Royal Caribbean Blog

A new $600 million deal to upgrade the Grand Bahama Shipyard means the shipyard partially owned by Royal Caribbean will become the largest cruise ship repair facility in the world.

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

Today, the location is a leader in dry-docking, afloat repairs, refurbishments, refits, and revitalizations. 

The shipyard serves vessels from the cruise to the commercial and offshore maritime industries.

Royal Caribbean holds a 40% share in the shipyard and sends many of its cruise ships to dry dock there, such as Radiance and Grandeur of the Seas in recent years.

Grand Bahama Shipyard has between 85 to 100 drydocks scheduled a year, and its new transformation is expected to surpass these numbers.

The shipyard is currently the biggest in the Caribbean, and the $600 million project is set to make it the largest cruise ship repair facility in the world.

Improvements will broaden the shipyard's range of vessels it can service

Improvements made in the shipyard will include the addition of two new world-class floating docks.

These docks will be the largest in the world, allowing the shipyard to service the entire range of cruise ships in the industry—even the mega ships.

The two floating docks are being built in Qingdao, China, and are expected to be delivered in 2025 and 2026.

The shipyard's current dry docks have a lifting capacity of 45,000+ tons and are capable of docking vessels up to 985 feet.

With these current measurements, the shipyard can currently handle ships such as Royal Caribbean's Radiance Class.

Radiance of the Seas is 962 feet long and measures 90,090 gross tons.

However, larger ships such as Royal Caribbean's biggest, Icon of the Seas, aren't close to being handled by the shipyard.

In contrast, Icon of the Seas weighs 250,800 gross tons and measures 1,198 feet long.

Reinforcing a commitment to Grand Bahama's tourism and economy 

Royal Caribbean has stated that it remains committed to supporting the Bahamian government's vision for the transformation of tourism offerings in Grand Bahama.

“I am proud of our enduring partnership with The Bahamas and the progress it has yielded over the decades,” said Jason Liberty, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group. 

“By working closely together on the Grand Bahama Shipyard transformation project we are deepening the impact of this significant industrial investment and ensuring it reaches beyond our industry to create long-lasting opportunities for the Bahamian workforce and local communities.”

The Grand Bahama Shipyard is currently the largest private non-tourism employer in The Bahamas, and its expansion will only further employment in the area.

The $600 million project will bring billions of dollars to Grand Bahama's economy.

The shipyard's expansions and improvements are expected to further support local contractors and businesses. 

At the same time, hundreds of new, full-time jobs will be opened at the shipyard once it is in full operation.

The Grand Bahama Shipyard will also increase its apprenticeship program, welcoming 16-20 new apprentices a year. These young interns will undergo a 4-year training program, allowing them to gain valuable skills and positioning the Shipyard to maintain a knowledgeable base of employees.

According to the Minister for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Ginger Moxey M.P., the shipyard's expansion will further strengthen Grand Bahama's position as "The Home of Maritime and Logistics."

The Grand Bahama Shipyard is placed in an ideal location

Grand Bahama is the furthest northwestern island in the Bahamas, located 68 miles from Perfect Day at CocoCay and only 64 miles from Palm Beach, Florida.

The location grants the shipyard easy access to Port Miami, Port Canaveral, and Port Everglades.

Grand Bahama Island is one of the most popular in the Bahamas, featuring beautiful beaches, nature preserves, and golf courses.

Cruises to Grand Bahama dock in the city of Freeport.

Freeport is the second largest city in the Bahamas, with a population of 26,000 people.

Cruise ship passengers can enjoy a day at the beach, tours of downtown Freeport, local shopping, and dining.

Lucayan National Park also features mangrove trees and diverse ecology and geology.

Visitors can try everything from kayaking and dolphin watching to jeep safaris and scuba diving.

Star of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas are the two biggest cruise ships in the world, and they are the newest cruise ships for Royal Caribbean.

Both cruise ships offer the most innovative Royal Caribbean features, like water parks, ice skating spectacles, escape rooms, destination elevators, and more. Royal Caribbean classics like the Royal Promenade, FlowRider, and Windjammer are also found onboard these ships.

While Star of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas have a lot in common, there are some key differences between these two mega ships that prospective cruisers should know.

Let’s take a look at how Star of the Seas compares to Utopia of the Seas.

Overview of cruise ships

Star of the Seas is the first ship in the Icon Class, while Utopia of the Seas is the sixth Oasis Class ship.

Cruisers who have been on Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Class ships will find that Utopia of the Seas is very similar in terms of layout, design, and offerings. In contrast, Star of the Seas is a completely new and different cruise ship since it is the first in its class.

Utopia hit the high seas in 2024, while Star of the Seas made her grand debut in August 2025. The inaugural sailing of Utopia of the Seas was on July 19, 2024, from Port Canaveral, Florida. During the 3-night voyage, guests visited Perfect Day at CocoCay and Nassau. Comparatively, the official maiden voyage for Star departed on August 31, 2025, although there were a few shorter showcase sailings before the inaugural launch. 

As one of the biggest cruise ships in the world, Star of the Seas can hold 5,610 guests at double occupancy, as well as 2,350 crew members. In fact, Star of the Seas can carry 7,600 passengers at maximum occupancy! Utopia of the Seas can hold 5,668 guests at double occupancy and 2,290 crew members.

As far as other specs, Star of the Seas is heavier, longer, wider, and taller than Utopia of the Seas. 

Here are more stats for each cruise ship:

Read more: Royal Caribbean ship classes ultimate guide

Neighborhoods

Both Star of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas are split into eight distinct neighborhoods. These cruise ships are so big that they need to be broken down into neighborhoods to help passengers navigate them.

Utopia of the Seas has the same neighborhoods as Wonder of the Seas, the third newest Royal Caribbean cruise ship — and the fourth biggest ship in the world. All the other Oasis Class ships (Oasis, Allure, Harmony, and Symphony) have seven neighborhoods because there is no Suite Neighborhood.

Star of the Seas has new neighborhoods that are exclusive to Icon Class ships and not found on other Royal Caribbean vessels, including Surfside, AquaDome, Chill Island, Thrill Island, and The Hideaway.

Here are the neighborhoods on Star of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas:

Dining and bars

All Royal Caribbean ships have The Main Dining Room and Windjammer buffet, but Star of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas have so many other options to choose from, including never-before-seen venues. With over 20 places to eat on both cruise ships, you will not go hungry during your vacation!

