Royal Caribbean Blog

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.

Royal Caribbean has canceled all visits to Labadee, its private peninsula in Haiti.

In recent weeks, Haiti has made global news for gang violence and a mass prison break. The US Embassy has advised American citizens to leave Haiti. 

For guest safety, Royal Caribbean has canceled all visits to Labadee. 

Ships on their way to Labadee have changed their itineraries to add an extra sea day, re-routed to Grand Turks, Turks and Caicos, or stopped at Nassau, Bahamas instead.

Royal Caribbean News

• What is free on Perfect Day At CocoCay?
• 21 Cruise Cabin Essentials Everyone Should Pack
• New Brightline station will be added near Port Canaveral
• How do I get a table for two in the Main Dining Room?
• Royal Caribbean adds new benefit for Pinnacle Club members
• Royal Caribbean will evaluate canceling more visits to Labadee, Haiti every 3 days
• 7 things to pack for a cruise (and 5 to leave behind), from someone who has cruised half a dozen times
• What to Pack for a Mediterranean Cruise

New RCB Video: What I wish I’d known before I went on a Royal Caribbean cruise

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 — What I wish I’d known before I went on a Royal Caribbean cruise — and don’t forget to subscribe to our channel.

What is it like onboard Anthem of the Seas in 2024?

Sailing on Anthem of the Seas convinced Calista that cruising Royal Caribbean's Quantum Class is a top-tier experience. 

She sailed on on Anthem this past month, choosing a 7-night sailing out of Cape Liberty and stopping at Port Canaveral, Perfect Day at CocoCay, and Nassau.

This is what Anthem of the Seas is like this year, from entertainment onboard to the stateroom.

Royal Caribbean has a ten year plan to use robots on its cruise ships

Royal Caribbean sees robotics as the future for its cruise ships. 

Nick Weir, Royal Caribbean Senior Vice President of Entertainment, shared that the cruise line has a ten-year plan for using robots as part of shows onboard.

He announced on Twitter that they are ahead of schedule when it comes to incorporating robots onboard, with plans like "Robolights" and "robotic fountains streams" already taking center stage.

9 things Royal Caribbean veterans always do (and you should too)

 Are you new to cruising Royal Caribbean? It's natural to feel intimidated by everything you need to prepare.

Thankfully, cruise fans love sharing tips—like on this blog! We've compiled some insider hacks that Royal Caribbean veterans always use.

By putting these tried and true strategies into practice, you can make sure you have the best cruise possible.

If you’re new to Royal Caribbean, it’s natural to feel intimidated by the things you need to learn and prepare for.

5 busted Icon of the Seas myths

You've probably heard a lot about Royal Caribbean's newest and biggest ship.

But not all the news about Icon of the Seas is entirely true. 

Whether you believe that you'll get to pet the family dog, or that Icon is just too expensive, there are some pervasive myths about the ship.

To make sure you have the most accurate information, Matt is debunking five myths you've heard about Icon of the Seas.

What cruisers wish they knew before going on their first cruise

Hindsight is always 20/20, including going on a cruise ship.

We asked people on the internet for what they know now that they wish they knew before trying their first cruise.

From beating the chair hogs to asserting dominance in the elevator, here are our favorite answers.

On a Mediterranean cruise, you’ll visit breathtaking landscapes, ancient monuments, and diverse cities.

Taking a cruise around the Mediterranean allows you to experience multiple destinations and cultures, all in one trip!

But with this variety of access to beaches, landmarks, and museums, what should you pack?

When you’re visiting multiple different countries and types of destinations, it will be important to pack wisely.

Not only that, but a Mediterranean cruise involves international travel and will take a longer trip than other itineraries.

To conserve space and have the best vacation possible, you’ll have to pack carefully!

What should you bring to those popular ports like Mykonos, Barcelona, Athens, and Malta?

We’ve created a guide for all the essentials you’ll need to pack on your Mediterranean cruise.

Read more: 7 tips for a great Mediterranean cruise

Please note that we’ve linked items on Amazon containing an affiliate link. This affiliate link costs you absolutely nothing extra, but Royal Caribbean Blog makes a small commission if you purchase it.

Passport

Unlike closed-loop cruises, where you can get along with just a birth certificate and ID, you will need a passport for your Mediterranean cruise.

Since this is international travel that requires you to cross multiple borders, you’ll be dealing with immigration.

Make sure you have a passport valid for at least 6 months to be permitted on the cruise.

And if you don’t currently have one, start applying now! The current processing time for a new U.S. passport is 6-8 weeks. 

Apply as soon as possible to avoid any delays.

Walking shoes

More than at any other destination, you can expect to walk when you visit the Mediterranean.

Whether you’re exploring a city, wandering a museum, or simply traveling from port to city, a lot of walking will be involved. 

Not only that, but the streets can be old and have uneven cobblestones, requiring you to have a steady foot!

Pack a couple pairs of good quality walking shoes that you can wear out over your cruise.

Good shoes are essential for pacing yourself over a Mediterranean itinerary.

If you’re not careful, you’ll end up exhausted and burned-out, with sore feet.

Read more: 115 Item Ultimate Cruise Packing List (Printable PDF)

Reusable water bottle

We usually recommend that you pack a reusable water bottle to save purified water onboard.

But, on a Mediterranean cruise, you’ll also want a water bottle to bring off the ship.

As mentioned earlier, you’ll be doing a lot of walking! 

And instead of stopping at restaurants or shops every time you need a drink, you should pack your own water along with you. Stay hydrated on those long treks to keep up your strength.

Scarf

You’ll want to pack several pieces of multipurpose clothing for your Mediterranean cruise.

The weather can be scorching hot during the day, but chilly and dark at night, or in the ship’s A.C. 

