Royal Caribbean Blog

On Friday, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated its requirements for cruise ships sailing in U.S. waters by relaxing a few protocols.

All the cruise lines operating in the United States, including Royal Caribbean, are operating under the CDC's Covid-19 Program for Cruise Ships. This is a series of regulations that govern Covid-19 protocols onboard.

Over the last few weeks, the CDC has rolled back many Covid-19 protocols surrounding the operation of cruise ships, including twice lowering the warning level for travel on cruise ships.

The CDC changed three rules that make things easier for the cruise lines.

Interactive experiences

Cruise ship operators may resume interactive experiences such as galley tours and cooking classes. 

Up until now, these onboard activities were prohibited, such as interactive cooking, culinary workshops and demonstrations, mixology/blending classes, and galley and other "behind the scene" tours.

With the change, the requirements for food services for cruise ships operating under the CDC's classification of highly vaccinated ships (which is what Royal Caribbean does), become recommendations instead of requirements.

This opens the way for activities such as sushi making classes, behind-the-scenes tours, and cupcake making classes to resume.

Quarantine in own cabin

If a traveler identified as a close contact is disembarking the ship within 36 hours, the cruise line may allow the traveler to stay in the original cabin if the traveler will be the only person in that cabin.

Previously, they would have been moved to quarantined area of the ship with special cabins for someone confirmed or suspected of having Covid-19.

Port agreements

The CDC also revised the requirements cruise lines must have with the ports their ships sail from.

Specifically, the CDC modified port agreements, removing ship and capacity limits at ports. 

Cruise industry reaction

Following the changed rules, the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) issued a statement that characterized these revisions as, "welcome changes."

"CLIA cruise line members continue to lead the way in unmatched health and safety measures compared to virtually any other commercial setting. "

"The updates announced today acknowledge the effectiveness of the cruise lines in their ability to create an environment that provides one of the highest levels of COVID-19 mitigation and reflect the improvements in the public health landscape."

"CLIA member cruise lines will continue to operate in a way that prioritizes the health and safety of everyone onboard, as well as the communities that we visit."

Wonder of the Seas is the fifth Oasis Class cruise ship in Royal Caribbean’s fleet, but she has several key differences that make her stand apart from other ships in the class.

Photo by @AdamsAway

In some ways, Wonder of the Seas can be looked at as an “Oasis Plus” class compared to just an Oasis Class ship. While she shares many of the same restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues as other Oasis Class ships, significant enhancements were made to her design and layout.

Whether you’re simply curious as to what Wonder of the Seas is like or you are planning a cruise on the ship, it’s helpful to know the ins and outs of how Wonder of the Seas differs from other Oasis Class ships.

Suite Neighborhood on Wonder of the Seas

The biggest difference between Wonder of the Seas and other Oasis Class ships is the addition of an eighth neighborhood onboard: the Suite Neighborhood.

The Suite Neighborhood is an exclusive enclave onboard just for suite guests. Within the suite neighborhood is the Suite Lounge, Coastal Kitchen restaurant, and suite concierge. Hallways and entrances to most suites are located within this area as well.

The most upgraded enhancement to the Suite Neighborhood is the Suite Sun Deck. On other Royal Caribbean ships, the sun deck is usually quite small with lounge chairs available. The sun deck on Wonder of the Seas, though, is complete with a private bar, plunge pool, in-pool loungers, and a variety of comfy seating for guests.

While not entirely a “ship within a ship” concept, the Suite Neighborhood on Wonder of the Seas can really enhance the cruise experience for suite guests by offering private, quieter areas onboard to relax and dine.

Staterooms on Wonder of the Seas

Wonder of the Seas shares the same stateroom categories as other Oasis Class ships. From interior rooms to extravagant suites, there is a cabin to fit any budget.

She does have a few differences in layout, location, and offerings of staterooms, though.

Unlike other Oasis Class ships, where many loft suites face the Sports Court, this area is now taken by the Suite Sun Deck on Wonder of the Seas. Therefore, most suites located in this area of the ship face the ocean instead.

Wonder of the Seas, like Symphony of the Seas, has the Ultimate Family Suite. Designed to be the most kid-friendly stateroom onboard, the Ultimate Family Suite has its own in-suite slide, jacuzzi, step climbers, piano key stairs, and private game/movie room. The Ultimate Family Suite on Wonder of the Seas is larger than on Symphony, with three bedrooms and the option to convert the game room into a fourth.

Like all Oasis Class ships, Wonder of the Seas has Boardwalk and Central Park balconies. One important thing to note before booking a Central Park balcony on Wonder of the Seas, however, is that the jumbo television screen from the pool deck overlooks Central Park.

As movies and music are often playing loudly on the screen during the day and evening, a Central Park balcony on Wonder of the Seas may be less peaceful than on other Oasis Class ships.

