Royal Caribbean Blog

Your cruise vacation should be plenty fun, including the very start of it.

If you're like me, the final couple of days before the cruise is filled with anticipation and excitement for it to finally begin.  And I always make sure to do whatever I need to do to ensure it all goes off without a hitch.

While I can't anticipate every single possible issue, I've found there's a solid strategy for planning the right start to my cruise that can sidestep the big ones.

If you're flying to Orlando International Airport in order to sail from Port Canaveral ("Orlando" as the cruise line marketing department refers to it), there are "rules" I'd recommend everyone follow to make it as easy as possible.

Have every step of check-in complete before you step foot in Florida

Before your flight lands at Orlando International Airport or your car crosses the border into Florida, you should have completed all the check-in steps in the Royal Caribbean app.

 I hate wasting time doing things that could have been done before, and you're going to need to have the app installed with the online check-in process completed to expedite the process as quickly as possible.

You can do the first two steps in the app in the weeks leading up to your cruise. Don't forget to take a selfie photo too!

The final step needs to be completed the day of the cruise, and you can do that as you drive to the the cruise terminal (preferably someone who is not driving).

Completing all the steps before embarkation day makes the check-in go so much faster.

Hotels are cheaper (and better) in Orlando

Port Canaveral is about 30 to 45 minutes away from Orlando, but I'd still recommend booking a hotel there instead of one in Cocoa Beach.

The hotels in Cocoa Beach are fine, but I think they're overpriced and lack amenities compared to the ones in Orlando.

Because there are more hotels around Orlando, I'm betting you could probably save some money on a hotel there too.

In addition, if you're flying to Orlando in the evening, I'd rather save the drive to the cruise area for the morning.  Plus, having to drive to Port Canaveral that morning works better because you're going to be too excited to sleep in!

There are a lot of hotels north of the Orlando International Airport on or around Semoran Boulevard. 

The two best options to get to cruise terminal

If you don't have your own car to drive, there are two options I'd recommend.

First is to use a ride share service to get you there.  This is what my family does in almost every port because it allows you to travel on your schedule.

There's plenty of cars around the airport, so no need to schedule anything. 

The other option our team really likes is Go Port Shuttle, which can best be described as the only shuttle service that doesn't have the problems of a shuttle service.

It's about $30 per person each way, and works quite efficiently.

Royal Caribbean offers transfers, but I think going on your own is going to involve less "hurry up and wait" situations.

Get the temporary toll pass for your rental car

If you decide to rent a car, be sure to get the the Visitor Toll Pass (not SunPass).

Your car rental company will offer a toll option, but they charge a fee of their own on top of the tolls. It's quite easy to apply for a tag or use the app to save money on both tolls and car rental fees.

You could also stop by the vending machine near the rental car counters and pick up a Visitor Toll Pass. When your trip is done you just return the tag to the machine you picked it up at.

The entire highway between the airport and Port Canaveral is a toll road, with multiple tolls along the way.

Stopping to pay tolls in cash feels so archaic, not to mention it adds more time to your trip.

Drop off bags first, then return your rental car

Speaking of the rental car, don't return the car first.

Instead, go to the cruise terminal and drop off your luggage.  You might even consider dropping off the rest of your family too.

Then, return the car with just the driver and nothing else.  It makes it so much easier to get back to the cruise terminal from the car return facility.

Use MCO Reserve for your flight home

Before your flight home, take advantage of the shortcut for security lines.

Orlando International Airport offers the MCO Reserve service, which “allows travelers to reduce stress by planning ahead and reserving a dedicated time slot for their party to go through TSA security screening.”

It's totally free! Just go to the website and book a time for your security check-in.

Once at the airport, scan your MCO Reserve QR code at a specific MCO Reserve line, then move directly to TSA to screen your boarding pass and ID and proceed through the standard TSA security screening, cutting a considerable amount of time from the process on most days.

Leave time for disembarkation and your return flight

Whether you use MCO Reserve or not, don’t book a return flight before 12:00pm on disembarkation day. 

Even with a smooth exit, it takes time to get off the ship, clear customs, travel to MCO, and go through TSA. Play it safe!

It appears a child fell off the pier into the ocean at Royal Caribbean's private island, putting the child between the ship and the pier.

A variety of reports from cruise ship passengers visiting Perfect Day at CocoCay for the day indicate the child fell into the water.

"At CocoCay today a small child fell in the water between the dock and the Symphony," Henry Yeany posted in an unofficial Facebook group dedicated to Royal Caribbean.

Two Royal Caribbean ships were docked in CocoCay today, Symphony of the Seas and Oasis of the Seas.

The incident occurred in the area of the pier where the cruise ship is tied up to the moorings. There's a gap between the ship and the pier because of buoys that cushion the friction between ship and dock.

There is a bright yellow warning line meant to caution passengers from getting too close.

Luckily, it appears the child was rescued.

"We are on Oasis and heard a bunch of screaming. The child was rescued in a matter of a few minutes. The mother and child got back onboard the Symphony."

Up to two cruise ships can dock at a time at CocoCay, and there are clearly marked lines with warning signs not to approach the edge of the pier.  

Moreover, crew members actively warn passengers to move away from the edge of the pier. It's common to see guests attempting to peer over the side of the pier to look at the water color or fish.  Or to take family photos there.

Photos taken by Mr. Yeany show crew members looking into the water to help assist the child.

Later, the child is seen being carried back onto the ship by an adult.

Cruisers react to the incident

The incident sparked many emotions among cruisers who were glad the child is okay, and also expressed frustrating it happened in the first place.

"This has always been such a big fear of mine! So scary!" wrote Genevieve Dias on a Facebook post.

Suzy Torrez thinks a barrier is necessary, "Maybe think of putting up a guard fence cause not all parents keep an eye on their children from being excited and taking pics."

That idea may not be as easy as it sounds, as the pier needs to be clear for gangways and supply ramps to be used to offload items and people from the ship.

