Royal Caribbean Blog

Royal Caribbean is renowned for building some of the world’s biggest cruise ships over the last three decades. Just last year, the cruise line built the brand-new Icon of the Seas as the largest cruise ship in the world, soon to be followed by her sister-ship Star of the Seas this summer.

I love to cruise, but I prefer booking sailings with unique and interesting itineraries. I also cruise on a budget, normally opting for the cheapest cabins on the smallest, oldest ships. Because Oasis class ships are so massive, the vessels are port restricted and offer limited itineraries to choose from. Not to mention, these massive ships are typically more expensive than other options in the cruise line’s fleet.

Needless to say, I avoided sailing on Royal Caribbean’s biggest ships for many years. The gigantic size didn’t appeal to me, not to mention the itineraries seemed boring compared to other vessels. Instead, I cruised on some of the older vessels or Quantum-class ships with more exciting ports of call.

Last month, my husband and I had the opportunity to cruise with my family and grandparents aboard Utopia of the Seas. The 4-night cruise was modestly priced at $1,400 and included stops in Nassau, Bahamas, and Royal Caribbean’s private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay. It wasn’t the most exciting itinerary, but the dates worked well for us, and we could drive to the port. Utopia of the Seas just debuted in July 2024 - we were excited to sail on Royal Caribbean’s newest ship.

Any cruise is a great vacation, but not everything was perfect during our sailing. There were some aspects of Utopia of the Seas that I loved, while other nuisances were frustrating and disappointing.

Royal Caribbean has a long-time history of building megaships

Beginning in 1988 with Sovereign of the Seas, Royal Caribbean set a precedent for building the world’s largest passenger cruise ships. As the first true megaship in the cruise industry, Sovereign of the Seas revolutionized ship design, more than doubling the size of the cruise line’s earlier vessels and paving the way for the future of cruising.

In 2009, Royal Caribbean built Oasis of the Seas as the first in a new ship class. The 225,282 gross ton cruise ship was 40% bigger than anything the cruise line had built before - it was a monumental achievement.

Oasis of the Seas was the first passenger ship to surpass 220,000 gross tons in terms of size. Royal Caribbean also debuted the first neighborhood concept on Oasis of the Seas, which was meant to make navigation easier onboard the massive vessel. New areas and features included an open-aired Central Park, an aft-facing Boardwalk, the first zip line at sea, and the first-ever aqua amphitheater.

It’s easy to see how Oasis class ships shaped the history of cruise design, forcing competitor cruise lines to build bigger ships too. Today, most of the mainstream cruise lines operate their own 200,000+ GT megaships.

When Oasis of the Seas first debuted, I was only 14 years old and in high school. I wanted so badly to sail on this brand-new ship for our annual family cruise, but the cost was too high. As our family focused more on port-intensive and unique itineraries, our interest in Oasis class ships dried up.

Because of their sheer size, port options are limited, and tendering is impossible for this ship class; therefore, itineraries were repetitive.

It wasn’t until 2018 that I sailed on an Oasis class ship, Allure of the Seas, for the first time. I was blown away by the amenities and state-of-the-art technology. I still have fond memories of watching the Mamma Mia musical!

Later, I sailed Harmony of the Seas in February 2022, right after the pandemic. The ship was sailing at half capacity, so we didn’t need to worry about crowds or lines. This was a skewed experience though, and we greatly enjoyed the quieter ambiance onboard.

Although I’ve cruised over 50 times, I have rarely sailed on an Oasis class ship. My husband and I were excited to cruise on Utopia of the Seas for the first time, which would be my husband’s first time on an Oasis class ship!

To start, the price was quite high for a 4-night cruise

I’m always looking for a good deal when I book my cruises. My husband and I decided only a few months prior that we wanted to join my parents and grandparents on this cruise. While they had booked balcony cabins for $1,300 the year before, we ended up paying $1,500 for an interior cabin.

We don’t mind booking a cheap interior stateroom, but it was disappointing to pay more than my parents. Because Utopia of the Seas is Royal Caribbean’s newer ship, demand drives up the prices.

This means we spent $750 per person for a 4-night cruise, or $187 each night. This includes port fees and gratuities for both of us. We also opted to pay slightly more to select our stateroom location instead of reserving a guaranteed cabin.

Our cabin was thoughtfully designed, and we didn’t mind saving money by booking the cheapest stateroom

Sailing on a brand-new cruise ship means your cabin will be the largest and greatest stateroom design. After sailing on older and smaller ships for quite some time, we appreciated the modern amenities incorporated in this design.

First, the stateroom was spacious and didn’t feel too cramped. We loved having a couch for additional seating - something that other competitor cruise lines have slowly phased out.

The bathroom was also thoughtfully designed. It was apparent that Royal Caribbean reduced the width of the sink and vanity to expand the shower size. My husband and I are both tall, so this extra space made all the difference.

We also noticed how many chargers and outlets were available. The vanity featured a row of outlets and USB ports while the nightstands each had an outlet and USB-C port to use. With so many outlets, I didn’t even need to use my outlet extender.

Our cabin on Deck 9 was also very quiet. Utopia of the Seas is so large that we were situated in a block on interior staterooms towards the back of the ship. The stateroom was surrounded by five other interior cabins! I’m always worried about noisy neighbors, and having many different neighbors could make for a noisy cabin. Luckily, this wasn’t the case for us.

Embarkation day was hectic, and I hated having to make so many reservations

After boarding in Port Canaveral, the first task on our agenda was to make reservations for specialty dining and shows. We attempted to make reservations in the weeks leading up to our cruise, but continued to get errors. The app would show availability, but fail when we attempted to actually book anything.

We had a group of eight people traveling together, which made it more difficult to reserve the headliner shows. My mom beelined for the box office after we made it onboard, and was met with hundreds of other people doing the same.

My husband and I were in charge of reserving specialty dining. With our Diamond Plus benefits, we didn’t want to pay beforehand for a reservation and not receive our BOGO perk. There were few options available for Chops Grille and Giovanni’s, but we secured two reservations that fit our schedule.

Unfortunately, my mom didn’t have much luck with reserving the shows. She waited in a long line without success. Instead, I went on the app and found seats available for all of the late-night shows, including the ice show and diving spectacle.

This was one of my least favorite parts of sailing on an Oasis class ship. With so many people onboard trying to see the same shows, you either need a reservation or you wait in a long standby line. This made me appreciate the smaller vessels where you don’t need to fret about reservations. It’s frustrating to pay thousands of dollars and still worry that you won’t be able to see the headliner production shows.

We also hated dealing with crowds and long lines, especially on embarkation day

The first few hours of a cruise are more hectic, as you need to complete your mandatory safety drill and find your stateroom. When these aren’t available until the afternoon, no one has a place to go, and everyone instead wanders around the ship.

I couldn’t believe the sheer number of people crowding into the promenade and the Windjammer! Of course, going to the buffet on the first day of the cruise is one of the worst things you can do for crowding. Everyone heads up to the Windjammer Buffet for lunch on the first day.

Not to mention, Utopia of the Seas offers fresh lobster for lunch on embarkation day. This only entices people further to visit the buffet instead of utilizing other included venues.

Navigating the crowds and stuffy buffet was my least favorite part of the cruise. We were attempting to find a table for my grandma, who uses a walker, and this was a nightmare. Next time, I would even consider booking a specialty dining option for lunch to avoid the crowds.

Sailing on an Oasis class ship means you’ll have more options for dining, which was a highlight for us

This cruise was a special occasion for our family, as we were celebrating my grandpa’s 90th birthday. After a few months of health scares with him, we didn’t know if he would be able to join this cruise.

