Royal Caribbean Blog

A rare sight for a great deal of the population took place when the evening skies were illuminated by the northern lights over this past weekend.

The Aurora Borealis lights were able to be seen thanks to a G5 geomagnetic storm that made its way towards Earth.

The lights were seen across many latitudes, and even on cruise ships.

Just like people all over the world, our readers on cruise ships snapped photos of the lights and it was a dazzling view.

Here's a look at 8 of the best pictures captured by stargazers sailing on Royal Caribbean ships.

Ovation of the Seas

It's appropriate to start with a photo of the Aurora Borealis on a ship visiting Alaska.

This photo was taken on Ovation of the Seas during her Alaska sailing.

Read more: Royal Caribbean Alaska cruise guide

Brilliance of the Seas

This photo was taken on Brilliance of the Seas, and shows the "dancing" view the lights can take.

When a geomagnetic storm occurs, it's because high-energy particles from the sun interact with Earth's magnetic field.

Usually, the northern lights are not visible at lower latitudes. Usually, you need to be in the "auroral zone," the area within an approximately 1,550-mile (2,500 kilometers) radius of the North Pole.

The lights were visible from a number of cruise ships, providing an incredible viewing opportunity since cruise ships are in the open ocean with no land to obstruct the view.

Solar storms happen when the sun shoots powerful explosions of highly energized and magnetic plasma called coronal mass ejections toward Earth.

The bright colors of the northern lights are dictated by the chemical composition of Earth's atmosphere. 

Some of the dominant colors seen in aurorae are red, a hue produced by the nitrogen molecules, and green, which is produced by oxygen molecules.

Quantum of the Seas

Another photo of the northern lights from Quantum of the Seas contrasts the lights with the beautiful Alaska scenery.

Anthem of the Seas

The Aurora Borealis is usually visible near the poles, but it's uncommon to see them in areas that are closer to the equator, which is why the lights were such a treat to be seen in other places over the weekend.

The lights were seen in parts of China, Europe and the United States.

Friday and Saturday's storms expanded sightings of the Southern Lights into New Zealand, Australia, Chile and Argentina.

Grandeur of the Seas

The best viewing opportunities were Friday and Saturday, but experts say the effects of the geomagnetic storm started to pass.

Explorer of the Seas

Nick Weir is out at Royal Caribbean.

Royal Caribbean announced a shakeup within its Entertainment division on Monday with the announcement of a new leader in the division.

Effective immediately, Christine Coachman is the Vice President, Entertainment for Royal Caribbean International.

She replaces Nick Weir, who has left the company after 10 years with the company.

A spokesperson wished Mr. Weir well, "We thank Nick for his contributions over the years and wish him all the best."

An internal announcement by Royal Caribbean Senior Vice President of Hotel Operations, Sean Treacy, confirmed the switch.

"Please join me in congratulating Christine Coachman on her new role as Vice President, Entertainment for Royal Caribbean International, effective today," the announcement read.

"Drawing from nearly 35 years-experience at Royal Caribbean, Christi will now lead the team responsible for bringing to life the best entertainment at sea. She will oversee the cruise line’s onboard entertainment and guest activities programming, as well as Royal Caribbean Productions, the industry’s only in-house department that creates, produces and manages the largest entertainment operation at sea."

He added, "I am excited to work even more closely with Christi as we continue to lead the industry in innovating the entertainment experience at sea."

Mr. Weir has been at the helm of Entertainment for Royal Caribbean since 2013.

He joined Royal Caribbean with more than 25 years of experience in both the entertainment and cruise industries. He came from an entertainment family, with his mother an accomplished cruise entertainer and his father was a pioneering Cruise Director.

Prior to working with Royal Caribbean, he owned and operated an entertainment consulting company with projects that included television and live event production services, speech and script writing, entertainment program analysis and solution development, charity event/live auction production, corporate video production, cruise industry start-up projects and Cruise Director services.

Mr. Weir had been at the forefront of so many of Royal Caribbean's Entertainment projects. He had recently talked about a 10 year plan for the cruise line to incorporate robotics into more shows and guest experiences.

Meet Christine Coachman

Ms. Coachman takes over the Entertainment division, and brings plenty of experience to the role.

She began her career as a dancer and went on to perform in many shows, events and conventions around the world before she joined the Entertainment Department at Royal Caribbean. 

She has written, cast and produced numerous productions for the cruise line and was previously responsible for the daily operation of front and back of house on board for all Produced Entertainment, including the fully licensed Broadway and West End Musicals, Signature Theater Productions, World Class Ice Productions, Spectacular Aquatic Shows and Two70 shows. 

She also managed the line's extensive Entertainment Studios in North Miami. 

Nick Weir's legacy

Following his departure on Monday, Mr. Weir leaves behind a decade of industry changes.

His most recent accomplishments can be seen on Royal Caribbean's blockbuster Icon of the Seas, which features variety of new shows and venues.

With Icon, the AquaTheater was moved indoors and expanded within the new AquaDome neighborhood. Plus, the ice skating rink was converted from square to oval shaped.  In both cases, this was done to address performance needs and open up more possibilities.

Under Weir, Royal Caribbean developed a variety of original productions, such as Columbus the Musical, Effectors, Flight, Aqua 80s, and many more.

Mr. Weir also holds a few patents that are part of the Royal Caribbean cruise experience.

Weir is listed as a patent author for the eMuster process that allows guests to conduct much of the mandatory maritime safety drill digitally.

He also patented show elements, such as the Water-based Pyrotechnic Illusion.

He was also fascinated by drones, as is evident in their utilization in Royal Caribbean's latest shows, as well as for the recent re-launch of Spectrum of the Seas in Asia.

How does this change impact cruises for guests?

We don't have details yet on what the future of the Entertainment division will look like, but in the short term, don't expect any noticeable changes onboard.

Entertainment on ships sailing follows a set pattern, and shows rarely change on ships. The hiring of new casts, execution of productions in place now, and scheduling will all continue as normal.

It's also likely plans for getting all the shows on Icon of the Seas fully operational as well as the show line-up for Utopia of the Seas are in place already.