Windjammer on Wonder of the Seas

When Royal Caribbean originally designed the Oasis Class ships, the Windjammer was not held to the same importance as on previous classes of ships. With so many other new complimentary dining locations onboard, such as Solarium Bistro and Park Cafe, Royal Caribbean thought the Windjammer would be less important to guests. 

Therefore, on other Oasis Class ships, the Windjammer is smaller and tends to get crowded during meal times.

When designing Wonder of the Seas, though, Royal Caribbean recognized that even with a plethora of other dining options onboard, the buffet remains an extremely popular dining venue. Rather than keeping the venue small, they decided to create the largest Windjammer in the fleet.

The Windjammer on Wonder of the Seas wraps around the entire Boardwalk neighborhood on Deck 15, which differs from other Oasis Class ships both in deck number and layout.

There is also a standalone vegetarian section available at the Windjammer on Wonder of the Seas, making dining as a vegetarian a breeze.

Solarium on Wonder of the Seas

Unlike other Oasis Class ships, where the Solarium is only partially covered for shade, the Solarium on Wonder of the Seas is totally enclosed and climate-controlled.

The Wonder of the Seas Solarium resembles the Solarium on a Quantum Class ship more than that of other Oasis Class ships. Quantum Class ships have a fully enclosed Solarium, allowing them to sail in both warm and cold regions of the world, whereas Oasis Class ships tend to stick to warm weather climates.

The Solarium has plenty of padded pool chairs and other comfy seating as well, giving guests a relaxing, adults-only oasis that can be enjoyed rain or shine.

Pool deck

Wonder of the Seas brings a more upgraded pool deck experience compared to other Oasis Class ships.

Like Oasis of the Seas, Wonder of the Seas has a Caribbean style pool deck, featuring colorful decor, The Lime and Coconut bar, and private casitas.

Aside from decor, though, the pool deck has a few layout differences from other Oasis Class ships. First is the movie screen viewing area, where guests can relax on padded theater chairs during the day and night, whether to watch a movie or catch some sun.

Speaking of a movie, the TV screen on the pool deck is the largest television on any Royal Caribbean ship.

On either side of the theater chairs are padded pool chairs. This area resembles the Suite Sun Deck found on Voyager and Freedom Class ships, but is available to all guests onboard. 

While more of a design difference than an amenity, Wonder of the Seas has an exterior shell at the sides in the middle of the pool deck which is used as support for the ship’s giant Crown & Anchor logo.

Activities and entertainment on Wonder of the Seas

Wonder of the Seas is the first Royal Caribbean ship to feature the Wonder Playscape, an underwater-themed climbing playground for kids. Here kids can enjoy slides, climbing nets, and games. The Wonder Playscape is connected to the Wonder Dunes mini golf, offering an area of the Sports Court filled with activity for young cruisers.

The Wonder Playscape has taken the spot of what would have been a second FlowRider. Therefore, unlike other Oasis Class ships, Wonder of the Seas only has one FlowRider.

In regards to entertainment, Wonder of the Seas is currently the only Oasis Class ship without a full-length Broadway show onboard. Instead, she has two headliner shows in the Royal Theater: Voices and The Effectors II.

A second entertainment difference found on Wonder of the Seas is the lack of Jazz on 4. Unlike other Oasis Class ships which have a standalone venue for live jazz music, Wonder of the Seas has a high-roller casino in its location.

The Golden Room is a high-roller casino space designed for top casino guests. Currently this area is open to all guests, offering slot machines as well as table games such as roulette. It is also currently a non-smoking casino.

The Golden Room is likely a leftover design choice from when Wonder of the Seas was being built for the Asian cruise market, as ships sailing from China tend to have more casino space onboard.

New bars and restaurants on Wonder of the Seas

Cantina Fresca is a new bar found only on Wonder of the Seas. Connected to El Loco Fresh, Cantina Fresca offers a Mexican-inspired drink menu with the best margaritas you’ll find onboard. This has proved to be a popular bar on Wonder of the Seas, with many guests grabbing a drink while eating at El Loco Fresh or hanging out on the sports deck.

The Vue is the second new bar on Wonder of the Seas, which takes the spot of what would have been a second cantilevered hot tub near the Solarium. The Vue extends over the side of the ship and a signature drink menu specific to the bar is coming soon.

The Mason Jar is the third new venue on Wonder of the Seas, as well as the first southern-inspired restaurant on a Royal Caribbean ship. One side of the venue is a restaurant open for brunch and dinner, which offers a diverse range of dishes from around the American south.

The other side of the venue is The Mason Jar Bar, focusing on drinks made from bourbon and moonshine and featuring a live country band.

While not a new restaurant, Wonder of the Seas is the first Oasis Class ship to have Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar. The menu at Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen tends to lean more towards Italian-American cuisine compared to traditional Italian food, and offers a selection of homemade pastas, pizzas, and meat dishes.