Others assigned blame on the parent for not more closely watching their child.  The opinions were mixed, as no parent can constantly hold their child all the time.  Plus, the spectacle of the private island is an easy distraction.  As with so many accidents, it takes just a quick moment for something like this to occur.

Woman fell into the water last month

Another passenger went off the side of CocoCay's pier last month.

A video shared by richiegino shows a woman in the ocean, between the ship and pier, attempting to get out of the water.

At the start of the video, she is clinging to one of the buoys attached to the pier that is meant to cushion the impact of a ship docking.

A life preserver was then given to her so she could float, presumably until she could be properly rescued out of the water.

How to keep your family safe

Incidents like this might give you pause, but the reality is following the rules can make a big difference in ensuring it never occurs.

First and foremost, follow all posted signs and warnings.  The edges of the pier are clearly marked with a large yellow line meant to keep you from going near it.

It's tempting to look over the side, especially if there's a fish nearby or simply to admire the view. You're better off doing so from one of the decks of your ship instead.

For families, it's a good idea to hold hands of children as they walk on or off the gangway. Reminds kids constantly to stay within designated area, and keep an eye on them at all times.

One of the most popular add-on's for Perfect Day at CocoCay now has a new way to score one, potentially for less than full price.

Cabanas are among the most highly sought after extras at Royal Caribbean's private island because of how luxurious and amenity-rich they are.

Now, you can bid for any unsold or last-minute cancelled cabanas.

There have been bidding opportunities for cabins for many years, but it appears they're extending this to cabanas too.

Bidding for cabanas

A passenger booked on an upcoming Wonder of the Seas sailing shared a screenshot of the option to Royal Up bid for a cabana.

The process is similar to bidding for a cabin.  RoyalUp Cabanas allows guests to select which cabanas they'd be interested to place a bid, with the option of bidding on multiple types.

"Browse through the cabana options below and select the amount you’re willing to pay. If applicable, making a bid on multiple cabanas will increase your chances of getting one. In the event that space becomes available, you’ll only pay for one cabana."

Bids work both before the cruise and during the sailing, as Royal Caribbean says winning bids will be notified via email pre-cruise, or onboard the ship should one become available then.

Each bid is per cabana, regardless of the amount of people that will be in the cabana.

Based on the description, it sounds like the RoyalUp Cabanas is being utilized as a fall back for people that cancel cabanas and to prevent them from going unsold.

"Important to note, the cabana you are bidding on may not be available as of today but we will keep your bid in the event a cabana becomes available. "

Passengers can cancel anything they booked through Royal Caribbean for a full refund, including cabanas, as long as they do so with enough time before the visit.

Screenshots shared by Royal Caribbean Message Board user sludog, prices start at $500 per cabana.

This person said they received the option after successfully bidding for a cabin, "We RoyalUp bid from our junior suite to a grand suite about 2 months ago. Just got word 12 days before sailing that our minimum bid was accepted."

"A couple of hours later received another email that we could bid on cabanas at Perfect Day."

Bidding instead of booking comes with good and bad

Ever since Royal Caribbean introduced the option to bid for a stateroom upgrade, it's introduced a dichotomy of choice.

In this case, you could spend less than the advertised price to enjoy a cabana on your vacation.

This potentially means more money left in your vacation budget to use elsewhere.  And it lowers the barrier of entry for some that might otherwise not be able to afford the cabana.

Prices for CocoCay extras have skyrocketed in recent years as demand as soared.

On the other hand, just because there is an opportunity to bid doesn't mean there's actually a cabana to bid for.

Just like cabins, Royal Caribbean utilizes the RoyalUp system as a "back up" when there are unsold options left.

Not only are expensive cabanas potentially stopping people from paying for them outright, but it might lead to them changing their mind later.

In my experience, guests tend to cancel things onboard the ship as the reality of their vacation hits them.

This is especially true on weeklong sailings where the visit to CocoCay is at the end of the cruise.  After racking up big onboard spending through souvenirs, experiences, or the casino, some guests look to cut back by cancelling pricey add-ons they have left.

Or someone might simply have a change of heart as to what their plans are to be, because they lose interest or the weather forecast looks unfavorable.

Whatever the impetus, having a last-minute cancellation means lost revenue for the cruise line and these RoyalUp Cabanas could be the way to slide a paying customer back in.

Summer is right around the corner, and now is when you want to start planning a summer cruise vacation.

It seems a lot of people make the common mistake of waiting too long to start planning a cruise, and that's true of a summer vacation.

According to a survey by The Vacationer, nearly 82% of all American adults intend to travel this summer. Without a doubt, that will encompass cruises to Alaska, Europe, and around the Caribbean.

If you start now, there's enough time left to get in on a good deal and lock in the sort of popular activities most people want out of their cruise.

Here are eight things I would do now to prepare for a summer cruise.

Don't wait any longer to book

If you haven't actually booked a summer cruise, you'll want to do that right now.

You should book a cruise as early as possible, but waiting any longer and you risk really missing out on the cruise you'd want to take.

Cruise ships are booked so well already for 2025, that there's not going to be a lot of choices left if you're still sitting on the sidelines.

My advice is to book now and lock in a reservation before anything else sells out.  

People tend to wait until the last minute to book a cruise, but that's going to leave few options, fewer cabins, and high fares.

With spring break about to conclude, you'll want to get your cruise ship and cabin booked and deposited so you can ensure you get the best choices available.

Caribbean cruise? Prepare for the possibility of a hurricane

If you have a Caribbean cruise, you should also be prepared for the possibility of a hurricane.

A summer cruise in the Caribbean will take place during hurricane season, which begins on June 1 and goes through November 30th.

The reality is most hurricanes hit later in the summer, with the worst months being mid August through mid October.

There's a low chance a hurricane will actually change your cruise, but it could happen.

I'd recommend buying travel insurance for your trip. I think you should have it for any cruise, but it's doubly important with the possibility of a hurricane impacting your plans.

You should also have as flexible plans as you can for your cruise, meaning opt for refundable options where you can.  Shore excursions, hotel reservations, and anything else you reserve before the cruise begins.  You never know if your cruise might get re-routed to avoid tropical weather.

