Royal Caribbean Blog

Kids Sail Free is a promotion Royal Caribbean offers from time to time on select sailings that are usually a great vacation discount.  Throughout the year, Royal Caribbean will offer Kids Sail Free deals as a way to encourage new bookings. 

Royal Caribbean regularly updates the offer on a monthly basis. In this post, we will cover information about the promotion, tips for booking it, and offer answers to frequently asked questions.

For starters, Kids Sail Free is an offer Royal Caribbean offers selectively throughout the year. 

What is Kids Sail Free promotion?

The exact offer details may vary, but Royal Caribbean's Kids Sail Free offers are usually consistent in their basics. Third guests and higher who are 12 years old or younger on select 4 nights or longer sailings are eligible for free cruise fare.

The "catch" with a Kids Sail Free deal are the blackout dates that prevent you from booking the promotion.

There are usually many blackout dates associated with any Kids Sail Free offer, which means if your cruise begins on or in any of the blackout dates, the Kids Sail Free offer does not qualify. Not surprisingly, most of the black out dates are over major school holidays in the United States calendar year. 

Here are some sample blackout dates from past Kids Sail Free offers:

• Spring break sailings departing March 7 - 28, 2025; April 12 - 24, 2025
• Holiday sailings departing December 20, 2024 – January 3, 2025
• Alaska Summer sailings departing May 23 – August 29, 2025

Kids Sail Free dates

Last updated November 8, 2024

Royal Caribbean is offering Kids Sail Free in November 2024.

The offer runs on bookings made between November 8 – December 9, 2024 and applies to select sailings 3 nights and longer departing on or after November 9, 2024.

It provides $0 cruise fare for additional guest 12 years old and younger as of the departure date booked in the same stateroom as the first full fare paying and second guests.

Kids Sail Free excludes all sailings departing on or during any of the following dates November 22 - 29, 2024; December 20, 2024 – January 3, 2025; March 7 - 28, 2025; April 12 - 24, 2025; May 22 – August 29, 2025; November 20 - 28, 2025;  December 18, 2025 – January 5, 2026; March 6 – April 9, 2026; May 21 – September 4, 2026; November 19 – 27, 2026; December 17, 2026 – January 4, 2027; Alaska Cruise Tour sailings departing May 16 – September 12, 2025; May 15 – September 11, 2026; Anthem of the Seas sailings departing November 21 – December 28, 2024 and Chinese New Year on Anthem of the Seas departing January 27, 2025.

Taxes, fees, and port expenses are additional and apply to all guests.

How often does Royal Caribbean offer Kids Sail Free?

There is no pattern to how many times a year or when the offer will become available.

Kids Sail Free is usually available a few times throughout the year. In fact, Royal Caribbean has been offering Kids Sail Free deals far more regularly than ever before.

Is it really free?

Assuming your kids qualify for the deal, their cruise fare cost will be zero.

You are still responsible for paying for the taxes and port fees associated with the children, along with any other charges onboard.  But if you look at the cruise invoice, their cruise fare will be zero. 

Like all guests, a daily gratuity will be charged per passenger, including the kids.

Be sure to check the fine print before booking to understand exactly the full price of the cruise.

When comparing prices, it is critical to compare the exact cabin type to each other. 

Often, people will look at the price of a cabin designed for two people and then increase the amount of people in the cabin to four people, and get a different cabin category.

The easiest cabin category to see how much money Kids Sail Free can save are suites because most suites can accommodate up to 4 people all the time. Not to mention the per-person savings in a suite will be significantly higher than in lower cabins.

Kids Sail For Less

In addition to the Kids Sail Free offer, Royal Caribbean may also offer the Kids Sail For Less offer, which is typically 25-30% off cruise fare for third guests and higher booked in the same stateroom as the first two qualified guests.

The primary advantage of Kids Sail For Less is there are no blackout dates associated with Kids Sail For Less.  This means if you have a couple of kids in your stateroom, you receive a discount on them. 

Moreover, Kids Sail For Less often does not have age restrictions in place, so really any guest of any age who is a third guest, fourth guest, fifth guest, et al in the same stateroom as the first two guests can get a discount.

Is Kids Sail Free a lie?

A common question asked is when comparing prices, adding kids to a reservation in order to take advantage of a Kids Sail Free offer ends up increasing the overall price.

The reason why this occurs is when you select a cabin for two passengers, the system assigns you a stateroom designed just for two guests. When you add kids, it selects a different stateroom that is larger in living space so it can accommodate four people.

The vast majority of cabins on a cruise ship can only sleep two people.  Because they are plentiful, there is more supply, and higher supply means lower prices.  

Generally speaking, cabins that can sleep more than two people are fewer in supply.  There are not nearly as many, so they are in demand, they sell out quicker and that demand drives up the rate.  

If you were to compare booking a cabin as if everyone in your party was an adult and then compare that to two adults plus kids, you would see the price difference.  Only then is it apples-to-apples.  

Royal Caribbean has added a new restriction on qualifying for its popular cruise deal for families with kids.

There's nothing new with Royal Caribbean having a kids sail free deal, as they've routinely offered it for many months in a row.  However, there's a new requirement added to the fine print.

Under the terms of the offer, children up to the age of 12 can sail for free when accompanying two paying passengers in the same cabin, provided the following criteria are met:

1. The sailing is 3 nights or longer
2. It doesn't conflict with a listed blackout date that covers many of the major school and religious holidays
3. NEW: The sailing date is departing at least thirty (30) days after the booking date

Prior to this change, a Kids Sail Free offer would have worked for a last minute deal departing less than 30 days after the booking date.

Royal Caribbean has provided no explanation for the new restriction, but it's likely a mechanism to encourage families to book their cruises further in advance.

The cruise line has been steadily working towards disincentivizing last minute bookings because it can usually result in lower fares. Besides the company wanting to make more money, someone booking at the last minute and getting a better price than someone who booked many months or years in advance hurts customers.

Restrictions on the Kids Sail Free offer aren't new. The fine print includes blackout dates around Thanksgiving, the winter holidays, summer, the spring break weeks and Easter week.

In addition, the kids fares still will be subject to taxes, fees and port expenses, which can amount to anywhere from $60 to more than $200 per person, depending on the itinerary.

What is the September 2024 Kids Sail Free offer?

If you want to take the most advantage of the offer, you'll need to book a cruise anytime between September 3 – 30, 2024 and it needs to be on select sailings 3 nights and longer departing at least thirty (30) days.

It cannot be on any sailing that departing on or during these blacked out dates:

• August 2 - 30, 2024
• November 22 - 29, 2024
• December 20, 2024 – January 3, 2025
• March 7 - 28, 2025
• April 12 - 24, 2025
• May 22 – August 29, 2025
• November 20 - 28, 2025
• December 18, 2025 – January 6, 2026
• March 6 – April 9, 2026
• Radiance Alaska Cruise Tour sailings departing July 1 – September 13, 2024 and May 16 – September 12, 2025
• Anthem of the Seas sailings departing November 21 – December 28, 2024
• Chinese New Year on Anthem of the Seas departing January 27, 2025 except for Alaska Summer sailings departing May 23 – August 29, 2025.

