Royal Caribbean Blog

Royal Caribbean Group ships sailed at 102.1% capacity in the first quarter of 2023, but that doesn’t mean what you think it means. 

There’s no doubt the cruise industry rebound from the 2020-2021 shutdown is in full force. 

After struggling with restarting operations, things are quite good for the “big three” cruise companies: Royal Caribbean Group, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, and Carnival Corporation. 

In fact, business is so good that the average cruise line occupancy rates for the first quarter of 2023 for these lines either exceeded or came close to 100%. 

• Royal Caribbean: 102.1%
• Norwegian Cruise Line: 101.5%
• Carnival Cruise Line: 91.0%

If seeing those kind of numbers looks like a bad thing because it means their cruises are oversold, it’s actually not that case and a misleading statistic.  

What does 100% occupancy rate mean?

Let's start by defining what it means when a cruise ship sails above 100% capacity.

That sounds like the ship is oversold or some people don't have a cabin, but you have to understand how occupancy rates are calculated for cruise ships.

The cruise industry sells cabins on its cruise ships based on double occupancy. This means the line assumes two people will be in each cabin that is booked.

Each cabin has a capacity number, and it varies depending on the stateroom's category, as well each cruise line's methodology.

But when a cruise ship cabin planned for 2 guests adds a third or fourth guest (i.e. kids sharing a room with their parents), the capacity of that cabin exceeds 100%.

In fact, if you look at stats of a cruise ship, you'll see the ship's capacity (at double occupancy) and max capacity (when every extra passenger is included).

When you see Royal Caribbean had 102.1% occupancy rate in the first quarter of 2023, that means there were third and fourth passengers in those cabins occupying the room, which was beyond the standard double occupancy minimums.

High occupancy rates aren't new

These occupancy rates aren't a new phenomenon by any means. In fact, it's the norm for the cruise lines.

Prior to 2020, it was quite typical for cruise ships to sail above 100% occupancy rates, with the mainstream lines typically sailing between 103 - 107%, depending on the ship and line.

The cruise industry has traditionally followed a business model built around managing bookings to ensure ships are always full.

In 2019, the last full year of sailing before the pause, Royal Caribbean Group had an overall occupancy rate of 108.1%.

• 2019: 108.1%
• 2018: 108.9 %
• 2017: 108.4%
• 2016: 106.4%
• 2015: 105.1%

As cruise lines restarted operations in 2021, occupancy rates were about half that, with some ships even starting out at 30% occupancy rate.  These rates were meant to get the ships back into service slowly. The intent was never to stay at those rates, as it would not be profitable for the line.

Occupancy rates had been a little sluggish in 2022, but Royal Caribbean saw improvement as the year progressed. Load factor for the year averaged 85%, although load factor climbed to 95% in Q4 with a high of 110% on peak December holiday sailings. 

In 2023, it's become clear based on booking rates that consumers have no hesitation about booking a cruise vacation again.

Why occupancy rates above 100% isn't a problem

While you may see figures about higher occupancy rates in the media, the reality is that's what the ships are designed to handle in the first place.

Using Royal Caribbean as an example, their ships are built with thousands of cruise ship passengers in mind.  Venues are designed to accommodate a lot of passengers, and activities and entertainment are strategically listed to keep passengers moving around and not all doing the same thing at the same time.

Given the occupancy rates for the years preceding the cruise industry shutdown of 2020, you can see the 2023 occupancy rates we are seeing are more in line with what's normal.

When ships restarted sailing in 2021 and 2022, it set an outlier situation with some lines at less than 50% occupancy.

What about the oversold cruises?

You may have also read about oversold cruises, and that's a different and unrelated situation.

There's been reports of a handful of Royal Caribbean cruise ships that were oversold, with the cruise line asking passengers for volunteers to change sailings in order to free up space.

On those sailings, that isn't related at all to the occupancy rate.  Rather, that's a problem with the cruise line's inventory management selling too many cabins.  

From what we can tell, they're isolated incidents stemming from a mistake with Royal Caribbean's internal selling mechanism.

For an oversold Wonder of the Seas cruise in April 2023, the line informed guests, "We’re sorry to inform you that due to an unexpected inventory error, your scheduled Wonder of the Seas April 30th, 2023 sailing is currently oversold. We’re aware that this may cause disruption to your booking, so if your travel plans are flexible, you may be able to take advantage of our special offer."

It's important to understand occupancy rates have nothing to do with if a particular sailing gets oversold, because of how cruise lines count passengers in a cabin.

Planning an Alaska cruise? Before you book, there are a few things you should know.

Cruising to the majestic, mountainous landscapes of the 49th state is an experience every traveler should have at least once. Unsurprisingly, Alaska cruises are among the most popular cruise itineraries Royal Caribbean offers.

Before booking a cruise to Alaska, there are a few key things to know. It’s important to know the best time to sail to Alaska, what to expect when it comes to weather, and to be flexible on the (likely) chance of an itinerary change.

Even if you are a seasoned cruiser, an Alaska cruise can come with surprises, and it’s helpful to be prepared to ensure your trip goes smoothly. If it’s your first cruise, knowing what to expect is even more crucial—cruising to Alaska is a whole lot different than the Caribbean!

Here are 10 things to know before you book an Alaska cruise.

The time of year you sail can impact your cruise experience

The Alaska cruise season runs from May to September each year, and your experience in the state can vary from month to month.

Weather, daylight hours, wildlife viewing opportunities, and crowds change frequently throughout the Alaska cruise season. During the summer, you’ll find the warmest temperatures and most daylight, but, by far, the most crowds.

Related: What is the best time to cruise to Alaska? Month-by-month guide

Likewise, fall brings lower prices and crowds, but also less daylight and fewer wildlife viewing opportunities.

While there’s no “right” month to cruise Alaska, you should research what to expect in each month. No month will be perfect in all criteria, but certain months may work better with your travel preferences than others.

It won’t always be cold (the weather is unpredictable)

When most people think of an Alaska cruise, they imagine chilly temperatures, snow, and glaciers. Because of this, many passengers are surprised when they feel warm (or even sweat) on an Alaska cruise.

You might be surprised with how warm you feel on an Alaska cruise, especially if you’re traveling between June and August. On warm summer days, it’s possible to see temperatures in the mid 60s which, under the sun, feels fairly hot.

While packing t-shirts, shorts, and sandals for an Alaska cruise might seem odd, you might wear these items more frequently than you think. Even though the mornings may be chilly, temperatures can rise quickly throughout the day, leaving you uncomfortable in a sweater and rain jacket.

Related: Alaska cruise packing list: What to pack for your sailing

If you booked an active shore excursion, such as a cycling or hiking tour, you may feel uncomfortably warm in heavy layers. In this case, having thin layers like short sleeve shirts and lightweight shorts or pants is helpful.

Of course, you could prepare for warm weather and encounter nothing but rain and freezing temperatures during your cruise. In a state like Alaska, it’s possible to see several seasons in one day, and weather is relatively unpredictable.

Packing layers ensures you’re prepared for whichever weather conditions you encounter.

Book a one-way itinerary if you want to extend your trip

Most Royal Caribbean itineraries are round trip sailings, meaning they start and end at the same cruise port. With certain Alaska itineraries, however, you can book a one-way cruise.

One-way Alaska cruises start in Vancouver, British Columbia and travel north to Seward, Alaska (and vice versa). Like other Alaska cruises, these itineraries are 7-nights, but traveling in one direction allows guests to visit four Alaska cruise ports instead of just three.

Roundtrip Alaska cruises leaving from Seattle must make a port stop in Victoria, Canada. As part of the Passenger Vessel Services Act (PVSA), all foreign-flagged ships carrying passengers from one US port to another must make a stop in a foreign port prior to returning to the United States. Victoria is the most convenient port available, as it’s situated on the way to and from Alaska.