Restaurants that can only be found on Star of the Seas include:

• AquaDome Market
• Basecamp
• Pearl Cafe
• Surfside Eatery
• Surfside Bites
• Lincoln Park Supper Club
• Celebration Table
• Pier 7
• The Grove (for suite guests)

Venues that can only be found on Utopia of the Seas include:

• Royal Railway - Utopia Station
• The Spare Tire

Utopia of the Seas also features a new two-story Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen and Wine Bar with a terrace that overlooks The Boardwalk neighborhood. 

Also, Utopia is the first Oasis Class ship to have Izumi in the Park (Icon of the Seas was the first ship to have Izumi in the Park on any Royal Caribbean ship. The concept is available on Star of the Seas, too.).

Star of the Seas’ Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen and Wine Bar is located in the Royal Promenade.

Cruisers will find a variety of complimentary dining venues and specialty restaurants on both ships. It's possible to cruise on Star and Utopia and not spend an extra dime on food because there are seemingly endless options. However, visiting one of the specialty restaurants onboard is sure to be a treat with higher-quality food and ambiance.

Here is a full list of the restaurants and casual dining spots you can find on Star of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas:

Star of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas also share a number of bars, like the Schooner Bar, Playmakers Sports Bar, and Boleros. However, Star of the Seas has more unique bars, while Utopia of the Seas has almost all of the bars that the other Oasis Class ships have.

Bars that can only be found on Star of the Seas include:

• 1400 Lobby Bar
• Bubbles
• Dueling Pianos
• Hideaway Bar
• Lou's Jazz 'n Blues
• Rye & Bean
• Swim & Tonic
• The Lemon Post
• The Overlook

Pesky Parrot is a bar that is unique to Utopia of the Seas. Similar to The Bamboo Room on Mariner of the Seas and Navigator of the Seas, the Pesky Parrot is a tiki bar that serves fruity cocktails in a tropical setting. This bar replaced the Bionic Bar.

Here’s a list of every bar found on Star of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas:

Entertainment and activities

Star of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas have dazzling entertainment options for guests to enjoy in the Royal Theater, AquaTheater, and Studio B.

Utopia of the Seas has an outdoor AquaTheater, while Star of the Seas has an indoor one. Here, Utopia of the Seas has a show called Aqua80Too, which is a sequel to Oasis of the Seas’ Aqua80 show. On Star of the Seas, there’s a show called Torque.

Both ships have an ice skating rink onboard with different names — Star's is called Absolute Zero, while Utopia’s is called Studio B. In addition to open ice skating, there are shows guests can attend during the cruise. 

On Star of the Seas, there are two shows called Sol. On Utopia of the Seas, the ice skating show is called Youtopia!

Lastly, there are various shows held in the Royal Theater on most nights of the cruise. Star of the Seas has a few featured productions, including Back to the Future: The Musical. Utopia of the Seas has one production show called All In!

Both cruise ships also have adult comedy shows in The Attic. Be sure to make reservations for these shows as soon as they open because the venues are small with limited seating.

Other activities you can find on Star of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas include:

Cabins and suites

Although Star of the Seas is the biggest cruise ship in the world, she actually has fewer staterooms than Utopia of the Seas. Utopia of the Seas has a total of 2,834 staterooms, while Star of the Seas has 2,805.

Here’s a breakdown:

Star of the Seas has some unique cabins called infinite balconies, which are essentially verandas. Don't worry, Star of the Seas also has traditional oceanview balconies.

Since Star of the Seas is a cruise ship meant for families, there are many new stateroom options, like the Family Infinite Ocean View Balcony and Surfside Family View Balcony, that can accommodate three to four people.

Utopia of the Seas features two Solarium Suites at the front of the ship above the bridge wings.

Both ships offer Royal Suite Class cabins. This includes Sea, Sky, and Star Class suites with varying levels of perks. For those booked in a suite, a Suite Neighborhood will be available. This neighborhood includes a Suite Sun Deck, Coastal Kitchen, and Suite Lounge.

In addition, The Grove, a Mediterranean restaurant only on Star of the Seas, is available for Sky and Star class guests. 

Itineraries and pricing

Perhaps the biggest difference between Star of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas is its itinerary offerings.

Star of the Seas cruise ship is heavily geared towards families because of the tremendous amount of activities and entertainment onboard. Cruisers can select from various seven-night options that leave from Port Canaveral, Florida, and visit the Western and Eastern Caribbean.

Western Caribbean sailings visit Mexico (Cozumel and Costa Maya) and Roatán, Honduras. Eastern Caribbean sailings visit a combination of St. Maarten, St. Thomas, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic.

Every sailing on Star of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas visits Perfect Day at CocoCay.

On the other hand, Utopia of the Seas is marked as “The World's Biggest Weekend.” A first for an Oasis Class cruise ship, Utopia only offers three and four-night sailings from Port Canaveral, Florida. These sailings visit Perfect Day at CocoCay and Nassau. Some sailings only visit CocoCay.

Utopia of the Seas is being marketed towards first-time cruisers who want to experience a cruise for a short period of time on a ship with the best of the best Royal Caribbean features. However, if you are a seasoned cruiser and want to spend more time onboard the newest Royal Caribbean ship, you could book a back-to-back sailing that combined would be a week-long trip.

Both of these new ships are considered to be destinations in and of themselves. Star of the Seas offers more exotic itinerary options compared to Utopia of the Seas because Utopia’s sailings are shorter than Icon’s.

Now, let's compare pricing on both of these cruise ships. I will compare pricing on both ships for two sailings in July 2027. I looked at the lowest price for an interior cabin, an oceanview cabin, and a balcony cabin.

July 16, 2027 (3-N Utopia of the Seas)

• Interior: $904
• Outside View: $974
• Balcony: $1,078

July 11, 2027 (7-N Utopia of the Seas)

• Interior: $2,170
• Outside View: $2,360
• Balcony: $2,671

It is easy to see that, on average, Star of the Seas is more expensive than Utopia of the Seas — and for a few good reasons. 

First, Star of the Seas is more unique. As one of the biggest cruise ships in the world, demand is high because people want to experience this massive, record-breaking ship for themselves. In contrast, Utopia of the Seas is nearly identical to her sister ships in the Oasis Class. There are not a ton of new things to see or do on this ship, either. 

Moreover, Star of the Seas' sailings are longer, naturally increasing the total price of the cruise vacation. Longer itineraries also include more days at sea and extra port visits, which add to the operating costs. 

