Royal Caribbean Blog

Royal Caribbean expanded its VIP offerings by selling arguably its best benefits a la carte on older ships.

Have you ever thought, "I'd pay money not to have to wait in line?" while on a cruise? Then this is the service for you.

Up until recently, the Royal Genie service was exclusively available on the newer and bigger ships only.  However, it's now being sold on at least two ships: Independence of the Seas and Freedom of the Seas.

You get the services of a Royal Genie, and it can be used with any stateroom, even a tiny inside cabin.  This gets you front of the line access, just about every extra cost included, and white glove service that no other passengers on your ship will enjoy.

Royal Caribbean rolled it out in April, and I booked it for an 8-night North European sailing on Independence of the Seas.  

I wanted to know how effective it would be on a smaller ship, given that I've tried it on the big ships.

The new option is non-refundable and non-transferable, so there's no way to cancel after you book (trust me, I tried).

It costs $300.00 per adult per day, and $200.00 per child per day (Guests under age 6 are complimentary).  

For my family of four over eight nights, it cost me $9,600 in total. And yes, I paid for all of it out my own pocket. Nothing was gifted to me by the cruise line or anyone else.

What's included with Royal Genie

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

What does the Genie do

What you get with the Royal Genie is the "easy button" for your cruise, from start to finish.

I had Thaires (Thai) as my genie, and her job was to make my cruise as fun, magical, and easy as possible.

A few weeks before the cruise began, I got an email introducing her and her services.  Just like the Royal Genie on Royal Caribbean's big ships, these pre-cruise emails are meant to introduce and get to know the genie, while sharing your personal preferences.

I find the pre-cruise communication not that important.  I'll share my specialty dining requests and which beverages I want in the stateroom, but the real fun begins when you get onboard.

Your genie meets you in the cruise terminal and this is when everything becomes instantly easier.  They escort you onboard, and it's at this point they will do almost anything to ensure you have a better cruise.

Here's a list of simple and not-so-simple things my genie did:

• Solved multiple billing issues on my account
• Had the IT department in my cabin to add a repeater when I casually mentioned the internet signal was weak
• Signed my kids up for ice skating, skipping the line and sign up process.
• Reserved seats in any show in the Royal Theater
• Cut the line for us when disembarking the ship at a port of call
• Called elevators for us to not have to wait
• Decorated my stateroom door
• Kept my cabin stocked with alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
• Had Starbucks coffee delivered to my room every morning
• Kept a steady stream of snacks delivered to the cabin

There's more, but this is all I could remember specifically from the trip.

You message your genie through WhatsApp, but they will greet you around the ship.  Most genies will wait for you at the entrance to a restaurant or theater to escort you in, get you in a reserved seat, and attend to any requests you have.

Every genie has their own style, which means each one leans more into online or in-person communication, and they like to surprise you.

Thai decorated both of our staterooms, something I've never seen a genie do.  She also spent some time with us during the day to get to know us better.

Ultimately, the job of the genie is to remove obstacles and include every possible add-on you can imagine.

There are two areas the genie cannot help. First, is their services only work on the ship.  Even in the cruise terminal they can't assist, and when you're off the ship, that's time you can't use them.

The other area was actually delivering food.  Thai said she wasn't allowed to physically deliver food or drinks. If I wanted any, she could arrange to have it delivered by the room service team.

With other genies, I've had the genie bring me food or drink, even to a bar or public area.  However, that wasn't possible this time around.

Is the Royal Genie Package worth it?

The Royal Genie Package is the very definition of a splurge and not a dollar-for-dollar value.  

I think Royal Caribbean is offering this to a certain clientele that value convenience over everything else.  Up until now, they were relegated to only the new ships.

I've had a Royal Genie on a few other ships over the years, and the experience on Independence was just as good as those. If you're worried it's a watered down version, fear not.

Thai did just about anything and everything asked of her to make it easier.  I loved being able to text her my coffee order and avoid waiting in a long line at Cafe Promenade.

When our ship was delayed getting into Rotterdam, there was a giant line of passengers waiting to disembark, but Thai escorted us to the front of it and we bypassed everyone.

The only disappointment is that you can't take full advantage of what the Royal Genie can do given your cabin limitations. I was in a balcony cabin and there wasn't enough room to truly enjoy the genie perks you'd find in a mega suite.

At $300 per person, per day, there's no denying it's a very pricey upgrade. One can make the argument that if you were going to buy an unlimited drink package, The Key, and Unlimited Dining Package, that covers at least half the daily cost and it's not absurd a cost as it may look on paper.

I think Royal Caribbean would be the first to admit this isn't an offering for everyone.  It's something to cater to certain families that prioritize their comfort and make the cruise as easy as humanly possible.

I loved my week with Thai, and it was so nice getting treated like a VIP from start to finish. I liked it even more than I expected, even if the ship doesn't have as many venues compared to newer ships.

With multiple beaches, a swimming pool, and private cabanas, The Royal Beach Club is set to be an exciting new option for Royal Caribbean cruise passengers visiting Nassau, and we’re sharing everything you need to know about this exclusive beach day.

The Royal Beach Club is a new project by Royal Caribbean in partnership with The Bahamas. It’s located on Paradise Island—a narrow strip of land near the cruise port in Nassau—on a 17 acre property.

Royal Beach Club Paradise Island is available to book now for cruises arriving in Nassau beginning December 2025. Pricing varies by sailing and season. Day passes, cabanas, and premium add-ons can be reserved online or onboard, depending on availability.

Here’s what you should know before it opens.

*Information on this article is subject to change based on new announcements by Royal Caribbean.

What's included with your day pass

Despite its close proximity to the Nassau cruise port, which hosts over 12 different cruise lines, The Royal Beach Club is exclusively for Royal Caribbean cruise passengers. This is with the exception of Bahamian residents along with their friends and family, who can enjoy the beach club's facilities at a reduced rate.

