

• Get off the ship early to grab the best beach chairs (no extra cost)
• Use the tram to explore the island without walking (free)
• Start at Oasis Lagoon, then hit Chill Island for beach time
• Eat lunch at Skipper’s or Snack Shack — they’re fast and included
• Head back to the ship mid-afternoon for a second round of food or quiet time onboard

Don't forget your Royal Caribbean drink package works at CocoCay too, so that's added value if you decide to buy it.

What to pack to avoid extra costs

Besides the optional places and experiences you can book for CocoCay, the other area people end up wasting money is on things they forgot to pack.

Packing for a cruise is not easy, but there are a few essentials I'd recommend bringing so you don't have to pay the high prices for them onboard or even on the island.

• Sunscreen
• Hat/sunglasses
• Reusable water bottle
• Waterproof phone case for photos

Also, you don't need to pack towels from home. You can get towels from ship for free, if you don’t lose it.

Royal Caribbean drink packages aren't cheap, but there is a loophole that people that cruise all the time take advantage of.

The cruise line has strict rules in place regarding its beverage packages because of how prevalent drink package cheating was at one point. In fact, Royal Caribbean held out longer than most other lines before lamenting and adding their own restrictions.

The requirement is if you buy the Deluxe Beverage package, which is the one that includes all the alcoholic drinks, that all other adults in the cabin must do so as well. 

That creates problems for adults who don't drink much or at all.

While this seems like a brick wall of red tape, there is a workaround.

The system forces adults to buy the drink package

When you go into the Royal Caribbean app or website to buy a drink package, you'll see quickly the issue.

If you add the Deluxe Beverage Package for one adult, it forces you to buy it for other adults in the same cabin as you.

There is no such rule for the Royal Refreshment Package or the Soda Package. Also, kids aren't required to get a drink package at all if adults in the same cabin do.

For many families, this means mom and dad must buy it if one of them wants it.  

But what if one of the adults prefers not to drink? Or is pregnant? Or has a medical condition?

There's a loophole that can get you out of the problem.

Call Royal Caribbean and explain the issue

While the website doesn't bend on the rule, the cruise line representatives do.

You can call Royal Caribbean at 1-866-562-7625 to tell them one of the adults doesn't want the drink package as well.

They won't let that person completely off the hook, but they will allow that other adult to buy the lower cost Royal Refreshment Package.

This is the non-alcoholic drink package and it's a fraction of the price of the more expensive one. On my upcoming sailing, that's over $30 per day savings.

Technically, it's not an official policy of the cruise line.  So it's possible this wouldn't work.

However, it's been my experience for years they've honored it as long as you're willing to call in and book it.

And you don't have to lie about the reason either.  Royal Caribbean won't ask for proof or documentation, so no need to pretend someone is pregnant or has a terrible medical condition if it's not true.

Simply ask for the Refreshment package instead of the Deluxe package.

Book adults in another cabin

My favorite loophole for the drink package rule is when you have more than one cabin for your family.

Often my family will sail in separate cabins because it's one of my favorite family cruise hacks.  Booking connecting/adjacent rooms gives my wife and I separation from the kids, as well as an extra bathroom and far more privacy for all of us.

I always have my travel agent book me with one kid, and my wife with the other kid.

Royal Caribbean doesn't care who actually sleeps in which cabin once on the cruise. This is all just paperwork.

With this scenario, my wife is in another cabin and I only have to pay for the Deluxe Beverage Package for myself instead of her too.

Don't be temped to try to sneak drinks on instead

Some people see the high prices of a drink package or these rules and decide cheating the system is the next option, but this is a terrible idea.

Sneaking alcohol onboard is playing with fire, and if you're caught, there could be all sorts of consequences beyond simply confiscating what you have.

I'd argue sneaking booze on means you're also relegated to going back to your room constantly for refills. The last thing I want to do when I'm having a good time at a bar, show, or casino is have to get up and walk back to my room to get a drink.

Wait for a good sale and then take advantage of the loophole

The best strategy is to combine this loophole with my drink package money saving tip.

Royal Caribbean runs sales and promos all the time for pre-cruise purchases.  Keep an eye out for one of the sales that discounts drink packages as much as 40% off the onboard price.

Then call in and ask for the drink package, but also ask for the Refreshment package for the other adults who don't want the Deluxe package.

This strategy will save you money in two ways and not get you in trouble with the cruise line.