Royal Caribbean Blog

A cruise ship buffet may be a casual dining venue, but that doesn't mean proper etiquette should be ignored.

You're on vacation, you're serving yourself at the buffet, it's easy to not think twice about what you shouldn't do at the Windjammer.

Pretty much all cruise ships have at least one all-you-can-eat buffet for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

On Royal Caribbean ships, this buffet is a complimentary venue called the Windjammer. It is a popular choice for its convenience and variety, with long hours open and a constant spread of all different kinds of food. Icon of the Seas actually has two buffets with Surfside Eatery.

If you’re craving a simple salad, but someone else in your travel party wants a heartier meal—like beef stew or hamburgers—there’s something to satisfy everyone’s desire.

However, before you dive right into the smorgasbord of food, there are certain do’s and don’ts you need to understand.

From not washing your hands to bypassing the made-to-order stations, here are 11 things you should never do at a cruise ship buffet. 

Forget to reserve a seat 

Unlike the Main Dining Room, the Windjammer does not have assigned seating. 

If you’re not alert, you might have trouble finding and saving your seat. I’ve even seen cruisers forced to eat while standing at countertops.

At busy times, like peak mealtimes, breakfast, and embarkation day, it can get crowded!

My strategy to save a seat is to look for a table when I first enter and leave an item like a water bottle, book, or jacket so others know I’ve reserved the spot.

Along these same lines, keep in mind that crew members are likely to clear your cups and plates away if you leave them unattended. To avoid their helpful hands, don’t leave the table until you’ve finished your serving.

Skip the handwashing station

Before you enter, make sure that you stop at the handwashing station. 

If you’re not able to wash your hands, at least remember to use hand sanitizer found in dispensers located throughout the ship.  

Since the Windjammer is a self-serve buffet, so many passengers will be grabbing the utensils. It’s easy for germs to spread, so remember to avoid touching your face and hair at the buffet.

Additionally, if you're not feeling well, you should avoid the buffet. Instead, consider ordering something from room service or having someone else in your travel party bring some food back to your stateroom. Not only will rest help you feel better quicker, but it's kindest to think about the safety of other guests, too. 

If you eat multiple servings—finishing one plate and going back for more—be sure to sanitize your hands in between, as well.

You don’t want to lick your fingers and then return to the serving utensils with dirty hands.

Dive in before assessing all of your options 

From salad bars to a variety of different hot dishes and desserts, cruise ship buffets have seemingly endless options for you to choose from. 

Before making any decisions, you should walk through the entire buffet to see what's available.

While one of the first dishes you see might look appealing, you could also find something you'd rather try elsewhere. 

If you fill up your plate too early, you'll likely end up wasting food. Moreover, options tend to change daily, especially for dinner. 

Don’t get stuck to one option, but rather open up your tastebuds, and save room to try many types of dishes! 

Waste food

Evaluating your options before selecting what sounds the most delicious is smart to ensure that you don't waste food. 

Even if you feel like you will eat everything that you put on your plate, it's smart to start with one plate of food and return to the buffet for seconds if you're still hungry. 

Plus, you never know if your cravings will change. Maybe the pasta you grabbed will satisfy your need for carbohydrates and you'd rather get a side salad or vegetables. 

Rather than assuming you'll want three pancakes, eggs, hashbrowns, and fruit for breakfast, start with what you know you'll eat and return for seconds. 

Avoiding waste is the most polite thing to do, for the cruise line, crew members, and for other guests.

Reuse the same plate

Reusing your plate is a big no-no at all buffets, as it can lead to cross-contamination and the spread of germs. 

If you are finished with your plate or food, or just unsatisfied with what you got, leave your dirty dishes at the table while you go grab something else to eat. There will be crew members walking around to clear tables, so you don't have to worry about removing the dishes yourself. 

Even if you're returning for just a single dessert or small side, always grab a new plate. 

You can reuse the same silverware, but only if you leave it at your table. Don’t bring it up to the self-serve stations and risk contamination.

Grab food with your bare hands

Serving utensils are available for a reason. Even if you just washed your hands and are sure that they're clean, it is still considered impolite to grab food from the cruise ship buffet with your hands. 

If the roles were reversed, you would not want to eat food that someone else had touched. 

Even if you want finger foods like chicken tenders and fries, there will be tongs available for you to place however much you want on your plate. 

The only exception would be pre-packed items, such as a carton of milk or small yogurt. 

Cut anyone in line

Everyone's in the buffet for the same reason: you all want to eat. It’s important to exercise patience while on a cruise ship, as there are thousands of other people onboard trying to enjoy their vacation, too. 

Even if there aren't any defined lines, you should not cut people off who appear to be waiting for a specific station. Don't be afraid to ask if someone's in line! 

If you interrupt the flow of traffic, you are being disrespectful to those who have been waiting longer.

Imagine if everyone thought that they had first dibs; chaos would ensue.

Skip the made-to-order stations

The buffet is a great option for quick meals, like before a shore excursion in the morning or an event in the afternoon.

But even if you’re looking for a quick bite, don’t be afraid to place an order at the made-to-order station. If you don't see something pre-made that sounds good, you can always construct your own fresh dish. 

While the cuisine itself usually varies (i.e., you might find a pasta bar one night and stir fry the next), you can rest assured knowing that not everything in the buffet has been sitting under heat lamps for hours. 

The made-to-order station is a good compromise for those who aren't in the mood to sit through a three-course meal after spending a long day ashore but don't want standard buffet food. 

Eating dinner in the buffet is also great for those who don't want to adhere to traditional cruise ship dining times. Rather than having to stick to a specific time (like dinner assigned at 5:45 P.M. or 8:00 P.M.), you can simply show up at any point during operating hours. 

Rush to the buffet on embarkation day

One of the first places people visit on the ship is the buffet. If you happen to have an arrival time that's in the middle of the boarding process, you'll want to avoid the buffet for a little bit. 

Read more: 12 reasons to eat at the buffet instead of the dining room on your cruise

People often board in the middle of the day, and then rush to the Windjammer for lunch. While it’s a good idea, it means that the buffet fills up quickly and sometimes defeats the purpose of showing up for a quicker meal.

Some cruise ships have other options, so you can eat without venturing into the buffet on the first day. On Oasis Class ships, for instance, you can visit Park Cafe in Central Park on embarkation day.

There, you’re able to get a custom salad and sandwich without dealing with the crowds that are present at the buffet. 

Not speak up if you have food allergies 

Food allergies can be life-threatening, and cruise lines know the importance of having allergen-free menus. If you don't see anything at first, don't be afraid to ask a crew member at the buffet. Some cruise lines recommend sending an email to their dining team ahead of time. 

Royal Caribbean states, "Lactose-free/soy milk, ensure, and kosher meals are available at no extra charge. All you have to do is notify us at least 45 days prior to sailing (90 days for European/South American Itineraries)."

Even if you've discussed your dietary needs with the dining staff, also be sure that you keep your emergency medication, such as an EpiPen, on you at all times in case you're accidentally exposed. 

Wear a swimsuit or go barefoot

The Windjammer is more casual than the Main Dining Room. 

If you don't feel like dressing up on formal night, you can go to the buffet for dinner in a T-shirt and shorts without feeling underdressed. 

However, even though the Windjammer is a more casual venue onboard, it still has a dress code that you must abide by.

For example, don’t waltz in from the lido deck in a wet swimsuit. 

If hunger strikes while you’re swimming in the pool or lounging in the hot tub, you need to dry off and throw a cover-up on.

Shoes are required, too.

Read more: What to wear on a cruise that works for all dress codes

Icon of the Seas is truly a beautiful ship at both day and night.

In the morning, you can have breakfast in Central Park, take a dip in one of the seven pools or nine whirlpools, or attend a round of trivia.

At night, grab a bite to eat at one of the many new restaurants, check out a comedy show, or cheers with a drink while watching the sunset.

No matter what time of day, there’s so much to do and see on the world’s largest ship!

Here’s what some of the neighborhoods look like during the day and night onboard Icon of the Seas.

Chill Island

Spread out across decks 15, 16, and 17, Chill Island features four of the seven pools onboard Icon of the Seas.

These pools include Royal Bay, the largest pool on Icon, Swim & Tonic, the first swim-up bar at sea, Cove Pool, and Cloud 17, both offering infinity ocean views. During the day, you’ll find many people relaxing in one of these pools. There are also so many chairs and loungers that you will have no problem finding one to call yours for the day.

Need a drink? Chill Island has three Lime & Coconut bars, and one of them has a new frozen cocktail bar. If you want a snack, El Loco Fresh and Cantina Fresca isn’t far!

The pools at Chill Island are not busy at night (because a lot of them do close around 7 or 8 p.m., although Cloud 17 is usually open until 11 p.m.), but that doesn’t mean this neighborhood isn’t the place to go when the sun goes down.

To get the night started, there’s a bandstand and DJ that plays tunes during the sailaway parties.

The whirlpools are open 24 hours a day, so this is a great place to wind down for the day. And, there was a time or two during my cruise when there were late-night parties on the pool deck, like the “Too Wet Feet with a Caribbean Beat” party at Royal Bay.

Oftentimes, Chill Island was very much a chill place at night.

Central Park

Perhaps the most peaceful place on Icon of the Seas is Central Park on deck eight.

With four plant walls that are five decks high, Central Park is stunning. There’s a total of 30,550 plants to admire! I enjoyed having an infinite balcony cabin that overlooked this gorgeous neighborhood.

Read more: 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.

There are a few specialty restaurants located here, like Chops Grille, Izumi, and Empire Supper Club, as well as bars like Lou’s Jazz ‘n Blues, Bubbles, and Trellis Bar.

Some mornings, I would stop by the Park Café for breakfast. The egg sandwiches, bagel bar, and fresh fruit were all a great way to start my day. There was another afternoon when I tried the cookies & cream bubble cone at Izumi in the Park. It was so good and one of my favorite treats onboard Icon of the Seas!

I believe at night is when Central Park comes to life. One night, I sat at the Trellis Bar with a cocktail and just watched what was going on around me. It was calming and I couldn’t get over how beautiful the whole neighborhood was.

During the inaugural sailing, I was able to enjoy dinner at both Izumi and Empire Supper Club. Both dinners were excellent and worth the upcharge, in my opinion.

Read more: I dined at Royal Caribbean’s most expensive restaurant: I didn't expect to like it as much as I did

Surfside

Surfside is a brand new neighborhood for young families that was introduced on Icon of the Seas.

Located on deck seven, families will find three water experiences at Surfside, including Water’s Edge for adults and Splashaway Bay and Baby Bay for kids. In addition to pools, you’ll find places to eat, like Surfside Eatery, Surfside Bites, Pier 7, and Sugar Beach. There’s also a bar with drinks for kids and adults called The Lemon Post.

What’s great about Surfside is that it’s conveniently located by Adventure Ocean, the kids club found on every Royal Caribbean ship.

As you can imagine, this neighborhood is much busier in the day. The few times I stopped by at night, there was hardly anyone there! I think that is because the kids were probably in bed by then.