There are two types of passes available:

1. All-Inclusive Day Pass (with alcohol):

   • Unlimited food and alcoholic & non-alcoholic drinks

   • Access to all pools and beaches

   • Complimentary Wi-Fi

   • Roundtrip water taxi

   • Entertainment, beach games, beach chairs, umbrellas, towels, restrooms, lockers

2. Day Pass (non-alcoholic only):

   • All of the above, minus alcoholic drinks (available à la carte)

Both passes include live music, DJ entertainment, and family-friendly beach activities.

Prices

• Day Pass with Unlimited Open Bar & Dining, starting from $169.99 for guests ages 21+
• Day Pass with Non-Alcoholic Drinks & Dining, starting from $129.99 for guests ages 13+; $109.99 for ages 4-12; and free for guests ages 3 and under
• A bundle including the day pass and a beverage package, or paired with exclusive experiences at Perfect Day at CocoCay

Three areas

Royal Caribbean’s Royal Beach Club Paradise Island is divided into three main areas: Family Beach, Party Cove, and Chill Beach.

Here’s a detailed look at what you can expect in each zone.

Family Beach

Family Beach is perfect for guests who want to relax in a more casual, kid-friendly atmosphere with easy access to food, drinks, and private spaces.

The Shallow End Pool & Swim-up Bar
A zero-entry pool designed for effortless access, this spot features a swim-up bar where you can enjoy a cocktail or mocktail without leaving the water.

Beach Bars
Grab a refreshing beverage and enjoy the beach vibes from a shaded seat or a lounge chair in the sun.

Paradise Grill
Refuel with a variety of satisfying meals and snacks prepared with a Caribbean twist—everything from salads to local specialties.

Ultimate Family Cabana (Additional cost)
This two-story cabana offers a private retreat with luxury amenities for families or small groups. It’s the most premium experience available on the island.

Beach & Pool Cabanas (Additional cost)
Reserve a private shaded space with attendant service, plush seating, and upgraded amenities. Available in both beachside and poolside locations.

Party Cove

Party Cove is the social hub of the beach club. With nonstop music, drinks, and energy, this area is designed for adults and groups looking to celebrate.

The Floating Flamingo Pool & Swim-up Bar
This two-level swim-up bar is the largest of its kind in the world. Sip handcrafted cocktails while enjoying DJ sets and sweeping ocean views.

Bars
Enjoy a wide selection of drinks from multiple bars conveniently located throughout the cove.

Paradise Grill
Offering the same great menu as other sections of the beach club, this location ensures you’re never far from a delicious bite.

Day Beds (Additional cost)
Rent a cozy day bed complete with beverage service, an umbrella, beach towels, and a private storage area.

The Party Deck (Additional cost)
Elevate your celebration with a private poolside space featuring exclusive drink service, comfortable seating, and unmatched views of the action.

Chill Beach

For those in search of quiet and comfort, Chill Beach lives up to its name with a relaxed atmosphere and peaceful oceanfront spaces.

The Deep End Pool & Swim-up Bar
A serene setting for sipping cocktails or mocktails directly from the pool while soaking in the tranquil island scenery.

Beach Bars
Find your favorite tropical drink and enjoy it under an umbrella or from your lounger.

Paradise Grill
Conveniently located to serve beachgoers, this grill offers a wide array of fresh and flavorful dishes.

Beach and Pool Cabanas (Additional cost)
Upgrade your day with a private cabana that comes with comfortable seating, a personal attendant, and scenic views.

Dining around the club

All dining is included in your day pass and is served at three Paradise Grill locations throughout the property. These casual, quick-service spots offer freshly prepared dishes with a Bahamian flair.

Must-try items include:

• Fire Engine Fritters (corned beef and cheese)

• BBQ Black Bean Burger

• Pinwheel Shrimp Skewers with guava glaze

• Tropical Salad with pineapple, feta, and candied walnuts

• Bahama-style baked mac & cheese

• Vanilla bundt cake with guava sauce

Gluten-free and vegetarian options are available throughout, though kosher meals are not offered at this time.

Cabanas, Day Beds & The Party Deck

For those seeking upgraded experiences, Royal Beach Club offers a wide variety of private spaces for rent:

Cabana Options (all include a personal attendant)

• Pool Cabanas (248–310 sq. ft.) – Shaded lounge with in-water loungers and Bluetooth speakers

• Beach Cabanas (248 sq. ft.) – Four loungers and ocean views at Chill or Family Beach

• Spacious Pool or Beach Cabanas (395 sq. ft.) – Up to 10 guests; includes wet bar, TV, mini fridge, hanging chair

• Ultimate Family Cabana (2,000 sq. ft.) – A two-story, top-tier retreat for up to 12 guests, with premium amenities and privacy

Other Premium Rentals

• Day Beds (Party Cove) – For two guests; includes umbrella, cooler, towels, and dry storage

• The Party Deck (720 sq. ft.) – Private poolside area for up to 12 guests overlooking The Floating Flamingo bar; includes mini fridge, exclusive beverage menu, charging station, and more

All rentals are available to book in advance via the Cruise Planner or onboard at the Shore Excursions desk. They can be canceled up to 48 hours in advance for a full refund.

Key Differences from Perfect Day at CocoCay

• Royal Beach Club is a paid, all-inclusive beach club in Nassau

• Perfect Day at CocoCay is free to enter and offers more thrill-based attractions (such as water slides and a wave pool)

• CocoCay is a full private island; Royal Beach Club is a shore excursion on Paradise Island

• Royal Beach Club emphasizes premium beach leisure, food, and drinks rather than waterpark-style fun

Frequently Asked Guest Questions

Is there a capacity limit?
Yes. Royal Beach Club Paradise Island has a capacity that varies seasonally.

Who is allowed to purchase admission to the club?
Royal Beach Club Paradise Island is open exclusively to Royal Caribbean Group guests (on Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea) and Bahamian residents.