The earliest possibility for a shift could come with Star of the Seas next year, as well as notable ship overhauls.  Allure of the Seas is scheduled for a major refurbishment in 2025 and when sister ship Oasis of the Seas had similar work done, new shows were added at that time.

From a few dollars to hundreds, there are easy ways to save money on a Royal Caribbean cruise if you know what to do.

While a Royal Caribbean cruise is largely considered an affordable vacation, the overall cost can go up quickly if you're not careful. You can avoid overspending by following some of the best money-saving tricks.

Users on the Royal Caribbean sub Reddit were asked to share all the ways they save money on Royal Caribbean, no matter how miniscule the difference.

Here are the 18 things you can do to save money on how to save money. We also have our list of Royal Caribbean tips and tricks that cover every aspect of a cruise. 

1. Stick to the free restaurants

One of the most repeated tips to save money on any Royal Caribbean cruise was to eat the restaurants included in your cruise fare.

Royal Caribbean offers restaurants that cost nothing extra to dine at, as well as restaurants that cost extra. The choice is yours, and a lot of cruises assume they need to eat at the specialty restaurants because of how much the cruise line advertises them.

Read more: How does Royal Caribbean dining work?

The reality is the food offered at the Main Dining Room, Windjammer buffet, and other spots are very good. There's certainly more than enough food to keep you satisfied, and considering how much the cruise fare costs up-front, it makes sense to lean heavily into the restaurants rather than spending more on additional restaurants.

Specialty restaurants can offer either higher quality food, or cuisines not otherwise available in the free restaurants.  But if you can avoid the temptation to dine at them, you could save a lot of money quite easily.

2. Book an inside room instead of a balcony or suite

Another super easy tip to save money is cut back on your cabin.

There are four basic types of staterooms on any cruise: inside, oceanview, balcony, and suites. Generally speaking, the price goes up as you move up to each category.

An inside room is going to almost certainly be the cheapest option, and it gets you everything you need without a hefty price.

No matter how much more moving up to a balcony would be, the money saved by staying in an inside cabin could be a real difference maker. Similar-reason-5200 wrote, "let's be honest you aren't spending much time in there," and there's a lot of truth to that statement.

Read more: Inside cabin vs. balcony room

There's so much happening around the ship and in the ports of call you visit, that a lot of times the cabin ends up being somewhere to sleep, shower, and change and then you're elsewhere.

TrekJaneway added, "I don’t really spend time in my room, so all I need is a place with a bed and a shower, and I’m good."

Read more: Where is the best place to stay on a cruise ship?

3. Don't be lured into buying jewelry or watches

A lot of people think the jewelry deals offered on the ship simply aren't great.

The Invicta watches are one notorious type of jewelry that some cruisers question the value of. You'll likely see lots of sales and advertisements on the ship for those and other pieces, and by not indulging, you could save a lot.

4. Bring your own over-the-counter medication

You never know if you'll catch a cold, eat something that doesn't agree with you, or get seasick, so be prepared.

JanieLFB shared her tip that she will buy a travel-sized options before the cruise begins, "I went to my local drugstore and bought small packets of generic drugs." This little trick could save you money considering how much Royal Caribbean charges for the same drugs onboard. 

It's a good idea to bring these essentials to keep in your cabin:

• Cold medicine
• Seasickness medication
• Headache medicine
• Sunburn treatment
• Upset stomach and diarrhea medicine

Bringing your own medication ensures you not only don't waste money on the same overpriced meds on the ship, but you also get the brand, dosage, and type of delivery method you prefer.

Read more: Ultimate cruise packing list

5. Skip a drink package

A lot of people on Reddit advocated not buying a Royal Caribbean drink package.

Similar to the argument about the food included, these people felt a drink package just costs too much money and the drinks included with the cruise are sufficient (assuming you don't want alcohol).

Some also felt the drink packages require too much drinking to "break even" on them, and you're better off paying for drinks you really want individually.

Read more: 6 alternatives to a Royal Caribbean drink package

And definitely don't try to cheat the drink package either.

6. Bring your own wine or champagne

One easy way to save money on alcohol on your cruise is to bring your own wine or champagne.

Royal Caribbean allows guests to bring one bottle of wine or champagne per adult on embarkation day.

You can also bring 12 bottles of non-alcoholic drinks per stateroom.

Read more: Food or drinks you're allowed to bring on a Royal Caribbean cruise

7. Wait until midnight on the first day to book a WiFi package

User Illustrious-Gur-6775 had a great way to get back about $20 on your internet package.

Instead of buying it for the entire cruise, wait until midnight on the first day and then activate it.  The rationale is you will be able to use your cellular connection until the ship leaves, and then it's only 7 hours until midnight. 

By waiting to midnight, you'll pay a pro-rated rate for the remainder of the cruise, minus day one.

8. Get free WiFi in port

Instead of buying Royal Caribbean's internet service, you could just find free WiFi spots in the ports you visit.

There's usually a bar, restaurant, or shop that advertises free WiFi while you're in that establishment, and it's good enough for checking your email, catching up on social media, and otherwise getting connected for a brief period.

If being online isn't a priority for you during your cruise, relying on free internet hotspots while in port could save you over a hundred dollars on Royal Caribbean's service.

Don't forget that you can still use the Royal Caribbean app without a WiFi package, including the chat feature.

9. Drink alcohol in port

Just like WiFi, booze are probably cheaper in port too.

It's not difficult to find bars in the ports your ship visit, and there's a good chance the price is going to be less than what Royal Caribbean offers, especially in the Caribbean.

You'll need to price it accordingly, but you might save money getting your drink on in port instead of buying drinks on the ship.

10. Order the drink of the day

Another way to save money on your bar bill is rely on the drink of the day special.

Every day there will be one cocktail that is $3 or $4 cheaper than usual. It's listed in the Cruise Compass, as well as noted on a sign in many bars.

If you're not picky about your drinks, the savings can add up quickly.

