Royal Caribbean Blog

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

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

Updated Pinnacle specialty dining benefits

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

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

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

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

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

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

The voucher is valid at the following specialty venues:

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

Free internet in Alaska

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

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

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

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

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

Starlink installation will begin this week.

Environmental development at Royal Beach Club

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

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

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

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

Partnering with a global loyalty currency

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

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

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

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

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

Royal Caribbean boosting tourism in Vanuatu

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

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

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

Unique Camperi experience on Oasis of the Seas

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

More than a museum

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

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

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

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

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

A botxo breakfast

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

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

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

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

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

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

A day in the market

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

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

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

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

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

Exploring the old city

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Going up Mount Artxanda

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

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

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

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

Street food lunch

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

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

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

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

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

Urban art

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Not the city I expected

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Something out of a nightmare"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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