11 food favorites at CocoCay that never disappoint

In:
20 May 2024
By: 
Calista Kiper

There are a few foods at Royal Caribbean's private island that I must order every single time I visit.

From funnel cakes to refreshing fresh fruit, a wide variety of free food caters to every pallet. 

Five complimentary venues serve the island: Skipper’s Grill, Chill Grill, and 3 locations of the Snack Shack.

You’ll also find four extra-cost restaurants, or ones included with the cost of admission: Captain Jack’s, Coco Beach Club, Hideaway Hut, and Slice of Paradise at Hideaway Beach.

What are the best dishes to try at each venue?

If your next cruise includes a visit to this idyllic island, here are the top eleven food favorites at Perfect Day at CocoCay to try out. 

Read more: Your really dumb Perfect Day at CocoCay questions answered

1. Funnel cake

Even if you don’t usually indulge in a deep-fried snack, the free funnel cake is the perfect beach treat.

Made with deep-fried spirals of dough and light powdered sugar, the sweet and greasy treat makes for a delicious snack by the beach, the pool, or before you enter an exciting amenity.

I always notice that whenever someone walks by with a funnel cake, other people take notice and then go order one for themselves. This sweet, warm dessert will inspire everyone around you to get a taste.

You can find funnel cake at any of the three different Snack Shack locations on the island: near Thrill Waterpark, Oasis Lagoon, or South Beach.

2. Fresh fruit

I always love eating fresh fruit, whether for a snack, breakfast, or dessert.

You can find pineapple, watermelon, apples, and oranges available at many complimentary food venues. The pineapple and watermelon come in pre-cut slices, while you can grab the apples and oranges whole, even putting them away in a bag for later.

I’ve also seen other varieties of fruit available. 

Depending on the day, they could serve pears, mangos, kiwis, bananas, cantaloupe, honeydew melon, or papayas.

You can find fruit at all the dining locations, but Skipper’s Grill and Chill Grill will have the most options.

Read more: I went to CocoCay for the first time, and here's what I'd do differently

3. Greek salad

I love the salad options on Perfect Day at CocoCay. You can add chicken to any salad, free of charge.

Made up of lettuce, tomatoes, black olives, cucumbers, bell peppers, and feta cheese, this salad is a refreshing, healthy dish.

The Greek salad is served at the Snack Shack.

4. Shack burger

The Shack burger is one of the favorite entrees offered on Perfect Day at CocoCay. Royal Caribbean refers to this burger as its “hall of fame dish” when it comes to Perfect Day at CocoCay selections.

Made with a beef patty on a brioche bun, the burger is stacked with American cheese, lettuce, a slice of Beefsteak tomato, and a secret sauce called the Shack sauce. 

The cruise line has revealed that this sauce is made with mayonnaise, ketchup, and sweet relish, all mixed together and refrigerated.

You can find this burger at the Snack Shack.

5. Crispy chicken sandwich

Another popular sandwich is the crispy chicken sandwich.

Crispy fried chicken is served up on a brioche bun with lettuce, basil, mayonnaise, and pickles.

To create the "secret sandwich" pictured above, just ask the Snack Shack worker for it by name.

You can find the crispy chicken sandwich at the Snack Shack.

6. Portobello and mozzarella sandwich

For a slightly healthier sandwich—or if you’re looking for a vegetarian option—we recommend the panini portobello and mozzarella sandwich. 

Portobello mushrooms and mozzarella cheese make up the protein of this sandwich. The mozzarella is melted over fried mushrooms for a simple yet tasty meal.

You can find this sandwich at Skipper’s Grill and Chill Grill.

7. Tacos

Not only are there delicious tacos available on this private island, but they’re also served in a build-your-own, buffet format.

You can create your own tacos, starting with your choice of tortilla, and choose additions like pork, Mexican rice, and beans. Next, you can add even more toppings like salsa, sour cream, cheese, guacamole, lettuce, jalapenos, lime, Tabasco sauce, and more.

You can find tacos at Skipper’s Grill and Chill Grill.

8. Brownie

For an extra-decadent dessert, try the rich, gooey chocolate brownie with double the chocolate chips. Not only is it filled with chocolate goodness, but it’s also topped with caramel for an extra sweet and chewy texture. 

To add even more sweetness to your dessert, you can top the brownie with a side of soft-serve ice cream.

You can find brownies at Skipper’s Grill, Chill Grill, and the Snack Shack.

9. Grilled Bahamian Lobster

For a luxury private dining experience, you can purchase exclusive access to the Coco Beach Club.

All the food at this venue is included in the cost of your admission, and one of the best is the Bahamian lobster.

This local seafood is served with sea salt, olive oil, lemon juice, aioli sauce, and a side of truffle fries and grilled vegetables.

The lobster is included with your entrance fee for the Coco Beach Club.

Read more: I tried it: Coco Beach Club at Perfect Day at CocoCay

10. Mozzarella sticks

The mozzarella sticks at Perfect Day at CocoCay are delightful—one of my favorite snacks on the island.

Gooey, melted mozzarella cheese is encased in golden-brown fried flour. The salty flavor of the sticks is complete on its own, but they also come with a marinara sauce for that savory, garlic-y punch.

You can find mozzarella sticks at the Snack Shack.

11. Chicken wings

Craving chicken wings?

For an extra cost, you can satisfy your cravings. 

The chicken wings are served with a variety of sauces you can choose from: buffalo, mango habanero, Caribbean jerk, and bourbon barbecue.

You can find chicken wings at Captain’s Jack’s, for sale for $7.95 per 10 wings.

Read more: What to do at CocoCay? 18 things to try on your visit

11 foods to try at Royal Caribbean's Perfect Day at CocoCay

Royal Caribbean News Round-Up: May 19, 2024

In:
19 May 2024
By: 
Calista Kiper

Happy weekend! In case you missed any Royal Caribbean news, here is a look at everything that happened this week!

A new law will change how Royal Caribbean advertises its cruise fares.

Cruise ship docked in Miami

Beginning July 1, 2024, a new consumer protection law in California will require that taxes and fees are included as part of the total advertised price.

Instead of saving the fees for the checkout process, consumers will receive a clear and accurate price upfront.

Royal Caribbean News

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 534th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available!

After spending seven days on Icon of the Seas, Calista shares her thoughts on her new favorite ship.

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.

WEIRD cruise tips (if you've never cruised before!)

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 — WEIRD cruise tips (if you've never cruised before!) — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

8 cruise ship cabin rules to follow — Plus 1 to break

Cabin rules to follow

While your cruise ship cabin is your home, you can't do anything you want either.

There are important rules and guidelines to follow while in your cabin, and it's a combination of etiquette and regulations.

We outline 8 rules to follow (and 1 you can safely ignore).

I go on a cruise once a month. New cruisers keep missing out on these 5 underrated things.

Pickleball

Matt cruises once a month, and it's still his favorite way to travel and see the world.

After getting to experiment and try so many types of cruises, he's noticed some underrated activities.