You'll need money for Alaska or Europe

Shore excursions, and pretty much everything, are more expensive in Alaska and Europe than on a Caribbean cruise.

The first time I visited either region on a cruise, there was a bit of sticker shock.

Alaska cruises are quite remote, so the cost of everyday items is simply higher. Plus, access to glaciers and other special areas is limited, and demand drives up the cost.

In Europe, you'll find organized tours tend to cost more than their Western Hemisphere counterparts.

In either case, you could try to save money by doing tours on your own, where planning self-guided exploration would cut down on those costs.

Here are some ideas for how to plan out DIY tours in both Alaska and Europe.

Otherwise, you should plan on dedicating more money to your vacation budget for this summer.

Start booking shore excursions

If you're like me and booked a summer cruise a long time ago, consider this your reminder to start booking shore excursions.

Because I book cruises so far in advance, I neglect to start booking tours until its too late.

Lots of people have gotten the memo about pre-booking tours, and you really need to reserve shore excursions before the cruise begins.  In fact, you should be doing it months early to avoid them selling out.

You might also take into consideration it's much hotter in the afternoon, so if you're planning anything outdoors and requiring a lot of physical activity, to do it in the morning before it gets too hot.

Or you could plan walking around a city in the morning, and then plan to hit the beach by lunch when the sun becomes intolerable.

Here are recommended tours to try in Alaska and Caribbean to start researching.

Now is the best time to book a summer flight

The Points Guy recommends starting searching three months before the dates you want to travel for finding the cheapest prices, which is right about now.

International travel requires booking flights even earlier, about 3-5 months in advance.

Speaking of flights, make sure you don't make one of the top cruise mistakes and fly the same day your cruise begins.

Instead, fly in at least one day before the cruise begins.  For an international flight, I'd recommend two or three days early.

Make a reminder to book shows

One of the top regrets cruisers have is not seeing the amazing shows on Royal Caribbean ships, so set a reminder now to book the shows.

Royal Caribbean typically opens up reservations for shows 30 days before the cruise begins.

Advanced reservations for shows are only available on the Oasis, Quantum, and Icon Class ships and it's free to do so on the Cruise Planner site or Royal Caribbean app.

There's no option to make show reservations on older ships because it's not necessary.

Sun protection is essential

You can get sunburned anytime of year, but summer time is when it's easiest for it to occur.

Always remember to pack sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, plus hats, sunglasses and cover ups to protect your skin. (Contains an affiliate link which costs you nothing extra but I make a small commission if you buy something)

Buy cooling items

If your summer cruise is taking you to the Mediterranean, Mexican Riviera, or Caribbean, I'd recommend finding every way to cool down.

Summer temperatures in these regions can easily reach 90 degrees or higher, and being hot and sweaty is not what anyone wants.

Two ideas to consider packing for your summer cruise to help keep you less-sweaty are cooling towels and a handheld fan.

I'd also recommend planning to avoid the pool deck in the afternoon when it's hottest. Instead, stay inside your ship and enjoy trivia, karaoke, or the casino.

Royal Caribbean made a lot of changes to Allure of the Seas with her amplification, but I was surprised they didn't do more.

Allure of the Seas recently completed a major $100M amplification to modernize the 15-year-old vessel. The ship saw significant changes, but I was surprised to see the cruise line keep select features I thought would be updated.

While you can find new, exciting features like waterslides and The Mason Jar bar, the cruise line didn’t change everything on the vessel. Several old restaurants remain onboard, for example, and cabins are still lacking in power outlet availability.

From keeping the Italian restaurant to moving the smoothie bar, these are the 6 things I’m surprised Royal Caribbean didn’t change during Allure of the Seas’ amplification.

I’m surprised Royal Caribbean kept Boardwalk Donuts

Allure of the Seas is the only Royal Caribbean ship with Boardwalk Donuts, a casual donut shop in the ship’s Boardwalk Neighborhood.

Each morning, passengers can indulge in all-you-can-eat donuts free of charge, whether a pink-frosted or classic glazed. Complimentary drinks, like coffee and orange juice, are available at the venue, too.

During Allure’s amplification, Royal Caribbean made significant changes to the Boardwalk Neighborhood. They added an Ultimate Abyss slide and removed Sabor Modern Mexican in favor of Playmakers Sports Bar and Arcade.

I thought Boardwalk Donuts might be removed as part of the renovation. Donuts can be found elsewhere onboard, and the venue was never as busy as restaurants like Park Cafe or the Windjammer buffet.

I was surprised, therefore, to see Boardwalk Donuts still present on the Boardwalk. For those in search of a quick, sugary breakfast, it’s a great option.

I can’t believe they kept Samba Grill

Allure of the Seas is one of only two Royal Caribbean ships with Samba Grill, a Brazilian rodizio specialty restaurant. The venue serves all-you-can-eat meat and a selection of Brazilian side dishes and salads. It’s located in the Solarium Bistro in the evenings.

I never expected this restaurant to remain post-amplification; it’s far from the most popular specialty restaurant on Royal Caribbean. Given that the line only added the venue to two ships, I thought they would use Allure's amplification as an opportunity to remove it.

Other Oasis Class ships also serve dinner in the Solarium Bistro, but it’s a complimentary, Mediterranean-inspired menu. I assumed this is what the venue would be used for on Allure of the Seas, too.

Yet I was bewildered to see Samba Grill remains post-amplification. For meat-loving passengers, it’s a unique dining opportunity to enjoy onboard.

I wish Royal Caribbean added destination elevators to the ship

Royal Caribbean has outfitted its newest vessels with destination elevators, so I was hopeful they would add these innovative elevators to Allure of the Seas. The cruise line had even been testing destination elevators on Allure last year, so I assumed they would add them to the ship.

Destination elevators differ from traditional elevators in that instead of selecting a deck once you step inside the elevator, you pick your deck number in the lobby via a touchpad. You’re then assigned an elevator number with other passengers heading to that same deck.