Because we were celebrating, we decided to splurge and book two evenings at specialty dining. These for-charge restaurants offer an elevated experience with more attentive service, higher quality food, and fewer crowds.

We booked Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen for the first night, and we received our own private table in the back of the restaurant. This was such a nice surprise, especially considering my grandpa is hard of hearing. It was easy to have a conversation with the quieter ambiance. The two-story venue overlooked the ship’s aft - it was one of the most beautiful specialty dining venues I’ve seen on a ship!

The food was fantastic, too. We gorged on burrata salad, truffle pizza, creamy carbonara, tender filet, and fried Nutella ravioli. This was our favorite meal of the cruise!

The following night, we dined at Chops Grille in Central Park. We rarely book two specialty dining meals on a short cruise, but Utopia of the Seas had so many enticing options that we couldn’t resist!

We greatly enjoyed this meal as well, especially when my grandpa gave a touching toast to the table that brought tears to everyone’s eyes. The service was very attentive, and the ambiance was quiet and intimate.

Finally, we also wanted to try the Mason Jar - which is Royal Caribbean’s first specialty dining option for brunch. My sister raved about her meal here over the summer, so we booked a brunch slot for the last day. Unfortunately, this was our least favorite of the specialty dining experiences.

We enjoyed some of the entrees, such as the gooey cinnamon roll and the southern burger, while others fell flat, including the chicken and waffles. The cocktails were a highlight though, and I would return just to the bar for the craft drinks on the menu!

Considering we paid nearly $50 per person with gratuity, I would skip this restaurant in the future.

Along with specialty restaurants, Utopia of the Seas features a plethora of complimentary restaurants as well. For instance, we enjoyed the fresh Mexican cuisine at El Loco Fresh and breakfast at Johnny Rockets (although dinner and lunch are not included here).

The entertainment was also spectacular and some of the best I’ve seen at sea

In the last few years, it’s been evident that most cruise lines are cutting back on entertainment to save on costs. For instance, Norwegian Cruise Line has cut all of their Broadway shows, while Carnival Cruise Line is relying heavily on game shows for entertainment these days.

I appreciate that Royal Caribbean is still pushing the boundaries and prioritizing entertainment on their newest ships. Two of the standout shows on Utopia of the Seas include Aqua80Too, a high-diving show in the Aquatheatre, and Youtopia, an ice skating spectacle with Olympic-style stunts.

The Aqua80Too show was undoubtedly the highlight, featuring gravity-defying dives, synchronized swimming, and breathtaking performances. The music, production, and overall execution were absolutely spectacular.

The main theatre also features a well-done show called All In. The show incorporated incredible technological effects and lighting, which was memorizing. The music was varied too with some modern hits, which I loved!

My husband and I finished the cruise with a late-night comedian, which is always a lighthearted way to end the night. Both comedians were extremely funny - we laughed so much it brought tears to our eyes!

I loved all of the themed bars and lounges on Utopia of the Seas

Each evening of our cruise, our family gathered before dinner to enjoy happy hour. This is one of my grandpa’s favorite activities of the day — he claims a glass of bourbon each day is his secret to a long life!

There is certainly no shortage of bars or lounges on the ship. In fact, Utopia of the Seas has 23 bars across its various neighborhoods, serving up cocktails, wine, beer, and other spirits. Some of the bars are more exclusive to the brand-new ship, such as the Pesky Parrot, while others are Royal Caribbean staples, like the Schooner Bar.

One of our favorite bars to visit was the Pesky Parrot, which is a new tiki bar specializing in tropical, fruity cocktails with exotic decor. Another favorite spot on the pool deck was the Lime and Coconut bar, where I could enjoy my favorite Lime & Coconut cocktail!

Even with thousands of guests sailing, the bar service was surprisingly fast. We never waited too long for a drink and the bartenders were attentive.

I’m not rushing to book another Oasis class ship, but I would sail again

While we had a great time on our quick getaway cruise with family, my husband and I aren’t in a hurry to book another trip on an Oasis class ship. We still prefer smaller vessels and have recently found ourselves drawn more to Celebrity Cruises. Their Edge class ships strike the perfect balance - innovative, modern, luxurious, and ideally sized - all while sailing to fascinating destinations.

I’m happy to see Royal Caribbean sailing shorter itineraries aboard their newer ships, as most cruise lines used to sail their oldest and smallest ships on these sailings. Royal Caribbean recently announced that most Oasis class ships will be sailing shorter itineraries in the near future!

I would happily book Utopia of the Seas again for a quick getaway cruise, as the ship is more of a destination in itself. There was so much to do, see, and eat that we nearly ran out of time to try it all.

It's going to be easier to skip the crowds with a new shore excursion option from Royal Caribbean.

Royal Caribbean is now offering skip-the-line shore excursions with its Royal Signature Excursion options.

In addition to traditional shore excursions, there are a handful of shore excursions in the Caribbean, Alaska and Europe that come with additional amenities.

These tours could include small group sizes, premium transportation, or elevated food options.

The idea is to not only offer great tours, but add a premium level to them for those that value paying more to enjoy a first class experience.

"From dipping their toes into cliffside hot springs in Santorini to sipping crisp champagne as their catamaran glides through crystal clear Caribbean waters — this is where unforgettable begins," is how Royal Caribbean describes the new offering.

Sights and benefits

In any cruise port a ship visits, there's always a bit of shopping guests do between cruise line excursions and things they can do on their own.

Royal Signature Excursions are a new batch of premium choices that cover three key areas: cultural sights, authentic experiences, and all-star benefits.

These tours seek to immerse you in local culture and are work with third-party operators who know the places, the people, the language and the culture.

The way they intend to make it stand out even more is to offer elite touches such as premium transportation, skip-the-line privileges, insightful local guides, intimate small group sizes, gracious service and more.

You can book these elevated tours now

Here's a list of all the Royal Signature Excursions to try:

Caribbean

• PHILIPSBURG, ST. MAARTEN
  • Orient Beach, Prosecco & Gourmet Lunch
  • Small Group Brewery & Distillery Tasting Tour with Bites
  • St. Maarten Small Group Island Exploration with Lunch
  • Small Group Open Bar Carnival Immersion & Plane Spotting
  • Small Group Johnny Cake Baking Experience & Guavaberry Sips
  • Anguilla and Meads Bay Beach Day: Bubbly & Lunch
  • Catamaran Sail with Champagne Plus Beach Break & Lunch
  • Small Group America’s Cup Sailing Regatta
  • Small Group Foodie Tour: Flavors of St. Maarten
• BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS & NEVIS
  • Taste of St. Kitts: Wine Sampling, Local Treats & Beach
  • St. Kitts: Power Catamaran, Snorkeling & Unlimited Drinks
  • Ultimate Twin Island Catamaran Sail & Sip with Lunch (Nevis & St. Kitts)
• CHARLOTTE AMALIE, ST. THOMAS
  • St. John Beach Escape: Trunk Bay with Snorkeling
  • Ultimate St. John: Kayak & Snorkel
  • St. John by Sea: Catamaran, Champagne & Snorkel
  • Cas Cay Small Group Adventure: Kayak, Hike & Snorkel
  • Flavors of St. Thomas: Small Group Tasting Tour

