Royal Caribbean Blog

It's not too late to start booking your future cruises with a travel agent. 

Royal Caribbean recently announced their top-performing travel agencies of the year. The list includes both newcomers and repeat winners from previous years who proved their dedication, passion, and ability to book Royal Caribbean vacations. 

• Chairman's Award for Overall Achievement: Travel Leaders Network
• President's Award for Overall Achievement: World Travel Holdings
• National Account Partner of the Year: Travel Planners International
• Southeast Partner of the Year: Travelmation
• Northeast Partner of the Year: Cruise Brothers
• Central Partner of the Year: Magical Vacation Planner

• West Partner of the Year: MEI-Travel
• Canada Partner of the Year: The Travel Agent Next Door
• Franchise Partner of the Year: Cruise Planners
• Corporate Incentive Partner of the Year: 3D Cruise Partners
• Charter Partner of the Year: Entertainment Cruise Productions
• Caribbean Partner of the Year: Travel Planners / Expedia Cruceros
• Automation Partner of the Year: Travel Planners International

“These are extremely exciting times for the entire cruise industry – cruise lines and travel partners alike. The sky’s the limit at Royal Caribbean, and the strong performance we’ve seen is thanks in large part to our valued travel professionals and their incredible knowledge when it comes to matching their clients with the right vacation experience,” said Vicki Freed, Senior Vice President of Sales, Trade Support and Service for Royal Caribbean International.

“I’m very proud to honor these experts who consistently work with us and continue to see success with their businesses. As we dive into 2024 with the exciting launch of Icon of the Seas and then Utopia of the Seas in July 2024, as well as the next Icon Class ship, Star of the Seas, in 2025, we’re excited to reach new heights for the entire travel industry. Thanks for the support, and congratulations to the winners.”

If you don't utilize a travel agent, here are 6 reasons why you should consider making the switch when booking your next cruise vacation. 

Read more: 10 secrets Royal Caribbean travel agents wish you knew

Travel agents have a strong understanding of the cruise industry

Travel agents will be able to help you understand all of the nuances of a cruise, as they're unlike traditional vacations. If you're debating between booking a suite or not, you might want expert advice on the benefits that you'd receive, especially if you're cruising on a ship with the Royal Suite Class, as some suites have perks that others do not. 

Perhaps you cannot decide between two itineraries and want a little insight into what the ports offer; a one-way cruise in Alaska, for instance, is different from a roundtrip one from Seattle. 

Travel agents can also advise you on cabin selections. If you aren't familiar with the ship, you could accidentally book a room in a location that you find undesirable, such as near the nightclub or with an obstructed view. 

In essence, an agent will help guide you through all of the decisions that you have to make. 

They will save you time

Planning a cruise can be time-consuming, so you should let a travel agent do the majority of the work! Rather than spending your own time pricing out different itineraries and cabins, you can request a quote for all the options you're considering. 

Once you're booked, they'll check to see if your rate has decreased before final payment, so you do not have to. If they notice that the price dropped, they'll contact the cruise line to get them to honor the lower rate. 

Additionally, if you don't know how you want to spend your day ashore, a good agent will give you some ideas based on your personal preferences. If there are multiple highlights that you don't want to miss, they can help arrange a private tour for you and your travel party, as cruise line shore excursions can be pretty limiting. 

Travel agents have access to better rates

The first time I booked a cruise with a travel agent, I was genuinely surprised by how much money I saved. When I booked a cruise onboard Freedom of the Seas, my agent had access to group rates, meaning that I was able to secure a balcony cabin for the same price as an interior! 

Additionally, when I was considering a cruise on the brand-new Celebrity Ascent for July 2024, Celebrity's website was advertising a Prime Edge Infinite Veranda cabin with drinks and Wi-Fi for $6,490.18. My travel agent booked the same stateroom category and perks for $5,440.32. 

While they may not always be able to offer jaw-dropping savings, they'll usually give you some onboard credit as an incentive to book with them. 

They'll provide peace of mind during emergencies 

While not super common, cruise lines will sometimes make changes to your sailing. Dry dock maintenance, for example, might require Royal Caribbean to change your ship. Once onboard the ship, the Captain might deem it unsafe to dock at a certain port of call due to weather. 

While unfortunate, a travel agent is advantageous in these instances, as they'll act as your advocate and liaison, meaning that you won't have to worry about communicating with the cruise line. Before any changes are made, they will ask how you'd like to proceed and then work with the cruise line to honor your specified wishes. 

If you book your flights when an agent, they'll also be able to assist in rebooking them in the event that your original flight was delayed or cancelled. 

Read more: The costly cruising mistake newbies make planning their first cruise

Travel agents can help you book unique staterooms or get onboard special sailings 

When Icon of the Seas' bookings opened, the inaugural cruise sold out within 24 hours. Those who worked with travel agents didn't have to worry about logging on and securing a reservation themselves, as the agent was on the ball the second itineraries were released. 

Additionally, if you're hoping to book during a sale, cruise lines will often notify travel partners in advance, so your agent can alert you of when the best time to book is. 

Read more: Start here to plan your Royal Caribbean cruise

They'll work with you to create a payment plan

One of the best aspects of a cruise is that, unless you're booking a last-minute cruise, you have time to pay off the vacation; the full amount isn't due upfront. 

After placing your deposit, you'll have until a specified date to pay the remainder off. While it's unlikely that you'll forget the date, if you book with a travel agent, they will help you create a plan and make payments on your behalf. 

They will give you other friendly reminders, too, such as helping you remember when your check-in opens. If you want an earlier arrival time, it is imperative that you make your selection as soon as possible. 

Read more: Final payment change for long cruises

Icon of the Seas introduced many exciting new restaurants and bars to the Royal Caribbean fleet, including the highly-anticipated Empire Supper Club.

The Empire Supper Club is an eight-course meal described as “an evening of glitz and glamour, where cuisine is an occasion, cocktails are celebrations, and sultry live jazz is your host.” When you step foot in the venue, you will be transported to New York City in the 1930s.

During the inaugural sailing, I had the chance to try all the unique food and cocktail pairings to see whether it was worth the $200 price tag.

Of course, this review is highly subjective and based on my personal preferences. Another thing to note before I start the review: I told the restaurant ahead of time that I do not eat seafood. Because of this, I indulged in a few meals that were not listed on the menu.

If you have any food allergies or dietary restrictions, it's extremely important to inform them beforehand so they can prepare different meals for you. Gluten-free, lactose-free, and vegetarian options are available. 

The restaurant was very accommodating and the substitutions, in my opinion, were equally as enticing as the original menu.

What to know before dining at the Empire Supper Club

There are a few important things to know before you book a dinner at the Empire Supper Club.

First, guests with the Unlimited Dining Package can dine here for an additional $130. All other guests will have to pay the $200 cover price. There are no discounts for guests with the Deluxe Beverage Package or Crown and Anchor status. 

The experience includes a specialty cocktail with each course. The price is the same if you opt to have non-alcoholic drinks during the dinner.

Second, tables are for parties of two to four people. If you are eating with more than four people, you will have to sit at separate tables. There are no age restrictions, as guests under 12 years old are welcome to dine at the Empire Supper Club. A maximum of 38 people can dine here, so it's a small venue. 

Third, the dress code is formal. Many of us who dined at the Empire Supper Club wore black attire, whether it was a dress or jumpsuit. For men, it's required to wear a suit jacket. If you do not have one, Royal Caribbean will apparently lend you one.

Lastly, the dinner will take three hours. For us, it was from 6 to 9 p.m. Punctuality is required, and doors open 10 minutes before your dining time.

Empire Supper Club review

The Empire Supper Club is located right outside Central Park on deck eight. It makes sense that the venue was placed near the New York-inspired Central Park!

The menu consisted of American cuisine inspired by the 1930s era of New York City. 

As mentioned above, each dish was paired with a special cocktail that you can't find anywhere else on Icon. You can select your main course and dessert, but the appetizers have a set menu.

