Royal Caribbean Blog

Royal Caribbean’s Crown & Anchor Society offers loyal cruisers lucrative perks to help enhance the value of their cruise vacation. In addition to daily drink vouchers, a complimentary photo, and access to an exclusive lounge, some lesser-known benefits can be enjoyed by higher-ranking members.

Though cruisers can take advantage of a private departure lounge and 50% off two glasses of wine, beer, or soda after their first sailing, the best perks don’t start rolling in until you’ve accumulated 80 cruise points and reached Diamond status.

For example, guests within the Diamond tier receive four daily drink coupons that can be used on alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages, saving upwards of $56 per day. 

The complimentary drinks are often a deciding factor on whether a drink package is worth the extra cost or not. Even if you pay for four extra beverages daily, the total amount spent on drinks is typically less than what a drink package would cost out of pocket. 

Moreover, Diamond cruisers get one complimentary day of Surf & Stream Wi-Fi per sailing, which can transfer to a discount of equivalent value if you'd rather purchase a Wi-Fi package for your entire cruise. 

With over 30 Crown & Anchor benefits available to Diamond cruisers and above, it’s clear that loyalty is rewarded. Beyond the daily drink vouchers, discounted Wi-Fi, and access to the Crown Lounge, here are 4 lesser-known perks of Royal Caribbean's Crown & Anchor Program available to passengers with at least 80 cruise points.

Reserved seating at shows

I forget every cruise about the reserved seating at the production shows for Diamond Plus and Pinnacle Club members.

While you still need to make reservations, Royal Caribbean holds back seats at the ice skating and stage shows for its top tier members.

The seating is actually lumped in with suite guests and anyone that bought The Key, but it's a good standby just in case you're running a few minutes late.

I particular like the reserved seating for us Crown and Anchor members in the Aquatheater, because it is in the center section and starts about halfway back, so well behind the splash zone

Chef’s choice on sailings 5 nights and longer

Diamond, Diamond Plus, and Pinnacle Club cruisers will receive some treats delivered to their stateroom on cruises that are at least 5 nights long.

When onboard Quantum of the Seas earlier this summer, I received a plate of assorted pastries, including a chocolate-covered strawberry, Rice Krispies treat, chocolate muffin, and more.

After a cold and rainy day in Skagway, Alaska, it was fun to return to my cabin and discover the present. My dad and I enjoyed having a small snack to nibble on while getting ready for dinner. 

Read more: What makes being a Pinnacle Club member worth it

According to the Crown & Anchor Society’s terms and conditions, “[the g]ift and frequency of delivery to the stateroom [vary] by ship and length of sailing.” In other words, you cannot predict what will be included in the Chef's Choice perk. 

It's easy to obtain sweet treats on your Royal Caribbean cruise, but it's even better when they're delivered to your cabin! 

Read more: I reached Diamond status with Royal Caribbean

Exclusive backstage tour

On cruises that are 5 nights or longer, you can get an exclusive look at the behind-the-scenes operations of the theater.

While all passengers can enjoy one of the original production shows or Broadway-style musicals, only Diamond, Diamond Plus, and Pinnacle Club cruisers are eligible to attend the exclusive backstage tour. In addition to walking backstage, there’s typically a Q&A session with the dancers and cast members. 

It's a great time to learn more about the background of the dancers, as well as get a glimpse into the daily life of a performer on a cruise ship. 

It's different from the All-Access tour for purchase, though. During the backstage tour, you won't visit the Galley, Bridge, or other crew-only areas. If that's something that interests you, you'll have to pre-purchase it through the Cruise Planner. 

Royal Caribbean notes that they can cancel the event without notice. However, if you’re interested in participating, check your Crown & Anchor benefits sheet left in your cabin on embarkation day for instructions on how to RSVP.

If you have any questions, visit the Crown & Anchor Loyalty Desk as soon as possible.

Priority waitlist seating in the Main Dining Room

Fans of traditional cruise ship dining can choose the early and late seating, meaning you'll eat in the Main Dining Room at the same time each evening. Plus, you'll sit at the same table and have the same wait staff. 

Sometimes, however, we make the wrong selection during the booking process. If you're unhappy with your decision and are a Diamond cruiser or above, you can move to the top of the waitlist for your desired seating. 

Ensuring you have the dinner seating that aligns with your travel party's needs is important. Otherwise, you may have fussy children fighting to stay awake until dinner, as the late seating typically doesn't begin until around 8:00pm—although the time varies depending on your sailing. 

Alternatively, perhaps you want to spend more time on the pool deck or don't want to feel rushed after a long day ashore. In that case, the later time would work best for you, freeing up space during the first seating for passengers who want to retire early or have evenings free for entertainment. 

The priority waitlist doesn't apply to My Time Dining. If you don't make reservations, you must wait in the standby line. However, if you chose My Time Dining and like to move back to traditional, you will be placed at the top of the waitlist. 

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

One of the top perks of booking a suite on a cruise ship is access to the concierge, but what can you expect from them?

The suite concierge serves as guest services, customer advocate, and problem solver rolled into one.

Every Royal Caribbean ship has a subset of benefits reserved exclusively for passengers that are booked in a suite, including reserved pool seating, a private lounge, and added services.

Part of the justification for the higher price tag a suite comes with is the convenience factor that gets added in, and the suite concierge is a major component of that.

As long as you're in a full suite (Grand Suite or higher category cabins), then you get to take advantage of the concierge services. On the biggest Royal Caribbean ships, there are actually two concierges onboard to help split the work load.

If you're booked in a suite, here's what you can expect from the concierge onboard and even before the cruise.

What can the suite concierge do for you?

The suite concierge is always located in the suite lounge, where they work during the day and early evening to assist guests. They're there to make your cruise better in any way they possibly can.

A few days before your cruise begins (usually 4 to 7 days before embarkation), you can expect an email from the concierge introducing themselves to you, and outlining the benefits they can provide.

This email is a good primer for expectations, and how to easily take advantage of your suite benefits.

Before the cruise begins, the concierge can assist you with making specialty dining reservations, show reservations, or clarifying any questions you might have.

Tip: If you purchased a specialty dining package, you should email the concierge with a list of restaurants and times to book to save you the time of making the reservations once onboard.

Speaking of dining, you can ask to the concierge to make a Coastal Kitchen reservation too.

While the concierge can book show times for you, I'd advise you to book show reservations as soon as they become available to book 30 days before the cruise sails, because show tickets usually sell out quickly.

Some other common requests to make of the concierge include:

• Note dietary restrictions on the dining profile
• Request a Main Dining Room table for just our family, not a shared table
• Ask to have beds separated in the suite
• Request corkscrew in cabin for wine
• Request extra hangers
• Request extension cord and distilled water for CPAP machine

The concierge can also book shore excursions or family photo reservations.