Packing layers is key.

To give yourself options while conserving luggage space, bring pieces like scarves. A scarf has multiple uses: covering your head in the sun, warming your neck in the cold, or covering up your body when necessary.

In countries like Greece, Italy, and Spain, women are required to cover their legs, shoulders, and cleavage when visiting sacred spaces like churches.  In many locations, men are also asked to cover their shoulders and legs.

Bringing along a scarf ensures that you can throw on a cover-up whenever necessary. 

Stay prepared so that you can visit all the sites that you find!

Bag with a zipper

European countries are infamous for pickpockets and thieves. 

You certainly don’t want to have your essentials stolen while on a trip. Nothing sounds worse than losing your phone, wallet, or ID in a foreign country.

But as long as you stay alert and avoid making yourself an easy target, you won’t have anything to worry about.

Bring along a sturdy bag that closes security (like with a zipper) and make sure that you keep it on your person at all times.

Also consider packing your most valuable items close to your body, like in a fanny pack that goes under your shirt.

Portable charger

Having your phone available and fully charged is always key on any trip.

And when you’re traveling to the Mediterranean and going out on long shore excursions, the need for a powered phone becomes even more important.

You’ll need your phone for local information, directions, and sharing all those beautiful pictures.

Especially when cruise ships have limited charging ports onboard, I like to bring along a portable charger or power bank.

That way, you can bring it along in a bag and keep your phone fully charged at all times.

We recommend Anker’s portable charger for its durability and ability to charge an iPhone multiple times.

Read more: The best travel tech gadgets for a cruise ship vacation

Credit card

Whether you’re buying souvenirs, paying for a tour, or just trying to get something to eat, you’ll need to have the right type of payment on hand.

European transactions can be different from American, so do your research ahead of time to make sure you’re bringing the right payment!

For starters, most European countries no longer rely on cash. Using a credit or debit card is quicker and preferred at most locations.

When you pack your credit card, also be sure that it is the right kind.

I was surprised to find that my American Express credit card was not accepted on my Mediterranean trip. Thankfully, I brought along a few other types just in case.

Visa or Mastercard is almost always accepted. 

To save money, I also recommend checking if you have a card without any foreign transaction fees.

Linen clothing

If you’re traveling to the Mediterranean in the summer, you’ll want to pack lightweight clothing.

Read more: What is the best time to cruise the Mediterranean?

Anything made from materials like polyester or satin will feel heavy, sticky, and sweaty in the heat. Remember that you'll be walking a lot, and spending lots of time outdoors!

Pack high-quality cotton and linen clothes. These will feel light and breezy on your skin, and they can also roll up tightly to fit into your luggage.

Jackets and sweaters

Planning on visiting the Mediterranean during the fall or winter?

The region can get more chilly than you’d expect!

Temperatures can fall into the 40s and 30s, with cloudy, rainy weather.

Bring along sweaters, cardigans, and rain jackets if you’re traveling during these months.

Since daytime temperatures can still rise to the 70s, having layers to wear on top of T-shirts and blouses is your best bet.

Medication

For your long Mediterranean trip, make sure you bring along all of your essential medication.

There’s no guarantee that you’ll be able to find your favorite on the cruise ship, or even on land.

For example, medication we might commonly find over-the-counter in the U.S., like cold, flu, and pain remedies, often requires a prescription in Europe.

And your name-brand favorites most likely come under a different name and strength than you’re used to.

Changing your prescriptions in the middle of a trip can lead to bad side effects.

To prevent any issues in the filling of your medication, bring along extra for your journey.

I usually bring allergy medicine, pain relief, motion sickness medicine, antacids, and Bandaids.

The closer the date of your cruise comes, the more daunting packing can feel.

Whether you like to get your packing done early or put it off until the last minute, it’s important to know exactly what to pack.

There are obvious things you want to bring, of course, like swimsuits, casual clothing, shoes, and formal wear.

However, if you’re new to cruising, there are some items that you may not think about.

You can’t bring the same items you’d take on a land vacation when it comes to a cruise.

After having been on six cruises, I’ve established a feel for the kind of things that are necessary—and those I could have left behind.

Here are 7 things you’ll want to pack for your cruise, and 5 items to leave at home.

Read more: 40 essential things to bring on a cruise

Essential Items to Pack for Your Cruise

1. Sunscreen

Many locations on Royal Caribbean cruises experience strong UV rays.

Whether you’re enjoying the pool deck or an island excursion, you’re likely to spend lots of time in the sun on your cruise.

To prevent a nasty, painful sunburn, you’ll want to pack along some sunscreen.

Also, be sure that you check what type of sunscreen is required at your ports of call. 

Some locations ask you to pack reef-safe, mineral sunscreen to protect local reefs and wildlife from chemicals.

2. Jackets

The beauty of a cruise ship is the way it blends many different atmospheres and elements all into one location.

However, this is also a challenge when it comes to packing!

Even if you’re cruising to a warmer location, you’ll also spend time inside, where the A.C. may run colder than you expect.

For those formal dinners and nights inside the theater watching a show, be sure that you pack a couple light jackets or sweaters.

3. Magnetic hooks

Did you know that cruise cabin walls and ceilings are magnetic? 

The walls and ceilings inside each stateroom are made of steel, meaning anything magnetic will stick to them instantly.

Bringing magnetic hooks along allows you to stick them directly onto your cabin walls and ceilings, creating hanging space and more room for storage hacks.

Read more: This cruise hack turns your cabin into a private area, which is ideal for light sleepers

4. Lotion

With all the pool-hopping and beach-lounging you’ll do on your cruise, not only is sunscreen important, but you’ll also want lotion.