During the day, kids can stop by the arcade (which is open 24 hours), take a ride on the carousel, and crawl around on the Playscape jungle gym. At night, there were a few events that took place, such as “Once Upon a Bedtime Story” and the “Family Dance Party,” but most events were during the day.

Overall, I found that this neighborhood was never really that busy. This could be because I sailed at the end of January when kids are typically in school - this will probably change as time goes on, especially during the summer months.

Royal Promenade

The Royal Promenade on Icon of the Seas is the first to feature floor-to-ceiling windows and two connecting decks (decks five and six).

While the Royal Promenade is found on many Royal Caribbean ships, the promenade on Icon of the Seas has lots of new venues, like Dueling Pianos, 1400 Lobby Bar, The Pearl, Spotlight Karaoke, and more.

Both day and night, you will find so much to do and experience in the Royal Promenade! 

In the morning, you will often find a long line at Starbucks, people shopping for Icon of the Seas merchandise, or grabbing something to eat at The Pearl Café. The Pearl Café is a beautiful spot to sit and watch the ocean, so be sure to stop here at least once on your cruise.

At night, The Royal Promenade is bustling! I found that the busiest places were Dueling Pianos, the Point & Feather pub, and The Attic comedy club. Because these venues are not super big, I highly recommend getting to all of the shows extra early to secure a spot, and be sure to make reservations as soon as you can for all of the shows that require one.

Read more: Mastering your Icon of the Seas cruise with the best tips

AquaDome

The AquaDome neighborhood includes more than just the AquaTheatre. Here you will also find The Overlook, Rye & Bean coffee bar, Hooked Seafood, and the first food hall for Royal Caribbean: the AquaDome Market.

The busiest time in the AquaDome was at night when “Aqua Action!” was being performed. This show is breathtaking and a must-see onboard Icon of the Seas. This was the only aqua show being performed during the inaugural sailing, but down the road, there will be another one called “Pirates vs Mermaids.”

I ate at the AquaDome Market frequently during my cruise. I usually went for dinner, and it was hardly ever busy. But, Crème de la Crepe was popular at night for a late-night snack! If you want to avoid the lines, I would recommend coming to the AquaDome Market at night.

The Overlook is a unique spot on Icon of the Seas. This area is usually busier during the daytime because people can view the ocean from one of the pods. But, the Overlook bar is open until 9 p.m. and if you’re lucky enough to snag one of the pods, this is a great place to enjoy a cocktail. 

Thrill Island

The highlight of Thrill Island is Category 6, the largest waterpark at sea at more than 17,000 square feet, which consists of six waterslides. The Category 6 waterpark is open until 9 p.m., but I found that it was busiest during the day.

During my cruise, I tried Frightening Bolt, the tallest drop slide at sea, and Pressure Drop, the first open freefall slide at sea. They were both exhilarating! Neither of them had long lines, but I saw the family raft slides (Hurrican Hunter and Storm Surge) had long lines.

Guests will also find Crown’s Edge near the waterpark. Crown’s Edge is a ropes course that hangs over the side of the ship and has a drop that is 154 feet above the ocean. I conquered Crown’s Edge at night, which was a fun and somewhat scary experience. I think it would be even more thrilling to do during the day!

Also at Thrill Island is the classic FlowRider surf simulator, mini golf (called Lost Dunes), and rock climbing (called Adrenaline Peak). These activities are most popular during the day.

The Hideaway

The Hideaway is the adults-only area on Icon of the Seas. You can come here to enjoy some fun music from the DJ, relax in one of the two hot tubs, or swim in the first suspended infinity pool at sea.

During my cruise, I had the opportunity to rent one of the Hideaway Pool daybeds for the entire day. While there, I got an idea of how busy The Hideaway was throughout the day.

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

The Hideaway was not busy in the early morning. The pool opened at 10 a.m., and there were a few people either in the pool or grabbing loungers. By the afternoon, the entire Hideaway was hopping! Lots of people were in the pool, almost every chair was claimed, and the DJ was busting upbeat tunes.

Even around dinner time (5 p.m.), there were people still swimming and lounging in the chairs. I didn’t think it would be busy at this time, but as it got closer to closing (9 p.m.), not many people were there anymore.

If you want to enjoy The Hideaway with fewer people, I would recommend getting there close to opening at 10 a.m. or after dinner around 7 or 8 p.m.

Where is your favorite place, day or night, on Icon of the Seas? Let us know in the comments!

Australia cruises can take you to the most beautiful, exotic, and alluring places in the world. From the world famous beaches of Sydney to the turquoise waters of Bora Bora, each itinerary has hidden gems and beautiful places to visit.

Perhaps no itineraries are as diverse as those departing from Australia, where you can choose between a selection of diverse itineraries departing from Brisbane and Sydney.

There are three main itineraries offered in the Australian cruise market: Australia cruises, South Pacific cruises, and New Zealand cruises.

Whether you want to sail through Milford Sound, island hop through New Caledonia, or explore the rugged landscapes of Tasmania, you’re sure to find an itinerary to match your travel style.

Royal Caribbean sails from Australia during the southern hemisphere’s summer season, and cruises are offered from November to early April each year. During the off-season, Royal Caribbean does not sail in this region.

Interested in taking a Royal Caribbean cruise from Australia? We’re sharing our ultimate guide for planning cruises to Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific.

Which Royal Caribbean cruise ships sail from Australia, and from where do they sail?

Depending on the season, ship deployments to Australia can vary, but Royal Caribbean always sends at least two ships to Australia.

The most common ships sailing cruises in the Australia market are Quantum of the Seas and Ovation of the Seas, who call Australia home for several months each year. These ships are both in Royal Caribbean’s Quantum Class, one of the cruise line’s most modern and innovative classes of ships.

Related: All about Quantum Class ships

The two vessels were launched in 2014 and 2016, respectively, making them relatively new amongst others in Royal Caribbean’s fleet. Due to this, passengers can expect updated accommodations, entertainment venues, and restaurants onboard.

Both ships feature Two70, an indoor entertainment venue with 270 degree views of the ship’s wake. By night, this venue transforms into a technology-focused production venue with robotic dancing television screens, floor-to-ceiling wall projections, and innovative song and dance performances.

Thrilling activities are another highlight of the Quantum Class, and each ship offers activities including bumper cars, an indoor skydiving simulator, and the North Star, a 360 degree observation pod rising 300 feet above sea level from the ship’s pool deck.

Currently, Quantum of the Seas sails from Brisbane, Australia whereas Ovation of the Seas sails from Sydney.

Other Royal Caribbean ships may occasionally be deployed to Australia, such as smaller Radiance Class ships, but passengers can always expect Quantum Class ships to offer cruises in the region.

Australia cruise itineraries

Cruising from an Australia cruise port does not mean you have to leave Australia and visit another country. Domestic cruise itineraries are offered from both Sydney and Brisbane, which visit ports only in Australia.

Most cruises within Australia take one of three routes. Cruises heading north visit Australia’s state of Queensland, a region known for the Great Barrier Reef, ancient rainforests, and diverse wildlife.

Cruising to Queensland means guests have the chance to snorkel amongst the world’s largest reef system, discover the magical Whitsunday Islands, and walk along the streets of Cairns and Airlie Beach.

Related: I tried my first Australia cruise: here are 7 things that surprised me

Another cruise itinerary offered within Australia is to Tasmania. Australia’s southernmost state, the island of Tasmania, is far different from the tropical beaches up north. The state features spectacular mountain scenery, such as the snow capped Mount Wellington, and British-inspired architecture and cuisine in the state’s capital of Hobart.

Lastly, Australia cruises are offered to South Australia, which visit cities such as Adelaide and Melbourne. Highlights of visiting South Australia include driving along the Great Ocean Road and exploring one of the country’s most famous wine regions.

Royal Caribbean may sometimes offer cruises to other destinations in Australia, such as itineraries circumnavigating the continent, but these are not offered every season.

Most domestic cruise itineraries in Australia are between six and eight nights. Overnight port stops are common in some cities, including Hobart and Cairns.

South Pacific cruise itineraries

The Pacific Ocean is home to approximately 30,000 islands, and you can visit a select few of these islands on cruise itineraries to the South Pacific.

Cruises from Australia to the South Pacific visit the islands closest to Australia. Most commonly, these itineraries visit islands in the French territory of New Caledonia and the Pacific nation of Vanuatu.

New Caledonia offers breathtaking beaches along with linguistic, cultural, and culinary influences from France. Most itineraries visit Noumea, the capital and largest city of the region, whereas others may include visits to the smaller, lesser known Loyalty Islands.

Related: 15 countries you didn't know you could cruise to on Royal Caribbean

Vanuatu, on the other hand, is quite different from French New Caledonia. The island chain is an independent country and is part of Melanesia, a subregion of Oceania that has been inhabited by the indigenous Melanesian people for over 3,000 years. Today, most inhabitants speak both English and the local language of Bislama.

Most South Pacific itineraries stop in Port Vila, the nation’s capital, and others include a stop at Mystery Island, a tiny, uninhabited island that offers a picture-perfect day in paradise.

Notably, Royal Caribbean is set to launch Perfect Day at Lelepa in the coming years, a private destination in Vanuatu on Lelepa Island, just a few miles off the coast from Port Vila.

Regardless of the itinerary, all South Pacific cruises offer a tropical getaway for passengers, transporting them from the hustle and bustle of Australia’s cities to the region’s tranquil, white sand beaches.

While visiting the South Pacific, many passengers enjoy activities such as snorkeling, cultural island tours, and kayaking. Itineraries range from seven night cruises visiting two islands to longer, more port-intensive ten night itineraries.

New Zealand cruise itineraries

New Zealand is a dream cruise destination for passengers who love exploring the outdoors. The country’s volcanic landscapes, dramatic fjords, and quaint towns provide endless opportunities for adventures on each port day.

Royal Caribbean does not offer cruises departing from New Zealand; rather, cruises to the country depart from Australia. Traveling to New Zealand requires two sea days in each direction from Sydney and three from Brisbane, but it’s well worth the travel time.

Depending on the itinerary, a New Zealand cruise will visit a variety of ports in both the North and South Island. While visiting the country, passengers can discover Hobbiton in Matamata, skydive in Queenstown, see penguins near Dunedin, and enjoy a scenic cruising day along Milford Sound.

Most New Zealand cruise itineraries are between ten and fourteen nights. Itineraries include a mix of port days where passengers disembark the ship, but they also include sailing days where passengers can marvel at New Zealand’s natural wonders while staying onboard.

Transpacific cruise itineraries

The last type of cruise itinerary offered from Australia are transpacific cruises.

Each October, Royal Caribbean repositions at least two ships from North America to Australia. In April, the cruise line returns the ships to North America after the Australia cruise season has ended.

Instead of sailing an empty ship from one continent to another, passengers can book these transpacific cruise itineraries, which are broken into two legs.

On route to Australia, the first leg is a cruise from Vancouver, Canada to Hawaii. The second departs from Honolulu and ends in Sydney or Brisbane, Australia, calling upon ports in the South Pacific and/or New Zealand along the way.

Related: Ultimate Hawaii cruise guide

In April, these itineraries are offered in reverse.