Check out these 5 things that you shouldn't miss out on when you cruise next.

I spent a week on the world's largest cruise ship, the free food was the best of any Royal Caribbean ship

Calista made it a goal to try all the complimentary food onboard Icon of the Seas.

After a week onboard, she concluded that the ship has the best free food in Royal Caribbean's fleet.

From Mediterranean bowls at the Aquadome Market to breakfast pastries at the Park Café, here are the pros and cons of every complimentary venue she tried.

I planned out 6 years of cruises so I could reach Royal Caribbean's highest loyalty tier

This couple went to extensive lengths to reach the Pinnacle level in Royal Caribbean's customer loyalty program.

The Notarnicolas made a detailed plan to gain these quality benefits.

They used a complex Excel spreadsheet and a host of other tools to track their progress and plan the cruises they needed to take to reach the Pinnacle level.

​​8 cruise ship cabin rules to follow — Plus 1 to break

In:
18 May 2024
By: 
Calista Kiper

Your cruise ship cabin is your "home away from home" during your vacation, but you can't treat it like your real home.

Cabin rules to follow

Cruise staterooms come with essential furniture, a private bathroom, and even a stateroom attendant who will tidy up the area daily.

Your stateroom is meant to be a comfortable, private place to rest and enjoy your cruise.

However, you can’t do just anything you want inside your cabin. There are certain rules you must follow during the length of your stay.

Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean wants its guests to care for the room they have during their stay and respect the crew members onboard.

You should also use careful etiquette to be mindful of other guests around you.

This article will highlight the most important rules you cannot break, and one rule that is okay to bend. Here are 8 rules to always follow during your cruise.

1. No smoking 

no-smoking-sign

Smoking inside the cabin or even on the balcony is a fire hazard.

Royal Caribbean strictly bans guests from smoking or vaping anywhere that is not the designated smoking zone.

While it may seem like you can smoke on your balcony without much risk, ashes could be blown back on another deck of the ship and that poses a major fire hazard.  Plus, ashes going in the ocean is littering.

Cigarette

Fire is actually the biggest danger to a cruise ship! 

Anything with a flame could fall or cling to fabric and should be kept far away from your cruise ship's stateroom.

2. Don’t climb or play on the balcony

Kids on a cruise ship railing

Every once in a while, you’ll see a news story about someone who has fallen overboard on a cruise ship.

But the truth is, most cruise ship railings are actually high enough that someone cannot merely slip and fall overboard.

If someone "falls" off, it's because they're doing something they're not supposed to or are in a place they are not supposed to, such as climbing or playing around on a high balcony.

To avoid tragedies like this, everyone is asked to stay off the railings and avoid climbing on any balconies. 

If you don’t follow this rule, you could be kicked off the ship or even banned from the cruise line. 

Remember that cameras are also on every balcony, so you will definitely get caught.

Take your safety and Royal Caribbean’s warnings seriously.

3. Communicate with your cabin attendant

cabin-attendant

On the first day of your cruise, you will meet your cabin’s stateroom attendant. If you're in a standard cabin, they will ask if you prefer having your room cleaned in the morning or at night. If you're in a suite, you'll have twice-a-day cleaning.

Read more: Why you should get your cruise cabin serviced in the evening instead of the morning

Throughout your cruise, they will be responsible for cleaning the stateroom and taking care of any requests you have.

Don’t be afraid to communicate to them anything you need!

Whether you want ice, need extra towels, want the beds separated, can’t find a hair dryer, or are wondering how any part of the room works, they are there to assist you with any requests.

While gratuities will be charged as part of your cruise fare, consider leaving them a nice tip if you appreciate their service or have special requests.

Read more: 30 Cruise cabin hacks that cruisers love

4. Don’t leave a mess

While your stateroom attendant is there to help, that doesn’t mean that they are your personal maid.

They have other staterooms to service and they deserve your respect.

Out of courtesy, make sure that you don’t leave a huge mess in the room.

Don’t move around furniture or leave out too much clutter. 

Your stateroom attendant needs to be able to get into the room, after all.

Plus, leaving a mess can just stress you out more during a vacation when you’re trying to relax.

5. Use the Do Not Disturb sign for privacy

Royal Caribbean provides a cute do-not-disturb magnet for every stateroom that reads, “sleeping off the adventure.”

If you need privacy at any time, simply stick this outside your room and you will be left alone.

Various deliveries or questions could come to your door anytime, so this is a helpful hack to help you get that peace and quiet.

However, stateroom attendants are not permitted to enter the room while you have this up, so don’t forget to take it down when you leave!

Read more: 15 Things To Do As Soon as You Get to Your Cruise Cabin

6. Don’t throw anything overboard

Cruise ships are committed to protecting the environment and the marine wildlife around them.

Because of this, there are strict rules against throwing anything overboard and into the ocean.

While some people think that it’s okay to send food or trash flying overboard, think again.

Don’t throw anything off the balcony or into the ocean, and especially don’t feed the sea animals!

JS balcony

If you’ve ever heard the quote, “Take only memories, leave nothing but footprints,” this applies to a sea vacation as well.

Keep your arms, feet, and items inside the cruise ship.

Read more: I tried the best inside cruise ship cabin hacks to see how well they worked

7. Don’t flush things down the toilet 

You should only be flushing toilet paper down the cruise ship toilets.

Cruise ship plumbing is very sensitive and can be easily clogged by tampons, wipes, double-ply toilet paper, or any other items.

Not only that but the plumbing is also connected between all the cabins. This means that if you back up your toilet, other passengers will also experience issues.

Be considerate, and put everything else in the trash can.

Read more: Where does the poop go on a cruise ship?

8. Be considerate of noise in the hallways

Not only should you be respectful inside your stateroom, but you should also be considerate when walking to and from your cabin.

Keep the noise down in the hallways, don’t leave a mess, and don’t run or jump around.

We’re all on vacation and understand that it can be fun and exciting. But you should still remember that there are others around, and they may be resting, sleeping, or just not wanting to hear your noise.

Keep it down in the hallways, and rejoice once you’re inside your stateroom with the door closed.

1. One rule you can break: You don’t have to stay in the room you booked

Did you know you don’t necessarily have to stay in the cabin you booked under your room? Whether you’re visiting friends, or splitting a room with a group, you can switch it up.

This is especially a helpful hack for families with kids who want a little more privacy.

Because only guests over 21 can book a room, you’ll want to book one room under each adult’s name.

Connecting door

But when you get on the cruise ship, you can divide the room up differently.

Maybe you’re traveling with teenagers, who are under 21 but would really like their own space.

Simply book that cabin under an adult’s name, and then let them have the room once onboard.

8 cruise ship cabin rules to follow, plus one to break

I went on Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas. Here are the 7 best things I ate on the ship.

In:
17 May 2024
By: 
Calista Kiper

On my recent Icon of the Seas cruise, I set out to find the best dishes onboard.

Foods to try on Icon of the Seas

Royal Caribbean's newest cruise ship has gained notoriety for its size and innovations.