Miscellaneous differences on Wonder of the Seas

The Diamond Lounge has virtual balconies, so guests can see outside in the venue as there are no windows in the space.

Located on the Boardwalk is a kids-only souvenir store with apparel, games, legos, stuffed animals, and more.

The AquaTheater has a more enclosed design compared to other ships, and the AquaTheater show is the only one to feature an all-female cast.

The Social100 Patio for teens on Wonder of the Seas has its own non-alcoholic bar and jacuzzi.

What would have been the Suite Sun Deck area on other Oasis Class ships (deck 17 forward) is now seating space available for all guests.

The casino has sliding doors that open and close as you enter, which helps to keep smoke contained.

Elevators on Wonder of the Seas use a touchscreen feature, and several floors have images or graphics next to the number to help guests remember what is on each floor.

There is a room with vending machines, selling everything from toiletries to headphones, located on deck 15 near Social100.

The largest cruise ship in the world offers plenty of picture taking opportunities. From pictures of the ocean at sunset to selfies with astronauts, there are an abundance of places to capture your vacation memories on Wonder of the Seas.

Whether you are looking for a classic cruise shot of the ship’s aft or one that showcases the impressive design and architecture of Wonder of the Seas, you will have no trouble taking excellent photos onboard.

Get your camera ready and discover the most instagramable places on Wonder of the Seas. 

(Warning: these are guaranteed to make everyone at home jealous!)

Astronaut on the pool deck

There are three astronauts found on Wonder of the Seas, which are scattered throughout the ship. Finding the astronauts can be a fun scavenger hunt activity for guests onboard, and it also provides a perfect photo opportunity!

The most accessible astronaut for photos is found at the pool deck's movie screen viewing area, where an astronaut is sitting and watching the pool deck's jumbo television.

Taking a photo with the astronaut is a fun vacation memory, and it's a lot easier to get a picture with the pool deck astronaut than the one climbing the rock climbing wall!

Location: between decks 15 and 16, midship

Butterfly wings on the sports deck

A butterfly wing mural is a classic Instagram shot, with street art painted in the shape of wings and a space in the middle for someone to stand.

Royal Caribbean recognized this photo trend and added a butterfly wing mural to Wonder of the Seas. When walking from the upper pool deck to the Sports Court on deck 16, you’ll run into the butterfly wings on the wall. You may have to move a few chairs around to get the best picture possible.

Location: deck 16, aft & starboard

Central Park at night

While Central Park is a peaceful oasis on Wonder of the Seas no matter the time of day, its beauty really shines through once the sun goes down.

At night, Central Park is lit with lights of all colors. From gold twinkle lights on the shrubs to blue light shining from the Royal Promenade, it’s certainly one of the most picturesque places onboard.

The best photo taking opportunity at Central Park is before you go to dinner on a formal night, when you’ll be dressed in your best clothes and ready to capture a memory on camera.

Location: deck 8, midship

The Vue bar at sunset

The Vue is one of the new bars on Wonder of the Seas and is perhaps the most instagramable of all bars onboard.

The Vue extends over the side of the ship to offer fantastic ocean views. The best time to take a photo at The Vue is during sunset, where not only the sky lights up, but also the mosaic canopy over the bar.

Location: deck 15, forward

Swing at The Mason Jar Bar

Another new bar on Wonder of the Seas is at The Mason Jar. The Mason Jar Bar was designed with comfort in mind. Rocking chairs and padded seating dot the bar, offering a comfy place to relax while tasting the bar’s signature cocktails and listening to the live country band.

Located in the bar is a large swing covered with pillows in front of a row of flowers. While not a stereotypical cruise photo showing the ship or ocean, the swing offers a cute spot for friends, couples, and families looking for a group photo.

Location: deck 15, aft

Pool deck photo overlooking Central Park

Oasis Class cruise ships have a split pool deck where you can look into the Central Park neighborhood below. 

If you walk on the upper pool deck on deck 16 near The Lime and Coconut Bar, you'll reach a fantastic view of the pool deck with the park below you. This is a classic instagramable spot on any Oasis Class ship, and it really puts into perspective just how big the Oasis Class truly is.

Pro tip: use a wide angle lens or selfie stick in this area to ensure you capture the entire pool area in your photo.

Location: deck 16, midship

Views of the ship’s wake

A classic cruise photo is standing at the back of the ship with a view of the ship's wake. There are a few places to take this photo on Wonder of the Seas.

The best spot to take this picture is from the back of the jogging track on deck 5. As the jogging track reaches the back of the ship, it opens up to an expansive view of the ocean, offering close-up views of Wonder of the Seas moving through the sea.