The good news is you can combine Kids Sail Free with the BOGO60 offer and the 2025 Kicker offer.

BOGO60 gives you 60% off the cruise fare of the second guest booked in the same stateroom as the first, full fare paying guest, as well as 30% off any additional guests booked in the same stateroom as the first full fare paying and second guest. 

It's valid on new bookings made September 3 – 30, 2024 and also needs to be on sailings departing at least thirty (30) days after the booking date.

The 2025 Kicker offer adds bonus onboard credit for cruises made just between September 3 – 4, 2024 on sailings departing in 2025 and provides instant savings per stateroom, varying by stateroom category booked and sailing length as follows: 

• 5 nights or less
  • $25 USD for Interior and Ocean View
  • $50 USD for Balconies
  • $75 USD for Suites
• 6 nights and longer
  • $50 USD for Interior and Ocean View
  • $75 USD for Balconies
  • $100 USD for Suites

Will Kids Sail Free actually save me money?

If you can find a sailing that qualifies for Kids Sail Free, then yes, it can really save money.

The difficult thing in trying to calculate the savings is making sure you have the exact same room category when comparing with or without the offer.

Often people will price out a cabin for 2 guests, and then again with 4. 

Read more: Ways I Save Money on Cruises With Family

The vast majority of cabins hold only two people.  Because they are plentiful there can often be lower rates on cabins that can only accommodate two guests.

Generally speaking, most cruise ships only have a small percentage of cabins that can hold more than two. Within those cabins, some only have a capacity of just three guests, while others can accommodate four or five, but there are very few like this available compared to the number of cabins that can accommodate two guests only.

A party of four can't use a cabin meant for only two or three guests so as the number in the party increases there are fewer and fewer cabins that can accommodate them.  

Because there are so few of these cabins relatively speaking they are often in demand.  Anything in demand drives the price up.  Often other families have booked up some or most of them leaving just a handful remaining.  This also increases rates due to the supply and demand nature of the travel industry.

The only way to see the effect of Kids Sail Free is to price a cabin with adults for the number in your group (ages set to 18 or above for everyone) and then do another mock booking with your kids ages applied.   

One of the best things about a Royal Caribbean cruise are the high caliber shows included in your cruise.

The notion of "dinner and a show" is part of the core cruise experience that you'll find on any Royal Caribbean ship.

In the evening, there are signature shows performed during a sailing. Some ships even have multiple theaters where different shows can be seen.

Royal Caribbean has built a reputation within the cruise industry for offering the best entertainment on any ship that can compete with land. Many of the shows are designed to be of the same quality that you'd find in Las Vegas or New York.

In fact, there are Broadway shows on Royal Caribbean that cost nothing extra to see and are the full show.

Depending on which ship you sail on, there are different shows to see. Most shows are performed a few times per cruise so that guests have an opportunity to see them at least once.

Here's a look at the signature stage shows, aqua shows, and Broadway shows available on each Royal Caribbean ship.

Adventure of the Seas

The Lyric Theater: Invitation to Dance

Invitation To Dance is a fusion of Latin and Ballroom dance, beautiful costumes and the excitement and energy of live theater. A sensual and passionate world-class production where Ballroom and Latin dance are reinvented for a diverse global audience.

The Lyric Theater: Can't Stop The Rock

Can't Stop The Rock takes the audience on a musical journey through Rock and Roll from movie soundtracks. Covering everything from Chubby Checker and Connie Francis to Whitney Houston and Prince. Over 40 years of some of the greatest live music.

Studio B: Cool Art... Hot Ice!

Explore the multifaceted world of art by embarking on an odyssey through time and geography. Join Arthur, our main character, as he is pulled into an adventure where art and life fuse as one. Our spectacular ice cast will draw you In, close the door behind, and take you on your own unique adventure.

Allure of the Seas

AquaTheater: OceanAria Aquashow

Graceful divers soar overhead as glittering fountains dance to the song of the ocean. An ancient underwater civilization comes to life in this highly entertaining AquaTheater extravaganza.

Royal Theater: Mamma Mia!

Writer Catherine Johnson's sunny, funny tale unfolds on a Greek island paradise on the eve of her wedding, a daughter's quest to discover the identity of her father brings three men from her mother's past back to the island they last visited 20 years ago. The story-telling magic of ABBA's timeless songs propel this enchanting tale of love, laughter and friendship, and every night everyone's having the time of their lives.

Royal Theater: Blue Planet - Home

Using our awesome theatrical technology and featuring one of the most talented casts of performers and artists that we have ever assembled, join Nadia as she journeys from the peaks of the mountaintops to the depths of the ocean on her mission to share her passion. Take a global adventure (without leaving your seat) and be prepared to be awed by soaring vocals, powerful music, amazing acrobatics and future-forward choreography. 

Studio B: BLADES!

Our talented skaters put their best blade forward in BLADES, a dazzling showcase of their very best moves set to their own favorite tunes. The cast has gone rogue, and anything can happen!

Anthem of the Seas

Two70: Spectra's Cabaret

Our Maestro and the Agents of Rhythm invite you to an electric multi-dimensional world where you will be transported into invisible realms. Each night, the portal opens for a limited period of time to a multimedia show brimming with kaleidoscopic sounds, effervescent colors, and dazzling movement. Spectra's Cabaret creates a world seen through the lens of music and technology, all the while exploring the deepest recesses of the heart

Royal Theater: We Will Rock You!

The spectacular Olivier Award-winning musical phenomenon WE WILL ROCK YOU rocked over 6.5 million people in a record-breaking 12 years at London's Dominion Theatre. Written by legendary comedian and author Ben Elton and with a score of killer Queen tunes such as Radio Ga Ga, I Want to Break Free, Bohemian Rhapsody, and of course, We Will Rock You, it's the champion of all musicals.

Royal Theater: The Gift

A musical journey of fantasy and illusion that begins one stormy night with the arrival of a "Magical Gift."

A beautiful production that is sure to delight, inspire, and touch the hearts of all who come to see it.

Brilliance of the Seas

Pacifica Theater: Now & Forever

Join our cast for a high-energy look at contemporary Broadway numbers from shows such as The Producers, Fosse, The Full Monty, Mamma Mia!, and many more.

Enchantment of the Seas

Orpheum Theater: Can't Stop The Rock

Can't Stop The Rock takes the audience on a musical journey through Rock and Roll from movie soundtracks. Covering everything from Chubby Checker and Connie Francis to Whitney Houston and Prince. Over 40 years of some of the greatest movie music.

Orpheum Theater: Stage to Screen

A tribute to the great musicals that have made the successful jump from the Broadway stage to the glittering lights of Hollywood (and vice versa!).

Explorer of the Seas

Palace Theater: Fast Forward

A high-energy show highlighting the most popular movie musicals of the 1980s. With Fame, Footloose, Flashdance, and Saturday Night Fever, audiences are sure to leave energized!