Throughout the evening, the American Standards Trio, which consisted of a singer, piano player, and double bass player, performed “sophisticated jazz selections specially curated for the night.”

The music was lovely to hear when we were eating. The music didn’t distract from our table conversation for the most part, but rather, it created a classy atmosphere. My personal favorite music selections included Rhapsody in Blue, Beyond the Sea, and New York, New York.

Here’s everything I ate and drank during my evening, along with my thoughts on everything I tasted. Royal Caribbean Blog founder himself, Matt Hochberg, accompanied me during this culinary journey.

Starter #1: Amuse-bouche

This hors d'œuvre resembled a small bagel with cream cheese - it was the perfect way to start the meal. It's meant to be a palate cleanser, and I found it to be very tasty. I requested to not have caviar on top, so mine had onions that looked like caviar. I wish I could’ve had another one!

Starter #2: Spicy pecan bread with honey

I was very excited to have some bread, but I was slightly worried when I heard it was spicy. I do not like super spicy foods, but I wanted to try it anyway. I am so glad I did because it was warm, pillow-soft, and not too spicy at all - there was just a little zing. The butter was also divine.

Drink #1: Moet & Chandon Imperial Brut

To celebrate the beginning of a wonderful meal, we all toasted with a glass of champagne. I am not much of a champagne drinker, but I liked this particular champagne!

Appetizer #1: Oysters

The oysters are described as: "Crispy oysters Rockefeller, chorizo Bearnaise, sundried Romas, micro basil."

Substitute: Quinoa salad

The quinoa salad included avocado and beets, as well as edible flowers. This is something I never would've ordered for myself, but I am glad I tried it. I had no complaints about it, but it wasn’t my favorite thing to eat.

Drink #2: Staten Island Spritz

This drink had Tito’s vodka, Campari liqueur, limoncello, orange juice, and champagne. It was a pretty-looking drink, but it wasn’t as sweet as I would’ve liked it. Matt agreed with me that it needed more flavor.

Appetizer #2: Raviolo

I liked the raviolo (which had a soft yolk, spinach, crisp guanciale, shaved bottarga, and Parmigiano) much better than the quinoa salad. I wasn’t a fan of the egg yolk when it oozed out from the middle, but I ate around it and it was still tasty.

Drink #3: Blood & Sand

This drink had Dewar’s scotch, cherry Heering, sweet vermouth, and orange juice. I enjoyed this drink, and it was my favorite up until this point. Matt commented how he really liked this drink too!

Appetizer #3: Langoustine

The lobster is described as: "Butter poached, Champagne, Osetra caviar, basil emulsion."

Substitute: Saffron risotto

The risotto was my favorite appetizer of all of the ones I tried. It was creamy with tomatoes on top. I would’ve liked more of this because I ate it all in less than 10 bites!

Drink #4: East of Houston

This drink had Botanist gin, lemon juice, honey syrup, orange bitters, and champagne. I liked how refreshing it was. It didn’t have a strong alcohol taste, which I appreciated.

Appetizer #4: Empire Caesar salad

The Caesar salad is described as, "Parmesan tuile, purple orchid, pink peppercorn."

While I didn’t eat the Caesar salad, I do have to say it looked very pretty. Look at that crouton arch!

Substitute: Mushroom soup

The soup was great! The bowl was so tiny that I ate it pretty quickly. I thought the soup tasted like the one at Chops Grille, so I asked the waitress and she confirmed it was from Chops Grille.

Palate cleanser: Sorbet

I found this sorbet to be quite yummy. Although I didn’t know the flavor of it, I guessed it was either strawberry or raspberry. The sorbet also had some boba in it, which I didn’t eat because I am not a boba fan.

Drink #5: New York Sour

This drink had Bulleit Bourbon, lemon juice, simple syrup, egg whites, and claret wine. I thought the “E” ice cube was a cute touch. The drink itself was pretty good, but not my favorite compared to drinks #3 and #4.

Main course: Steak

The Wagyu ribeye was excellent! I got the peppercorn sauce on the side and I think that made the steak even better. The pieces were small, but I savored every bite. I only wish I could’ve had more! 

It was served with fondant potatoes and sauteed morels.

Matt ordered the rabbit (leg and loin duo, mustard cream, baby carrots, pistachio dust), and I was curious to try it. I thought it tasted similar to chicken but much more chewy. Let's just say I am glad I got the steak!

Matt was also able to try the seabass (mousseline of parsnip, red beets, candy citrus), which he liked way more than the rabbit.

Drink #6: Toasted Almond

This drink had Tito’s vodka, Kahlua, amaretto, heavy cream, and grated nutmeg. I loved having this drink during dessert. After trying all the drinks, this one was my favorite! I am a big fan of cocktails with Kalua and heavy cream so it makes sense that this was my top pick. This drink paired well with the chocolate desserts.

Dessert #1: Cheesecake

Our waitress said since there were two of us, she typically likes to bring out the cheesecake and beehive so we can try both of them.

I liked the crust of the cheesecake, which was made of white chocolate. Matt commented that he loved the dulce de leche gelato it came with. I agreed, and I would say this cheesecake is even better than the cheesecake at Chops Grille.

Dessert #2: Chocolate Beehive

This dessert was my absolute favorite. All the ganache layers blended together to create a delicious chocolate delicacy! The mango sauce, salted caramel toffee, and honey tuile made this dessert out of this world. If only I could order just this beehive whenever I wanted!

Dessert #3: Chocolate Tree

This last dessert was not listed on the menu and was a complete surprise. All the chefs came out carrying these tall plates of cotton candy. When it was set on the table, I noticed it was a chocolate tree with cotton candy as the leaves! I was already so full by this point that I didn’t try all of the chocolates, but what I did have was very good.

More thoughts on the experience

The meal itself was very enjoyable and I loved the jazz music in the background. Sometimes the music was loud and other times it was quiet - I found that it corresponded with when we were eating versus the downtime between each course/drink. The band did take a break before the main course.

The way I would describe the lighting is moody. Each table had a little light that could be adjusted to a different brightness. We had ours on the lowest setting so it gave just a little bit of light when we wanted to look at the menu. 

The lights would turn on during some of the courses and I thought this was on purpose. We asked and it appeared that this wasn’t on purpose - I think they were experimenting with the lighting to see how we would react.

If you try to go to the bathroom anytime during the meal, someone will escort you to the bathroom. When Matt left for the bathroom, a waiter came over and replaced the towel that was in his lap with a new one. How fancy!

Another small thing I liked was how I could hang up my bag with the hook they placed on the table instead of putting my bag on the floor or on my chair.

Is the Empire Supper Club worth the extra cost?

After leaving the Empire Supper Club, I concluded right away that it was worth $200 per person.

When you account for each drink (assuming they’re $14 each, which is what Royal Caribbean charges for cocktails), that totals $84. The other $116 accounts for all the appetizers, desserts, main course, and entertainment. I would say that is a fair price!

I heard a lot of people compare this experience to Chef’s Table, a specialty dining option offered on most Royal Caribbean sailings. At Chef’s Table, you sit at a large table with other people and enjoy a five-course meal with wine pairings. There is no entertainment included. I have personally never done Chef’s Table, but I would assume Empire Supper Club is similar in some ways.

With Empire Supper Club, you sit at your own table and listen to jazz music while you eat. It was an intimate experience and it didn't feel like we were on a cruise ship! I've never had an experience like this on land or at sea. 

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed my Empire Supper Club dinner and would recommend it to others. It's the perfect option for those who want to splurge on a special night out with family and friends.

The very first cruise on Icon of the Seas is in the books, and going on a maiden voyage of a new ship is unlike other sailings.

Royal Caribbean treats its inaugural cruises like a big party. You'll notice things that stand out from pretty much any other sailing.  This is because a new ship is a really big deal.

As a company, so many resources have been dedicated for years to make the new ship a reality and the culmination of those efforts is welcoming passengers onboard. Plus, it's an excuse to celebrate.

Read more: Icon of the Seas guide

I've sailed on a few inaugural voyages so far, but Icon's stood out in a few ways. If you're considering trying an inaugural sailing in the future, here's what Royal Caribbean did on Icon.