Another top location for a photo of the ship's wake is from the back of the sports deck. While further away from the water than the running track, this area offers more angles for your photos.

The back of the sports deck or running track can also be good spots to take photos during sailaway or while Wonder of the Seas is in port.

Outside the spa overlooking the Royal Promenade

Right near the entrance to the Vitality Spa & Fitness Center on Wonder of the Seas is a scenic overlook of the Royal Promenade. This spot gives a full view down the entire Promenade, offering a great location to take photos of the ship.

Whether you want to take a selfie, pose for a photo, or take a picture of the Promenade itself, this is one of the best places to do so on Wonder of the Seas.

Location: deck 6, forward

Solarium bridge wings

One of the hidden secrets on Wonder of the Seas are the Solarium bridge wings. Located all the way forward in the adults-only Solarium are two platforms that extend over the side of the ship.

This area is usually not very crowded and offers unobstructed views of the ship's exterior and ocean. This area does tend to get extremely windy, though, so keep that in mind for your photo session!

The bridge wings provide an even better photo opportunity when you are sailing into or out of port, offering the chance to capture pictures of the beautiful destinations Wonder of the Seas visits.

Location: deck 15, forward

Looking for more instagramable places on Wonder of the Seas? Check out our full ship tour to discover more of the ship

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We're almost through the work week, and I've got an update to share about different Royal Caribbean changes and happenings.

Throughout the week, Royal Caribbean news comes in, and some of it is not necessarily worthy of an individual article, but I think readers will still want to know about it.

If you ever have a news tip, feel free to email it to [email protected] for possible inclusion in a future update!

Hideaway Beach construction

As reported last week, the new adults-only beach area at Perfect Day at CocoCay is under construction.

Previously, the land was being cleared, but actual construction began recently.

The current estimate is for Hideaway Beach to open in mid to late 2023.

Oil surcharge?

Rising crude oil prices have impacts throughout society, including cruise ships.

Some have wondered if fuel surcharges could return to cruise fares, but Royal Caribbean says don't expect them.

According to a report by The Points Guy, Royal Caribbean has no plans to bring back fuel surcharges, even if oil prices continue going up.

The price of West Texas Intermediate oil had gotten as high as $130 per barrel, but has come back down to around $100 per barrel more recently.

Island hop

A favorite topic to track here on Royal Caribbean Blog is new trademark filings, and Royal Caribbean has a new one.

The cruise line trademarked, "Island Hop" without much indication what it could be used for.

The description for Island Hop is "Travel agency services, namely, making reservations and bookings for transportation; Travel agency services, namely, making reservations and bookings for cruises; Travel arrangement"

Galveston cruise terminal construction

Royal Caribbean's new cruise terminal in Galveston continues to move forward.

Royal Caribbean Blog reader billdauterive shared new photos while sailing past the construction site on Adventure of the Seas.

The new $125 million cruise terminal will open in Fall 2022 in time for Allure of the Seas to begin cruising from there.

New cruises from Los Angeles delayed

Royal Caribbean has pushed back when its new batch of cruises from Los Angeles will be posted.

The 2023-2024 cruises from L.A. have been delayed until the week of April 4.

Prior to that release, Australia's deployments for 2023-2024 will be posted next week, followed by Barbados & Panama sailings the week of March 28.

Royal Caribbean's newest cruise planner sale kicks off today with up to 35% off pre-cruise add-ons.

The pre-cruise sale is valid on purchases made between March 17 - 23, 2022 on sailings departing between March 21, 2022 - December 31, 2022.

Here is what is included during the sale:

Beverage: Up to 45% off

• Classic Soda Beverage Package: Discount varies by ship.
• Classic Soda Beverage Package + VOOM Surf & Stream 1 Device: Over 25% off onboard prices.
• Spring Water Cans: 40% off onboard prices.
• San Benedetto Water Cans: 40% off onboard prices.
• Evian Water Bottles: 40% off onboard prices.
• Deluxe Beverage Package: Discount varies by ship.
• Deluxe Beverage Package + VOOM Surf & Stream 1 Device: Over 30% off onboard prices.
• Refreshment Package: Discount varies by ship.

Shore Excursions: Up to 25% off

• Shore Excursions: Discount varies by ship.

Dining: Up to 55% Off

• Unlimited Dining Package on 3N – 9N sailings: Discount varies by ship.

Internet: Up to 50% Off

• VOOM Surf + Stream Voyage Package 1, 2, 3, 4 Device(s): Discount varies by ship.
• VOOM Surf Voyage Package 1, 2, 3, 4 Device(s): Discount varies by ship.