One-way itineraries do not need to stop in Victoria as they begin or end in Vancouver, Canada. Because of this, these 7-night cruises include four port stops in Alaska instead of three, in addition to a glacier viewing day.

Because one-way itineraries start or end in Seward, you also have the opportunity to spend time in interior Alaska before or after the cruise. Extending your 7-night cruise with a few days visiting destinations like Denali National Park and Preserve and Talkeetna can make your vacation even more memorable.

Shore excursions are expensive

Many first-time cruisers are surprised to see how expensive shore excursions can be on an Alaska cruise. Shore excursions on Alaska cruises tend to be significantly more expensive than shore excursions in the Caribbean. While you can certainly find budget-friendly tours, they are few and far between.

Expect to pay a minimum of $100 per person on Alaska shore excursions, and significantly more if you plan to book a helicopter ride or plane to a glacier. Most whale watching tours will be at least $150-$200, and helicopter rides landing atop Mendenhall Glacier can cost over $500 per person!

Related: Best things to do on an Alaska cruise

Despite the cost, shore excursions in Alaska offer truly unique experiences that you can’t find elsewhere in the lower 48. Whether dog sledding on a glacier or kayaking through fjords, splurging on an excursion is almost always worth it.

Nonetheless, if you don’t want to break the bank with excursions, it’s easy to have a great time in port without a shore excursion. Most Alaska cruise ports are completely walkable and offer plenty of shopping, restaurants, museums, and nature to explore without booking a tour.

To better plan your day in port, whether you book an excursion or explore on your own, check out our helpful guides:

• Local’s guide of what to do in Juneau, Alaska
• Local’s guide of what to do in Skagway, Alaska
• Local’s guide of what to do in Sitka, Alaska
• Local’s guide of what to do in Ketchikan, Alaska

Last-minute deals are common in the shoulder season

More often than not, the best time to book a cruise is one to two years in advance. Booking early is generally when you’ll see the cheapest cruise fares and most stateroom options, and prices tend to only get higher closer to a cruise’s sail date.

That being said, we’ve noticed a trend with Alaska cruises in the past few years. A few months before the sailing, prices drop significantly for one-way cruise itineraries. It’s possible to see Alaska cruises for as little as $500 per person including taxes and fees, a complete steal on a weeklong vacation.

Related: How much does an Alaska cruise cost?

If your schedule is flexible, keep an eye out for last-minute Alaska cruises. Starting in March or April each year, search Royal Caribbean’s website for Alaska cruises and filter the search results by price. If demand is low for a particular sailing, Royal Caribbean may drop the price.

These low fares are almost always on Radiance Class ships sailing one-way itineraries from Vancouver.

These cruises see less demand due to the fact that they sail from Vancouver and that they sail one-way, as these logistics are more challenging for cruisers. Plus, Radiance Class ships are significantly smaller and older than Quantum Class ships sailing to Alaska.

Related: I sailed on Royal Caribbean’s newest and oldest cruise ships: Here’s what it’s like to cruise on each

These “downsides” shouldn’t deter you from booking a cheap cruise to Alaska. In fact, they aren’t necessarily downsides at all! One-way cruises allow you to dig deeper into Alaska’s culture, Vancouver is a world-class city to explore before a cruise, and small ships can offer a more intimate, quiet experience than Royal Caribbean’s larger vessels.

Be prepared for itinerary changes

All Royal Caribbean cruises can be subject to itinerary changes, but you may find changes more common when sailing to Alaska.

As previously stated, Alaska’s weather can be highly unpredictable, and this may lead to itinerary changes and even port cancellations. It’s not uncommon for a port day to be canceled or moved to a different day because of inclement weather.

Royal Caribbean will do everything possible to notify guests of itinerary changes before the cruise, but sometimes you will not find out of any itinerary changes until you get onboard. Unfortunately, this may mean scrambling to figure out new shore excursions and ideas for what to do in port.

Itinerary changes also happen on glacier viewing days. If the captain deems the approach to a glacier too dangerous, whether due to icebergs or low visibility, your highly awaited glacier viewing may be canceled.

Although most Alaska cruises go ahead as scheduled, it’s always important to remain flexible on the chance your itinerary is shifted.

Purchasing internet may not be necessary

Internet on a Royal Caribbean cruise is expensive, often costing $20 or more per day for one device. If you’re from the United States (or another country with access to US phone service), you may not need an internet package.

Related: How to get free wifi on Royal Caribbean

Depending on your itinerary, you will visit three or four ports in Alaska on your cruise. In these ports, your phone service should work as normal because you’re still in the United States. This means that during the entire port day, whether you stay onboard or get off in port, you can use your phone’s data.

If you decide against purchasing an internet package, use your time in port to catch up with friends and family, check your emails, and do any other tasks that require an internet connection.

When you leave port and your ship begins sailing to its next destination, be sure to turn off your data and turn on airplane mode. Even though you’re sailing through Alaska’s Inside Passage, your phone data may not cover the remote areas when sailing, and you want to avoid incurring hefty data charges.

Alaska cruises have a more relaxed vibe compared to Caribbean cruises

If you’re used to weekend party cruises to the Bahamas, you might be shocked by the relaxed atmosphere on an Alaska cruise. In general, cruises to cold weather destinations tend to attract a different demographic compared to Caribbean cruises.

Whereas you might find large groups of friends onboard a 3-night Freedom of the Seas cruise for a bachelorette party, you’re more likely to see families on an Alaska cruise.

Not only that, but Alaska cruises have less of a party atmosphere compared to cruises in tropical destinations. Cruising the Caribbean is an excuse to party, from reggae bands on the pool deck to all-inclusive resorts in port.

Alaska, on the other hand, is more about enjoying the state’s landscapes. You won’t find many passengers spending their day partying while in port. Instead, you’ll find them hiking, whale watching, and quietly admiring the state's gorgeous vistas.

You might feel motion sick

Many first-time cruisers are concerned about feeling motion sick on a cruise, and while it’s unlikely to happen, there’s always a chance.

For the majority of an Alaska cruise, your cruise ship will sail through the calm waters of the state’s Inside Passage. As land surrounds the passage on both sides, you usually won’t encounter much movement onboard.

When your ship is not within the Inside Passage, it’s possible to encounter strong winds and high seas.

As your ship departs Seattle or Vancouver, it must sail through a brief section of the open Pacific before reaching Alaska (usually day two of the sailing). You’ll also pass through this section on the way back to Seattle or Vancouver from Alaska (day six or seven).

Related: How to avoid getting seasick on a cruise

Depending on the weather conditions, this portion of the sailing may encounter rough seas. Packing dramamine or other motion-sickness remedies is recommended just in case your ship sails through choppy waters.

If you’re on a one-way itinerary, it’s possible to encounter inclement weather while sailing through the Gulf of Alaska to (or from) Seward. Again, packing motion-sickness remedies is recommended, although you can always find some onboard if you forget.

A balcony is nice, but not necessary

When researching cruises to Alaska, one piece of advice you’ll almost always see is to book a balcony cabin. Balcony cabins are cruise staterooms with their own private outdoor balcony, and they are the most popular cabins to book on any sailing.

These rooms come at a higher cost than interior and oceanview staterooms. While the price can vary depending on the itinerary, it’s possible for balcony rooms to cost between $500 and $1000 more than the smallest interior cabins.

Related: Oceanview vs Balcony staterooms on a Royal Caribbean cruise

If a balcony won’t hurt your budget, by all means, book one for your Alaska cruise—there’s no doubt that having a balcony cabin is nice when sailing through Alaska. If booking a balcony cabin means sacrificing on other add-ons like shore excursions and drink packages, though, we recommend staying in a cheaper cabin instead.