Along with upgrades in design and amenities, Royal Caribbean made an effort to improve the food onboard as well.

Icon of the Seas has an almost overwhelming variety of food available.

Not only does the ship have over 20 dining venues on board, but each venue also has a large selection of dishes to choose from.

One week certainly wasn't enough time to try it all, but I decided to focus on the complimentary options and find some new favorites.

Here are the top seven free dishes I think everyone should try on Icon of the Seas.

Read more: Icon of the Seas restaurant and dining guide

Sugar cinnamon donuts 

Located at: Park Café

icon-park-cafe-4

Park Café, the only complimentary restaurant located in Central Park, is somewhat of a hidden gem on the Icon of the Seas.

Nestled between the beautiful trees and bushes, this venue serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and I highly recommend checking out their breakfast options.

If you love pastries of any kind, Park Café will have something for you.

Whether you're feeling donuts, muffins, croissants, danishes, or cinnamon rolls, there's a selection of every flavor imaginable.

My personal favorite here was the sugar cinnamon donut—a fluffy, sweet pastry perfect for a small breakfast.

And even though I'm someone who doesn't always love breakfast, I thought the pastries here were light, delicious, and not too sweet!

Avocado tofu salad

Located at: the Main Dining Room

wonder-tofu-salad

This appetizer is usually served on Caribbean night at the Main Dining Room.

It features chilled tofu marinated in honey and soy sauce tossed with plump grape tomatoes, ripe avocados, and white sesame seeds.

I love avocados and soy sauce, so this dish hit the spot. 

The tofu was also well-handled, not too starchy or too mushy.

It's a lovely, refreshing marinated dish that mixes sweet and savory flavors.  

The only complaint I could make about this dish is that it's a little small, but the waitstaff at the Main Dining Room always encourage guests to order more dishes if they desire.

Read more: I ate at every new restaurant on Icon of the Seas and here's how I would rank them

Strip steak

Located at: the Main Dining Room

One of the main reasons I happily eat the complimentary food on a cruise is that the food included in the cruise fare is just so high-quality!

Whenever I order a steak dish at the Main Dining Room, I can't differentiate between it and a meal from the popular, extra-cost Chops Grille.

This strip steak from Icon's Main Dining Room menu comes made to order, and I usually ask for them to cook it medium.

Served with a baked potato, carrots, broccoli, and a creamy side of flavored butter, this meal makes for a hearty, delicious dinner.

Whenever I order this dish, I usually struggle to finish everything!

Mediterranean bowls

Located at: AquaDome Market

aquadome-icon-3

A brand-new food hall on Icon of the Seas, the AquaDome Market has more tasty dishes than I have space to recommend here.

The venue is located at the front of the ship's AquaDome and features five unique stalls of different types of food. 

Crème de la Crèpe serves sweet crèpes, GNGR offers up Asian cuisine, Mac's has various flavors of mac and cheese, Toast and Garden serves sandwiches and salads, and you can find Mediterranean food at Feta.

At Feta, you can select a base (gyro, rice, or lettuce), protein (chicken, pork, or egg), and toppings, and then add sauces to your liking.

The dish is completely adjustable to whatever you prefer, but I quickly learned that I loved creating a chicken bowl with lettuce as my base.

I would top it with onions, tomatoes, and hummus, and end up with a quick, delicious, healthy, and filling meal!

Bacon mac and cheese

Located at: AquaDome Market

Another type of stall at the AquaDome Market, Mac's, exclusively offers different types of mac and cheese. 

You can try multiple different kinds: classic, bacon, chili, broccoli, and pepperoni pizza.

My personal favorite was the bacon flavor: it was a simple yet tasty salty, cheesy mix.

Paired with a glass of lemonade, eating a bowl of this mac and cheese makes you feel like a kid again, enjoying a snack after school.

Hummus snack

Located at: Pearl Café

Pearl Cafe on Icon of the Seas

Another new free venue onboard Icon of the Seas is the Pearl Café.

Located above the Royal Promenade, next to the Pearl art installation, this café is the perfect spot for a grab-and-go snack or drink.

The Café serves complimentary and specialty coffee, juice, soda, snacks, and desserts, all in portable containers.

The desserts were located behind a counter, but the snacks could be found in an open-air fridge, meaning you could just walk up to one and pick out what you liked.

My favorite healthy snack at the Pearl Café is a snack pack filled with hummus, ranch, carrots, celery, and cucumbers.

Read more: The 10 Essential Dishes to Eat on Icon of the Seas

It's the perfect quick bite to eat; whether you're sitting down to enjoy live music in the Promenade or taking it back to your cabin.

While the dessert menu at Pearl Café changed daily, the hummus snack was something I could always expect to be there on every day of the cruise. 

Chicken madras curry

Located at: the Windjammer

icon-windjammer

Royal Caribbean's complimentary buffet was even larger and better on Icon of the Seas.

As someone who loves Asian food, I was glad to see they had distinct sections for both Chinese and Indian cuisine.

I love tasting the Indian food at the Windjammer, and the chicken madras curry was a dish I hadn't seen before stepping onboard Icon.

It's a fragrant, red curry made with paprika and tamarind, which adds a little bit of tang.

As someone who loves spicy food, I did find this dish was pretty mild, and wished they served a hotter version.

However, this does make it more accessible for anyone who can't handle spice but might like to try this dish.

I highly recommend this curry, and I loved pairing it with a cooling yogurt sauce on the side.

Royal Caribbean cruise ship Captain passes away after suffering heart attack

In:
17 May 2024
By: 
Matt Hochberg

It's being widely reported Captain James MacDonald passed away.

Captain James

Cruise ship Captains are a select few, and people that cruise a lot certainly have their favorites based on personality.

On April 30, it was reported from passengers on Harmony of the Seas that Captain MacDonald had to depart the ship in order to seek medical attention in Cozumel, Mexico.

The ship had to make an unscheduled stop in Cozumel, where Captain MacDonald disembarked. Guests were informed via the ship’s public address.

Captain James passing

On Thursday, various reports came that Captain MacDonald had passed away. On Radiance of the Seas, the ship made an announcement and blew the ship's whistle as a mark of respect to Captain MacDonald.

An internal email in the company confirmed the passing of Captain MacDonald while in a hospital in Miami.

Captain James
Photo by Karen Fraser

"A valued team member for 34 years, Capt James was an exceptional leader known for his dedication, expertise, and unwavering commitment to our company. His contributions have left a lasting impact on our team and the company as a whole."

"Over the years he was instrumental in the development of thousands of our crew including many sailing Captains. He was also key to leading our success in Texas cruising where he will be missed by crew and guests alike."

All Royal Caribbean ships will fly their flags at half mast on Friday, May 17 in honor of his passing.

RoyalCaribbeanBlog readers shared photos of the flags at half mast.

Oasis of the Seas

Flag at half mast
Photo by Helle Jensen

Harmony of the Seas

Flag at half mast
Photo by Zack Montrose

Remembering Captain James

Bridge of a cruise ship

Cruisers shared their memories of Captain James across social media, recalling fond memories.