You should get an email back confirming any requests you made, or advising you of other options if they cannot assist.

Onboard the ship

When you board your ship, you can go up to the suite lounge to meet the concierge. This is a good idea to not only put a face to the name, but confirm any of the requests you made pre-cruise or get clarification on any questions.

During your sailing, the concierge is there to make your cruise better.  

There are posted hours the concierge is available at their desk. You can either visit them in person or give them a call. You should go to them for any issues you have that you might otherwise go to Guest Services for.

In addition to problem solving, the suite concierge is also a friendly face. They will regularly strike up conversations with suite guests in the lounge, and love getting to know their guests.

During the evening cocktail hours, the concierge acts as a kind of emcee, helping people find seats, directing waiters to get drink orders, and ensure the hors d'oeuvres are replenished regularly.

While they can sometimes be busy with their clerical duties, they make an effort to get to know their guests.

Escort off the ship

Perhaps my favorite suite concierge benefit is their assistance getting off the cruise ship on the final morning.

There can be very long lines disembarking the ship on the final morning, but the suite concierge will be happy to get you through the lines.

Prior to the end of the cruise, you can arrange to meet the concierge at a designated location and they will walk your family off the ship.  This means they will cut the line and bypass most, if not all, of it.

This is a tremendous time saver, as well as sanity saver.  When I cruise with kids, it's such a relief to not have to stand in line.

Is it worth it to pay for concierge access?

The only way to get access to the a cruise concierge is to pay more for a suite (or become a Pinnacle Club member, but likely not practical for most readers), and that is all but certainly a higher cost than a lower category room.

Aside from the inherit benefits of booking a suite, the suite concierge access is a lovely touch, but I'd hesitate to go as far as to say it's worth it every time.

Having access to the cruise concierge is more akin to the "icing on top" of having suite access.  You should book a suite because you value the extra space the room provides, bonus Crown and Anchor points, and the extras cruise guests get included with their fare.

How helpful the concierge is depends on you and how much interaction you have with them.  If you're going to spend a lot of time in the suite lounge and make many requests of the concierge, they are absolutely worth it.  But every cruiser handles the access differently.

On shorter cruises, the value is likely less since there's less time to take advantage of their services. 

I've always enjoyed the assistance provided by the concierge, and I'm grateful for even the smallest of assistance.  The escort off the ship at the end of the cruise is probably the single best service they provided and it made a big difference when my kids were younger.

So should you book a suite just for the concierge? Probably not, but I think you'll enjoy the value they add to your cruise. Just remember to take advantage of what they offer.

There are a few kinds of balcony cabins, but what's the difference between each one?

Royal Caribbean's balcony staterooms are a popular choice because they offer increased space in the living and bathroom areas, in addition to a private balcony where you can enjoy an ocean view.

Typically located on the outer portion of the ship, balcony cabins provide guests with a view of the ocean.  

All balcony cabins include at least one Royal King bed that can be split into two twins, a private bathroom and shower, a sitting area, a television, a mini fridge cooler, a stateroom attendant, and of course, a private balcony.

Most balcony cabins are around 180 square feet (not including the balcony size). 

However, Royal Caribbean offers different types of balcony cabins that range in size and guest capacity.

The cruise line's newest and biggest ships especially have a variety of balconies cruisers can choose from.

Balconies can reach up to 298 square feet, and accommodate up to 8 guests in certain rooms.

From standard to spacious to virtual balconies, how can you tell the difference?

Standard balcony

A standard balcony is the typical size of balcony cabins. The exact area varies depending on the specific ship.

A standard balcony cabin on Freedom of the Seas, for example, comes in at 188 square feet, with a 42 square feet balcony.

In contrast, one on Ovation of the Seas is about 198 square feet, with a 55 square foot balcony.

Every Royal Caribbean ship offers standard balcony cabins for booking.  

Standard balcony cabins also come with some variation, including large balconies, connecting balconies, obstructed balconies, and neighborhood balconies.

Quantum-Class ships offer studio balconies, providing a one-person room for solo travelers to enjoy.

Read more: 5 Royal Caribbean cruise ship balcony cabins to book (and 2 to avoid)

Large balconies

Some ships also offer standard balcony cabins with a large balcony, increasing the square footage of the balcony by about 10-15 square feet.

The large balconies on Ovation of the Seas, for instance, are 65 square feet.

Although the size of the stateroom remains the same, these cabins are in a location for a little bit larger balcony.

Large balconies are available on Oasis Class and Quantum Class ships. They are available on other classes of ship but they are not listed as a separate category of cabin - you just have to know which ones have the larger balcony (usually at the stern).

Connecting balconies

Larger groups or families needing more space can also book connecting balconies. Each room is the same size as a standard balcony, but the two are connected through a private door.

Connecting cabins allow families to get extra space, essentially combining two separate cabins into one large, multiple-room cabin.

With connecting balcony staterooms, you'll get two private bathrooms and two private balconies.

Connecting balconies are available on all Royal Caribbean ships.

Obstructed balconies

Some balcony cabins will be listed as obstructed. This means that an object (usually a bright orange lifeboat) covers at least some of the view from the balcony.

While the inside of these cabins is just as quality as any other, they come at a discounted price because the outside view is essentially ruined.

Read more: Cruiser complains about "obstructed" balcony and sparks Internet backlash

All Royal Caribbean ships have obstructed balcony cabins onboard.

Neighborhood balconies

Oasis and Icon Class ships also pioneered neighborhood balconies, which face inward, over neighborhoods such as Central Park, the Boardwalk, and Surfside. 

These cabins don't have an ocean view, but provide a great opportunity for people-watching.

The neighborhood balconies on Oasis Class ships are Central Park and Boardwalk balconies, while Icon Class ships offer Central Park and Surfside views. 

Spacious balcony

The spacious balcony staterooms feature more space on the inside, but the same size balcony.

These cabins are perfect for guests who want that extra space or need to sleep more people inside a balcony stateroom.

They come at a great value, providing more space and the opportunity for more guests to fit into one room.

On Freedom of the Seas, the spacious balcony cabins are around 214 square feet, with a 42 square foot balcony. 

Some of these rooms sleep up to 4 guests, with a double sofa bed to accommodate the extra passengers.

Spacious balcony cabins are available on Royal Caribbean's Vision Class, Radiance Class, Voyager Class, Freedom Class, and Icon Class.

The Oasis Class even takes the balcony size a step further, offering "ultra-spacious" balconies that can sleep 6 guests.

On Oasis of the Seas, for example, the ultra-spacious balcony option measures 374 square feet, with a 108 square foot balcony.