Can a free tour really compete with a shore excursion offered by the cruise line?

My 7-night Anthem of the Seas cruise would take me to the Spanish town of La Coruna, and I was looking at ideas for what tours to book.

Usually I book a shore excursion through Royal Caribbean or simply explore on my own. Before I could pick one of these options, one of our readers, Leeor, emailed me with an alternative.

"I thought you might want to try a free walking tour for Bilbao and Coruna," he wrote in his email after hearing about my cruise plans.

"Those tours are with local guides who love their city, are tip based, and are a great way to make the most out of a short visit. They usually last about two hours and my wife and I always do one when we first get to a new European destination."

I have to admit, I was skeptical because I worried how good a completely free shore excursion could really be. However, it sounded like the perfect introduction to a port I've never been to before. Plus, it was only 1 or 2 hours, so it was a very low barrier to entry.

I went ahead and booked my tours through GuroWalk, which lists a few different tours in each of the cities. Sure enough, they're free and all you have to do is book it in advance via the website or app.

The "catch" to these tours being free is you're encouraged to tip at the end based on the quality of the tour.

I booked a walking tour in Bilbao and La Coruna, although the Bilbao tour got cancelled a couple days before my reservation because the guide was sick. I ended up exploring Bilboa on my own and had a great time.

Once the tour is confirmed, you get an email with where to meet and who to look for. Transportation is on your own, but this tour advertised as being good for cruise ship guests and it was a very short walk from where Anthem of the Seas docked to the the statue of María Pita meeting spot.

The confirmation email also has a link to Google Maps to be able to easily get walking directions to where to meet. Because I bought an eSim for this cruise, I was able to easily use my phone around Europe without costly roaming charges.

Sure enough, about 10 minutes before the tour began, the guide was waiting where he said he'd be with an orange umbrella.

Our guide, Cesar, greeted me and said we'd wait for the others. He indicated he expected about 9 of us in total, although only 5 would end up showing.

Cesar lives in a suburb of La Coruna, and he does these tours on a volunteer basis. I asked him how many people usually show up for them, and he said it varies considerably, but the groups are much larger at the peak of summer in June and July.

Joining me on the tour was a solo French tourist and a three people from England on a motor bike tour of Europe.

Cesar had a speaker with him, but did not need it given how small the group was. He started by explaining the significance of the plaza we were meeting at, and why there's a giant statue of María Pita. She's the heroine of the city who helped defeat an English attack in the 16th century.

Cesar carefully explained the details of each site we would visit, pointing out the historical significance, architectural intricacies, and other facts about the area.

Although he apologized for his English, I thought he was very easy to understand and extremely knowledgeable. In fact, I was blown away how much he knew. Being a free tour, I was expecting someone who was a walking Google Map at best, but he knew lots of details and clearly was well-versed in the information.

I was also leery of a glorified sales pitch, but once again, he had no angle or anything he was pushing.

We took a very leisurely pace through the old city of La Coruna, and made at least 9 stops that I could count.

We visited historic churches, military buildings of significance, scenic overlooks, and famous spots.

The tour took 2 hours, although he volunteered to keep going longer. I would have taken him up on the offer, but it was 12:30pm and I was getting very hungry for lunch. To his credit, he provided a Google Map link with all of his favorite restaurants in the area.

At the end of the tour, I tipped him €20, although I observed others were tipping about €10 per person.

I was very impressed by this tour offering, and I think Leeor is definitely right these are great introductions to any European city to get a sense of the place before you venture off on your own.

If you're someone who wants to get a walking tour of a city, GuruWalk seems like a really good choice. 

During our tour, we passed other tours that were significantly larger groups and clearly from the cruise ship. I can't speak to what they may have included beyond the walking tour, but I felt good about my choice in tours.

As an example, the "Historic Old Town Stroll" shore excursion offered by Royal Caribbean costs $50.99 per adult ($30.99 per child) and its description sounds exactly like what we saw on our free tour.

The downsides to the GuruWalk tours are there's no telling how big your group will be, nor who your guide will actually be. And there may only be one or two tours offered that fit for a cruise ship visitor.

Moreover, these are quick walking tours. If you're looking to see more than a few square blocks, a paid cruise ship shore excursion might be a superior choice.

But if you're looking to get a look at what makes the city you're visiting interesting and then go off on your own after, these might be a good option for a city port visit.

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Royal Caribbean has announced some exciting changes and updates this week.

From a free WiFi initiative to environmental monitoring at Paradise Beach Club, we have a look at everything you need to know.

Updated Pinnacle specialty dining benefits

An email sent out to Pinnacle members this week announced an update to the top tier specialty dining benefits.

Members of the Crown and Anchor loyalty program who’ve reached the highest level—the Pinnacle—are rewarded with a $25 specialty dining coupon on sailings 5 nights and longer.

These cruisers can use the coupon at any specialty dining venue during 5+ night sailings on Oasis and Quantum Class ships.

Previously, the new Icon Class wasn’t included in the cruise line’s marketing materials, and some guests were told Icon of the Seas wasn’t included in the discount.

Effective from August 30th, 2024, and onward, the Icon Class is now included in the specialty voucher.

Royal Caribbean has also added more specialty restaurants to the stipend.

The voucher is valid at the following specialty venues:

• 150 Central Park
• Empire Supper Club
• Chef's Table
• Celebration Table
• Royal Railway
• Hooked Seafood
• Giovanni's Table
• Giovanni's Italian Kitchen
• Jamie's Italian
• Chops Grille
• Izumi Hibachi & Sushi
• Izumi in the Park
• Izumi Omakase
• Teppanyaki
• Samba Grill
• Sabor
• The Mason Jar
• Wonderland
• Wonderland by Da Dong
• Playmakers
• Fish and Ships
• Hot Pot
• Johnny Rockets
• Noodle Shop 
• Sichuan Red
• Pier 7 
• Portside BBQ

Free internet in Alaska

Royal Caribbean Group is partnering with Goldbest, an Alaskan Native corporation based in Juneau, to bring free WiFi to the area.

The cruise line was the first in the industry to start using Starlink, the world’s first and largest low-orbit satellites.

“Royal Caribbean Group greatly values its longstanding partnership with the City and Borough of Juneau. We are constantly striving to find innovative solutions to support our communities and enhance the travel experience for residents and cruise guests alike," said Preston Carnahan, Associate Vice President, West Coast Destination Royal Caribbean Group. 

