Royal Caribbean Blog

With cruise fares steadily increasing in recent years, it’s no surprise that many travelers are on the hunt for a great deal. Unfortunately, if you see a price that seems too good to be true, it likely is. 

Although there are plenty of savvy ways to save money on a cruise, many low fares come with a long list of caveats, from hidden fees to restrictive cabin types that may be disappointing. In many cases, the advertised "cheap" price applies only to certain departure dates, stateroom categories, or cruise ships. 

Before jumping the gun and booking what seems to be an unbelievable deal, you must read the fine print to avoid any surprises. You don't, for example, want to brag about finding an affordable cruise on Icon of the Seas just to discover the deal is only valid on small, no-frill Vision or Radiance Class vessels. 

In this article, we'll share some cruise "deals" that you should be wary of — from misleading promotions to those that create unrealistic expectations about the onboard experience. 

"Free" cruise offers

(Credit: quarterWest1368)

You may receive an email or a postcard saying you’ve "won" a free cruise or are eligible for an exclusive deal. Word to the wise? Be extremely skeptical of these offers. 

Unless it's through the Casino Royale program or Crown & Anchor Society, the "free" cruise typically comes with strings attached, such as requiring you to attend a lengthy timeshare or vacation club presentation. 

You can certainly look into the promotion and read the fine print. However, don't be surprised if the exciting offer turns into more of a headache than it is worth. 

Cheap cruises on older ships

Generally, the lowest fares are for sailings on older vessels, such as Enchantment of the Seas and Radiance of the Seas. While these ships can still make for a great vacation, the onboard amenities are more basic than those on newer mega-ships. 

For example, Vision and Radiance Class vessels don't have record-breaking waterparks, FlowRider surf simulators, ice skating rinks, or zip lines. There are also fewer dining and entertainment options. 

Whereas Icon of the Seas has an indoor AquaTheater, world-class theater, AquaDome food hall, and numerous specialty restaurants, older ships are more scaled back and are reminiscent of a different era of cruising. 

Again, that isn't necessarily a dealbreaker. In fact, the Royal Caribbean Blog team loves older ships. However, it's important to be aware of the differences, especially if you are expecting your experience to match the action-packed commercials you've seen on television. 

Additionally, cheap cruise fares are not all-inclusive. As such, you will be responsible for add-ons like gratuities, drink packages, shore excursions, and Wi-Fi, which can significantly drive up the total cost of your vacation. 

Read more: Why you shouldn’t skip Royal Caribbean's older (and smaller) ships

Kids sail free promotions

As a family-friendly cruise line, Royal Caribbean often offers deals where children under a certain age can sail for "free" ("free" is a generous term, because nobody is actually stepping foot on a cruise ship without paying something).

While the kids sail free promotion can help reduce the overall cost of the cruise, it’s important to note that taxes, port fees, and gratuities still apply. In other words, it's just the cruise fare itself that's "free."

The deal typically only covers children 12 and under staying in the same stateroom as their parents/guardians, too. As such, if you are a family that prefers multiple cabins, the kids sail free promotion won't be useful. 

Moreover, tons of blackout dates could prevent you from taking advantage of the deal. For example, many spring dates are excluded from the promotion, meaning you may have to pay full price if you're considering a spring break cruise. 

Read more: I've taken my kids on cruises since they were babies. It's been the best way to teach them independence as they've grown older

Last-minute cruises

Royal Caribbean doesn't want to operate any sailings with empty cabins. As such, you may notice that they significantly drop pricing in the months and weeks leading up to a cruise with lots of availability. 

If you are local and live near the cruise port, taking advantage of a last-minute cruise can be a great way to snag a lower fare. However, last-minute airfare can be expensive and negate the total savings from the cheaper cruise. 

Stateroom availability may also be limited. Consequently, you might get stuck with a windowless interior cabin instead of an ocean-view balcony. If you need adjoining rooms, this cannot be guaranteed, either. 

Additionally, because Royal Caribbean's Cruise Planner lets passengers begin to book add-ons months in advance, certain excursions, specialty restaurants, and onboard activities may already be fully booked by the time you snag your last-minute stateroom. 