Palace Theater: Spirits of the Seasons

The powerful driving forces of life serve as inspiration to the seasons that can sometimes be gentle, and at other times show all their might. Our skaters become the Season's spirits, displaying playfulness and charm, while changing to awe-inspiring power and might. Come and experience the wind, the snow, the rain, and thunder along with the delightful tease that our skaters have in store for you.

Palace Theater: Wild, Cool & Swingin

Wild, Cool & Swingin is an exciting look at the glamorous cities with the swankest atmospheres that led to the creation of music and dance synonymous with them. Audiences will be treated to the slick Broadway style of New York, the romance of San Francisco, the rhythm and blues of Chicago, the hot Latin Quarter of Miami, and the high life of Las Vegas. There is something for everyone with its broad musical appeal, and the glitz and glamour reflecting these cities at the height of fashion and style.

Freedom of the Seas

Studio B: Freedomlce.com - An Ice Adventure

The Internet has unleashed its power and is enabling awareness to the meaning of freedom around the globe. Take a seat on the "World Wide Web" as our stunning international ice cast takes you on an inspiring journey through freedom and excitement.

Royal Theater: Marquee

Nowhere are the marquees more brightly lit than 42nd Street! As beacons to the best of Broadway with stunning musicals, famous composers, and iconic choreographers. Get treated to the best of Broadway on the open sea - all you have to do is look for the Marquee.

Royal Theater: Once Upon a Time

The nostalgic fairy tales we all heard as children with a fun and new twist, told through music as popular and as timeless as the tales themselves. To get to happily ever after, join our spectacular cast for Once Upon a Time...

Grandeur of the Seas

Palladium Theater: Tango Buenos Aires

Experience the sensual character of Buenos Aires at a live Tango show. Violin, piano, bass, and bandoneon are the instruments that fire the orchestral music and inspire the ardent lyrics that accompany the passionate, yet highly stylized and ritualized dance. The show features various tango styles offering a cultural tour of Argentina's signature artistic form.

Palladium Theater: Broadway Rhythm & Rhyme

Starring the Royal Caribbean Singers & Dancers as they take a trip down Broadway's memory lane with witty and original renditions of classic scores from Broadway stage hits. Whether you love classic or contemporary, you'll feel like you were set down right in the heart of the Great White Way.

Harmony of the Seas

Royal Theater: GREASE

Slick back your hair and pack your poodle skirts. Summer Lovin' is in the air with an all-new, larger-than-life take on Broadway's hit musical, Grease. Including all of the famous songs from the '70s hit movie, you'll follow the romantic twists and turns of Sandy and Danny, two summer loves who navigate the tricky social waters of Rydell High School while keeping their reputations and relationship together.

Royal Theater: Columbus, The Musical!

Meet the other Columbus in Columbus, The Musical! Royal Caribbean's original production tells the tale of Christopher's luckless distant cousin, Marvin. Banished from his father's kingdom, Marvin sets sail on a madcap voyage of discovery in the hopes of claiming his own place in history. Unforeseen romance and a happily ever after story are on the map as Marvin Columbus crashes into his Caribbean destiny.

AquaTheater: The Fine Line

The Fine Line is the AquaTheater redefined with high-flying feats, mind-blowing stunts, and physically demanding acrobatics brought to life by the world's best extreme sports athletes. Designed as a 360-degree immersive entertainment show, revelers will be wishing they had eyes in the back of their head to take in all the action happening around them.

AquaTheater: Big Daddy's Hideaway Heist

Set in a swanky 1950s resort, a crafty burglar has taken off with a bounty of jewels, and the staff of Hideaway Resort must take the audience on a high-flying adventure to solve the crime of the century.

Studio B: 1887: A Journey in Time

Beginning their journey on the frozen River Seine. Juliet and her mysterious time-traveling companion, the Tempus, travel in multiple dimensions to discover the wonders of the world, and of the heart. World-class skaters and breathtaking technology combine in a unique way that is guaranteed to leave you both breathless and emotional. 

Icon of the Seas

Royal Theater: The Effectors: The Origin Story

The newest and most powerful superhero team was introduced to the world by Royal Caribbean... But the question remains, where did they come from? The creators of this spectacular comic book franchise now bring you The Effectors: the Origin Story. Let's find out how it all began.

Royal Theater: Wizard of Oz

Our iconic hero, Dorothy, leads the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, the Cowardly Lion, and Toto on the most famous journey of all time. From Kansas, over the Rainbow, to Munchkinland, the Emerald, and the Land of Oz, this unlikely team of friends discovers the truth about this strange new world, while also discovering the truth about themselves. The Yellow Brick Road awaits!

AquaTheater: Aqua Action!

A brand new venue for a brand new style of live entertainment. Forget all that has come before, take a deep breath, and watch in awe as Royal Caribbean Productions redefines everything that is possible in live performance. As new and revolutionary technology is combined with the most extreme athletic skill sets ever assembled, the lines between a live-action movie and a live theatrical experience are blurred. 

Absolute Zero: Starburst: Elemental Beauty

Starburst Elemental Beauty pays tribute to the building blocks of all that we are and all that we know: the Periodic Table of the Elements. Everything from Carbon to Neon, to life-sustaining Oxygen, is born from the epic and colossal explosion of giant stars. This brand new spectacular ice production puts you in the front now to witness the explosive power of a Supernova and then takes you on an unforgettable artistic journey through a curated selection of the most beautiful elements. Our biggest, most epic ice show ever!

Independence of the Seas

Royal Theater: Invitation to Dance

Invitation To Dance is a fusion of Latin and Ballroom dance, beautiful costumes and the excitement and energy of live theater. A sensual and passionate world-class production where Ballroom and Latin dance are reinvented for a diverse global audience.

Royal Theater: GREASE

Slick back your hair and pack your poodle skirts. Summer Lovin' is in the air with an all-new, larger-than-life take on Broadway's hit musical, Grease. Including all of the famous songs from the '70s hit movie, you'll follow the romantic twists and turns of Sandy and Danny, two summer loves who navigate the tricky social waters of Rydell High School while keeping their reputations and relationship together.

Studio B: Freeze Frame

Let our Skaters take you on a journey through the most memorable moments of world events. Experience "Slices of Time" from decades past as international newspaper headlines, scenic images of the arts, fashions, cars, artists, dances, and fads of the time travel by. Freeze Frame is truly a fun experience not to be missed!

Jewel of the Seas

Coral Theater: City of Dreams

Take an incredible journey to ancient Atlantis, the exotic East, colorful India, and the elegance of Venice, all combined with recognizable music, extravagant costumes, and cinematic scenery that transports you to these exciting locations. With our amazing cast of singers and dancers, enjoy the unique experience that is 'City of Dreams.'

Coral Theater: West End to Broadway

West End To Broadway celebrates the musical theater productions that have graced both the Broadway and West End Stages. Enjoy classic show tunes by Cole Porter and Andrew Lloyd Weber, alongside contemporary hits such as Bohemian Rhapsody and Copacabana. West End to Broadway is an extremely classy and entertaining show.