Shirley Arredondo posted on Facebook, "My husband and I sailed with Captain James during Hurricane Harvey on the Liberty of the seas and we absolutely fell in love with him. He was funny and loved to walk around and talk to everybody."

Michael Gould added, "Maybe others will remember this: during his daily announcements, he’d always make a point to say, we’re doing a great job staying healthy, washin’ those hands, keep it up! My wife and I often use that line. I’m in healthcare and she’s a teacher; it’s both useful and always makes us smile about happy memories onboard."

"Captain, thanks for the smooth seas and fond memories. You’ll do a great job watching over the fleet from above."

Liberty of the Seas

Kevin Kuehlwein wrote on Facebook, "Seemed very down to earth and was very good at his job. May he rest in peace."

Doug White shared his memories of him, "Captain James was a special guy; he was the Captain of the Jewel when I became the Mayer, and he had the upmost respect for everyone that he dealt with. I remember a lot of great times with Captain James on the Jewel including gatherings in his cabin for cocktails then going on the bridge to top the evening. He will be sorely missed."

Nicole Pugliese wrote, "This is so sad to hear. We had the privilege of sailing with Captain James on the Liberty and he very quickly became our favorite for his laid back demeanor and great sense of humor."

The Captain from Texas

Liberty of the Seas sailing away from Port Everglades

Most cruisers knew Captain James as representing Texas.  He was quite often in command of ships that were based in Galveston.

He joined Royal Caribbean in 1990 and was the first captain of Radiance of the Seas, Jewel of the Seas, and Brilliance of the Seas.

Most recently Captain James was the Master of Harmony of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas while the ships were based in Texas.

I go on a cruise once a month. New cruisers keep missing out on these 5 underrated things.

In:
16 May 2024
By: 
Matt Hochberg

I go on a Royal Caribbean cruise just about once a month, and it provides me with the privilege of experiencing so many different ways to enjoy a cruise.

Matt cruises on Icon of the Seas

Whether I'm on the newest and biggest cruise ship in the world, or enjoying a classic cruising experience on a smaller, older vessel, it remains my favorite way to travel and see the world.

On any cruise I go on, there's always a majority of cruisers who are brand new to cruising.  Or it's their second or third sailing ever, with large gaps of time between each voyage.

New cruisers are fun to talk to, because I get to see their approach to Royal Caribbean, and what they like to do.  I try especially hard not to have a jaded "been there, done that" attitude towards cruising, and new cruisers reinforce what makes a cruise a fun choice for a vacation.

Read more: 5 things people that cruise a lot would tell first time cruisers if they could

Two cruise ships at CocoCay

But someone new to cruising could easily overlook some of the best activities that are totally underrated.

I thought of five things to do on a cruise that are worth considering that I see newbies missing far too often.

Eating beyond the buffet

icon-park-cafe-2

While I love the cruise ship buffet, there are often so many other great alternatives to explore for breakfast or lunch.

The Windjammer is a staple, and I'll go there at least once every cruise.  But new cruisers often overlook the other choices they have.

Considering the Windjammer can get very busy, it's a good idea to embrace alternatives.  Depending on the ship you're on, there can be other complimentary choices at Solarium Bistro, Aquadome Market, Park Cafe, Sorrento's, or Cafe Promenade.

Solarium Bistro

If your ship has them, my top three alternatives are:

  • Solarium Bistro
  • Aquadome Market
  • Park Cafe

Use the Windjammer as a backup, and try out these other places.  You might find your new favorite restaurant.

Staying onboard in port

Freedom of the Seas pool

If your cruise has a port stop you just cannot find a fun shore excursion that really jumps out at you, consider staying on the ship. On port intensive cruises, a day off from touring may sound like the perfect day.

By staying on the ship, you'll be able to take advantage of a significantly less busy ship.  This is the perfect time to hit the water slides, pools, and hot tubs because there will be barely any other passengers around.

When you choose to sail on one of Royal Caribbean's biggest ships that are packed with so many cool things to do, be sure to make time for them all without the crowds.

Read more: 5 best reasons to stay onboard the ship while in Perfect Day at CocoCay

Pickleball

Pickleball

While I've never played pickleball, it's become a smash hit among veteran cruisers.

Royal Caribbean has been known for offering lots of activities on its ships, and pickleball has joined the ranks of the rock climbing wall, FlowRider, and ice skating.

Pickleball is a paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, ping pong, and badminton. 

Pickleball court

You can find pickleball games ready to go on the ship's sports court in the morning hours. Refer to the Royal Caribbean app for specific hours. There's usually an open play session every morning, where the equipment is provided for you, and it's first-come, first served for court space.

There's no cost to playing pickleball, and it's a fun opportunity to meet other people.

Top Tier event

Top Tier party

This tip is really for someone that has taken a few cruises, but there may be large gaps between sailings. Maybe you went as a kid and are now trying it again as an adult.

If you're at least Platinum tier (30 cruise points) in Royal Caribbean's Crown & Anchor Society, you can on attend the Top Tier event on sailings 5 nights or longer.

At the top tier event, you will get a speech from the Captain, Hotel Director, and Cruise Director, while enjoying a complimentary glass of champagne. They recognize new Pinnacle members and top cruisers onboard.

Top Tier

The free booze is a nice touch, especially if you don't have a drink package.

But the real value in the event is the cruise line takes time to thank you for your patronage, and the speeches by the ship's Captain and Hotel Director can provide interesting anecdotes and insight into what's happening on the ship and within the fleet.

It's a quick event, usually 30 minutes long, and you could leave at any time if you were utterly bored.

Take a behind-the-scenes tour

Bridge of a cruise ship

Royal Caribbean offers behind-the-scenes tours that have an extra cost, but are really worth it.

Referred to as the "All Access Tour", you can book it before your cruise on the Royal Caribbean website.

The All Access Tour is a 2-hour walking tour of many areas of the ship, and costs extra. It's eye opening how much work occurs to keep the ship functional and optimal.

Icon of the Seas galley

You'll visit areas such as the ship's kitchen (referred to as a galley), the bridge, engine room, theater, and more.

This tour showcases how much a ship is more like a floating city than hotel, and it's really interesting to see it all.

Planning a cruise? Start here:

I planned out 6 years of cruises so I could reach Royal Caribbean's highest loyalty tier

In:
16 May 2024
By: 
Calista Kiper

What would you do to reach the top tier of Royal Caribbean's customer loyalty program?

The Crown and Anchor Society is Royal Caribbean's member rewards program, and there are enviable benefits for those at the top.

For every night a cruiser spends onboard a Royal Caribbean ship, they'll gain one point (or double points if they've booked a suite).

The highest level is Pinnacle, and it requires a total of 700 points.

The small percentage of cruisers who reach this level gain a host of attractive benefits.

To gain these benefits, one couple made a detailed plan—complete with an Excel spreadsheet.