Soaking in chlorine pools or salty beaches, and taking multiple showers can really dry out your skin.

Pack along some lotion to keep yourself moisturized and looking hydrated for the remainder of your cruise. 

For a product that combines moisture with sun protection, I recommend aloe vera. It’s a natural option that will soothe your skin if you happen to get a burn or rash.

5. A passport

Indeed, a passport isn’t always required on a cruise. 

On closed-loop cruises that begin and end in the United States, you can bring along a birth certificate and valid ID if you are a U.S. citizen.

However, having a passport is always a good idea in case of an emergency. 

If you get left behind, or the ship has to dock at an alternate port or undergo an unexpected evacuation, you’ll need a valid passport. 

If you don’t have one, you’ll have to stop at the nearest U.S. embassy.

Additionally, owning a passport opens up your options of ports to travel in and out of. Why not take the opportunity to try a cruise at an international port?

6. Medication

Royal Caribbean ships do have shops onboard with a few toiletries for sale. 

However, they won’t have full pharmacies available.

To avoid running out of essential medication—or stressing out and spending extra money trying to find more—pack all the medications you might need, even over-the-counter varieties. I recommend packing more than you think you need, just in case you're delayed returning home.

I usually bring allergy medicine, pain relief, motion sickness medicine, antacids, and Bandaids.

7. Close-toed shoes

Again, you might expect to need warm-weather or pool clothing on your cruise.

But don’t forget that a wide variety of activities are available on Royal Caribbean ships, from ziplining to bumper cars.

The types of activities onboard vary depending on which ship you are sailing on, so be sure to do some research ahead of time.

For events like ice skating, laser tag, and gym basketball, close-toed shoes are required. 

No exceptions will be made, so be sure you pack everything you need for your desired activities. 

Items You Can Leave At Home

1. Appliances

Photo by Timmy Markwald

Before you laugh, you'd be surprised how many people try to bring kitchen and home appliances on their cruise.

I've seen rice cookers, humidifiers, electric blankets, heating plates, and more all end up on the confiscated items table.

Not only are they not allowed, but they're unnecessary.

2. Iron

Even though I just mentioned appliances, I feel obligated to specifically call out irons. To prevent any fires, cruise lines do not allow clothing irons or steamers to be brought onboard.

You will have to get creative or pay staff to launder or iron your clothes for you.

If you’re looking for a way to keep your clothes wrinkle-free while you travel, we recommend a wrinkle-release spray.

3. Alcohol

You can pack up to 750 mL (one unopened bottle per adult in a cabin) of wine or champagne on your cruise.

Any other alcoholic products, such as beer or liquor, will be confiscated if you try to bring it onboard.

Security examines all liquids and confiscates any alcohol that they find. 

It’s not worth wasting that money on liquor when you know you can buy it onboard. 

Royal Caribbean wants you to purchase alcohol at cruise ship bars while you’re on the cruise. 

Whether or not you choose to splurge on the drink package, it’s best to wait for onboard options.

Read more: We asked our readers what one thing they regretted packing for their cruise

4. Beach towels

A cruise vacation will have plenty of watery activities to look forward to: cool swimming pools, luxurious hot tubs, and white, sandy beaches.

But you won’t need to pack your own beach towels.

Royal Caribbean provides complimentary beach towels on the pool deck for your use throughout the cruise. 

You can even bring them to your ports, as long as you return them at the end of the cruise! There is a $25 fee for each towel you misplace.

Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s private island, also provides towels free of charge.

5. Marijuana 

Even if it is legal in your home state, many countries have laws against the use of marijuana. 

No illegal drugs or substances are allowed to be brought on board, and this includes even products like CBD oils or edibles.

You could be denied boarding, kicked off the ship, or even banned from the cruise line if you attempt to pack marijuana with you.

Packing any marijuana is a risk you don’t want to take. 

Read more: I packed for a 7-day cruise and bringing this electronic was a total waste of space

Royal Caribbean’s Quantum Class ships combine modern amenities with technological wonders for a fantastic cruising experience.

The Quantum Class was first released in 2014, pioneering five marvelous ships with unique itineraries.

Many cruisers feel that Royal Caribbean got a lot right with this category, so I was excited to experience my first cruise on a Quantum Class ship.

I took my first cruise on Anthem this past month, choosing a 7-night sailing out of Cape Liberty and stopping at Port Canaveral, Perfect Day at CocoCay, and Nassau.

After sailing on Anthem of the Seas, I absolutely agree that this is a top-tier ship.

With 2,090 staterooms and 16 guest decks, the ship has ample space for all 4,095 passengers on board.

She’s a large ship, 1,138 feet in length and 136 wide. 

Not only was my Anthem cruise my first on a Quantum Class ship, but it was also my first time sailing out of Cape Liberty in New Jersey.

Based on this experience, I’ve written a comprehensive review of what sailing on Anthem of the Seas is like in 2024.

Read more: Anthem of the Seas Guide and Review

Capacity

Anthem comfortably holds 4,905 passengers and 1,500 crew members. However, you would never be able to tell that over 6,000 people are onboard while walking around the ship.

Each venue was spacious, with enough room to accommodate all the cruisers. I enjoyed how separated and closed-off some of the venues were. 

For example, even though the Royal Esplanade is a long, open space, it is separated into two floors, which spread out the space.

Not only that, but each venue located nearby (the Music Hall, Boleros, and the Royal Theater) is fully closed off from the Esplanade.

This ensures that you can’t see or hear everyone at the same time, which I really appreciate.

And yes, while there were chair hogs on sea days, I never experienced a moment where I couldn’t find a chair where I wanted one. There were always at least one or two available.

As a matter of fact, I found much more seating than I expected!