Liberty of the Seas

Platinum Theater: Saturday Night Fever

This musical is based on Nik Cohn's 1975 New York magazine article "Tribal Rites of the New Saturday Night" and Norman Wexler's 1977 screenplay it inspired, it focuses on Tony Manero, a Brooklyn youth whose weekend is spent at the local discotheque. There he luxuriates in the admiration of the crowd and a growing relationship with Stephanie Mangano, and can temporarily forget the realities of his life, including a dead-end job in a paint store.

Studio B: Encore!

We will visit and pay tribute to the colorful stages of London's West End, the historical Paris Opera House, St. Petersburg's Mariinsky Theater, Tokyo's classical Kabuki, the energizing Hollywood Bowl, and a Grand Finale in none other than the entertainment capital of the world—Las Vegas! All this is brought to you by our incredible cast of Royal Caribbean ice skaters.

Mariner of the Seas

Royal Theater: Gallery of Dreams

From Mozart's Austria to 1940s Morocco to the Wild, Wild West, travel around the world and through the ages in this theatrical odyssey. Gallery of Dreams tells the story of a young artist whose sketches become reality as he makes his way through a museum and brings history to vivid life.

Studio B: Ice Under The Big Top

Ladies and Gentlemen, Girls and Boys, Ice Under the Big Top! Watch and be amazed by the skating acrobatics, backstage romances, amusing clowns, snake charmers, and aerial thrills that will delight the adult and child in all of us.

Navigator of the Seas

Studio B: iSkate - Reach for the Stars Ice Show

A dazzling showcase of our skater's very best moves set to their own favorite tunes. This is a superb opportunity for our audiences to see the full set of skills, talent, and bravery that our award-winning, medal-winning, international cast has to offer.

Royal Theater: Showgirl! Past. Present. Future

Our new and totally original mega production Showgirl! Past. Present. Future combines next-generation choreography with incredible vocal performances and cutting-edge lighting and video effects, to deliver an entertainment event that will stimulate the full range of human senses. This incredible dance spectacular takes us on a stunning journey that features one of the most iconic of all entertainers, the beautiful Showgirl. By paying tribute to the past, the present, and the future of this enigmatic and world-famous artist, this remarkable entertainment experience will leave audiences completely awestruck.

Oasis of the Seas

Studio B: Frozen in Time

Loved by children all over the world, Hans Christian Anderson is best known for his fantastic fairy tales, including The Emperor's New Clothes, the Ugly Duckling, The Little Mermaid, and The Snow Queen. Your heart will be touched all over again by this spellbinding pantomime that weaves together the story of his real-life emotions and inspiration, with the timeless and classic creations of his imagination.

Royal Theater: CATS

The new 90-minute performance of the Award-winning musical, "CATS," with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and originally produced by Cameron Mackintosh. This bespoke, custom-tailored version of one of the most famous musicals in the world, was created specifically for Royal Caribbean International and will take audiences on a unique artistic journey.

AquaTheater: Aqua80

Everybody loves the music of the 80s and everybody loves Royal Caribbean's spectacular Aquashows! There is no other show on Earth that will make you feel like this one will. The tempos, the energy, the drama, the action, and the fun. Don't miss it!

Odyssey of the Seas

Two70: The Book: Seven Chapters, One Adventure

The Book: Seven Chapters, One Adventure, is powered by our collective imaginations and is told in seven extraordinary chapters. This breathtaking journey reminds us that, in between the front and back covers of a great book, absolutely anything can happen!

Royal Theater: The Effectors

Join the Effectors as they take to the stage to demonstrate their awesome powers, and then come together to battle their archnemesis, Crash, as he tries to take over the world with his army of airborne Drone Soldiers and scary Henchmen. The Effectors is Royal Caribbean Productions' first globally copywritten IP, so come and enjoy the beginning of something BIG! A new Superhero franchise is born!

Royal Theater: Showgirl! Past, Present, Future

Paying tribute to the past, the present, and the future of this enigmatic and famous performer, this new dance spectacular takes us on a stunning journey that features one of the most iconic of all entertainers, the beautiful Showgirl.

Ovation of the Seas

Two70: Spectra's Cabaret

Our Maestro and the Agents of Rhythm invite you to an electric multi-dimensional world where you will be transported into invisible realms. Each night, the portal opens for a limited period of time to a multimedia show brimming with kaleidoscopic sounds, effervescent colors, and dazzling movement. Spectra's Cabaret creates a world seen through the lens of music and technology, all the while exploring the deepest recesses of the heart.

Royal Theater: Live. Love. Legs

This signature combination of incredibly talented artists, high-energy performances, and remarkable beauty delivers an unforgettable theatrical experience. This special collection of next-gen choreography and vocal performances features lavish costumes, jaw-dropping video effects, special music arrangements, and a fabulous group of international artists. Live. Love. Legs rewards the audience with full sensory overload!

Royal Theater: The Beautiful Dream

As goes in the land of dreaming, where secret wants and hidden fears lie deeply tucked in our subconscious, our greatest adventures often await in slumber. 

The Beautiful Dream is a story of a man who is visited by his departed soulmate who has come to help him rediscover his passion for life, and his will to love again. This is the biggest adventure of his life, the confrontation of his secret fears, and the dream of his eventual awakening.

Quantum of the Seas

Two70: Starwater

Starwater, a highly visual production, that fuses video mapping, groundbreaking robotic technology, and live performance artistry. Human emotions are explored as our muse brings together the magic of the stars and the mysteries of the seas. Harnessing the power of Two70's exclusive technical innovations, you won't see a show like this anywhere else in the world.

Royal Theater: Sequins & Feathers

With all its glitz and glamour, dynamics of beauty, music, and textures we celebrate the Showgirl. Bringing together the finest of LA, New York, Paris, and Las Vegas with stunning choreography and the finest performers from across the world.

Royal Theater: Sonic Odyssey

Royal Caribbean Productions presents an original production featuring The Earth Harp, designed and created by William Close, a semi-finalist in Season 7 of America's Got Talent. Sonic Odyssey takes the audience on a one-of-a-kind journey of music and sound, featuring the talented cast of the Royal Theater.

Radiance of the Seas

Aurora Theater: City of Dreams

Take an incredible journey to ancient Atlantis, the exotic East, colorful India, and the elegance of Venice, all combined with recognizable music, extravagant costumes, and cinematic scenery that transports you to these exciting locations. With our amazing cast of singers and dancers, enjoy the unique experience that is 'City of Dreams.'

Rhapsody of the Seas

Broadway Melodies Theater: Ballroom Fever

Ballroom Fever is a stunning production involving emotions that are represented through the many styles of ballroom dance.  Starting with the excitement & desire of the Latin style, the passion & romance of the Tango, the joy & amusement of the Jive, and the peace & serenity of the Waltz.

Broadway Melodies Theater: Pure Country

An ultimate collection of Country songs from your favorite and most recognizable artists. Tonight we will have you tapping your toes and singing along with Your Roval Caribbean Singers & Dancers!

Serenade of the Seas

Tropical Theater: Stage to Screen

A tribute to the great musicals that have made the successful jump from the Broadway stage to the glittering lights of Hollywood (and vice versa!).