They use a spreadsheet and a host of other tools to track their progress and plan the cruises they need to take to reach the Pinnacle level.

Read more: Pathway to Pinnacle: How I reached the top of Royal Caribbean’s Loyalty Program

The Notarnicolas realized early on they were going to take a lot of cruises

Dorothy and Steve Notarnicola took their first Royal Caribbean cruise on Independence of the Seas, in 2016.

They took the cruise as a way to celebrate their older son's graduation and were immediately hooked.

"We realized early on that we love cruising and knew that we were going to be taking cruises a lot in our future."

Onboard Royal Caribbean ships, they've come to love music in the Pub and Schooner Bar.

Schooner Bar on Enchantment of the Seas

The family appreciates any venues "where we can engage 'cruise brain,' have a cocktail, and relax."

Neither of them grew up cruising, but Steve had some experience on big ships as a Surface Warfare Officer in the United States Navy.

Read more: After 68 cruises, I'm about to reach the top tier of Royal Caribbean’s Crown & Anchor Society: here’s what being a Pinnacle member means

The Pinnacle level became their ultimate goal

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The Notarnicolas are very goal-oriented and want to enjoy all the benefits of the Crown and Anchor Society.

The Pinnacle level includes the following benefits:

  • Priority check-in at the pier
  • Concierge Club access for complimentary continental breakfast, evening drinks, and hors d'oeuvres
  • Reserved seating at shows in the main theater, AquaTheater, Studio B, and Two70
  • Priority departure at the end of the cruise
  • Exclusive access to the Pinnacle Lounge
  • Complimentary specialty dining experience for two
  • Exclusive behind-the-scenes tours
  • Exclusive Pinnacle Club cocktail reception with senior ship officers
  • Complimentary 7-night cruise for two in a balcony stateroom, available once you reach 700 cruise points
  • Personalized milestone recognition gifts
  • Priority waitlist for shore excursions and spa appointments
  • Complimentary VOOM Internet package
  • Access to a dedicated Loyalty Call Center
Icon-Suite-Neighborhood-21-Coastal-Kitchen

Read more: Royal Caribbean adds new benefit for Pinnacle Club members

The Notarnicolas especially love breakfast in Chops Grille every morning, spending time in the Suite Lounge/Concierge Club, and dining at Coastal Kitchen.

Additionally, since Steve works as an operations analyst and Dorothy as a librarian, having early embarkation and disembarkation allows them to get to their cruises or back to their jobs quickly, using maximum vacation time.

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The Notarnicolas told us that the Pinnacle members they've met on their cruises are "the most engaging, personable, friendly, and helpful people."

"We just really thought it would be great to join that group."

The Notarnicolas developed a detailed plan to reach the ultimate level of the Crown and Anchor Society

To become part of the Pinnacle membership level, the Notarnicolas came up with a unique plan.

In 2021, they had 33 points and were still at the Platinum level.

That spring, while the pandemic forced cruises to come to a stop, they realized that "getting to Pinnacle might be possible if we planned it out." 

With his experience as an analyst, Steve enjoys figuring out multiple scenarios to achieve a specific result.

Since the family had already been tracking their cruises, building and implementing a plan felt organic for them. 

They planned to book up to ten 3-night weekend cruises and two 7-night cruises throughout 2022 and 2023, all in Junior Suite cabins.

They estimated that booking these cruises would give them a total of 88 points per year.

They started with an Excel spreadsheet with multiple tabs, and finding a quality travel agent.

The spreadsheet tracks every cruise, past or future—the ship, length of the cruise, date, excursions, ports visited, stateroom type, and points earned per night.

They also have a page that projects how many points they'll need to earn per year, and what year they expect to reach Pinnacle.

Their travel agent serves as a helpful "enabler"

As of August 2023, The Notarnicolas had 310 Crown and Anchor points, with 21 more cruises planned.

They project that they will have 508 Crown and Anchor points by March 2025.

"Obviously we’re not there yet, but we are comfortable with our plan," Steve Notarnicolas said.

The Notarnicolas work with Kelley from MEI Travel, who calls herself their "enabler" when it comes to the cruising scheme.

Icon-Sky-Junior-Suite-4

With Kelley's help, they find good deals and fill in any gaps to maximize their cruises.

For example, Kelley helped them rebook a 15-night Transatlantic cruise from a guaranteed balcony to a guaranteed suite stateroom.

Thanks to this change, they ended up gaining double points on the 15-night cruise!

They stay flexible to enjoy different kinds of ships and itineraries

Sun rising in Alaska

With a detailed plan to reach Pinnacle status, the Notarnicolas have a fun but focused way to keep cruising and maximize future benefits.

They also began planning to start a legacy of cruising.

"As our kids start having kids, we really want to introduce and reinforce with them how great cruising is," Steve Notarnicolas said.

It's not all just for the points.

Under the radar Crown and Anchor perks

"We really love cruising with Royal, and as such, we are always open to experiencing new ships and new itineraries."

When the Notarnicolas see group cruises or new ship itineraries that interest them, they're willing to adjust the plan and add another sailing.

They are booked to sail on both Icon of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas in 2024, ships that were launched after they first developed the spreadsheet.

The Notarnicolas offered a few tips for other cruisers who want to reach Pinnacle

For any cruisers who want to try a similar plan (or are simply looking forward to reaching Pinnacle), the Notarnicolas advise enjoying the journey.

"The best advice is to not look at the plan as an absolute," they told us.

"Don't get too focused on points."

They also extended other tips for planning ahead and gaining those extra points.

For example, the Notarnicolas use the Shipmate app to track past cruises as well as upcoming cruises on one single screen.

This helps them find any gaps in their cruise booking schedule, and fit in more sailings.

The Notarnicolas also take advantage of the Club Royal at the Casino, earning benefits and complimentary cruises there.

The Casino Royale has its own loyalty program that offers benefits like discounts, free drinks, and even a free cruise!

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

This has accelerated their Pinnacle Plan by adding even more cruises to the schedule.

What happens when they reach Pinnacle?

The Notarnicolas love cruising with Royal Caribbean and say that they would still be cruising even if there was no Pinnacle level to achieve.

Thus, they look forward to continuing cruising even after they reach this ultimate Crown and Anchor achievement.

They might even have a double Pinnacle plan in the works!

Status or no status, the Notarnicolas aren't going to stop cruising anytime soon.

Royal Caribbean will restart cruises from Baltimore at end of May following bridge collapse

In:
15 May 2024
By: 
Matt Hochberg

Cruises are go for restart in the Port of Baltimore.

Vision of the Seas will restart cruises from Baltimore

The collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore occurred on March 26 when the cargo ship Dali smashed into the bridge. 

The collision brought down the 1.6-mile long steel structure, killed six construction workers on the bridge and severed access to critical shipping routes in and out of the Port of Baltimore.

According to the Port of Baltimore, cruises will be able to resume beginning with a Royal Caribbean ship.