Read more: Is booking a last-minute Royal Caribbean cruise a good idea? Pros, Cons & What to Expect

Too-good-to-be-true cabin upgrades

Through the RoyalUp Program, cruisers can bid on higher category staterooms. For example, if you book a standard interior cabin, you can bid on an ocean-view balcony. If you're lucky, you may score the upgrade at a fraction of the normal cost. However, it's important to be aware of the downsides of the bidding program. 

For starters, you cannot pick the new stateroom's location. So, if you paid extra for a mid-ship cabin away from noisy venues, it is not guaranteed that your new room will be in a similarly quiet spot. You could also end up in the front of the vessel, which isn't ideal for cruisers who suffer from motion sickness. 

Moreover, you can't request connecting cabins when trying your luck through the RoyalUp Program. This means that families could end up being split apart and dispersed on different decks. 

Read more: The trick to getting a Royal Up bid accepted (it's all about availability and luck)

Guaranteed stateroom deals

On a similar note, you can elect to save a few dollars by letting Royal Caribbean randomly assign your stateroom, rather than choosing your exact cabin at the time of booking.  

If you aren't picky and do not have your heart set on a specific cabin configuration or location, a guarantee stateroom could be a good deal. At the end of the day, you will be given a cabin in your chosen category (if not higher) and have access to the same amenities as everyone else on the ship (i.e., private bathroom, television, personal safe, housekeeping service, etc.).

However, there's always the risk of being assigned a room in an undesirable location, such as underneath the pool deck or near the late-night smoking casino. Having a bad cruise room can ruin your onboard experience and leave lasting negative memories of the entire vacation. 

Port Canaveral is one step closer to introducing a new solution to address the crowded parking garage complaints. 

(Credit: Canaveral Port Authority)

As the world's busiest cruise terminal, thousands of passengers arrive by car for their long-awaited vacations, and limited parking has long been a source of frustration at the Central Florida port. 

"[T]he biggest recurring nightmare is the traffic and the long wait to exit. [I]f you park in the official terminal garages...a lot of people got trapped in there for hours trying to leave...[T]he second horror story is getting turned away or circling forever," wrote a Redditor on the r/parkingguides thread. 

To tackle these issues, Port Canaveral is constructing a massive 13-story parking garage. The $93 million project will be the largest and most complex parking garage ever constructed at Port Canaveral, with 3,732 parking spaces available for those sailing out of Terminals 5 and 6. It's expected to open sometime in the fall of 2026. 

(Credit: Ivey’s Construction/Canaveral Port Authority)

Port Canaveral recently announced in an official press release that construction of the new parking garage has reached a major milestone, with a large 600-square-foot, 36.7-ton pre-cast concrete wall section being lowered into place. This signals the start of the garage’s vertical construction. 

With approximately 80% of Port Canaveral cruisers driving to the port, it's important to expand parking capacity to comfortably accommodate all passengers. Once the garage is completed, the port will offer nearly 17,500 parking spaces across eight different garages and surface lots, making parking at Port Canaveral easier. 

The new 1.2 million-square-foot parking garage is part of the Port Canaveral Advantage program, a costly capital improvement initiative that will invest nearly $1 billion in much-needed upgrades over the next five years. 

(Credit: Ivey’s Construction/Canaveral Port Authority)

Key components of the program include the expansion of Cruise Terminal 5 and Cruise Terminal 10, along with more parking upgrades and the implementation of technology designed to streamline embarkation and debarkation. Cruise Terminal 5 frequently welcomes Royal Caribbean ships like Adventure, Voyager, and Explorer of the Seas. 

"Port Canaveral is not only the world’s busiest cruise port, but also one of the nation’s most convenient and easily accessible. Our focus on customers is essential to delivering a high-quality guest experience," said Captain John W. Murray, Port Canaveral CEO. 

"This new parking garage is an investment in our commitment to making Port Canaveral the best it can be for our valued cruise partners and their guests."

Read more: I tested the $60 Orlando cruise ship shuttle to Port Canaveral

How much is parking at Port Canaveral?