Transpacific cruises have many sea days, with the first leg around ten nights and the second up to eighteen or nineteen nights. They provide the chance to visit more remote destinations, such as French Polynesia, which you cannot visit any other way on a Royal Caribbean cruise.

Land versus cruise vacation from Australia

Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific are, arguably, best visited by cruise ship instead of a land vacation.

Most major attractions in this region of the world are conveniently located along the coast, whether the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, Dusky Sound in New Zealand, or island of Lifou in New Caledonia.

Despite that, destinations in these regions can be very far away from each other. Rather than booking expensive flights from island to island in the South Pacific, for example, you can visit multiple islands in one week on a cruise.

Because transportation logistics are handled by the cruise line and not yourself, you can enjoy leisurely evenings onboard as your ship travels from place to place. And, once you arrive in port, you will not incur lengthy travel times from the port to the city like you would in a destination such as Rome or Paris.

When is the best time to cruise to Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific?

As mentioned, Royal Caribbean only sails from Australia from early November to April each year, coinciding with the warmest weather in the region. Because cruises are offered to such a wide range of destinations, though, the “best” time to cruise in one region could differ from another.

If you’re planning a cruise to New Zealand, for example, you won’t find many cruise itineraries in the early part of November. Because November is still springtime in New Zealand, most cruises to the country are not offered until later in the month.

Related: When is the best time to go on a cruise?

Instead, most itineraries in November visit ports in the South Pacific and within Australia. During this month, temperatures are more comfortable than in the peak of summer. Additionally, ports may not be as busy as the school year is still in session.

Throughout December, January, and February, you can expect higher temperatures and humidity, along with higher crowds during the summer school holidays. These months offer the best weather for cruises to New Zealand, but you should prepare for hot, rainy port days in tropical destinations.

The late season, from March to April, brings lower prices and more comfortable temperatures.

What to bring on a cruise to Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific

Packing for a cruise vacation can be stressful, especially if you’re cruising to a destination you have not visited before. For cruises from Australia, packing needs will vary greatly depending on your itinerary.

If you're traveling to the South Pacific and Queensland, packing beach attire is essential. Be sure to bring several swimsuits along with a beach bag, comfortable sandals, and a sun hat. Some beaches may have rocky shores, so wearing sturdy sandals or sneakers is preferred over flip flops.

Although you can often rent snorkeling gear in these regions, packing your own snorkel mask and fins will be more cost-effective and convenient, especially if your itinerary includes several beach days.

Related: 40 essential things to bring on a cruise

If your cruise visits South Australia and Tasmania, be sure to pack comfortable walking shoes for city tours. You’ll also want to bring a jacket, especially for Tasmania cruises, as weather can be quite unpredictable in this part of the country.

For cruises to New Zealand, it’s just as important to be prepared for unexpected weather. Packing layers is crucial, as the country is known for experiencing all four seasons in a single day! If you have cruised to Alaska before, you’ll find packing tips similar, with rain-resistant gear and warm layers required.

What currency do I use on a cruise from Australia?

Because cruises from Australia can visit ports not only within Australia but also in New Zealand and the South Pacific, it can be confusing to know which currency to use in each port.

In most case scenarios, the best situation when making purchases in several different countries is to use a credit card. Making card payments means you will not have to worry about converting currencies or taking out several types of currency at ATMs.

Yet while card payments will be widely accepted in Australia, New Zealand, and the bigger cities in the South Pacific like Noumea and Port Vila, you may need cash when visiting smaller islands.

Related: How much cash should you bring on a cruise?

Many ports in Vanuatu will accept Australian dollars, and the immediate port areas in New Caledonia will do so as well. However, you shouldn’t try to use U.S. dollars, euros, or other currencies in any port destination on a cruise from Australia, unless your tour operator specifies the currency will be accepted.

If you’re cruising to the South Pacific, it’s recommended to bring Australian dollars to cover expenses such as souvenirs, food in port, and excursions not booked through the cruise line.

Be sure to take out Australian dollars at an ATM prior to embarking a Royal Caribbean cruise. ATMs onboard your ship will dispense U.S. dollars instead of Australian dollars, and the exchange rate offered at Guest Services is abysmal.

Check out our other guides to Royal Caribbean cruise destinations:

• Ultimate Greek Isles cruise guide
• Western Mediterranean cruise guide
• Bahamas Cruise Guide
• Alaska cruise guide
• Ultimate Mexico cruise guide
• Mexican Riviera cruise guide

Utopia of the Seas, Royal Caribbean's sixth Oasis Class vessel, will offer guests more than 40 ways to drink and dine. 

From the brand-new immersive train car dining experience to brand favorites such as Sorrento's and Park Café, there's no shortage of options, both complimentary and specialty, to indulge in. 

Whether you are craving a quick hot dog or want to sit down and enjoy omakase at Izumi, there's something to appease all preferences and tastes. 

Here is your ultimate guide to all the food and beverage options on Utopia of the Seas. 

What restaurants are included & what costs extra?

When planning your cruise onboard Utopia, it's important to understand what restaurants are and are not included in the cost of your cruise fare. 

It is possible to not spend a penny extra on dining while onboard your 3- or 4-night cruise. However, there are some pretty amazing specialty options that you can't find on other ships in the fleet, such as Royal Railway - Utopia Station. 

Complimentary restaurants

🍴Main Dining Room

🍽️ The Spare Tire

🍴Sorrento's 

🍽️ Boardwalk Dog House

🍴Park Café

🍽️ Windjammer

🍴Solarium Bistro

🍽️ El Loco Fresh

🍴Coastal Kitchen (suites only)

🍽️ Johnny Rockets (breakfast only)

🍴Sprinkles 

🍽️ Cafe Promenadé

Specialty restaurants

🍴Royal Railway - Utopia Station

🍽️ Giovanni's Italian Kitchen and Wine Bar

🍴Izumi

🍽️ Izumi in the Park

🍴150 Central Park

🍽️ Chef's Table

🍴Starbucks

🍽️ Playmaker's Sports Bar & Arcade

🍴Chops Grille

🍽️ Hooked Seafood

🍴The Mason Jar

🍽️ Johnny Rockets (lunch and dinner)

🍴Sugar Beach

New and redesigned venues on Utopia of the Seas

It wouldn't be the ultimate weekend getaway if Utopia was an exact replica of other Oasis Class ships, would it? 

Onboard, you'll find two venues that are exclusive to this ship, as well as some that are relatively new to the brand, such as Izumi in the Park. Some fan favorites got a refresh, too. 

Royal Railway - Utopia Station

COST: NOT INCLUDED

Royal Railway is a one-of-a-kind dining experience that will combine adventure and food to techy travel. Before you begin your meal, you'll enjoy some pre-dinner drinks at the station platform. When the train "arrives," a whistle will blow, and you will board the dining car for a multisensory culinary adventure. 

While sailing through your ocean, you'll simultaneously be transported to different times and places, from America's Wild West to remote destinations across the globe. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean shares a glimpse of its first mixed reality restaurant concept

The Spare Tire

COST: INCLUDED

Royal Caribbean has gotten its fair share of criticism regarding the lack of complimentary dining options. In recent years, they have striven to do better, and this is evident with the addition of The Spare Tire, a poolside food truck that'll serve pulled pork sandwiches, cheeseburger flatbreads, daily rotating desserts, and more. 

"There is a truckload of flavor to be explored," says the cruise line. 

Izumi in the Park

COST: NOT INCLUDED

While not brand-new to Royal Caribbean ships, Utopia will be the only Oasis Class vessel to have Izumi in the Park onboard. 

Izumi in the Park is a to-go sushi window where you can grab sushi, hot gyoza, or soft-serve bubble cones for an extra charge. 

Each item is priced à la carte, meaning that you'll only pay for what you order, whereas The Mason Jar, for instance, charges everyone the same cover.

Izumi

COST: NOT INCLUDED

Similarly, Izumi itself isn't a new restaurant; however, it'll feature three different dining styles onboard Utopia: teppanyaki, sushi, and, for the first time, a private multicourse omakase-inspired dining room. 

With six teppanyaki tables, it'll be the largest Izumi in the fleet. 

Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar

COST: NOT INCLUDED

For the first time, Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar will span two stories and feature a new outside terrace called "Gio's Terrazza" that overlooks the Boardwalk Neighborhood. 

Pesky Parrot Bar

COST: NOT INCLUDED

The Pesky Parrot Bar will replace the Bionic Bar in the Royal Promenade. This Caribbean-themed bar will serve tropical drinks made with rum, tequila, and gin. 

Returning favorites

Hooked Seafood

COST: NOT INCLUDED

Hooked Seafood first launched on Symphony of the Seas back in 2018. Now, it can be found on numerous ships in the fleet, including Wonder, Icon, Navigator, and, of course, Utopia of the Seas. 

This specialty restaurant focuses on New England-style seafood dishes, such as Maine Lobster Rolls, Drunken Mussels, Maryland Drab Cakes, and more. 

El Loco Fresh and Cantina Fresca

COST: INCLUDED (El Loco Fresh) / NOT INCLUDED (Cantina Fresca)

El Loco Fresh is your go-to spot for fresh Mexican fare. This complimentary grab-and-go spot offers burritos, quesadillas, nachos, tacos, and a salsa station, so you can customize your dish to your liking. 

Next to El Loco Fresh is Cantina Fresca, a Mexican-themed bar known for its specialty margaritas, including the Pineapple Jalapeño Margarita, Mezcal Mule, and Cozumel Sunrise, as well as aguas frescas and a selection of Mexican beers. 

Chops Grille

COST: NOT INCLUDED

Chops Grille is Royal Caribbean's signature specialty steakhouse that can be found on every ship in the fleet. 

Sorrento's

COST: INCLUDED

Sorrento's has quickly become a staple onboard newer ships. This pizza joint caters to guests seeking a quick snack after a long day ashore, as well as those craving a late-night bite after catching a show. 

150 Central Park

COST: NOT INCLUDED

While not as upscale as the brand-new Empire Supper Club on Icon of the Seas, 150 Central Park is perfect for guests seeking a sophisticated dining experience. 

Windjammer

COST: INCLUDED

Windjammer Marketplace is the cruise line’s signature complimentary buffet that's open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner each day of your cruise. 

The Mason Jar

COST: NOT INCLUDED

The Mason Jar is a specialty restaurant that highlights southern cuisine and is open for brunch and dinner. During brunch, you can order things like Meemaw’s Fried Chicken N’ Waffles, a Sweet-Tooth Cinnamon Roll, or Crispy Chicken Sandwich. 

Highlights on the dinner menu include Fried Green Tomatoes, Lobster N’ Crawfish Gumbo, Chicken Pot Pie, and St. Louis-Style Ribs. 

Don't forget to try the jalapeño cornbread! 

Coastal Kitchen 

COST: INCLUDED (suites only)

Coastal Kitchen first debuted on Quantum of the Seas in 2014. It has since then become a favorite for guests staying in suites. 

Those in Sky and Star Class suites will have all-day access, whereas those in Star rooms (i.e., Junior Suites) will only be able to dine here for dinner, subject to availability. 