Tropical Theater: Vibeology

Vibeology is a musical journey through some of the greatest music and musicians of the past decades. Giving originals a new twist with everything from remixed Elvis to Acapella Beatles, Motown, the 70's, from DJ to VJ this show captures the music that defined an era and pays homage to its Legends with Sting, Santana, and Cher.

Spectrum of the Seas

Two70: The Silk Road

The incredibly rich and diverse cultures, styles, designs, and visuals that are synonymous with the famous trade routes of the ancient Silk Road have been combined and integrated with beyond-state-of-the-art entertainment technology, to create one of the most unique live productions in the world! Two70's highly advanced technology, including 12k video resolution and 36-axis robotics, will now be pushed to its maximum limits, as we once again redefine the boundaries of what is possible in the creative arts.

Royal Theater: The Effectors

The Effectors; Pixel: beautiful, sexy, and confident, Reverb: unpredictable and mischievous, Lume: a sassy and dynamic supergirl, and Captain Viz: the leader of the pack, and always first into the fight, as they individually demonstrate their awesome powers, and then come together to battle their arch-nemesis, Crash, as he tries once again to stop the show and destroy the city of Showville.

Symphony of the Seas

AquaTheater: HiRO

Just when you thought you'd seen it all, Royal Caribbean brings you HiRO. With even more amazing high-flying feats and unexpected stunts, we bring together some of the world's best extreme sport athletes. HiRO redefines the limits of a theatrical production on the high seas. This mind-blowing show combines cutting-edge technology, future-forward choreography, and nighly innovative physicality in a never-seen-before way. It's exciting, jaw-dropping, and unpredictable, with no two shows ever being exactly the same. Get ready, because anything can happen!

Studio B: 1977: A Thrilling Adventure on Ice

Our time-traveling, dimension-hopping hero, the Tempus, is on another amazing adventure! This time the mission is to catch the infamous, Jewel Thief, Black Max. The story starts in London in 1977 and could end up anywhere.

Royal Theater: Hairspray!

Big hair, big dreams, all the right moves, and you've got one of the biggest Broadway hits of our time—Hairspray. Winner of eight Tony Awards and four Lawerence Oliver Awards, including Best New Musical, this feel-good musical is back by popular demand! Break out your bobby socks, because Tracy Turnblad won't stop until she gets her shot at fame dancing on the Corny Collins show. But TV stardom is just the beginning. Hairspray is back, and you can't stop the beat!

Royal Theater: Flight...Dare to Dream

Royal Caribbean's multi-million-dollar original production, spectacularly chronicles the evolution of humanity's endless fascination with flying. We begin in the future at the launch of the world's first aerospace cruiser, as we rocket our entire audience to MARS on its first-ever commercial flight to the red planet. The flight then continues on a unique journey, backwards in time, from one major aerospace "first" to the next. The grand finale is a stunning dramatization of the biggest moment of all, the Wright Brothers' first flight at Kitty Hawk!

Utopia of the Seas

Royal Theater: ALL IN!

All the technology, all the creativity, all the talent, all the design all the sound, all the costumes, all the video, all the lighting, all choreography, all the energy, and all the fun. ALL IN!

Studio B: YOUTOPIA Ice Spectacuar

It's not a typo. It's an ice-skating odyssey through ideal perfection, fantastical times and places, and unbelievable artistry while champion performers leave you in awe with countless spins, jumps, and stunts along the way. Find out what utopia means to you during YOUTOPIA!

AquaTheater: AQUA80too

Following on from the ramous AQUA80 show (on Oasis of the Seas) and responding to hundreds of thousands of requests, the Royal Caribbean Aqua Team are proud to present the sequel—AQUA80too! No other show on earth will make you feel like this one will. The tempos, the energy, the drama, the action and the fun, all rolled up into one.

Vision of the Seas

Masquerade Theater: Broadway Rhythm and Rhyme

Using rhythm, rhyme, words, and music, take a seat next to the greatest composers and lyricists from Broadway. With the classic music of Rodgers and Hammerstein, Duke Ellington, Andrew Lloyd Webber, and Sondheim, we bring new life into these iconic Broadway scores. It's a trip down Broadway's memory lane.

Masquerade Theater: Boogie Wonderland

Boogie Wonderland delivers the best of disco music with a ton of heart and soul! From artists such as Abba to Earth Wind and Fire, Boogie Wonderland will leave you wanting to spend the rest of the night dancing.

Voyager of the Seas

Royal Theater: Broadway Rhythm and Rhyme

Using rhythm, rhyme, words, and music, take a seat next to the greatest composers and lyricists from Broadway. With the classic music of Rodgers and Hammerstein, Duke Ellington, Andrew Lloyd Webber, and Sondheim, we bring new life into these iconic Broadway scores. It's a trip down Broadway's memory lane.

Studio B: Ice Odyssey

The game of Tarot has been capturing our imagination for centuries. Join our fantastic ice cast and experience this game coming to life in a mesmerizing and playful journey that you are not likely to forget. It's an evening of wonderful artistry, mystery, and passion.

Wonder of the Seas

Royal Theater: The Effectors II: Crash & Burn

The original and first-ever show to feature The Effectors on Spectrum of the Seas, was the most technologically advanced production in the history of the cruise industry... until now! The Effectors II: Crash & Burn on Wonder of the Seas, is our bigger, bolder, and even more spectacular sequel, and this time we will take things to a whole new level. Join us once again as The Effectors do battle with their arch-nemesis Crash and his new sidekick Burn. This time it's double the trouble! The question is: Can The Effectors still win? Get ready to, *ahem* Crash & Burn, as you will be amazed at the new world of live-action theater on Wonder of the Seas.

Royal Theater: Voices

Sync up your senses with a show that delivers a dynamic combination of virtual and live performances —in real time. World-class singers and dancers take the stage for a powerful new production in Voices: An Intimate Performance on a Grand Scale. Watch as the all-star ensemble dials up the talent in an emotional show of monumental proportions inside the largest theatrical venue at sea. Increase your connection speed during our newest bespoke production.

AquaTheater: inTENse

From the creative teams that gave us The Fine Line and HiRO (on Harmony of the Seas & Symphony of the Seas), we now experience the incredible skills, the awesome athleticism, and the furious energy of the cast in our new AquaProduction, inTENse!

Studio B: Ice Spectacular: 365

The four seasons of Planet Earth and its 365-day journey around the Sun, provide the perfect backdrop to another incredible Royal Caribbean ice production! (... and there are emojis :-)

Other shows across the fleet

Welcome Aboard Showtime is a generic musical medley show on many ships. It's essentially a mix of music and dancing that has no plot.  It's an opportunity to set the tone for passengers for the rest of the sailing, and it incorporates dance numbers and music in a high-energy experience.

Center Stage combines the talents and skills of musicians onboard the ship, live musicians typically found in venues across the vessel. The show includes musical stylings from jazz and rock to Latin, pop, and swing. It is accompanied by a live orchestra.

Piano Man is an ultimate collection of songs from our favorite and most recognizable artists to ever sit behind the keys. Chart-topping hits from Elton John, Billy Joel, and the legendary Barry Manilow will have you tapping your toes and singing along.