"Our new pilot program aims to alleviate internet congestion and provide additional bandwidth for locals while providing internet connectivity for our guests from ship to shore."

The high-speed Internet will help the residents of Juneau while also enhancing the experience of vacationers and cruisers visiting the region.

Starlink installation will begin this week.

Environmental development at Royal Beach Club

Royal Caribbean announced it will be working with Bahamian-owned and based SEV Consulting Group, an environmental consulting firm.

The cruise line is committed to providing local, independent environmental monitoring for its new private beach club, Royal Beach Club on Paradise Island in Nassau, Bahamas. 

The 17-acre beachfront club is set to open in late 2025 and will meet Royal Caribbean's environmental commitments, Bahamanian law, and international standards.

Royal Caribbean's new private beach club will come at an extra cost for passengers, providing a day pass to experience pools, food, games, and private cabanas.

Partnering with a global loyalty currency

Royal Caribbean also announced that it will be partnering with IAG Loyalty, a currency that provides loyalty rewards across flights, travel, leisure, shopping, and financial services.

Cruisers who book with Royal Caribbean through the U.K., Spain, and Ireland websites will gain 3 Avios per $1 or Euro spent.

They can then redeem or join loyalty programs with British Airways ExecutiveClub, Aer Lingus AerClub, Iberia Plus, and Vueling Club.

Gerard Nolan, vice president of Europe, the Middle East and Africa, Royal Caribbean International said: “This partnership is introducing yet more ways holidaymakers can add phenomenal value to their holiday."

"Between enjoying the variety of dining experiences, show-stopping entertainment and the stunning destinations we visit around the world, now travelers can also earn Avios – and save – while making memories."

Royal Caribbean boosting tourism in Vanuatu

South Pacific Nation Vanuatu and Royal Caribbean Group have formalized an agreement to boost cruise tourism in the area.

The agreement allows Royal Caribbean to share research with the Vanuatu Tourism Office (VTO), a significant step in developing tourism and economic growth for Vanuatu.

Gavin Smith, Vice President and Managing Director for Royal Caribbean International AUNZ, said: “We are delighted to support Vanuatu’s economic growth through cruise tourism. We are proud of our longstanding partnership with the Vanuatu Government and are excited to deepen our collaboration with the Vanuatu Tourism Office.”

Unique Camperi experience on Oasis of the Seas

The 2024 President's Cruise on Oasis of the Seas hosted a first-of-its-kind experience with Campari.

A major player in the global spirits and liquor industry, Campari hosted an Aperol Pool Party including giveaways and DJ Sets.

The summer, Caribbean-inspired party featured orange decorations, exclusive gifts, and Aperol Spritz.

The event then transformed into a Campari evening, complete with negronis, gifts, and photo ops.

I wasn't sure how to approach planning my Royal Caribbean visit to Bilbao, Spain, until I was watching late night reruns on TV.

Some evenings I'll put on a TV show I've seen dozens of times just to have on in the background while I browse the web, take care of family matters, or call friends and family.  A few weeks ago, I had "No Reservations" show on and I thought I should explore a port like Anthony Bourdain would.

Anthony Bourdain is a famous chef turned world traveler, and he documented his journeys by going to a city or region and going beyond the stereotypes. I always appreciated his blend of culture, history, and of course food.

On my visit to Bilbao, Spain as part of my 7-night Anthem of the Seas cruise, I decided to try it out.  I did some research into what Bilbao offers, and found a tour idea from the show's web archive.

More than a museum

This was my first time in Spain ever, and Bilbao is anything but what I expected.

The city transformed itself over the last 30 plus years, to move from an industrial history to a new age city that clings to its Basque traditions.

Basque is an important word, because Bilbao is the epicenter of what's known as Basque country.  Located between Bilbao, Spain, north to Bayonne, France, is a region known as the land of the Basques. This area is best known for impressive architecture, art, and even its beaches.

The Guggenheim Museum that opened in 1997 is probably what most people think of, but there's a lot more to see here.

It's a beautiful city, situated in front of the Pyrenees Mountains, with a mix of medieval history, modern touches, and a people who speak Spanish second behind the Basque language.

A botxo breakfast

The residents of Bilbao is called, botxo, and I wanted to start my day with a typical breakfast they'd have.

I went to a bakery in the old city of Bilbao to find a bollo de mantequilla, which is a brioche-like bun, sliced open and spread with a French buttercream-style whipped mixture.  

Pastelería Arrese had lots of choices, reminding me the tantalizing choices I found yesterday at the boulangerie in Bordeaux.

I couldn't help but sample a few things, including the chocolate-dipped croissants.

To go with it, I stopped at coffee bar next door to get cafe con leche, figuring it would compliment it really well.

While I could have had my usual breakfast on the ship in the Windjammer, it's not often I have the opportunity to enjoy the kind of freshly baked pastries Europe is well-known for.

A day in the market

My next stop was to see where locals get fresh meat and produce, and I went to the largest covered market in Europe.

The Mercado de la Ribera is on the banks of the Nervión River and it's a 100,000 square foot building that sells meats, cheeses, fresh fish, and more.

The market began in the 14th century, and in 1929, architect Pedro Ispizua designed a space that purposefully had open spaces and not a single interior column, so that there would be free circulation of air to whisk away any lingering scents.

The building has stained glass windows, and an Art Deco motif to its exterior. 

I didn't buy anything, but it was undeniably cool to walk through and see all the choices available to buy. I wish I was spending a few days in Bilbao, because I would have loved to grab a few things and cooked something at an Airbnb.

Exploring the old city

I spent most of my day in Casco Viejo, which is the name of the old quarter of the city.

There are a number of gothic churches within this area, and the streets look like something you'd expect to find in an Old European city. Narrow streets with brick and cobblestone roads. It was one of those areas I wandered to see what was around the next corner.

Across the river is Bilbao la Vieja, which is an area that has changed a lot over the last few decades.

The streets in this space are covered with urban wall art, where prestigious international artists  (like Trakabarraka) make their contributions.

While there's new spaces, you'll also find Spain's history inbetween.  It's not uncommon to turn a corner and find an old church or a building facade from centuries ago.

I wrapped up my tour of Bilbao La Vieja with a stop in a local bar that blends history and modernity.

I got to Peso Neto before they started food service, so I had to "settle" for just a cold beer and locals coming and going. 

It's a neighborhood spot serving creative tapas, and I really wish I could have sampled some of the dishes they had on the menu.