Baltimore social media post

"Get ready…the Port of Baltimore is ready to cruise once again! Royal Caribbean International's Vision of the Seas will depart on May 25th for a fantastic 5-night voyage from Baltimore to Bermuda," is what the port shared on their social media channel on Wednesday.

"This marks the first cruise departing Baltimore since the Key Bridge incident."

The May 25th sailing is a 5-night cruise that spends two days in Bermuda, with a sea day before and after.

Royal Caribbean's Vision of the Seas sails out of Maryland, offering cruises to the Bahamas, Southern Caribbean, Bermuda, and Canada/New England. Other cruise lines, such as Norwegian and Carnival, sail from Baltimore, too. 

What happened to the Key Bridge?

Key Bridge in Baltimore

On March 26, a cargo ship, weighing about 213 million pounds, had lost engine and electrical power shortly before hitting the Francis Scott Key Bridge.

A 24-page report by the National Transportation Safety Board explains the ship had a pair of catastrophic electrical failures minutes before the crash.

According to the report, the two power outages occurred three ships’ lengths from the bridge and were triggered by the tripping of two critical circuit breakers, which caused several pumps required for the ship’s single propeller and its single rudder to stop working. The emergency generator was not configured to power the ship.

Key Bridge collapse

An NTSB preliminary report does not conclude a probable cause. Those findings will be part of a final report that could take investigators up to two years to complete.

Meer moments after the collision, the bridge collapsed, sending vehicles and people into the Patapsco River. Six construction workers who were filling potholes on the bridge were killed in the disaster.

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore indicated the bridge's collapse has had a substantial effect on the region's infrastructure. The wreckage of the bridge has clogged the port, a major shipping channel for the sugar and automotive industries. In addition, the Key Bridge was a critical thoroughfare, with 30,000 commuters relying on it every day.

Officials have vowed to rebuild the bridge – but the exact cost remains unclear. A spokesperson for the Insurance Information Institute has estimated the bridge alone could be worth more than $1.2 billion.

I went on a 7-night cruise to Alaska. Here are 16 things that surprised me the most.

In:
15 May 2024
By: 
Elizabeth Wright

Royal Caribbean's 2024 Alaska cruise season just began, and I took a week-long trip to experience it.

Elizabeth went to Alaska on a cruise

Growing up, my family exclusively cruised to the Caribbean, primarily on Royal Caribbean's Oasis Class. Having matured and wanting to see more of the world, I've started to broaden my horizons, which is why I booked a 7-night cruise to Alaska on Quantum of the Seas! 

Now that I've returned from the trip and settled back into my daily routine, I find myself missing the snow-capped mountains, lush greenery, and crisp air more than I thought I would! It was tough returning home to 75° weather in North Carolina. 

As with any cruise, however, it wasn't without its pros and cons. Here are 16 things that I loved and hated about my Alaska cruise aboard Quantum of the Seas. 

I hated the embarkation process

Quantum-Check-in-Seattle-1

In the past, I've always arrived at the cruise terminal to be greeted by porters ready to assist me with my larger pieces of luggage. This wasn't the case in Seattle. After we got out of our Lyft, we were instructed to step to the side amidst a long line of passengers who had just disembarked. 

After that, there was little instruction regarding where to drop off our bags. One port employee told us to head inside the terminal; however, I thought that seemed strange. Turns out that it was his first day on the job and he wasn't too informed. 

As we made our way back towards the crowd, we saw a ton of suitcases condensed near a kiosk, so we figured that was probably where we needed to go. 

Read more: 30 cruise ship embarkation day do’s and don’ts

Quantum-Check-in-Seattle-2

Rather than have porters readily available, guests checking in must drop their bags off themselves. If you happen to forget your luggage tags— don't worry! There's a kiosk with a port agent available to assist you. It, however, is separate from the line to drop off bags. 

Thankfully, the check-in process inside the terminal was much more organized. We were through security and on the ship in no time, even though we arrived about 45 minutes prior to our scheduled arrival appointment. 

Disembarkation was a complete 180. Though we didn't have a super early flight, we wanted to be off the ship relatively early, as I had to check a bag and didn't know how long the line at the airport would be. Initially, group 15 was estimated to be able to disembark around 8:40am; however, we were called while eating breakfast around 8:05! 

Read more: 15 Royal Caribbean boarding process tips

Quantum-Disembarkation

The only difficult part was figuring out where the rideshare pickup was. We saw one line and learned that it was for a shuttle to the rideshare area. Instead of waiting, we decided to take the short 5-minute walk and were en route to the airport in no time, arriving a little after 9:10am. 

I loved Two70 

Starwater-Two70-Quantum

Having sailed on Celebrity Ascent recently, Two70 reminded me of Eden. The floor-to-ceiling windows made it a great place to take in all of the amazing scenery while staying warm. Plus, guests don't have to leave for lunch, as the Café @ Two70 is just steps away. 

In addition to being a great place to relax, it hosted a lot of ship-sponsored activities, ranging from the sailaway party to Bingo, lectures, dance parties, original production shows, and more. If you're cruising on Quantum, there's a chance you'll visit Two70 at least once!

My dad and I grabbed a light lunch at Café at Two70 a few times throughout the cruise, and we enjoyed listening to a live band one evening after dinner. Starwater, the only show onboard requiring reservations, is also held in Two70, rather than the Royal Theater. 

I hated the virtual balcony

Quantum-Cabin-1

Truthfully, hated is a strong word. I didn't hate my cabin as much as I wished I had splurged on a balcony, especially considering my dad was tagging along. It was his first time staying in an interior room, and though he didn't mind the experience, he wouldn't cruise without a balcony again. 

When sailing somewhere as scenic as Alaska, having a balcony can truly make or break your experience. There were times we wished we had the ability to open up the door and step outside on our personal verandah, rather than getting dressed to sit on the upper decks. 

While I appreciated the virtual balcony more than a standard interior room, as I was able to see whether it was rainy or not before going outside, it's impossible to fully appreciate Alaska's beauty from a screen. 

Read more: I went on a 7-night Alaska cruise and stayed in a windowless cabin for $1,900. Here's what our 166-square-foot room was like

I loved RipCord by iFly

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Royal Caribbean's Quantum Class ships are the only cruise ships in the world to feature a skydiving simulator. On port days, guests can take advantage of a complimentary one-minute flight, while a two-minute session on port days costs around $100 per person. 

Unsure if we'd like the experience or not, my dad and I didn't want to shell out $200 for the RipCord, so we booked an included session while the ship was docked in Icy Strait Point. To be honest, I'm surprised my dad was willing to do it! 

I got the hang of the basics pretty quickly, and while I thought it was a neat thing to do on a ship, I wouldn't have paid for it. There's an iFly center about 20 minutes from my apartment that charges $140 for four flights, which I think is a much better deal. If, however, your schedule allows you to take advantage of the complimentary sessions, I'd recommend giving it a shot! 

I hated the Windjammer

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When it comes to cruise ship buffets, I tend to avoid them. They're usually way too crowded for my liking, and there are higher-quality options elsewhere on the ship. 