Gifts & Gear: Up to 20% Off

• Anniversary Decorations with Champagne
• Happy Birthday Decorations with Chocolate Cake & Strawberries
• Happy Birthday Decorations with Vanilla Cake & Strawberries
• Inky Beach Set
• Inky Beach Towel (TicTacToe)
• Inky Travel Set
• Red Wine and Cheese
• Royal Caribbean Beach Towel
• Strawberries with Champagne
• White Wine and Cheese

Photo Packages: Up to 70% Off

• Photo Packages: From 5 - 100 Print and/or Digital Options: Discount varies by ship.
• Photo Package: Private Photo Session: Discount varies by ship.
• Photo Package: Picture This Private Studio: Discount varies by ship.
• Photo Package: All Digital: Discount varies by ship.

Spa: Up to 30% off

• Spa Packages: Discount varies by ship.

Can I save money with this sale?

Each Royal Caribbean sale adds the potential to save money on the cost of these purchases, but the price does not change for every single sailing and item available to purchase.

Some prices may change, but there is not a flat discount applied across all sailings.  Some people will notice better prices, while others may not see any change.

To check if your sailing has this new offer available, log into the Cruise Planner on Royal Caribbean's web site look for any available offers. Keep in mind that not all sailings may see the sale applicable, nor are all offers significantly cheaper than previously posted.

If you spot a better discount on something you already pre-purchased, you should be able to cancel the purchase and then re-purchase the same item under this promotion.

More helpful information

• Should you buy pre-cruise purchases now or wait to buy it onboard?
• 45 ways to save money on a Royal Caribbean cruise
• How much should I budget for a cruise?

Royal Caribbean’s Alaska cruise season runs from May to September each year. And while there is no best time to go on an Alaska cruise, cruising to Alaska in May or early June is considered the early season.

Choosing when to go on an Alaska cruise depends on your schedule, budget, and preference, and each month offers a different experience. No matter which month you visit Alaska, you’re likely to be amazed by the state’s vast landscapes, historic towns, and wildlife. 

The early cruise season in Alaska is often overlooked due to the fact that it does not fit in the school vacation schedule and that temperatures may not be as high as in the peak of summer. However, visiting Alaska in the spring brings plenty of opportunities to explore the state’s vast landscapes, culture, and wildlife.

Here’s an overview of what to expect on an Alaska cruise in the early season.

Weather in Alaska in the spring

Passengers with a cruise booked to Alaska in the early season will encounter some of the best weather found all year. While the spring does not bring the highest temperatures of the Alaska cruise season, there is less rain than other times of the year.

Cruise passengers can expect to see lows of around 40 degrees fahrenheit and highs in the mid-50s. And while April, May, and June are the driest months of the year in southeast Alaska, packing a waterproof jacket and water-resistant daypack is still important to ensure you remain dry and comfortable while exploring.

The early season brings plenty of daylight, too. Depending on the port you’re visiting, daylight hours in May can range from 4AM to 10PM. This provides just enough sunlight to fully enjoy each day without having your sleep patterns drastically altered.

Wildlife

The early season in Alaska brings ample wildlife viewing opportunities. As the snow melts and days become longer, the wildlife comes to life as well.

The annual salmon run begins in May each year, when heaps of salmon swim upstream to spawn. This can be viewed near creeks and streams in each Alaska cruise port, although there may not be as many salmon to see compared to later in the season. Bears may be spotted during May as well, as they tend to hang out near streams during the salmon run.

Those with a cruise booked very early in the season (late April or early May) may have the chance to spot gray whales on an excursion, as they are usually the first whales to arrive each season. In May, guests have a better chance of spotting killer whales in the Alaskan waters compared to other months.

Cruising to Alaska in the early season will also bring fewer mosquitos than in late June through August.

Cheaper prices and less crowds

Cruising to Alaska in April, May, and early June is in less demand than the peak summer season. Because the temperatures are not as high and school is still in session, prices tend to be lower for the first few weeks of the season.

As an example, the price for a balcony cabin on a 7-night cruise to Alaska on Serenade of the Seas in May is $815 per passenger, whereas it is $1,193 in July. This isn’t necessarily always the case, as cruise prices can fluctuate greatly from sailing to sailing, so there is always a possibility of scoring a good deal during the peak season, too.

Shore excursions may be priced slightly lower during the early season, and onboard capacity can be lower as well. With fewer kids and families onboard, the ship and ports you visit may be quieter than during peak season. 

Cruise Tours

Passengers who want to spend more time exploring Alaska may decide to book a pre or post-cruise land tour. These are 2-6 night land-based tours before or after a 7-night cruise that visit a selection of destinations in inland Alaska or Canada.

The most popular tours are those that visit Denali National Park and Reserve in addition to other Alaskan towns such as Fairbanks and Talkeetna.

If you are planning to do a Cruise Tour, it’s important to note that they usually do not operate until late May. As Denali National Park and Reserve opens to visitors in late May each year, the earliest cruise with a Cruise Tour usually departs the last week or two of May.