When planning a cruise vacation, it's important to budget for everything from the bucket ticket items, like the fare itself, to the smaller but necessary expenses, like parking. 

Currently, Port Canaveral cruise parking costs $20 per day, plus tax, for standard vehicles and RVs. The rate includes the day of embarkation and disembarkation. Moreover, parking is pay-on-arrival, and the cruise port does not accept reservations. 

This means that for a weeklong cruise, you can expect to spend over $180 to park your vehicle at Port Canaveral. 

Port Canaveral is the world's busiest cruise port

Port Canaveral broke its passenger record in 2025, reflecting higher cruise demand than ever. During the 2025 fiscal year, the port welcomed over 8.6 million cruise passengers, up from 7,592,535 in 2024. The staggering numbers secured Port Canaveral's spot as the busiest cruise port in the world.

Some of the world's largest cruise ships homeport in Port Canaveral, including Royal Caribbean's Star of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas. Star embarks on 7-night Caribbean voyages every Sunday, while Utopia offers 3- and 4-night cruises to The Bahamas every Friday and Monday. 

More than a dozen additional ships also depart from Port Canaveral, such as Disney Treasure, Carnival’s Mardi Gras, Celebrity Apex, MSC Seashore, Adventure of the Seas, and Norwegian Prima. In total, Port Canaveral claims that seven major cruise lines operate over 1,000 sailings from the port. 

Read more: PortMiami, Port Canaveral set yearly records for cruise passengers

Not only is Port Canaveral extremely busy, but it is also well-liked by cruisers — proven when the port was named the "Best North American Homeport" in Cruise Critic’s 17th Annual "Best in Cruise" Awards. 

"Earning this kind of accolade validates our focus on providing a high-quality experience for all cruise guests sailing from our Port,” said Captain John W. Murray. 

"We are the start and finish of every cruise, and our continued investments in improving the guest experience at Port Canaveral is our commitment to the business growth of our cruise partners."

The addition of the new 13-story parking garage and other needed port improvements highlight Port Canaveral's dedication to maintaining its reputation as a top-rated homeport, as well as making it easier for passengers to begin and end their vacations. 

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

(Credit: @Dtj780/Reddit)

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

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

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

(Credit: @Dtj780/Reddit)

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

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

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

The Royal Caribbean midnight buffet was replaced with other dining options

(Credit: @Dtj780/Reddit)

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

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

(Credit: @Dtj780/Reddit)

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

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

(Credit: @Dtj780/Reddit)

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

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

(Credit: @Dtj780/Reddit)

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

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

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

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

(Credit: @Dtj780/Reddit)

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

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

(Credit: @Dtj780/Reddit)

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

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

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

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

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

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

Take a look inside our junior suite.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The living room felt spacious, with extra seating

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The balcony was long, adding extra private room

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

First, let’s talk price

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I prefer the dining experience on Royal Caribbean

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I missed visiting multiple destinations, though

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Royal Caribbean just made cruise dinner planning easier.

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

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

Royal Caribbean News

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

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

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

Royal Caribbean is testing out a new day pass option

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

4 dining changes Royal Caribbean made that fixed frustrating problems

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Will Royal Caribbean pass on a fuel surcharge to guests?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Why are crude oil prices rising?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Introduced a third seating time in the dining room

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

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

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

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

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

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

Read more: Royal Caribbean introduces third dining time

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Began charging no-shows at restaurants

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

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

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

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

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

Simplified how cruisers can request a dining change

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

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

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

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

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

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

Read more: Royal Caribbean simplifies dinner planning with website update

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Wizard of Oz (Icon of the Seas)

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

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

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

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

Aqua80 (Oasis of the Seas)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Torque (Star of the Seas)

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

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

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

SOL (Star of the Seas)

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

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

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

Mamma Mia (Allure of the Seas)

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

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

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

Ice Odyssey (Voyager of the Seas)

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

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

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

Once Upon a Time (Freedom of the Seas)

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

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

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

Sonic Odyssey (Quantum of the Seas)

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

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

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

Flight: Dare to Dream (Symphony of the Seas)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What happens during a cruise ship dry dock?

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

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

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

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

Read more: What is a cruise ship dry dock?