Destination elevators cut down on wait times on cruise ships with thousands of other guests. It also helps prevent elevators from stopping on every floor.

Unfortunately, Allure of the Seas still has traditional elevators, so passengers can expect lengthy waits at busy times of the day.

I’m surprised Vitality Café is now in the pizzeria

When I boarded Allure of the Seas, I headed to the spa to check out the facilities. To my surprise, Vitality Café was no longer there.

Vitality Café is a staple of Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Class ships, and it’s a favorite amongst health-conscious cruisers. The café serves a selection of fresh-squeezed juices, smoothies, and protein shakes at an extra cost.

It appears Royal Caribbean is phasing out Vitality Café, as it was not added to Utopia of the Seas, the newest Oasis Class ship.

Nonetheless, I was still surprised to see the venue removed on Allure of the Seas… until I realized it was moved to the pizzeria.

While grabbing a quick slice from Sorrento’s, I noticed a sign for fresh juices and shakes at the pizzeria’s bar. During her amplification, Vitality Café was moved to this area, albeit with a more limited menu.

Sorrento’s seems like a weird spot for a health bar, but I’m glad I can still order my favorite juices and smoothies onboard. The venue is open between 6AM and 3PM each day. At 3PM, the bar in Sorrento's begins serving alcoholic beverages.

I thought my cabin would have more power outlets

Cabins on Royal Caribbean’s newest ships are filled to the brim with power outlets, whether traditional plugs or USB hubs.

I knew Allure of the Seas had limited outlets prior to her amplification, but I thought the cabins would be modernized with additional charging sources.

To my disappointment, they were not, and outlets are still extremely limited in the cabin. There are no charging ports by the bed, and only three North-American style plugs are located on the desk.

Read more: 30 cruise cabin hacks that cruisers love

I naively assumed there would be more charging options in my cabin, so I decided against packing power cubes for my USB cables. I immediately regretted that decision. With such limited outlet availability, charging my electronics has been a headache compared to on the fleet’s newer ships.

Lastly, I thought Giovanni’s Table would be upgraded

Like most Royal Caribbean cruise ships, Allure of the Seas has an Italian specialty restaurant. For a cover charge, guests can dine at Giovanni’s Table, which serves a variety of Italian specialties including pastas, steak, and seafood.

There are three Italian specialty restaurants in Royal Caribbean’s fleet: Giovanni’s Table, Jamie’s Italian, and Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen.

Giovanni’s Table is the oldest of the three restaurants. It was added to Allure of the Seas for her initial launch in 2009, and has remained a popular choice for those looking for a more elegant dinner onboard.

Yet I’m surprised they kept the venue during Allure’s amplification. Although there’s nothing wrong with the restaurant, it’s considered older in terms of restaurants on Royal Caribbean. The fleet’s latest ships feature Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen. This is the line’s newest rendition of an Italian specialty restaurant, which serves both pizza and pasta.

I expected Giovanni's Table to become Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen during Allure's amplification.

At the end of the day, both restaurants serve a nice meal—I actually prefer Giovanni’s Table to the newer version—but keeping the old restaurant was still a surprise.

Happy weekend! I hope Spring is starting to arrive where you live.  Regardless of the weather, it is time to sit back, relax, and check out the latest in Royal Caribbean news!

Allure of the Seas is back and with a lot of changes!

Royal Caribbean poured in over $100 million worth of upgrades, fixes, and enhancements for its passengers. This includes new slides, revamped pool deck, new restaurants and more.

The amplified ship restarted cruises this weekend, giving the public its first look at what's new and different.

Royal Caribbean News

• "Above normal" Hurricane season expected for 2025, experts predict
• I ate at every included restaurant on Royal Caribbean cruise. Here’s what I’d do next time
• Royal Caribbean is about to make a big push in a cruise market it overlooked for a decade
• Royal Caribbean CEO rejects private islands are just about passenger spending
• CDC: Layoffs wont affect cruise ship inspections
• Royal Caribbean Group CEO responds to tariff impact on cruise industry
• I cancelled my European shore excursions because I wanted to avoid a common first time mistake
• Celebrity just brought back one of its best ships to the UK

New RCB Video: 6 Things You're Buying On A Cruise That Could Be FREE (Or Cheaper)

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 — 6 Things You're Buying On A Cruise That Could Be FREE (Or Cheaper) — and don’t forget to subscribe to our channel.

How much a Royal Caribbean crew member makes working on a ship

Curious how much Royal Caribbean pays its crew members to work on a ship?

Chris Wong is a casino host, and shared what he's paid every two weeks by the cruise line.

He's candid about his salary on the ship and why his pay fluctuates from pay check to pay check.

CocoCay or stay on the ship?

Royal Caribbean's private island is arguably the best in the entire cruise industry, so why would some people prefer to skip a visit?

It might sound crazy, but some people opt to stay on the ship rather than get off and enjoy a day at Perfect Day at CocoCay.

While Royal Caribbean designed it to be as all encompassing as possible, there are a few good reasons to think twice about staying onboard.

$30 Orlando shuttle service to the cruise ship: review

Want a cheap and effective way to get to Port Canaveral from Orlando's airport?

Instead of taking a taxi or ride share service, Elizabeth tried out Go Port after hearing so many rave reviews about it.

At about $30 per person each way, it's a really good value.

Royal Caribbean is replacing its comedy club with a casino

On at least two ships, there are changes coming to the entertainment spaces onboard.

Both Utopia and Wonder of the Seas will have their Comedy Club and Crown Lounge space replaced with a non-smoking casino.

The work will take place over the next few months, and dedicate more gambling options for guests.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 560th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available! 

Matt discusses how he almost made a mistake with planning shore excursions for his European cruise, and what he did instead.

Please feel free to subscribe via iTunes or RSS, and head over to rate and review the podcast on iTunes if you can! We’d appreciate it.

Mass layoffs at the Department of Health and Human Services earlier this month won't stop cruise ship inspections from continuing.