It seemed like most of the cruisers onboard Anthem for a 7-night cruise were families with kids, or large groups of extended family members.

Strangely enough, it was easier for me to get lost onboard than it usually is on Oasis-class ships, even though Anthem is smaller.

My theory is that the strategy of dividing the ship into neighborhoods, like Royal Caribbean does in its Oasis and Icon-Class ships, really does help you comprehend and remember the space you’re in. 

Entertainment

Anthem of the Seas had a wide variety of exciting performances, games, and events. 

Even over the seven-day cruise, I barely had enough time to see everything.

Read more: I'm new to Royal Caribbean and tried 4 different kinds of cruise ships, here's what I like about each

Two70

The first show I saw onboard was Spectra’s Cabaret, a stunning mixture of music, dance, and technology. 

I loved the song selections and the colorful, flamboyant costumes.

Two70 impressed me with its six moving LED screens and wide, comfortable seating.

I also thought it was an amazing venue for events like the Captain’s Corner and “Are You Smarter Than a Crew Member?” trivia.

The wide glass walls brought in sunlight and gorgeous sea views, while access to the library at the top of the venue made for plenty of space. 

Royal Theater

Games and shows also played in the Royal Theater, such as the popular “We Will Rock You” musical. 

While I was looking forward to seeing this performance, apparently I waited too long.

On the last two days of the cruise, which were both sea days, I decided to go and see the show. 

Days 6 and 7 each had two performances scheduled, and I attempted to go to the last three.

However, all performances were canceled due to the heavy waves and high winds. For the safety of the performers, they chose not to do the performances.

I completely understand why, but this was my first time experiencing such bad sailing conditions that the indoor shows had to be canceled!

The Royal Theater was also home to one of the most confusing musicals I’ve ever seen: “The Gift.” 

The singing and dancing were incredible, but I struggled to connect the plot with the songs chosen.

Dining

While Anthem of the Seas has a broad selection of delectable specialty restaurants, I chose to focus on the complimentary dining options for this cruise.

There’s a wide array of food included in the cruise fare on Anthem: the Main Dining Room, the Windjammer, the Cafe at Two70, Cafe Promenade, Sorrento’s Pizza, SeaPlex Dog House, and Solarium Bistro.

Main Dining Room

The Main Dining Room was very hit-or-miss. Some nights, the food was sublime. Other times, it tasted bland or wasn't warm enough.

Our waitstaff was always willing to help out, making suggestions or getting us any other dishes we preferred. I can’t blame them at all for the quality of the food!

But it was a little frustrating to look at a menu and never know if I would enjoy what I ordered.

The service and atmosphere of the Main Dining Room, however, blew me away.

Our waiters were friendly and helpful. They served us to the point of almost predicting our needs.

And I loved the soft, jazzy electronic music that played each night.

My friend and I were seated at a large table, so it seemed that another party was meant to join us. Despite us hopefully waiting each night, we ended up dining alone for the length of the cruise.

Windjammer

I can hardly believe it, but—after six cruises—I feel sick of the Windjammer buffet. 

Maybe that's just because I've been to the Windjammer so often, not only on my past cruises but also over the seven days I spent on Anthem. Or perhaps the food was subpar compared to the other Windjammers I’ve been to on Royal Caribbean ships.

Much like the Main Dining Room, I felt that the meals were hit or miss. 

For example, I usually love all the Indian food served at the Windjammer. On Anthem, however, I only enjoyed a third of the Indian dishes I tried.

Exemplary Guest Service

During meals on Anthem of the Seas, head waiters announced that the ship’s customer service has been the best-rated in the fleet for the past eight weeks.

Based on cruiser survey ratings, the ship’s waitstaff has the best service out of all the other ships.

This may sound like an easy rating to grab, but I honestly agree.

Anthem’s staff, from head waiters to bartenders to chefs, were endlessly charming and attentive. 

I definitely felt that it was some of the best service I’d experienced on a Royal Caribbean ship.

Read more: I’ve cruised on 4 Quantum Class ships. Here are 7 things Royal Caribbean got right with these mega ships

Bars

The service at the bars on Anthem of the Seas was just as ideal as on the rest of the ship.

It was quick and the bartenders were quite friendly, eager to have a conversation when they got the chance.

I also got to use the Bionic bar for the first time. The experience was delightful, but I only bothered to use it once; it felt more like a trendy sensation than a place to sit down and consistently order.

I also noticed that the robots were down for maintenance quite often, so it would have been hard to order there frequently.

The Vintages bar, located on deck 5, quickly became my favorite spot to grab a drink. 

It was open until midnight each night, growing dark and comfortably quiet with speedy service. 

They also have an incredible Mint Berry Delight, which tastes like a sparkling blueberry mojito.

Ports of Call

For a seven-day cruise, Anthem’s itinerary was more sea-day focused. 

We only made stops at three ports: Port Canaveral, Perfect Day at CocoCay, and Nassau, Bahamas. 

As someone who already resides in Florida, a stop at Port Canaveral was completely uninteresting. 

We stayed onboard instead and enjoyed the amenities with fewer guests around.

I did go explore on the days we visited Perfect Day at CocoCay and Nassau.

However, given how sea-intensive this cruise was, I would only recommend this itinerary to cruisers who are confident they’ll enjoy everything Anthem has to offer.

I loved this ship and the activities onboard, but if you prefer more exciting ports, I would advise you to choose a different cruise.

Compared to her sister ships, such as Ovation of the Seas, which travels to Alaska, Anthem had one of the more uninteresting itineraries at the time of my sailing.