Cruise Tours that visit destinations in British Columbia and Alberta, Canada operate earlier in the season, though, with some offered in early May.

Royal Caribbean has a new way to book a hotel before or after your cruise vacation.

The new Royal Caribbean Hotels program launched today, which is a partnership with Priceline.

It's a common practice for anyone flying to their cruise ship to come in at least a day in advance, as well as stay an extra day after the cruise ends. This gives guests extra time to explore the city they are departing from, as well as guard against travel delays.

The new hotels program aims to give cruisers an easy way to lock in a pre- or post-cruise stay.

Royal Caribbean says this new program offers exclusive rates with thousands of hotels in every Royal Caribbean departure and arrival port, including those in the Caribbean, Europe, Asia-Pacific as well as North, South and Central America.

Hotel search results can easily be filtered based on the number of travelers in your group, the sailing’s departure or arrival city, and dates — plus preferences such as hotel rating, amenities and more.

Another advantage of booking through Royal Caribbean Hotels is Royal Caribbean will cover guest’s hotel cancellation fees if Royal cancels or modifies the associated cruise, whether or not within final payment.

Royal Caribbean Hotels is available immediately for anyone residing in the United States, Canada, and Mexico booking a Royal Caribbean cruise.

Some helpful tips about Royal Caribbean Hotels:

• The ability to earn hotel loyalty points will depend on the property you select.
• Transfers between the hotel and pier are not included in this pricing.

The hotels website is where you can start making reservations at https://www.royalcaribbean.com/programs/book-a-hotel

If you’re a loyal cruiser with Royal Caribbean, you know it’s pretty rare to find a Caribbean sailing that doesn’t stop at Labadee or CocoCay. Both of these ports are actually private islands owned by Royal Caribbean and are frequent stops for the cruise line when sailing the Caribbean.

To be honest, anytime I saw CocoCay as a port stop for a cruise, I’d scowl at the thought of wasting a port stop at Royal Caribbean’s private island in the Bahamas. There were plenty of other islands that I’d rather spend my time and money visiting. 

Lackluster First Experience

Back in 2009, I cruised with my family onboard Royal Caribbean’s Majesty of the Seas on a weekend cruise to the Bahamas. One of our stops was CocoCay - and to say it was pretty lame is an understatement. 

After tendering to the island from the cruise ship, my family and I walked onshore to find an underdeveloped island surrounded by rocky shores. There were some lounge chairs scattered around the beach. We found a few places to shop while walking around the island.

Overall, It was pretty dull and lackluster. I was just 14 years old and my sister was 12 at the time. There wasn’t much to do on the island, so my parents bought us tickets to ride the waterslide. 

After a few less-than-thrilling rides on the blowup waterslide, we tendered back to the ship and opted for lunch at Johnny Rockets. The whole family agreed that the island was nothing special and we certainly wouldn’t go out of our way to return. 

Because of our underwhelming experience, we’d avoided any itineraries with stops at CocoCay. For years, we would look for cruise itineraries that didn't include CocoCay.

Second Chances

Fast Forward to February 2022, my family had a cruise planned onboard Harmony of the Seas with stops in St. Maarten, St. Thomas and - yup, you guessed it - CocoCay! 

After Royal Caribbean’s major renovations were finalized in 2019, it appeared that the private island received a well-deserved facelift. We were excited to give the renovated island another chance after our first visit more than 13 years earlier.

The bar was set pretty low based on our prior visit, but we had heard from many people that the island had been transformed into a great port stop. Seeing beautiful pictures and videos of Perfect Day at CocoCay made the island seem like a new Caribbean island oasis. 

First Impressions

As we sailed into port, we could easily spot the Up, Up and Away balloon soaring above the blue sea. The colorful flags from the port could be seen blowing in the wind. It was a beautiful, warm day for our last port stop. 

The island looked as bright and vibrant as the many pictures and videos I had seen online. We could already see from the ship that the island was way more developed than before. It almost felt like we were pulling up to a resort!

My mom is notorious for choosing to stay on the cruise ship when we dock in ports that she’s uninterested in. She said that CocoCay was so lame before that she might stay on the ship. Luckily, we convinced her to give the island a try, as she could easily head back to the ship if she wasn’t enjoying her day. 

As we walked along the pier under the colorful awnings, we were immediately impressed by the new CocoCay. The island was glistening with white sand along the ocean.  There was a shuttle running from the ship to bring guests to the amenities; however, we enjoyed walking along the ocean.

To start, it was a welcome change that we didn’t need to tender to the island this time. It saves so much time when you can just walk off the ship and get your day started!

Oasis Lagoon

With a little research, we decided our first stop would be Oasis Lagoon. Plenty of signage helped direct us towards the lagoon, which is actually the large freshwater pool in the Caribbean.