Earlier this month, news leaked that many workers let go at the Department of Health and Human Services, including people that inspect cruise ships. More than 2,400 employees at the CDC were let go.

Multiple CDC officials said the epidemiologist that lead the agency's outbreak response on cruise ships was included in the layoffs.

The work falls under the Vessel Sanitation Program, who's job it is to prevent and control public health issues.

According to a report by USA Today, a CDC spokesperson confirmed the ship inspections will continue.

"This work has not stopped, as the VSP is primarily staffed by USPHS commissioned officers who were not subject to the reduction in force," is what the spokesperson said.

Specifically, 12 U.S. Public Health Service officers will remain with the program, and they will continue the work.

How the CDC inspects cruise ships

The VSP was created to develop and implement a comprehensive sanitation program in order to minimize the risk of outbreaks on cruise ships and provide the public information on these health issues.

Random inspections of cruise ships occur throughout the year.

A cruise ship is given a rating on a scale of 0-100 once the inspection is complete.

In addition, the Vessel Sanitation Program shares information about incidents onboard ships where more than 3% of passengers or crew report being sick

posts outbreaks on its website if the ship is under the agency’s jurisdiction and 3% or more of the passengers or crew are reporting being sick, such as symptoms of GI illness.

"Cruise lines paid for this staff, yet it needed to be cut?"

Cruise fans were swift to question why the VSP staff had to be impacted at all.

On the Royal Caribbean subreddit, many shared their opinions on the cuts at the CDC and what it means for cruise ships.

"So...Time for more Norovirus?" asked archaego after hearing of the news. "This is just mind boggling. Cruise lines paid for this staff, yet it needed to be cut?"

That comment is based on the fact cruise lines pay fees that fund both the program and the staff. It is not funded with federal tax dollars.

ragingstallion1 posted, "I’d like to think lines would still do everything possible to keep ships clean for PR purposes, but greed will get the best of them."

therin_88 questioned how effective it was in the first place, "You really think the CDC was stopping norovirus outbreaks on ships?"

archaego wrote back, "Its like a front door lock, it keeps honest people honest. Outbreaks will still happen of course, the severity and the ability of the ship to deal with them is impacted by how prepared they are."

I've sailed on every class of Royal Caribbean cruise ship in an ongoing effort to find the best free food on Royal Caribbean.

Every ship has certain restaurants that are included in your cruise fare, and I've generally been pleased with all. Not everything is amazing, but you definitely won't go hungry on the ship.

Eating at the "free" restaurants is a great way to stay on budget, as well as take advantage of what the cruise line has to offer. I know specialty dining gets so much attention, but I think Royal Caribbean has upped its included food game, especially with the casual grab and go spots.

It's quite tempting to dine at the specialty spots, but on some cruises I recently took, I opted to eat just at the included restaurants. Part of it was a challenge to myself to see what the food experience is really like without spending extra. But I also really enjoy the food, especially if I'm on a ship that I know has certain options.

Some meals were surprisingly great, others… not so much. Here are my top picks.

Which restaurants are included on a Royal Caribbean cruise

Every Royal Caribbean ship differs slightly in which restaurants are offered, both included and specialty.

There's a lot of carry-over between the ships, but some restaurant concepts only exist on a handful of ships.

Here's a list of the major free venues that apply across most ships, keeping in mind your ship may not have all of them:

• Main Dining Room (MDR)
• Windjammer buffet
• Cafe Promenade/Pearl Cafe/Cafe Latte-Tude
• Park Cafe/Cafe@Two70
• Boardwalk Dog House
• El Loco Fresh
• Sorrento's Pizza
• Solarium Bistro
• Aquadome Market
• Coastal Kitchen (suite guests only, but still "included")

What I ate at each restaurant and what I thought

Since you won't find every included restaurant Royal Caribbean offers on any one ship, I thought I'd break this down by restaurant and list the last ship I tried it on.

There's usually a good consistency between ships, but some iterations do vary depending on the ship class.  As an example, the Windjammer's size and stations are vastly different on a Vision Class ship compared to an Oasis Class ship.  

11. Boardwalk Dog House

I want to love Boardwalk Dog House more than I do, but the product falls short of the concept.

As you might imagine, this is a spot to get all sorts of hot dogs and brats.

The meat is fine, but it's everything else where it falls flat.  The buns are hard (previously frozen), and really take away from the food.

The sauerkraut is also strange, and not the same one they serve in the Windjammer. I can't describe it exactly, but it's not as good as the kraut you'd get at almost any hot dog stand you've been to on land.

10. Sorrento’s Pizza

The trope about cruise pizza is it's nothing special, but tastes better the later (and drunker) you are.

Royal Caribbean has upped its pizza game in recent years, and the product is better than it used to be. While I wouldn't go specifically for a meal, it's the perfect snack almost any time of day or night.

My kids swear by Sorrento's, and eat a few slices each day.

The fact it's open late (usually until 2 or 3am), makes it a convenient option.

There's usually three or four varieties of pizza offered: cheese, pepperoni, and something else.

The additional toppings can really vary in how good they are or not.  Carnivore and veggie are top picks.

9. Basecamp

Available only on the Icon Class ships, it's a convenient snack spot near the water slides, Flowrider and everything else at the back of the ship.

It used to be half included, but now the menu has been converted over to fully included.

The pretzel bites are worth a stop here, as they're akin to the microwaved soft pretzels you may have had over the years.  Eat them quickly before they harden back up.

The chicken fingers are also pretty good, and like the rest of the menu, it's the kind of food you'd want to grab when you're feeling peckish.

8. Cafe Promenade

Your ship will have a coffee shop onboard that may have different names (Cafe Latte-Tudes or Pearl Cafe) but the concept is similar across all iterations.

It offers both free and extra cost coffee and tea, as well as snacks.

The best version is Pearl Cafe on Icon Class ships because the quality of the food here is significantly better.

I usually find something to munch on when I'm on other ships too.  

In addition to the premium coffees, I really like the turkey wrap or the roast beef sandwich.