Alaska

• JUNEAU, ALASKA
  • Small Group Taku Glacier Lodge by Seaplane & 5 Glaciers with Lunch
  • Small Group Mendenhall Glacier Helicopter Ride & Dog Sledding
  • Small Group Helicopter Tour to Juneau Icefield
  • Small Group Kayaking Tour & Alaska Wildlife Whale Watching
  • Small Group Tour of Norris Glacier by Floatplane, Paddle & Hike
  • Small Group Whale Watching on Luxury Yacht
  • Taste of Alaska: Orca Point Lodge, Wildlife Quest & Meal
• ICY STRAIT POINT, ALASKA
  • Epic Whale Watching & Seafood Sampling
  • Ultimate Adventure: Small Group Whale Watching & ZipRider
• SITKA, ALASKA
  • Wildlife & Otter Spotting with Alaskan Canapés
  • Wildlife Expedition Cruise, Homestead Adventure & Treats

Europe

• FLORENCE/PISA (LA SPEZIA), ITALY
  • Truffle Hunting and Tuscan Farmhouse Lunch
  • Architectural Wonder: Pisa Guided Tour & Leaning Tower Climb
  • 3 Town Tour: Paradise Gulf by Land & Sea with Lunch
  • History of Florence: Accademia Gallery, Piazza del Duomo & Lunch
  • Explore Cinque Terre: Three Villages & Italian Lunch
  • Cinque Terre Vineyard: Wine Tasting & Scenic Coastline Drive
  • Small Group Adventure: Cinque Terre Villages & Motorboat Tour with Lunch
  • Gulf of La Spezia by Land & Sea: Portovenere and Lerici Small Group
• NAPLES, ITALY
  • Small Group Pasta Making: Sorrento & Gragnano with Lunch
  • Small Group Day Trip to Pompeii, Positano & Sorrento with Lunch
• ROME (CIVITAVECCHIA), ITALY
  • Rome by Tuk Tuk: Small Group Sightseeing Tour
• MYKONOS, GREECE
  • Farmhouse Wine Tasting & Mykonos Walking Tour
  • Day in Delos: Small Group Tour & Mosaic Workshop with Lunch
  • Small Group Mosaic-Making: Expert Handcrafting Workshop
  • Small Group: Luxe Catamaran Day Trip, Greek Lunch & Aegean Swim
• SANTORINI, GREECE
  • Santorini Catamaran & Swim: Small Group Tour & Lunch
  • Santorini Catamaran & Swim: Red Beach and Hot Springs with Lunch
  • Santorini Small Group Kayaking & Seaside Picnic
  • Thirassia Winery Tasting & Blue-Domed Santorini
  • Unforgettable Wine Tour: Stunning Santorini Views, Tasting & Fira
  • Chill & Savor: Perivolos Beach & Gourmet Lunch

How much do these tours cost?

If all of this sounds wonderful, you can expect premium pricing to go with it.

An upcoming sailing on Oasis of the Seas that visits St. Maarten in October had these prices.  This is to give you an example of ballpark prices:

• Small Group Foodie Tour: Flavors of St. Maarten: $148 (originally $199) per guest
• Small Group America's Cup Sailing Regatta: $103.99 (originally $139) per guest
• Catamaran Sail With Champagne plus Beach Break & Lunch: $125.99 (originally $169) per guest
• Anguilla and Meads Bay Beach Day: Bubbly & Lunch: $433.99 (originally $579) per guest
• St. Maarten Small Group Island Exploration with Lunch: $193.99 (originally $259) per guest
• Small Group Brewery & Distillery Tasting Tour with Bites: $148.99 (originally $199) per guest
• Small Group Open Bar Carnival Immersion & Plane Spotting: $73.99 (originally $99) per guest
• Small Group Johnny Cake Baking Experience & Guavaberry Sips: $95.99 (originally $129) per guest

The discounted prices is a reflection of a pre-cruise sale available at the time of this article's publishing.  It's likely the original price is the onboard price you could expect.

The tours do not list exactly how many people constitute a small group.

How to book a Royal Signature Excursion

You can book any of these tours from the Royal Caribbean Cruise Planner website or the Royal Caribbean app.

There's no difference in booking these tours compared to any other one, with the added filter you can use to find them.

This was a busy week with Royal Caribbean news, and we have a summary of all of the news from this week to make certain you did not miss any of it.

After nearly failing a health inspection, Royal Caribbean made a lot of changes on one of its ships.

Symphony of the Seas scored one point above "unsatisfactory" in a recent CDC inspection, which has raised a few eyebrows.

As a result, sweeping changes were made to address the problems.

Royal Caribbean News

• Alaska Senator pushing to suspend law requiring cruise ships visit Canada
• Royal Caribbean is bringing back a luggage perk its customers loved
• 7 changes to make how you cruise once you hit Diamond status
• 8 tips I swear by to make crowded sea days better
• 5 things you're missing from Royal Caribbean's suite lounge
• How different cabins on Utopia of the Seas compare
• The rules for adding people to your Royal Caribbean cruise
• Try these 9 tricks for better sleep on a cruise ship

New RCB Video: 3 Cruise Excursions to NEVER Book & 3 to BOOK!

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 — 3 Cruise Excursions to NEVER Book & 3 to BOOK! — and don’t forget to subscribe to our channel.

I tried the adults-only beach at CocoCay, but it wasn't worth the cost

Allie bought passes to Hideaway Beach, paying $86.50 each her and her husband to try it out.

While the area was uncrowded, she thought the price was too high for what she was charged.

If timed during a good sale, it could be a great value.  But she thinks it cost her too much.

New ban in Caribbean port is surprising a lot of cruise passengers

Roatan made a new rule the prohibits a popular shore excursion activity.

New regulations have been added to cut down on the “over manipulation of wildlife," including, "carrying and holding animals for exhibition and taking photographs."

This has an impact on shore excursions where guests can interact with monkeys, sloths, and other animals.

The entree worth ordering, according to Reddit

There's all sorts of great food on any Royal Caribbean ship, but the internet thinks one particular dish is the best choice.

Indian food is available at both the Main Dining Room and Windjammer buffet everyday, and it's the top recommendation among various Reddit threads about which foods are best to order.

"The Indian food on the ship was their best food they had!"

Royal Caribbean tries to fix port problem with free bus offer

Traffic has become a real problem in Miami at its cruise terminals, so Royal Caribbean is trying to fix it.

Passengers on upcoming cruises are getting offers from the cruise line for a free bus ride to the airport, even if they already paid for one.

Heavier traffic around the cruise terminal is prompting Royal Caribbean to offer this in an effort to reduce congestion.

Getting to Diamond level in Royal Caribbean's loyalty program literally changed how I enjoy my cruises.

I think Royal Caribbean's Crown & Anchor Society is the best cruise line loyalty program in the industry because of how lucrative it is, especially at the upper tiers.

I made it to Diamond status many years ago, and have since reached Pinnacle Club. The higher the tier, the better the benefits and it's encouraged me to cruise even more.

You don't need to get to Pinnacle to enjoy the best benefits, because Diamond level is the sweet spot for the perks available to guests.

Diamond level requires 80 points, which is about 12 weeklong cruises in a standard cabin. You could get to Diamond faster if you book a suite or cruise solo.

Once you get there, here's what I'd change about cruising to maximize the benefits.

You can possibly skip the drink package

It's incredible that Royal Caribbean gives all of its Diamond members four free drink vouchers per day to use on pretty much any drink.

For a lot of people, this is just enough beverages to warrant not buying a costly drink package.

If you're a casual drinker, or someone that doesn't buy that many alcoholic beverages, relying on your Diamond drinks could be a much better value.

Kids get them too, and it's the reason I've never bought my kids a drink package ever.

While I get six free drinks for being a Pinnacle Club member, I do occasionally still buy the drink package when I can take advantage of a good sale.

Ironically, your Diamond status can actually get you some of the lowest prices on a drink package with some of the recent sales I've seen offered before the cruise begins.

Nonetheless, the Diamond vouchers have saved me a lot of money over the years, and it's easily the top benefit.