Overall, my dad and I agreed that the Windjammer onboard Quantum was probably our least favorite. My dad remarked how the quality of the buffet seemed to have gone downhill since his last cruise onboard Harmony of the Seas in 2018. 

There was only one dish that was particularly good, while everything else was slightly below average, in our opinion. Laksa, a noodle dish that's popular in Southeast Asia, was served one afternoon, and my dad thought it was so delicious he got a second bowl! 

Read more: 11 things you should never do at a cruise ship buffet

I loved sailaway

Quantum-Sailaway-Seattle

Having departed from Florida more times than I can count, bundling up for a chilly sailaway from Seattle was a welcomed change. In fact, since the sailaway party was held in Two70, the top decks were pretty empty.

I had no desire to watch passengers dance while the ship departed Washington, so my dad and I grabbed a drink from the pool bar and watched the skyline disappear. 

Sailing into the mountains was more enjoyable than listening to blasting music, which can be done on any cruise! 

I hated the unorganized shore excursions and long lines to disembark the ship

Alaska-Icy-Strait-Disembark

Our arrival into Icy Strait Point was slightly delayed due to the strong winds that we encountered en route from Seattle. By 12:00pm, passengers were getting a bit angsty, as they were ready to get off the ship. 

The line to get off the vessel snaked through the Royal Esplanade before we were cleared to disembark. Those who arrived after 12:45pm found themselves waiting past the pub. When we were finally cleared, it was almost like a scene from The Hunger Games

The only other disembarkation process I've seen that was more chaotic was on a cruise onboard Carnival Elation when we were waiting to tender to Half Moon Cay. 

Alaska-Excursion-Line-1

The next day, we had a Royal Caribbean-sponsored excursion in Skagway. Our scheduled meeting time at the Royal Theater was 8:15am; however, when we arrived, we found a line that extended into the shopping area. 

As we were checking in, they began instructing passengers to leave the theater and descend to Deck 3, where we'd walk from the front of the ship to the aft's gangway. One passenger was distraught by this, claiming that there should have been a more centralized meeting point. 

As we made our way to the gangway, a mother and daughter tried to leave their cabin, only to be greeted by a hoard of guests! 

I loved the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad, as well as Skagway in general

White-Pass-Skagway-Excursion

After the chaotic disembarkation process in Skagway, we boarded a train car for a three-hour ride along the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway. Though rainy and foggy, we didn't let the weather impact our excitement to ascend 3,000 feet up the summit. 

Everything from the greenery to the blanketing snowfall was pictureworthy. When packing for my Alaska cruise, I didn't expect to see so much snow. In fact, I've never seen that much snow in May! Though I'm sure the pass is equally beautiful in the latter half of the season, the snowfall made it seem more magical. 

I'd recommend sitting by either the front or back of the train car, as you're allowed outside when ascending and descending the mountain. Otherwise, you'll be walking back and forth quite a bit, as the best views were outside, especially when passing through the tunnels and seeing the train car snake around the track. 

Skagway-Alaska

When we arrived back in Skagway, we got off at the depot in town, rather than returning to the cruise terminal. Though we encountered the worst weather of the cruise while docked, we wanted to walk around the quaint town and find some delicious seafood for lunch. 

We stumbled upon the Skagway Brewing Company and decided to give it a shot, especially since my dad loves to try local beer. While the most expensive meal of our trip, coming in at around $200 for two people, it was worth every penny. 

Everything from the fresh crab legs to crab artichoke dip and cajun french fries was delicious! Plus, we had a great conversation with a local employee, who told us that she drives her children two hours into Canada for swim lessons since Skagway doesn't have a pool! 

Read more: Local’s guide of what to do in Juneau, Alaska

I hated Icy Strait Point

Hoonah-Icy-Strait-Point

Again, hate is a strong word. It's hard to truly hate anything on a cruise, especially when sailing somewhere as beautiful as Alaska! 

Icy Strait Point has a lot to offer cruise passengers, from whale-watching tours to the world's largest ZipRider. If, however, you don't thoroughly research the port, you might be left disappointed. 

Looking back, we should have booked a whale-watching excursion in Icy Strait Point, visiting just Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau and having some time to explore the area around the port. Instead, we did both activities in a single day, opting to go off on our own while docked in Icy Strait Point. 

The-Crab-House-Icy-Strait-Point

After a mediocre lunch at the Crab House, we purchased shuttle tickets to the nearby town of Hoonah. 

While it was neat to see how those in remote Alaska live (I can't imagine paying $50 for Kirkland brand K-Cups!), we heard other passengers rave about the excursions they took, whether they were booked through the cruise line or not. 

I loved Sonic Odyssey

Sonic-Odyssey-Quantum

Between Starwater and Sonic Odyssey, I'd recommend the latter in a heartbeat. While I didn't dislike Starwater by any means, it started off much slower. It didn't seem to captivate much of the audience until the female singer began her "Diamonds" cover. 

Sonic Odyssey, however, was interesting before it even began. It was hard to ignore the long harp stings that extended over the lower level of the Royal Theater. 

The Earth Harp was developed by William Close, and, according to our Cruise Director, there are only five individuals capable of playing it, one of which was on our cruise! 

Sonic-Odyssey-Quantum-2

Everything from the talented violinist to the wall of drums was entertaining, and the singers harmonized incredibly well. Truthfully, it was my favorite original production I've ever seen on a cruise ship! 

I hated that the North Star wasn't operational 

Quantum-North-Star

I knew that the North Star was out of commission before I boarded; however, that didn't completely eliminate the disappointment I felt as I passed the gigantic arm while walking on the top decks throughout the sailing. 

Supposedly, the North Star is out of commission for the entirety of the 2024 Alaska season, so those with later sailing dates shouldn't get their hopes up. 

While there are tons of other activities to do, being unable to ride the North Star, an amenity exclusive to Quantum Class ships, was a letdown, especially when sailing through Alaska.

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I bet the views from the unique observation capsule would have been amazing, whether at sea or when docked in port! 

I loved sailing through Endicott Arm

Endicott-Arm-Alaska-Quantum

I'm usually not the most pleasant morning person. Though I prefer mornings to nights, as I'm far more productive when the sun's out versus when it's dark, it takes a lot to get me up early.

However, when we were sailing through Endicott Arm, I only hit snooze once; I wasn't going to miss the breathtaking scenery of the fjords. Thankfully, and I mean THANKFULLY, there was coffee nearby in the Solarium, so I was able to caffeinate moments after leaving my cabin at 5:30am— there was no reason to hang out in the cabin when passing beautiful snow-capped mountains and icebergs. 

It was one of the most memorable mornings of the cruise. Neither my father nor I had seen an iceberg in person before that moment, and though we were only able to get a glimpse of Dawes Glacier, I can see why scenic cruising is just as appealing as thrilling shore excursions in Alaska. 