Champagne when you board

One thing Royal Caribbean does on any inaugural sailing is roll out the red carpet and welcome passengers on the ship.

On any sailing, there will be crew members that will meet you at the embarkation point to say hello and welcome you onboard, but on Icon, there's champagne too.

Crew members offered complimentary glasses of champagne as you entered. Free alcohol on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship is not something that comes regularly, so it's a sign that this is indeed a different kind of cruise.

Swag

Another way Royal Caribbean celebrates a new sailing is by giving its passengers free gifts.

Each night of the inaugural sailing, there was something given away for free.  These gifts were left in passengers' staterooms by their cabin attendant, so there's nothing extra anyone needs to do.

On Icon, we received, hats, bags, water bottles, lanyards, rubber ducks, and even a bartender set.

The idea is this is a big celebration where party favors are a way to remember the occasion.

The gifts given on an inaugural cruise will vary, but there's usually at least a few gifts given to guests.

Lots of executives

If you look around, you shouldn't be surprised to find Royal Caribbean's top executives onboard too.

Executives are there primarily to ensure everything is going as planned. With any new ship, getting everything running exactly as it should be is not a simple task, especially on the first in a class.

Executives observe, provide guidance, and even step in to assist to keep everything flowing.

In addition to a support role, executives are there to revel in the experience and interact with guests. They want feedback to evaluate how well things are running.

I saw executives from the Food & Beverage, Entertainment, and Product Development teams around Icon in a variety of roles.  

As an example, Royal Caribbean Senior Vice President of Entertainment Nick Weir was present at every single production show I saw to observe, take notes, and celebrate his team's progress.

Incomplete shows

It's not unusual that every single activity is ready on day one, and that was the case on Icon of the Seas as well.

There was a sign for the escape room, but I don't believe that's ready at all.

Only one show in the Aquatheater was running, and that show wasn't quite 100% complete yet.

Mr. Weir posted on Twitter it will take about a year to get it all right, "FYI we will tinker and tweak and add and subtract for the next twelve months before we consider the show full and finalized. 
A long and enjoyable process that we openly share with our guests. "

The Wizard of Oz was ready, but it did encounter some technical glitches. One performance on the first night had to be completely cancelled after about 15 minutes and delayed until day six of the sailing.

Shows not being completely ready was also something that happened on the Wonder of the Seas inaugural voyage.

If you go on a maiden sailing, be prepared for not every show to be totally ready for that voyage, but they will be ready as the weeks progress.

Best crew members in the fleet

One of the best aspects of going on an inaugural sailing are the crew members, because Royal Caribbean hand picks the best of the best to go on any new ship.

New ships aren't quite the well-oiled machine that existing ships are, and as a result, procedures and plans need to be worked out. To do that, they need experienced crew members who have demonstrated results under pressure.

I've noticed there's a certain subset of crew members that relish a brand new cruise ship and love jumping in to assist with the start up of a new ship.  I think they regard it as a kind of challenge.

If you cruise Royal Caribbean a lot, you may recognize a few familiar faces from other ships.  

This isn't limited to just the crew that serve you either. Icon had Royal Caribbean's A-list comedians perform all week (instead of just a couple days), along with their best Pub, Schooner Bar, and Dueling Piano players.

Bringing in top crew members sets the ship up for success.

Upgraded buffet on embarkation day

A new cruise ship has plenty of new things to check out, but don't overlook the buffet on embarkation day.

Upon boarding Icon of the Seas on embarkation day, there was one of the best spreads of food I'd ever seen in a buffet.

Filet mignon, lobster tail, tuna tartare, and crab legs were just some of the choices available and with no limit either.

It's a good reminder of how this first cruise is a big deal.

Fireworks and celebrations

Speaking of a big deal, nothing says "we're here to celebrate" quite like fireworks.

Upon departure from Miami, Icon of the Seas enjoyed a fireworks display off the ship's starboard side.

In every port of call Icon visited, foreign dignitaries from that country came onboard Icon to welcome the ship. For these countries, Royal Caribbean selecting their nation to host a ship with as much as notoriety as Icon of the Seas is a badge of honor.

Is going on an inaugural cruise worth it?

I once described a new ship's inaugural sailing as a combination of "Woodstock and Prom", and I stand by that description.

It's a giant party, reunion, and celebration rolled into one. There's as much enjoyment of the cruise itself as being able to say, "I was there!" to someone back home.

There can be hiccups, and some aspects of the cruise planning process take much longer than they normally do.  But after years of anticipation, being among the first to walk onboard and experience it all is a pretty neat feeling.

It may not be for someone who wants the ship to be running like clockwork, but if you're flexible, an inaugural voyage can be a real treat.

Happy weekend! We hope you are in the midst of a wonderful weekend full of things to do to pass the time between cruises.  We have a summary of all of this week's Royal Caribbean news in case you missed any of it!

Royal Caribbean has outdone itself with the innovations on the world's largest cruise ship. 

After sailing on the new biggest cruise ship, Matt shared what he likes and doesn't like about Icon of the Seas.

Subtle changes, such as the pool deck being broken up so it doesn't feel like just another cruise ship pool deck, or adding stairs, escalators, and shortcuts, have improved the enjoyment factor. 

Matt felt impressed by how much Royal Caribbean got right with the first ship in the Icon Class. 

The result has been fantastic—but nothing is ever perfect. 

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean talks record demand, Red Sea attacks, competing with land vacations, & more 
• Royal Caribbean reports another profitable quarter and expects "record earnings" in 2024 
• Wonder vs Enchantment: ranking the best Royal Caribbean ship and the worst
• MrBeast, World's biggest YouTuber, visits Perfect Day at CocoCay ​​
• Odyssey of the Seas review: What it's like to cruise on this ship in 2024 
• I stayed in a 200-square-foot room on the world's largest cruise ship, where there's a new kind of balcony. Here's what it's like inside. 
• 5 reasons why Royal Caribbean's newest megaship is my favorite yet

Video: Boarding day cruise ship tips for 2024 

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 — Boarding Day Tips You Need in 2024 — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Mastering your Icon of the Seas cruise with the best tips 

Getting overwhelmed at the thought of planning a cruise on the huge Icon of the Seas? 

Icon is a “white-paper ship,” meaning that she was designed from a completely blank slate, and might have innovative features that confuse new cruisers. 

But don’t let the size intimidate you. After spending a week on the ship, Matt has developed a few tips to help you maximize your time and have the best experience possible. 

From pre-booking shows to tasting the first complimentary food hall, here are our top Icon of the Seas tips to save time, money, and your sanity to have an amazing vacation. 

It could be harder than ever in 2024 to book a cruise

Demand for cruises is higher than ever. 

According to a fourth-quarter earnings call held on February 1st, the highest volume of bookings in the company’s history occurred between the third and fourth quarters. 

Because of this, staterooms are filling up in advance, and cruisers might struggle to find their desired cabin on a Royal Caribbean ship. 

“We have less inventory available to book in 2024 than we did a year ago for 2023 and half as many staterooms left in [the first quarter]," said Jason Liberty, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group. 

Royal Caribbean Group has had a record-breaking wave season, meaning that both rates and volume are booking significantly ahead of time compared to 2023. 

Within the cruise industry, "wave season," which is often January through March, is when cruise lines tend to run their biggest sales and promotions of the year.  

The 10 Essential Dishes to Eat on Icon of the Seas 

Icon of the Seas has dozens of restaurants and bars to try, so how can you choose the most essential venues and dishes? 

We asked thirteen chefs and food-obsessed executives to share the most memorable plates on Royal Caribbean's newest ship. 

When chefs, senior staff, and executives spent weeks on Icon and time preparing the dining venues, they had time to try many dishes. 

With their expertise, we compiled a list of the top 10 dishes and drinks you need to try on Icon of the Seas. 

I tried the $350 in-pool daybed rental on Icon of the Seas. It was pricey, but you get a prime spot 

Are Icon’s Hideaway Pool daybeds worth $350 for one day?