Fortunately, Royal Caribbean designs their cruise ships with an abundance of places to enjoy ocean views without a balcony. From the pool deck to the Solarium, lounges, restaurants, and entertainment venues, you don’t have to look hard to find a scenic view while onboard.

Summer 2023 is here, and that means a lot of families want to escape somewhere fun, relaxing, and memorable.

With the cruise ship experience returning to pre-2020 levels of occupancy, market reach, and ship deployments, this year is likely when a summer cruise vacation sounds like a great family trip idea.

Royal Caribbean expects this to be a big year, with demand the highest it has been in a long time. "Demand for our brands is outpacing broader travel due to a strong rebound and an attractive value proposition," is what Royal Caribbean Group CEO Jason Liberty told investors recently. 

That means planning a summer cruise this year could be a challenge given how cabins are filling up and prices for a cruise might not be much of bargain.

If you're still thinking of taking a summer cruise, act quickly and consider the following destination ideas to get you started.

Navigator of the Seas from Los Angeles

If there's a best kept secret of cruises from the United States, it's Royal Caribbean's ship on the west coast.

Navigator of the Seas sails short 3- and 4-night cruises for easy getaways, along with occasional 7-night cruises down the Mexican Riviera. As a recently amplified Voyager Class cruise ship, Navigator of the Seas boasts plenty of amenities, restaurants, lounges, and onboard activities to keep cruisers busy.

A Pacific Ocean cruise from Los Angeles means you can see a different side of Mexico from what you may have already seen on a Cozumel visit on previous cruises. Western Mexico has more wildlife viewing opportunities, such as whales and seals.  There's also beautiful historic, cobblestone-street towns you can explore.

Pueblos Mágicos (Magic Towns) are small towns recognized by the Mexican government for their culture, history, and charm. There are currently 132 pueblos mágicos in Mexico, several of which are located nearby cruise ports in the Mexican Riviera, including Sayulita and Todos Santos.

Mariner of the Seas from Port Canaveral

I love the value proposition Mariner of the Seas represents, and she sails a good variety of cruises to mix up your choices.

Sailing from Port Canaveral, Mariner of the Seas is conveniently located close to the Orlando area.  

The great thing about Mariner of the Seas are the variety of itineraries.  In summer 2023, there's eastern, western, and southern Caribbean cruises you can choose from, along with Bermuda sailings.

The Bermuda cruises are especially intriguing, since you still get to visit Royal Caribbean's private island of Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas, along with the must-see spots in Bermuda.

An easy destination to wander around, Bermuda is a mix of English tradition with local culture. Its rich history, natural beauty, and geography make it unique among other islands.

Ovation of the Seas from Seattle

While you might think beach and sun for a summer vacation, don't forget about the other amazing summer spot: Alaska.

A Royal Caribbean Alaska cruise is a must-do for anyone that's never been, because of the majestic beauty this area of the world is known for.

Visiting the 49th state means viewing incredible scenery, tasting delightfully fresh cuisine, and experiencing Alaska’s unique history firsthand.

Read more: Why an Alaska cruise is worth it and you should go there

Ovation of the Seas sails from Seattle, and she is the newest Royal Caribbean ship to offer Alaska cruises in 2023.  Plus, sailing from Seattle is an easy city to reach for most Americans with ample flights.

More about Alaska cruises

• What is the best time to cruise to Alaska?
• What Is an Alaska Inside Passage Cruise?
• What to pack for a cruise to Alaska?
• Top 10 tips for planning your Alaska cruise
• 6 mistakes & 3 things we did right on our Royal Caribbean cruise to Alaska

Radiance of the Seas from Vancouver, Canada

If you're sold on the idea of an Alaska cruise but want to get a cheap Alaska cruise deal, then Radiance of the Seas might be the ship for you.

Sailing from Vancouver, Canada, Radiance offers 7-10 night cruises that you can also combine with a land tour to further extend your Alaska explorations.  These land tours are add-ons that take you further in-land to places, such as Denali.

Radiance of the Seas sails open-jaw sailings, meaning it begins in one port and concludes in a different port.  This makes getting to and from your ship a bit tricky, but demand is lower for these sailings and it represents very competitive prices.

Anyone that has cruised a lot to Alaska will tell you these open-jaw cruises have the best Alaska itineraries in terms of the ports you'll visit.

Anthem of the Seas from Southampton, England

Whether you live in the UK or fancy a flight across the pond, Royal Caribbean's Anthem of the Seas is a great choice for a European vacation.

Anthem sails from Southampton, England, and it's a short train ride away from London. 

Anthem of the Seas has made a name for itself as one of the premier cruise ships in Royal Caribbean's fleet. She debuted in 2015 and combines first class style, exquisite dining and original entertainment productions to provide an incredible cruise experience.

This 4,180-passenger ship offers a lot of entertainment and dining onboard, and is best known for some of the headliner attractions, such as bumper cars, the observation pod that takes guests 300 feet above sea level, and a skydiving simulator.  

The beauty of Anthem's summer deployment in England are the different itineraries you can choose from in 2023:

• Spain & France
• Mediterranean
• Spain & Portugal
• Norwegian Fjords
• 7-night cruises
• 14-night cruises

Having a variety of choices is great, and given how easy it is to get to London for most people, Anthem of the Seas is a ship worth sailing on.

Rhapsody of the Seas from Haifa, Israel

A new embarkation port for Royal Caribbean, Haifa, Israel gives you a Greek Isles bucket list cruise along with a pre- or post-cruise vacation to the Holy Land.

Royal Caribbean recently began offerings cruises from Haifa, and this port puts you right in the heart of the eastern Mediterranean with more Greek islands to visit than you can manage.

And since Haifa isn't a traditional cruise port to sail from, we've often seen some of the best Mediterranean cruise prices around.

Sailings this summer will visit ports in Greece and Cyprus, including Rhodes, Santorini, Mykonos and Athens, Greece and Limassol, Cyprus.  

If you're looking to maximize your time in the Greek Isles, Rhapsody of the Seas is going to check-off a lot of choices.

Wonder of the Seas from Port Canaveral

Forget the places you can go, the cruise ship is the destination to many cruise fans!

Wonder of the Seas is the world's largest cruise ship and Royal Caribbean's newest ship. This means you're going to find the very latest and greatest that the cruise line has to offer.

While you'll also visit beautiful Caribbean beaches, the ship has a ton to see and do.

It has 16 passenger decks, which are divided into eight neighborhoods. It's a cruise ship that appeals to active families, couples and friend groups.

Like the earlier Oasis-class ships, Wonder will offer multiple main pool areas, a kiddie splash zone, surfing simulators, a miniature golf course, a basketball court and even a zip line. And that’s just on its top deck. Inside the vessel, you’ll find more lounges, bars, restaurants and shops than you can imagine, plus a huge casino, spas and theaters.

Liberty of the Seas from Bayonne

If you're from the Northeast United States, there's no reason you can't find a great cruise vacation in your backyard.

Royal Caribbean's summer deployment of cruise ships to Bayonne, New Jersey offers a little of something for everyone, but you'll find interesting itineraries and lower prices on Liberty of the Seas.

Liberty of the Seas sails from the New York City area, with sailings to Canada, New England, Bermuda, and the Bahamas.

Looking for more information on Royal Caribbean’s destinations? Start here:

• 25 things you need to know for your first day on a cruise ship
• 2023 Royal Caribbean Cruise Planning Guide
• Things I've done that I'll never do again on a Royal Caribbean cruise
• 7 things worth checking again on a Royal Caribbean cruise
• 6 things you may not have tried on a Royal Caribbean cruise
• 15 countries you didn’t know you could cruise to on Royal Caribbean
• The best cruise itineraries for every type of traveler
• 10 Royal Caribbean cruise destinations not to be missed
• Ultimate Mexico Cruise Guide
• 30 best European cruise tips

When you book your Royal Caribbean cruise, you will be asked to select between three dining options: early, late, and my time dining. 