Take a free photo souvenir every cruise

Souvenir photos are a great way to capture a memory from a particular trip, and I like getting at least one to have for home.

Because we cruise a lot, we don't take that many onboard photos, but it's still nice to get them on formal night or when there's a good backdrop available.

This is especially important with our kids, as cruises have become milestones in them growing up. Each cruise is kind of like a way to remember a special age or occasion.

Plus, your spouse or partner gets one too, so effectively we get two photos per cruise to take for free.

Strategically use free internet day

Diamond members get one free 24 hour pass of internet access, so you can use that to your advantage.

Never use it on the first day, because by the time your ship leaves port, you still have cellular coverage for most of the day.

Ideally, try to stagger your free day so it's used on a day when you can get the most use of it.  Sea days seem to be the best idea, because I'd hate to be off the ship on a shore excursion when I have internet access.

Just like the photos, your spouse gets a free day too.  Same for kids.  So spreading it out and sharing the login is a good strategy.

Gamble away free money

Whether you're a gambler or not, everyone likes free money.

Diamond members get a few extra dollars to gamble with their freeplay onboard.

Everyone gets a few dollars of free play to use in Royal Caribbean's casino on the first two nights of the cruise. It's enough for just a few spins on a slot machine, but it's true when they say, "you can't win if you don't play".

You never know - you could turn that $6 into hundreds!

Hang out more in the Crown Lounge

Every Royal Caribbean ship has dedicated space just for you, and I'd start going there instead of public lounges.

The Crown Lounge is open to Diamond, Diamond Plus, and Pinnacle Club members. It's open 24 hours a day, with snacks and drink service during certain times.

Most of the day, it's quite empty and it's the perfect place to read, play cards, socialize with friends, or meet cruisers.

There's also a complimentary coffee machine in here that you can use 24 hours a day, and it's a good way to save your Diamond drink vouchers for something else instead of coffee.

Plan cruises around blocks

Some Diamond cruisers will plan out their future sailings in order to time it with a crystal block giveaway.

Once you reach 140 points, you will receive a beautiful crystal block that has the name and photo of your ship.  You will then receive one every 70 points thereafter. 

They are lovely keepsakes, and I use them around the house as bookends, paperweights, and conversation pieces.

It's a good idea to think about your bookings and "do the math" as to when you'll reach every 70 point tier in order to avoid getting the same ship again.

You can now start to cruise with Celebrity

Ironically, reaching Diamond is the perfect time to start cruising with another cruise line.

Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises are sister brands, and thanks to loyalty status matching, this is the right time to dip your toe into this line.

I think Diamond status coincides well with the equivalent status in Captain's Club, and it's a good opportunity to give Celebrity a try.

I've done a few cruises on Celebrity so far, and it's opened up different options and ways to sail.  While I prefer Royal Caribbean, I can appreciate the things Celebrity does better.

Royal Caribbean passengers traveling to Roatán are in for a surprise, as the country of Honduras recently issued stricter guidance about a popular shore excursion. 

Roatán welcomed 1.7 million cruise passengers in 2024, making it the most visited cruise destination in Central America last year. The island is famous for several things, including diving and snorkeling, beautiful beaches, and animal sanctuaries. 

Many cruisers like to visit wildlife rescues while in Honduras, including Victor's Monkey & Sloth Sanctuary, AJ's Monkeys and Sloths, and Daniel Johnson's Monkey & Sloth Hangout. In the past, these sanctuaries were more than a zoo, with interactive opportunities to hold animals like sloths, capuchin monkeys, and macaws. 

Recently, however, Honduras has cracked down on such activities, implementing regulations on animal encounters aimed to prevent the “over manipulation of wildlife," including, "carrying and holding animals for exhibition and taking photographs."

Companies that fail to comply with the new restrictions and rules face intervention by the FTIA (inter-institutional task force against environmental crime), as well as administrative sanctions. 

Cruise passengers with tours booked through Bodden Tours were sent an alert informing them that the popular animal encounters would no longer be available, effective immediately.

"As of March 1, 2025, the Honduran government, through the Wildlife Department of the National Institute for Forest Conservation and Development, Protected Areas and Wildlife (ICF), implemented regulations, which intensified efforts to protect endangered and vulnerable species," the notice reads. 

"These new regulations directly impact our operations at Victor's Monkey & Sloth Sanctuary...At this time, we are unable to offer ANY Sloth-Hugs as of March 14, as we have been informed by authorities that TODAY is the [last day] for these interactions." 

While visitors can no longer hug sloths, the sanctuary assures that guests can still visit the animals and observe them in a hands-off manner.

"You will still be able to enter the animal's habitats for up-close viewing, photos and selfies, but touching or disturbing the sloths will not be permitted. This means that we can no longer offer fuzzy sloth hugs." 

tjcruisers posted on a Royal Caribbean Blog discussion forum that some interactions had been paused before Bodden Tours' update was sent out: 

"We docked at [Roatán] a few days ago and had that excursion booked. Definitely correct, couldn’t hold the sloths but we’re able to be near them. Before going on the tour, the tour company made sure we were aware and made us sign off that that they told us."

Another popular wildlife rescue, AJ's Monkeys and Sloths, claims that they will allow guests to hold sloths a little bit longer. However, the encounters won't be offered after May. 

Read more: Best things to do in Roatán, Honduras cruise port

"It's a bummer as a tourist. But I recognize it's for the better"

Many seem to understand the need for stricter regulations. 

"Honestly if these parks and excursions are leading to animal mistreatment and trafficking I'm 100% on board. Ban them, and prosecute the parks. We've done these things before though, and they all claim to be rescue and/or rehab centers," shared emarkd on a Reddit thread. 

"I did some zip lines with money & sloth at the end while in Roatan. It was fun and I’m glad I got to do it last August, but I’m also glad they’re doing something to control it," added TXJKU4ME.

Others, however, expressed their disappointment over the changes and wished companies would be more upfront about the situation. 

"Whaaaat..... we have an excursion booked at Daniel Johnson's coming up here in a few months, does that mean that's a no-go now?" asked Callec254.

Several-Eagle4141 said, "I’ll admit I’m sad. I had an excellent time with my young son at one of these."

Tom Wrenn went one step further, calling out Daniel Johnson's Monkey & Sloth Hangout on Facebook for not answering questions about the encounters. 

"They won't answer the questions you all keep asking about holding the sloths," he commented on a post about the website's technical difficulties. 

Roatán offers other tours

If you are worried about paying for an animal encounter and being limited to just viewing them, don’t worry: there are plenty of other memorable experiences on the island. 

From zip-lining through lush forests to exploring the underwater world while snorkeling, wild ATV tours, and relaxing all-inclusive beach breaks, Roatán, Honduras, offers a diverse range of activities.

Do not let the new regulations discourage you from finding another tour and making the most of your time in port! The island is beautiful and shouldn't be missed just because wildlife encounters are restricted. 

Read more: I checked out a private island in Honduras —with crystal clear beaches and all-inclusive drinks, it far exceeded my expectations

Royal Caribbean's suite lounge is a reserved area of the ship exclusively for passengers that booked a suite, and it's one of the best perks you get with your stateroom.

I love to spend time in the suite lounge to take advantage of the comfortable seating, snacks throughout the day, and complimentary drinks each day.

Access to the suite lounge is only for those that booked a Grand Suite or higher cabin, as well as Pinnacle Club members on sailings where there are not too many Pinnacle members.

With so much happening on your Royal Caribbean ship, it's easy to overlook the suite lounge, especially given it's usually located away from many of the activities and things happening around the ship.

If you happen to be in a suite that has access to the suite lounge, there are five good reasons to stop in each day.