Even better, there was a swim-up bar in the Oasis Lagoon. My sister snagged a lounge chair that was partially submerged in the lagoon. There was great music pumping from the DJ across the lagoon. 

We were amazed at how large the lagoon was! There were tons of chairs and umbrellas surrounding the pool. The swim-up bar was our first stop after getting settled. The day called for pina coladas!

One of the perks of visiting Royal Caribbean’s private island is that you can continue to access your internet and beverage package! We were ready to indulge in our daily allowance of 5 Diamond + drinks. 

The Oasis Lagoon was so much fun, we ended up spending most of the day here. With great music and plenty of drinks, we were having a great time relaxing.

Even more fun - we had an unexpected Royal Caribbean Blog staff meeting! As fate would have it, Matt himself was cruising with his family onboard the Freedom of the Seas and docked right next to our ship. This was actually our first time meeting in person, so it was a fun coincidence.

Funnel Cake

After a few drinks at the pool, it was time to find something for lunch. We walked through the large buffet area on our way to the Oasis Lagoon, but we were looking to try something a little different. 

We’d heard Snack Shack was a great place to grab lunch, so we headed towards South Beach. Having so many options for food was another welcomed change. Everywhere we looked, there was either a bar, buffet or ice cream machine!

We ordered chicken sandwiches at the Snack Shack, along with mozzarella sticks and french fries. But, we were all the most excited about the funnel cakes! That crispy, powdery cakey goodness hit the spot on our last day of vacation.

Everything we ordered at the Snack Shack was delicious. The chicken sandwich with pesto mayo tasted like a Chick-fil-a sandwich.

An insider tip - don’t leave your food unattended! My dad sat down with his french fries and hot dog before getting up to snag some ketchup. About 15 birds swarmed the table and tried to steal as many fries as they could. 

Shops and South Beach

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While enjoying our lunch, we marveled at everything CocoCay had to offer. South Beach had so many activities for those looking to do more than have a cocktail at the beach. You can find activities like volleyball, basketball, snorkeling, paddle boarding and ping pong. 

We also enjoyed shopping around the many stalls that adorned touristy shirts, magnets and beach bags while polishing off our funnel cake with an ice cream cone. There were plenty of shops for those looking to support the local economy, as the stalls were all operated by locals. 

Final Thoughts

Perfect Day at CocoCay blew all of us away! The whole family truly enjoyed our day at CocoCay. Even my mom, who typically hates spending her day at the beach, said she loved the island and was very impressed. 

It was obvious that Royal Caribbean invested heavily in making its private island a destination that cruisers will want to visit. I can totally understand how people love to visit CocoCay repeatedly. 

The entire day was very laid back and relaxing. Everything at CocoCay is so easy, making it feel like a true day of vacation. There was no need to worry about transportation or logistics - you walk right off the ship and you’re right where you need to be! 

I loved being able to use my daily drinks at the island too. Oasis Lagoon was the perfect place for us to spend the day relaxing w drinking and dancing Next time, I’d love to visit the floating bar on South Beach. 

We saw so many families having a great time too, which is easy to do with all the waterslides, waterparks and activities. CocoCay is certainly a great spot for families with kids of all ages. 

I honestly wish I could transport my 14 year old self to the new CocoCay! That big blowup waterslide from the old CocoCay couldn’t even compete with all the new amenities offered.

If you haven’t visited the new Perfect Day at CocoCay, or you’re avoiding it like we were, think again! I promise you’ll be impressed by everything that Royal Caribbean has done to make the island an amazing destination. 

Royal Caribbean has released updated North American health protocols for cruises departing on or after March 18, 2022.

This includes updated shore excursion requirements for unvaccinated children and their families.

For departures on or after March 18, 2022: all guests, regardless of vaccination status, may visit most ports freely or book a shore excursion.

A few ports still require an excursion to go ashore, regardless of your vaccination status. 

Those ports are:

• Barbados
• Falmouth
• St. Lucia
• Dominica
• St. Vincent

According to the cruise line, all guests going ashore must still follow local health and safety guidance when visiting each port of call. Unvaccinated children should expect to wear their masks while ashore, avoid crowded areas, and maintain physical distance whenever possible.

Up until now, families with unvaccinated children had to take only Royal Caribbean shore excursions and were not allowed to take private tours.

The rest of the protocols for North American cruises remains unchanged.

North America Cruise Ship Protocols

Here are the Covid protocols for U.S. sailings (excluding Puerto Rico).

Vaccines

All guests 12 and older must be fully vaccinated at least 14 days before sailing.

Children aged 5 to 11 are not required to be vaccinated.

Royal Caribbean recommends children that become eligible for vaccination receive their vaccine before sailing.

Children with one dose of a two-dose vaccine do not count as fully vaccinated for the purpose of a sailing.