Whatever option you select will be when you dine in the Main Dining Room for the entire duration of your cruise, so it is important that you weigh the pros and cons to each traditional dining time and choose which is best for you and your travel party.

You can, of course, skip the Main Dining Room and go to a specialty restaurant or Windjammer. Even if that is your plan, you will be required to make a selection during the booking process. 

Related: The Ultimate Guide to Royal Caribbean's Unlimited Dining Package

Here is a comparison of early dinner and late dinner on Royal Caribbean cruises. 

What is the Main Dining Room?

The Main Dining Room is Royal Caribbean’s traditional sit-down restaurant that serves three-course meals every night of your cruise. It is also largest dining venue on any Royal Caribbean ship and spans multiple decks, even on the oldest ships. 

Each night, you will be presented with a menu that contains different appetizers, main courses, and desserts. The best part? You are not limited to one of anything, and everything is complimentary, aside from a few premium options listed at the bottom of the menu! If you want to try two appetizers and two desserts, you can order both. 

The dining times (i.e., early, late, and My Time) only apply to the dinner service, as breakfast is first come, first serve. You can also dine here for lunch but only on sea days. 

When it comes to the menus themselves, there will be a new one each evening that is centered around a specific theme, such as Mexican and Italian night. If your cruise if over 10-nights, you may see repeated menus. Those who are unsure of what to order will appreciate the chef's recommendations at the top of the menu. 

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

Early seating

The first seating in the Main Dining Room usually takes place around 5:30pm or 6:00pm; the exact time varies based on itinerary. With this seating, you will be able to free up your evenings for shows and other activities taking place around the ship, even if it is just listening to live music in the pub! 

The early seating usually appeals to families with children and those who like to retire early. With this seating, you can easily be in bed by 9:30pm, meaning that you will be well-rested for the next day. 

If you are worried that you will be hungry later on, you will be able to find late-night snacks available at select venues, such as Sorrento's and Cafe Promenade. 

For passengers wanting to dine around fewer children, it is best to skip the early seating. Of course, you could be seated next to a larger family if you select the late seating; nothing is ever guaranteed! 

Likewise, if you are wanting to enjoy the evening entertainment, you may find yourself sleepy after indulging in a three-course meal, especially later in the cruise. Some may prefer to see the earlier shows and eat dinner later!

Finally, the early seating tends to overlap with sail away on the first night, meaning that you will have to skip the Main Dining Room or select a later time if you want to go on embarkation day and attend all of the sail away festivities. 

Note that this tends to be the most popular dining option, so if you want to dine during the first seating, make sure you book your cruise as early as possible! 

Related: 7 cruise ship main dining room rules to follow — Plus 1 to break

Late seating

The late seating commences after the early seating has concluded, and the wait staff has been able to reset all of the tables, meaning that it usually begins around 8:00pm. For many, this might be too late to eat every night; however, there are some pros to selecting this dining time!

For starters, you will not feel rushed in the afternoon. You can spend more time by the pool or exploring the ports before returning to your cabin to get ready. Those with an early seating will need to ensure that their excursions end with enough time for them to freshen up for dinner, meaning that they could lose an hour or two extra in port! 

Late seatings also allow for more pre-dinner activities, whether that is a drink or early show. 

And often, the service is more relaxed, as the wait staff is not worried about setting up for another seating afterwards. 

Of course, one of the biggest cons is that you will be staying up late each evening for dinner. It is important that you take into consideration your sleep schedule. Will you want to do other things after eating? If so, will that impact your energy level the next day? You do not want to feel groggy during the day!

Related: Your really dumb cruise ship dining questions answered

My Time Dining

Are you torn between early and late dining? You may want to consider My Time Dining, Royal Caribbean's flexible dining option that allows passengers to make reservations during specific hours for the Main Dining Room ahead of time or show up when they are ready to eat. 

This will allow you to eat at 6:00pm one day and 8:00pm the next, if you so wish. Otherwise, you can try to dine around the same time, say 7:30pm, each night of the cruise. It is meant to be an option that allows you to schedule dinner around the rest of your onshore and onboard plans.

My Time Dining, however, is not considered traditional dining. You will not have the same table mates and wait staff each night, as you are seated wherever there is an open table. Many cruisers enjoy getting to know their servers and having them learn their preferences, which is why traditional dining is still so popular! 

Related: What you need to know about Royal Caribbean's My Time Dining

Early dinner vs. late dinner on Royal Caribbean: which is best for you?

The early seating is best for families with younger children or those who want to retire to their cabin earlier in the evening. Likewise, it is also the preferred seating for those who enjoy evening entertainment, as you will be finished with your meal by the time the ship is livening up! 

On the other hand, if you prioritize daytime activities, whether that be excursions or lounging by the pool with a cocktail in hand, you will enjoy having time in the evening to get ready, instead of having to cut the afternoon short.

This option will also enable you to attend sail away without compromising on the Main Dining Room experience on embarkation day. 

There is always My Time Dining, too, if you are unable to make up your mind. Just note that your overall dining experience will be a little bit different than if you selected a traditional seating-- you will neither be seated at the same table each evening nor have the same wait staff.

My Time Dining also requires you to plan ahead a little bit, as you could be faced with lengthy wait times if you fail to make reservations ahead of time!

Do not forget that you do not have to eat in the Main Dining Room every night, either. You can always forego the lengthy meal and head up for a quick bite at the Windjammer or opt to indulge in a more intimate specialty dining experience one night!

Both of these options, so long as you make your specialty reservation ahead of time, will provide you with more flexibility in regard to dining time. 

Happy Sunday and unofficial start to summer! Temperatures are rising, and so is the pace of cruise news to share with you this week.

Royal Caribbean gave us a first look at more than 20 dining venues we can expect on Icon of the Seas.

Among the new venues includes a new Empire Supper Club that will serve an eight-course menu, and is arguably the most elegant dining venue Royal Caribbean has ever offered.

Royal Caribbean’s first food hall will also be coming to Icon of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean increases suite deposit policy
• New Royal Caribbean Starbucks 'Been There' mugs coming this summer
• Royal Caribbean will increase price of travel insurance policy
• What is a cabin attendant on a cruise ship?
• Your really dumb cruise ship shore excursion questions answered
• Royal Caribbean posts job opening for a new Chief Meteorologist
• 7 mistakes & 3 things I did right on my Royal Caribbean Norwegian fjords cruise
• Royal Caribbean cruises in July 2023: What to expect

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 499th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, reviewing Matt's Norway cruise.

Matt took his first European cruise, which was a 7-night cruise to Norway on Anthem of the Seas. He talks about what he liked and didn't like about the cruise, and how a European cruise compares to a North American cruise.

Please feel free to subscribe via iTunes or RSS, and head over to rate and review the podcast on iTunes if you can! We’d appreciate it.

New RCB Video: Your really dumb cruise ship cabin questions answered

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Have you subscribed to the Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube Channel? We share some great videos there regularly, all about taking a Royal Caribbean cruise! This week, we are sharing our latest video — Your really dumb cruise ship cabin questions answered — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

I walked through Royal Caribbean's new food hall concept

Icon of the Seas will have the first food hall on any Royal Caribbean cruise ship, and it looks like a great change for the line.

At Royal Caribbean's headquarters in Miami, Matt was able to tour a prototype of the new AquaDome Market to get a sense of what the cruise line has in mind.

From new cuisines to how the food will be served, it's a first-look at what you can expect when you get onboard.

Royal Caribbean vs MSC Cruises: what I liked & didn't like

Jenna tried her first MSC cruise to compare it against her Royal Caribbean experiences.

Sailing on MSC World Europa, she wanted to see how similar or different the line is to Royal Caribbean, and what she enjoyed about it too.