Read more: Anthem of the Seas 7-night Bahamas and Perfect Day Cruise Compass - February 25, 2024

Stateroom

This was my first time staying in a virtual balcony interior stateroom—a concept that debuted on Quantum of the Seas, Anthem’s sister ship.

I enjoyed being able to look at what was going on around the ship while still inside the stateroom. Just having a small view of the outside world was worth it!

Our stateroom felt clean and very modern, with navy blue and gold decorations. The design was also upgraded, but some changes were more efficient than others. I disliked how the storage was split up over multiple places in the cabin.

Royal Caribbean has cancelled all of its visits to its private beach in Haiti until further notice.

Last night, the line notified guests who had cruises with stops in Labadee over the next week that their visits have been changed to another port or swapped to sea days.

The worsening unrest in Haiti necessitated a change in plans, and thousands of passengers and travel agents received emails that their visit to Labadee would be cancelled.

It appears there will be more rolling cancellations until the situation improves.

Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley posted an update on Thursday morning to provide additional context as to the scope of the cancellations.

His Facebook post stated, "We have suspended calls into Labadee, Haiti for the next 7 days and will continue suspension on a rolling basis with 3 days advance notification to our guests sailing on itineraries impacted and changed as we monitor and evaluate the situation in Haiti."

Depending on the ship, the cancelled visit has been replaced with either another port or a sea day. 

• Symphony of the Seas March 17 replaced Labadee with a sea day
• Adventure of the Seas March 15 replaced Labadee with Turks & Caicos

Labadee is located in a remote part of Haiti, and has been a private beach for Royal Caribbean cruise ship passengers since it opened in 1988. 

Haiti is experiencing a major civil upheaval following thousands of gang members escaping multiple prisons in Port-au-Prince.  As a result, the U.S. State Department issued a Level 4 warning for the country, meaning all travel to the country is discouraged. 

Earlier this week, Royal Caribbean initially cancelled just shore excursions, but retained visits to Labadee. This included jet ski, kayak, and fishing excursions.

It's not clear what change necessitated the full cancellation of visits to Labadee for the foreseeable future.

Passenger reaction

Mr. Bayley's update was met with plenty of opinions on if the cancellations were necessary, alternate port options, and other thoughts.

Ashley Sanders wrote, "I, for one, am glad you guys are thinking of the crew and passengers first. Nobody life is worth a stop in a place that's dangerous."

Rachael Correll Estevez brought up two issues with the rolling three day window, "Three days is not enough. It doesn't give people enough time to make other plans at a new port (if one is assigned)."

She pointed out a policy related to infants and the number of sea days allowable for them to cruise, "Some sailings removing Labadee and replacing it with a sea day makes 3 consecutive days at sea, making babies 6-12 months ineligible to sail... how is 3 days enough for those families to adjust to their options?"

Breeda O'Leary posted about the replacement port options, "Please find other ports instead of another sea day whenever possible."

The deteriorating situation in Haiti has forced Royal Caribbean to change planned visits to its private destination.

Guests and travel partners of Royal Caribbean received a major update about sailings to Labadee, Haiti. In emails, the cruise line has announced that it is cancelling stops in Labadee due to the evolving situation in Haiti. 

In its communication to guests and travel partners,  Aurora Yera-Rodriguez, Assistant Vice President of Royal Caribbean International, wrote: “Due to the evolving situation in Haiti, and in an abundance of caution, we're temporarily suspending our visits to Labadee for our entire fleet. We continue to monitor and assess the situation with our Global Security & Intelligence Team.”

Although there have been a number of travel advisories for Haiti for many years, this has not resulted in a significant impact on Royal Caribbean, as Labadee, its private destination, is located on the northern coast of Haiti, far from the turmoil in the that has plagued the capital for years. 

What does this mean for guests currently cruising to Labadee? 

How does this impact cruisers currently on their way to Labadee? Further elaborating on the subject, Yera -Rodriguez explained: “Guests onboard Adventure of the Seas on a March 14 sailing will be re-routed Grand Turk, Turks, and Caicos.” Grand Turk is a port island northern island of Turks and Caicos, used by Carnival Cruise line, not usually visited by Royal Caribbean. 

Alternatively, some guests have received emails noting that they will have a sea day in lieu of the port day in Laadee. Guests onboard the Symphony of the Seas for their March 14th sailing, were advised: “We'll now enjoy a Sea Day instead of visiting Labadee. We've also added extra time to our visit to Falmouth, Jamaica, so you'll have more time to enjoy everything this beautiful destination has to offer.” 

Although this is no doubt a disappointment to many guests, Royal Caribbean has repeatedly stated that the safety of its passengers and crew is of the utmost importance. 

Excursion refunds 

On social media, some guests have expressed concern about money lost for booked excursions. Royal Caribbean addressed this issue: “Any pre-paid Royal Caribbean International shore excursions booked for Labadee will automatically be refunded to your original form of payment. In the meantime, feel free to browse all the exciting shore excursion options for your sailing in My Royal Cruise to level up your vacation. Thank you for your understanding. We can't wait to welcome you onboard Symphony of the Seas!”

Typically, guests enjoy fishing trips, a day out on the ocean, jet skis, and ocean water-based activities while visiting Labadee.  On land, there are also some nice amenities, such as cabanas at Barefoot Beach or the thrill of the Dragons Tail Coaster, which provides the ultimate in adrenaline rush riding down the side of the mountain. The 680-foot ride provides incredible views of other surrounding areas while cruising at speeds near 30 miles per hour.

Labadee is also renowned for its beaches, and guests love a beach BBQ while enjoying the majestic waters of the area.

Escalation in recent days

Although this is disappointing for many, the news is not unexpected; in recent days, Haiti has made global headlines for gang violence, and on March 3, a mass prison break in Port-au-Prince led the government to declare a state of emergency after thousands of inmates escaped.  The US Embassy has advised US citizens to depart Haiti as soon as possible.