Read more: Drink prices on Royal Caribbean

11. Use any loyalty offers first

Even after just one cruise, Royal Caribbean's Crown and Anchor Society provides discount coupons you can use.  The catch is you have to remember to ask to use them.

Read more: 11 of our favorite under-the-radar Crown & Anchor perks

Each person gets an assortment of discounts they can use, such as half off a glass of wine, 25% off any coffee beverage, or discounts on Royal Caribbean logo merchandise.

You'll get a letter in your cabin with the exact list of offers each guests has. Then, you just need to ask the crew member at the bar, shop, or spa to redeem the discount when ordering.

Read more: The Crown and Anchor perks you should use on every Royal Caribbean cruise

12. Skip the casino

Another commonly cited way to save money is not risking any in the ship's casino.

The casino is a huge revenue maker for any cruise line, and while you could theoretically win money here, it's just easier to not go in and spend money there in the first place.

A few Reddit users said to skip the casino as an easy way to save money. You can't lose if you don't play.

13. Look for sales leading up to your cruise

While some of these tips advocate skipping the extra cost packages, if you do buy them, you'll want to re-price them again and again.

Royal Caribbean runs sales almost every day, so you should periodically check for new discounts.

14. Set a budget for each day while on vacation

One way to limit overspending while on your cruise is have a daily budget.

Reddit user tdybr07 shared one example, "For example: plan $100/day spending money per day including sea days. This helps you with spending money on the ship, (shops, casinos, specialty dining or whatever you decide) as well as in ports."

This is a smart method of ensuring you don't go "swipe happy" and come home after your cruise to a giant bill.

15. Prepay gratuities, beverage packages and excursions

This will allow you to get on the ship and know that you won’t be charged additional charges unless you make any purchases on the ship.

illuminated0ne wrote, "if you do buy anything from Royal Caribbean, make a note of the price and keep checking back. The prices change all the time, if you see it cheaper, you can just cancel and rebook for a savings."

There's no penalty for cancelling and rebooking a Cruise Planner purchase. It just requires you to take the time to double check the price.

16. Look for a good travel agent that has special rates

Some people think booking a cruise directly with Royal Caribbean will save them money, but they're so wrong.

A good travel agent has access to special rates and offers.  Plus, there's no cost to using a good travel agent because Royal Caribbean pays them a commission, not you.

I've lost count how many times I research the cruise I want to book and then contact my travel agent to book, only to be told by them they have a better rate, thanks to a group rate.

wholefvno added to anyone that didn't love their first travel agent, "Travel agents cost nothing and can give you a more personalized experience and good advice. If you had a bad experience, try another one. Some are good at customer service, some are bad."

17. Cruise in the off-season

If you can book a cruise during the shoulder season, you will save so much money compared to peak season.  It's one of the top tips offered on Reddit to get a cheaper cruise.

Jane_Marie_CA wrote to try booking a cruise, "Far away from school breaks and holidays," as a strategy to get lower prices.

As an example, her April 28 sailing on Harmony of the Seas was $2,000 cheaper than the same cruise in summer.

Royal Caribbean’s off-season prices can typically be found during these dates:

• January (excluding MLK weekend)
• February (excluding President’s Day weekend)
• May
• September
• October
• First two weeks of November
• First two weeks of December

Of course, the downside to off-season is there's a reason it's less popular. It could be because it's in the middle of hurricane season or during a month prone to colder temperatures.

18. You don't have to get off the ship in port

Don't feel obliged to get off the ship and spend money on a shore excursion that doesn't excite you.

"If I don't see an excursion that excites me, I don't spend the money," wrote Jane_Marie_CA.

Not only will you save money by not paying for a tour, but you'll get to enjoy a relatively emptier ship while others are in port.

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

Happy Mothers Day! All the moms out there deserve a big hug, thank you, and hopefully a new cruise booking too.

The next new Royal Caribbean cruise ship is on her way to completion.

Utopia of the Seas began her sea trials this week, which is a major milestone in the construction of any cruise ship.

On May 7, Utopia of the Seas departed from the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in France for a 5-day sea trial during which the ship will sail more than 1,000 miles. 

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean Slashes Prices on Icon of the Seas' New Ropes Course by Almost 75%
• Royal Caribbean will hire 10,000 workers this year to meet booming demand
• I tried the Miami hotel everyone says is the best pre-cruise option. It was comfortable, but my stay had some issues
• I went on Royal Caribbean's newest cruise ship and saw why the surging hype is real
• Empty cruise ship is sailing without passengers and it's a more relaxed atmosphere for crew members
• I spent $2800 for 7 nights in a 157-square-foot room on the world's largest cruise ship. Take a look inside my tiny cabin
• I got to blow this cruise ship's horn on Odyssey of the Seas. Here's how I did it.
• Can you upgrade your room after final payment on my cruise?

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 533rd episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available!

With a special guest, Emma, we discuss how to approach planning a European cruise for the first time.

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.

10 Fun Royal Caribbean upgrades under $50!

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 — 10 Fun Royal Caribbean upgrades under $50! — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Simple tips to safely take a cruise ship shore excursion

How can you stay safe while trying a new tour in a foreign location?

Royal Caribbean cruises take you to fascinating ports of call, but it still takes preparation and an alert awareness to protect yourself.

Here are some extra tips before your next cruise ship shore excursion.

9 easy ways to save money on a European cruise

A cruise to Europe could be cheaper than you'd think.

With these easy ways to save money on your cruise, you can customize your experiences for any budget.

European cruises don't have to break the bank, and a few adjustments, there are countless ways to save money.

4 mistakes I saw other people make on Icon of the Seas—and 2 mistakes I made

Calista recently sailed on Royal Caribbean's newest ship, but she noticed it takes some adjustment from everyone.

To make the most of your cruise on the world's largest vessel, it's important to prepare and learn from others' mistakes.

From what to pack to how to use the elevators, here are 6 mistakes you shouldn't make.

Royal Caribbean saved a passenger's life

Crew members on Ovation of the Seas saved a passenger's life after he had a cardiac arrest.