After 7-nights onboard, Jenna came away with a list of what she liked, disliked, and what surprised her about her first MSC cruise.

Alaska vs Norway cruise

How similar is a Norway fjords cruise compared to an Alaska cruise?

Having sailed both, Matt came up with the aspects of each kind of cruise that are the same, and in what ways are they totally different.

Both destinations are certainly going to be colder than the Caribbean or Mediterranean, but they aren't exactly the same type of cruise either.

Carnival Mardi Gras vs Royal Caribbean's Harmony of the Seas

Love big cruise ships? Here's a battle of the titans of the two largest cruise lines.

Carnival's Excel Class and Royal Caribbean's Oasis Class ships are the largest ships in their respective fleets, and bring a mass-market appeal that aims to provide as many choices as possible on a cruise ship.

Allie has sailed on both Carnival Mardi Gras and Royal Caribbean's Harmony of the Seas to see what each ship does better.

Royal Caribbean is dropping a Starbucks cruise ship collection that you always wanted.

The Starbucks "Been There" mugs is a fun way to commemorate a visit to a specific place, and pretty soon you'll be able to get one for the coffee stores you visit on Royal Caribbean's ships too.

Royal Caribbean has featured licensed Starbucks locations on its ships for over a decade, but there's never been a mug you can buy for the ships that have a location.

That's about to change this summer when the coffee giant and cruise line put forward their own Starbucks merchandise.

A total of 10 mugs will become available, one for each ship that has a free-standing Starbucks kiosk onboard.

• Icon of the Seas
• Wonder of the Seas
• Odyssey of the Seas
• Symphony of the Seas
• Harmony of the Seas
• Oasis of the Seas
• Mariner of the Seas
• Navigator of the Seas
• Allure of the Seas
• Utopia of the Seas

While Starbucks drinks are served on many more ships, only a ship with an actual Starbucks kiosk will have a Been There mug.

The design of the mugs are not copies of each other. Each of the mugs has on the mug the sort of activities and signature features of the ship.

For example, you'll find Spotlight Karaoke on the Oasis of the Seas mug, and iFly on Odyssey of the Seas.

This is consistent with the Been There mugs, which depict landmarks from the city or location the Starbucks kiosk is located in.

Royal Caribbean doesn't have a firm date set for the mug, but expects them to launch sometime in late summer.

The plan is for these to be available no later than the end of August, although ships still in Europe may have a delay and the mugs might not become available until the ship returns to the United States.

Royal Caribbean Director of Beverage Operations, Ed Eiswirth, talked about the design and launch of these mugs, "We're planning on having him in on ships in August."

"They all have specific iconic photography for each ship, so they're all slightly different."

The expected price for each mug is $16.95, and it will not be included with any Royal Caribbean drink package (which is the case with all Starbucks kiosk offerings).

Mr. Eiswirth also confirmed that only each ship will have their specific mug, so if you want to collect them all, you'll have to go on each of the ten cruise ships.

Royal Caribbean fans excited for the new mugs

If early reactions are any indication, these Royal Caribbean "Been There" mugs will be quite popular.

Photos of the mugs first appeared on the Royal Caribbean Dining Facebook group, and excitement for the new launch was near unanimous. 

"I’m sooooo excited!," shared Darren Wolner. "I’ve been hoping for this forever! I have more “Been there” series mugs then I care to admit."

" I collect these for different land based locations so this will be cool," Rob Johnson added.

"Oh my goodness, just picked up Miami and Orlando ones in April and now I need these," is what Clare Kinnear posted, and it is the sort of sentiment many readers had of happy to see this, but also thinking about what's needed to collect them all.

"I have a huge Starbucks mug collection. This is bad 😂😂 I’m excited for this," is what Ashley Harbridge shared, probably while taking a break from planning her next Disney World trip.

Kelly Bellovary, wrote likely what Royal Caribbean wants to hear, "Now we have to plan more cruises!"

Over 10 years in the making

Royal Caribbean was the first cruise line to launch a ship that had Starbucks onboard.

The Oasis Class ships introduced the concept with Allure of the Seas had the first "Starbucks At Sea". 

The partnership was a response to cruise ship passengers that wanted signature made-to-order espresso beverages and Frappuccino blended beverages while on vacation.

Since then, Royal Caribbean has steadily offered Starbucks on most of its new ships, as well many refurbished ships.

Most ships in Royal Caribbean's fleet do not have a kiosk, but do serve Starbucks beverages from the ship's proprietary coffee house.

Cabin attendants on Royal Caribbean work diligently throughout your cruise to service your cabin, but what should you expect with the services they provide?

You cabin attendant, also called a stateroom attendant, is a crew member who services your cabin during a Royal Caribbean cruise. They are responsible for cleaning your room throughout the sailing, from restocking towels to making your bed.

Your cabin becomes your home away from home while onboard, and cabin attendants visit your room every day in order to make your cabin as comfortable as possible.

It’s helpful to have an understanding of what services your cabin attendant provides before embarking a Royal Caribbean cruise. From knowing your cabin attendant’s responsibilities to tipping guidelines, here’s everything you should know about cabin attendants on a cruise ship.

What are the responsibilities of my cabin attendant?

Cabin attendants are responsible for serving you cabin, which entails the following responsibilities:

• Restocking toiletries and towels in the bathroom
• Tidying up belongings
• Getting pullman and sofa beds ready for bed
• Cleaning the room (cleaning bathroom, vacuuming floor, etc.)
• Making your cabin’s bed
• Emptying the trash
• Delivering documents and informational sheets about your cruise

Exact service can vary from cabin attendant to cabin attendant. Some cabin attendants may fold clothes laying on your couch or bed and organize belongings on top of your desk. Others, on the other hand, take a more hands-off approach to tidying up personal belongings albeit still cleaning your cabin.

Of course, cabin attendants are known for delivering cute “animals” made out of towels to your cabin. From elephants to monkeys and snakes, finding a towel animal in your room each evening adds extra fun to the cruise experience.

Cabin attendants are not responsible for answering questions about your onboard account, providing mechanical maintenance to your cabin, childcare services, laundry, delivering room service, and helping you unpack.

How do I meet my cabin attendant?

The best time to meet your cabin attendant is on embarkation day. On the first day of your cruise, your cabin attendant will knock on your door to introduce themselves. During the introduction, we recommend letting your cabin attendant know any preferences and requests for your cabin service.

Related: A Royal Caribbean to-do list after you board a cruise ship

Requests may include separating your cabin’s beds, asking for extra towels, and letting them know the time of day you’d prefer your cabin to be serviced. Letting your cabin attendant know any requests in advance helps ensure service goes smoothly throughout the sailing.

If you’re not in the room when your cabin attendant knocks on your door, you’ll likely meet your attendant on the evening of embarkation day. Whenever you see housekeeping carts in the hallway, it means cabin attendants are servicing rooms, and they will make it a point to introduce themselves whenever you pass through the hallway.

How many times (and when) does my cabin attendant clean my room?

In non-suite cabins, your cabin attendant will clean your room once per day. They will service your room in either the morning or evening, and guests can give preference as to which time of the day they would prefer service.

If you’re cruising with more than two guests in the cabin, your cabin attendant will visit your room twice per day in order to prepare your sofa/pullman beds for the day and night.

Guests in Junior Suites and above will receive standard service twice per day—once in the morning and once for turndown service in the evening.

During turndown service, stateroom attendants prepare your room for bed by turning on your cabin’s nightlights and placing informational sheets, such as a Cruise Compass and disembarkation documents, on your bed.

Each stateroom comes with a double sided magnet that lets your cabin attendant know if they can clean the room. If you plan to sleep in, put the do not disturb side of the magnet on your cabin door. If your cabin is ready to be serviced, on the other hand, switch the magnet to the side indicating that your cabin attendant can enter the room.