There are three servings of snacks per day

You won't run out of food on a cruise ship, and there's even more waiting for you in the lounge.

Each day there's an assortment of quick bits offered during select hours.  Essentially, there's a breakfast, lunch, and dinner offering.

You won't get a meal, but it's usually something quick and easy for something to tide you over.  It's great for when you get back on the ship or are about to leave and need something quick.

I think the evening hor d'oeuvres are the best option, with various hot items along with fruits, salad, and desserts.

In the morning, there's a few pastries to choose from.  If your cabin is nearby, it might be easier to pop in for something here than going down to Cafe Promenade.

The coffee machine

Speaking of food, I love the complimentary coffee machine they have in the suite lounge.

Each suite lounge has a self-service coffee and espresso maker that you can use 24 hours per day.

Just like the snacks, it's so convenient to have this. Plus, it might save you money as you won't have to pay for an espresso at one of the coffee shops around the ship.

And because it's available 24 hours, you're never too early or too late to get a cup.

The suite concierge offers personalized assistance

Probably my favorite benefit of the suite lounge is the suite concierge, and so few people take advantage of what they offer.

Think of the concierge like your own version of Guest Services, but without the long lines.

Even before your cruise begins, the concierge will email you to welcome you onboard and you can send them any pre-cruise requests you might have.  Dining reservations, cabana location requests, or bedding changes are all things they can assist with.

If you're trying to get into something sold out, they can be a great resource in assisting as well.

I recommend going to the suite lounge on the first day and introducing yourself to them so you can put a face to the name and let them know of any requests you have.

Even if you have nothing special to ask for, they're a friendly face and I've had really interesting conversations about the ship, ports, and fun stories.

During your cruise if you run into any issue, including billing problems, the concierge can help fix all of it for you.

The suite lounge has a full-service bar

Perhaps the top value you can get from booking a suite are the free drinks in the lounge each night.

Depending on the ship you're sailing on, there are select hours when you can order complimentary sodas, beers, wine, and alcoholic cocktails.

The Oasis, Quantum, and Icon Class ships have beer and wine from 11am to 11pm, and then a full bar happy hour in the evening. Other ships just have a happy hour between 5-8pm (or around those times).

Given that the drinks in the lounge are complimentary and there's no limit, for a lot of people it can work in lieu of a drink package purchase.

Some suite lounges have an actual bar, while all of them have waiter service too.

A beautiful view

Even when there's no food or drinks to enjoy, I love going up to the suite lounge for the views.

Because chairs with a view can get quite crowded (especially around the pool), it's nice to grab a book, iPhone, or magazine and head up to the suite lounge to take in the views around you.

Every lounge has large windows, and you can pull the comfortable chairs right up to them and enjoy a great view with plenty of air conditioning.

Spring break is one of the most popular times of year to take a family cruise vacation. Kids are out of school, and it's not too hot and humid in the Caribbean yet.

This year, I'm taking my kids back on a spring break cruise on we're sailing for a week on Icon of the Seas, the biggest cruise ship in the world. That big size means there will be thousands of other passengers with us, as the ship can handle up to 7,000 passengers if they sell every bed onboard.

Even though it's spring break, you won't find the Panama City Beach vibe that would be reminiscent of "MTV Spring Break" in the past.  Royal Caribbean is a family cruise line, and while there are going to be thousands of kids, it won't be as crazy as you might otherwise assume.

Nonetheless, spring break cruises are not only going to be sold out, but quite busy. And with the great weather, there's going to be competition onboard and onshore for all the fun.

Here are some of the tips I've used to navigate the unavoidable crowds on a spring break cruise.

Take advantage of being early or late

One my top tips for crowds on any cruise is to avoid peak times for the things you want to do.

You'll find any Royal Caribbean ship is much quieter early in the morning and late at night, especially around the pool deck.

There's a definite flow to passengers and where they go throughout the day.  The Royal Promenade is usually quiet in the daytime, but gets busy at night.  The pool deck inversely is busy in the afternoon but deserted at night.

It's best to head to the pool or hot tubs early in the morning to beat the crowds that will descend later. If you can get to the pool before 9am to get a chair, you'll find plenty of choices.

Don't overlook the pool at night. Once 4pm hits, the pool starts to clear out with everyone going to dinner.

Thanks to daylight saving time, the sun is out longer and you can still get a few hours of fun in the sun in the pool with significantly less people around.  Or, just go for a night swim and enjoy a nearly empty pool or hot tub.

The fitness center is best to hit up in the afternoon or evening.  It seems everyone wants to get their morning workout in, so either go extremely early or wait them out and go later in the day when crowds are thinner.

This early or late strategy works at the Windjammer buffet too.

Try to go right when it opens in the morning, or later in the dining period to avoid long lines.

Use Royal Caribbean's app to pre-reserve

If it all possible, pre-book everything you need before the cruise begins.

The Royal Caribbean app allows you to book shows, dining, excursions, and more before the cruise begins.

On its biggest ships, being able to book show times and assure yourself of a spot is paramount. 

You can use the app to book dining and entertainment in advance so you don't miss out on popular experiences.

Pick less crowded alternatives to eat

Crowds for meals can be avoided if you're willing to eat at different places.

The peak times for meals on any ship are:

• Breakfast: 9-10:30 AM
• Lunch: 12-1 PM
• Dinner: 6-7:30 PM

Most ships have good alternatives that go beyond the buffet or Main Dining Room.

On Icon of the Seas, I'm planning to take advantage of a few great venues.  Aquadome Market is the food hall and it's legitimately one of my favorite places to eat on a cruise ship.  The Mediterranean stall is my go-to snack spot.

Then there are great grab-and-go packaged snacks at Pearl Cafe that my kids will eat, and I like taking them up to the pool deck too.

If you need your morning coffee, go to Rye and Bean instead of Pearl Cafe for a much shorter line.

On other Royal Caribbean ships, similar alternative venues include Solarium Bistro, Park Cafe, or Cafe@Two70.

Try the water slides on a port day

Easily the most popular activity on your cruise ship during a spring break cruise will be the water slides.

Instead of waiting in a gargantuan line, I'd recommend picking a port day to hit the slides.

Either identify a day you'll stay on the ship instead of doing a shore excursion, or make shore excursion plans that get you back onboard early and you'll find the lines much shorter for the water slides.

Icon of the Seas has a massive 6 slide waterpark onboard, and my kids will definitely want to hit that up at some point.  If they want dad to come along, it won't be on a sea day.

If your port day plans are already slammed, try to go when people are at dinner as an alternative. The pool deck clears out closer to 5pm.

Plan shore excursions wisely

The spring break crowds will extend to the places your ship visits too, as this is the peak of the Caribbean cruise season with many ships in port.

You'll want to pre-book shore excursions prior to ever stepping foot on your ship. Tours and day passes sell out, so don't leave it to the last minute.

Speaking of tours, I'd recommend researching private or small-group excursions so you can find options that won't be oversold.

If exploring a port on your own, leave early to beat the rush or wait until later when crowds start to thin out.

Piggybacking on the water slide tip earlier, don't be afraid to skip an excursion and stay on the ship instead. Staying on the ship during port days allows you to enjoy amenities with fewer people around.

Book a longer cruise if you want less kids

If you're looking to take a spring break cruise and want to lessen the amount of families onboard, I'd look at a longer sailing.

Royal Caribbean has always been a family cruise line, so there's going to be a lot of kids on any cruise. But there are less on longer voyages.

Certainly any cruise less than 6 nights will have many more families onboard.  In fact, the 4-night Bahamas cruises are typically the ones college kids book.

So try a 7-night or longer sailing to lessen the college party factor.