Going up Mount Artxanda

The sun was shining and there were barely any clouds in the sky, so I wanted to get the best view of Bilbao.

For just a few Euros, you can take a ride up Mount Artxanda on a 100-year-old cable car that climbs up the mountain.

At the top, is an absolutely stunning view of all of Bilbao and the surrounding area.

I could have sat here for hours to take in the view. Between the scenery, gentle breeze, and comfortable temperatures, it's the sort of place you can't get sick of.

Street food lunch

While Spain is well-known for tapas, I couldn't help myself and stop for my favorite street food in Europe.

Ever since my first trip to Europe last year, I developed a guilty pleasure for doner kebab, which is Turkish dish that consists of seasoned meat cooked vertically, and then shaved off.

You can get it served in a few ways, but usually it's in a pita or a wrap.  

As I walked back from the funicular that took me up the mountain, I saw it and couldn't resist.

It really hit spot, and it might not be the last time I have kebab on this trip.

Urban art

To round out my day, I thought it would be appropriate to see some art in a city known for it.

While the Guggenheim Museum is where most would go to find art, I decided to take a walk through the city and find the various murals by Bada, Fermín Moreno, and Jorge Rubio. 

Urban art is the kind of art someone like myself can appreciate. You can enjoy it without committing to a day (or even a few hours) at a museum.

On my walk, I saw more of Bilbao, including gardens and busy streets. It's a big city, with lots happening and while my feet were hurting after the "short" 25 minute walk, I was glad to have seen more of the modern parts of Bilbao.

I eventually made my way to the Plaza Kirikiño, which features giant murals against buildings. 

The art encompasses 2,200 square meters and is based on geometric and chromatic shapes, related to the architecture itself.

Like so much of Bilbao, I wish I had more time to stop at one of the many bars I passed by to grab a drink and take in the view.

Not the city I expected

Bilbao is anything but a formulaic European city.  It has a blend of old and new, didn't even remind me of a stereotypical European city.

I relished going beyond tapas and the Guggenheim to see more of what Bilbao had to offer.  While I think I would have enjoyed those things as well, I headed back to my cruise ship with a pretty good checklist of new experiences under my belt.

For anyone visiting Bilbao, I'd recommend taking the 20 minute Uber ride from where cruise ships dock in Getxo to take in all that it has to offer. Bring a few Euros, explore what's around the next corner, and come hungry for more.

A former Royal Caribbean crew member has been sentenced to 30 years in prison after placing hidden cameras in guests' staterooms and secretly recording young kids. 

Arvin Joseph Mirasol, 34, a cabin steward from the Philippines, was arrested in March after a passenger onboard the 228,081 gross registered ton Symphony of the Seas reported finding a camera in their bathroom. The guest found the concealed camera when she reached under the sink to grab toilet paper. 

Mirasol was arrested when the ship returned to Port Everglades on March 3, when Homeland Security Investigations and Customs and Border Protection could board the Oasis Class ship and begin their investigation. 

Federal authorities seized his electronic devices and found videos of women undressing, as well as child pornography, dating back to December 2023. One of the videos even captured Mirasol installing a cabin in a guest's bathroom. 

Homeland Security Investigations later identified the children, whose ages range from 2 to 17 years old, according to the United States Justice Department

Mirasol would also hide under guests' beds while they were in the shower, and during a post-Miranda interview, he claimed to pleasure himself while watching the videos. 

Local 10 reported that one video was of a young girl around the age of 10 undressing and showering, with her genitals "clearly visible" and "the focus of the video."

Additionally, authorities said they found multiple voyeurism-related searches on Mirasol's phone, including "teen on bed." 

Charging documents reveal he told federal investigators that he "wants to control it...but can't." 

"We have zero tolerance for this unacceptable behavior. We immediately reported this to law enforcement and terminated the crew member, and we will continue to fully cooperate with authorities," read a statement issued by Royal Caribbean upon Mirasol's arrest. 

"Something out of a nightmare"

People have flocked to social media and online forums to discuss the incident, with most comments condemning Mirasol's behavior. 

"That is something out of a nightmare, imagine finding a pair of eyes under your bed. Nope Nope Nope. I would be so sure I was going to get murdered," wrote ActiveAlarmed7886 on a thread under the r/cruise subreddit. 

"If you're here reading this, don't stop at the headline. Read the story. It just keeps getting worse and worse with each paragraph," added alinroc. 

karenmarie303 said, "What a complete weirdo. I can’t believe he was never caught under the bed. And to get away with being gone at odd times, freako!"

"I thought I was being paranoid by NOT allowing my teen to stay in the room by herself," remarked friendofoldman, "[I] dragged her out of the room to participate...in activities."

For peace of mind, consider bringing a RAVIAD Detector onboard to scan your stateroom

Cabins are supposed to be our home away from home on a cruise ship. Though it's important to never let your guard down, the point of vacation is to relax and enjoy the experience. 

User Bead Pirate shared their go-to detector on a Cruise Critic forum that helps them search for hidden cameras and microphones.

"Amazon has a great hidden camera / microphone detector that runs on a couple AA Batteries for $50 bucks. We throw it in the suitcase whenever we travel land/sea/air does not matter. Takes 2 minutes to scan a room or can do a house in 5 minutes. Great peace of mind...," they explained. 

It's easy to use, too. All you have to do is turn the device on and walk around the perimeter of the cabin and near furniture. 

There are certain items that you can pack on a plane but are banned on a cruise ship.

Each mode of transportation comes with its own set of regulations, and your packing list might be different depending on how you're traveling.

Regarding what you can bring on a cruise ship, the rules differ from those of TSA and airlines.

If you're not careful, you could safely pass through airport security only to be stopped before boarding the cruise ship.

Any prohibited items you've packed will be confiscated, and not all of them are returned at the end of the cruise.

To prevent an embarrassing moment and the loss of your items, make sure that you're not bringing these 9 banned things.

Read more: How early should I pack for my cruise?

1. Your pet

If you're going on a cruise, your furry friend will have to stay home.

Airline regulations allow guests to bring small pets on planes, provided they fit inside a zippable carrier.

Most airlines also charge an additional fee for passengers with pets, usually between $100 and $200.

However, Royal Caribbean ships do not permit any pets on board, other than registered service animals.

Royal Caribbean allows assistance dogs onboard when pre-approved by government authorities and with proof of the proper documentation.