How do I contact my cabin attendant if there is a problem with my cabin?

We always recommend checking your cabin on embarkation day to ensure there are no problems with the room. If you notice anything wrong, such as a broken closet door or missing TV remote, you should contact housekeeping via your stateroom’s telephone.

Related: 15 things to do as soon as you get to your cruise cabin

Every Royal Caribbean cruise cabin has a phone you can use to contact various departments on the ship at no extra charge. To call housekeeping, simply press the button for housekeeping on the phone. Your cabin attendant or another crew member will answer the phone and respond to your request; service is usually provided quickly and efficiently.

If your cabin has a mechanical issue—a leaky toilet or stuck balcony door—you can call maintenance as opposed to housekeeping. Maintenance will send a crew member to resolve any problems in your cabin as soon as possible.

Should I tip my cabin attendant?

All passengers on a Royal Caribbean cruise are charged a daily gratuity fee—this covers the cost of tipping your cabin attendant.

Guests in standard cabins (interior, oceanview, balcony, and Junior Suites) are charged a daily fee of $16 USD per person, per day. Those staying in Grand Suites and above incur an $18.50 USD per person, per day fee.

Related: Tipping on a cruise ship: what you should and shouldn’t do

Despite the daily gratuity, some passengers choose to tip their cabin attendants extra for their service at the beginning or end of the cruise. Tipping extra is completely optional, but it’s an extra way to reward hard working cabin attendants. There is no recommended amount to tip a cabin attendant, but many passengers will tip around $25 to $50 USD extra.

What is a Royal Genie, and how is it different from a cabin attendant?

If you’re staying in a suite on a Quantum, Oasis, or Icon Class cruise ship, you may have access to the services of a Royal Genie in addition to your cabin attendant.

Guests in Star Class, the top tier of Royal Caribbean’s Royal Suite Class, have access to their own "magic maker" throughout the sailing. This special service is reserved only for top-tier suites such as AquaTheater suites, Owner’s Loft Suites, and Royal Loft Suites.

Related: What is Star Class?

As part of Star Class, each guest can use the service of a Royal Genie. A Royal Genie is a crew member that can enhance your cruise experience through added services and requests. While Royal Genies do not clean your cabin, they can provide services such as:

• Organizing in-cabin parties
• Delivering specialty restaurant meals to your room
• Accompanying you to onboard activities where you can skip the line
• Reserving seats at shows before you arrive
• Bringing Starbucks drinks to your room each day

Depending on your preference and travel style, your Royal Genie’s services can vary greatly. Within reason, most requests can be accommodated, whether you want sushi delivered to the cabin or snacks waiting for you in the room upon return from a shore excursion.

Related: My advice for someone using a Royal Genie on a Royal Caribbean cruise

If you’re staying in a Star Class room, it’s important to know the difference between your Royal Genie’s services and those provided by your cabin attendant. While you can certainly let your Royal Genie know of any cleaning preferences, your cabin attendant will be the one cleaning your cabin throughout the sailing.

If you are planning on purchasing travel insurance through Royal Caribbean or Celebrity Cruises, they are raising the price of their policy effective June 1, 2023. 

Royal Caribbean sent out an email to travel agents warning them of the change.

"Dear valued Travel Partner," the email starts, "From time to time, we evaluate the product offering and pricing. As you may know, the plan cost is based upon your clients’ total trip cost (referred to as Total Protected Vacation Cost)."

"Effective June 1, 2023, the price of our Travel Protection product will increase for most guests, specifically when your clients’ Total Protected Vacation Cost is less than $8,000."

While the price of the product is increasing, there are no changes being made to the product itself. 

How much will the insurance policy cost?

There are 32 different price points for Royal Caribbean and Celebrity's insurance, all of which are based on the total vacation cost:

• $0 - $250: $39
• $251 - $500: $49
• $501 - $750: $69
•  $751 - $1,000: $79
• $1,001 - $1,250: $109
• $1,251 - $1,500: $119
• $1,501 - $2,000: $149
• $2,001 - $2,500: $199
• $2,501 - $3,000: $239
• $3,001 - $3,500: $289
• $3,501 - $4,000: $339
• $4,001 - $4,500: $389
• $4,501 - $5,000: $439
• $5,001 - $5,500: $489
• $5,501 - $6,000: $539

• $6,001 - $6,500: $599
• $6,501 - $7,000: $639
• $7,501 - $8,000: $739
• $8,001 - $8,500: $829
• $8,501 - $9,000: $879
• $9,001 - $9,500: $929
• $9,501 - $10,000: $979
• $10,001 - $10,500: $999
• $10,501 - $11,000: $1,099
• $11,001 - $11,500: $1,199
• $11,501 - $12,000: $1,299
• $12,001 - $12,500: $1,399
• $12,501 - $13,000: $1,499
• $13,001 - $13,500: $1,599
• $13,501- $14,000: $1,699
• Greater than $14,001: $1,799

What does the policy protect?

There are three primary components of the travel plan. 

The first is the Cancellation Penalty Waiver, which allows guests to cancel their vacation for specified reasons. It also includes a "Cancel for Any Reason Credit" that can be added for an additional cost.  

The second component is comprised of the benefits of the travel insurance that is underwritten by Arch Insurance Company: 

• Trip Interruption: Up to 150% of total trip cost if you can't start or finish your cruise vacation because you're sick or hurt, there's a death in the family or another covered reason.
• Trip Delay: Up to $2,000 ($250 per day) for catch-up expenses
• Missed Connection: Up to $300 if you miss your trip departure for covered reasons by three hours or more. 
• Accident and Sickness Medical: up to $25,000 if you get hurt and $25,000 if you get sick on your cruise vacation.
• Emergency Medical Evacuation: Up to $50,000 if you need emergency medical transportation during your vacation. 
• Baggage Protection and Delay: Up to $1,500 if your bags are lost, stolen, or damaged and up to $500 to buy necessary personal items if your bags are delayed.

Finally, you will get worldwide emergency assistance provided by On Call International. 

What does travel insurance not cover?

There are some things that Royal Caribbean's policy will not cover, such as Cancel for Any Reason. 

This is an addition that can be purchased separately by contacting 1-888-722-2195. If you booked through a travel agent, they will be able to assist you if this is something you are interested in.

Per the policy's contract, "This additional enhancement is offered by Royal Caribbean International as a special service to guests that purchase this cruise ticket Cancellation Penalty Waiver Addendum...Credits are valid for one year from issue date, are not transferable, and have no cash value."

"To be eligible for the credits: 1. The travel protection plan must be purchased prior to having made final payment for the cruise; and 2. Notification of cancellation must be given to Royal Caribbean International prior to the ship's departure."

"Once you’ve cancelled with Royal Caribbean International, please contact the Royal Caribbean Travel Protection Program Help Line at 1-800-453-4022 or 1-516-342- 7262 regarding cruise credits. Please note that AIR2SEA components are not subject to this cruise credit feature."

Additionally, the insurance policy will not reimburse you for inclement weather or cancelled ports of call.

If, for instance, you book a Western Caribbean cruise but find that the itinerary has been altered to an Eastern Caribbean one; the policy will not provide any compensation. 

Also, the policy's fine print states that benefits are not payable for any loss due to, arising from, or resulting from pre-existing conditions; war, invasion, acts of foreign enemies; or being intoxicated or under the influence of any controlled substance unless taken as administered or prescribed by a physician. 

If you are worried about something not being covered, you should read the fine print prior to purchasing the policy. 

What happens if I have already paid for insurance?

If you have already added travel insurance to your booking, you will not be required to pay the difference in pricing. 

That is, however, unless a certain event triggers a change. This could be a change in ship or sailing date, the addition of a promotion, or when the booking moves from offered to booked status, among other events.

Why should you consider travel insurance for your next cruise?