Two Pullman beds and a sofa bed, in addition to the regular twin beds, provide sleeping arrangements for all. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean cabins for 5 or more people

Ultra-spacious balcony cabins are found on Oasis Class ships.

Virtual balcony

Virtual balcony cabins are actually interior cabins that feature a virtual balcony, projected through an HD screen.

Royal Caribbean's Quantum Class pioneered this innovative feature.

Live cameras play a real time feed of everything happening around the ship to screens inside the cabins.

These staterooms are still the size of regular inside cabins and don't feature any windows.

Because of this, they come at the same price as interior staterooms but still offer a balcony view.

On Ovation of the Seas, these cabins come out to 187 square feet.

On her sister ship, Quantum of the Seas, the cabins are even smaller, measuring 166 square feet. 

However, the balcony screen will remain the same size in all cabins, covering the back wall from floor to ceiling.

The virtual balcony feature provides a view of the world outside the ship at a more affordable price.

Some Quantum Class ships offer these balcony staterooms as connecting cabins or studio cabins, allowing guests to adapt their accommodations depending on their group size. 

Read more: We stayed in every type of cabin on a Royal Caribbean cruise—from a $670 inside cabin to $2600 suite—and here’s how they compared

Virtual balcony cabins are available on all Quantum Class ships, as well as Wonder of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas.

Cruise ships are known for their excellent value, and what's included that costs nothing extra is a big part of that.

When you consider how much you can eat, enjoy, and explore for absolutely no additional cost, a cruise sounds really enticing. Royal Caribbean ships are packed with so many things to do onboard included with your cruise fare.

While a lot of attention is placed on things that cost extra because they're flashy, you can go on a Royal Caribbean ship and spend nothing extra and have a really enjoyable vacation.

When I'm planning a cruise with my family, my wife and I often have moments where we realize we don't need to spend extra on costly add-ons, and simply enjoy the free things. On our recent visit to Perfect Day at CocoCay, we opted to hang at the Oasis Lagoon pool which has no additional cost instead of spending over $100 for both of us to go to the new adults-only area.

If you're ready to enjoy a value-conscious vacation, here are the free amenities, services, and experiences you can take advantage of during your cruise.

Lots of food

It's always about food for me on a cruise, and Royal Caribbean includes a lot of pretty good food in your fare.

Every Royal Caribbean ship has a few restaurants that cost nothing to eat there. The most prominent ones are the Main Dining Room, Windjammer buffet, and the coffee shop.

Here is a list of restaurants on a Royal Caribbean ship that won't cost you extra. You won't find all of them on one ship, but it's a list to reference:

• Main Dining Room
• Windjammer Buffet
• Cafe Promenade
• Cafe Latte-tudes
• Sorrento's Pizza
• Sprinkles
• Coastal Kitchen (suite guests)
• Park Cafe
• Cafe @ Two70
• Solarium Bistro
• El Loco Fresh
• Boardwalk Dog House
• Aquadome Market
• Johnny Rockets (for breakfast on Oasis Class ships only)
• Spare Tire
• Surfside Bites
• Pearl Cafe
• Basecamp
• The Grove (suite guests only)

Between these venues, you can enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner along with plenty of snacks too.

I really like having my meals in the Main Dining Room when I'm with my family because the waiters get to know your preferences and really focus on your meal experience being exactly what you want. Plus, I think the dining room food is rather tasty.

If you're booked in a suite on one of the newer ships, you can dine at Coastal Kitchen for all your meals, adding significant value for the higher cost a suite comes with.

Besides your meals, there are lots of places to snack too. Cafe Promenade, Sorrento's Pizza, Aquadome Market, and Park Cafe are all fan favorites. Depending on which Royal Caribbean ship you sail on, there are going to be different places to grab a snack or mini-meal.

No matter which ship you pick, you won't go hungry and there's somewhere to eat at almost any time of day or night. Moreover, I think the food you can get at no additional cost is pretty darn good.

My favorite places to eat for free:

• Anytime snack: Aquadome Market
• Fourth meal: Windjammer
• Grab 'n go: Pearl Cafe

Free drinks

There are quite a few drinks you can get for free onboard.

• Filtered tap water
• Lemonade
• Unsweetened iced tea
• Tea
• Basic coffee
• Hot chocolate
• Milk (regular, half and half, skim, lactose-free, chocolate)
  • Creamers
• Apple juice (breakfast only)
• Orange juice (breakfast only)
• Tomato juice (breakfast only)
• Flavored waters
  • Grapefruit
  • Strawberry kiwi

You can find these free drinks offered at any bar or restaurant, although some bars may not have everything on this list.

The best places to find all of these options are the Main Dining Room, Windjammer, or Cafe Promenade/Cafe Latte-Tudes/Cafe @ Two70.

Yes, the tap water is safe to drink on a cruise ship. It's filtered onboard and probably the safest water you can drink, given how treated it is.

Trivia, demonstrations, and movies

When I think of a cruise, I think of food first, and then all the fun things to do on the ship.

Royal Caribbean built its cruise ships to have more to do than you can possibly do in a week. They're meant to offer such a wide variety of activities that you come away impressed with how much you could have done.

Every day of your cruise there is a list of activities in the Royal Caribbean app (as well as the Cruise Compass).

There's trivia, napkin folding demonstrations, competitions among passengers, educational seminars, and much more.

Karaoke is one of the top events you'll find every day. You can count on there being at least a few karaoke sessions per day. Some of the new ships that have a dedicated karaoke venue will host sessions more often.

Karaoke on a Royal Caribbean cruise is pretty much like anywhere else you've done it. There is a book of songs to choose from, and guests sign up on a first-come, first-served basis to get a chance to sing.

On a sea day, you can expect at least 4 or 5 trivia sessions, and the topics range from general trivia to TV show theme songs to Taylor Swift. There are all sorts of trivia genres, and they're just about bragging rights rather than the novel prize for the winning team.

Royal Caribbean ships also show a lot of movies. Most have their movie screens by the pool, so you don't have to leave the hot tub. A few of the small ships actually have their own movie theater, which is also included in your cruise fare.

It's a good idea to go through the Royal Caribbean app every day to see what's scheduled. The cruise line will load in all the events a few days before the sailing begins, but I like to review each evening what's coming up the next day.

My favorite free events:

• Trivia
• Movies by the pool
• Karaoke

Thrills and chills

If conquering "Friends" trivia doesn't do it for you, how about ways to be in the sun and have fun?

A lot of people specifically choose a cruise because they want to go to beautiful and warm destinations where they can take advantage of the sunshine.