Are there any age restrictions to enter Royal Beach Club Paradise Island?
All guests are welcome to enter Royal Beach Club and are welcome to enjoy their day pass in all areas.

What identification is required?
Bring your SeaPass card and government-issued ID when disembarking.

Can I bring my own bag or backpack?
Yes. Complimentary lockers are available on-site.

Do I get a discount on a day pass if I already purchased a Deluxe Beverage Package?
No. Guests must book a bundle that combines a beverage package with a day pass. Otherwise, beverages are included based on the pass type purchased.

Is Royal Beach Club Paradise Island wheelchair accessible?
Yes. Water taxis and the destination are both accessible.

A Caribbean nation has added a new measles requirement to tourists, including those that visit by cruise ship.

Honduran authorities recently announced that they're requiring documentation to show proof of a measles vaccine for travelers coming from the United States, even those arriving by sea. 

If someone can't receive the vaccine, they must show proof 72 to 80 hours before their flight of a negative measles test. 

The new requirement went into effect four days ago, but travelers onboard Royal Caribbean cruise ships haven't been notified about any changes regarding the updated entry rules, leaving passengers confused about what to expect. 

Honduras' new health measure seems to be part of a broader effort to prevent the spread of measles, a highly contagious virus that infected roughly 10.3 million people worldwide in 2023, amid rising global numbers, particularly in the United States.

A few days ago, Michigan reported the state's second outbreak, bringing the U.S.'s total confirmed cases this year to over 1,200. Health workers have also been rushing to contain an outbreak in a country jail in New Mexico, according to the Associated Press. 

As of June 24, 2025, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported a total of 1,227 measles cases in 37 states and jurisdictions, including:

• Alaska
• Arkansa
• Arizona
• California
• Colorado
• Florida
• Georgia
• Hawaii
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Iowa
• Kansas
• Kentucky
• Louisiana
• Maryland
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• Missouri
• Montana
• Nebraska
• New Jersey
• New Mexico
• New York City
• New York State
• North Dakota
• Ohio
• Oklahoma
• Oregon
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• South Dakota
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Utah
• Vermont
• Virginia
• Washington

In 95% of cases, the vaccination status is "unvaccinated or unknown." Just 5% of the confirmed cases have had either one or two doses of the MMR vaccine. 

Measles symptoms typically begin with a high fever, cough, runny nose, and/or red, watery eyes. Within a few days, small white spots, known as Koplik spots, may appear inside the mouth, followed by a distinctive red rash that can spread from the head to the rest of the body. 

The virus is dangerous and can lead to serious complications, especially in babies and young children. 

Roatán is a popular port of call on Western Caribbean itineraries

In July and August, four Royal Caribbean ships are slated to call at the Coxen Hole port in Roatán: Icon of the Seas, Wonder of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas, and Grandeur of the Seas. 

Carnival also has a private port in Honduras called Mahogany Bay. Between both ports of call, over 25 visits are expected in July alone. 

This means thousands of U.S travelers could be affected by the new vaccination requirement this summer.

The U.S. Embassy in Honduras advises travelers to have travel documents up to date and easily accessible, as well as to carry proper identification at all times. It's also important to visit the CDC Travelers' Health Page and monitor local media for updates. 

Guests sailing on Star of the Seas can now make specialty dining reservations using Royal Caribbean's Cruise Planner.

The new Royal Caribbean ship will begin sailing in August, and cruisers have been clamoring to book its restaurants.

As the newest Icon Class ship, there's a lot to look forward to, from "Back to the Future: The Musical" to the first-ever facial recognition cabins and an enhanced Surfside neighborhood. 

However, one of the best parts of any cruise vacation is the food, and Star of the Seas is set to deliver with a wide range of complimentary and specialty restaurants. 

With the exception of passengers with My Time Dining, reservations aren't needed for the included venues, such as the AquaDome Market, Windjammer Marketplace, and El Loco Fresh. 

That said, if you're planning to indulge in any of the ship’s specialty dining options, like the Lincoln Park Supper Club, Chops Grille, or Izumi Hibachi, you’ll want to make reservations as soon as possible. 

These venues fill up quickly, and it's not uncommon for the most desirable times to be taken before embarkation day. By utilizing the Cruise Planner to reserve your spot, you can guarantee that you and your travel party can dine at the best restaurants at your preferred time, rather than settling for an inconvenient early or late reservation. 

You can also make specialty dining bookings by calling Royal Caribbean at 1-800-398-9819 or speaking with your travel agent. 

Read more: 8 changes coming to Royal Caribbean's next new cruise ship (and 1 returning favorite)

What specialty restaurants are on Star of the Seas?

Star of the Seas has 14 extra-cost dining venues. 

However, only eight can be booked in advance through the Cruise Planner: Lincoln Park Supper Club, the Chef's Table, Chops Grille, Giovanni's Italian Kitchen, Izumi Sushi, Izumi Hibachi, the Celebration Table, and Hooked. 

Other specialty restaurants include Playmaker's Sports Bar & Arcade, Izumi in the Park, Desserted, Trellis Bar, Starbucks, and the brand-new concept replacing Pier 7 in Surfside. 

Read more: How does specialty dining work on Royal Caribbean?

How much do specialty restaurants cost?

Generally speaking, you'll save money booking your specialty restaurants in advance thanks to Royal Caribbean's pre-cruise sales. 

The price varies based on ongoing promotions. However, you'll typically pay more if you wait to book your specialty meals on the ship. 

Here are the prices for specialty restaurants on Star of the Seas for the first revenue sailing on August 16, 2025:

• Celebration Table — Dinner: $1,000 (Up to 14 guests. No pricing discounts for smaller parties)
• Chef's Table — Dinner: $110/guest
• Lincoln Park Supper Club — Dinner: $200/guest
• Chops Grille — Dinner: $70/guest
• Chops Grille — Lunch: $30/guest
• Giovanni's Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar — Dinner: $55/guest
• Giovanni's Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar — Lunch: $25/guest
• Izumi — Lunch & Dinner: $40/guest
• Izumi Hibachi — Dinner: $70/guest
• Izumi Hibachi — Lunch: $45/guest
• Hooked — Dinner: $65/guest
• Hooked — Lunch: $25/guest

Royal Caribbean also offers dining packages to help guests save money while experiencing more than one of the delicious specialty restaurants onboard. 