Travel insurance is not included in the cost of your cruise fare, meaning that you will need to factor it into your cruise budget. 

The purpose of insurance is meant to provide peace of mind in the unlikely event that an unexpected event occurs before, during, or after your trip and protects you against any major financial losses. 

Let's say that you booked your flight for the day before the cruise was scheduled to depart. Unfortunately, it was cancelled, and the airline was unable to rebook you on another flight that would guarantee an on-time arrival. 

The insurance plan would help cover some of the associated costs of rebooking and/or meeting up with the ship at the first port of call. 

Additionally, many passengers partake in active activities while on a cruise, whether they are onboard or ashore. Active activities come with a risk, and you can never predict if you will need medical attentional due to an accident.

Note that those residing in New York are ineligible for Royal Caribbean's insurance during booking. A policy can be added after the fact through travelcruisecare.com. This applies to Celebrity sailings, too. 

Related: Should you buy annual travel insurance plans?

Royal Caribbean will have its first food hall on Icon of the Seas, and I had the opportunity to preview this new venue.

The AquaDome Market will be a series of five stalls that offer different quick-serve cuisines, and it's a new choice for Royal Caribbean.

Read more: Royal Caribbean will offer swanky supper club and food hall on new Icon of the Seas when it launches

Food halls are a relatively new concept in the cruise industry, and Icon of the Seas will be the first cruise ship under the Royal Caribbean International brand to offer one.

AquaDome Market will be located in the AquaDome neighborhood, which is another first for the cruise line.  This is an area of the ship enclosed by a massive glass dome on the front of the ship.  Nearly everything about this area is different, from the theater's location, being fully enclosed, and this new eatery.

In preparation for the launch, Royal Caribbean set up a mock-up in its Innovation Lab at the cruise line's headquarters in Miami, Florida, and invited me come see their plans first-hand.

Walking us through the set up was Tim Klauda, Royal Caribbean's Vice President for Product Development, and Valentina Madinabeitia, Product Development Product Owner.

This prototype helps Royal Caribbean "fill in the gaps" that concept art and virtual reality cannot completely convey. Because AquaDome Market's space is more challenging, the team built out more of the space to work through the details

What is the AquaDome Market?

AquaDome Market will be a new complimentary venue at the front of Icon of the Seas that has five food stalls you can choose from.

The five choices include:

• Creme de la Crepe (French crepes)
• Mac's (Macaroni and cheese)
• Feta Mediterranean (Greek cuisine)
• GNGR (Asian cuisine)
• Toast and Garden (Sandwiches and salads)

You'll be able to access the AquaDome Market from the pool deck to make it convenient for anyone that wants to stop in and grab a quick bite to eat.

"We've never had like a food hall concept like this," Mr. Klauda explained. "You're seeing food halls pop up all over the place, so that's not a new concept. But for us, doing it this way and where it's positioned forward."

Being all the way forward helps spread crowds out too. The Windjammer buffet is in the rear of the ship, and El Loco Fresh also towards the aft.  So Royal Caribbean wanted something towards the front of the ship that's easy to access from the pool deck, and bring guests into the AquaDome neighborhood too.

Designing a food hall

Mr. Klauda explained there are many challenges to creating a space for a new food hall, especially within the AquaDome.

"The reason this will be challenging is it's right up against the glass. And so as we've got all this awesome food and all of these options, which is what our guests want, how many people can really pack in there, and get to the food and get in a line? And how is that going to work and how do we queue?"

For this reason, they built out all five stalls of the Market in order to get a better sense of the layout and flow for guests and the crew members.

"We're still working through some of the details, but without this, we'd be solving this after the ship's built."

The team wanted to know how tight the space would be, and can the menus be easily seen by guests and would the queues work well.

One early lesson they discovered were sight lines, as Ms. Madinabeitia explained being able to see each station was an issue, "we realized that when you're looking at this hallway, you really have to be like in front of each one to realize what each one is."

"So we are debating on does the sign come to the side? Those are all the things that by building this type of mockups, we catch before we're on board."

Something else this prototype gives is a chance for the team to experiment with the space. 

"Another opportunity is that the team has the opportunity of also doing rotating specials daily," Ms. Madinabeitia explained. "There's a lot of flexibility and options that could be brought into the space."

While Royal Caribbean intends the AquaDome Market to be complimentary when Icon of the Seas launches, they could experiment with extra-cost options too.

In terms of how it will work, guests will walk up to the stall they want to order food from and place the order and wait for the food to be prepared. There won't be pagers to indicate when the food is ready, because they want the experience to be fairly quick.

"The balance is how customized can I be and still keep up speed so that I can get something, get it handed me pretty quick," Mr. Klauda said.

"If they have to stop and prep and it takes two minutes, this will never be successful. So looking at those options are some of the things we worked through."

In addition, certain halls will be more customizable than others. Ms. Madinabeitia compared GNGR will be more like a Chipotle ordering experience where you choose your base, protein and toppings, whereas Mac's will be more of a set menu.

Sampling the AquaDome Market food

In addition to testing out the physical space, Royal Caribbean is also testing out the food that will be served to guests in AquaDome Market.

Within Royal Caribbean's headquarters is a test kitchen, where a team of chefs work through the various food choices to find the right selections and ingredients to include.

Royal Caribbean's Vice President of Food and Beverage, Linken D'Souza, walked us through this ultra-secretive space to share a glimpse of what they have in mind for the menus.

Designing the food hall was about evolving the cruise line's offerings, "We always want to give something interesting, exciting," he said in talking about the new dining venues on Icon.

"And on the ship as amazing and big as Icon is, that means having food in more places than we've ever had."

We saw examples of food from each of the new food stalls, along with the chance to try a few out ourselves. Mr. D'Souza cautioned us that the menus are still a work in progress, so you may not see these items when Icon launches.

Creme de la Crepe: Strawberry, Nutella, caramelized banana with salted caramel

GNGR: Sweet and sour chicken

Toast and Garden: Monte Cristo sandwich

Mac's: Pizza macaroni and cheese

Mac's: Pulled pork mac and cheese

Feta Mediterranean: Traditional style Greek pitas

One goal for these foods was to give guests something different than they see in other venues.

Mr. D'Souza thinks the AquaDome Market will offer more made-to-order choices for passengers, "It's more about providing a more curated experience for the guests. A more built for you experience."

"Obviously we have large venues, like the Windjammer, where we make some things to order, but the volume is kind of ready for the guests to grab and go. And so this is really about being able to make it a little bit more special."

The variety of choice really stands out to Mr. D'Souza, "what I like about it is you have the ability to walk in and at breakfast, get a monte Cristo for breakfast. And come in for lunch and have a pita, or come in at dinner and have some Chinese food."

For families, he thinks this will be a big win, "especially if you have a family of 5 or 6, you go in and not everybody wants to eat the same thing. You have the choices, but you don't feel like you're at a buffet."

An interesting anecdote from the test kitchen story of the food development was the mac and cheese.

As it turns out, over 500 hours of time has been developed so far to get the mac and cheese sauce consistent and, of course, tasty.

Why so long to get the sauce right? It's all about consistency. 

Paul Fortin, Senior Director of Culinary Operations, explained why it's important, "Consistency. The sauce has to coat the pasta. What sauce is going to coat the pasta properly? All the pastas are specifically done for the sauce, not just for the shape that it is."

When Icon of the Seas launches in 2024, she will have ten brand-new dining concepts onboard, with a total of twenty different venues to choose from.

That does not include bar-like places, such as Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade and Desserted, as well as Trellis Bar, which is going to feature a menu of small bites. 

Eleven of them will be complimentary, while nine will incur an additional fee. Royal Caribbean has yet to release the pricing of the specialty restaurants. 

"The experiences had over great food are at the heart of so many shared memories that we could all use more of in our day-to-day," said Linked D'Souza, Vice President, Food and Beverage of Royal Caribbean International. 