I hated that we weren't able to get too close to Dawes Glacier

Dawes-Glacier-Alaska

Speaking of Dawes Glacier, we weren't able to get too close due to all the ice. Before the cruise, I knew this was a possibility, as Alaska is just now warming up after the winter. 

Considering that the base fare for our 7-night cruise was just $950 per person, including gratuities, I thought this was a fair compromise. Rather than sailing close to the Glacier, we cruised to Alaska relatively cheaply, putting more money towards add-ons like excursions and specialty restaurants. 

Still, like the North Star, I was optimistic and hoping that my gut feeling would be wrong and that we'd end up being able to approach Dawes Glacier. 

I loved the specialty restaurants onboard

Wonderland-Desserts-Quantum

Overall, I wasn't a fan of the included dining experience on Quantum of the Seas. Though nothing was inedible, there wasn't really anything worth writing home about, either. After two dinners in the Main Dining Room, I was grateful we had decided to pre-book two specialty restaurants, in addition to Jamie's Italian for lunch. 

From the juicy filet mignon at Chops Grille to the decadent desserts at Wonderland and fresh pasta at Jamie's, they were easily the best meals we had onboard. 

Growing up, we'd typically splurge on a single specialty dinner on our vacations; however, as I've matured and begun to cruise frequently without my dad and sister, I've started to appreciate specialty restaurants more. In fact, they're becoming more of a priority, as the main dining experience can become repetitive to frequent cruisers.

Chops-Quantum-3

Out of the three we tried, Jamie's was our least favorite— it's hard to beat perfectly cut steaks, jumbo shrimp cocktails, and the unique experience at Wonderland. 

Read more: How does specialty dining work on Royal Caribbean?

I hated how everything closed on the last evening

Schooner-Bar-Quantum

As we pulled into Victoria, British Columbia, we noticed that the majority of bars began to close. Though we expected certain amenities, namely the casino and onboard shops, to close due to local regulations, I had never seen so many bars closed on the final night of the cruise, especially around 4:30/5:00pm! 

Having spent so much time in the Harp & Horn Pub listening to live music throughout the week, we were upset that the pub didn't reopen until 10:30pm. Knowing we had a long travel day ahead, we didn't feel like waiting, especially since the singer wasn't scheduled to perform. 

Note that if you're planning on doing any gambling, it's important that you check the Cruise Compass for times, as you don't want to miss the last chance to visit the cashier and receive your winnings! 

Quantum-Docked-Victoria-BC

Likewise, those who want to do some last-minute shopping shouldn't bank on hitting up the shops late on the last night. Instead, prioritize purchasing all of your souvenirs early on the last day.

I loved seeing the Northern Lights

Northern-Lights-Quantum

Seeing the Northern Lights is a bucket list item for many, and I was lucky enough to cross it off of mine during my cruise onboard Quantum of the Seas. As we sailed through the Inside Passage, we got a glimpse of the lights thanks to the extreme geomagnetic storm that made its way toward Earth. 

Though friends and family back in the continental United States saw the Nothern Lights, too, they didn't witness them illuminating the snow-capped mountains of Alaska, which was such a unique and once-in-a-lifetime sight. 

They were certainly worth staying up until 2:00am to see, even if I had been awake since 5:15am to take in all of the scenery of the Endicott Arm fjord. 

Read more: Photos of the Northern Lights from cruise ship passengers that dazzle at sea

Iconic band Culture Club will perform on Royal Caribbean's Presidents Cruise

In:
14 May 2024
By: 
Matt Hochberg

Royal Caribbean will have a big musical act for anyone sailing on its annual President's Cruise.

Culture Club

The cruise line hosts a sailing each year where it invites its fans to sail and enjoy a cruise together, along with top executives.

The 2024 President's Cruise is going to be held on the June 23, 2024 Oasis of the Seas sailing from Barcelona, Spain.

It usually hosts a big musical act for one of the many events held onboard, and for the 2024 sailing, the '80s band Culture Club was announced on Tuesday as the top performer.

President's Cruise band

Culture Club is best known for songs such as, "Karma Chameleon", "I'll tumble 4 ya", and  "Do You Really Want to Hurt Me".

Last year's cruise included a live performance by ten-time Grammy winner Chaka Khan. 

They're one of the top bands of the 1980s decade, and have sold more than 50 million records.

President's Cruise flag

On past President's Cruises, the featured musical act performs on one or two occasions in a specific venue. Tickets are given to Top Tier Crown and Anchor Society guests onboard, but the concert is televised to be seen anywhere else on the ship.

The 7-night Western Mediterranean cruise will depart from Barcelona, Spain and visit Palma De Mallorca, Spain; Florence/Pisa (La Spezia), Italy; Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy; and Naples / Capri, Italy. 

What is the President's Cruise?

Oasis of the Seas Presidents Cruise

The President's Cruise is not a charter sailing, but is in fact a a regular sailing that was chosen by the cruise line as its President's Cruise. Anyone can book the cruise, and it's a celebration of Royal Caribbean for its biggest fans.

Michael Bayley

The cruise is hosted by Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley. 

Royal Caribbean's website describes it as, "The annual President’s Cruise is one of the most spectacular Royal Caribbean adventures. Set sail with President & CEO Michael Bayley on a special voyage filled with surprises and unique moments at every turn. We’re talking celebrity guest entertainment, customised shore excursions, exclusive parties, unforgettable events and so much more. No matter where in the world the President’s Cruise takes you, once-in-a-lifetime memories are always on the itinerary."

Essentially, it is a fun celebration of the cruise line for all loyal guests.

President's Cruise event

Additionally, there are usually surprises on the sailing, like giveaways, special events and commemorative opportunities.

Some of the most loyal Royal Caribbean fans can be found onboard President's Cruises, making them a kind of reunion amongst fans. 

What Oasis of the Seas offers

Oasis labadee

Oasis of the Seas is the namesake ship of the Oasis Class, which has held the world record for the largest cruise ships in the world since her inaugural cruise in December 2009. The title for largest cruise ship class in the world will be taken by the highly-anticipated Icon of the Seas in January 2024

Oasis Class ships are some of the best for large family vacations, as they offer an extensive amount of amenities and activities to appeal to travelers of all ages. 

Aquatheater on Harmony of the Seas

She was the first ship in the world to feature interior facing balconies, as well as the beloved neighborhood concept. For the first time, guests could book balconies that overlooked the ship's Boardwalk and Central Park neighborhoods for less than a traditional oceanfront balcony. 

Additionally, she was the first to introduce the one-of-a-kind AquaTheater. Located in the aft of the ship in the Boardwalk neighborhood, this entrainment venue is home to high diving spectaculars the feature dancers, acrobats, and, of course, divers who take the plunge into the deepest pool at sea. 

In 2019, she underwent the cruise line's Royal Amplification program, receiving $165 million in enhancements, including the Ultimate Abyss, Perfect Storm waterslides, upgraded Caribbean-style pool deck, and new dining venues, one of which -- Portside BBQ -- is exclusive to Oasis of the Seas. This specialty restaurant serves a variety of barbecued meats and comfort food.