Headliner Showtimes feature talented performers, from comedians to singers and musicians. 

I had a great time on my 7-night Royal Caribbean cruise to France and Spain, but I can't help but reflect on the 5 mistakes I made.

Despite the highlights of my trip, I regretted a few things I would have done differently (and absolutely will do when I return to Europe next year).

I think there's always room for improvement, and some mistakes stood out immediately while others I realized later on probably could have been differently.

It's easy to overthink any vacation, but I would recommend planning your European cruise with these tips in mind.

Taking public transportation from the airport

I love how easy the U.K. has made it to get around London efficiently, but when you have large luggage with you, it's not ideal.

I did my homework and researched a lot of what to do and not to do in London, and one big tip was how to save a lot of money by taking the Underground between Heathrow airport and your hotel in London.

What the tips don't take into account are your luggage, and how cumbersome it is to take with you.  Neither the London Underground nor the trains between London and Southampton have any dedicated space for large luggage.  Moreover, there are Underground stations with stairs and no elevators, so you're lugging the bags up and down stairs.

I was actually quite surprised how little space there was for luggage on the train to Southampton.

I managed to make do because I was traveling alone and with just one piece of suitcase. It would have been a nightmare with my kids and their luggage.

On the way back to London after the cruise concluded, I made the same mistake until I realized the night before I was about to commit the same mistake.  I ended up taking a taxi to the airport instead of the train again, just to avoid the luggage issue.

My advice is to arrange car service between the airport and London, or find a bus service that you can pre-book.  Royal Caribbean offers transfers as well, which I would reserve for the ride back to the airport.

Not prioritizing outdoor activities when weather is good

While I had good weather most of my trip, rain ruined my plans in both Paris and London and it could have been avoided.

When I arrived in Paris for my few hours of touring, instead of going directly to the Eiffel Tower to see it, I went on a food hunt for a great Parisian lunch.

While the croissant was fantastic, I then wasted time waiting for the rain to subside in order to see the Eiffel Tower later.

I had a similar experience in London when I used perfectly sunny weather to sit in a pub when I could have been visiting Covent Garden.  Subsequently, I had to cut my visit to Covent Garden short when I got rained out.

No matter which city or port you are visiting, always take advantage of sunny weather when it's out and save meals, museums, and bars for the end.

Not having a few Euros

It seems like you can charge everything to a credit card in Europe, but having a few Euros on you helps.

While in Bilbao, Spain, I realized I forgot my credit card back on the ship.  I had tap to pay with my American Express card, but no one in Spain seemed to take that card.  

I had U.S. Dollars on me, so I went to a nearby currency exchange store and having 100 Euros made a big difference at bars or cafes where I could use paper currency.

This is especially true with street vendors, and mostly in case of an emergency when having paper currency is a good backup.

Long bus ride shore excursions

In two ports, I took bus rides over 2 hours each way and while I really liked my time in the port, I think it was a mistake.

I'm conflicted in calling these mistakes because I really enjoyed my time in Bordeaux and Paris, but it severely limited my time I could spend there.

Compared to days I spent in Spain when I didn't have to take a bus, the days in France felt so short and I really didn't get to spend as much time there.

This mistake dovetails into my next mistake, but I'd be quite leery of shore excursions with bus rides over an hour because of how limited your time is in port as a result.

Not having an extra day after the cruise to go to Paris

After I reviewed my Paris shore excursion, a lot of readers recommended just seeing Paris after the cruise and I think they're right.

A city of significance like Paris is not something you can quickly tour, and to do it right, you need a couple of days.

It's so easy to get to Paris from London thanks to the Eurostar train, that I should have tacked on a couple of extra days to properly experience it.

Just like London, plan on a couple of days before and after your cruise to have time to see both.

We hope you enjoy your Labor Day weekend with friends and family! It has been a busy week of Royal Caribbean news and events, and we have a look back at everything that happened this week.

Royal Caribbean placed an order for a fourth Icon Class ship, with the possibility of two more beyond that.

The cruise line confirmed this week that it's ordered a fourth Icon Class ship, set to be delivered in 2027. Star of the Seas, the second Icon Class set, will launch in August 2025, with the third Icon Class ship being delivered in 2026.

No further details have been revealed about the fourth Icon Class ship, but Royal Caribbean also said that it has options to build fifth and sixth ships.

Royal Caribbean News

• Bahamas strikes $600M Deal: Inside the massive shipyard transformation set to dominate cruise repair
• I tried a free shore excursion instead of paying for a Royal Caribbean tour. It was so much better than I expected
• Royal Caribbean updates: Upgraded benefits for top tier members, free internet in Alaska, Beach Club update & more
• Royal Caribbean crew member gets 30 years for secretly filming kids
• I visited Bordeaux for the first time. I found there's so much more to love about the city than its wine
• Royal Caribbean adds new restrictions on free cruises from the casino
• Spotted: Long awaited Royal Caribbean dining package update rolled out
• Boarding my cruise ship in England was easier than most cruises in the United States
• One ocean in Europe is notorious for bad weather and rough seas. There was motion, but it wasn't as bad as I feared
• I spent two days in London before my European cruise. It gave me time to fight jetlag and explore this amazing city
• 3 hours in Paris? Why long bus ride cruise excursions are great and miserable
• Viral TikTok warns cruisers to avoid these three Caribbean shore excursions

New RCB Video: Uncomfortable Truths We Need to Tell You About Royal Caribbean

Have you subscribed to the Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube Channel? We share some great videos there regularly, all about taking a Royal Caribbean cruise!

This week, we are sharing our latest video — Uncomfortable Truths We Need to Tell You About Royal Caribbean — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

I took an Anthony Bourdain inspired tour of a city in Spain during my cruise

Looking for a new way to tour your next port of call?

Matt tried an Anthony-Bourdain-inspired tour on his latest visit to Bilbao, Spain. 

His exploration blended culture, history, local customs, and food for a unique and surprising experience.

9 things you can bring on a plane, but not a cruise ship

If you're not careful while packing, you could breeze through airport security but be banned from boarding the cruise ship.

Each mode of transportation is different, and there are some items that are safe to bring on a plane but aren't allowed on a cruise ship.

From handcuffs to irons, there are 9 things you should be wary of bringing.

Icon of the Seas vs. Utopia of the Seas: Comparing Royal Caribbean's newest and biggest cruise ships

Both of Royal Caribbean's newest cruise ships are also the biggest ships in the world.

They both have a lot in common—from waterpark activities to buffet dining—but each ship comes from a different class.

Some key differences between these two mega ships can affect your next cruise.

A city as world-renowned as Paris is not something to pass up visiting ever, but is it worth it to spend just a few hours there on a 3 hour bus ride each way?

I had never been to Paris, but when my Royal Caribbean cruise ship offered a visit to Paris during my 7-night Anthem of the Seas cruise, I was too intrigued not to give it a try.

The "catch" with this tour is the extreme distances between where the cruise ship docks and the destination.  In the case of Paris, it's about a 2.5 hour ride each way without traffic or any stops along the way.

These sort of extreme bus tours are common for cruise ships, because the allure of visiting these special places is too great to ignore.