Thanks to the swift response of crew members, they successfully stabilized the patient and coordinated with the US Air Force for a medical evacuation via helicopter.

The passenger's daughter posted her thanks to the medical professionals, saying she is "in awe" of Royal Caribbean's response.

Can you change or upgrade your room on a Royal Caribbean cruise if you're past the final payment date?

It seems as though when you reach the final payment date for your sailing, everything is more or less "written in stone" for the purposes of your reservation. You'd incur penalties for changing or cancelling your cruise reservation, but are you definitely stuck with the cabin selection you've made?

There's plenty of reasons why you'd want to change cabins, such as wanting to splurge for a bigger cabin.  Or perhaps you changed your mind about the room location or general category.

On one cruise I took, I had booked our family in a standard balcony cabin and then a few months later, I got a bonus at work and wanted to take advantage of the cash flow by getting a nicer room.

There are a few recourses you have if you're past final payment and want to change cabins, but they are limited.

Bid for a cabin upgrade

Royal Caribbean offers a way to upgrade your cruise ship cabin by bidding for it.

The RoyalUp program offers the option to place a bid for select cabins that cost more than what you have already booked. 

It's a blind bidding program, which means you place a bid based on a range of possible prices.  You don't know what anyone else bid, nor if there are actually any cabins available to upgrade to. Royal Caribbean uses RoyalUp to net additional revenue from passengers willing to spend more than they had already, as well as fill cabins that are cancelled at the last-minute.

Read more: RoyalUp tips & tricks

Once you make a bid, it's binding if your bid was selected by the cruise line. You can always withdraw the bid before a decision is made, but if Royal Caribbean approves it, you're locked in.

Moreover, you have no choice in the new cabin location you're upgrading to.

The best thing about RoyalUp is it's easy to do, you can place a bid right up to the last few days before the cruise begins, and some people really do get a great deal on a cabin upgrade.

The downside to bidding for a cabin upgrade is it's all a guessing game as to what to bid, or if there's actually any cabins to move up to. 

In my experience, there is no rhyme or reason what to bid to win an upgrade.

There's one other catch with RoyalUp, and that is if you booked a standard cabin and win the bid to move up to a suite, you won't get double Crown and Anchor Society points.

Call and upgrade your cabin

While not as exciting as placing a bid, you can still upgrade your cabin after final payment date (assuming there's an available cabin left).

While Royal Caribbean makes it seem like you cannot change your reservation once you reach final payment date, in practice, they will usually allow an upgrade past the final payment date if you're willing to spend more money.

What most people do in this scenario is they go to the Royal Caribbean website and make a mock booking to see which staterooms are still unsold.  If there's one that looks good, you can then back out of the booking process and contact the cruise line to upgrade to it.

If the higher category cabin is the same price or cheaper than you paid, you can move up to it for no additional cost.

The easiest way to conduct a cabin upgrade in this manner is to use your travel agent to make it all happen.

Prices for Royal Caribbean cruises fluctuate all the time, even after final payment date.  In some cases, there can be a nominal extra cost to move your room up after the final payment date.  This is sometimes because other guests cancelled their reservation at the final payment date, which created a surplus of cabin inventory.

One thing to keep in mind is there are absolutely no refunds or any money back. Even if you upgrade to a bigger cabin and the cost is less than you paid originally, you won't be able to get money back once you're past final payment date. 

In addition, upgrading in this manner may cost you substantially more. Last-minute rates can often be quite high compared to booking a cruise many months before the sail date.

You should also be aware by upgrading, you may lose any booking incentives given at time of original booking, and have to go with current promotion.

Of course, this option depends on there being unsold cabins left. In many cases, a sailing will be completely sold out in the final weeks prior to the sailing. Nearly all cruises sail completely full.

The real advantage to upgrading in this manner instead of RoyalUp is it's straightforward and there's no guessing if you'll be able to upgrade or not. On the other hand, bidding might be cheaper.

Bottom line

Yes, you can pay to upgrade your room even after the final payment date, but there are a few catches.

The easiest option is to call and upgrade your room to a higher category. You will be subject to the prevailing rate for the cabin you want to upgrade to, and sometimes it’s minimal, some time it’s a lot more.

You are definitely not able to cancel, get a refund, or downgrade your cabin without incurring penalties.

Alternatively, you try for a cabin upgrade by bidding for it.  There's no telling what anyone else already bid, or if there's even a room to upgrade to.  But bidding for a better cabin is simple, and you'll probably pay less if your bid actually wins.

Which option is best? The choice depends on your appetite for luck, and how much of a budget you have to spend on a bigger cabin.

You've probably heard lots about Icon of the Seas by now, but what makes the ship so highly celebrated?

I sailed on Royal Caribbean's newest cruise ship this month on a 7-night Western Caribbean sailing.

I wanted to see exactly why this ship has been so hyped over the past few months, and if all the praise is deserved.

Initially, I expected the ship to feel like a bigger version of an Oasis-Class ship, with tons of amenities and huge crowds.

Other than knowing about the ship's size and focus on providing a fun experience for younger families, I didn't know what to expect.

But by the end of the sailing, I think I was just as impressed as everyone else. Icon of the Seas felt more like a mix between an Oasis-Class and a Quantum-Class ship.

Yes, she's big, but the vessel has more to offer than just size.

From the moment you step on board, it's evident that Royal Caribbean wanted to improve upon previous problems while creating an entirely new class of ship.

Read more: 14 improvements Royal Caribbean developed just for Icon of the Seas

What justifies all the hype around this ship is that the improvements and new ideas are well-designed, well-executed, and extremely celebrated throughout your time onboard.

The size makes you feel like you're not on a cruise ship at all

Of course, Icon's size cannot be overlooked.

Since the vessel debuted, I've seen graphics and photos of how large the ship is. However, it's hard to comprehend once you're onboard.

Especially with the wide-open public spaces, it hardly feels like you're on a cruise ship.

Icon of the Seas feels more like a small city.

Part of her novelty is that you can almost forget you're floating in the ocean (until you glance outside, that is).