Every ship has pools and hot tubs you can go to for no additional cost. There's even an adults-only pool available too.

Many of Royal Caribbean's ships have pool areas for kids, that have splash pads, geysers, and all sorts of ways to get soaked. 

Splashaway Bay is the name of the children's aqua park, and it's the perfect spot for younger children who want to get as wet as possible.

If you need more adrenaline on your vacation, there are water slides and surf simulators on many ships. These also cost nothing extra to use, and it's open to kids or adults.

Speaking of slides, the Oasis Class ships have the Ultimate Abyss slide on the back of the ship, which is a dry slide and is also included in your cruise fare.

Don't overlook the sports court, where you can play soccer, basketball, pickleball, dodgeball, or volleyball throughout the day. Once again, it's complimentary.

On the Oasis Class ships, there's a zip line you can ride for free nine decks above the Boardwalk neighborhood.

There's also a mini golf course on most Royal Caribbean ships. It's a great family activity, and open day and night.

Speaking of family fun, check out the carousel on Oasis or Icon Class ships that guests of any age can ride. It's free and open day and night.

If your cruise ship has an ice rink, there are complimentary open ice skating sessions you can go to. Royal Caribbean provides all the equipment, you just need to bring long pants and socks.

My favorite pool deck fun and free things to do:

• Water slides
• Watch people try the Flowrider
• Ice skating

Private island day

If you have a Royal Caribbean cruise that visits the Caribbean, there's a good chance your ship will visit one of Royal Caribbean's private islands.

Perfect Day at CocoCay and Labadee are the two islands that only Royal Caribbean ships can visit, and it's a private enclave that is included with your cruise fare.

Think of this like a regular port visit, but the majority of what you can do comes at no additional cost. There are beaches, pools, and food you can enjoy without any fees.

While it's true both do have extra pay upgrades, you can certainly have a great day without spending extra. You'll find beaches, chairs, umbrellas, and food that come with your visit.

A day at a private island is one of my absolute favorite kinds of cruise days because it's a simple, yet well organized fun day in the sun. There's plenty of space, the ocean and beach are lovely, and there's the choice to upgrade your day with an add-on if you so choose.

Admission to either private destination is included, and you can walk off the ship and explore at your leisure. 

If given the choice, I prefer CocoCay over Labadee because of the breadth of choices of what to do there. Plus, CocoCay's food variety is superior, along with the option for a pool day.

Be sure to review everything Royal Caribbean offers at CocoCay for no extra cost.

Shows and live music

If there's one thing Royal Caribbean does better than any other cruise line, it's their entertainment. You'll find shows, musicians, performers, and comedians on any ship in the fleet.

Every evening there will be at least one production show onboard, with the biggest ships having multiple shows per night.

Some Royal Caribbean ships actually have full Broadway shows, and admission to them is included in your cruise fare.

Even if your ship doesn't have a Broadway show, it has a talented cast of singers and dancers who will perform on nearly every night. When they aren't performing, there's usually a headline entertainer or comedian to keep you busy.

Music is also a focal point for Royal Caribbean's entertainment. There are guitarists, pianists, bands, and singers who all perform and are wonderful acts. They're not just talented, they bring showmanship to their performances and it creates must-see shows.

Some of these shows are sing-alongs, while others are productions that you can sit back and enjoy.

You'll find most of the live entertainment in the evening, but there are still musical acts during the day.

You can find a poolside band to play easy-listening tunes while you're enjoying time by the pool. There's also a DJ on Royal Caribbean ships to offer sailaway parties, as well as late-night club scenes.

I recommend seeking out the musical acts and any shows you find in the schedule, because they're not just free to see, but they're actually really entertaining.

My favorite free entertainment:

• Pub singer
• Broadway show
• Ice skating shows

Kids club

Being a family cruise line, Royal Caribbean's crown jewel of kids programming centers around the Adventure Ocean kids club.

Many of the activities in this article apply to kids as well, but I think Adventure Ocean is where you'll find the most compelling and all-encompassing activities for kids.

Royal Caribbean's kids club is more than a place to drop your kids off. It's a hub of activities, playing, and meeting other kids their age.

Adventure Ocean is broken up by age so that the activities are age-appropriate. Moreover, it fosters kids making friends onboard the ship.

The great thing about kids club is it allows kids to be kids and play, draw, engage, and do the sort of things they want to do. Meanwhile, parents can enjoy time apart, whether at a restaurant, show, and just enjoying quiet time.

There is no charge for Adventure Ocean (before 10pm) or Teens Club, however, the nursery does cost extra. If your children are under the age of 36 months, they will need to go to the nursery and you should plan for an hourly charge.

• Nursery (6 - 36 months old): Hourly cost
• Adventure Ocean (3 - 12/13 years old): Free until 10pm
• Teen Club (12/13 - 17 years old): Free

Be sure to visit the Adventure Ocean and Teen Club open house on embarkation day, usually around 1pm to see the facility, meet the staff, and register the kids. It's a great way to see what's offered and get questions answered.

Free souvenirs

Can you get actual gifts or things to bring home for free on a Royal Caribbean cruise? Yes, but temper your expectations.

One easy souvenir is to attend a trivia session and win. The winning team will get a novelty gift, usually a highlighter, pen, or luggage pull straps.

There are also usually giveaways tied to ways to spend money onboard. The jewelry store may offer free charm bracelets to entice you to come in and check out their other items while you're in line for the freebie.

The art auction staff hold giveaways to get people to attend the auctions themselves. They even serve everyone that attends the art auction free champagne.

If you cruise enough to make it to a higher tier in Royal Caribbean's Crown & Anchor society customer loyalty program, there are gifts offered.

At the Diamond Plus and Pinnacle Club tiers, you'll get a personalized gift per household on each sailing you take. You can select the personalized gift from a list of choices. The Loyalty Ambassador onboard the ship can help you select or change your preference. Choices include logo items, drinks, or snacks.

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Cruise ships are making all sorts of changes to avoid the path of Hurricane Helene, including cruises from Tampa.

Royal Caribbean's Serenade of the Seas will be delayed returning to port by two days because of the storm.

The ship's Captain made an announcement on Wednesday while the ship was docked in Freeport, Bahamas.

A user on Cruise Critic posted, "The Captain announced a few minutes ago that our cruise will be extended two extra days and will not arrive back in Tampa until Sunday. "

A letter given to guests explains the safety of ship, guests, and crew was taken into account, "Due to the planned closure of the Port of Tampa and to stay clear of the hurricane, we'll have to delay our return to our homeport. We'll now arrive in Tampa on Sunday, September 29th and enjoy some extra Sea Days along the way."