Located in the very back of the ship on deck 15, The Hideaway is the adults-only area onboard, much like the Solarium on other Royal Caribbean ships. 

Access to this area is complimentary, but guests have the opportunity to rent one of the three daybeds in the Hideaway Pool. 

Angie went ahead and rented a daybed, paying a total of $350 when she purchased it before the cruise. 

The daybed holds a maximum of four guests and includes amenities for four people. These come with a chilled bottle of champagne, four towels, and four water bottles.

There's so many different Royal Caribbean cruise ships, each with their pros and cons and rankings among cruise fans.

Online reviews can be misleading, too—you’ll find someone people swear off sailing a ship that others can’t stop praising.

Cruise fans rate Wonder of the Seas as one of the best Royal Caribbean ships, primarily due to her size and up-to-date amenities.

In contrast, Enchantment of the Seas was one of the ships our readers said they would never go back on again due to her old age and faded amenities. 

In my quest to see all that the cruise line has to offer, I’ve now experienced a cruise on both the “best” and “worst” ships Royal Caribbean offers.

But does Royal Caribbean really have such a great difference between these two ships? What distinguishes them?

Read more: Royal Caribbean ship classes ultimate guide (2024)

Size

One of the key differences between Wonder and Enchantment is their size.

Wonder is one of the newest and largest cruise ships in the world. A large Oasis Class ship, she was just launched in 2022. The ship features state-of-the-art facilities, 18 total decks, and an expansive length.

The smaller, Vision-Class Enchantment of the Seas was launched 26 years prior, in 1996.

She was the last Royal Caribbean cruise ship to be lengthened in 2005 when they cut the ship in half and inserted a new section in the middle. 

This change added 151 new cabins, but the ship still only has 1142 staterooms and a capacity for 2252 passengers and 852 crew members.

Enchantment has a more scaled-back and intimate setting, contrasting the grandeur and scale of Wonder of the Seas.

Of course, even the smallest Royal Caribbean ship still feels big on a human scale. No matter which ship you sail on, it will be like a huge building on the sea. 

And Royal Caribbean has a reputation to keep up: even their smallest ships are larger than the ships offered by other mainstream cruise lines.

Even though Enchantment of the Seas is less than half the size of Wonder, both are large cruise ships that will take time to explore. 

Cabins

Although the two ships are very different sizes, I couldn’t tell any difference once inside the cabins.

Different ships have different numbers of cabins available, but each cabin category is consistent regardless of the ship. 

Surprisingly enough, my cabin on Enchantment of the Seas reminded me most of the cabin I stayed in on Wonder. 

Both were inside cabins I purchased through the guarantee process. 

Both cabins had no windows, a private but small shower, a TV, a vanity, a safe, a large closet with hangers, and a wide bed that could be split apart into two twin beds.

Despite the similar layout, I did notice a few significant differences.

First, my Enchantment cabin had no mini-fridge, the small cooler that usually sits in the cabinet beside the desk.

Secondly, I did notice the age showing inside Enchantment’s cabin. The flights would flicker or break, and one of the forward elevators even broke down for 24 hours. 

I could tell that the ship had been renovated and had satisfactory amenities, but it was impossible not to notice a little wear and tear.

Third, on my Wonder of the Seas cruise, the TV inside the room was a newer Smart TV, which allowed me to cast to it directly from my iPhone. On Enchantment, the TV was an older version featuring only a few free channels.

Of course, the price was the major difference. I booked both cruises about a month beforehand, both for 7 nights. On Wonder of the Seas, I brought a guest, but on my Enchantment cruise, I had to pay the single supplement fee.

The final price for my 7-night Wonder of the Seas cruise was $2674.76, about $382 per night for two people.

On the other hand, my Enchantment of the Seas cruise cost $1471, or $210 per night. 

Even with the solo traveler fee, this cheaper price helps take the sting out of the “worst ship” title. 

Read more: Which Royal Caribbean cruise ship will you never sail on again? Here's what our readers said!

Dining

The cuisine is a crucial aspect of every cruise experience, so, naturally, this category would have a strong bearing on how you choose your next cruise ship.

It’s important to note that I haven’t noticed the quality of food or service change between Royal Caribbean ships, no matter their popularity. 

The menus stay consistent throughout all ships and classes, especially in the Main Dining Room.

The only difference is that Wonder of the Seas boasts far more venues, with 10 complimentary restaurants and 13 specialty venues.

Enchantment of the Seas, in contrast, only has 4 complimentary restaurants and 3 specialty venues onboard.

Read more: One food item you need to order from each restaurant onboard Enchantment of the Seas

But if you are already unwilling to spend extra money on food, the wide range of specialty restaurants on Wonder may not appeal to you.

Enchantment of the Seas has plenty of delicious food, served with charm—and often a shorter wait! 

Entertainment

As a cruise ship, it makes sense that fans would rate Wonder of the Seas as one of the best.

The ship was designed to be a destination in itself, with an awe-inspiring amount of options available. 

She features iconic recreation zones like the AquaTheater, the Boardwalk, the Royal Promenade, and Central Park. Shops, restaurants, and live music are everywhere—to say nothing of the activities and shows.

You can compare the Cruise Compasses side-by-side on our website. Although ships both feature the same significant events, such as get-togethers and musical performances, it’s clear that Wonder of the Seas goes above and beyond. 

The ship features incredible amenities like laser tag, mini golf, and ice skating. It’s impossible to experience it all in one cruise!

But if you’re on a more port-intensive cruise, like an Alaska or Mediterranean itinerary, Enchantment of the Seas ship is more than satisfactory. I discovered that it was the perfect place to come back to and relax at night.

Reviews online complain that Enchantment is a boring ship, but I appreciated the quiet after a long port day. 

While Wonder of the Seas has an impressive array of amenities and entertainment, Enchantment features a cozy, intimate environment. 

Activities

I loved that Enchantment of the Seas was a much quieter environment. Instead of having large, open entertainment areas, like the Boardwalk and the Royal Promenade, Enchantment features one small, round Centrum. Since each floor looks out onto the Centrum, you can’t see how many people are milling around, and the noise is minimized.

It was a much more relaxing cruise experience.

However, the environment on Wonder of the Seas also felt much friendlier. I made actual friends on that cruise, unlike my Enchantment of the Seas cruise, where people hardly spoke in the elevators.

Both of my cruises were 7 days long, with ample time to connect with others onboard. But that wasn’t my experience on the smaller ship.

Maybe it was because Wonder of the Seas feels like such an exciting ship, with many more activities. 

Or maybe it was because my Enchantment cruise was much more port-heavy, leaving cruisers tired and focused on tourism.

For whatever reason, I have never again felt the same social charm that I first experienced on Wonder of the Seas.

Bottom Line 

In the end, we can’t decide for you if Wonder truly is Royal Caribbean’s best ship, or if Enchantment of the Seas is the line’s worst.

These two polarities can show the significant differences between popular and less popular cruise ships.

However, the two ships aren’t that different on a larger scale. Ultimately, the choice—the most well-liked ship versus the least popular ship—is up to your preferences. If you value grandeur, noise, and endless access to venues and entertainment, Wonder of the Seas may be the best choice.

But if you’re looking for a cheaper option with a quiet, intimate environment, you might be able to handle an older ship like Enchantment just fine.

From the moment I stepped onboard Icon of the Seas, I was wowed.

I’ve cruised on 18 of Royal Caribbean’s 27 cruise ships, and as someone who typically prefers smaller ships, I was taken aback by just how much I loved the cruise line’s newest ship.

While Icon of the Seas may be the biggest cruise ship in the world, her impressive characteristics go beyond just her size.

Beyond the obvious—stellar entertainment, modern cabins, and a plethora of onboard activities—it was the smaller touches on Icon of the Seas that blew me away. I was impressed by the amount of ocean views, variety of new dining options, and thoughtful design of the ship’s eight neighborhoods.