However, any pets will have to stay with friends, family, or a sitter.

2. Fresh food

TSA allows you to bring fresh food—such as eggs, meat, seafood, vegetables, and fruit—through security.

While meats must be packaged in ice, and you cannot always bring fresh vegetables, in general, TSA will allow you to pack a considerable meal.

While you may be able to bring a home-cooked meal on a plane, you cannot carry fresh food onto a cruise ship.

Royal Caribbean only allows dry, packaged snacks onboard, like cookies, chips, crackers, or energy bars. These packages must be sealed and non-perishable.

Any fresh food will be confiscated, so finish your leftovers before boarding!

Plus, your cruise fare includes access to many great dining venues, so bringing food onboard is the least of your worries.

3. Hard liquor

According to TSA's requirements, you may pack any amount of an alcoholic beverage with 24% alcohol or less in a checked bag.

For alcoholic beverages with more than 24% percent (but less than 70%) alcohol, you're limited to 1.3 gallons (5 liters) per passenger in a checked bag, provided it is inside unopened retail packaging.

For a carry-on bag, you may bring miniature bottles that fit into a quart-sized Ziploc bag.

The requirements are quite different for cruising.

Although you can bring 1 bottle of wine per adult onto a cruise ship, you are not permitted to pack any hard liquor.

If you attempt to bring any hard liquor onboard on embarkation day, it will be confiscated.

Whether you choose to purchase tequila in Mexico or rum in Jamaica, you can, however, purchase liquor at ports of call.

If you do purchase liquor as a souvenir, crew members will take it when you re-enter the ship. They will label and keep the alcohol for you until disembarkation day.

4. Candles

We all want a refreshing fragrance for the cruise ship stateroom or bathroom, but you won't be able to bring a candle on your cruise.

Airplanes permit you to pack solid candles in both checked and carry-on luggage.

Read more: 21 Cruise Cabin Essentials Everyone Should Pack

However, flammable items and heat-producing items are strictly prohibited on a cruise ship. This includes candles and incense.

Any homemade candle or local incense purchases will have to wait until you get home.

5. Clothing irons

Because of the high risk fires present on a cruise ship, you are not permitted to pack or use a clothing iron on a sailing.

They are considered heat-producing items and will be confiscated on embarkation day.

There aren't any irons present in Royal Caribbean staterooms, and self-service laundry isn't an option on a cruise.

However, you can send out laundry for crew members to wash, dry, press, or fold for you.

Laundry prices vary depending on the service you're looking for, but you can pay $35 for a wash and fold special, sending out a small bag of clothes.

Read more: We asked our readers what one thing they regretted packing for their cruise

6. Steamer

Much like irons, steamers are a heat-producing, prohibited item on a cruise ship.

If you're cringing at the idea of paying for laundry services, there are a few hacks our team likes to get the wrinkles out of your outfits.

You can use a Downy Wrinkle Release spray (this is an affiliate link, which costs you nothing extra to use but supports this site), which smooths out clothes once you hang to dry.

Packing the right material of clothing also helps; polyester, denim, cotton, and linen tend to wrinkle less.

7. Handcuffs

Whatever your reason for bringing handcuffs along, they won't be permitted on a cruise ship.

While TSA does allow handcuffs, cruise ships do not.

Royal Caribbean bans cruisers from bringing any items that are considered restraining devices, so that includes zip ties, leg cuffs, and leashes.

However, both modes of transportation permit other adult toys, so...

8. Heating pads

Preparing to manage any cramps, aches, or pains?

While TSA permits heating pads in both checked and carry-on baggage, Royal Caribbean does not.

Again, heating pads are considered heat-producing items and will be confiscated from your luggage.

Instead, consider packing Epsom salt or using a warm towel for any aches you experience on the cruise.

9. Electrical extension cord

TSA has no limitations on the kinds of extension cords you can pack on a flight.

However, standard extension cords—including surge protectors—are not allowed on cruise ships. They are a fire hazard.

Instead, you can purchase cruise-safe power strips, or bring along a USB outlet.

Read more: 115 item Ultimate Cruise Packing List (Printable PDF)

Bordeaux is seemingly synonymous with wine, but I found a city with so much to offer beyond le vin.

The first port stop on our Anthem of the Seas 7-night cruise brings us to the city of La Rochelle, which is a couple hours drive from Bordeaux.

One of the conundrums of this particular itinerary is to settle for the small city experience or take the time to see a major draw. 

Since it's my first time in France and I'm not sure the next time I'll be able to visit here, it made sense to me to sign up for the journey to Bordeaux.

Bordeaux is a little more than a 2 hour bus ride from where cruise ships dock in La Rochelle.  When you have an extreme distance like that, booking a shore excursion through the cruise line is the only logical option to avoid being left behind because of a travel delay.

Read more: Why booking my cruise shore excursions in Europe with the cruise line was the best decision

Our tour began at 8am and met at the Royal Theater.  Minutes after Anthem was cleared by the local authorities, our tour was the first to be called to go.

I signed up for the "Bordeaux On Your Own" tour, which provides bus transportation back and forth and that's it.

The bus is your typical coach bus with plenty of air conditioning and a bathroom in the back. I liked there were USB plugs at each set of seats, although the legroom was very minimal.

We were dropped off at the Allées de Tourny right in the middle of Bordeaux. We were told we'd have a little more than 3 hours to explore on our own, and to meet back at a designated time.  C'est ca et au reviour!

I specifically booked this tour because I want to explore the city on my own, as I see fit.

Bordeaux is well known for its wine culture, but wine wasn't my main draw. I like wine, but I'm not a "wine person".  However, I warmed up to the wine scene in the city quite quickly.

Wine or not, the first thing I wanted was a really good French bakery and cafe.  It was still morning, and I had this overwhelming desire to try it.

One of the best things about Europe is how much there is to see.  As soon as I left the bus, I ran right into Basilique Saint-Michel, which is a Gothic church in the center of the city.

On the bus ride over I researched some places to go, and found a coffee shop and boulangerie across the street from each other that were highly recommended.

The Sip Coffee Bar was my first stop, and I had a cup of iced coffee that was served in a beaker.  Cute idea, and the coffee was so much better than what I could get at home.

I then walked across the street to Boulangerie Jocteur, and I was met with an overwhelming choices of breads, pastries, croissants, and more.

It was one of those places I wish I could bring home a box of goodies, but I also did not want to fill up immediately and ruin my appetite for the rest of the day.