If you can find something even longer than 7 nights, you'll probably see a shift in the age demographic to something older.

Seek chairs near the ocean, away from the pool

I think a lot of people will say they want to have a view of the ocean, a gentle breeze, and somewhere to sit, and it does not need to be at the pool.

There are great spots with few crowds around the ship, if you know where to look.

On Icon of the Seas, there is fabulous seating outside of the 1400 Bar on the promenade deck.

Many Royal Caribbean ships have chairs on the outdoor deck that's on deck 4 or 5 and if you see more than five people here, that's a lot.

If you still want to be near the pool, I'd recommend chairs on the upper pool deck.

Every Royal Caribbean ship has two decks to the pool area, and the upper deck is always less crowded.  Moreover, if you walk further back or forward, there's many more chairs.

These are great spots to read, take a nap, or enjoy the ocean air.

Throw money at the problem and book a suite

I'm not going to lie, sometimes money solves problems, and the suite perks could be your ticket to less crowds.

Suites will cost much more than a standard cabin, but they get you priority boarding and access to reserved areas other passengers cannot go.

This is so helpful with the pool deck, as there's reserved seating in the suite area on Royal Caribbean ships.  While you will have to still compete with your fellow suite guests, there's far fewer of them.

On the big ships, there's an exclusive restaurant, Coastal Kitchen, which will ensure you don't have to battle the crowds for meals elsewhere on the ship.

To be clear, you don't have to spend thousands more in order to have less crowds.  It's simply an "easy button" if you have the means for it.

Amidst the ongoing trade war between the United States and Canada, one U.S. Senator threatened to have cruise ships skip Canada when cruising to Alaska. 

Historically, Alaska cruises sailing round-trip from the U.S. have had to call at a Canadian port to satisfy the Passenger Vessel Service Act (PVSA) of 1886, which requires foreign-flagged cruise ships to visit a foreign port if sailing a closed-loop cruise from the United States.

Alaska’s U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan claimed he'd propose an amendment to the PVSA after British Columbia Premier David Eby said he'd introduce legislation to place tolls on Alaska-bound commercial trucks. 

“I’m here to share that we will be introducing a new law in the coming days to respond to this historic challenge: unprecedented legislation. It will include such countermeasures as allowing the province to apply fees to commercial trucks that transit through British Columbia on their way to Alaska,” Eby said speaking at the Legislative Assembly building in Victoria. 

As a result, Sullivan said Congress could pass a law exempting cruise ships from the required stop in Canada when sailing from the Lower 48 to Alaska. 

Alternatively, he could seek an exemption by executive order issued by President Trump. Either way, Sullivan claimed the impact on Canada's economy could be in the "billions."

“You know, Canada, you don’t want to mess with Alaska,” Sullivan added, “If you do, we’re going to work hard on having our cruise ships bypass your ports, and that’ll help our economy tremendously, it’ll help our tourism industry tremendously, and it’ll really hurt their tourism.”

Currently, cruise ships that depart from U.S. ports like Seattle often call at Victoria on the final evening of the cruise before making their way back to Washington. 

For example, a round-trip Alaska cruise on Anthem of the Seas may depart from Seattle and visit Sitka, Skagway, and Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier before making its way to Victoria. 

This new exemption would mean that cruise ships no longer have to visit Canada on voyages from the U.S. Instead, they could potentially adjust their itineraries to include additional stops in Alaska or spend more time offering scenic cruising at glaciers. 

Read more: I’ve been on 5 Alaska cruises, and one itinerary was far better than the rest

If Sullivan's threats are successful, it wouldn't be the first time the United States passed an exemption

In 2021, Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) introduced a new bill to repeal and reform the PVSA. The Alaska Tourism Restoration Act (ATRA) was signed into law in May but was only temporary and applied just to 2021 cruises.

Before the act went into effect, Canada banned cruise ships from entering their waters due to the global pandemic. As such, Alaska cruises from the United States—such as Seattle or San Francisco—were impossible. 

U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) tried to make the change permanent, arguing that the requirement "unintentionally put many Alaskan businesses at the mercy of the Canadian government."

The Cruising for Alaska’s Workforce Act would have allowed any ship carrying more than 1,000 passengers to transport passengers between a port in Alaska and another port in the United States, directly or by way of a foreign port.

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

I’ve cruised around the world, but one of my favorite ports of call is Royal Caribbean’s private island in the Bahamas. The cruise line’s renowned Perfect Day at CocoCay is one of the most popular destinations in Royal Caribbean’s portfolio.

With access to pristine beaches, freshwater pools, sun loungers, swim-up bars, and more, you can enjoy a perfect beach day. I probably visit Perfect Day at CocoCay once a year, as I live in Florida and cruise often.

Like many guests, I am drawn to the private island for its safety, convenience, and all-inclusive experience. For instance, your onboard drink package and loyalty drink vouchers can be used ashore at CocoCay - a favorite perk for many.

In January 2024, Royal Caribbean expanded its private island with a new adult-only section called Hideaway Beach. The entire section is kid-free and offers impressive amenities for cruisers to enjoy throughout the day.

However, you need to purchase a pass to Hideaway Beach if you want to spend the day here. The cost of entrance varies depending on demand, but prices can be as high as $99 per person for admission.

I spent the day at Royal Caribbean’s new adults-only oasis on my recent cruise. We had a lot of fun, but I’m not sure the cost we paid was worthwhile

To start, we paid more for our day pass than others in our travel party because we booked later

My husband and I decided a few months ago that we wanted to join my family on a 4-night cruise. We would be cruising with my parents, grandparents, aunt, and uncle for this sailing. The short itinerary was aboard Utopia of the Seas, which is Royal Caribbean’s newest cruise ship and latest Oasis class ship.

On the quick itinerary, one of our two ports of call included a visit to Perfect Day at CocoCay. Everyone else in our travel group had already booked Hideaway Beach a few months before we even decided to join the cruise.

When I went to book our admission, the cost was more than I expected! Although they paid $30 each for their passes to Hideaway Beach, we paid more than double for our admission.

My husband and I ended up paying $173 for both of us to spend the day there, which is on the higher end at $86.50 each. We had a $50 onboard credit, which we used to bring down the price. This brought the cost down to $123, or $61.50 each.

With two ships scheduled to be in port this day, the island would have thousands of visitors. Hideaway Beach only has a capacity for about 1,800 guests. This ensures a more exclusive experience across the more than one acre of beachfront property. All guests need to be 18 years or older to visit Hideaway Beach.

Admission to Hideaway Beach includes access to the freshwater pool, swim-up bar, and beach. You can also utilize resort-style loungers, umbrellas, and in-water hammocks. Food is also included as a step above what you can access elsewhere on CocoCay, with options from Hideaway Hut and Slice of Paradise.

After stepping off the ship, we took the tram to Hideaway Beach for convenience, as it was our first time visiting

Once we arrived at Perfect Day, we followed signs to Hideaway Beach. We were traveling with my elderly grandparents, so we appreciated the quick access to this tram. In addition, we weren’t exactly sure where to go as first-timers.

We boarded the tram in a small waiting area before making our way to the entrance of Hideaway Beach. The drive was very short, probably under two minutes. I would guess it's around a five-minute walk along a sandy path.

To enter Hideaway Beach, you simply scan your SeaPass card. Reaching the adults-only area was a breeze between the signage, tram service, and quick entrance with your cruise card.

We made our way to the heated pool first and grabbed a refreshing cocktail from the swim-up bar

Upon entering Hideaway Beach, my grandparents took a break from walking to sit under the large shaded area. There were multiple places to rest, including a large wooden bench, along with padded couches, chairs, and tables. Those looking for shade would appreciate being able to overlook the pool, palm trees, ocean, and swim-up bar.