I had only three days onboard during a media preview cruise, and this was not nearly enough time to experience all the ship had to offer. That being said, my short time onboard easily had me come to the conclusion that Icon of the Seas is my favorite ship in Royal Caribbean’s fleet.

Related: Our complete guide to Icon of the Seas

From the trendy new food hall to the gorgeous Royal Promenade, here are 5 reasons why the newest Royal Caribbean ship is my favorite—and why I can’t wait to get back onboard.

I loved the The Overlook, which offers unmatched views and ambiance

Of all the brand new areas to explore on Icon of the Seas, I was perhaps most excited to check out The Overlook, a hangout space in the front of the AquaDome.

The AquaDome—an 82-foot-tall glass dome at the forward top of Icon of the Seas—is an impressive feat of engineering within itself. And while the AquaDome is most known for its indoor AquaTheater entertainment venue, my favorite aspect of this area is The Overlook.

If you have sailed on Royal Caribbean’s Quantum or Oasis Class ships, you should be familiar with the ships’ indoor Solariums, which are located in the same area as The Overlook. Yet instead of making this another pool space on Icon of the Seas, the cruise line did something more innovative: they created The Overlook.

The Overlook is an indoor lounge with some of the most breathtaking views you’ll find anywhere on the ship. I found myself drawn to The Overlook during my time onboard. With its comfortable seating, floor-to-ceiling windows, and close proximity to two bars, I could easily spend an entire day in the area with no regrets.

Related: Icon of the Seas AquaDome: What to expect

If you can snag one of the coveted Overlook Pods, you’re in for a treat. Inside The Overlook are four seating areas—called pods—some of which are elevated off the ground. Not only are these pods an excellent place for that perfect Instagram shot, but they are, without a doubt, a chic hangout space.

Whether you’re imbibing with your travel party or challenging new friends to a game of cards, the pods provide a scenic, semi-private area to relax in the AquaDome neighborhood. As a plus, the pods have several outlets under the seats, which makes them a perfect place to plug in a device if you need to get any work done while onboard.

Family-focused areas are condensed into one place, making the experience wonderful for both kids and adults

Icon of the Seas was designed to be the ultimate family vacation, and it seems she has lived up to the hype. Not only does the ship have its own waterpark, but Icon features kid-friendly favorites like a carousel, rock climbing wall, baby splash pad, mini golf course, and playground, among other activities.

As a 20-something without kids, I was nervous about just how family-focused Icon of the Seas would be. Although I have loved my cruises on Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Class ships, the vessels do not necessarily have a central “hub” for families. I always found them to be slightly overpacked with kids.

Icon of the Seas, on the other hand, has specific neighborhoods designed with families in mind. Surfside, for instance, is designed almost exclusively for young children, with kid-friendly restaurants, an arcade, Splashaway Bay aqua park, and a bar featuring “mommy and me” cocktails and mocktails. Additionally, Thrill Island, home to the Category 6 Waterpark, is another popular area designed for families.

Related: Icon of the Seas Surfside neighborhood: What to expect

During my cruise, it appeared that Royal Caribbean’s thorough design of these neighborhoods was successful—they were packed with families and young children.

Some prospective cruisers sailing without kids have been put off by Icon of the Seas’ overt marketing toward families. For my adults-only getaway, though, I found these family-focused neighborhoods to be a plus. Because families were drawn to specific zones of the ship, the rest of the vessel felt much more adult-focused.

The AquaDome Market offers an excellent addition to Royal Caribbean’s dining options

The industry’s trendiest dining concept in recent ship builds has been the food hall, and Royal Caribbean has caught on to that trend with the launch of the AquaDome Market.

Either in lieu of or in addition to a buffet, cruise lines like Virgin Voyages and Norwegian have debuted a food marketplace on new ships, which offers a selection of made-to-order dishes from individual stands, each offering a different cuisine.

I have to admit I was jealous when I read my coworkers’ reviews of these food halls on our sister site Cruise.Blog. Not only did these food halls look unquestionably cool, but they offered cuisine you’d be hard pressed to find in a traditional buffet, including Spanish tapas and Japanese ramen.

So when I boarded Icon of the Seas, my first stop was the AquaDome Market for lunch. The marketplace, located inside the ship’s AquaDome neighborhood, offers five food stands offering everything from chicken pita wraps to bacon mac n’ cheese and a variety of paninis. This venue is complimentary for guests.

Related: Icon of the Seas restaurant and dining guide

My favorite station at the AquaDome Market is GNGR, which offers Asian-inspired rice and noodle bowls. Protein options include sweet and sour shrimp, ginger beef, and chicken teriyaki, and bowls are topped with fried vegetable spring rolls. While portions are on the smaller side, this allowed me to try other options in the market as well.

In addition to GNGR, I loved my falafel and hummus bowl at FETA Mediterranean, while fellow Royal Caribbean Blog writer Angie raved about the cheesy selections at MAC’s Mac & Cheese and the Monte Cristo sandwich at Toast & Garden.

Of course, you can’t eat at AquaDome market without trying a crepe at Crème de la Crêpe. Whether a classic crepe with lemon zest and dusted sugar or the decadent Nutella banana option, you can’t go wrong with any crepe at the AquaDome market—I tried them all!

Although the expansive Windjammer buffet still offers a far greater number of choices compared to the AquaDome Market, I found myself dining at the AquaDome Market far more frequently than the latter. The selection of cuisines, made-to-order dishes, and overall stylish vibe of the venue is sure to make this spot a hit for the new vessel.

The Hideaway is everything I’ve ever wanted in an adults-only hangout space, even if I might miss the indoor Solarium

Icon of the Seas is the only Royal Caribbean ship without an adults-only Solarium, but there is a neighborhood in its place instead: The Hideaway.

Located in the ship’s aft, The Hideaway is the only designated adults-only area on Icon of the Seas. The space was designed with “Las Vegas pool party” in mind, and it’s a sophisticated, trendy pool space for adults 18 years and older.

Because the Solarium is one of my favorite areas on other Royal Caribbean ships, I was initially disappointed to hear the venue would be replaced with The Hideaway. After all, many Solariums are fully indoors, providing a climate-controlled, shaded area for adults to unwind.

The Hideaway, on the contrary, does not have much shade and is open to the elements, yet these downsides are overpowered by the sheer coolness of the area. With a suspended infinity pool, comfortable daybeds, two jacuzzis, and The Hideaway Bar, The Hideaway is easily my first choice for a pool day on Icon of the Seas.

Time will tell, however, whether an indoor Solarium is missed by passengers on Icon of the Seas. More often than not, I found myself lounging in the Solarium on other ships without entering a pool or hot tub anyway, so if I’m looking for a quiet, indoor area to relax, I could do that in The Overlook in the AquaDome instead.

Views of the ocean are abundant in the traditionally inward-facing Royal Promenade, and I loved spending time there

One of my main complaints about Royal Caribbean’s newest ships has always been the lack of ocean views. Ships like Wonder of the Seas and Odyssey of the Seas are so big that it’s easy to forget you’re on a cruise ship altogether… but truthfully, I don’t want to forget that I’m on a cruise ship.

In particular, the Royal Promenade and Royal Esplanade on Royal Caribbean’s ships have traditionally faced inward, with little to no ocean views. Sure, the Royal Promenade offers ample choice for entertainment, dining, shopping, and activities, but sometimes all I wanted was to sit and relax with a beautiful view.

While designing Icon of the Seas, Royal Caribbean saw this shortcoming and decided to completely rethink the Royal Promenade. Instead of designing venues to face inward, the cruise line went above and beyond with ocean views.

Related: Icon of the Seas Royal Promenade: What to expect

From Pearl Café’s expansive, five-deck high window to the indoor (and outdoor!) views from the newly debuted 1400 Lobby Bar, natural light and ocean views are abundant on Icon’s Royal Promenade.

Whereas the Royal Promenade would usually be a place I would avoid during the day in lieu of brighter, ocean-facing venues onboard, I couldn’t get enough of the space during my cruise. In fact, I probably spent more time in the Royal Promenade on Icon of the Seas than during all my cruises on Oasis Class ships combined.