7. Park Cafe

One of the underrated choices for a meal is at Park Cafe (or Cafe@Two 70) that serves snacks and light meals.

I love going here for breakfast on a port day when I want something quick to eat without fuss.  

It's also a great embarkation day lunch spot that's going to be a lot less crowded than the Windjammer.

The best food here is the roast beef sandwich, that is served in au jus and topped with a kimmelweck bun. 

6. Solarium Bistro

The most easily overlooked included restaurant on any Royal Caribbean ship, but a fantastic alternative to the Main Dining Room.

It's usually open for all meals, and is one of the best choices for a less crowded breakfast. Because most cruisers don't know about it, it's quiet and still has custom made to order omelets.

There's also lighter and healthier options available.

5. Main Dining Room

I've been a fan of the Main Dining Room ever since my first cruise because I really like having the same table and waiter each night for dinner.

The menu has changed a lot over the years, but I've consistently found a few things to order on any night.

I think there's a good variety of choices to satisfy most palates, and the service has always been impressive. It's not perfect, and I've had nights where I've ended up in the Windjammer after, but more often than not, it hits the spot.

Certainly some nights are better than others.  Italian night, Welcome Aboard, and Mexican night are really good, but I'd skip Caribbean night.

It's also where you'll find an Indian dish every evening, and it's the best kept Royal Caribbean dining secret out there.

My top picks for the Main Dining Room are:

• French onion soup
• Shrimp cocktail
• Spaghetti Bolognese
• Indian curry choices
• Lobster (on second formal night only)
• Roasted beef tenderloin
• Lasagna al forno
• Chili-lime salmon
• Key lime pie

Dinner is the best meal offered, but breakfast is a good choice if you're in the mood for a casual start to your day.

A few dishes were disappointing:

• Turkey dinner
• Stuffed eggplant

4. Windjammer Buffet

The sheer variety of food in the Windjammer means you're probably going to find something to eat, even among the pickiest eaters.

I love the array of international cuisine. Not only is there usually a couple of Indian dishes, but Chinese, Italian, and Greek food.  

I think most people find breakfast to be pretty darn good, and lunch or dinner is more hit or miss depending on which theme there is that evening.

If you're eating at the Windjammer, I'd skip every buffet station and check out what's available at the cooking stations first. At breakfast, it makes customized omelets, and for other meals it could make pasta, stir fry, or some other cuisine. 

The food I'd recommend trying here are:

• Omelet station
• Stir fry station/Mongolian grill
• DIY Burger
• Indian curries

By far the worst food are the scrambled eggs that are served in the buffet tray. They're made from a mix and taste too watery.

I also think the desserts generally look better than they actually taste.

3. El Loco Fresh

The quick service Mexican restaurant is one of the best included restaurants you'll find, and it's the perfect pool deck meal.

There's tacos, burritos, nachos, and build-your-own options too.

The reason I like it so much is because you get to customize it the way you like it.  Grab tortillas and go to town making tacos with the amount of meat and toppings you prefer.

Because quesadillas or tacos are such crowd pleasers, it's one of the most popular options on any ship. 

I think you'll be pleasantly surprised by how fresh and customizable this is, and how it works for picky eaters too.

The best combo I've come up with is to take the plain tortilla chips that come in a bowl and top them off with every topping available, including a few hot sauces.

2. Coastal Kitchen

I'm including Coastal Kitchen in this list because it's complimentary for suite guests.

Essentially, it's a Main Dining Room for suite guests only (and Pinnacle Club members), that's open for all three meals.

Just like the MDR, some of the food is better than others.

Embarkation day dinner is probably the best menu offered, with a fantastic steak choice.

Plus, there's French onion soup served every day for dinner.

The weakest meal is lunch, and I always skip it.

Be sure to take advantage of breakfast on the final morning too.

1. Aquadome Market

Royal Caribbean's first food hall concept, it's one of their best included restaurant ideas that have launched in recent memory.

This became my favorite included restaurant from the moment I tried it. Everything is prepared fresh and there's a certain level of customization to it.

The must try's include:

• Crepes
• Gyro sandwiches
• Mac and cheese

The only food I thought was lacking was at the Asian hall, because it's the same Chinese food you can get at the Windjammer without much difference.

What I would not do again

The only restaurant I've sworn off from eating at again is the Boardwalk Dog House. Every time I eat there, I'm disappointed.

I also wont go to lunch at Coastal Kitchen because the choices there just aren't that good.  Plus, I think El Loco Fresh or Park Cafe would be better options and quicker too.

One other thing I need to stop doing is overlooking Solarium Bistro. I admit I forget it exists because it's in a weird location that I don't walk past a lot.

What I’d do differently on my next cruises

One lesson I learned from eating at the included restaurants is to check the menu ahead of time, and pick the restaurant based on that.

The Main Dining Room is often better than expected, but certain theme dinners are better than others.

Alternating the dining room and Windjammer to provide more variety is a good baseline for many meals.

I also need to consider the smaller included venues more often.  I think my mistake was viewing meals in the context of a sit down meal, meaning I assumed I needed to pick one restaurant to have my meal at.

Instead, I could grab a slice of pizza to tide me over, but then go to El Loco Fresh for more later.  

I've also come around to embracing Coastal Kitchen as a really good choice. For dinner, there's usually something good available to try. Plus, eating here feels like a step up from the Main Dining Room but without the price tag of a specialty restaurant.

In fact, I'd like to start working in Coastal Kitchen when I have the opportunity for dinners. As a Pinnacle in Crown and Anchor Society, I can usually dine there and the French onion soup alone is reason to make a reservation.

When I'm on a port intensive itinerary (like in Europe), embracing the Windjammer is key. After a long day of touring, I just want something easy without fuss.

Ultimately, I'd recommend not overlooking any of these options simply because they're "free".  Specialty dining is wonderful, but you might be surprised how good the included food is, which could also free up money in your vacation budget.

Allure of the Seas just completed her $100M+ amplification, and I’m onboard to check out all of the latest upgrades and enhancements.

Let’s take a look inside the ship to see what has changed!