We headed straight for the swim-up bar, Hideaway Bar, and immediately appreciated the heated water. It was refreshing, but not too warm. I opted for a Bahama Mama cocktail first, utilizing one of my free daily Diamond Plus drink vouchers, while my husband ordered a piña colada.

The DJ was already playing party tunes, creating a lively atmosphere in the pool. My husband and I liked the party music, but my parents and grandparents found the music to be a little loud for their liking.

Surrounding the pool, there were plenty of in-water loungers and a few daybeds, which are first come first serve. Supposedly, these are hot commodities and only the first few visitors to Hideaway Beach are able to score these coveted seats.

For those who want something more private, you can also rent two different kinds of cabanas. The Hideaway Cabanas are located near the pool, while the Hideout Cabanas are more VIP and exclusive with their own private pool. There are 10 cabanas available for each section that accommodate up to six guests each. I didn’t feel the need to spend more money, as these cost anywhere from $899 to $2,699.

The heated infinity pool was stunning as it overlooked the pristine beach and ocean. We spent plenty of time taking in the view of the sea while enjoying drinks from the swim-up bar and listening to the party music.

Next, we relaxed at On the Rocks, an open-air bar offering a perfect retreat with stunning ocean views

Situated along the rocky shore of the island is Hideaway Beach’s newest bar, On the Rocks. The vibrant bar featured live musicians playing beach tunes throughout the afternoon, which we enjoyed while relaxing in comfortable, padded chairs.

My grandparents especially appreciated the al fresco bar, as they could see the ocean and listen to the live music comfortably. You could also play games if you wanted, including pool and shuffleboard.

On the Rocks was surprisingly quiet with few lines, allowing for quick bar service. The coconut mojito was perfectly mixed here! Because we scored a table large enough for everyone to relax comfortably, this was our home base for the rest of the day. Considering the sand would be too difficult for my grandparents to navigate, this was a great area for those with mobility concerns.

Hideaway Beach has plenty of beach loungers and umbrellas available, but many were unused during our visit

Most of the Hideaway Beach guests opted to spend their day in the heated pool rather than the beach. The adults-only area features its own beach with a shallow lagoon, which looked relatively calm thanks to the cove shape.

The beach runs along the entirety of Hideaway Beach, and it’s easily one of the largest beaches at CocoCay. Because we visited in February, the ocean water was cooler. As Floridians, the ocean was too chilly for us to swim comfortably. However, that didn’t stop others from floating, swimming, and relaxing in the ocean water.

There are many resort-style loungers and umbrellas along the shore of the beach, although many of them were unused. There were also in-water hammocks and swings on the far end of the beach, which we didn’t get the opportunity to use. However, my mom used one of the hammocks last year and flipped over almost instantaneously, so I was hesitant to try it myself!

Surrounding the beach were hundreds of loungers and umbrellas. I assume these are busier during the summer months when the ocean water is warmer. During our visit, the umbrellas and beach chairs were largely unused by guests. There was no shortage of chairs, and I can’t imagine anyone would need to fight for chairs.

Access to Hideaway Beach includes upgraded dining options, including ceviche and coconut shrimp

Food is already included when visiting Perfect Day at CocoCay, with a variety of eateries and Snack Shacks located across the island, serving hot, fresh, and fast meals. At Hideaway Beach, guests have access to all the standard dining options, along with a selection of exclusive new menu items.

Two restaurants are included in the admission to Hideaway Beach, including Hideaway Hut and Slice of Paradise. One of the highlights of visiting Hideaway Beach is the access to coconut shrimp, fish sandwiches, ceviche, and pizza! Because there isn’t pizza available elsewhere on the island, this is an exciting addition.

My husband said the coconut shrimp was fantastic; he loved it so much, he had 20 shrimps throughout the day! The pizza was nothing special, and we thought Sorrento’s onboard was better. Slice of Paradise also serves empanadas, which we didn’t try.

I don’t eat seafood, so most of these upgraded food options were not appealing to me. I opted for the crispy chicken sandwich with a side of basil mayo and crispy French fries. Of course, I also had to get a side of mozzarella sticks, one of my favorite items at CocoCay!

For dessert, we tried the caramel brownie and funnel cake. It’s not every day that you have unlimited access to fresh funnel cakes - and it did not disappoint. The caramel brownie was also fantastically fudgy, dense, and chocolatey.

We all appreciated the convenience of clean facilities and amenities offered at Hideaway Beach, too

While spending the entire day at Hideaway Beach, I was particularly impressed by the facilities and amenities offered throughout. No one likes using the bathroom after swimming in a pool, but it’s an inevitable stop you’ll need to make during the day.

I was somewhat dreading needing to use a public bathroom on the beach, but I was assured the bathrooms were well maintained. In this way, I was impressed by the facilities and cleanliness of the bathrooms available. They were also easy to access from On The Rocks along a paved path, which we appreciated for our elderly grandparents.

Ice water stations were readily available near the Hideaway Hut, allowing you to stay hydrated easily throughout the day. Ice cream machines were also accessible in this area, with an attendant serving up the cones throughout the day. It’s not self-serve, but you can get as much as you want.

Complimentary lockers to store your belongings are available for guests to use, along with outdoor freshwater showers to rinse off.

I liked trying something new, but I’m not sure Hideaway Beach was worth the cost

Having visited Perfect Day at CocoCay multiple times, I was eager to check out the new adults-only Hideaway Beach. My parents and sister had already experienced it and couldn’t stop raving about it.

Since we don’t have kids, it was a refreshing change to enjoy a child-free retreat, especially with so many families sailing aboard Utopia of the Seas. The entire area feels more exclusive than the rest of the island. I normally spend my days at CocoCay lounging in the Oasis Lagoon and swim-up bar, which can get crowded quickly.

There were more people in Hideaway Beach than I had anticipated, but it didn’t feel crowded or cramped. We found seating easily without worrying about chair logs — a welcomed change for sure!

However, I’m not convinced that Hideaway Beach is worth paying over $100 per person. My seafood-loving family members felt they got their money’s worth with the coconut shrimp, but since I stuck to the standard food options, the value wasn’t as obvious for me.

Trying something new was fun, especially when my family members were already planning to spend the day here. We didn’t want to be the only ones who didn’t visit Hideaway Beach, so we will treasure the memories with my family. In addition, my grandparents were able to maneuver the island easily with their walkers on paved walkways, which was worthwhile.

In the future, I’m not sure I would book a pass to Hideaway Beach. If the price was closer to $30 per person, this could be worth it. However, I think there are plenty of complimentary amenities and places to spend the day at CocoCay to enjoy your day.

I've cruised seven times so far on Royal Caribbean's Utopia of the Seas, and that's afforded me the chance to try a few kinds of rooms.

The most common type of room I booked was an oceanview balcony because they give me extra living space, a private veranda, and they're not nearly as expensive as a suite.

I also got to try three different suites, which are some of the biggest rooms you can enjoy on a cruise ship.

Suites are expensive, but they're unlike traditional cabins because of how much extra space they have and better perks too.

Here's how the spaces stacked up on the newest ship in the fleet — and which cruise room I liked best for its excellent value.

I stayed in balcony cabins because they were priced well

No matter which ship you're sailing on, it's hard to go wrong with a balcony cabin for the space and price balance it provides.

I stayed in a balcony cabin on three different cruises, including the first voyage I went on even before the ship launched as part of a media event that Royal Caribbean invited me to.

I then subsequently stayed in balcony cabins on two other sailings, including most recently in a connecting oceanview balcony when we booked two of them with my kids.