On most other Royal Caribbean ships, the Royal Promenade is simply a place to quickly pass through during the day. On Icon of the Seas, it’s a destination.

While Icon of the Seas is not perfect, it’s pretty darn close

It’s impossible to build a “perfect” cruise ship, but Icon of the Seas comes close. The thoughtful design touches, number of new dining and bar concepts, diversity of stateroom options, and countless onboard activities are just a few of the reasons why Icon of the Seas is a game changer for the cruising industry.

Even so, not everything is perfect with Icon of the Seas. It’s hard to overlook the price tag of sailing on the ship, even when comparing it to the second newest ship in Royal Caribbean's fleet, Wonder of the Seas.

You can expect to pay at least $2,000 per person for an interior room on a 7-night Icon of the Seas cruise. Wonder of the Seas is, on average, around half the cost for the same type of cabin.

Related: How much does a cruise cost? (2024)

Despite the fact that new ships have always come with a high sticker cost, Icon of the Seas has taken Royal Caribbean’s new cruise ship pricing to a new level.

Additionally, the itineraries on Icon of the Seas are extremely limited. As a destination-focused cruiser, I almost exclusively book cruises based on the destination rather than the ship itself. Because Icon of the Seas only offers the same few Caribbean itineraries week after week, the itineraries are not very enticing.

Nonetheless, Icon of the Seas is the first ship I sailed on where I could see myself skipping a port day in order to spend more time onboard. Previously, I used to scoff at the idea of staying onboard instead of exploring a new port, but there is so much to see and experience on Icon of the Seas to justify skipping a port day. I truly never thought I would say that!

Even when keeping these downsides in mind, there’s no denying that Icon of the Seas provides an exceptional vacation experience. I definitely won’t be booking the ship for every cruise vacation I take—my budget would not allow that—but cruising on a ship this magnificent is something every cruiser “Loyal to Royal” should experience at least once.

Interested in cruising on Icon of the Seas? Check out our full ship tour on YouTube here.

Royal Caribbean's adults-only beach at its private island offers an enclave for those seeking a kid-free beach day.

Hideaway Beach is an extra-cost section of Perfect Day at CocoCay that is available to guests who are at least 18-years-old and willing to pay the admission fee.  

The area is more than just another beach without kids. It is a rather large expansion that includes some of the best features of a private island day experience in one spot.

If you're thinking of trying Hideaway Beach, here's what you can expect and if it's worth the extra cost.

Hideaway Beach overview

Hideaway Beach is an adults-only area located on the south side of CocoCay. It's accessible by complimentary tram service or by a short five minute walk.

Hideaway Beach has a capacity of around 1,800 guests and it's made up of three areas:

• Beach
• Infinity pool
• Cabanas

One thing that you will notice upon entering is how large the area is.  The beach is cove shaped and runs the width of the entire section.  It's certainly among the largest beaches you'll find at Royal Caribbean's private island.

There are chairs and umbrellas throughout the beach, and if you venture to the far end of the beach, there are even in-water palapas, hammocks, and swings.

The pool area includes a swim-up bar with DJ that plays party music throughout the day. Royal Caribbean wants this area to be fun and lively, and you'll find the party atmosphere in the pool throughout the day.

One key difference between the pool at Hideaway compared to Oasis Lagoon is this pool is heated.

There are day beds in the pool, which are available to whoever claims them first.

Admission to Hideaway Beach includes:

• Access to the beach and pool
• Complimentary in-water hammocks, resort-style loungers, and umbrellas
• Food from Hideaway Hut and Slice of Paradise

There are two types of cabanas you can rent for the day, which includes admission for up to six guests.  The Hideaway cabanas are located closer to the pool, while the Hideout cabanas are more of a VIP cabana with private pool.

Hideout cabanas cost more, but offer more exclusivity.

What is the cost of Hideaway Beach?

Royal Caribbean charges an admission fee to enter with variable pricing depending on the ship and time of year you visit. You can expect to pay around $49 per person to enter, but prices could vary up to $20 in either direction. Your best bet is to pre-purchase admission before your cruise to avoid the venue selling out.

Prices for a cabana will vary just as much, but here is a general ballpark of pricing:

• Hideaway cabana: $899 - $1,699
• Hideout cabana: $1,899 - $2,699

To purchase a day pass or cabana, you can do so via Royal Caribbean's website before the cruise.  While you could but it onboard the ship, the price will almost certainly be higher and there's a good chance it will sell out before the cruise even begins.

Remember that you can cancel and rebook prior to your cruise if the price drops.

Dining and food at Hideaway Beach

Admission to Hideaway Beach includes food at two complimentary restaurants.

Hideaway Hut is essentially a plussed version of the Snack Shack found elsewhere on CocoCay. Royal Caribbean took the base menu there, and added more options to provide added value.

In addition to the favorites from the Snack Shack, you'll find coconut shrimp basket, fish sandwich, and ceviche.

The other restaurant you can dine at is Slice of Paradise, which offers pizza and empanadas.

While there's pizza on your cruise ship, there's no pizza elsewhere on the island, so this is a new option.

There are a few varieties of pizza to try, and it's available by the slice.  Fresh made empanadas are also available.

The food in Hideaway is very tasty and also very quick. I think the idea is being in Hideaway means enjoying a fun day in the beach and pool, and Royal Caribbean wants to enable guests to be able to get something to eat and return to the fun quicker.

If you have a cabana booked, food can be delivered to your cabana from the same restaurants you can walk to in Hideaway. Every cabana has a cabana attendant that visits your cabana regularly to bring food or drink you might want.

The food is included, but drinks cost extra. If you have a Royal Caribbean drink package, your benefits work in Hideaway Beach and you'll be able to enjoy those benefits in the cabana too. Ditto for Diamond Drink vouchers.

Hideout cabanas can also enjoy bottle service.

Is Hideaway Beach worth it?

Hideaway Beach is much more than just another beach on Perfect Day at CocoCay that caters to just adults.  It encapsulates arguably the best island experience to date.

At its heart, Hideaway Beach is about picking a place just for adults. While Royal Caribbean cruise ships are family-friendly ships, getting a break from the kids might be a nice change of pace for a segment of the population.  I think there's other people that would prefer the amenities offered at Hideaway Beach regardless of the fact there's kids or not.

In spending the day at Hideaway Beach, it's clear that Royal Caribbean has cherry picked the best things from around Perfect Day and incorporated them into Hideaway. It has the infinity pool from Coco Beach Club, the DJ and swim-up bar from Oasis Lagoon, the Snack Shack, and of course a beautiful cove.

Speaking of the DJ, there's a lot of music in the Hideaway. You can expect a live band performing at On The Rocks bar, DJ music at the pool, and piped in music around the beach. If you're looking for a quiet beach day, the Coco Beach Club might be a better fit for you.

If a cabana is in your budget, they are a wonderful way to enhance your day. The added service, reserved seating, and shade provided is a nice upgrade.  

The upgraded food choices is also a nice touch. While you wont confuse the food here to the Coco Beach Club, you're also paying significantly less.

As a parent of school-aged kids, an adults-only area was never high on my wish list.  But I have to admit the amenities in Hideaway Beach are so compelling, I'm contemplating how I can take my wife and leave the kids with someone else because the experience is so fun.

I love the heated pool, swim-up bar, and beautiful beach cove. There's less seaweed at Hideaway than at other beaches too.

If there's one thing I don't care for that much, it's the DJ and the loud party music that is played throughout the day. Based on how many people were in the pool and dancing along to the music, I recognize this is a "me problem" and I'm probably in the minority.  Nonetheless, I had a great time because of the upgraded nature of this area.

If you can book admission for under $50 per person, I think Hideaway Beach is worth booking. Royal Caribbean has hit a home run with combining some of their best ideas in one area. The fact it's adults-only is secondary, that's how good the area feels.

One of Icon of the Seas’ new neighborhoods is The Hideaway on deck 15. Located in the very back of the ship, The Hideaway is the adults-only area onboard, much like the Solarium on other Royal Caribbean ships.