 The situation in Haiti has been worsening over the last several weeks.  Just last week, Royalcaribbeanblog.com updated readers on the ongoing situation. At the time, the cruise line sent a statement to media outlets, explaining: “The safety of our guests and crew is our top priority. Our global security teams are closely monitoring the situation in the area." Additionally, the cruise line warned: ""At all times, we remind guests to remain aware of their surroundings while ashore and follow all State Department guidelines. Should any changes be required, guests will be notified directly."

This heightened attention has been due to the US Department of State’s Level 4 travel advisory, updated on July 27, 2023, citing “kidnapping, crime, civil unrest, and poor health care infrastructure,” among the reasons the US State Department has advised against travel to Haiti for some time. Other countries that have Level 4 advisories include Russia and Syria. 

Yesterday, Haiti’s Prime Minister Ariel Henry tendered his resignation and appealed for calm as the country descends into chaos.

Royal Caribbean’s exclusive location in Haiti 

While many cruisers think of Labadee as a private island, Labadee is the name of Royal Caribbean’s beach but unlike Perfect Day at CocoCay, it isn't a private island but rather a peninsula. It’s a private port only accessible to Royal Caribbean. In fact, the area of Labadee is secured and monitored to ensure the safety of cruise passengers and crew members. 

Royal Caribbean was monitoring the situation carefully. Labadee is located on the northern coast of Haiti, where the majority of the violence occurs further south in more populated areas. Port-au-Prince is almost 100 miles from Labadee.

Just last week, Royalcaribbeanblog.com reported on the escalation of violence, Presidential crisis, and official travel warnings, with many of our readers inquiring if their cruise will still happen as scheduled. 

Labadee is monitored by guards, and a huge fence blocks it from the public, although you may not see it during your visit. In short, it's walled off from the rest of the country and is in a remote area. It's guarded by a private security force. Most employees working in the restricted area of Labadee live in remote villages located nearby, and Port-au-Prince, Haiti's capital, is over 100 miles away . Government warnings about travel to Haiti always focus on the cities. 

Royalcaribbeanblog.com will continue to update the story as information is received from the cruise line and guests. 
 

Royal Caribbean wants to add more value to its guests at the very top of its customer loyalty program.

Pinnacle Club guests received an email on Wednesday informing them of an update to their Pinnacle Club benefits.

Pinnacle Club status is the top tier within its loyalty program, requiring a total of 700 points to attain it.

Read more: Crown and Anchor Society loyalty program info, tips & secrets

Overview of the new benefit

Effective on sailings beginning March 15, 2024, and onwards, each Pinnacle Club member may now bring one guest staying in their immediate stateroom to accompany them into the Suite/Concierge Lounge, Suite Sun Decks, and Coastal Kitchen.

Crown Lounge (formerly known as the Diamond Lounge is not included) in this change.

There are some special rules with this new option:

Non-Pinnacle Club guests must be always accompanied by a Pinnacle Club member.

Beverages consumed in these venues will be charged to guests' SeaPass cards - Diamond and above members may redeem their daily drink vouchers. 

On sailings where the number of eligible Suite & Pinnacle Club guests exceeds the Suite venue capacity, access for Pinnacle Club members will be determined by cruise points and extended to one of their stateroom occupants. Those eligible will receive access notifications 48 hours before the sailing and a reminder on boarding day in the Welcome Letter.

Access to Coastal Kitchen is based on space and availability. Reservations are required and can only be made once onboard.

Royal Caribbean went on to say that this new benefit for Pinnacle Club members has not changed Crown Lounge access and remains exclusive to Diamond, Diamond Plus, and Pinnacle Club members, unless communicated otherwise.

Why the change? Royal Caribbean wants to deliver the very best benefits to its most loyal cruisers, "We are committed to ensuring your cruise experience is exceptional, and we believe these updates contribute to that goal."

Adding the new benefit means Pinnacles can bring someone in their cabin with them to enjoy the reserved space.  Prior to this change, the benefit was only applicable to the Pinnacle Club guests.

The gap between Pinnacle Club and the next tier down, Diamond Plus, is significant at 175 points to 700 to move up.

Pinnacle Club benefits comparison

Beyond the benefits shared with lower tiers, Pinnacle Club guests enjoy a great deal of benefits.

Chief among them is a free cruise once they reach the tier. There's a free cruise for two people on a 7-night balcony stateroom for 700 and 1050 cruise point thresholds. 

Plus, a milestone cruise certificate valued at the prevailing rate of a Junior Suite stateroom for 1,400 and every 350 cruise points thereafter.

Pinnacles also get free internet packages for duration of every sailing, lapel pins, priority embarkation with the suite guests, and daily breakfast at a specialty restaurant.

How to qualify for Pinnacle Club

If you'd like to get to Pinnacle Club, you'll need to accrue at least 700 points in Crown and Anchor Society.

You'll earn one point per night of your cruise in a standard cabin (balcony cabin or smaller), which means you'd need 700 cruise nights to get there.

There is a faster way if you're willing to spend extra.  Staying in a suite gets you two points per night. Likewise, booking a standard cabin alone will get you two points per night.

If you stay in a suite by yourself, then you'll earn three points per night, which is the most you can earn per night in Crown and Anchor Society at the moment.

Unlike most hotels or most airlines, your points never expire and you don't have to requalify for your status annually.

Are you looking for a classy, quiet experience at Royal Caribbean’s Main Dining Room?

Royal Caribbean’s Main Dining Room is a complimentary venue that serves formal, elegant meals two to three times a day.