One advantage of sailing on a new ship like Utopia is you have modern decor and plenty of connectivity. It's such a relief to have USB and power outlets on both sides of the bed, as well as around the cabin.

While bringing a USB hub with you is a great cabin hack, it's probably unnecessary on a ship like Utopia.

I'm also impressed by how much storage space there is in this cabin.  

My wife and I each had our own giant closet, and there was still a set of drawers and other places to put our belongings.  More than enough space for a weekend cruise.

The price of a balcony cabin for two people on Utopia of the Seas for a 3-night cruise ranged between $1700 and $2000, depending on how in-demand that sailing was.  While that price is significantly more than a balcony cabin on an older ship that is on a longer sailing, the reality is you're paying a higher price to enjoy the very best Royal Caribbean has to offer around the ship.

Of course, the best thing about a balcony cabin is the actual balcony itself!

My wife and I love to go out here for sailaway and enjoy the views without competing for a spot on the pool deck. Plus, it's quieter too.

She prefers a balcony as a quiet reading spot on sea days, and there's enough room for the two chairs they provide to make it feel quite cozy.

When our kids were younger, it was so nice having that extra space for them.  

Ultimately, I still think a balcony is the best value you'll find on any cruise ship because of the space you get compared to what you paid.

It's usually not much more money to upgrade from an interior cabin to a balcony, and I really like the fresh air and views you get with a balcony.

An inside cabin was spacious and comfortable

Inside rooms are the most cost effective cabin you book, and our writer Allie just sailed in one of the smallest cabins on Utopia.

With an inside room, you're usually getting the lowest price and that's exactly why Allie chose this room. It cost just $1,539 for two people on a 4-night cruise.

Located near the aft of the ship, this room may have been the least expensive cabin, but there was enough size for two people to share it. Even without natural light, the stateroom didn’t feel dark or cramped. 

A few things stood out about this room. First, it had a full couch that added somewhere else to sit besides the bed.

Second, the room had so much storage space. Royal Caribbean's Oasis Class ships have lots of storage space, even if Utopia is only doing short cruises.

Allie also loved how many USB outlets the room had. Regardless of your stateroom type, every cabin has lots of extra plugs to use, "Between our phones, iPads, laptops, headphones, and smartwatches, we utilized most of these outlets during the cruise."

Another win with this cabin was the bathroom.

Instead of a cramped bathroom that you'd find traditionally on older ships, this bathroom felt incredibly spacious. 

The shower alone was quite big and was easily twice the size of those on older cruise ships, providing plenty of room to move around comfortably.

Crown Loft Suite

The first suite experience I had on Utopia of the Seas was for the inaugural sailing when I took my family with me, and we booked a Crown Loft Suite.

Located within the Suite Neighborhood, these are two deck cabins that have some of the best views from any stateroom.

This room measured 670 square feet, which was almost four times bigger than the balcony I stayed in.  That's in addition to the 105 square foot balcony that comes with the room.

That amount of living space is welcome considering I was sharing the room with my wife and two kids.

The layout is the master bedroom and bathroom are upstairs, with the living room downstairs.  The kids share a sofa that converts to a bed.

I love that this room has two full bathrooms, one on each floor.  This makes sharing this cabin with my kids palatable given how much time they spend in there as teenagers.

Because this room was located on deck 18, I really liked how convenient it was to get to the suite sun deck, Coastal Kitchen, or Suite Lounge. 

Royal Caribbean designed the suite area on Utopia (and Wonder of the Seas) to be far more integrated. In fact, I think the suite sun deck is my favorite area of this ship, and I'd often go out there to do work.

This room also comes with the Sky Class suite benefits, which include complimentary WiFi for everyone, access to Coastal Kitchen restaurant, access to the suite concierge and much more.

Of course, suites aren't cheap and they are definitely not going to be a great value on a brand new ship where premium fares are the norm.

I liked that we had a single room for all four of us, but the sleeping arrangement isn't ideal necessarily. 

Ultimate Family Suite

The biggest splurge I ever had on a cruise ship was when I booked the Ultimate Family Suite for a weekend cruise on Utopia.

I had never stayed in this kind of a room because of the crazy high price that it usually has, but on a weekend cruise, the cost was only moderately crazy and I decided to give it a try.

I was worried this would be a "one and done" type room, where the novelty would wear off quite quickly.  Luckily, that was not the case.

The suite spans two decks, featuring three bedrooms, three full bathrooms, a large living room, a play area, and a dedicated movie room, providing ample space for families.

Besides being a really big suite, it also has some eye-catching features. These are the things that draw people to book this suite and I can tell you, they are as fun in person as they look in photos.

There's an in-suite slide connecting the upper children's room to the living area, a digital gaming table, a LEGO wall, and a private balcony equipped with a hot tub and climbing area for young kids.

The suite is equipped with multiple gaming consoles, including a PlayStation and Nintendo Switch, and a private movie room offering diverse entertainment choices within the comfort of the suite. 

Best yet, the room is a Star Class suite, so you get the very best perks and amenities, such as the services of the Royal Genie.

It was not just a fun room to stay in, but the best kind of suite to entertain. We knew many friends on this sailing, and Michael Poole, and it was fun having them visit and enjoy the suite with us.

As you might imagine, the downside to this kind of a suite is the price tag. It cost $12,609.08 for the 3-night cruise, making it a significant investment. You could book three sailings on Utopia in a lower category room for that price.

The other issue is the FOMO that comes with this suite.

Given how much fun this suite is and all the things you can do in it, there were many times I was torn between spending more time in the cabin at the expense of missing out on all the great fun Utopia has to offer.

There was nothing like this sort of room, and I doubt I'll stay in one again.  But it was a true memory maker that my kids still talk about fondly.

Two bedroom Aquatheater suite

The final type of suite that I've tried on Utopia of the Seas is the two bedroom Aquatheater suite that's on the back of the ship.

This is usually the least expensive of the Star Class suites, and it's also arguably the best choice for a family because it offers two bedrooms and two full bathrooms. That's a rare combination.

The bathrooms are large, and compared to the loft suite, it was so nice being able to close a bedroom door and have privacy.

There's also a generous living area, and a wraparound balcony. You won't complain about a lack of living space in this type of room.

We love the expansive wraparound balcony, and because it was December when we sailed, it was perfect weather to enjoy being outdoors.

You'll find panoramic ocean vistas from the balcony and a direct view of the AquaTheater. This means you can watch the Aquatheater show, Aqua80sToo, directly from our suite. 

Another advantage of this suite are the service of the Royal Genie.

This gets you all-inclusive dining and beverage packages, and priority reservations.

The main issue with being at the back of the ship is that the suite is a considerable distance from central amenities, which may require more walking. Also, if you're someone that goes to bed early, it would be tough with the noise from the Aquatheater show performance.

We paid five thousands dollars less to stay in the Aquatheater suite compared to the Ultimate Family Suite, which is still expensive, but far more palatable. 

Suites are always a splurge and not for the value seeker.  But there are definitely rationale to choosing one over the other when it comes to the overall cost.

If I had to pick a winner, I'd say my connecting balcony felt like the best bang for my buck

In terms of pure value, I'll almost never overlook two connecting balcony rooms.

As one of my favorite family cruise hacks of all time, it holds up on Utopia.  We get two full bedrooms, two full bathrooms, and a fraction of the price tag to get that set up in a suite.

Of course, we don't get suite benefits or amenities, but on a ship like Utopia where there is so much going on during the day and night, it's not the sort of sailing where you'd feel drawn to spend lots of time in your room.

I'd much rather save money on my cabin and then use those savings for a fun time at Perfect Day at CocoCay, like booking a beach cabana.