Access to this area is complimentary, but guests have the opportunity to rent one of the three daybeds in the Hideaway Pool.

Royal Caribbean describes the daybed as follows: “Premium, full-sized daybeds channel beach club party vibes at the first suspended infinity pool at sea. Settle into plush comfort with energizing beats from the nearby DJ booth as your soundtrack. Whether you're lounging with friends or jamming to the beat, these in-pool daybeds are your haven of comfort onboard. Your exclusive retreat awaits.”

I was curious to see what renting one of these daybeds would be like, so back in September 2023, I spent $350 to have all-day access to this daybed during the Icon of the Seas inaugural sailing.

What to know before reserving a daybed

The first thing you need to know before renting a daybed at The Hideaway is that it’s cheaper to reserve it before you step foot on Icon of the Seas. As I just mentioned, it was $350 when I purchased it pre-cruise. On the ship, it costs $400. This price is per daybed for one full day.

The price also varies whether you select a port day or a sea day. Picking the day bed on a sea day (like I did) is more expensive than a port day. Onboard, the difference is $100.

The daybed can hold a maximum of four guests. You can have less than that, but it makes sense to have the most people you can to save money per person.

The included amenities are meant for four people. Each daybed comes with:

• A chilled bottle of champagne to share
• Four towels
• Four water bottles

The Hideaway only allows guests that are 18 and older. If you have someone between the ages of 18 and 20 on the daybed, they will receive four complimentary mocktails to substitute the champagne the daybed comes with.

My morning experience

According to the app, I was to arrive at the Hideaway Bar at 9 a.m. I got there at about 9:10 a.m., and I was the first daybed to check in for the day. Since I was first, I was able to pick which of the three beds I wanted for the day. I selected the middle one so I could get the best views of the ocean.

The other daybeds also offered great views, and really any of them would be a solid option.

After checking in, the attendant said I needed to wait until 10 a.m. to get the daybeds set up. I am not sure why the app said I had to get there at 9 a.m. when it appeared that I could’ve come at 10 a.m. I was told I had the daybed from that point until the pool closed, which was 9 p.m.

At 10 a.m., I was able to sit down on the daybed. On each daybed was a basket with four towels, four water bottles, a Hideaway Bar drink menu, and a bottle of champagne with two cups.

At this time, there weren’t many people in the pool. The music wasn’t too loud either, so it was a more relaxing experience. All of the music tended to be remixes of pop songs, which I really liked because it created a lively atmosphere. There wasn’t a DJ until later in the day.

It was about 11 a.m. when the other two daybed groups showed up. Also, between 11 a.m. and noon, it got much busier. As more and more people crammed into the pool, I thought to myself how lucky I was to have my own large daybed with quick access to the pool. In some ways, I felt like a queen on a throne!

Many people hovered around the daybeds and put their things on the ledge because there weren't many places to put down their drinks, SeaPass cards, etc.

Sometime around noon, I was hungry for a snack. I went to the closest restaurant, Basecamp, and got a hotdog and tater tots. I assumed I could eat this while sitting on the daybed, but about one minute after I brought the food to the daybed, a lifeguard told me no food was allowed in the pool. I was disappointed by this, but I left and ate my food while standing near the pool.

Matt from Royal Caribbean Blog joined me for about an hour on the daybed. He commented that it felt like “a million degrees” while sitting on the daybed with no shade. I did agree with his comment because I was also getting quite hot by this point.

When Matt joined me, I confirmed that there was more than enough space for two people on the daybed. With four people, I think it would be just about perfect for everyone to sit comfortably.

In an attempt to cool down, I ordered one of the Hideaway Bar drinks, the Castaway Spritz. This drink had Aperol, coconut milk, pineapple juice, mango, vanilla syrup, and prosecco. I definitely enjoyed it and it did quench my thirst.

I thought the pool water was warm and felt very nice. Taking a dip in the pool did help cool me down, but I longed for some shade.

At about 2 p.m., I was so hot that I wanted to go back to my cabin to relax in the air conditioning. I knew I wanted to come back to enjoy the daybed later in the day, so I kept the towels and water bottles on the daybed.

My night experience

After having some time out of the sun, I decided to come back to the daybed and watch the sunset from the back of the ship. This was a great time to come to the pool, and the sunset was so beautiful!

I noticed the music from the DJ was much more upbeat at this time of night. It was also louder and resembled the vibe of Oasis Lagoon at Perfect Day at CocoCay. I enjoy this kind of music, so I thought it was fun.

I assumed it wouldn’t be that busy around 5 p.m. because I thought people would be at dinner, but there were still a lot of people swimming and sunbathing!

When I came back to my daybed, I noticed a lot of people put their belongings on the daybed. As soon as I came back and sat down, pretty much everyone moved their things. I did notice this trend throughout the day. When I was there, no one put their things on the daybed, except maybe the ledge. When I wasn’t there, lots of people would put their stuff on the daybed, which is to be expected.

It was about this time that one of the groups on the other daybed left for the day. The other daybed was still being utilized.

Overall thoughts

To truly get your money’s worth, you could theoretically stay on the daybed from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. I utilized the daybed for about six hours, so I didn’t fully maximize my time at The Hideaway, but I felt like I had plenty of time to experience what it was like.

I think renting one of these daybeds would be perfect for a group of family or friends. Since I was alone for the majority of the day, it was a different experience. I still enjoyed myself, but I think I would’ve had more fun if I had other people there with me. (When I booked the daybed in September, I knew I had someone who was going to join me, but they weren't able to sail on Icon due to unforeseen circumstances.)

The Hideaway is the adults-only neighborhood onboard, replacing the Solarium. I like the Solarium because it's usually shaded. With The Hideaway, there are not many places to sit in the shade, especially on the daybeds. I probably would’ve stayed longer on the daybed if I had some shade. The sun would come and go behind the clouds, and I was very happy when it would be under some clouds!

The Hideaway is also a different vibe from the Solarium. Usually, the Solarium is tranquil and calm. This is not the case at The Hideaway where music is bumping all day long. If you want to feel like you’re at a beach party, then you should definitely visit The Hideaway. To take your experience to the next level, renting a daybed could be something you consider. If you want peace and quiet, The Hideaway is not the place for you.

Was the daybed worth $350? That would depend on your personal preferences. For me, I am not sure if it was worth it. I think if food and drinks (other than the included champagne) were also a part of that price, it would be more worthwhile.

I would recommend getting a group of four people to go in on the daybed to make it the most cost-effective!

It could also be worth it for you and your party if you want to solidify a spot all day at The Hideaway. Many of the chairs at The Hideaway were taken by others and they would stay there for a long time.

It's more of a challenge to find an empty place to sit in The Hideaway, so if you want to have the best seat in the house, you should rent one of the daybeds.

Having trouble finding your desired cabin on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship? You are not alone. The demand for cruises is stronger than ever, which means that cabins are filling up in advance. 

The five highest booking weeks in the company's history were in between the third quarter earnings call and the fourth quarter call in February 2024. 

"As a result, while our capacity is up 8.5% year over year, we have less inventory available to book in 2024 than we did a year ago for 2023 and half as many staterooms left in [the first quarter]," said Jason Liberty, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group during an earnings call on February 1.

Royal Caribbean Group is the parent company of Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea Cruises. Between the two, four new ships will have launched by the time August rolls around, including Celebrity Ascent which set sail in late 2023. 

Celebrity Ascent, Icon of the Seas, Utopia of the Seas, and Silver Ray will be able to accommodate over 18,000 passengers with every berth filled. 

"Bookings have consistently outpaced last year across all key products at much higher rates," said Liberty.  

Read more: Royal Caribbean talks record demand, Red Sea attacks, competing with land vacations, & more

Record-breaking wave season

Within the cruise industry, "wave season," which is often January through March, is when cruise lines tend to run their biggest sales and promotions of the year. 

According to Liberty, Royal Caribbean Group has had a record-breaking wave season, meaning that both rates and volume are booking significantly ahead of time compared to 2023.