Read more: Everything you need to know about Royal Caribbean's Royal Suite Class

Playmaker's Sports Bar & Arcade

COST: NOT INCLUDED

Playmaker's is the beloved sports bar that serves à la carte food and hand-crafted beverages. There are a variety of menu options that range from $3.00 to $29.99, including nachos, onion wings, jalapeño poppers, fries, and wings. It's the perfect place to watch your favorite sports team on one of 68 televisions! 

Boardwalk Dog House

COST: INCLUDED

At the Boardwalk Dog House, you can customize your perfect hot dog at the toppings bar. They have various links, too, ranging from traditional beef to chicken and pork.

Read more: The top decadent Royal Caribbean snacks

Starbucks 

COST: NOT INCLUDED

Purchasing a cold brew or hand-crafted beverage at Starbucks on Utopia of the Seas will cost you extra, even if you have a Royal Caribbean drink package. 

Moreover, top-tier loyalty members cannot redeem their daily drink coupons here; they'll have to visit Cafe Promenadé.

Park Café

COST: INCLUDED

Park Café first launched on Oasis of the Seas and is home to the legendary Royal Kümmelweck roast beef sandwich. In addition to made-to-order salads, sandwiches, and desserts, you can also dine here for breakfast if you want to avoid the crowds at the Windjammer.  

Johnny Rockets

COST: INCLUDED (breakfast) / NOT INCLUDED (lunch and dinner)

Johnny Rockets is a retro diner-style restaurant where you’ll feel like you stepped back in time to an era of soda fountains and drive-in theaters. On Oasis Class ships, you can eat breakfast here for free, while lunch and dinner have a cover charge of $12.99 per guest. 

Solarium Bistro

COST: INCLUDED

As the name implies, the Solarium Bistro is located in the Solarium, Royal Caribbean's adult-only area. However, children are able to eat at the bistro. It serves Mediterranean-inspired dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and is usually less busy than the Windjammer. 

Chef's Table

COST: NOT INCLUDED

The Chef's Table is the ultimate culinary treat for foodies! You'll indulge in a multi-course meal, each of which is paired with the perfect wine. Every course is carefully chosen and is accompanied by a presentation from the chef and sommelier.

Main Dining Room

COST: INCLUDED

Every Royal Caribbean ship has a Main Dining Room onboard that serves three-course meals each night of your cruise. It's open for breakfast and lunch, too. To see when it's open on your specific sailing, check the Royal Caribbean app. 

Read more: 21 Tips for the Best Cruise Ship Main Dining Room Experience

Sprinkles 

COST: INCLUDED

Sprinkles is where you can enjoy complimentary soft-serve ice cream throughout the day! Once you've selected your flavor, head over to the new toppings bar. 

Cafe Promenadé

COST: INCLUDED

Cafe Promenadé is open 24 hours a day, so you can start your day with a cup of coffee and a fresh croissant and end it with a grab-and-go sandwich or dessert. 

They also have specialty coffees available for an extra charge. 

Sugar Beach

COST: NOT INCLUDED

If you find yourself in the mood for something a little bit sweeter than a soft-serve cone, head over to Sugar Beach where you can purchase Royal Caribbean's in-house ice cream. 

Spotlight Karaoke

COST: NOT INCLUDED

Aspiring singers should check out Spotlight Karaoke. If you aren't much of a singer yourself, it's a fun place to listen to others! 

Boleros

COST: NOT INCLUDED

Boleros is a Latin-themed bar with live music that's found on numerous ships in the fleet.

Schooner Bar

COST: NOT INCLUDED

Perhaps the most well-known bar is the Schooner Bar. This nautical-themed staple is found on all Royal Caribbean ships. 

Music Hall

COST: NOT INCLUDED

Onboard Utopia, the Music Hall will be the prime spot to enjoy live bands, music performances, and DJs.

The Attic

COST: NOT INCLUDED

Ready for a good laugh? Don't miss the fantastic comedy shows at The Attic while sipping on your favorite cocktail. 

Bell & Barley

COST: NOT INCLUDED

Bell & Barley is Utopia's rendition of the classic English-style pub found on other ships.

Rising Tide Bar

COST: NOT INCLUDED

The Rising Tide Bar will transport you from the Royal Promenade on Deck 5 to Central Park on Deck 8, all while you sip on a drink! It's arguably the neatest form of transportation onboard, other than the Ultimate Abyss slide. 

Solarium Bar

COST: NOT INCLUDED

The Solarium Bar is located within the Solarium, meaning that you won't find any children running around! It's perfect for parents looking for a quiet escape while their children have fun at Adventure Ocean. 

The Lime and Coconut

COST: NOT INCLUDED

Royal Caribbean’s resort-style pool bar has a few signature drinks that you shouldn't forget to try: 

• Lime & Coconut, made with Malibu coconut rum, coconut milk, coconut syrup, guava syrup, and lime juice 
• Blue Wave, made with Tito’s vodka, blue curacao, and pineapple juice 
• Caribbean Sunset, made with Aperol, sparkling wine, and a splash of soda

There are three different Lime & Coconut locations onboard Utopia, all of which are located on the pool deck.

Vue Bar

COST: NOT INCLUDED

The Vue first debuted on Wonder of the Seas and replaced what would have been a second cantilevered hot tub. It is the ideal spot to grab a drink while watching the ship sail away from Port Canaveral, Nassau, or Perfect Day at CocoCay. 

Trellis Bar

COST: NOT INCLUDED

The Trellis Bar will be connected to Chops Grille in Central Park, rather than a standalone bar. 

Wipeout Bar

COST: NOT INCLUDED

Located at the aft of the ship near the entrance to the Ultimate Abyss slide is the Wipeout Bar. 

Royal Caribbean drink packages offer passengers unlimited drinks for a fixed daily price, and that may sound like the perfect optional cost.

An all-inclusive beverage plan is attractive because they offer an easy way to have unlimited access to drinks and not have to worry about running up a big bill by the end of the cruise.

About 50% of passengers end up buying a drink package for their cruise, making it one of the most popular add-ons.

Most people want to know if what's included with Royal Caribbean's drink packages, whether it's worth the cost, and when is the best time to buy a drink package. My tips and opinions are based on my first-hand experiences buying the drink packages, and comparing it to cruising without a package.

Here's what you should know to decide if a beverage package is a good choice for you.

Do you need it?

Before we break down the different beverage packages, you might be curious if buying one is necessary.

Royal Caribbean includes some drinks with your cruise fare, and it offers the rest as an optional extra cost. That means, you could pay for each one individually that you order.

The advantage of buying a drink package is you pay one price and then get unlimited drinks. There's no guessing how big your bill is, and no receipts to sign for each drink.  Even tips are included.

Based on my many years of cruising, the question of needing a drink package boils down to how you vacation. You need to have a few drinks a day to make it a cost-saving opportunity. Otherwise, you're better off paying for each drink.

The x-factor is how you'll drink on vacation versus at home. In most cases, these are vastly different. 

There is no flat "yes" or "no" answer to determining if a drink package makes sense for everyone, but hopefully, the considerations in this post can help with your decision.  

What we often hear from other cruisers is over the course of longer cruises (7-nights or longer), it becomes more and more difficult to maintain the level of drinking required to get the value from the package.  

Keep in mind that you can always purchase a drink package even after your cruise begins, if you find yourself drinking more than you thought. Royal Caribbean advertises that its drink packages can be purchased at any point in a cruise, provided there are at least four days left in the cruise.

The key is to know how you like to cruise and which pros and cons of the drink package are more important to you. At worst, you are going to overpay for a drink package or for drinks on your own. In either case, you will still likely have a great vacation experience.

Compare Drink Packages

See what's included in Royal Caribbean drink packages with this side-by-side view.

What is a Royal Caribbean drink package?

Royal Caribbean's drink packages are a fixed daily cost plan offered on all Royal Caribbean ships so guests can budget their beverage costs in advance and (potentially) save money.  

The various plans provide guests with unlimited drinks that can be used at any bar or restaurant on Royal Caribbean ships (and private destinations). The drink package benefits are available on the guest's SeaPass card.

Royal Caribbean guests wishing to purchase a drink package can do so either prior to their cruise via the Cruise Planner website or once onboard their ship. Once purchased, you must pay for the package for the duration of your cruise. If purchased during your cruise, guests will pay for the remaining nights of their cruise.

The drink packages can be redeemed at pretty much any restaurant or bar on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship or private destination. There are only two places a drink package cannot be used: room service and stateroom mini-bars.

Frequent users of Royal Caribbean's drink packages become pretty adept at getting more bang for their buck on the packages, but with some advance planning, first-time Royal Caribbean cruisers can also make the most of the packages.

What's included in Royal Caribbean's drink packages?

Royal Caribbean offers a few drink packages to consider. Each package provides guests with an unlimited allotment of servings of the specific beverages their package includes.

None of the packages include mini bar items, Evian water, canned sodas, bottled juice and souvenir glassware, specialty beers as listed on bar menus, or super premium category beverages.

Refreshment Package

This drink package includes all nonalcoholic drinks. It is popular with adults as well as older children and those who like having juices, coffee and teas.

For each guest that purchases this package, it includes:

• Premium coffees and teas
• Bottled still and sparking water
• Fresh squeezed orange juice
• Mocktails
• Fountain sodas / Coca-Cola Freestyle beverages
• Coca-Cola Souvenir Cup included

The price per night of the Refreshment Package is $29.00 per guest (excluding gratuity).

Classic Soft Drinks Package

The Classic Soft Drinks package is what was once called by many guests, "the soda card". It is unlimited soda and quite popular with kids.  

For each guest that purchases this package, it includes:

• Fountain Soda and refills in any venue
• Coca-Cola Freestyle beverages
• Coca-Cola Souvenir Cup included

Deluxe Beverage Package

Royal Caribbean offers just one unlimited alcohol package, the Deluxe Beverage package.

The Deluxe package offers "the best of both worlds," with access to nearly the entire stock of beverages with or without liquor. Enjoy virtually unlimited combinations on everything from cocktails with top-shelf spirits to premium teas and every beverage in between.

For each guest that purchases this package, it includes:

• Cocktails, spirits, liqueurs
• Beer
• Wine (by the glass)
• Mocktails
• Premium coffees & teas
• Fountain sodas / Coca-Cola Freestyle beverages
• Coca-Cola souvenir cup included
• Bottled still and sparkling water
• Fresh squeezed juices
• 40% discount on wines under $100. Wines above $100 will receive a 20% discount.

The Deluxe Beverage Package includes drinks with liquor up to $14 in value. Drinks that are served in a souvenir cup/glass/mug and/or drinks served inside fruit (i.e. pineapples) are not included with the drink package, however, a portion of the drink price is subsidized by the beverage package.

One thing to note in the fine print is all Royal Caribbean passengers 21 years of age and older (18 years in Australia and the UK) are required to purchase the Deluxe Beverage Package if at least one other person in their cabin has one.

If the other adult(s) in the same stateroom do not wish to purchase a Deluxe Beverage Package, you can call Royal Caribbean and ask for an exemption. Usually, Royal Caribbean will allow the other adult(s) to purchase a less-expensive drink package, such as the Refreshment Package.