I think Royal Caribbean wanted to lean into this aspect because, at the beginning of the cruise, they announced that there wouldn't be any daily event announcements or updates from the captain.

Without a direct connection to the bridge, the ship felt less like a cruise ship and more like a theme park.

I won't say that everyone will enjoy this aspect, but it made for a unique and interesting experience that you can't get anywhere else.

Read more: First look Inside the World's Biggest Cruise Marvel, Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas

The ship's design is the perfect mix of elegant and fun

When I first walked up the gangway, and onto deck 5, I was immediately struck by the bright colors and cheerful style of decoration.

This is most evident in Surfside neighborhood, an area focused on families with young kids that pops with neon colors and bright pinks and blues.

However, all areas around the cruise ships are filled with these vibrant colors.

I even mentioned it to our stateroom attendant, and she agreed.

"It's so cheerful!"

However, the playful colors were combined with elegant designs onboard.

For example, art pieces were in every corner of the ship.

The Pearl brought a smooth, graceful atmosphere to the Royal Promenade.

The entire design of the ship, from decorations to layout to art pieces, perfectly mixed the vibe of young and old, fun and elegant.

Read more: I took the inaugural cruise on Royal Caribbean's newest ship. It was a giant party, but not everything was totally ready

Extra space, stairs, and seating helped move crowds along

The biggest difference I noticed from other large Royal Caribbean ships I've sailed on was the lack of crowds.

Of course, you could still tell there were a large amount of people onboard. But the ship's layout ensured that no one would ever be squished into one place, and we never ran into any traffic jams.

I noticed that high-traffic areas, like the Royal Promenade and the Windjammer, were built a little wider than usual, helping to create space for a large amount of people.

There was also a ton of seating everywhere on the ship, so everyone found a place to sit and rest.

I also really liked the large amount of central staircases onboard, such as in the Royal Promenade, going up to Central Park, or down to Surfside neighborhood.

Lastly, the destination elevators helped to alleviate crowds as well.

These all helped to ease foot traffic and calm crowds.

The ship was intentionally celebrated

Excitement is contagious, and I think that's another part of why Icon has been so heavily hyped.

Even though it's been a few months since the ship's inaugural sailing, crew members and cruisers were still extremely excited about being onboard.

Wherever we went, staff welcomed us, saying: "Have an Iconic cruise!"

My cruise embarked the day after Royal Caribbean's partnership with Hard Rock Casinos was announced, so we were greeted at the port with live music, dancers, and free T-shirts!

Throughout the cruise, I saw everyone wearing their "Hard Rock 'n' Royal" T-shirts. A common uniform is a great way to build camaraderie, so this move also added to the energy onboard.

Not only that but on night one, the ship's cruise director, Gemma Hugo, made a speech to everyone gathered on the Royal Promenade for the balloon drop.

She made everyone solemnly swear to have fun and eat tons of food while onboard.

Such intentionality and care lends itself to an infectious air of excitement.

A focus on families with young children creates a playful atmosphere

Even as someone who doesn't have kids, I could tell that Icon of the Seas was the perfect ship for families with young children.

A lot of fun areas focused on families with young kids, like the Surfside neighborhood, water slides, and even a playground on deck 15.

Icon of the Seas provides an awesome family experience, and I could tell when I was onboard.

Kids were included in tons of events onboard, like silent discos or being allowed to compete in trivia games.

One night in the Main Dining Room, I saw a waiter bring two kids a lobster folded out of dinner napkins! They were overjoyed.

I loved how much kids were included in the fun onboard—it lent a vibrant, playful atmosphere to the cruise.

Seeing babies dance at the silent parties and children sing at "finish the lyric" challenges genuinely warmed my heart.

Having wanted to cross Alaska off my bucket list for a while, I booked a 7-night cruise aboard Quantum of the Seas sailing roundtrip from Seattle to the Last Frontier. 

18 of my 21 cruises have been to The Caribbean and Bahamas, so I was looking forward to exploring Alaska's rugged wilderness, even if I would be staying in the cheapest cabin onboard. 

With virtual balcony cabins first debuting on Quantum of the Seas, I was hopeful that I'd be able to experience some of Alaska's beauty from the comfort of my stateroom while allotting more money to add-ons like specialty dining and short excursions. 

In total, the fare came out to be $1,894.30 for my dad and me, including gratuities. Overall, I thought that was a fantastic deal for an Alaska cruise, despite it being at the beginning of the season. As neither of us had ever sailed on a Quantum Class ship, we were looking forward to this new experience together. 

The 166-square-foot stateroom was located on Deck 13 at the front of the ship. It was a bit difficult to find, as the hallway leading to the interior cabins was on the port side of the ship; however, the signs seemed to indicate that it was on the starboard side. 

Moreover, upon arrival, I was a bit disappointed to learn that we had been assigned a connecting stateroom. If you don't know the party in the adjoining room, it's always a gamble, as they can either be pleasant or obnoxious. 

The cabin was pretty noisy at times, from the creaking of the ship to what I believe was the television in the neighboring stateroom. One morning, I was awoken around 6:00am. In the end, however, it was a blessing in disguise, as I was able to take in some amazing views that I might have otherwise missed. 

Having launched in 2014, Quantum of the Seas is a newer ship, albeit not the newest. When the ship debuted, she was billed as the world's first "smart ship." 

In addition to features like the Bionic Bar and North Star observation capsule, modern technology was integrated into the cabin. You, for instance, have to inset your SeaPass card into a slot near the door to turn on the lights. 

With the bathroom found immediately to the right of the cabin's entrance, the vanity and dresser were located on the left past the connecting door. The desk was large enough, with five different charging options including two American plugs, two USB ports, and a single European outlet. 

I appreciated the small cubbies, too, which helped keep all of our cords organized throughout the week. However, I wish the ring light around the mirror was brighter. 

Perhaps the most surprising aspect of the vanity area was the kettle. I've stayed in interior staterooms on ships as new as Symphony of the Seas and have never seen one in my cabin before! 