I had done a similar 2 hour each way bus tour to Bordeaux, France earlier in the week, and came away loving the city.

The issue is does the transportation time back and forth outweigh the experience in Paris.

The beginning of a long travel day

Our day began at 8:40am when we reported to meet up for the tour.  Like all shore excursions, they typically begin in the theater of the cruise ship.

Once our tour was called, we boarded coach buses to begin the journey.

The seating is quite tight, and I found the leg space to be very sparse.  That's fine on a short journey, but after a couple of hours it gets uncomfortable, especially if you're big or tall.

The ride was uneventful, with a pit stop at a gas station along the way.  Unfortunately, we were delayed an extra 10 minutes because one couple took longer to return.  This can happen on any group shore excursion, but every minute counts in Paris.

Arriving in the city, there was weekend traffic to contend with and we were dropped off right at the Arc de Triumph at 12:20pm.

Our tour escort informed us to return back to the bus at 3:45pm so we could depart at 4pm.  That's just about 3.5 hours of total time to enjoy Paris.

A short window to do a lot

It was a bit overwhelming deciding what to do once we got to Paris given it was already lunch time and we only had a few hours.

I opted to simply walk and see as much as I could on foot in that timeframe.

My goals were to see a few sights, eat some local food, and grab souvenirs for the family back home.  

I purposefully skipped museums or tours just because I could not afford to spend 2 hours at just one activity. 

I found tickets for the Musée d'Orsay, which is a fabulous museum dedicated to French art, but I'm not nearly into art enough to make that worthwhile. It's a microcosm of the larger issue in having so few hours in a city like Paris. 

I started at the Arc, stopping only to snap a few photos before power walking down the Champs-Élysées. I think it benefited me that I grew up near New York City, so the Fifth Avenue vibe of this area was lost on me and I was okay bypassing it.

I was pretty hungry, so I made a few stops for food to power me through my day.

I found a kebab place for a quick (and cheap) bite to eat, followed by tracking down a great French coffee shop across the River Seine.

I followed that up with a chocolate croissant and a baguette.  I felt I ticked those necessary boxes, although it would have been nice to actually sit down at a cafe or restaurant.

A passing rain shower halted me in my tracks for about 15 minutes before I decided to brave the weather and duck in and out of souvenir shops.

The rain passed, and I got the Eiffel Tour.

Once again, no time (or tickets) to go up and get a view.  Rather, I circumnavigated the park around it and got my photos.

While a museum has a lot to offer, I really feel monuments like the Arc de Triumph or Eiffel Tower can easily be seen, photographed, and then moved on from.  Maybe that's my weird take.

By now I had less than 2 hours left, and I crossed the Seine again on a mission to pick up a few more souvenirs and find a restroom.

Even though I was alone and was able to power walk a lot, it was difficult to find time to even crack open a smidge of what Paris has to offer.  It reminded me a lot of Washington D.C. back home, in the sense there's just so many places to go see.

I considered a hop on, hop off bus tour, but didn't think the timeframe I had to work with was worth it.  If I had 2-3 more hours, it might have changed that equation.

I made it back to the bus right on time with a few minutes to spare, souvenirs in hand, and an empty bladder.

Worth it if this is your only opportunity

There's no question a shore excursion like this is not the way to see Paris, but for a lot of people, this may be their only opportunity.

I had never been to Paris before and I really wanted to go. Plus, I'm not sure when my next opportunity will be to visit Paris.

In addition, if I didn't go to Paris, I would have been relegated to touring Le Havre, where my ship docked.  While I'm certain Le Havre is a nice city, it's not Paris. And I fear I would have had FOMO the entire day from having not gone and regretted wasting my chance.

One critique of the tour was we got back much earlier than I anticipated.  Our bus got us back to the ship exactly at 7pm, but all aboard was not until 9:30pm.  

The main reason I booked this tour instead of taking the train on my own was for the piece of mind I would not miss the ship if we were late coming back. However, we could have easily had another 1-2 hours in Paris and that would have added so much value.

Ultimately, a 3.5 hour visit to Paris with 5-6 hours of bus rides is not ideal and not convenient. However, it's better than nothing and a good taste of what the city has to offer.

Your better bet is to visit Paris before or after your cruise, and get a few days to explore.  Couple that with a few days in London and you have a great European vacation!

Which shore excursion to book in the Caribbean? One TikTok video advises against three common types.

Shore excursions provide the opportunity to see beautiful destinations and experience new activities. 

Booking through Royal Caribbean's app and website provides security in knowing that the tour has been vetted by Royal Caribbean and that the ship is contracted to wait for you before departing.

However, these tours come at a slightly more expensive price, and some of them aren’t worth the cost.

TikTok user @travelwithada took to the social media app to warn cruisers about three such Caribbean shore excursions.

Ada posts videos to “help you travel smarter with your money,” advising travelers based on her personal experience.

Her TikTok slamming Royal Caribbean shore excursions quickly went viral, and commenters began to agree with her opinion about these three wastes of money.

1. Dolphin encounter in Costa Maya, Mexico

The first shore excursion Ada regretted booking was the dolphin encounter experience in Costa Maya, Mexico.

Although the tour was advertised to last two hours, allowing guests to meet with and pet the intelligent sea creatures, the reality was much more disappointing.

According to Ada, guests on the tour had to line up and pet the dolphins one by one, only allowing about five minutes per person.

“The majority of the time, you’re just standing still in the water waiting for your turn,” she said.

Not only that, but they couldn’t snap any pictures of the once-in-a-lifetime experience.

She said that phones and cameras were not permitted.

A professional photographer was present, but “they have the audacity to charge you $40 for one photo.”

Added to the base price of $90 per person, Ada felt this tour wasn’t worth the cost, and neither were the additional pictures.

Royal Caribbean’s website doesn’t list a price for this shore excursion (prices can vary depending on the sailing and how far in advance you book them).

The listing does state that the actual time spent with the dolphins is 30 minutes and that photos are not included in the price.

2. Beach horseback ride and swim in Roatan, Honduras

Ada also warned cruisers about the Beach horseback ride and swim tour in Roatan, Honduras.

She stated that “this was a fun experience,” but it didn’t live up to her expectations. 

The photos showed images of riding deep in the ocean water, and the tour advised guests to wear swimsuits.

However, Ada said the horses “barely went into the water. A lot of them were too scared.”

According to Ada, the majority of the ride was spent in the forest, with about five minutes on the beach.

She didn’t end up needing a swimsuit at all, and for $110 a person, she felt misled.

The description for the tour on Royal Caribbean’s website advertises a 4-hour horseback ride “right onto a secluded beach and up to beautiful calm waters of the Caribbean Sea. Your horse may even join you for a refreshing dip in the water.”

3. Reef explorer in a semi-submarine in Cozumel, Mexico

The semi-submarine tour in Cozumel has a boat with glass windows at the bottom, so guests can look through and observe tropical fish and other marine life.

However, Ada paid $75 per person and felt like the experience wasn’t worth it.

“It was pretty disappointing because you really don't see much.”