Cafe Select Card

If all you want are lattes, espresso, or something stronger than regular coffee, then perhaps Royal Caribbean's Café Select Coffee Card is the right choice for you.

Unlike the other drink packages, the coffee card is not unlimited. Instead, you get a physical card that will be punched every time you use the card. Each card is good for 15 punches.

For every brewed coffee you order, the barista will punch a hole in the card to note how many of the drinks you've ordered.

You can use the coffee card at Royal Caribbean coffee locations, such as Cafe Promenade or Cafe Latte-tudes. It does not work at freestanding Starbucks kiosks.

Another difference from the other drink packages is you are allowed to share the coffee card benefits with another guest.

Water Package

Royal Caribbean's Water Packages offer 12 or 24 packs of one-liter bottles of water, which are delivered to your cabin on embarkation day.

The bottled water package is a convenient way to have spring water available for your use while you cruise. It's also something anyone that generally prefers bottled water over faucet water.

In addition, having bottled water means you can take it around the ship with you, or even on shore excursions.

You'll still have access to drinking water during your cruise at every bar, restaurant, or lounge. Drinking water is very clean and filtered at a higher level than most public drinking water at home.

What do Royal Caribbean drink packages cost?

Royal Caribbean utilizes dynamic pricing for its drink packages, which means the price can depend on the sailing. This means the price could be different based on the ship, itinerary, or sail date you pick.

• Deluxe Beverage Package: $55 to $115 per person per day
• Royal Refreshment Package: $38 per person per day
• Classic Soft Drinks Package: $12.99 per person per day
• Water Package: 12 bottles for $39; 24 bottles for $69
• Coffee card: $31 per card

Every drink package includes gratuities when you purchase it, so there are no additional tips or costs for anything included in the package. You will see a "service charge" that comes with the drink package purchase, which includes the automatic 18% gratuity.

Read more: How much is a Royal Caribbean drink package?

How do I get the best deal on a Royal Caribbean drink package?

The best time to buy a Royal Caribbean drink package is to buy one as early as you can and then re-price when there are price drops.

The price of a drink package can change many times before the cruise begins and this is because of various sales offered. Typically, there's a drink package discount every few weeks, although the total cost of the drink package may not actually change.

One strategy is to save money on Royal Caribbean’s drink package is to wait for a great deal on Black Friday. You won't know if this strategy will work until the actual day, plus your cruise may take place before the holiday.

Regardless, it's possible for there to be a price drop in the base price and in that case, you can cancel and rebook the drink package with no penalty via the Cruise Planner website.

By booking a drink package early you lock in the price and guard against a price increase, but can still take advantage of a price decrease.

Trying to "time" a lower price is a mistake because sometimes the price goes up and never goes back down.

Is a Royal Caribbean drink package worth it?

There is no question a beverage package has the potential to save money, but the real question is if you will drink enough every day of your cruise to make it worth purchasing.

Here's an argument from our staff why a drink package is worth it, and why it's not worth it.

Why drink packages are worth it

Matt: I've purchased Royal Caribbean drink packages for years because of how easy it is to budget your drinks for any cruise.

Without a drink package, I find myself hemming and hawing over if I really want a drink, and end up rationing them in order to save money. The result is I'm just not as happy. 

The convenience factor usually leads me to decide to get the package. After all, you are on vacation and no memorable cruise starts with worrying about drink prices.

While the up-front cost is high, when you think about the premium coffees, bottled water, beer, and alcoholic cocktails I can drink every day for one price, it makes not worrying about a big bill at the end of the cruise so much better.

Plus, the drink package allows me to try new drinks because there's no limit to how many drinks I can order.

Why a drink package wasn't worth it for me

Allie: The drink package is supposed to help your cruise feel more all-inclusive because you do not need to be skimpy with your drinking. Since you’ve already purchased the drink package before boarding, there shouldn’t be any surprise charges onboard.

I did find that my cruise felt more all-inclusive since we could drink without limits. Since my friends also had the drink package, it was nice that we didn’t have to stress about blowing a budget or spending way more than anticipated. 

However, we felt like we were constantly trying to calculate how many drinks we had to have to ensure our hefty purchase was worthwhile. My husband also noted how he felt an internal obligation to order the most expensive drinks rather than what he would have preferred drinking. 

Perhaps the two of us are too analytical to enjoy the drink package advantages on our Royal Caribbean, but we won’t be splurging on this purchase again.

Is there a limit on Royal Caribbean drink packages?

There is no limit on a Royal Caribbean drink package in terms of how many drinks a guest may consume in a day or throughout the cruise.

The only limit on a drink package is that you may only order one drink per order, per drink package.

If multiple people are ordering a drink with a drink package, the bartender or waiter may take each guest's SeaPass card to place the order.

There are a few other drink package rules that you should be aware of as well.

Pros and cons of getting the drink package on Royal Caribbean?

We have used Royal Caribbean's drink packages on a number of occasions and we have also paid out of pocket for our drinks on even more cruises. The drink package has an equal number of fans and critics. We tend to fall somewhere in the middle, disagreeing with both extremes. We think the drink package has its pros and cons, so let us take a look at some of them!

Savings: You can save money with a drink package (versus paying for each drink a la carte), but you have to be a certain kind of drinker and not waste the daily package benefits. If you are someone who enjoys having many drinks every day, it can definitely save you money with a Royal Caribbean drink package. This requires anyone who buys the package to be willing and able to enjoy a good half-dozen drinks every day of their cruise.  

There is no question a drink package has an excellent value proposition associated with it, but you need to be able to drink enough to "break even" on the package versus buying the drinks on your own. If you knew you would not be drinking enough every day of your cruise to break even, why would you overpay for a package?

With that said, prices for Royal Caribbean drinks have been on the rise over the last few years. Cocktails are regularly priced at around $10-13 per drink, which means bar tabs can quickly get expensive. And with so many tantalizing choices on each bar menu, the temptation to grab a drink is always present.

The drink package benefits will save the most money for folks who drink a lot during the day and spread their drinking out throughout the course of their day and night.  

Amount of drinks: One common regret we hear about drink packages is a phenomenon known as "drink fatigue," where guests drink more than they really would ordinarily order and they end up ordering drinks for the sake of ordering drinks. When using a drink package, I always struggle with the question of, "Am I ordering a drink because I want one or because I have a drink package?" There have been plenty of times with a drink package, I know I am ordering a drink because I have the package, and the show, activity or event I am attending offers drinks, so why not get a drink.

If you are on a short cruise and are looking to have a good time, the drink package can make a lot more sense, since there are less days to use the package benefits. Likewise, shorter cruises have a tendency to have more of a party atmosphere than longer cruises.  

It is important to keep in mind what your goal is when ordering a drink package. Are you going to be spending much of your time by the pool or are you someone that will be doing other activities where drinking may not always be an option.  

Convenience: Many guests swear by the convenience of Royal Caribbean's drink packages. It makes enjoying drinks simple, with no fuss involved. There is no worrying about how much the drink costs and if you should get it or something cheaper. Heck, there is not even the concern about whether you can afford to get a drink.  

It is a fair point and among the most commonly cited reasons people love the drink packages. We love the convenience of the drink package too, especially to have the freedom of trying new drinks without fear of ordering something we do not like and being "stuck" with it. Or relegating ourselves to drink the same old drinks because we know we like them.

The thing is, the number one reason to buy a drink package is to save money, otherwise, why would it exist. Royal Caribbean would not roll out something that offers no savings and expect people to pay for it, right? With that in mind, while convenience is important, we believe the cost savings still supersede whatever convenience the drink package offers.

Budgeting: This is probably the most contentious point. In addition to being convenient, a lot of its fans advocate the unlimited drink packages help them stay on a budget and avoid thinking about money on a vacation.

On the surface, this makes sense because you can buy a drink package before your cruise and break up the cost of the cruise, or opt to purchase it onboard and cap your drinking spending. In either scenario, it goes to making your total cost more predictable. It reminds us of cell phone plans and why so many people prefer unlimited data plans rather than fixed-data plans. Simpler to have one cost that covers everything, than worry about "going over."

There is a point to be made about pre-purchasing a drink package months before your cruise, paying it off then and then later going on your cruise and not dealing with a bill at the end of your cruise that makes you cringe (or worse). It does not mean you will actually save any money, as you still need to drink enough each day of your cruise to make a drink package worthwhile. Otherwise, you overpaid earlier than usual.

The whole notion of not having to worry about receipts, gratuity or how much a drink costs holds less water for us. Sure, it is nice to have, but far from essential. If someone told me I could save more money by doing some simple math every day, you bet I would bring my calculator onboard. There are a lot of fun things to do on a Royal Caribbean cruise, and the more money I can save, the more fun stuff I can afford.

Sticker shock: Even if you are not on a tight budget, drink prices on a Royal Caribbean cruise can be somewhat shocking. There might be the most amazing drink on the menu, but you cannot bring yourself to spend $14 (or more) on it because that sounds too expensive for just one drink.

It is debatable how much any drink should cost. Go to a concert or theme park, and you will find prices for drinks that make Royal Caribbean's pricing strategy look pedestrian.  

On the other hand, your local restaurants may serve up drinks for a fraction of the cost of what you will find at Boleros. Having the drink package does help ease your mind about paying $14 for that cucumber martini.

It is important to note that you are not always forced into paying full prices for drinks. Every day there will be a "drink of the day," where one drink is discounted by about 20%. 

You can usually find other drink specials throughout your cruise. In addition, guests who are members of Royal Caribbean's Crown & Anchor Society are eligible to receive discounted and complimentary drinks during the cruise. Diamond and above members get complimentary drinks every day, which can be a big money saver.  

Moreover, guests are allowed to bring one bottle of wine per guest (21+) on their Royal Caribbean cruise. All of this contributes to bringing down the cost of drinks on a cruise, especially if you forgo a drink package and pay a la carte for your drinks.

Itinerary: How many sea days or port days you have could factor into making a drink package a good investment.

While the drink packages do work on Royal Caribbean's private islands of Labadee and Perfect Day at CocoCay, they do not work while you are in other ports of call. The more ports of call you visit, the less time you have onboard to take advantage of the drink packages.  

However, if your itinerary has mostly sea days, it becomes easier to get the value from the package.

Your thoughts

What is your experience with Royal Caribbean's beverage package? Thinking about using it? I would love to hear your thoughts about a Royal Caribbean beverage package, and how it works (or does not work) for you in the comments! If you have questions, ask them there, too.

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Suites on a cruise are expensive, but many seek them out for a luxurious, upgraded experience.

As a new cruiser, staying in a suite cabin was an experience on my bucket list because I wanted to see how different a suite is from an inside or balcony cabin. Is the luxury worth the huge jump in price?

I decided to sail on a 3-night cruise on Allure of the Seas, a large Oasis Class ship.

Among all the options available in the first half of 2024, this sailing was one of the cheapest suites I found. 

I booked a 1-bedroom Grand Suite stateroom, the middle ground between the Star and Sea levels.