It's become a staple of the cruise dining experience and a delicious meal that many cruise fans look forward to.

But you may not be eating alone.

You could be assigned to a table with other guests in the Main Dining Room.

Royal Caribbean tends to assign multiple parties to a table, especially if you’re traveling with a smaller party, such as a couple. 

To conserve dining space, waitstaff often assign multiple groups together at larger tables.

Without proper preparation, first-time cruisers could be met with a disappointing surprise when they come to dinner and find several strangers eating with them.

Being seated with another party can feel like a jarring end to the sophisticated evening you were expecting.

If dining alone is a priority for you, here’s how you can request a table for two.

Read more: How Royal Caribbean's Main Dining Room works and what to expect

How do table assignments work?

Royal Caribbean seats guests according to their availability. 

With the right timing and request, you can ensure that you snag a table for just two.

Royal Caribbean has table sizes for two, four, six, eight, and ten people. 

At those larger tables, the Main Dining Room staff do their best to seat groups together that might have something in common. 

For example, couples could expect to be sat with other couples. Or families with younger kids may find themselves with other families with children.

There’s nothing scary about being seated with another group; your parties will dine and converse, working together to have a lovely evening. 

Just make sure to keep the conversation light and fun! Steer the chat away from controversial topics, and remember that everyone is there to enjoy their meal and have a lovely cruise.

But, there are plenty of valid reasons why you might prefer to be seated alone.

If you’re celebrating a special occasion, feeling more introverted, or just don’t want to be focused on your partner during your dinner, you can request to be seated at a table for two for all your meals. 

Just remember that if you don’t specifically request it, you will likely be seated at a larger table with others.

Traditional Dining

When you first book your cruise, you’ll have two options for when you eat your Main Dining Room dinner: traditional dining or My Time Dining.

Read more: Royal Caribbean My Time Dining versus Traditional Dining

These times determine when you go to dinner, and you’ll want to choose your selection carefully! You won’t be able to change it after the second day of your cruise.

Traditional dining gives you an assigned table at one of three times: 5:30 P.M., 6:45 P.M., or 8:00 P.M.

The exact times will vary according to your cruise’s itinerary, but you can select one of those three dinner times. 

Once you make your choice, you’ll be assigned to a consistent table and team of waiters each night.

If you’d like to secure a table for just two people before your cruise, you can make a request through email.

Simply contact [email protected] about 2-3 weeks before your cruise and ask for a smaller table for just your party.

If this doesn’t work, or you change your mind, you can still make your request once onboard.

Go to the Main Dining room and ask to speak to a head waiter, letting them know that you’d like a table for two.

The Main Dining Room’s waitstaff is extremely accommodating, and they will do their best to fulfill your request. 

Even if you end up being assigned to a larger table, the other parties may not join you, and waiters can move your group to a smaller table.

The good news is that, with traditional dining, you’ll sit at the same table every night. 

Once you make your original request, your group will be set at its own table.

My Time Dining

My Time Dining is a more flexible schedule for dinner. Instead of being assigned a specific time, you have a first-come, first-served option.

Usually, dinnertime runs between 6:00 and 9:30 P.M., and you will be seated when and where the waitstaff and kitchen are ready to serve you.

You can make a dinner reservation ahead of time in the Cruise Planner or Royal Caribbean app. 

If you choose to wait until you get onboard, you can go directly to the Main Dining Room and a head waiter will be happy to assist you. 

When you make your reservations with them, you can request a table for two.

Be sure that you make this in-person request as soon as you get onboard because reservations fill up quickly.

The benefit of making a reservation ahead of time is that you’ll have to wait less to get a table (up to 15 minutes).

However, you’re not required to make a reservation ahead of time. If you choose to, you can simply show up to the Main Dining Room whenever you feel like eating.

If you do not make any reservations, you might end up waiting up to 45 minutes at peak times.

While waiting to be seated, you can request a small table for your party. But many tables will likely be full at this point.

Usually, they will seat you at whatever tables are most quickly available, so just be patient if they can’t fulfill your request right away!

Seating your larger group together

Looking for special seating for a group larger than just two?

You can still request to dine together, instead of being seated with other parties.

If you’ve selected traditional dining, you can request a table allocation 50 days before the sailing. Your group leader can even assign the seats specifically.

However, Royal Caribbean’s website states that if you’ve selected My Time dining, there is no guarantee that your group will be seated together.

Robotics is seen as the future for many functions, including cruise ships.

An evening show on a cruise is as synonymous with the industry as the buffet or the ports of call visited. Royal Caribbean sees the future of entertainment with robots as integral to the show as the performers.

Royal Caribbean Senior Vice President of Entertainment Nick Weir has not only been the head of Royal Caribbean's productions for decades, but he has been an early adopter of robots to augment the show experience.

Robotics offer a way to bring show elements previously impossible, or requiring a great deal of man power to accomplish.

Mr. Weir shared on Twitter that Royal Caribbean has, "a ten year program" for robotics.

While we don't have yet a clear indication of what robots the future holds, it's clear the line is deeply invested in iterating robot technology and opportunities with each new ship.

A foothold in robotics

Royal Caribbean's love affair with robots started with the Quantum Class ships that first launched in 2014.

At the time, Quantum of the Seas was referred to as an innovative new kind of ship, with plenty of tech to go with the robots. There were virtual balcony cabins, high-speed internet access (relative to the time), a new app, and wearable wristbands.

Robots were part of a big that tech push with Quantum. There were robot bartenders, robots in the theater, and even a robotic arm to take guests high above the ship.

The first glimpse passengers got of robots on Quantum was at the Bionic Bar, where robot bartenders take drink orders via tablets located around the bar. 