"We're terribly sorry for the last-minute change caused by the weather – your safety is our top priority. Please know, being onboard is one of the safest places because our ship can quickly move out of the way of any inclement weather."

The 90,090 gross-ton, Radiance Class cruise ship is homeported in Tampa, Florida and departed on her current sailing September 22 on a 5-night Western Caribbean cruise that was originally supposed to visit Cozumel and Puerto Costa Maya, Mexico.

On Tuesday, Royal Caribbean re-routed the ship to The Bahamas to avoid the worst of Hurricane Helene. 

However, the storm's impact on the Port of Tampa Bay has necessitated Royal Caribbean hold the ship's return back.

Helene is a Category 1 hurricane and strengthening as it moves toward the U.S. Gulf Coast. It is expected to hit Florida's Big Bend late tomorrow.

Experts believe Helene will rapidly intensify and become a Category 3 or 4 storm before it makes landfall.

As of 5 p.m. ET today, Hurricane Helene had maximum sustained winds of 85 mph. It was about 460 miles southwest of Tampa, Florida, moving north at 12 mph.

Serenade is not the only ship being held at sea due to the storm.

MSC Seashore won't be able to return to Port Canaveral on Thursday as originally scheduled because of the storm.

That ship will have an extra day added onto their cruise before it can return.

Compensation for the extra days

To make-up for this last-minute change and because Royal Caribbean is extending the sailing by two days, they’ll provide passengers with:

The option to extend your Beverage and VOOM internet packages by two (2) days.

• Drink Package Extension (these prices include 18% gratuity).
  • Deluxe Package - $35 per person, per day
  • Refreshment Package - $14 per person, per day
  • Soda Package – Free extension

Passengers will receive loyalty points for the originally planned number of nights sailed, plus an additional two nights.

If guests purchased your flights through Royal Caribbean, they’ll automatically adjust their flights. If you purchased air independently, please contact your air carrier directly.

Royal Caribbean will cover any air change fee up to $200 USD for domestic travel and $400 USD for international travel, per person.

Guests react to the change

News of Serenade's change spread quickly among cruisers, who took to social media to post their thoughts.

Most were not surprised, but emotions ranged between frustration and understanding.

"This is exactly why I schedule cruises during hurricane season. Sometimes you get extra days. Sometimes it’s reduced with refunds and cruise credits etc. when you live in Florida and have flexibility it’s worth the risk," wrote Judy Desrosiers.

Irene Grackin wrote, "Cruising during peak hurricane season has an inherent risk. Safety first!"

Christa Leonard was upset at the news, because it could impact the itinerary of the next sailing, "the reason we chose this cruise is we honeymooned on St. Thomas 38 years ago and we were so thrilled to celebrate our anniversary there."

Royal Caribbean's newest cruise ship will delay boarding

Another change announced late on Wednesday was the delay of Utopia of the Seas.

Guests booked on the weekend cruise will have a delayed boarding on Friday due to the storm. The issue is not just the storm, but Port Canaveral closing temporarily.

Screenshot by Stephanie Bushong

"Due to Port Canaveral's planned closure, our previous sailing will be delayed in returning and as a result, our boarding on September 27th will also be adjusted," the email reads to guests booked on the cruise.

"Kindly note that the terminal will be closed until 2:30pm."

Utopia of the Seas is scheduled to sail a 3-night cruise to The Bahamas that visits Nassau and Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Get ready to go back in time on Royal Caribbean's next new cruise ship.

Royal Caribbean has not made any announcement yet, but its entertainment team has posted an ad for auditions that indicate what the company's plans will be.

According to a post on the Royal Caribbean Productions Facebook page and its own website, the cruise line is holding auditions for Back to the Future: The Musical next month.

And the ship it's destined for will be Star of the Seas, a brand new ship that is under construction currently.

The open call for auditions says, "All performers hired for BACK TO THE FUTURE (3-4 performances weekly) will also perform in an original Royal Caribbean Signature Production onboard the STAR of the Seas (3-4 performances weekly)."

The auditions are being held in London, England, UK.

Star of the Seas will be the second Icon Class cruise ship, and similar in size and features to the record breaking biggest cruise ship in the world, Icon of the Seas.

The cruise line has not confirmed that Back to the Future: The Musical will indeed be added to Star of the Seas.

About the musical

Back to the Future: The Musical is a stage adaptation of the iconic 1985 film Back to the Future, following the same basic plot with some additions, including musical numbers.

The story centers around Marty McFly, a teenager from 1985 who accidentally travels back to the year 1955 in a time machine built by eccentric scientist "Doc" Brown.

The musical expands on the film’s humor, adventure, and emotional depth, blending nostalgia with catchy original songs, iconic moments from the film, and stunning stage effects—especially when it comes to time travel sequences. Marty’s journey is one of self-discovery as he learns about family, friendship, and the importance of standing up for oneself.

The production received two Tony Awards nominations for Best Featured Actor in a Musical and Best Scenic Design of a Musical.

A new big ship with lots to do

While Star will be the second Icon Class ship, the plan is for it not to be bigger than Icon.

Star will be around 250,800 gross tons total, with a capacity for 5,610 passengers (or up to 7,600 passengers at maximum occupancy).

Jay Schneider, Royal Caribbean's Senior Vice President and Chief Product Innovation Officer said earlier this year that the ship's attractions are more important than the total size. 

Adding a musical like Back to the Future is one way Royal Caribbean will differentiate it from Icon.

While Star will have a $200 per person supper club dinner experience onboard, this one will be Chicago themed instead of New York.

The Lincoln Park Supper Club will have a different menu and evoke a feel that makes you think of Chicago.

In addition, Royal Caribbean wants to make the family component of Star of the Seas even better for families. What that means is expanding the appeal of Surfside to older kids too.

Splashaway Bay and the Playscape will get new features. The Water's Edge pool will be more kid focused. The kids clubs will get updates too.

Something completely new will be a test of a new way to enter your cabin.

A small amount of cabins will pilot facial recognition as a way to enter the room, instead of using a SeaPass card.

Details haven't been released yet as to what to expect or how many cabins will have this feature.

Royal Caribbean also wants to evolve its food hall concept on Star, and is working on new ways to make it even better.

Star of the Seas will launch in August 2025 and offer 7-night cruises from Port Canaveral, Florida to destinations in the Eastern and Western Caribbean. 

The ship was originally scheduled to be delivered in mid-August of 2025, but delays in production and construction forced the cruise line to delay her original inaugural sailing. The inaugural sailing will now take place on August 31st, 2025.

The Oasis and Quantum Classes make up some of Royal Caribbean's latest and greatest ships, so which is the best to sail on?

If you're trying to choose between these two classes, it can be hard to know which is the best option. These are not just some of the biggest cruise ships, but also two of the most popular classes in the fleet.