Read more: 8 advantages of booking a suite on your next cruise

The total price came to $3952.06 with gratuities. For a sailing of two people, this divides out to $1317 per night.

Even before the cruise began, I could tell this would be a completely new experience

Compared to the guarantee and inside cabins I’d stayed in before, the suite life was much more luxurious.

Six days before the cruise, I received an email from our suite concierges explaining how we could check in online and prepare for our cruise. 

They also listed the amenities that would come with the suite and said that they would assist us with making any show or dining reservations.

On embarkation day, the upgraded treatment began. We were able to go into express lines for suite and Pinnacle  Club members.

On a large ship like Allure of the Seas sailing out of the long Port Canaveral terminal, getting onboard typically would have taken 30-40 minutes. But with our VIP access, it took me less than twenty!

Our stateroom was located on the 10th floor, between the middle and the back of the ship.

The location was close enough to the middle that I didn’t feel any seasickness inside the cabin—which I usually do if I’m located too far front or back on the ship.

The suite was much larger than I expected, with ample storage space

When we first opened the door, I was struck by how large and open the floor plan was.

The entrance faced a small alcove. 

Inside this alcove, I found a shelf with complimentary water and an ice bucket. 

This was a lovely aspect of staying in a suite because usually, I have to plan far in advance to find complimentary water.

Typically, I take a reusable water bottle up to the Windjammer or the water fountains at the gym and fill it up there. But with a suite, I had free water exactly where I needed it.

Below the shelf sat drawers with plenty of storage space, and above it was the safe that is inside all Royal Caribbean staterooms.

Beside this shelf faced a large closet with full-length mirrors. Not only was there ample closet space for all our clothes and suitcases, but later on in the cruise our stateroom attendant also left complimentary robes inside.

Next to the closet, I also found our complimentary coffee maker, which was another huge bonus. Much like the drinking water, I usually have to plan or make a small trek up to the Windjammer to find complimentary coffee. 

Instead, free coffee pods, sugar, and creamer showed up daily in our suite. It was so convenient to have in the stateroom that I made at least three cups of coffee a day.

Below the coffee maker and counter, I opened a door to find the mini-fridge hidden away.

And beside the fridge were more shelves—there was more than enough storage space all over the cabin.

On the right side of the door—directly opposite the closet—I found the huge bathroom.

Inside Royal Caribbean’s small cabins, the bathrooms are tiny tubes, almost similar to an airplane bathroom. But this suite’s bathroom was more like that of a luxurious hotel.

Read more: Photos Show Why Booking a Suite Cruise Cabin Is Worth It

There was a huge bathtub and a warm shower with natural, scented soaps.

A large counter stretched over the toilet, leaving me plenty of space to spread out my jewelry and toiletries.

The dark, marbled vanity held two sinks, with a proportional amount of water glasses to brush our teeth with.

I also found free soap and body moisturizer. These products had such a pleasant smell and texture that I took them both home with me.

We always had ample towels, and I noticed that they were made from Egyptian cotton.

Outside the bathroom, I moved onto the living area. This was one of the main differences in our suite: a large, separated living area with a lengthy couch.

Beside the couch, there were also two thick armchairs. The size of this room felt like more than enough for two people: I thought that we could have fit four in this stateroom.

The TV next to the living area had an adjustable arm, so that we could completely turn it to face the couch or the beds. However, it was not a Smart TV, and only had a few free channels, so I never used it.

In between the living room and the bedroom, there was a large blackout curtain—a huge help for people traveling together who might want to take naps or go to bed at different times. It also helped make up for the large windows, which would otherwise let light in in the mornings and wake me up.

We requested to separate the two beds on a form emailed out before the cruise. 

The Grand Suite lists “​​Luxury Pillow Top Mattress” as one of its amenities, and while the bed was comfortable, I don’t think I would have noticed a difference if I hadn’t been told about it.

Each bed had its own lamp and bedside table next to it. However—as is usually the case in Royal Caribbean staterooms—there were no ports beside the beds, so I had to charge my phone at the desk.

I usually love the desks/vanities on Royal Caribbean ships, but this suite had an upgraded version. It was longer than others I’ve seen, with even more mirror and shelf space.

The room had so much storage space. Since we were only two people staying for 3 days, we didn't even get close to using all of it.

Lastly, we opened the double-sliding doors to find the balcony. I’ve stayed in a balcony stateroom before, but this one was almost twice the size, with a total of four chairs (two were reclining lounge chairs).

It was a large, gorgeous balcony. I wanted to spend every minute sunning myself on it.

One amenity that came with the suite was the ability to order Main Dining Room dinner for room service, so my sister and I did that on night two. We ordered an hour ahead, and had the entire meal delivered to our door!

Eating outside on the balcony, with a view of the wide ocean, will always be a treasured memory of mine from this cruise.

My favorite aspect of staying in a suite was the additional perks

The large stateroom and balcony were a huge change from the small inside cabin I've stayed in before. It felt like I was taking a completely different type of cruise.

But one of the things I loved most about staying in a suite was just all the additional perks.

The Grand Suite on Allure of the Seas includes all the following:

• Concierge Service
• All-Day Access to Coastal Kitchen
• Specialty Bottled Water (upon arrival)
• VOOM, The Fastest Internet at Sea
• Flexible Arrival Boarding & Priority Departure
• Priority Dining Reservations
• Reserved seating section in select entertainment venues (reservations required)
• Suite Lounge Access (with complimentary hors d’oeuvres and cocktails each evening)
• Royal Caribbean Plush Bathrobes for Use Onboard
• Luxury Pillow Top Mattress
• Luxury Bathroom Amenities
• Lavazza Espresso Coffee Machine

Having free WiFi for the length of the voyage, the coffee machine, and the Plush bathrobes were some of my favorite luxuries included.

I also loved exploring the suite lounge, which was located up on Deck 17. Sitting beside the Coastal Kitchen restaurant, it was an expansive, quiet lounge decorated in deep purples and blues.

It featured a lot of seating but was very spread out, so I didn’t have to speak to anyone around me. 

It also had complimentary drinks and hors d’oeuvres, like this plate of chocolate-covered strawberries, olives, and crab cake.

Not only that, but the suite benefits also include free wine and beers from the bar, so I took advantage of a glass of white wine almost every night. It all felt very opulent. 

On the first day of the cruise, a crew member brought us complimentary champagne and fruit.

Through the cruise, we received other special goodies, like lip balms, aloe vera, and lavender spray for better sleep.

On departure day, we also received priority disembarkation through designated lines, and we left still feeling like royalty.

Cruise ships are a lot of mini-cities, including having to feed thousands of people during the course of a voyage.

Every week, up to 7,600 people vacation on Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas, which holds the title of the world's largest cruise ship. That includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks in between.

There are 23 total kitchens (referred to as galleys on a cruise ship) to serve 27 restaurants.

At the heart of Icon's meal service is the Main Dining Room, which serves 6,000 guests in a three-and-a-half-hour time frame. There are 425 chefs onboard Icon of the Seas, with 45 people working in the Main Dining Room galley on deck 3 alone.

Supplying, prepping, and serving that many meals every day is not a simple feat. Royal Caribbean has to have enough food so it doesn't run out without over-ordering and wasting food. Then it has to get supplies in place every week, and sometimes the demographics for one sailing may require different amounts of food than another.

All of the ship's food is sourced from the ship's homeport in Miami. 

In fact, there's enough food on Icon of the Seas not just for one cruise, but three cruises. The idea is there is enough food on hand in case the ship needs to go in a different direction so there is enough for extra days.

Every week new supplies are brought onboard, but some items may only be sourced every two weeks. Cheeses, herbs, and berries are examples of food that is brought onboard every week because those do not last as long.

Frozen items, such as prime rib or fish, are brought every two or three weeks.

So what happens if they end up running short on one item? The ship can call to headquarters to assist in re-supplying at one of the ports of call the ship is visiting. 

The actual food is sourced from all around the world, including locally. Royal Caribbean Vice President Food & Beverage, Linken D'Souza, describes it as a very complex operation, "We are always looking to source local. And so the last couple of years we've shifted a lot of our purchasing very domestically within marketplace."

"Fresh ingredients have always been the case, but now we've really shifted, whether it's here or in Europe and Australia and China, my team goes out and we go out to the marketplace and we'll literally go and match products against our US products and say, okay, what works for us? How do we buy locally?"

All of this isn't cheap to do. Royal Caribbean wouldn't share numbers, but suffice to say, Mr. D'Souza referred to the number as being, "a lot."

"We've got crew members and guests on board. On a full sailing, over 10,000 people on board the ship. We spend a lot of money to make sure we look after the guests from food and beverage standpoint and supplies."

Food is the second highest expense for Royal Caribbean after fuel. According to Royal Caribbean Group's financial disclosures, the company spent $307 million on fuel in the first quarter of 2024.

How much food is brought on a cruise ship?

Ever wonder which foods are the most popular on a cruise ship? 

Icon of the Seas needs enough food for all of its recipes, as well as food to be available on its own. A tomato can be cut up and served individually or as part of a stew, sauce, or salad.

According to Royal Caribbean's executive chefs, rice, potato, lobster, tenderloin, filet mignon and especially prime rib are the most popular items on Icon of the Seas.

About 20,000 pounds of rice and 2,500 pounds of prime rib are used every cruise.

In an effort to better predict how much food the ship will need, the Food & Beverage team looks at the demographic of who is booked and the guest count for the next sailing. Meaning, if there are more guests from Mexico on a given sailing, the crew will plan to offer more Mexican food onboard.

The exact quantity of food depends on the amount of guests and demographic.

Icon of the Seas has the best kitchens yet

One of the benefits of being a brand new cruise ship is having access to the best of the best, including machinery.

Icon has plenty of guest-facing innovations, and that trend applies to the kitchens too, "If you go to the production areas, the equipment that we've introduced here for the first time, never seen on our ships before," said Mr. D'Souza.

"Things like machines that can take a whole piece of steak, cut it into portions, cut fish into portions, vegetable slicers, things that we just haven't had historically on ship."

These machines replace functions that were traditionally done by hand.

On the upcoming Utopia of the Seas, Mr. D'Souza indicated will have a laser guided water gun that uses high pressure water to cut pieces of cake.

This technology makes the work easier for crew members, and he believes that moves crew members closer to the guest experience and that adds value to the guest experience.

"We're bringing some pretty new and exciting, innovative technology to really take even our back of the house processes up from what we've historically done."

Read more: Icon of the Seas is Royal Caribbean's best cruise ship ever, and it's not even close

The most highly regulated food service operation on the planet

With an operation as large as Icon of the Seas, food safety is paramount to the cruise line.

Mr. D'Souza said cruise ship kitchens are the most regulated food service operation that you'll find, "we are the most highly regulated food service operation on the planet."

The United States Public Health Service has a division known as the Vessel Sanitation Program, which acts as a cooperative activity with the cruise ship industry.

"When we get inspected for food safety, we have 7 to 8 uniformed officers that board the vessel and they do a full inspection top to bottom."

Mr. D'Souza is quite proud of the work his culinary team does and says there's nothing like it at any restaurant near you, "You will never find a restaurant on land that looks like this. Top to bottom, stainless steel, spotless floors, clean. Everything is in order."