Options like the 3-Night Dining Package or the Unlimited Dining Package bundle the price and allow you to visit multiple specialty venues. It's easier than making individual reservations in many cases.

Dining packages can also be booked directly through the Cruise Planner. In the past, you had to wait until you were onboard to make your dining reservations with the Unlimited Dining Package. However, Royal Caribbean now lets guests book their specialty meals on the Cruise Planner. 

Read more: I paid $660 to just eat at specialty restaurants on an Icon Class ship. It was better than advertised

Star of the Seas is set to enter service on August 16, 2025

The 4-night cruise will depart from Port Canaveral, Florida, and visit Perfect Day at CocoCay. 

Following a few more short cruises, Star will finally begin offering regular weeklong voyages on August 31. They will alternate between the Eastern and Western Caribbean. 

Royal Caribbean's third Icon Class ship, Legend of the Seas, won't enter service until 2026. However, guests can look forward to a few new dining changes, such as a re-themed supper club. 

Royal Caribbean's first beach club will open in December and you can now make reservations.

Royal Beach Club Paradise Island will open in late December 2025, and we now know how much admission will cost.

This is the first of its kind offering by the cruise line, where Royal Caribbean passengers have exclusive access to a beach that is designed to be the ultimate beach day.

Unlike Perfect Day at CocoCay or Labadee, admission costs extra.  There's a limited capacity, and it's meant to be an optional choice for cruisers who want to indulge in its offering.

The earliest day passes are available to book for all Nassau stops on or after Saturday, December 27, 2025.

How much Royal Beach Club Paradise Island costs

There are multiple admission types to get you into the beach club.

Royal Caribbean offers dynamic pricing for all of the beach club admission.  I found the pricing for Utopia of the Seas December 26, 2025 sailing to attempt to find exemplary prices to give a ballpark idea.  

Keep in mind this is the week of Christmas and New Years and it's on a brand new ship, which means these prices are likely on the high end of the spectrum.

There are two types of day passes available, which includes purely admission into the club and access to the facilities, including chairs, umbrellas, food and drinks

• Day Pass (Unlimited Open Bar & Dining): Starting from $169.99
• Day Pass (Unlimited non-alcoholic drinks & dining): $129.99 guests 13+, $109.99 guests 4-12 (ages 3 and under are free)

All admissions include unlimited dining, unlimited beverages, free Wi-Fi, round-trip transportation and all general amenities.

If you'd like to bring the whole family with friends, try a cabana.

Cabana rentals come in a few different sizes, with some of Royal Caribbean's biggest (and most expensive) cabana rentals ever.

• Ultimate Family Cabana: $9,999.99
  • Includes day passes for up to 12 people
• Royal Pool Cabana: $2,999.99
  • Includes day passes for up to 10 people
• Royal Beach Cabana: $2,999.99
  • Includes day passes for up to 10 people
• Beach Cabana: $2,199.99
  • Includes day passes for up to 8 people

The Ultimate Family Cabana gets you a cabana attendant, welcome amenity, dining area, private bathroom, private shower, private changing room, wet bar, reserved beach space, heated whirlpool, spiral slide, wooden swing, cozy hammock, loungers, suspended net lounger, frozen drink machine, TV, Bluetooth connection, charging outlets, lockable storage, and mini fridge.

Those looking to party all day might consider renting the party deck.

Located on the second floor of The Floating Flamingo (the world’s largest swim-up bar), it includes dedicated food & beverage service, lounge seating, mini fridge, cooler table, charging station, beach towels, ceiling fan, shoe cubbies and lockable storage.

For larger parties, you can reserve both east and west sides of the Party Deck.

For parties larger than 12 guests, entry to The Party Deck for up to 6 additional guests can be purchased separately. 

• Party Deck: $4,999.99
  • Includes day passes for up to 12 people

Located at Party Cove, the Day Bed comes with day passes for up to 2 guests, complimentary dining, unlimited drinks (alcoholic & non-alcoholic), free Wi-Fi, roundtrip transportation, and all general amenities.

• Day Bed: $649.99
  • Includes day passes for up to 2 people
• Deluxe Beverage Package (Full Cruise) + Royal Beach Club Combo: $139.99 per adult, per day
• Refreshment Package (Full Cruise) + Royal Beach Club Combo: $84.99 per adult, per day / $69.99 per child, per day
• Deluxe Beverage Package (Full Cruise) + Thrill & Chill Combo: $159.99 per adult, per day
• Refreshment Package (Full Cruise) + Thrill & Chill Combo: $109.99 per adult, per day / $99.99 per child, per day

If you want to experience the best of fun in the sun at both the beach club and Perfect Day at CocoCay, there's a bundle option.

The Royal Beach Club Paradise Island Refreshment Package + Thrill & Chill Combo includes:

• Royal Beach Club Day Pass
• Thrill Waterpark Day Pass
• Refreshment Package

It's priced per day of the cruise, rather than a flat fee like the other options. Royal Caribbean says the price of the bundle at checkout is up to 45% less than those products added to cart individually.

Ultimate Beach Day offering

Looking over the prices, you should know that the concept is to offer the very best beach experience.

Royal Caribbean has two goals: offer an unparalleled beach experience and give passengers a high quality shore excursion choice in Nassau.

Located on 17 acres at the western end of Paradise Island in Nassau, there's a mix of party and family time. 

Regardless of which zone you end up spending most of your time, expect high energy throughout the club.

Royal Caribbean did a lot of research from its customers, and they want a day with music, drinks, and a fun vibe.  It's not meant to be a quiet spot, even if you're in Chill Beach.