"We've designed Icon of the Seas to offer every guest, no matter their tastes, age and mood or the occasion, a variety of ways they can easily make those moments their way every day while on vacation." 

Whether it is grabbing a quick bite to eat at the cruise line's first walk-up sushi window in Central Park, sitting down to indulge in an eight-course meal at Empire Supper Club, trying something new at the brand-new food hall, or splurging on brunch at Pier 7 in Surfside, there is something for everyone onboard Icon of the Seas!

Here is a breakdown of all the dining venues the record-breaking ship. 

Empire Supper Club

Empire Supper Club is one of the brand-new venues onboard Icon of the Seas. It is meant to be reminiscent of the 1930s in New York City. 

Each night, there will be two seating for guests to experience the extravagant eight course menu: 6:00pm and 8:30pm. 

The menu will feature premium American cuisine and offer selections such as caviar and wagyu. Plus, each course will be paired with a beverage. 

And for the first time ever, this will be Royal Caribbean's first dining experience that combines food and music. A three-piece band will be situated in the venue and play a different song during each of the eight courses. 

Celebration Table

Think of Celebration Table as an elevated Chef's Table. Note that the traditional Chef's Table will still be offered, too. 

It is going to be a fully rentable private dining room located inside of Hooked Seafood on Deck 15 that will be able to seat up to twelve passengers and feature floor-to-ceiling windows for some of the best ocean views on the ship. 

The menu will be prix fixe, meaning that all guests will enjoy the same offerings family style; however, there are four different menus to choose from: Italian, Asian, American, and Seafood. There will be an option to personalize and upgrade the selections, too. 

Chops Grille

While Chops Grille is a tried-and-true favorite, the specialty steakhouse will be a little different on Icon of the Seas.

For the first time, guests can choose their own cut of meat from the butcher's display, anything from high grade wagyu to bone-in steaks. Plus, the open window will let them watch the chefs cook their selected cut. 

Giovanni's Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar

Another favorite will be returning to Icon: Giovanni's Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar. The menu will highlight Old World classics, such as veal meatballs, and will be located in the Royal Promenade, marking the first time that Royal Caribbean will place a specialty restaurant here. 

Related: How Royal Caribbean reimagined its signature Italian restaurant

Hooked Seafood

Hooked Seafood is a relatively new specialty restaurant to the brand, and it will be onboard Icon of the Seas serving up delicious New England-style seafood. 

In terms of location, it will be directly underneath the AquaDome. 

Related: Royal Caribbean’s specialty dining packages guide

Pier 7

Pier 7 is the first family-oriented specialty restaurant that will be open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It will be located steps away from Playscape and the carousel in the Surfside Neighborhood. 

Here, you will find casual California cuisine, with options ranging from tacos, to a smoked salmon benedict, and even buttermilk pancakes. 

Izumi Hibachi and Sushi 

When you dine at Izumi on Icon of the Seas, you will find it to be more scenic than ever before, as it will be located in Central Park and feature al fresco seating, meaning that you can enjoy your favorite sushi in the open air under the stars. 

Plus, there will be more Teppanyaki than on any other ship in the fleet, with a total of six! In comparison, Wonder of the Seas only has three. 

Izumi in the Park

Those who would rather grab a quick bite before returning to all the fun will appreciate Izumi in the Park, which will be open from 11:30am to 10:30pm. You will not have to worry about making a reservation or getting dressed up to enjoy your favorite sushi rolls. 

This walk-up dining option will have signature rolls, nigiri, and Japanese sweet treats, all served in a portable box to take with you, available for an additional cost.

AquaDome Market

The AquaDome Market is Royal Caribbean's first food hall and will feature five different stands, all of which are complimentary and have their own look and menu: Feta Mediterranean, Mac's, Toast and Garden, GNGR, and Crème de la Crepe. 

Starting with Crème de la Crepe, this is where you will find both sweet and savory crepes. GNGR will serve Asian dishes, and Toast and Garden is for those looking for lighter fare, including salads and sandwiches. 

Mac's is the place for mac and cheese lovers, as this stand will remix the classic take on the dish with topping such as slow-roasted pulled pork, smoked gouda,  and BBQ sauce. 

Finally, Feta Mediterranean will serve fresh pitas and Mediterranean bowls, and you will find a bar with beer and wine, too. 

The AquaDone Market will serve breakfast starting at 7:00am for breakfast, lunch at 11:30am, and dinner in the evenings.  

Main Dining Room

The redesigned three-story Main Dining Room will feature a new menu each night that highlights a different cuisine.

You can also dine here for breakfast and lunch. 

Related: First look at Royal Caribbean's new main dining room menus

Surfside Eatery

For families who do not want to venture out of Surfside to the Windjammer, there will be Surfside Eatery, an all-day dining option that functions as a buffet during breakfast and lunch before transitioning into a hybrid buffet/traditional sit-down venue at night. 

During the day, you will find fun kid-approved options, including pancakes that can be topped with chocolate chips, fruit, and more, as well as pasta with a variety of different sauces. 

At night, you will find more elevated options that put a contemporary twist on some childhood favorites! 

Surfside Bites

For those interested in grab-and-go fare, look no further than Surfside Bites. This quick service eatery will be open from 11:00am to 5:00pm. 

You will find options like burgers, popcorn chicken, cinnamon sugar donut holes, and, of course, soft serve! 

Windjammer

When Icon of the Seas makes her grand debut, she will have the Windjammer in the fleet. Plus, there will be two bars located inside!

Windjammer is Royal Caribbean's preeminent buffet option that can be found on every ship. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, it is ideal for those looking for a laid back dining experience with a variety of different options. 

Related: Guide to Royal Caribbean's Windjammer Cafe buffet

Basecamp

Basecamp will be located in the heart of Thrill Island and feature food windows with different complimentary options, as well as some premium selections that can be purchase á la carte. 

The bar will serve storm-inspired drinks, and if you find yourself on the starboard side of Thrill Island, you will not have to worry about walking back to the bar. There will be a bar cart, making it more convenient to enjoy your favorite cold beverages while on-the-go. 

Basecamp will be open from 11:00am to 10:00pm, with the bar opening at 9:00am for those who want to start the day with a mimosa!

Pearl Café

Say goodbye to Cafe Promenade! On Icon of the Seas, the popular 24-hour quick service venue is being replaced with Pearl Café. 

Do not worry, though-- you will still be able to enjoy a selection of complimentary sandwiches, ready-made salads, coffee, and more at any hour; it will also be open 24-hours. 

Pearl Café will have cozy nooks that offer specular ocean views, making it a great place to meet up with friends and family before dinner or catch up on your favorite book. 

Sorrento's

At Sorrento's you can grab a slice of your favorite signature pizza, or indulge in a specialty one. You will have to act fast, though, as the flavor of the specialty pie will change every day! 

And for the first time, you can pair your pizza with your favorite draft beer on tap. 

Park Café

Like on Oasis Class ships, Park Café will be located in Central Park and serve breakfast and lunch. On Icon, however, Park Café will be open in the evening from 5:30pm to 10:00pm for late night bites. 

El Loco Fresh

Steps away from the Cove Pool is El Loco Fresh, the grab-and-go spot for Mexican food onboard. It will be open daily from 11:00am to 7:00pm. 

Coastal Kitchen

Coastal Kitchen is the complimentary dining room for suite guests. Star and Sky passengers are able to dine here for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, while Sea passengers can only eat here for dinner based on availability. 

The two-level restaurant will be able to seat 154 guests and offers views straight into the AquaDome! 

The Grove

Available only to Star and Sky suite guests, the Grove is an al fresco buffet that serves Mediterranean cuisine. It is smaller than Coastal Kitchen, with a capacity of 38 passengers.