"You don't see this on land, because we have very high standards for our guests, and you have very high standards from a government agency body to make sure that we have the highest quality execution, cleanest kitchens, high quality safe food, hand holding equipment, etc."

War on food waste

Reducing food waste serves two primary purposes: it ensures there is less food that ends up in a garbage can and it saves Royal Caribbean money.

The cruise line introduced a program called, "Win on Waste", which serves to evaluate food consumption on a cruise ship and make adjustments so there is less food used that doesn't end up consumed.

Royal Caribbean Group has previously announced it will reduce food waste across the fleet by 50% by 2025. In the summer of 2023, Royal Caribbean Group reported it already has been able to achieve a 24% reduction in food waste by focusing on the front end of the food system, which prevents and addresses many of the main causes of food waste, including inventory management and over-preparing.

With this new program, chefs can see what's been produced, consumed, wasted, and even repurposed. It helps give better data to the chefs, so they can understand how to make adjustments for the next production. 

Royal Caribbean is actually leveraging AI to take into account unused food scrap weight and predict how much food the ship will need for the next sailing.

Read more: Royal Caribbean's clever idea using AI to get help on the world's largest cruise ship

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Royal Caribbean passengers that were visiting its private island on Tuesday had to leave earlier than expected.

CocoCay is a private island in The Bahamas that is operated by Royal Caribbean exclusively for its guests.  Celebrity Cruises will begin visiting the island as well later this year.

Read more: Guide to Perfect Day at CocoCay

Rain storms passing through the tropics are quite common, but the wind in this case appeared to be the issue as photos posted by passengers show waves crashing against the pier and rocks.

Oasis of the Seas and Freedom of the Seas were visiting the island for the day when an announcement was made for guests to return to the ship.

According to posts on social media, a rapidly moving storm was approaching the island and that caused the cruise line to make the decision to cut their day short.

It appears the announcements were made around 1:00pm over the island's speaker system to return to the ship.

The Bahamas Department of Meteorology indicated a deep low-pressure system is moving northeastwards across the Northwest Bahamas while dragging a cold front. They're expecting continued bouts of unsettled weather, consisting of heavy to severe thunderstorms with strong gusty winds, heavy downpours.

Bahamas forecasters are predicting the low to gradually strengthen and the pressure gradient behind it will tighten to produce increasing winds up to gale force through Wednesday.

The Bahamas Department of Meteorology added the potential for seas to rise as high as 16 to 20 feet offshore, along Atlantic exposures on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Tami Golden wrote on Facebook, "It was announced over a public address system to please return the ship."

Katie John added, "they were going to call everyone back to the ship via speakers on the island and close everything down due to wind and deteriorating weather."

"Glad they did, because not too long after they got everyone back, the waves were crashing over the pier, and the wind increased to 35mph."

Jessica Aguiar Oliveira said that guests that had booked anything extra would be refunded their costs due to the day being cut short.

Many guests were understanding of the change in plans, "Royal Caribbean staff was amazing and it was so organized to get everyone back to the ship safely," wrote a Facebook user named Natasha.

"Sometimes weather happens and we can’t do anything about it. All 10 of us ladies are safe and we are departing shortly to head on a sea day a little early! "

Based on social media, it appears Freedom of the Seas was able to undock and leave while Oasis of the Seas remained docked.

Missy Billingsley wrote that Oasis of the Seas acted as a wind blocker for the relatively smaller Freedom of the Seas, "The captain literally told us that we were going to be the block for the Freedom to get outta here."

Other Royal Caribbean ships have been re-routed already to avoid the path of the storm. Allure of the Seas is cancelling a scheduled visit to Nassau, Bahamas on Wednesday and will instead remain at sea.

Winter weather in the Caribbean

January and February are about as far from hurricane season as you can get, but that doesn't mean bad weather doesn't occur.

This time of the year is usually associated with a lack of precipitation, as winter is the dry season for the tropics. However, cold fronts can still bring with storms with them.

Part of the rationale for building a pier at CocoCay was to prevent high winds from cancelling port stops. Having a dock makes it easier for cruise ships to visit a port of call, as opposed to tendering.

While you'll find some similarities and brand favorites onboard, Icon of the Seas is full of industry firsts and unlike any other vessel at sea. Besides the size, are you wondering what sets the world's largest cruise ship apart? 

The 250,800 gross registered ton vessel officially set sail on January 27, 2024 on a 7-night voyage to the Eastern Caribbean. In total, Icon can hold up to 7,600 passengers and is roughly 10 feet longer than Wonder of the Seas, measuring 1,198 feet in length. 

From the first-ever swim-up bar at sea to the record-breaking Category 6 water park, new neighborhoods, one-of-a-kind dining experiences, and more, there's so much to see and do onboard that one week likely won't be enough time to experience everything! 

Whether you're counting down the days until you step foot onboard or are simply curious as to what the major differences are, here's a guide to help break down all of the features on Icon of the Seas that you won't find on any other ship in Royal Caribbean's fleet. 

Split-level promenade 

While the Royal Promenade itself isn't a new feature (it has been around since Voyager of the Seas launched in 1999), they completely redesigned it for Icon. For the first time, the Royal Promenade is a multi-level space, with bars, restaurants, etc., on Decks 5 and 6. 

As soon as you step foot onboard, you'll notice one of the most significant additions: floor-to-ceiling windows. Royal Caribbean sought to make the Promenade more connected to the ocean, so they added windows to let light flood in during the day. 

There are over 15 new and redesigned bars, lounges, and restaurants in the Royal Promenade, including 1400 Lobby Bar, Pearl Café, and Dueling Pianos, the cruise line's first-ever double-pianist bar. Each night, two performers will take requests and involve guests in the musical fun. 

The Pearl

We cannot talk about the Royal Promenade without mentioning The Pearl, an interactive, multi-sensory experience that also serves as structural support. 

In other words, to allow for the giant windows, Royal Caribbean had to figure out a way to support the staterooms above it, as well as Central Park, since a giant chunk of steel would be missing. 

The giant masterpiece changes throughout the day, too. The experience that it offers during the morning will differ from what's offered at night or even when the ship is docked at CocoCay!

Adjacent to The Pearl is the Pearl Café, the revamped version of Cafe Promenade that serves complimentary grab-and-go snacks 24 hours a day, as well as some options for an extra fee. 

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

Destination elevators

Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas has destination elevators onboard to combat crowded cruise ship elevators. 

Rather than simply pressing "up" or "down" in the elevator bank, you'll be required to make a deck selection. Then, you'll be assigned a specific elevator that will take you where you want to go. 

Chief Dog Officer Rover

Perhaps the cutest addition to Icon of the Seas is the ship's Chief Dog Officer, Rover, whose primary job is to bring joy to guests and crew. 

Rover is an adorable six-month-old golden retriever who lives onboard the ship with her handler Alison Hubble, AKA "Rover's Chief of Staff." She loves to play with her ball and even blow bubbles in the clear Bahamian waters while visiting Perfect Day at CocoCay. 

You never know when you'll spot Rover while onboard, but when you do, do not be afraid to give her some pets! 

Read more: World's largest cruise ship will have a family dog that lives on the ship

AquaDome Neighborhood

Perched atop Decks 14 and 15 is the brand-new AquaDome Neighborhood. In addition to being home to the ship's enclosed AquaTheater, this is also where you'll find other Royal Caribbean firsts, including the Rye & Bean Bar and Overlook Bar & Pods.

This area is outfitted with two stories of floor-to-ceiling windows, making it the place to be when pulling into port or when you want to catch a picture-perfect sunset. 

The pods are ideal for those who want a more relaxed vibe during the day. At night, however, the energy changes as the bars become a hotspot for pre-show drinks. 

You'll find three dining experiences within the AquaDome, two of which are brand-new: Celebration Table and AquaDome Market. 

AquaDome Market

In the past, Royal Caribbean has gotten its fair share of criticism regarding the lack of complimentary fast-casual dining options on its ships. They took the feedback to heart and incorporated more options into the design plans of Icon. 

Within the AquaDome, guests will find the AquaDome Market, the cruise line's first-ever food hall. Its location in the front of the ship isn't a coincidence, as it's meant to help disperse crowds from the Windjammer and El Loco Fresh in the aft (back). 

Inside AquaDome Market, you'll find five different stalls, each highlighting a different cuisine or specific food:

• Mac's (Mac and cheese)
• Crème de la Crèpe (Crèpes) 
• Toast & Garden (Sandwiches and salads)
• GNGR (Asian) 
• Feta (Mediterranean)

Read more: Icon of the Seas restaurant and dining guide

Empire Supper Club

AquaDome Market isn't the only new dining venue onboard Icon. For those looking for a more upscale option, head to Central Park, where you'll find the Empire Supper Club. Dining here will set you back $200 per person; however, you're guaranteed a one-of-a-kind culinary experience that consists of eight unique courses, each of which is paired with a cocktail and live music! 

The menu was inspired by the 1930s era of New York City and features upscale American cuisine— think of items like caviar, wagyu steak, and more. Empire Supper Club is both chic and intimate, with a maximum capacity of 38 guests during each dinner service. 

Note that if you purchase the Unlimited Dining Package, you'll have to pay an additional $130 to eat here.

In Central Park, you'll find Lou's Jazz n' Blues and the walk-up champagne bar called Bubbles. Both venues are perfect for a pre- or post-dinner cocktail! 

There's also the first-ever Izumi to-go window, which allows you to enjoy fresh sushi from anywhere on the ship. 

Surfside Neighborhood

Instead of the Boardwalk found onboard Oasis Class ships, Royal Caribbean created a new neighborhood for families: Surfside. With both complimentary and specialty dining venues, an arcade, carousel, aft pool, kids' splash zone, and more, this is where families are encouraged to stay and play all day.

Rather than having to remove children from the fun, parents can grab a snack at the complimentary Surfside Bites. Even better, there's the Surfside Eatery, a buffet in the heart of the action so you don't have to worry about hauling anyone to the Windjammer upstairs.

Surfside is also home to a new specialty restaurant, Pier 7. For just $14.99, adults can select two plates. Options include shrimp toastads, grilled cheese, caramel waffles, and more. Children 12 and under eat free. 

The Lemon Post Bar is also brand-new and features a curated menu of mocktails for children. It's located close to Splashaway Bay and Baby Bay.

Ultimate Family Townhouse

There are numerous different stateroom categories for guests who want to be close to Surfside, such as the Surfside Family View Interior and Surfside Family View Balcony cabins, as well as the Surfside Family Suite. However, families wanting the ultimate cabin experience onboard should consider booking the Ultimate Family Townhouse. 

This three-story mega-suite is equipped with everything from an in-suite slide to a movie room, interactive dining table, and "backyard" that leads directly to Surfside. 

As expected, this room isn't cheap. In fact, it is the most expensive cabin on any Royal Caribbean ship, with prices in 2024 averaging around $80,000 for a week. 

Infinite balcony cabins

Icon of the Seas is the first ship in the fleet to feature infinite balconies, a concept that first debuted on Celebrity Cruises' Edge Class. 