"It's going to be one of the, I would argue, it will be the most amazing beach day in essence," said Jay Schneider, Royal Caribbean's chief product innovation officer, earlier this year when he spoke to use about the big plans.

"Chill is not quiet… It is relaxed, but there is a little bit of energy built into what our guests expect out of Chill," Schneider said.

Family Beach is designed for what Royal Caribbean calls “relaxed energy” because it's a space where families can play, swim, and unwind together without sacrificing convenience or comfort.

Second club opening in Mexico

The Royal Beach Club Paradise Island is the first foray into the exclusive beach spot arena, and Royal Caribbean has plans for more.

A second club will open in Cozumel, Mexico in 2026.

Guests will find great views, access to the water, and likely something that builds upon the success and lessons of the beach club in Nassau.

Full details and a layout have not been revealed for the Cozumel beach club, but it's likely related to the fact the cruise line wants to take some feedback from the Bahamas club to then use in Mexico.

Plus, the Cozumel club has more space and a different perspective to build upon.

Both beach clubs are meant to outflank other cruise lines by offering superior shore excursions that are unrivaled.

While private islands are common among the major cruise lines, beach clubs are new and extend the highly rated ship experience to land because it's managed by Royal Caribbean.

Offering passengers high guest satisfaction choices that inherently create memories is the core DNA for these new beach clubs, which the cruise line feels will translate into more bookings and higher revenue.

A virtual balcony is a different kind of inside cabin, because Royal Caribbean wanted to fix the biggest problem cruisers have with it.

After two decades of Royal Caribbean cruising, I’ve sailed in many different cabins. This includes everything from cheap interior staterooms on the oldest ships to a Junior Suite on the newest cruise ships.

When booking my recent cruise aboard Royal Caribbean’s Ovation of the Seas, I was intrigued by the option to book a Virtual Balcony stateroom. Of all the cabins I’ve sailed in, I’ve never booked the unique stateroom.

When Quantum of the Seas debuted as the flagship vessel in Royal Caribbean’s new Quantum class, every interior stateroom featured a virtual balcony. As the Quantum class expanded with new cruise ships, Royal Caribbean continued incorporating the technology. Now, you can find virtual balconies on a select number of cruise ships in Royal Caribbean’s fleet.

As such, I was surprised to find a decent price for one of the inaugural voyages on Ovation of the Seas from Los Angeles. For $1,411, I was able to book a 5-night cruise in an interior cabin with a virtual balcony. This would also be my mom’s first time sailing with a virtual balcony.

We were curious if the virtual balcony would feel gimmicky, or if the technology would actually enhance our stateroom experience. After five nights onboard Ovation of the Seas, I’m not convinced the technology is worth the hype. However, I would probably book one again if the price was right.

Royal Caribbean invested heavily in the virtual balcony technology.

Although technically still considered an interior cabin, Royal Caribbean first introduced virtual balconies on Navigator of the Seas before expanding to other vessels. Surprisingly, the cruise line said at the time that focus groups found the technology to enhance their stateroom experience, with many preferring the virtual balcony over an oceanview cabin.

The virtual balcony technology was considered groundbreaking when it first debuted over 10 years ago. The floor-to-ceiling HD screens stream real-time views from outside the ship. Interior cabins have no window, so you typically can’t see outside views until you physically make your way to an outer deck.

The screens are 80 inches and are designed to have the illusion of a true balcony experience by making the cabin feel less cramped. Royal Caribbean invested heavily in the technology with a continuous feed from RED Epic cameras that are mounted around the ship.

The complex technological process involves cameras capturing real-time footage, which is transferred to a server room and then onto each individual cabin screen. With this, your virtual balcony screen matches the ship’s actual movement.

Royal Caribbean collaborated with experts from MIT and Harvard to design the technology. The cruise line claims it can even reduce motion sickness. Royal Caribbean describes the virtual balcony as “having crystal clear imagery on the screen” to depict a lifelike view.

Truthfully, I had no idea Royal Caribbean invested significant resources into the virtual balcony technology. Because of this, I had some higher standards for my stateroom experience on Ovation of the Seas.

I wasn’t immediately blown away by the virtual balcony.

After boarding Ovation of the Seas in Los Angeles, we were excited to see what the virtual balcony experience would entail. When we first entered the stateroom, we could see the live footage of the ship docked at the Los Angeles World Cruise Center with a direct view of the Battleship USS Iowa Museum.

The video feed accurately portrayed the grey sky outside, which we learned is called “June Gloom” in California. There was a fake balcony superimposed onto the live footage, which added to the balcony illusion. But, you really couldn’t mistake the virtual balcony for an actual one. It’s pretty obvious that you’re looking at a TV screen, essentially.

After reading about Royal Caribbean’s investment in this technology, I did expect the video quality to be more impressive. Ovation of the Seas was built in March 2015, so the technology is more than 10 years old at this point. This could be contributing to some of the graininess on the screen. Either way, I did expect the feed to feel more realistic.

We couldn’t figure out how to turn the screen off before going to bed.

By the time we returned from dinner, the virtual balcony was showing the darkness outside of the ship. According to Royal Caribbean’s website, guests have the option to turn off the virtual balcony. We looked for an easy mechanism to turn the screen off during the first night, but we didn’t have any success.

Instead of turning off the screen at night, you can pull curtains in front of the screen, just like you would with a real balcony. We did find this to be a little comical that we had to draw the curtains each night. It almost felt like putting my fake baby dolls to bed when I was a kid!

There was still a small glow coming from the screen, so we used a fridge clip that my mom had packed to keep the curtains closed. We were thankful she packed the clip, as we prefer the room to be pitch black. After all, this is one of the biggest perks of booking an interior cabin!

We decided to clip the curtains together each night to ensure our room would stay dark. The small glow could be a nice illumination for those who need to navigate the cabin throughout the night, though.

The virtual balcony was more impressive once we arrived in Cabo San Lucas.