Cruise ships are organized into ship classes, and it's based on the general design and layout of the ship. Both classes of vessels make for great first-time cruise experiences. They're not only best for families, but they offer just about something for everyone.

Royal Caribbean has invested a lot into each ship, and they all come with great amenities.

Although you can't go wrong when choosing a cruise, each vessel has distinct attractions that appeal to different guests' preferences.

As you're making your decision, you should consider your preferred activities, cabins, and entertainment.

Let's look at some of the key differences between two of the most popular classes in the fleet.

Activities

Quantum Class ships shine when it comes to unique activities. 

Each ship has a SeaPlex indoor sports center, complete with bumper cars and sports courts.

They also feature the North Star, an observation pod that takes passengers 300 feet above the sea for a view all around the ship.

 For an even more exciting adventure, try the Ripcord by iFLY sky-diving simulator.

Guests can experience the fun of sky-diving without the panic of jumping out of an airplane inside this high-speed wind tunnel.

Quantum Class ships also feature the FlowRider surf simulator, allowing guests to ride the waves right onboard the cruise ship.

As for the activities on Oasis Class ships, cruisers will find that there is more than one can do in a week. The Oasis Class ships are not just big, but some of the biggest cruise ships in the world.

Seven to eight neighborhoods on each ship provide a range of interests and activities, such as the Central Park and Boardwalk areas.

Read more: I've only sailed Royal Caribbean's Oasis Class ships: Will I be disappointed if I try other ships?

Activities include two rock climbing walls, ice skating, zip lining, mini-golf, running tracks, a carousel, laser tag, escape rooms, and two FlowRider surf simulators.

Oasis Class ships excel when it comes to waterparks, featuring three Perfect Storm waterslides.

This Class of ship also features the tallest dry slide at sea: the 10-story Ultimate Abyss ride (except on Allure of the Seas).

If you're looking for more unique, technology-focused activities, a Quantum-Class ship might be the vessel for you. On the other hand, if you like to stay active and busy, Oasis-Class ships will have an overwhelming amount of activities available.

Cabins

Each class of ship offers different variations of the classic Royal Caribbean cabin categories.

Oasis Class ships, for example, have interior staterooms that also include oceanview staterooms, and Promenade view staterooms.

These ships offer unique staterooms by neighborhood, such as the Boardwalk view balconies, Central Park view balconies, and AquaTheater suites.

Larger groups and families traveling together will find many options onboard, and more than five guests can sleep in one room. 

The larger suites onboard, such as the Royal Loft Suite, Ultimate Family Suite, and Villa Suite, even sleep up to 14 passengers.

Quantum Class ships, on the other hand, have fewer staterooms for large groups onboard.

Families of five or more who want to book a single stateroom have one option: The Royal Loft Suite.

However, connecting cabins are always available.

Quantum Class vessels excel when it comes to pioneering technological advances in the staterooms onboard.

These vessels were the first to offer virtual balconies. These staterooms are a great plus for guests who want to save money by booking an interior cabin but still get an ocean view.

A floor-to-ceiling HD screen inside the stateroom offers real-time views, with sound, of the outside view.

Spectrum and Odyssey of the Seas have digital keys available on the Royal Caribbean app, which guests can use to open the door with their phone, instead of fumbling around to find their SeaPass card.

Entertainment

Both Quantum and Oasis Class ships feature high-quality entertainment onboard.

Some of them even share similar shows. Spectrum of the Seas (a Quantum-Class vessel) was the first to release The Effectors, a popular original show written by Royal Caribbean. Its sequel, the Effectors II was later debuted on Wonder of the Seas, an Oasis-Class ship.

However, Broadway fans are better off seeking an Oasis Class cruise.

Harmony of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas, and Oasis of the Seas are all Oasis-Class ships that feature Broadway musicals, while the only Quantum-Class to feature one is Anthem of the Seas.

Both types of ships have a large Royal Theater, but also feature two very different entertainment venues.

Royal Caribbean designed an entirely new venue on Quantum Class ships called Two70. The indoor, two-story amphitheater is located on the aft of the ship, offering sweeping (270º) views of the ocean.

Guests can experience marvelous shows inside, combining visual effects, acrobats, and six robot screens that move and synchronize with the show.

Oasis-Class ships, on the other hand, have the AquaTheater, an outdoor amphitheater also placed at the aft.

The pool goes down to a depth of 17.9 feet on some ships, making it one of the deepest pools at sea.

The AquaShows performed in the Aquatheater combine dance, acrobatics, diving, extreme sports, and lights and music for a one-of-a-kind performance.

Picking the right one for you

New and seasoned cruisers will love both the Oasis and Quantum Classes because of all the activities and amenities they have to offer.

You can't go wrong picking either class—each vessel will be its own adventure.

However, different classes have distinct attractions that might appeal to individual guests.

You should lean towards picking a Quantum Class ship if you're...

Cruising with teens

Bumper cards, Ripcord by iFLY, dance clubs, and sports centers make the Quantum Class a great choice for teens, tweens, and older kids.

There are a lot of fun, self-guided activities onboard that are perfect for older children.

Read more: Anthem of the Seas vs. Oasis of the Seas

Wanting to cruise Alaska

Royal Caribbean stations multiple Quantum-Class ships on Alaska itineraries each year.

These ships make for great options to sail to the region. 

Quantum Class ships have indoor pools, the North Star observation capsules, indoor sports activities, and more features that make them the perfect, high-class ships to explore the region.

If seeing the "Last Frontier" is on your bucket list, a cruise on a Quantum Class vessel makes for a luxury adventure.

Read more: I cruised on the oldest and newest cruise ships to Alaska: here’s how they compare

Love technology

Quantum Class ships focus on the latest technology, with RFID bracelets, robot bartenders, virtual balcony cabins, and more.

These vessels are all about presenting the latest advances that can enhance cruisers' experiences.

Lovers of technology will appreciate all that a Quantum Class ship has to offer.

On the other hand, you should consider sailing on an Oasis Class ship if you...

Want to stay busy 

Oasis Class vessels are mega-ships that have a staggering amount of activities and events onboard.

If you like having more options than you can do in one day, an Oasis Class ship is for you.

Read more: I tried every Oasis Class cruise ship, here's how I would rank them

With the variety of activities onboard, you'll always have a lot of choices, and never a dull moment.

Love getting active

For cruisers who like to get busy and stay active, Oasis Class ships are a great fit.

Two FlowRiders, two rock climbing walls, ice skating, zip lining, mini-golf, running tracks, and more are available for those who enjoy a good physical challenge.