Testing

Pre-Cruise: All guests 2 years and older must present a negative COVID-19 test result.

• Vaccinated guests: PCR or antigen test must be taken no more than 2 days prior to sailing.
• Unvaccinated children ages 2 to 11: PCR test must be taken no more than 3 days prior to sailing — but not on boarding day. Antigen tests are not accepted for unvaccinated guests.
• No testing required for guests under age 2.

Certificate of Recovery: Instead of a negative pre-cruise test, a Certificate of Recovery and a positive PCR test taken between 11-90 days prior to our sail date can be provided to sail with us. To learn more, check out our dedicated FAQ here. Please note: we will not accept a Certificate of Recovery in the place of a vaccination record. Additionally, some ports of call do not accept Certificates of Recovery for the purposes of debarking and enjoying the destination.  

Embarkation Day: Unvaccinated guests ages 2 to 11 will take a complimentary antigen test for COVID-19 during check-in. Registration details will be sent via email in advance.

Onboard: For sailings that are 5 nights or longer, unvaccinated guests ages 2 to 11 will take a complimentary antigen test prior to debark. Sailings longer than 10 nights may have additional onboard testing requirements. Registration details will be provided onboard.

Masks

Masks are optional for vaccinated guests and are expected for unvaccinated children.

Masks will be required in Adventure Ocean, in the terminal, and may be required at various destinations. Guests under 2 years old don’t need a mask.

Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas has started cruising, and while I've done my best to share what the new cruise ship is like, some questions remain.

While I have shared a lot of information about the cruise experience in live blogs and a look around the ship, there are still questions cruise haves have about going on Wonder of the Seas

I asked for which questions folks still have, and I'll do my best to answer as many as I can right here.

Does the Solarium have a pool?

Yes, there is a pool in the adults-only Solarium on Wonder of the Seas.

While the pool may look more like a pool on a Quantum Class ship, there is definitely a pool to wade in and enjoy to cool off.

How do you rank the new southern food restaurant compared to other specialty dining and should we expect to see it on other ships in the future?

The Mason Jar is a brand new concept for Royal Caribbean, and based on the first two weeks, it seems to be a big hit.

First and foremost, I appreciate variety. Having a completely new concept offers everyone more choices in where to dine, with little overlap in cuisine.

I'm certain Royal Caribbean is evaluating how well the concept is received and future ships certainly could have a Mason Jar onboard if demand keeps up at its current pace.

Do they have a Broadway show on Wonder of the Seas?

No, there is not a Broadway show on Wonder of the Seas and Royal Caribbean has made no indication one is coming.

However, an additional featured production show is coming to the new ship later this year.

Effectors 2 will be a follow-up to the hit show first seen on Spectrum and Odyssey of the Seas, which has the cruise line's own brand of super heroes singing and dancing their way around the stage to show off the power of music.

Thoughts with the noise from the pool movie at night being heard in Central Park?

One change Wonder of the Seas has compared to other Oasis Class ships is the addition of a movie screen on the pool deck, which can be seen and heard below in Central Park.

Some of the first cruisers reported the sound of the music and movies shown on the movie screen can be heard quite clearly in the neighborhood 7 decks below.

I haven't stayed in a Central Park balcony room on Wonder of the Seas, but I have walked through the Central Park neighborhood plenty of times to hear a song or part of a movie played on the big screen.

My initial reaction was on all Oasis Class ships, you can easily hear music from the pool deck down in Central Park, so this is not a new phenomenon.

If you're someone that goes to bed on a cruise ship before midnight, perhaps this might cause a noise bleed issue in your room. 

Personally, I'm not in my cabin enough at any time of the day for this to be a major impact.  But if you're sensitive to noise, or perhaps need to get to bed early on some nights, booking an ocean view cabin might be a better choice.

What's the difference with the suite neighborhood?

Royal Caribbean has revamped the suite neighborhood on Wonder of the Seas. In short, it's much larger than traditional suite sun decks and offers more to do there.

You'll find a full bar, pool, and comfortable seating. More importantly, there's abundant shade.

Biggest differences & positives or negatives compared to Harmony of the Seas?

When it comes to all Oasis Class ships, you'll notice the shows and dining varies the most among the Oasis Class ships.

I think the pool deck is noticeably different on Wonder, and I love the new seating options there and general look.

Harmony has more shows onboard, including a Broadway show. That's not a knock against Wonder's shows. Rather, it's just simple math that Harmony has more shows.

What exactly is the Playscape?

It's a mix of a few different family-friendly activities in one.

You'll find mini golf, slides, and things to climb and bounce on. It seems to be a better fit for younger kids than older kids, but children make their own fun.

Is there an escape room on Wonder of the Seas?

Not yet.

There is a sign for it outside of Adventure Ocean on deck 14.  From what I'm hearing, they're working on building it out.

No word when it might open.