During our day at sea, the virtual balcony feed was unsurprisingly boring with the grey sky. We noticed the screen would glitch occasionally and even show a black screen a few times. However, once we arrived in Cabo San Lucas, the screen was more exciting with actual footage of our port.

Our virtual balcony showed a stunning view of the rugged mountains near the beach. Because we had an overnight in Cabo San Lucas, we were able to enjoy the beautiful view of the beach on our virtual balcony for two days!

It was easy to see the weather was beautiful and sunny with our virtual balcony - one of the biggest perks of having this technological feature in your stateroom. Although we had sunny weather for both days of our cruise, this could be particularly useful when cruising in more rainy climates, such as Alaska.

Instead of navigating to one of the outer decks to check the weather, you can simply check your virtual balcony. Of course, you won’t be able to actually feel the temperature, and it’s no substitute for a real balcony’s fresh air.

Other than our virtual balcony, the stateroom was a standard interior cabin.

I’ve cruised in many different interior cabins, and Royal Caribbean has some of the best in the cruise industry. Ovation of the Seas is one of Royal Caribbean’s newer ships, relatively speaking.

As such, the cabin reflected the ship’s modern design, with a clean, functional layout and smart use of space. The color palette was modern with blue hues, soft neutrals, and light wood finishes. This made the cabin feel clean and fresh while still being warm and welcoming.

Our interior cabin on Ovation of the Seas was surprisingly comfortable and spacious. The layout featured two twin beds, which were already separated upon our arrival. We each had our own small nightstand with a few small shelves to use, which we appreciated. By pushing the nightstands together, we felt like we had more space for storing our bedside belongings.

Connectivity was another design element that we appreciated in the cabin.

On the vanity, there was a charging strip with multiple plugs and outlets. As newer cruise ships continue to include more USB options, just be sure to pack any necessary cords or adapters, like USB-C converters, so you’re covered. We still packed our European outlet extender for more plugs, as most of our cords are now USB-C instead of traditional USB.

There was also an outlet located next to the bed, but only on one side. If you choose to separate the beds, this setup isn’t the most convenient, especially if you’re the one without access to the outlet. 

Because of this, I usually charged my phone in the evening while winding down, then unplugged it before falling asleep. Because the location made it a bit awkward to keep plugged in overnight, this could be inconvenient for some.

There was also plenty of storage.

One of my favorite features of Royal Caribbean’s newer cabins is the storage above the bed. The overhead storage is particularly useful, although storage is plentiful throughout the cabin. Under the flat-screen TV was a dresser with multiple drawers, which my mom used for unpacking.

I ended up using the majority of the closet, which included more shelving and hanging space. This is also where the cabin safe was located. I was able to unpack my carry-on suitcase comfortably and used the bottom of the closet for dirty clothes.

There was also a small cooling fridge, and we used this mainly for keeping our bottled water chilled. I always appreciate Royal Caribbean providing bottled water in the stateroom for loyalty members. We were surprised to find an electric kettle with a selection of tea and coffee on the counter, as I’ve typically only seen this on European sailings.

While the stateroom wasn’t huge by any means, the cabin felt thoughtfully arranged. We had room to unpack and move around without constantly bumping into each other. 

The addition of the chair for sitting was a nice touch, although it quickly turned into a place for us to throw our clothes and bags. Overall, our stateroom was a well-designed space that made the most of its square footage.

The bathroom in our cabin was compact but efficient.

Our virtual balcony cabin included a standard in-suite bathroom for an interior cabin. Just like the rest of the stateroom, the design felt clean and modern. The bathroom featured a warm-toned tile floor, a glass-enclosed shower, and a long, narrow sink counter that made smart use of the limited space. 

Storage was better than expected thanks to open shelving beneath the sink and a couple of shelves beside the mirror. We had plenty of room for toiletries, although we both utilized our hanging cosmetic bags on the doors.

The shower had decent water pressure and came with a handheld wand, which was great for rinsing off after a long port day. We noticed the shower drained slowly on the first night, so we requested our cabin steward to have this looked at. By the next evening, the shower was draining like normal.

Most importantly, the bathroom was well-maintained. For an interior stateroom, it definitely checked all the boxes, and the larger shower was appreciated. It’s still a cruise ship bathroom, so you won’t be stretching out, but it didn’t feel cramped.

Our cabin location under the kids’ club was the worst part of the experience.

For this cruise, our cabin was 10521, which was located on Deck 10 towards the front of the ship. I don’t mind being located further towards the front or the back. However, our stateroom was located directly under Adventure Ocean: Royal Caribbean’s childcare and youth programming club.

Thankfully, I packed my travel-sized sound machine to play (or blast) white noise each night. I also packed earplugs to drown out the noise further. The noise was minimal in the night, but we could start to hear ruckus around 8 a.m. each morning. Thankfully, it wasn’t too disruptive, and we were glad we came prepared to make sure we got a good night’s sleep.

Our neighbors weren’t as lucky, though! We met a nice family from Australia staying in our hallway. By the second morning, she told us they could hardly sleep from all of the noise in Adventure Ocean above them.

In the future, I definitely wouldn’t choose to book another room under Adventure Ocean. I prefer booking cabins that are surrounded by other staterooms to eliminate noise and disruption. I want to sleep on vacation, and not return from my cruise feeling drained and sleep deprived.

It's a nice change from a standard inside room

Overall, we enjoyed our stay in the Virtual Balcony interior cabin. It was our first time trying this type of cabin, and the live footage from outside the ship definitely made the space feel less closed in. The screen was a unique touch that added some pizazz to a standard interior cabin.

Additionally, being able to see the live footage from outside the ship enhanced our experience. We enjoyed watching the ocean, but it was especially fun when we arrived at our port of call in Cabo San Lucas in Mexico.

The virtual balcony also served a practical purpose. We found ourselves checking the virtual balcony in the mornings to get a sense of the weather before heading out for the day. It was also a quick way to tell if the ship had arrived in port yet.