Though I'm not a huge tea drinker (I prefer a strong cup of coffee!), this is certainly advantageous for those who want to warm up with a cup of tea after spending the day in Alaska's chilly climate. 

Underneath the kettle was a drawer that housed the hairdryer, as well as a single box of tissues. 

It was spacious enough to hold personal belongings, too, and this is where my dad and I kept our medications. 

The mini-fridge worked exceptionally well, keeping our Crown & Anchor welcome waters almost as cold as my refrigerator at home! 

The two adjustable shelves ensure that there's room to store other beverages, whether it's a bottle of wine or a pack of soda. 

The dresser's four drawers proved large enough to store some of our bulkier items and undergarments that we couldn't hang. 

Between the dresser and closet, we have plenty of storage for all our clothing. In fact, I don't think we would have struggled to comfortably organize everything if there was a third passenger in our cabin. 

My opinion, however, would change if it weren't for the two cabinets above the bed. 

These went unused during our cruise because of the other storage options that were a bit more accessible, but they could ease an overpacker's worries, especially if sailing with more than one other guest. 

As someone who prefers vacations to warmer climates, I definitely struggled to pack for my Alaska cruise. While I could say that I just wanted to be prepared, I think my checked suitcase (that came in at 47 pounds) and additional carry-on were a bit overboard. I didn't wear half of the sweaters that I brought! 

My dad, somehow, managed to bring a single carry-on suitcase and small duffle bag. At the airport, however, he did ask to throw a few articles of clothing into my luggage, as he figured I'd have some extra room, albeit not a lot! 

Beside the wardrobe was a single chair. Though I much prefer staterooms with a couch, it's always nice to have another seating option, so you aren't restricted to sitting on your bed during the day after returning from port. 

In reality, the chair became our go-to spot for throwing our coats and sweatshirts when we got back to our stateroom. 

When we arrived, the beds were placed together even though I requested for them to be separated. It was easy to fix, though. I scanned a QR code left in our cabin meant for housekeeping requests, and they were separated by the time we returned to the stateroom after enjoying some of the evening entertainment. 

Having the beds separated made the cabin feel a little more spacious, as it opened up a walkway in the center of the room. Plus, it would have been easier to utilize the overhead cabinets had we needed to. 

I found it a bit strange that there was only one outlet beside the bed. 

While I'm thankful that I was able to plug my phone in at night, there wasn't one on my dad's side, and he did not bring a cable long enough to reach from the vanity. 

There was nothing too surprising about the bathroom. It was a standard Royal Caribbean bathroom that featured the same amenities as other ships, including the body wash/shampoo hybrid. 

It had a darker aesthetic that complemented the deep blue hues present in the stateroom. However, it also felt bright and modern. 

I never struggle with storage in the bathroom because of my hanging toiletries organizer. As someone who uses more products than they probably need to, the bathroom would've felt more cluttered had I not brought it. 

My dad had enough space for his toiletries and cosmetics, and there was still an empty shelf for me to store my make-up bag! 

Whenever I cruise, I'm always hopeful that there'll be two shelves in the shower; however, that's rarely the case. Though minor, I feel it helps keep everything a tad more organized, and passengers aren't left having to swap out their products— from face wash to shampoo and conditioner, shaving cream, etc. 

Moreover, I typically chuckle whenever I see a handle in a cruise ship bathroom; however, the first day of our 7-night cruise was extremely rocky. I'm sure someone made use of it when getting ready that morning!

After sailing on Carnival Elation, I appreciate a clean showerhead more than usual. The one onboard Quantum of the Seas passed the test! 

Overall, the shower pressure was pretty average. I've had better and worse on a cruise ship; however, it was stronger than my shower at home, though that isn't too hard to beat. 

The most unique aspect of the cabin, of course, was the 80-inch virtual balcony. The floor-to-ceiling LED screen broadcasted real-time views of the ocean and ports of call into our cabin. And while you're supposed to be able to turn it on and off, we had some issues with the remote. 

Personally, I think calling it a virtual window is more accurate, as part of the appeal of a true balcony is being able to step outside. 

Even though nothing compares to a true balcony, the virtual balcony was a nice feature to have on an Alaska cruise— rather than leaving the stateroom to see what the weather was like, I could simply look at the screen to get an idea of whether it was super rainy or not! 

Overall, I enjoyed my virtual balcony stateroom onboard Quantum of the Seas. It was clean and outfitted with all the amenities I needed for a comfortable 7-night stay. 

Next time, however, I think I'd splurge on an actual balcony for a cruise to Alaska, or at least choose to pay for a stateroom that wasn't at the front of the ship. Honestly, a balcony would likely be a non-negotiable for a one-way sailing with more scenic cruising. 

Though my dad and I enjoyed our morning sailing through Endicott Arm in the Solarium, we would have preferred taking in the sights from a balcony, rather than crowding open windows for photographs. I was surprised at how rude some passengers were to others taking pictures in a public space! 

When it comes to the Caribbean, I don't mind saving money on an inside cabin, as I usually spend a lot of time lounging by the pool. There's not too much to look at either, though there's no denying the beauty of the deep blue sea. 

Moreover, there was more downtime than I had anticipated on my Alaska cruise, and I would have enjoyed sitting on a personal verandah to take in the sights.

If you were put off by the high cost of a signature attraction on Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas, you might want to check the price again.

It seems like Royal Caribbean runs promotions and sales all the time, and we've noticed prices vary for many extra-cost add-ons.

The Crown's Edge is one of the new features on Icon that was developed specifically for the ship, and prices seem to have plummeted for it.

Read more: Guide to Icon of the Seas

Royal Caribbean originally priced it at $89.99 per guest, but the cost came down almost immediately once the ship began to sail. 

This week, we're seeing the price at just $23.99 per guest on many upcoming Icon of the Seas sailings, which is a 73% discount from the original price. According to the Cruise Planner website, the normal price is now $49.00 before any additional discounts.

Keep in mind prices can change at any time, and the price can vary from sailing to sailing. Moreover, sales come and go and that leads to price fluctuations.

On Facebook, many felt the new price made a lot more sense.