Although they saw more fish near the end of the trip, for the majority of the tour Ada didn’t see anything interesting.

Additionally, she warned viewers that the boat was very rocky: “All of us ended up super nauseous by the end of the experience.”

The booking on Royal Caribbean’s website advertises a 1-hour and 15-minute boat ride and makes no mention of possible sea sickness.

Commenters jumped to agree with Ada, saying similar experiences are why they prefer to stay on the ship

Ada’s caption to the TikTok read: “I can see why some people don’t even get off the boats.”

“Shore excursions are ridiculously overpriced, forbid you to bring your phones and then charge $40 for a photo, the excursion description are highly exaggerated, overall I didn’t enjoy my excursions all that much.”

Over 300 comments were made on the video, with the majority of TikTok users agreeing with Ada’s experience.

Kay_riaa wrote: That’s exactly [why] I didn’t book anything I’m ok with just laying on the beach.”

“I’m for sure just gonna do that next time,” TravelwithAda responded.

Bad experiences with shore excursions have soured some cruisers’ opinions, leaving them preferring to take a beach break or simply stay on the ship.

“I get so tired of money grabs,” said agnesmiller548. “Things cost a fortune and the return that you get isn’t worth the cash paid.”

User lkg731 commented that they prefer to stay on the ship “because everything is already paid for plus there’s less people.”

Other TikTokers had even done the same shore excursions as the original poster, and they agreed with her assessments.

DioneAH157 commented that she did the horseback beach ride in Roatan, and her tour didn’t meet the advertised expectations either.

“I enjoyed it,” she wrote, “but you really are only on the beach for like 5 minutes and my horse did go in the water.’

Both Ada and the commenter agreed it’s the type of excursion someone should only try once.

Another commenter, user9553616688706, sympathized about the price of photos on the Dolphin encounter excursion.

“The pics they try to sell you are hundreds of dollars.”

Ada responded: “They forbid you to bring cameras and then charge $40 for a photo… I was SHOCKED.”

Although booking shore excursions with Royal Caribbean is convenient, many cruisers are losing their trust in the process.

Cruise line tours tend to be more crowded and come at a higher price.

To avoid these disadvantages, cruisers can book with third-party tours and shore excursion groups. These tours will have a smaller group, come at a cheaper rate, and often offer a more personalized experience.

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.

Icon 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 latest and greatest Royal Caribbean features, like waterparks, 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 Icon 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 Icon of the Seas compares to Utopia of the Seas.

Overview of cruise ships

Icon 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, Icon of the Seas is a completely new and different cruise ship since it is the first in its class.

Both of these cruise ships debuted in 2024. The inaugural sailing of Icon of the Seas was on January 27, 2024, from Miami, Florida. This 7-night cruise visited Perfect Day at CocoCay, St. Thomas, and St. Kitts. Utopia of the Seas’ first sailing was on July 19, 2024, from Port Canaveral, Florida. During the 3-night voyage, guests visited Perfect Day at CocoCay and Nassau.

As the biggest cruise ship in the world, Icon of the Seas can hold 5,610 guests at double occupancy, as well as 2,350 crew members. In fact, Icon 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, Icon of the Seas is heavier, longer, and taller than Utopia of the Seas. On the other hand, Utopia of the Seas is wider than Icon of the Seas.

Here are more stats for each cruise ship:

Read more: Royal Caribbean ship classes ultimate guide

Neighborhoods

Both Icon 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 third 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.

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

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

Dining and bars

All Royal Caribbean ships have The Main Dining Room and Windjammer buffet, but Icon 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 Icon of the Seas include:

• AquaDome Market
• Basecamp
• Pearl Cafe
• Surfside Eatery
• Surfside Bites
• Empire 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 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).

Icon of the Seas’ Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen and Wine Bar is the first to be 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 Icon and Utopia and not spend an extra dime on food because there are seemingly endless options. But, 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 Icon of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas:

Icon of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas share a number of bars, like the Schooner Bar, Playmakers Sports Bar, and Boleros. However, Icon 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 Icon 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 Icon of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas:

Read more: Icon of the Seas vs other Royal Caribbean cruise ships

Entertainment and activities

Icon 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 Icon of the Seas has an indoor one (the first on any Royal Caribbean ship). Here, Utopia of the Seas has a show called Aqua80Too, which is a sequel to Oasis of the Seas’ Aqua80 show. On Icon of the Seas, there’s a show called Aqua Action! There is supposed to be another show on Icon called Pirates vs Mermaids, but it hasn’t premiered yet as of mid-2024.

Both ships have an ice skating rink onboard with different names - Icon’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 Icon of the Seas, there are two shows called Starburst: Elemental Beauty and Once Upon a Time: A King’s Royal Ball. The latter is a show meant for families with kids. 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. Icon of the Seas has a few featured productions, including The Wizard of Oz, The Effectors: The Origin Story, and Showband. 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 Icon of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas include:

Cabins and suites

Although Icon 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 Icon of the Seas has 2,805.

Here’s a breakdown:

Icon of the Seas is the first ship in the Royal Caribbean fleet to have infinite balconies, which are essentially verandas. Don’t worry, Icon of the Seas also has traditional oceanview balconies.

Since Icon 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. These suites are only found on Utopia.

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 Icon of the Seas, is available for Sky and Star class guests. 

Itineraries and pricing

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

Icon of the Seas is marketed as “The Icon of Vacations.” This cruise ship is heavily geared towards families because of the tremendous amount of activities and entertainment onboard. Cruisers can select from various 7-night options that leave from Miami, Florida, and visit the Western and Eastern Caribbean.

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

Every sailing on Icon 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 3 and 4-night sailings from Port Canaveral, Florida. These sailings visit Perfect Day at CocoCay and Nassau or Cozumel. 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. Icon 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 three sailings in July 2025. I looked at the cheapest price for an interior cabin, oceanview cabin, and balcony cabin. I calculated the average price per person per day based on the stateroom category.

Based on the data I collected from the Royal Caribbean website, it is easy to see that on average, Icon of the Seas is more expensive than Utopia of the Seas. This makes sense for a few reasons.

Icon of the Seas is the first of its kind. It is the biggest cruise ship in the world, and 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 isn’t a ton of new things to see on this ship.

Michael Bayley, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean International, even commented that Icon of the Seas is the most successful new ship that Royal Caribbean has ever launched. The hype is real for Icon!

Based on the data, a 3-night cruise on Utopia of the Seas will have a more expensive nightly cost per guest compared to the 4-night itinerary. However, paying for a 3-night cruise could still be cheaper overall than a 4-night cruise because the itinerary is shorter.

I also found that sailing on Icon of the Seas for seven nights in a balcony cabin was on average $500 more per person than spending seven nights on Utopia of the Seas (on a back-to-back sailing) in a balcony.

If you're looking to sail on a newer Royal Caribbean ship for a smaller price tag, Utopia of the Seas, or even Wonder of the Seas, is the way to go. You will definitely have an awesome vacation on either of these Oasis Class ships. But if you want to sail on the most “iconic” Royal Caribbean cruise ship, you will have to pay a pretty penny.

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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