However, we couldn’t figure out how to turn the screen off. It would be nice to have a switch where you can easily turn it off before going to bed. Instead, we relied on the curtains and our chip clip to keep the glow from being too distracting. Pulling the curtains in front of the screen each night made the experience feel a little gimmicky, and I would have preferred just turning it off at night.

Because of Royal Caribbean’s investment in this technology, I did expect the footage to be crisper. The video looked grainy at times, which could be related to the ship’s age. Technology can age quickly, so this could be contributing to the lower quality footage.

Ultimately, I wouldn’t spend extra to have a virtual balcony in the future. If the price were the same, or even cheaper, I would definitely book this type of interior cabin again. It certainly doesn’t replace a traditional cabin balcony with fresh air, but it does jazz up a standard interior stateroom.

My family has only ever cruised in North America, so the opportunity to go on a European cruise was too good to pass up.

I went on an 8-night Northern European cruise on Royal Caribbean's Independence of the Seas, which began in Southampton, UK.

When I boarded the ship, I met a lot of cruisers who also flew from the United States for this voyage and many lamented how tired they were because they came in just before the cruise began.

Immediately, I realized they had made a mistake I avoided in planning out their trip.

Flying to Europe for a cruise means not only more travel logistics, but adjusting the local time as well as the general travel fatigue it comes with. 

Not only would I never think to extend my Caribbean cruise in such a manner, I think adding time on either end of the cruise to see more of the continent is a must-do.

Easier to adjust

You should fly at least two days before your cruise departs when traveling overseas, but I'd recommend coming in even earlier than that.

Jet lag can ruin your trip, and it should be your first goal when traveling to ensure you don't start off over tired.

Put yourself on local time immediately upon arrival, and don't sleep until a reasonable bed time in the new time zone you're in. It's not foolproof, but I've found it the best strategy for reducing the chance of being jet lagged.

While avoiding jet lag is important, the real mistake is not allocating enough time to enjoy what Europe has to offer.

Port stops on your cruise will be short, so to really feel like you had time in Europe, I'd add more days before or after the cruise.

I flew in a week before my cruise departed, and we visited both Disneyland Paris and London. 

Not only did we get to enjoy what each place had to offer, but I was able to catch up on the lost sleep in the flight over and prepare my body so I'd be ready for the cruise.

The people who flew in a day before the cruise seemed to be overly tired for the first couple days of the cruise, and I think I was able to enjoy the start of the cruise more.

You see more too

I think the overarching goal for many on any European cruise is to see as much as they can.

The first question you'll get from friends or family is what you saw and did. While you don't have to impress anyone, I think it feels like a goal to work in more highlights.

Travel is as much about a humble brag as it is enjoying where you're going.

I was glad we spent so many extra days before the cruise so it truly felt like it wasn't one of those "it was over much too quickly" kind of vacations.

Extra days extend the value of your flights

There's a good chance the airfare for a European cruise could be one of your top expenses. Coming in early means more return on that price.

While you might see added costs of hotel, food, and entertainment arriving to Europe earlier, squeezing more value from your flights is just as important.

Long-haul flights are taxing.  Flying can cause dehydration, and even under the best conditions it's a lot of added stress.

Given how pricey flights are, I think it makes sense to ensure the uncomfortableness of flying and the tiredness it induces be more worthwhile from the trip.

More time in Europe seems to me to make the long, difficult flight more worthwhile.

You can add days after the cruise too

Don't overlook adding days at the end of your cruise as a way to maximize your travel time.

I think most people look to front load their vacation with bonus days in Europe prior to the cruise, but you could easily add more time at the end too.

Spending a few extra days after the cruise is over makes the last day of your cruise so much easier. You don't have to rush to catch a flight, and you can linger on the ship longer to enjoy a final breakfast.

I'm actually doing both this trip, spending an extra week in Europe at the conclusion of my cruise. 

Happy Sunday! Hope you are having a relaxing weekend and enjoying summer! It is time to sit back, relax, and catch up on all the recent Royal Caribbean news!

Royal Caribbean cruisers can breath a sigh of relief that more itinerary changes aren't likely to occur for cruises to San Juan, Puerto Rico.

The Port of San Juan posted an update that the U.S. Coast Guard has approved repairs made to the pier.

For months, Oasis Class ships were unable to dock because of damage to the moorings.

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Royal Caribbean reflects on the cruise ship that changed everything about cruising

Royal Caribbean spoke about the significance of the Oasis Class, and how it set a new standard overnight.

The Oasis Class ships redefined cruising, and almost 20 years later, they're still as relevant today as back then.

Oasis was a radical departure from the ships that came before it, with each new Oasis Class pushing boundaries further.

I shared a 150-square-foot cruise cabin with my parents

Would you share a stateroom with your parents?

Cruise ship rooms are notable for how small they tend to be compared to hotel rooms, so sharing that small space with other adults isn't easy.

Jenna shared a tiny inside room with her parents and while it wasn't ideal, it did save them a lot of money.

Why you shouldn’t skip Royal Caribbean's older ships

Older and smaller ships may not be advertised much, but they're still great ships to sail on.

Some new cruisers question if it's worth it to go on an old ship because they're worried it will be disappointing.

Not only are they wonderful vessels to sail on, but they are a terrific value.

5 mistakes and 5 lessons from trying Anthem of the Seas

Allie sailed on Anthem of the Seas in Asia and came across a number of things she did right and wrong.

Part of trying new itineraries is trial and error, and some gambles work out while others do not.

We hope these experiences help you have a better cruise too.

New RCB Video: WORST & BEST Places On A Cruise Ship For A Cabin

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 — WORST & BEST Places On A Cruise Ship For A Cabin— and don’t forget to subscribe here.

There's a good chance Royal Caribbean's big ships will finally be able to resume visiting San Juan, Puerto Rico.

For many months the biggest ships in the world have been unable to visit San Juan because of damage to the pier.