Infinite balconies differ from standard cruise ship balcony rooms. Whereas the latter has a door that opens up to a personal outdoor veranda, infinite balconies were designed to bring passengers closer to the ocean by essentially turning the entire stateroom into a balcony.

There's no exterior portion of the stateroom. Instead, there's a large floor-to-ceiling window that opens with the push of a button. 

Read more: 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.

Shower stalls

Capsule showers with sliding doors are common on Royal Caribbean ships. On Icon, however, you'll find a larger shower with an integrated seat that isn't tucked into the corner of the bathroom. 

Moreover, the towel rack isn't located above the toilet. Instead, you'll find it above the seat in the shower, meaning that you're able to dry off before stepping out. 

Another new design aspect you'll find in the cabins is the do not disturb buttons. 

Thrill Island

It wouldn't be a true Royal Caribbean ship if there weren't a ton of "WOW" factors onboard. 

Adrenaline junkies should look no further than Thrill Island, which is home to the largest water park at sea, as well as the Crown's Edge challenge that's part skywalk, part ropes course, and part zip line. The latter is subject to an additional fee, meaning it isn't included in the cost of your cruise fare. 

In between all the action, guests can grab a bite to eat at Basecamp or cool down with a specialty milkshake from Desserted, both of which are new to the cruise line. 

Chill Island

The pool deck on Icon was completely reimagined and dubbed "Chill Island." The idea behind the new concept was that guests would have multiple different options on how they wanted to relax by the water. The result? A pool deck that has 62% more water surface area than on Oasis Class ships. 

In addition to the largest pool at sea that's surrounded by hot tubs, there's also the first-ever swim-up bar called "Swim & Tonic." 

Guests can also enjoy The Cove Pool, which has an infinity edge, so families can enjoy time in the water while soaking up incredible ocean views. 

The Hideaway

Speaking of infinity pools, passengers 18+ can enjoy the first suspended infinity pool at sea in The Hideaway. 

There isn't a Solarium onboard Icon; however, that doesn't mean that the cruise line took away the adults-only sun deck! In addition to the infinity pool, there's also a private bar and DJ to help curate beach club vibes. 

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

New cocktails

Icon of the Seas has 13 new bars and lounges that feature over 100 new cocktails, 35 of which are zero-proof. These beverages are exclusive to the ship, so you won't find them on any menus while sailing onboard Symphony of the Seas, for example. 

From the "Oh Mai Gawd" cocktail located at The Hideaway Bar to the Jazzy Sass cocktail from Lou's Jazz 'n Blues, you're likely going to venture away from your tried-and-true favorites while on Icon. 

The cocktail glasses are new, too. They aren't the same shape as you will find on other ships in the fleet. 

Read more: I designed 13 new bar menus for the world's largest cruise ship. There's way more than just pina coladas

Icon of the Seas is the first ship in the fleet to be LNG-powered

Traditionally, cruise ships have been powered by diesel. In an effort to be more environmentally friendly, many new builds have begun to run on alternative sources of energy, including Icon of the Seas. 

This ship is powered by liquified natural gas (LNG). This type of fuel is one of the cleanest-burning marine fuels and helps to reduce a cruise ship’s carbon emissions by roughly 30%. 

One Hit Wonders Party (featuring the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man)

The One Hit Wonders Party is a new street dance party that takes place in the Royal Promenade. 

While guests are encouraged to participate, there's also entertainment staff performing choreographed dances to songs like "We Like To Party!" by the Vengabus, "Never Gonna Give You Up" by Rick Astley, "Closing Time" by Semisonic, and "The Safety Dance" by Men Without Hats. 

Two-story Coastal Kitchen

Coastal Kitchen is the suite-only dining room that's open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Onboard Icon, it's two stories and overlooks the AquaTheater. On all other ships in the fleet, the venue is just a single story. 

Suite guests also have access to The Grove Suite Sun Deck where they can enjoy a bite to eat at the new fast-casual Mediterranean restaurant.  

If you want to enjoy these amenities, you must book a Sky or Star tier suite within the Royal Suite Class. 

Crew uniforms

Above is a picture of the new Officer uniforms that were implemented onboard Icon of the Seas. 

Speaking of crew members, did you know that Royal Caribbean built a crew neighborhood on Icon that spans four decks and features redesigned accommodations to maximize privacy and storage? Plus, the crew Windjammer has actual windows to bring in some natural light! 

Read more: Royal Caribbean is adding the best crew member cabins and areas on its next new cruise ship

Welcome our guest writer, Mike Scudiero.  Mike is a Royal Caribbean Blog reader who wanted to share his experience sailing on his first Voyager Class ship. 

Recently, my wife and I took our first trip on the Adventure of the Seas. It was a 6-day cruise that
visited Nassau, Labadee, and Puerto Plata, the latter two of which were new stops for us. 

We were excited for this journey as much for visiting those particular locales as we were to try
Adventure ourselves, our first Voyager Class ship.

Not long ago, Matt Hochberg created a vlog post focusing on the less discussed ships within
Royal’s fleet. While he didn’t list Adventure specifically, I think many of us would agree that this
ship – and the entire Voyager Class perhaps – can easily be overlooked. 

These ships aren’t the newest or fanciest ships around, yet they are far from the smallest and oldest which sometimes draws criticisms, too. 

That leaves the entire Voyager Class somewhere in the middle, although having sailed on all three Freedom class ships, I think it’s quite easy to confuse these two classes and their eight different ships. But maybe that’s just me.

Nonetheless, there are still some unique things about Adventure that my wife and I enjoyed,
and, well, at least one that we were a bit creeped out by. In no particular order, here are seven things that made Adventure stand out while aboard our first cruise:

Chops on Deck 4

My wife and are fans of Chops as well as multiple other specialty dining options when aboard
Royal Caribbean cruises. 

Of the 29 current or announced ships in the RCCL fleet, this is the only one in which you’ll find Chops on Deck 4, adjacent to Casino Royale and the Schooner Bar. 

On all other Voyager and Freedom Class ships, you’ll find a variety of other options, like Izumi,
Sabor, Giovanni’s, and even Hooked in this seemingly prime location, but only on Adventure
will you find Chops here. 

This comes with a downside: no windows. 

If you’ve eaten in this spot on other ships at the aforementioned restaurants, you’ll recall the views to be nonexistent and the lighting a bit dim. If you’re someone who only wants a quick break
from the casino for their Filet Mignon or Ribeye, this is as short of a distance as you’ll find
anywhere in the fleet.

Read more: I went on Royal Caribbean's upgraded and regular Voyager Class cruise ships. Here's what I liked about each

Izumi on the Promenade

Another once-in-the-fleet prize for Adventure comes for its exciting placement of Izumi: right
smack in the middle of Deck 5 along the Promenade. While there's always a mix of bars,
shops, and even other quick-serve restaurants that line the promenade on many RCCL ships,
only on Adventure will you find Izumi here, located right across from the British Pub. 

This does bring with it two downsides: the first is that you will not have the Hibachi/Teppanyaki version
of Izumi on Adventure. The second is that the overall menu is also somewhat limited. 

We learned from talking to our server that this is a result of a smaller kitchen/prep area for Izumi
because of its Promenade location, meaning compared to the Izumi we found on Quantum of the
Seas and some other ships, it won’t have the same expansive menu we were accustomed to on
the Freedom and Oasis Class ships. 

None of which is to say that it takes away from the overall experience. The central location with lots of foot traffic walking right by you as you dine makes this Izumi perhaps the most fun we’ve seen to date.

The Peek-A-Boo bridge

While not specifically unique to Adventure, the Peek-A-Boo bridge, something Matt and others
have talked much about, is not to be missed. 

It’s tucked away in the forward of the ship on Deck 11 and even has a bench seat and diagram guide in the viewing area, so passengers can get a sense of what they’re seeing below on the Bridge. 

As I understand it, all Voyager Class ships have this feature, but since it was a first for us, we found it interesting enough to seek out and would encourage any nautical fans to do the same. 

Also, it costs nothing to visit this section of the ship, which never hurts.

Artistic models throughout the lower decks

Adventure features custom-designed models resembling old Hollywoodesque caricatures and
Vaudeville figurines in and around both the casino and the Royal Promenade. Again, if these are on other ships, I must have missed them. 

While some might see these as catchy art, is it possible that stumbling past one of these eerie smiling cartoon characters after a few Deluxe Beverage Package offerings might be enough to freak you out slightly? Asking for a friend.

“Next Stop” notifications in the elevators

Although it’s possible I’ve just missed this on my other cruises, my wife and I both noticed
something new in the elevators: an indicator alerting riders what the next floor your car will be
stopping at as it ascends or descends. 

For example, if you’re on Deck 4 and heading to Deck 11 but the elevator is stopping to let someone else on at Deck 8, you’ll see that notification electronically above the elevator button options.

Adventure of the Seas is far from the newest ship in the fleet and is, I’m assuming, still due for upgrades at some point in the years ahead like many other similar-aged ships have undergone, but this is one area where the ship seems ahead of its time.

Café Promenade/Sorrento's/Sugar Beach

It’s one-stop shopping on Deck 5, which features all of these options rolled into one location.
Gone are the Ben & Jerry’s locations from RCCL ships, as has been written about on
RoyalCaribbeanBlog previously. Replacing them: Sugar Beach, something already found on
some of the newer, bigger ships. 

What made this new for us was having Sugar Beach, an extra-pay option like Ben & Jerry’s was combined with the specialty drinks available at Café Promenade. As most readers know, Ben & Jerry’s (and now Sugar Beach) is something that all guests pay for, regardless of what drinks or dining packages they have on that cruise.

Specialty drinks, like my wife’s twice-daily Iced Café Mochas, are free with either the Deluxe
Beverage Package or the Refreshment Package. Unlike all other ships we’ve sailed on, guests
getting a free specialty coffee drink have to swipe their card and sign for it, just as if it were something being bought in a gift shop, even if it’s still free because of a package. 

As for the food, just like the other ships this size and larger, there is a separate line for food items coming from Café Promenade, which is particularly helpful when Sorrento’s pizzas are flying out of the
oven and the line becomes much longer than the morning coffee line to its right.

Windows in Casino Royale

Any seasoned gambler will tell you two things you practically never see in land-based casinos: clocks and windows. The logic is that the house would much rather you not know what time it really is, so you’ll keep gambling! The lack of windows could just as easily be chalked up to security concerns, too. 

I’ve been on 12 different Royal ships, and this was the first in which I could see out windows to the sea. As I have since learned, Voyager Class ships are all built this way, which is quite different when you’ve been in and out of probably 100+ land-based casinos and never saw daylight from a Blackjack table. 

On a related note, it is also worth mentioning for the gambling enthusiasts that the machines onboard Adventure all seemed to be quite new, which I was not expecting given that the ship itself has not been remodeled recently.

These unique/unusual points of interest with the ship made for an overall great experience on Adventure of the Seas. I also felt the value was significant compared to some of the newer and larger options within the Royal stable. The crew was one of the best we’ve gotten to know on any Royal ship, and we’d choose it again in a heartbeat on a future booking.