I went with a croissant and baguette.  Basic, sure, but I felt I wanted to start with the hits, and the food did not disappoint.  It probably ruined croissants for the rest of my life back home.

With my belly full, I wanted to do some exploring.  The Old Town area of Bordeaux is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Perhaps the most iconic landmark is Porte Cailhau, which was a gate built to protect the city in 1496. I only walked by the port, but visitors can also climb to the top of the 35-meter tower for unobstructed views of the city.

I then caught sight of the Garonne river, which has a beautiful walkway along the left bank. It's the kind of waterfront walk where you not only get a great view, but you can see so many sights along the way.

It helped the temperature outside was so comfortable, with highs in the upper 80s and no humidity. As someone that lives in Florida, it's always so refreshing when you can spend time outdoors in the summer and not sweat profusely to the point of hating it.

The "Miroir d'Eau" (water mirror) was a fun stop that's across from the Place de la Bourse monument. It alternates a mirror effect and artificial misting in an extraordinary way. 

By now my mind was telling me my readers would hate on me if I went to Bordeaux and didn't have any wine, so I decided to give it a try.

I wandered the streets of Bordeaux for a bit to find a wine bar.  There are plenty of bistros and cafes, but I didn't want to go to a cafe that had a limited selection.

I eventually ran across Coumé Vaï, which serves wine by the bottle and glass, along with cheese and charcuterie options.

I'm not a wine expert at all, so I asked the woman working behind the counter to recommend a couple of wines to try that were from the region.

She picked out two, and I give it a try.

I really liked the flavor of both, with the first being quite fruity and the second extremely dry. 

If I had more time in Bordeaux, I could see myself enjoying a couple of glasses in the evening to wind down the day. 

For lunch, I wasn't sure where to eat because there were so many delicious restaurants. You could not go down a street without running into one or two restaurants that looked really good. I wished I'd had time to try more places.

This may sound crazy, but I went with an Italian restaurant for lunch.  Being in Europe, the food is good beyond the traditional foods of the host country, and in my research, I found a few intriguing Italian restaurants.  As a pizza snob at home, I was drawn immediately to give it a try.

I ended up at Le Murano, which has a large outdoor terrace.  Eating outside at a small table feels so French, even if it's Italian food.

I ordered a margarita pizza, and it was exactly what I wanted. Great food I can't get at home, with unrivaled scenery. 

I would have loved to have more time to go shopping and venture further south. There are many locally-owned boutiques that sell just about everything.

I was mostly in the Saint-Michel "quartier" of Bordeaux, and it's a very cosmopolitan neighborhood along with its rich history.

I especially enjoyed exploring Bordeaux and simply walking to see what's around the next corner. The food scene, charming history, and independent shops really made Bordeaux stand out beyond the wine it's well-known for.

Certainly wine enthusiasts will love it, but non-drinkers can find lots to see too. 

My visit gave me a new taste for all there is to discover in the famous wine region. I would love to come back and spend more time here.  This is, after all, one of the best reasons to cruise because it gives you a taste of what the world has to offer, and you can always come back for more.

My first sea day on Royal Caribbean's Anthem of the Seas took me straight through a body of water well-known for having bad weather and rough seas.

The Bay of Biscay is located west of France in an area and north of Spain, and it's not somewhere you might think as being troublesome until you do some research.

The second day of our 7-night cruise was a sea day, taking us to our first port stop of La Rochelle, France. Before we can get there on day 3, we'd need to traverse the bay.

In the morning, there was a consistent and gentle rocking of the ship.  It was clear the seas had a rolling motion to them, and that resulted in motion onboard.

Motion on a cruise ship is not uncommon and it affects everyone differently.  Some people are thrown off by the slightest movement, while others relish a good pitch and roll to the ocean.

I prefer calm seas, but while the motion was noticeable, it was far from the worst I've experienced.

One of the best strategies for minimizing the sensation of movement on a cruise ship is to go to an area on a low deck and mid ship.  I went down to deck 3 for brunch in the dining room.

Anthem of the Seas does not have a Main Dining Room, but rather, four smaller dining rooms that effectively serve as the same thing.  It's a result of an abandoned concept to reinvent the Main Dining Room that ultimately failed.

Read more: Five times Royal Caribbean changed its mind after announcing something

Brunch is not something you see all the time on Royal Caribbean ships in the Main Dining Room, but it's a treat when they do have it.  Frankly, I don't know the impetus for why they offer it on one sailing or another, but I've seen it before without any consistency. 

In order to embrace the spirit of brunch, I ordered an omelet and a burger. Surprisingly, the burger was my favorite of the two.

After breakfast, the movement was noticeably worse, and I assumed this is where the Bay of Biscay gets its bad reputation.

Luckily, the crossing is only one day (and of course the inevitable return back later in the cruise) and while the seas were rough, the weather was quite comfortable.  Partly cloudy with peeks of sun.

I did not have to take any seasickness medication, as I kept myself busy with events.  There's no shame in taking seasickness medication, as there have been times it's affected me.

Read more: How to prevent seasickness on a cruise

My best advice if you're worried about getting seasick is to be prepared in advance. I always travel with over-the-counter pills I can take to combat it.

My seasickness pills of choice are Bonine.

You could speak to your doctor about getting a prescription for a patch to wear, or preemptively take seasickness medication before the cruise begins and everyday thereafter.

The first event of the day was the Top Tier event, where Royal Caribbean invites anyone with Platinum status or above in Crown and Anchor Society to attend.

It's essentially a big thank you party for being loyal, and I really appreciate they do this to show their appreciation for its customers. It's not an event that will wow you, but if they're going to put on something for guests as recognition, I'll go.  Plus there's free alcohol!

Speaking of Crown and Anchor, I tried something I've never done for my next event.

Cheers with an Officer is a special meal offered for Pinnacle Club guests where there's a special lunch held exclusively for Royal Caribbean's top cruisers.

I had never gone before because I always thought it was too stuffy and I didn't know anyone.  This time, I decided to give it a try, mostly because I'm sailing solo on this cruise and could use some friendly conversation.

I met a fellow Pinnacle Club member, Alice from Wales, who said hello at the Top Tier event and since I'd have someone to converse with, decided to give it a try.

You're seated at a large table with other Pinnacle Club guests and served what is basically the Chops Grille lunch menu. You're also offered glasses of champagne or wine.  All of this is complimentary.