Passengers then watch as their drinks are prepared by the robot. The robotic arms draw liquor from dozens of bottles hanging from above, and are programmed to add just the right amount of mixers, ice and even lemons and mint. They can even shake the drink to mix it.

Bionic Bar would make its way onto a number of other cruise ships around the fleet, becoming a spectacle for anyone that walked by.

The other massive robotic presence on Quantum was in the Two70 venue, and this clearly resonated the most with Mr. Weir, as robots in theaters continue to appear in the line's latest ships.

On Quantum, robotic entertainment took to the stage with its Roboscreens. Partnering with ABB Robotics, Royal Caribbean utilized a handful of robot arms with screens attached to them to tell the stories in the new Two70 venue.

According to Royal Caribbean, it was the most complex robotics project that was happening outside of Mars.

An Iconic step forward

Robots on Quantum Class ships continued, and it took another step forward on Icon of the Seas.

The Aquadome is not only a new neighborhood, but also the first Aquatheater to incorporate robots into the show.

Combining the AquaTheater from Oasis Class ships with the roboscreens of Quantum Class, you get the next generation of robotics in a show. The idea was to create the greatest canvas to do entertainment on to date.

The six-axis robot arms in the Aquatheater are in the stage area on Icon had never been done before. When ready, the robot arms will be able to pick up the skate boarding half pipe during the show as part of the experience.

Not only does this tech allow for great stunts, developing this tech also allows them to build all sorts of heavy equipment for stage use.

Robots can recreate any sense of forced-motion and direction. One idea is to put a platform on a robot arm, so instead of having a spring board, divers can use the robot arm to be propelled. It's an idea Royal Caribbean has patented.

"Huge plans for robotics"

This ten year plan is to continue the advancement of robots in the shows you find on Royal Caribbean's next batch of new cruise ships.

Mr. Weir tweeted that they're making better progress than originally anticipated, "It’s going really well so far, we are in advance of schedule. Already adding concepts that were destined for Star of the Seas to Aqua Action on Icon."

One idea is what he calls, "Robolights", and they are being prepared on Icon of the Seas. Instead of a screen, the arms have lights on them to help control the lighting precisely to what the performers need.

"The Robolights™️ preparing themselves for a performance (literally) and a clip of them doing their thing in the actual show. "

"Theater World, meet Robot World… a natural partnership."

He shared concept art for what he calls, "robotic fountain system" that appears to be able to spray multiple streams of water from each arm.

Those cruising out of Port Canaveral will soon be able to rely on another form of transportation, as Brightline announced that they're planning on opening a new station in Cocoa Beach. Last week, the Cocoa City Council voted to designate $5 million for the new station.

Brightline recently opened up a new station at the Orlando International Airport (MCO), making it easier for those commuting from Central to South Florida for sailings from Fort Lauderdale and Miami. It was a wise move, as MCO is the busiest airport in Florida, seeing around 44 million passengers annually. 

Despite the influx of passengers, Brightline doesn't have a station in Brevard County. Those heading from Orlando to Port Canaveral have to rely on other forms of transportation, such as rental cars, rideshares, or shuttles. 

Brightline began operations in 2018 with stops in West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, and Miami. Now, however, they've expanded to Boca Raton, Aventura, and, of course, Orlando, covering 235 miles. 

At the time of writing, there's no timeline as to when the Cocoa Beach station could open. However, according to City of Cocoa Mayor Michel C. Blake, the City of Cocoa has met with company executives and is ready to move forward with negotiations for a station located near State Road 528 and US 1. 

The drive from Orlando International Airport to Cocoa Beach takes about an hour. While not long, a new Brightline station will allow those embarking on a cruise from Port Canaveral to choose another transportation option. 

Brightline Director of Public Affairs Katie Mitzner said, “Brightline is ready to begin the formal process with Space Coast stakeholders to fulfill our vision for a Brevard County station. We agree the time is now to finalize a plan.”

Read more: I took the Brightline train from Orlando to Fort Lauderdale for my cruise. Here's what it was like

Brightline has seen an increase in ridership of over 100% this year

Additionally, they estimate that they'll see around 4.3 million passengers annually between South Florida and Orlando by 2025. 

A stop in Cocoa Beach makes sense, especially considering this is the area in which the trains slow down to transition from the East/West track to the North/South track. 

The maximum speed for Brightline trains from Orlando International Airport to Cocoa is 125mph. Between Cocoa and West Balm Beach, the speed maxes out around 110mph, while the train substantially decreases to around 79mph between West Palm Beach and Miami. 

Brightline is also building a new station in Stuart 

In March, Brightline announced that Martin Country, specifically the City of Stuart, would be the site for their next station. 

The company reviewed five proposals from both private and public landowners along the Brightline/Florida East Coast Railway corridor. They, however, ultimately decided on Stuart due to its location, as well as the physical characteristics of the site.

The new station is estimated to cost around $60 million and will open in early 2028. 

Ships sailing from Port Canaveral

Royal Caribbean, along with numerous other cruise lines, sail from Port Canaveral. A total of 8 Royal ships will sail from Port Canaveral between now and April 2026. 

In July, Royal's newest ship, Utopia of the Seas, will begin offering 3- and 4-night cruises to The Bahamas. While not the largest ship in the world, guests can find various offerings unavailable on other Oasis Class ships, including the Royal Railway - Utopia Station specialty restaurant and Pesky Parrott bar. 

Additionally, upon Star of the Seas' debut in August 2025, the brand-new ship will sail from Port Canaveral to the Eastern and Western Caribbean.

Other ships include Adventure, Explorer, Allure, Mariner, Voyager, and Wonder of the Seas. Sailings range in duration from 3-night Bahamas cruises to 13-night Transatlantic voyages.