Repair work has been slow, and it meant the only pier that was able to accommodate Royal Caribbean's giant Oasis-class ships was unavailable.  As a result, it forced the cruise line to cancel visits to the port, often at the last minute.

It now appears that's finally been fixed.

The Port of San Juan posted an update on their Facebook page indicating the proper repairs have been made and authorities have approved it all.

Pier 3 West has been officially restored, after completing a rigorous structural assessment in accordance with U.S. Coast Guard requirements. The slora restriction is lifted and the full use of the facility is enabled.

“It has been a long road, but our priority has always been to meet all the requirements established by the regulatory agencies and ensure the safe arrival of cruise ships in the coming years,” said Clarivette Diaz, General Manager of San Juan Cruise Port.

We deeply thank all the technical teams, consultants and agencies who made this long-awaited breakthrough possible.

We continue to work with commitment so that San Juan continues to lead as the base port of the Caribbean.

El Nuevo Dia reported the repairs are complete as well, "San Juan Cruise Port (SJCP) confirmed this Friday the reopening of Pier 3 West for vessels over 910 feet in length."

Royal Caribbean has not commented or announced any expectations yet related to the pier's status.

According to the port schedule, it appears the next Oasis Class ship scheduled to visit San Juan is Wonder of the Seas on August 6, 2025.

Icon of the Seas will follow with a visit on August 12, 2025.

Other smaller Royal Caribbean ships will visit before Wonder does, but smaller ships have not had an issue docking because they can fit into other piers.

What happened to the pier

While San Juan has a few piers, only Pier 3 West can handle Royal Caribbean's Oasis Class ships.

Based on reports, damage to the pier that can handle the biggest ships took place in April 2024 when allegedly it was broken after the MSC Meraviglia was involved, however, specific details are not known.

Following that incident, the U.S. Coast Guard assumed operational control of the facility. 

In a statement released in November, the Coast Guard confirmed that Pier 3 West would remain closed to cruise traffic until further notice. The decision is contingent upon a series of structural assessments and an on-site inspection. While other piers at the San Juan Cruise Port remain operational, none are equipped to accommodate the largest cruise vessels, including those of the Oasis Class.

“Since the loss of the facility's mooring structure, Coast Guard Prevention personnel have been actively working with the San Juan Cruise Port and the Puerto Rico Ports Authority to determine if the structure remains sound for cruise ship operations,” said Capt. Luis J. Rodriguez, Commander of Coast Guard Sector San Juan and Captain of the Port.

Capt. Rodriguez added, “We understand the inconvenience of this matter, however, it is critical we ensure the safety of the port, the cruise ships and the thousands of people who operate on or visit the island through this port facility. My team stands ready to move ahead immediately once we receive the awaited studies from San Juan Cruise Port and the Puerto Rico Ports Authority.”

The loss of a dolphin mooring structure just off the main pier is the primary issue.

A dolphin is a group of pilings arrayed together to serve variously as a protective hardpoint along a dock.

Repairs and assessment are out of Royal Caribbean's hands, as it's work managed by port authorities and subject to approval by the Coast Guard.

A Royal Caribbean ship has changed plans for two sailings so far due to "maintenance work" that's forced the ship to reduce speed.

The issue occurred at some point during the June 21, 2025 sailing on Independence of the Seas after the ship departed Hamburg, Germany,

The 8-night cruise was scheduled to visit Rotterdam, Netherlands at 10am the following day, but the Captain informed passengers they'd be late into port.

The exact problem was not disclosed by the cruise line or the Captain, but passengers were told they'd be late coming into port.

"We've had to make some adjustments to the times we'll visit Rotterdam, Netherlands, due to speed restrictions from ongoing maintenance onboard," the letter to passengers said.

"Rest assured, all maintenance work is being conducted with the utmost safety."

Independence was originally scheduled to arrive in Rotterdam at 11am. The initial updated estimate was to arrive by 1:00 or 1:30pm, but that slipped until about 2pm.

While the ship was still in Rotterdam, Royal Caribbean sent out an email to passengers booked on the next sailing their itinerary would be altered too.

Independence of the Seas is a Freedom Class ship, first launched on April 30, 2008.

She is 154,407 gross tons and was one of the largest cruise ships in the world when built. 

The 15-deck ship has a 4,370 passenger capacity and a crew capacity of 1,370.

Skipping a port

Independence of the Seas is scheduled to sail a 7-night Norwegian Fjords cruise next, beginning on June 29th.

"We wanted to inform you about some changes to our itinerary," the email read.

"Due to speed restrictions from ongoing maintenance onboard, we’ve had to make some adjustments."

The new plan is to skip a scheduled visit to Alesund, Norway and replace it with a sea day.

However, Independence will arrive one hour earlier into Molde, Norway at 7am instead of 8am.

No other changes to the itinerary has been made.

The cruise line was quick to apologize for the last minute change and assure passengers the ship is still safe to sail on, "We’re sorry for the inconvenience. Please know that all maintenance work is being conducted with the utmost safety."

Compensation for the change

Passengers on the June 29th sailing will receive some onboard credit for the change in plans.

"As a token of our appreciation for your understanding, you’ll receive a credit to spend onboard per stateroom," is what the email said.

• $150 USD for Interior and Oceanview
• $200 USD for Balcony
• $400 USD for Suites
• Plus, an additional $25 USD for each third or more guest to spend onboard

Any shore excursions booked through Royal Caribbean will be fully refunded automatically.

Propulsion problems aren't unusual

Mechanical problems can occur on cruise ships, just like they can on airplanes, buses, or trains.

Given that they operate every week, propulsion problems are fairly rare.

Independence of the Seas is not a new ship, but Royal Caribbean invests a lot of money into routine maintenance.  However, engine problems will still occasionally happen.

It's common when there is an issue for the ship's speed to be affected and itinerary changed, rather than cancelling the entire sailing.

Maintenance can be done to the ship while in port if necessary, rather than pulling it out of service completely.