Caribbean sailings, in particular, are booked further in advance. "The Caribbean represents just over 55% of our deployment this year, following a 13% increase in capacity year over year," said Naftali Holtz, Chief Financial Officer at Royal Caribbean Group. 

The growth is a result of Icon and Utopia of the Seas, Celebrity Cruises' increased summer deployment to the Caribbean, and the expansion of Perfect Day at CocoCay. 

The increase in demand is being seen throughout the cruise industry

Similar comments were made by John Weinstein, Carnival Corporation's President and CEO in September 2023 during a conference call. 

He claimed that Carnival Corporation was ahead by about ten percentage points compared to 2019 and that they, too, had less cabin inventory despite a 5% increase in capacity due to new ships entering service. 

Moreover, Holland America Line, a brand under Carnival Corporation, recently reported that their one-day booking record was broken on January 16. In a single 24-hour period, they received more new bookings than any day in the past 150 years of operation. 

Read more: 7 things I liked better about Royal Caribbean cruises than Carnival

Royal Caribbean has opened bookings for Caribbean sailings through April 2026

It's not uncommon for cruise lines to release new itineraries years in advance. 

However, with the recent price inflations seen on new ships like Icon and Utopia, the opening of these cruises gives more choice and flexibility, especially when it comes to the cost. 

A cruise onboard Icon of the Seas in April 2026 starts at $1,823 per person, whereas a sailing in April 2024 begins at $3,089 per person. 

Even with the high prices during Icon's inaugural season, cabins are still selling out months in advance. According to Royal's website, interior cabins on the April 13th sailing are already sold out. Similarly, there are only balconies and cabins within the Royal Suite Class available on the April 20th cruise out of Miami. 

Earlier this year, we asked our readers how far in advance they book their cruises. At the time, the majority said somewhere between 6-12 months in advance. 

Looking into the future, it would not be surprising to see a shift in answers, especially if cruisers have a specific cabin category in mind and/or want to secure a lower price. 

Renewed importance of booking early

Today’s news reinforces the importance of booking a cruise early, rather than waiting. With the record demand Royal Caribbean Group is seeing, inventory will be lower than usual and that means fewer cabin choices, higher prices, and less last-minute deals. 

As an example, my fiancée and I recently booked a cruise onboard Icon for June 2025. At the time of booking, which was in mid-January, we were able to secure an interior cabin for $5,125.60, including gratuities. 

Now, Royal Caribbean's website is advertising the sailing starting at $5,821.72 before tips! Within just a few weeks, the price of a sailing over one year away increased by close to $1,000. 

Another benefit to booking early is that you can reprice your cruise up to final payment. 

Let's say that I notice that the cost of my Icon cruise decreases. Right now, I feel as though I booked at the perfect time, as the price increased significantly. If it happens to decrease I'll still feel like I booked at the right time because I can take advantage of the lower price!

While Icon of the Seas was built with families in mind and features more rooms for larger groups, older ships weren't built with the same mindset. Whether you're seeking a cabin for five or two adjoining rooms, you'll have to book early to guarantee that you get your desired selections. 

Booking early also helps ensure that you get your preferred dining time. On Royal Caribbean and Celebrity ships, you can either select a flexible or set time, with the latter having early and late options. 

Families with younger children may prefer to eat earlier, whereas groups of friends might want a little more flexibility around their shore excursions and evening activities. As any given sailing fills up, so do dining preferences. 

On a more practical note, booking a cruise early gives you more time to save up, as you'll only have to place a deposit. Whether you want to splurge on a more expensive cabin or have to account for airfare, by thinking into the future, you won't have to worry about financing your trip at the last minute. 

Last-minute cruises are often accompanied by higher flight prices, which usually negate any savings received by waiting to book. 

If you are on the hunt for the best cabin availability and lowest prices, you will want to book your cruise as far in advance as possible. 

While not impossible, the likelihood of you scoring a fantastic last-minute cruise isn't as strong as it was a few years ago. By waiting until the last minute, you aren't guaranteed anything, especially a spot onboard! 

Read more: Pros and Cons of booking a cruise early vs last-minute

During a conference call on February 1, Royal Caribbean Group stated that 2024 is poised to be the best year in the company's history from both a pricing and volume standpoint. 

In addition to record demand for their products from both new and loyal guests, they're continuing to receive positive sentiments from customers and claim that cruising remains an exceptional value. 

In fact, their bookings are twice as high as they were in 2019. This is due, in part, to a record-breaking wave season. Travel partners are also beating elevated expectations. 

"We continue to attract new customers into our vacation ecosystem and deliver the best vacation experiences, so our guests are highly satisfied and continue to rebook and return to our brands and products," said Jason Liberty, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group. 

Demand for 2024 builds on 2023

Despite the company's capacity increase of 8.5% with the release of new ships like Icon of the Seas and Celebrity Ascent, there's less inventory available to book in 2024 than one year ago in 2023. Additionally, there are only half as many staterooms left in Q1. 

What does this mean? You're less likely to score a fantastic last-minute cruise deal than you were in the past. 

"We continue to see particularly healthy demand from North America, where about 80% of our guests will be sourced this year," Liberty said. 

Alaska, in particular, has been performing well. This region accounts for 6% of the full-year capacity and 15% of capacity during the summer season. They've made some exciting changes to the Alaska deployment, too, such as sending the first Edge Class vessel, Celebrity Edge, to the Last Frontier. 

Of course, we cannot forget to mention Perfect Day at CocoCay. Roughly two-thirds of Royal Caribbean International guests sailing to the Caribbean will visit their private island in The Bahamas. Icon and Utopia, as well as the island's expansion with Hideaway Beach, will allow 3 million passengers to visit CocoCay annually. 

When it comes to onboard revenue, the increase has been fueled by pre-cruise purchases. Around 70% of Royal Caribbean cruisers book at least one pre-cruise add-on before their sailing, with about 1/3 of these purchases coming through the mobile app. 

"We already have about 40% more pre-cruise revenue booked in 2024 as compared to 2023," remarked Liberty. 

Standing shoulder-to-shoulder with these land-based destinations 

Royal Caribbean is trying to shift from offering traditional cruises to being a world-class multigenerational family option. 

Icon, specifically, has been a game changer. The company really focused on its target market to create a project that people are impressed with, as they feel as though they achieved that. 

With a ship like that sailing to Perfect Day with options like Hideaway Beach, they want to offer a multigenerational trip that rivals what you might find elsewhere. They've never seen such demand, pricing power, or reaction over a ship, proving that it's been extremely successful. 

"When you consider Orlando, Las Vegas, and all of these other land-based options, we really believe that with ships like Icon and Perfect Day [at CocoCay], Hideaway Beach, the coming of Royal Beach Club in 2025, [and] Utopia coming straight into the short product market to Perfect Day that we are really...[starting] to attract a lot of demand from those land-based options with a better quality product, more exciting product, and great price points," said Michael Bayley, Royal Caribbean International CEO and President. 

Read more: 8 things I love about Icon of the Seas (and 3 I didn't)

Red Sea update

Back in October, Royal Caribbean made the decision to cancel their 2024 Israel cruise season due to the ongoing war. At the time, they estimated that the decision would negatively impact their earnings for the year by three cents a share.

During the conference call on February 1, however, they said that while booking for the impacted itineraries was softer for a few weeks, they rebounded relatively quickly. Plus, bookings are now significantly higher than the same time last year!

Read more: Royal Caribbean cancels 2024 Israel cruise season

Finally, a long-awaited update on Allure of the Seas' dry dock

The second Oasis Class vessel was scheduled to undergo a $165 dry dock in 2020; however, this was indefinitely postponed due to the pandemic. Now, her long-awaited refurbishment is right around the corner. 

"We're always modernizing," said Liberty, "...the actions we took of Oasis [and] some of the learnings on Icon [are] going to be in the modernization of Allure of the Seas." 

Right now, Allure lacks some features that were added to Oasis Class ships starting with Harmony and Symphony of the Seas, including Playmakers and the Ultimate Abyss dry slide. The company has yet to reveal what will be changed.