The meal begins with the Captain giving a toast, and we had other officers present to join in.  After the toast, the officers leave and it's a meal with your fellow guests.

Almost everyone was from England at our table, with a couple from Texas and another couple from Germany. As you might imagine at a table full of top cruisers, the conversation was mostly about cruising.

I ordered the salmon and wild mushroom soup.

It was a fun experience, and while I might not go every single time they offer it, I did like the opportunity to talk with other cruisers and have a good conversation with lunch.

After lunch, it was time to get to work on this blog.  There's a 6 hour time difference between France/Spain and the east coast of the United States, so my usual working hours get delayed a bit.

Towards the afternoon, I recorded my YouTube live session from the Solarium.  

I noticed by now the ocean conditions had improved and the motion had subsided considerably. This seems to play right into what people say about the Bay of Biscay, given it can change a lot.

The Bay is Biscay isn’t always rough, and I would not advise anyone to not cruise through it purely on reputation. Most importantly, cruising through the Bay of Biscay is not dangerous.  Royal Caribbean's ships are designed to handle much worse, but the Captain will take necessary actions to avoid any areas that look particularly bad.

For the evening, I decided to hit the casino once more.  It would be a short evening, because I have early morning plans once we reach France.

Looking to earn a free cruise by gambling? Royal Caribbean just made an important policy change.

Royal Caribbean passengers can earn free cruises with enough plays in the casino, but there's been a change to ensure the free cruises given out are actually taken.

Those that gamble a lot on Royal Caribbean cruise ships can qualify for free cruises and other incentives within the Club Royale rewards program.

You earn points every time you play and eventually gain rewards based on your status in the program. 

One of the best benefits offered is a free annual 7-night cruise for members of the program who have received at least 2,500 points. 

Their stateroom category depends on their level in the loyalty program: Prime members earn an interior room, Signature members can stay in a balcony cabin, and Masters get access to a suite.

Read more: I Scored a Free $1200 Room on a Royal Caribbean Cruise by Gambling in the Casino

Although this is a great benefit for passengers, Royal Caribbean wants to prevent people from not showing up for their free cruise.

"No-shows" happen too late for the cruise line to place a paying customer in the cabin, wasting the price of the cruise.

Cruisers booking their complimentary sailing will now pay a deposit

To prevent this loss of income, Royal Caribbean is implementing a new policy for Club Royale members.

In the future, each passenger booking their free annual cruise must pay a $200 deposit.

Casino winners who've been no-shows on past free cruises received an email on August 22nd, 2024, informing them of this change. 

The email reads: “We’re reaching out to let you know that in the past 12 months, you have canceled within two days of sailing or not shown up at the pier for your Casino Reservation(s)."

The email goes on to explain that the policy will become effective on September 5th, 2024.

“Under our new Casino Royale Cruise No-Show & Cancellation Policy, effective September 5, 2024, you will be assessed a $200 USD deposit on all active Casino Reservations, sailing on or after September 5, 2024."

If a Club Royale member does show up to their cruise, the deposit will be converted into a $200 onboard credit.

And if plans change, and they do need to cancel the cruise, the deposit will be refunded as long as they cancel with at least seven day's notice.

If the cruise cancels within seven days before the sailing or does not show up at the pier, they forfeit the deposit. 

What benefits are included in the Club Royale program?

The exact number of points earned from each play varies depending on how much you've gambled, the game, and wins and losses.

As soon as you enter the Club Royale program, you'll be placed in the Choice tier. Rewards for this status include:

• Point Redemption towards onboard expense account credit or as FreePlay in the Casino
• Instant Cruise Rewards Certificates
• $200 credit at Regalia Fine Jewelry and Effy Boutique
• Exclusive Casino Offers
• Access to Club Royale VIP Events

Members who've earned 2,500 points climb to the Prime tier, earning:

• Point Redemption towards onboard expense account credit or as FreePlay in the Casino
• Instant Cruise Rewards Certificates
• $250 credit at Regalia Fine Jewelry and Effy Boutique
• 10% Vitality Spa Discount
• Waived Convenience Fee for Cashless Wagering on SeaPass card
• Complimentary Drinks in Casino Royale
• Discount on VOOM Surf & Stream Internet Wi-Fi Packages
• Exclusive Casino Offers
• Access to Club Royale VIP Events
• Tier Priority Contact Number
• Exclusive Rates for Family and Friends for Additional Staterooms
• Special Offers with Partnership Casinos
• Interior stateroom on the Annual Complimentary Cruise

Read more: I gambled enough in Royal Caribbean's casino to get free drinks and a cruise

After earning 25,00 points, you'll climb to the Signature level of the reward program, earning additional benefits. These include:

• Point Redemption towards onboard expense account credit or as FreePlay in the Casino
• Instant Cruise Rewards Certificates
• $350 credit at Regalia Fine Jewelry and Effy Boutique
• 15% Vitality Spa Discount
• Waived Convenience Fee for Cashless Wagering on SeaPass card
• Complimentary Drinks in Casino Royale
• Free VOOM Surf & Stream Internet Wi-Fi Package for 1 device
• Exclusive Casino Offers
• Access to Club Royale VIP Events
• Tier Priority Contact Number
• Exclusive Rates for Family and Friends for Additional Staterooms
• Special Offers with Partnership Casinos
• Balcony stateroom on the Annual Complimentary Cruise

Finally, guests who have 100,000+ points in the program reach the Masters tier. They receive the highest amount of perks from the program, such as:

• Point Redemption towards onboard expense account credit or as FreePlay in the Casino
• Instant Cruise Rewards Certificates
• $550 credit at Regalia Fine Jewelry and Effy Boutique
• 20% Vitality Spa Discount
• Waived Convenience Fee for Cashless Wagering on SeaPass card
• Complimentary Drinks in Casino Royale
• Free VOOM Surf & Stream Internet Wi-Fi Package for 2 devices
• Priority Entertainment Access and Dining Reservations
• Onboard Credit
• Priority access at the terminal
• Carry-on bag onboard drop off with priority delivery to stateroom
• Welcome lunch in Main Dining Room featuring Chops Grille menu
• Coastal Kitchen Access
• Flexible departure with à la carte breakfast
• Exclusive Casino Offers
• Access to Club Royale VIP Events
• Tier Priority Contact Number
• Exclusive Rates for Family and Friends for Additional Staterooms
• Special Offers with Partnership Casinos
• Grand Suite stateroom on the Annual Complimentary Cruise