After 2 months, Allure of the Seas has completed her long-awaited renovation

For years, Allure had been considered the most outdated of Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Class cruise ships. Having launched in 2009, the ship had yet to receive any major upgrades to onboard venues and activities.

There were no waterslides, for instance, and several of the ship’s restaurants, like Sabor Modern Mexican, have largely been retired from Royal Caribbean’s fleet.

Allure of the Seas was set to receive her amplification in 2020, but it was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Five years later, however, she has finally received her much-anticipated amplification. Here’s everything that has changed on the vessel, both the minor upgrades and major renovations.

The pool deck has completely changed, both in decor and amenities

One of the most notable changes to Allure of the Seas is the Caribbean-style pool deck; it has been totally transformed.

The ship now has three waterslides: the Perfect Storm racing slides and the Supercell, a champagne bowl slide.

These waterslides are a welcome change to the ship, which was the only vessel in the Oasis Class without them.

In addition, Splashaway Bay has replaced the H2O Zone. This aqua park features splash areas, a water dump bucket, and a small slide designed for younger children.

There is no pool nor are there hot tubs in this area—these were removed during the switch to Splashaway Bay.

As a result, two hot tubs were added to the upper pool deck on deck 16, fitting the resort-style vibe.

All bars on Allure of the Seas’ pool deck have been remodeled to The Lime and Coconut. This Caribbean bar features vibrant decor and a selection of fruity, tropical drinks.

Aside from The Lime and Coconut, Caribbean-themed decor is found elsewhere on the pool deck. Colorful seating is placed around the deck, and there are also private cabanas available to rent.

Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade can be found in the Boardwalk Neighborhood

Royal Caribbean’s beloved sports bar has finally launched on Allure of the Seas.

Replacing Sabor Modern Mexican, Playmakers offers a variety of casual bar food with an extra cost, à la carte menu. Passengers can indulge in fan-favorites like the Pile On Nachos, Buffalo Chicken Crunch Roll, and Truffle Burger.

Read more: Guide to Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade

Of course, you can’t forget to order the Campfire Cookie, a skillet-baked chocolate chip cookie topped with toasted marshmallows and Nutella.

Royal Caribbean’s all-new tiki bar, Pesky Parrot, is now on the Royal Promenade

When Royal Caribbean’s newest ship, Utopia of the Seas, launched last summer, the cruise line premiered an all-new bar concept for the line: Pesky Parrot.

This bar is designed to transport guests straight to a Caribbean resort. Pesky Parrot combines beach-themed decor with tropical cocktails, whether the Peanut Butter Piña Colada or Tiki ‘Mosa.

Given the success on Utopia of the Seas, it’s no surprise to see Pesky Parrot added to Allure of the Seas on the Royal Promenade. This venue replaces the Champagne Bar, and it was jam-packed on embarkation day.

The Mason Jar offers southern-inspired cuisine, a live country trio, and inventive cocktails

Allure of the Seas is the third Royal Caribbean ship to feature The Mason Jar, and given the venue’s beloved reputation, it’s sure to be a busy spot onboard.

The Mason Jar is divided into two sections: a southern restaurant and a country bar with live music.

The restaurant serves southern favorites for brunch and dinner, whether the Stuffed French Toast or Lobster n’ Crawfish Gumbo, and comes with a cover charge.

The bar is open to all guests regardless of whether or not they dine in the restaurant.

While you can find a variety of drinks available, the menu shines in its bourbon cocktails, such as the Mint Julep and PB&J Old Fashioned.

Read more: Royal Caribbean's best bar scene is at The Mason Jar

On most evenings, a country trio performs in the bar, which absolutely can’t be missed.

Compared to the venue on Wonder and Utopia of the Seas, the bar space on Allure has more seating.

El Loco Fresh serves up Mexican favorites on the pool deck

Although Allure of the Seas removed Sabor Modern Mexican from the Boardwalk Neighborhood, passengers can still find Mexican favorites at El Loco Fresh, Royal Caribbean’s complimentary, grab-and-go Mexican restaurant.

Prior to her amplification, the ship was retrofitted with a temporary El Loco Fresh in the Wipe Out Café. Now, though, the venue has officially changed to El Loco Fresh and is complete with the restaurant’s branding and decor.

The AquaTheater show has been upgraded

With high divers, aerialists, and slackliners, production shows in the AquaTheater are a highlight of any Oasis Class cruise. Royal Caribbean has retired OceanAria, Allure’s old AquaTheater show, for a new one: Aqua80Too.

Also available on Utopia of the Seas, Aqua80Too is the sequel to Aqua80 found on Oasis of the Seas. The show features classic AquaTheater stunts set to the tune of the biggest hits of the 1980s.

Adventure Ocean has been revamped with upgraded kids and teens clubs

Families boarding the amplified Allure of the Seas can look forward to new and improved youth programming facilities in Adventure Ocean.

Royal Caribbean’s Adventure Ocean provides childcare for passengers aged 0 to 17, and offers specific venues for each age group. Allure’s existing Adventure Ocean has been retrofitted with the cruise line’s more modern take on the facilities.

Read more: Ultimate Guide to Adventure Ocean

New additions include:

• Adventure Ocean Theater, offering movies and a small space for performances and shows
• The Workshop, offering craft and science experiments
• Play Place, an unsupervised play area for young cruisers (parents must be present)
• The Arena, designed for sports and physical activity

Teens have access to an enhanced hangout space, Social298, which offers activities like video games, movies, and music for guests aged 13-17.

The Crown Lounge is now on deck 15

Royal Caribbean’s exclusive lounge for Diamond members and above in the Crown & Anchor Society has been moved to a new location on Allure of the Seas.

Prior to her amplification, Allure’s Crown Lounge was located on decks 11 and 12, and it was one of the biggest locations in the fleet, offering views of the Boardwalk Neighborhood below.

Now, the Crown Lounge is located on deck 15 next to The Mason Jar. The lounge has ample natural light, differentiating itself from the interior, windowless Crown Lounge on most other Oasis Class ships.