The sports facilities and dance classes on Oasis Class ships are an impressive choice, offering many unique opportunities to stay fit while onboard.

Need lots of dining options

If you want or need a lot of dining options, whether because of dietary restrictions, picky eaters, or just a love of food, the Oasis Class will offer a ton of choices.

While Quantum Class ships don't slack in the dining department, the Oasis Class cannot be beaten.

These ships have bars, restaurants, and lounges all over the ship, offering a variety of cuisine, from sushi to Southern comfort.

Royal Caribbean's recent policy change has a lot of people with an upcoming cruise confused if they can bring their favorite cabin hack with them.

The cruise line updated its list of things you cannot bring on a cruise last week, and the fallout has been a lot of confusion about what is and what isn't allowed.

The change was simple enough, they added "multi-plug outlets" to the list, but it did not specify what exactly that means. Specifically, which outlets, plugs, or devices are no longer permissible to bring.

Royal Caribbean has long banned surge protectors and power strips, but multi-plug outlets is not only new, but vague.

There are a myriad of devices you can purchase to add more charging options to an existing outlet, but it's not clear which of these will be allowed.

Some have a combination of USB ports and traditional power outlets, while others are just USB ports.

The result has been a lot of room for interpretation.

It can be argued this change closed a loophole that allowed for multi-outlet adapters without cords to be technically "legal." Under this change, those would be prohibited.

Royal Caribbean did not specifically say why it made this change, but since the multi-plug outlet addition was in conjunction with power strips, it's likely about mitigating fire risk.

Fire is the top concern for cruise ships, because fires can spread quickly on a ship. Power strips and outlet extenders have the potential to overload an outlet and cause a fire.

"Creating chaos"

In addition to posting on social media, some cruisers asked Royal Caribbean via social media for clarification.

One person asked Royal Caribbean's X/Twitter team if an European to 110V converter block that has USB ports built in is allowed given that it doesn’t add more plugs and isn’t corded. 

Zack from Royal Caribbean's social media team replied, "We do allow blocks that have multiple USB plugs, however, as it has an additional power outlet it wouldn't be permitted."

That answer seems to back up the idea that only devices that add additional USB ports but no additional power outlets is what this change is all about.

@NiceCarFather felt the reply didn't go far enough, "Is there a plan to post a list of acceptable and unacceptable chargers on the website?  This is creating chaos among your customer base and we’re trying to be compliant by being informed."

The person added, "saying charging blocks are permitted doesn’t tell someone whose charging block their USB-C and 110V outlet combo isn’t ok."

In another reply, Leah from the social team wrote, "Electrical Extension Cords - including power strips/surge protected strips and multi-plug outlets are NOT allowed. We do allow the multi-plug blocks on which the outputs are for USB cables."

Based on Royal Caribbean's social team replies, it appears a USB hub that lacks any electrical outlets would be allowed, such as this Anker 6 Port USB Charging Station (contains affiliate link that costs you nothing extra, but Royal Caribbean Blog will make a small commission if you purchase the item through the link).

It takes up one electrical outlet in your cabin, while providing six new USB outlets.

A single EU to American power adaptor could also be allowed, since it does not add any new outlets. 

Why outlet extenders are so important

Given how many devices people bring with them on vacation these days, having enough power outlets in a cabin has been a long-standing struggle.

Cruise ships built more than 10-15 years ago have very few outlets in the cabin.  Many of Royal Caribbean's ships built before 2010 have just two outlets in total in the cabin.

For years, cruisers have relied on cruise packing hacks to bring their own outlet extender plug to provide a safe and effective way to add more outlets.

These outlet extenders mean less contention over which device can charge first, such as phones, watches, laptops, or tablets.

Carnival will not follow Royal Caribbean's ban

If you're keeping score at home, it appears Carnival Cruise Line will not add the same ban as Royal Caribbean.

Carnival Brand Ambassador John Heald wrote on Facebook, "I read about this and we have no plans to do the same. Thank you, just remember no power strips with a surge protector are allowed."

We now know when Royal Caribbean will open up the first set of new 2026-2027 bookings.

The cruise line posted the dates the public can begin booking new cruises beyond what's currently available.

As is the case once again, Royal Caribbean will releases the new sailings in two parts: in the fall and again in the spring.

The good news is the first deployments will come out a bit earlier than usual, beginning in October.

Week of October 21, 2024

• Region: Alaska
• Sailing Time Frame: April – October 2026

Week of October 28, 2024

• Region: Europe
• Sailing Time Frame: April – October 2026

Week of November 11, 2024

• Region: Summer & Yearlong Caribbean
• Sailing Time Frame: April 2026 – April 2027

Week of November 18, 2024

• Region: Northeast
• Sailing Time Frame: April 2026 – April 2027

Week of January 27, 2025

• Region: Europe Cont.
• Sailing Time Frame: TBD

Week of February 17, 2025

• Region: Short Caribbean & West Coast
• Sailing Time Frame: April 2026 – April 2027

Week of February 24, 2025

• Region: Seasonal Caribbean
• Sailing Time Frame: April 2026 – April 2027

Week of March 31, 2025

• Region: Australia
• Sailing Time Frame: October 2026 – April 2027

TBD

• Region: China & Singapore
• Sailing Time Frame: April 2026 – April 2027

All itineraries are subject to change without notice.

If you need help translating Royal Caribbean's code for each region, here's what you need to know.

• Yearlong Caribbean: Cruise ships that are deployed all year to the Caribbean. Does not include ships that visit the Caribbean part of the year
• Northeast: Cruises that begin from New York, Baltimore, or Boston
• Europe Cont: Expect the European cruises to come in two batches.  No word on which ones will be in which batch.
• Seasonal Caribbean: Cruises that go to the Caribbean (but not from a Northeast port) that sail just part of the year.

What is a deployment schedule?

The deployment schedule is the plan for when Royal Caribbean will open select sailings for sale.

There is no indication of which day in the given week the new sailings will go on sale.  It could happen any day in that week.

Guests will commonly misconstrue the new cruises to come out on the exact day, rather than at some point during the week.

When the new sailings are available, it is common for the new itineraries to be entered into the booking system first, and the website second. This means in some cases cruises are bookable earlier if booked over the phone or with a travel agent, even if they do not appear on the website.

What should you do now to be ready to book a 2026 or 2027 cruise?

If you are in the market for a cruise during one of these new deployments, you will want to keep an eye out for once cruises go on sale.

Royal Caribbean typically allows Crown and Anchor Society members a 24 hour head start on the general public, but since anyone can sign up for Crown and Anchor Society, there is no excuse for waiting.

Talk with your travel agent in the days leading up to the new deployments coming online so you can jump on specific bookings and book them.  