After the new price was posted, Cyndi Hopper wrote, "Much more reasonable price."

Megan Dowling added, "That’s a great price! You get to go twice and get a video and pictures which is also nice! Worth it."

Michael Iversen noted he didn't try it on the inaugural voyage of Icon because of the price tag, "I didn’t go because of the price when I was on the January 27 sailing."

What is Crown's Edge?

Crown's Edge is a combination of skywalk, ropes course, and thrill attraction.  

Tethered guests walk along an elevated track that goes around the ship's Crown and Anchor logo. Here’s the catch: you’re walking off the side of the ship with nothing but the ocean below you.

The walkway drops for the second part of the ride, and you suddenly find yourself swinging 154 feet above the ocean back to safety.

The cruise line says the ride experience is approximately 90 seconds and may vary by rider. The full experience will be approximately 15 minutes long, which includes time for gearing up.

In order to try the Crown's Edge, you need to be at least 6 years old, weigh at least 44 pounds, and be 49 inches tall.

You cannot be taller than 83 inches and weigh no more than 297 pounds.

A video of the experience is included with the cost.

Pushback on prices

The significantly lower price signals the original price may have been too high.

Right before the inaugural sailing of Icon of the Seas, travel agents had the opportunity to ask Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley questions, and the high cost came up.

At $89 for a 90 second ride, the argument was $1 per second seemed excessive.

Mr. Bayley said Royal Caribbean uses price to control demand in some cases, "sometimes pricing is to manage just the sheer volume of expectations."

He went on to say that ultimately, the cruise line would react to feedback from passengers, "as we go through the next several weeks, we'll get a lot of feedback from our revenue customers. They are going to tell us that this works or that doesn't."

How to take advantage of the lower price

You can check the price of the Crown's Edge for any upcoming Icon of the Seas or Star of the Seas cruise by visiting Royal Caribbean's Cruise Planner site.

Log into your account and select the sailing you have booked. 

Once there, the Crown's Edge is listed under Onboard Activities.

If you had booked it already, you can cancel your original purchase and then re-purchase it under the new price.  Look for Order History in your profile to access that.

There's no cancellation penalty for cancelling a Cruise Planner purchase.  If you used onboard credit, it will be refunded immediately.

Cruise ships offer exciting shore excursions to unique areas, but how can you make sure they’re safe?

Royal Caribbean cruises have the appeal of taking you to multiple exciting ports of call, from the gorgeous landscapes of Alaska to the ancient ruins of Greece. 

But when you’re traveling to a new and foreign location, safety is always a top priority.

Ensuring that you have a safe, enjoyable experience during your shore excursions takes some careful preparation.

While most shore excursions come with safety in mind and experience tour guides, being smart and proactive is the best way to stay safe.

Especially if you have special concerns (like pregnancy or a disability), are traveling alone, or haven’t been on a cruise before, some extra research and preparation will help you stay protected throughout your cruise.

Here are our top tips for safely taking a cruise ship shore excursion at any port of call.

1. Book through the cruise line

One of the simplest ways to tour a port of call is by purchasing a shore excursion through Royal Caribbean.

Although more expensive, shore excursions sold through Royal Caribbean have been carefully reviewed.

The tour groups and guides have been vetted.

Not only that, but the cruise ship will also wait for your excursion if it runs late.

You’ll be perfectly safe from being left behind in a foreign place!

Read more: 8 cruise ship shore excursions our readers tried and instantly regretted

2. Research extensively beforehand

Before you even purchase your preferred shore excursions, take your time to research each aspect of the experience.

Investigate each port of call you’ll be visiting. Even if you have multiple stops in the same country, don’t assume that they’re all the same.

Research will tell you about the safety level, available activities, the landscape, weather, and other important information.

You’ll also need the specific details for your shore excursion: the price, duration, activity level, and dress code.

Knowing all this beforehand helps prepare you for a safe and fun experience.

Read more: Is Royal Caribbean still going to Labadee, Haiti?

3. Don’t be afraid to speak up

I was on a cruise that stopped at Cozumel, Mexico, and was walking through the busy tourist port, when an older man approached me and offered me an already-opened bottle of beer.

When I politely refused, he started to insist that I drink, saying it didn’t matter if I was underage.

I firmly said no, and kept quickly walking.

Can you imagine what might have happened if I had gotten nervous, hadn’t said no, or even agreed to drink the beer?

Being firm, smart, and unafraid to speak up when something seems wrong is a key way to protect yourself.

Of course, you want to be aware of cultural differences, and be careful that you don’t degrade any local customs.

Read more: Top 10 cruise ship shore excursion mistakes to avoid

But your safety is what’s important here, so speak up if something feels wrong! 

Trust your intuition, and don’t let anyone make a sucker out of you.

4. Listen to your tour guide

Your shore excursion’s tour guides will be the best source of knowledge about your port of call.

They are extremely trained and experienced in doing exactly what you need: keeping you safe while giving you a fun experience!

Listen to their safety briefings, which will involve important information about safety, meeting points, and any potential hazards.

Take note of any guidelines they give you.

When you’re in any unfamiliar or remote area, listening to experts is the best way to keep yourself safe.

If you do experience any problems or feel unsafe at any time, let your guide know that you need help.

5. How to keep your money safe on excursions

You're probably going to need cash during your shore excursion, whether to pay the tour, tip someone, or purchase souvenirs.  So how do you keep that safe, especially when you're on a beach or snorkeling trip?

As a tourist, try to keep a low profile, and don't wear jewelry or hold large amounts of cash. 

Your best bet is to treat valuables, such as cash, like you would normally at home.  Keep it in a wallet, and ensure it's out of sight in either your pants, purse, or backpack.

If you prefer, there are various types of waterproof wallets you can purchase. A simple dry pack that can fit your cash, identification, SeaPass card, and a credit card is all you need (Note, this link is an affiliate link that costs you nothing extra to use).

No matter where you store your cash, keep it out of sight. Put valuables in a bag, and then cover it up so a passerby cannot see it easily. 