Cabins were added to the ship, too

Over 100 new cabins have been added to Allure of the Seas during her amplification.

By moving the Crown Lounge, a large space became available for additional interior cabins on decks 11 and 12. Aside from these rooms, Royal Caribbean added Ultimate Panoramic Suites above the ship’s bridge. These cabins provide 200-degree ocean views through floor-to-ceiling windows and come with exclusive Star Class perks.

Read more: Royal Caribbean Luxury Star Class Suite Review

As far as existing cabins go, no major renovations were made. In my interior cabin, furnishings like the couch did not get replaced or reupholstered, and no new outlets or USB ports were added to the room.

There are three new activities passengers can try

As if there wasn’t enough to do on Allure of the Seas before her amplification, now passengers can try even more activities.

First, the Ultimate Abyss has been added to the ship’s aft. Like with waterslides, Allure of the Seas was previously the only Oasis Class ship without The Ultimate Abyss, a dry slide taking guests from the Sports Deck to the Boardwalk.

This slide is complimentary for guests, and it’s undoubtedly the most thrilling way to get from one place to another onboard.

An escape room was added to the vessel, too. Passengers can test their wits at Mission Control: The Lunar Landing, where they’ll navigate a series of puzzles and clues to “escape” the room before time runs out.

This activity costs $44 per passenger for the 30-minute experience.

Finally, laser tag is now available, and it’s included in guests’ cruise fares.

Vitality Café has been removed from the spa

A change some cruisers may be surprised to see is the removal of Vitality Café.

Prior to amplification, Vitality Café served juices, smoothies, protein shakes, and snacks in the ship’s spa. Aside from a few food items, the venue came with an extra cost.

Now, the area is used for additional seating. Based on deck plans, it appears additional cabins were added behind this area.

The good news is the Vitality Café menu is still available!

You can find it at Sorrento's.

Photo area has been converted

The photo gallery is now fully digital.

Instead of printed photos to peruse, any photos that the ship's photographers take are now easily viewable from a kiosk.

Likewise, the Shore Excursion desk is now digital too and has a refreshed look.

Shaved Ice Bar added

Royal Caribbean added another feature from Utopia of the Seas, with the Shaved Ice Bar.

Located at Wipeout Cafe near the entrance to the Ultimate Abyss, you can purchase flavored shave ice here, including adult beverages that come with alcohol.

New location for Chef's Table

Chef's Table has been moved to deck 4.

It's located in the same area as Izumi, but on the other side.

One of Celebrity Cruises' most luxurious ships is returning to England for its summer season. 

Celebrity Apex, an Edge Class ship that debuted in 2021, began cruising out of Southampton last year. Throughout the summer, she quickly became a favorite for destination-focused sailors who didn't want to sacrifice style or comfort. 

"Guests told us how much they loved the amazing itineraries we offered with our Celebrity Apex sailings last year, so we're excited to homeport this revolutionary ship in Southampton again this summer," said Laura Hodges Bethge, President of Celebrity Cruises.

Apex will kickstart the 2025 summer season with a series of immersive sailings to some of Europe’s most captivating destinations, starting with an 11-night cruise on Sunday, April 13, to the Canary Islands and Portugal.

Between April and October, passengers can choose between sailings to the Norwegian Fjords, the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, and other bucket-list worthy ports. 

Sailing out of Southampton also unlocks London as a pre- and post-cruise destination. With easy access to the United Kingdom's capital, guests can extend their vacation by exploring London's iconic landmarks, museums, and world-class culinary scene. 

Not to mention with Heathrow, Gatwick, London City, and Stansted airports all nearby, getting to and from the United Kingdom for a cruise aboard Celebrity Apex is convenient. You'll find extensive flight options from across the globe. 

The 2025 President's Cruise will be held on Celebrity Apex

Hodges Bethge will join thousands of loyal Celebrity cruisers on May 17, 2025, for an 8-night cruise to Norway, calling at ports like Zeebrugge, Belgium; Olden, Norway; Geiranger, Norway; Alesund, Norway; and Stavanger, Norway. 

The President's Cruise is an annual sailing hosted by Hodges Bethge, who succeeded Lisa Lutoff-Perlo as President in 2023. All interested guests can attend, so you don't have to hold a certain status within the Captain's Club to book a cabin. It's a great opportunity for Celebrity fans to sail together with exclusive merchandise and special events with executives. 

This year, guests can look forward to culinary events hosted by executive chefs and Celebrity's global culinary ambassador Chef Daniel Boulud, who is responsible for the upscale specialty restaurant Le Voyage on Celebrity Beyond and Ascent. 

The sailing will also feature exclusive entertainment performances and specially curated shore excursions hosted by Hodges Bethge.

Celebrity Apex showcases some of the best amenities Celebrity Cruises offers

From the cantalivered Magic Carpet to the multi-level Eden venue and mouthwatering restaurants, Celebrity Apex is a destination in and of herself. 

In total, Apex boasts 29 restaurants, bars, and lounges for guests to enjoy, including the Fine Cut Steakhouse, famous Martini Bar, and Oceanview Café, featuring some of the best buffet food at sea.

She's also an entertainment hub, with three exclusive stage shows in The Theater, as well as an intimate cabaret show in The Club. The ship's daily schedule is filled with themed experiences and activities, too. 

Not the only Edge Class ship in Europe this summer

Offering captivating itineraries throughout the Mediterranean and Greek Isles, Celebrity Ascent will take guests on port-intensive voyages where they can explore the rich history, culture, and cuisine of Europe. 

As the newest ship in Celebrity's award-winning Edge Class (until Xcel launches this winter!), Celebrity Ascent brings even more to love with reimagined venues, new entertainment, and upscale dining options. 

European cruises on Celebrity Ascent depart from Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy; Barcelona, Spain; and Piraeus (Athens), Greece, from May through October. 

Read more: I Sailed the Greek Islands With Celebrity Cruises and Found the Upscale Cruise Line to Be the Perfect Summer Escape