One of the best strategies for the lowest prices is to book a cruise as soon as it goes on sale.  Hard-to-find staterooms are also available during this period, so now is the time to lock in a studio room or a suite.

Planning on booking a cruise in 2026-2027? These stories will help:

• What is the best time to cruise to the Caribbean?
• 7 tips for a great Mediterranean cruise
• What is the best time to cruise to Alaska?
• What is the cheapest month to go on a cruise?

Royal Caribbean has the biggest cruise ships in the world and it proves exactly why size matters.

The cruise line's fleet of 28 vessels comes in a range of sizes, with the largest ships being in the Icon Class and Oasis Class.

While you can have a great vacation on a big or small cruise ship, the world's largest cruise ships stand out for more than just their size. 

These ships feature exciting amenities you wouldn't expect to find on a cruise ship, from waterparks and ice skating rinks to immersive dining experiences.

Unique events and venues on these ships continue to draw people in, even 15 years after the first Oasis Class vessel debuted.

Read more: Royal Caribbean CEO explains why mega cruise ships are so popular 15 years after their inception

Let's dive into what makes Royal Caribbean's 5 biggest mega-ships so special. 

5. Harmony of the Seas

Gross Tonnage: 226,963 GRT

Length: 1,188 feet long

Passengers: 5,479 (double occupancy)

When she was launched in 2016, Harmony of the Seas was the biggest cruise ship in the world. 

As another iteration in the ground-breaking Oasis Class, Harmony both continued and expanded on the mega-ship concept.

Read more: See how Royal Caribbean ships stack up by size (2024)

The vessel is split into seven neighborhoods:

• Central Park
• Boardwalk
• Royal Promenade
• Pool and Sports Zone
• Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center
• Entertainment Place
• Youth Zone

Each area focuses on a different attraction, allowing like-minded cruisers to join together in one location. These neighborhoods hint at exciting features you can only experience on a Royal Caribbean mega-ship.

Read more: What’s the difference between a large and small cruise ship?

Harmony of the Seas features the 10-story Ultimate Abyss dry slide, Splashaway Bay kid's waterpark, an ice skating rink, the AquaTheater, Perfect Storm waterslides, ziplines, Flowrider surf simulator, Bionic Bar, Rising Tide Bar, and rock climbing.

The ship also offers 20 dining venues, including popular choices such as Jamie's Italian, Izumi, Chop's Grille, and Johnny Rockets.

4. Symphony of the Seas

Gross Tonnage: 228,081 GRT

Length: 1,188 feet long

Passengers: 5,518 (double occupancy)

Symphony of the Seas debuted in 2018. As the fourth Oasis Class ship, her success proved just how popular Royal Caribbean's mega-ships are.

Symphony of the Seas features the same seven neighborhoods as Harmony of the Seas, with a stellar Central Park that grows 20,700 live plants.

The vessel also added a laser tag experience—the Battle for Planet Z—and an escape room for even more onboard activities. 

If a family is looking for the best Royal Caribbean ship and also looking for a luxurious accommodation, they can stay in the Ultimate Family Suite, a 1,346-square-foot cabin.

Popular features also include the Ultimate Abyss dry slide, Perfect Storm waterslides, AquaTheater, FlowRider surf simulator, Bionic Bar, and rock climbing wall. 

Popular dining venues include Hooked Seafood, Wonderland, Izumi Sushi and Hibachi, and more.

The mega-ship also features a Broadway-level production of Hairspray!

3. Wonder of the Seas

Gross Tonnage: 236,857 GRT

Length: 1,188 feet long

Passengers: 5,734 (double occupancy)

In 2022, Wonder of the Seas was released as the next Oasis Class ship.

Royal Caribbean went above and beyond by adding an eighth neighborhood to the popular Oasis Class format. 

The Suite neighborhood on Wonder of the Seas provides a private, exclusive experience for suite guests, with its own plunge pool, bar, Coastal Kitchen venue, and Suite Lounge.

In addition to a luxury neighborhood focused on suite guests, Wonder also has the classic Oasis Class amenities, such as a stellar AquaTheater show, water slides, the Ultimate Abyss dry slide, laser tag, rock climbing walls, FlowRider surf simulator, zip line, carousel, Splashaway Bay, and arcade.

Wonder of the Seas features the Effector II show, a sequel to the popular, most technologically advanced show in the cruise industry.

Read more: Boardwalk vs. Surfside: What to expect in Royal Caribbean's family neighborhood

She was also the first vessel to feature the specialty Southern comfort food venue, the Mason Jar.

2. Utopia of the Seas

Gross Tonnage: 236,860 GRT

Length: 1,188 feet long

Passengers: 5,668 (double occupancy)

Just launched in July 2024, Utopia of the Seas continued Royal Caribbean's reputation for breaking records. She became the biggest Oasis Class ship released thus far, beating out Wonder of the Seas by 3 gross tons.

Utopia was also the first mega-ship to debut by offering short sailings, focusing on becoming "The World's Biggest Weekend."

The ship features 8 distinct neighborhoods, 21 dining venues, 5 pools, and 8 hot tubs.

She introduced several innovations to the Oasis Class, such as outdoor seating in Giovanni's, a brand-new bar called the Pesky Parrot, a multi-story Lime and Coconut Bar, The Spare Tire food truck/eatery, and an extended Ultimate Abyss dry slide. 

One of the must-see highlights on Utopia of the Seas is the Royal Railway dining experience, an immersive, train-car-themed specialty restaurant.

1. Icon of the Seas

Gross Tonnage: 250,800 GRT

Length: 1,198 feet long

Passengers: 5,610 (double occupancy)

Icon of the Seas became the largest cruise ship in the world upon her debut in 2024.

She is the first ship in the Icon Class, introducing an entirely new way of cruising, with brand-new dining venues and bars.

The mega-ship features 8 neighborhoods in a completely unique layout:

• AquaDome
• Central Park
• Surfside
• Royal Promenade
• Chill Island
• Thrill Island
• The Hideaway
• Suite Neighborhood

She introduced many unique features, some of which will continue in subsequent Icon Class ships.

The Pearl, for example, is a unique art installation and sensory experience guests can walk through.

Icon also introduced the complimentary AquaDome Market, the cruise line's first food hall, which serves five unique types of cuisine: mac 'n' cheese, Asian food, soups and sandwiches, crepes, and Mediterranean bowls.

Destination elevators also first came out on Icon of the Seas, solving the issues of crowding and long wait times previously experienced on Oasis Class ships.

Read more: Icon of the Seas size comparison

Not only did guests receive an upgraded adventure onboard, but crew members did, as well. The cruise line listened to employees about what they needed to develop a new, crew-only neighborhood.