If you're somewhere where pickpocketing is a concern, you can carry valuables in a hidden pocket worn under your clothing.

6. Stay with your tour group

For additional safety, try to stay with your group. 

Traveling with a larger group—one of whom is an experienced tour guide—ensures that no one can single you out or take advantage of you.

While some tours do have opportunities for you to explore along, try not to wander too far.

There’s safety in numbers. 

Not only that, but a Royal Caribbean shore excursion will consist of other people on the same cruise ship, and who likely speak the same language as you. They’re a great source of help if you run into any problems.

Even when in a big group, make sure you also stay vigilant of your surroundings!

7. Respect local laws and customs

This is where doing research ahead of time really comes in handy.

To keep yourself safe, you need to understand the context of where you are traveling.

What is considered polite and respectful? What should you wear? Who should you speak to—and who should you not?

Familiarizing yourself with the local traditions and laws ensures that you don’t accidentally do anything considered disrespectful or offensive.

You are a visitor to this country, so make sure that you educate yourself and respect all cultural differences.

Read more: 5 quick and easy tips for finding a great shore excursion on your own

8. Get an Internet connection

While this isn’t required—and it’s certainly trickier when you’re in a new country—having Internet access can really ease your mind when it comes to personal safety.

You have an easy way to do immediate research. You’ll have access to Google Translate, local maps, and a way to call or text anyone if you’re in an emergency.

There are a few ways you can get an Internet connection when you’re off the cruise ship in a foreign country.

You can try to find a restaurant or cafe that has free WiFi. Many areas understand that tourists may need Internet access, and they’ll be happy to provide it to you if you purchase something.

You could also buy a SIM card to get local data. These are sold everywhere, such as in airports or near currency exchanges.

If you need an e-SIM, there are several ways to buy them online. I like to use the app Airlo, which allows you to buy an e-SIM for any country and choose a specific timeline for it to be activated.

After crew members assisted a passenger who was having a heart attack, the US Air Force rescued a man in the open Pacific Ocean last Tuesday.

No one wants the worst to happen while on a cruise ship, but this week's events show that Royal Caribbean staff is well-prepared.

User ChedderCheeseCheetah posted to the Royal Caribbean sub Reddit page that staff onboard Ovation of the Seas saved her dad's life.

"My dad had a cardiac arrest onboard the Ovation two days ago and RC staff responded immediately with excellent CPR and successfully resuscitated him with an AED, stabilized him, and kept him alive for 36 hours," she wrote.

The user shared on Reddit that her dad made it to the hospital safely. 

"[He is] safe and stable but still critically ill."

She credits the cruise line's crew members for making a difference. Without the quick response from Royal Caribbean crew members, ChedderCheeseCheetah's dad may not be alive today.

She commented that she wanted to sing their praises publicly because of this.

"I am just in awe of Royal."

Ovation of the Seas was hundreds of miles from land when the cardiac arrest occurred

Ovation of the Seas was on a 9-night one-way cruise from Honolulu, Hawaii to Vancouver, Canada when the medical emergency happened.

Built-in 2016, she has a capacity for a total of 4,905 guests and 1,500 crew members.

She became the first Quantum Class ship to offer cruises to Alaska in 2019. Ovation of the Seas is also the newest Royal Caribbean ship to cruise to Alaska.

Read more: Comparing the Royal Caribbean ships sailing to Alaska in 2024

The unnamed man who suffered the cardiac arrest was onboard celebrating his upcoming 40th wedding anniversary with his wife.

At the time, Ovation was located in the middle of the sea, with no time to sail to land.

The patient had to be stabilized by medical staff and then evacuated off the ship via helicopter.

After his evacuation, the wife remains onboard and will have to wait until the ship disembarks in Vancouver.

The rescue was coordinated by the United States Coast Guard and Air Force

The Reddit user ChedderCheeseCheetah reported that, after her father's cardiac arrest, medical staff onboard Ovation of the Seas resuscitated and stabilized him, then placed him in a medical coma for the helicopter recuse.

Once the US Coast Guard could get within range of the ship, they were able to send a helicopter to lift the father to a hospital in California.

ChedderCheeseCheetah said the United States Coast Guard and Air Force worked together to coordinate and complete the medical evacuation.

Videos show the evacuation involved a military-grade Pave Hawk helicopter and a C130 to refuel it in the air.

That way, the helicopter could fly hundreds of miles out to sea and back.

This rescue involved complex coordination between Royal Caribbean, USCG, and USAF. It is an impression accomplishment that the evacuation could take place to save this man's life.

Reddit user jpchopper added that the evacuation was "no small thing... and it's an even bigger accomplishment that they were able to coordinate all of this in 2 days."

ChedderCheeseCheetah also said she found it "funny but not funny" that her father is an Army combat veteran.

"[He] would be beside himself with pride at the job well done by our military men and women for this rescue. And he would have loved the helicopter ride if he hadn’t been medically sedated for it."

Many users resonated with the heartwarming story 

Many Redditers commented, sending their prayer to the poster's father and applauding Royal Caribbean staff members.

"I got the chills reading this," HurryAdventures8335 said. "It’s so amazing that everything turned out okay."

The Reddit post also served to connect passengers who are currently on the Ovation of the Seas cruise.

Mfhicks wrote to the original poster: "I am so glad you have shared this! My uncle sat with him [in the Main Dining Room] throughout the week and was very concerned when he wasn’t there a couple of days ago. 

"We would love to keep up with his progress and offer any assistance possible."

Users also pointed out that, in addition to the fast medical response, Royal Caribbean is doing its part to reimburse passengers on the current sailing and the next for the cruise ship delays.

"This couldn’t be cheap for Royal because they are reimbursing passengers for missed flights and hotel stays. They are doing the right thing and willing to absorb a loss for it," pharmecist commented.

At the time of this article, Cruise Mapper showed Ovation close to the North American West Coast, making its way to Vancouver.

The cruise ship's arrival at port was delayed by nearly 12 hours.

Guests booked on Ovation's next sailing also commented on Reddit that their cruise had been delayed.