Royal Caribbean Blog

Royal Caribbean isn't done revealing new features coming to Utopia of the Seas.

Its potentially last Oasis Class cruise ship is about a year away, and we know of a new dining concept coming to the ship.

While aboard the President's Cruise sailing on Allure of the Seas, Royal Caribbean's Senior Vice President and Chief Product Innovation Officer Jay Schneider, gave a presentation about Utopia of the Seas.

According to Mr. Schneider, Utopia of the Seas will feature The Spare Tire, the line’s first food truck-style eatery.

It will be located on the pool deck, and Royal Caribbean previously disclosed it would serve up, "handheld favorites".

Royal Caribbean's plan for the pool deck is to create a resort-style experience that draws guests to a relaxing day. The five pools on Utopia provide both lowkey and upbeat fun.

There will be resort-style and sloping beach-entry pools, including the three pools and three Lime & Coconut bars at the center of the pool deck. 

This is second all-new dining experience revealed coming to Utopia of the Seas.

Previously, Royal Caribbean announced a new immersive dining experience that will create a classic train car motif that serves meals.

Inside the faux train cars, which will be decorated and built to the specifications of actual train cars, diners will encounter a handful of tables placed next to windows with digital displays, where footage of destinations will flash by.

It will be located on deck 4 where Izumi is located on other Oasis Class ships.

More Utopia of the Seas dining

We also know about a number of other restaurants coming to Utopia of the Seas. In fact, Utopia will have more than 20 dining options.

Izumi and Izumi in the Park will be located in Central Park, featuring a convenient, new window that serves up fresh sushi and Japanese-inspired sweets. Next door is a reimagined Izumi restaurant, with double the teppanyaki tables and new al fresco seating.

Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar spans two stories and has a menu of authentic Italian dishes. There's even a new outside terrace – Gio’s Terrazza – that overlooks the Boardwalk neighborhood.

El Loco Fresh and Cantina Fresca will have Mexican-inspired street food and drinks.

Solarium Bistro is a returning restaurant concept open for all meals that serves up Mediterranean food and salads.

More returning favorites on the menu include The Mason Jar Southern Restaurant & Bar, Windjammer buffet, Hooked Seafood, and Chops Grille.

Launching in July 2024

Utopia of the Seas will debut in July 2024 and enter service offering short cruises to The Bahamas from Port Canaveral, Florida.

Royal Caribbean will change its traditional playbook by starting off a new cruise ship with just short cruises, which the line hopes will capitalize on the short cruise market.

The inaugural voyage is scheduled for July 22, 2024.

Two kids were photographed sitting on the balcony of their cruise ship.

The blatant breaking of safety rules for cruise ships demonstrates how passengers doing things they're not supposed to do has the greatest potential for injury.

The unidentified kids are seen sitting on top of the balcony in their cabin, having climbed up on the balcony railing first.

The photo was posted on Facebook in a cruising group, with the photo attributed to Liz Pride.

The Carnival Cruise Line Miami blog posted the caption, "Where are the parents?" inferring a lack of supervision.

It's not clear which cruise ship this photo was taken from, but it certainly resembles Royal Caribbean's Radiance Class ships.

One reader believes it is from Serenade of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean's guest-conduct policy says, "Sitting, standing, laying or climbing on, over or across any exterior or interior railings or other protective barriers, or tampering with ship's equipment, facilities or systems designed for guest safety is not permitted." 

Breaking the rules can result in being kicked off the ship at the next port.

In past similar incidents, guests have not only been kicked off the ship but also banned for life from the cruise line.

A woman that stood on her balcony railing in 2019 was banned for life.

Cruise fans incensed

As soon as the photo started making rounds online, cruise fans were outraged at both the behavior of the kids, as well as the lack of supervision by the parents.

Kelly Hatfield-Lampton wrote, "And THAT is how people fall overboard."

Lisa Babcock wrote, "OMG!! Hello!! Where are the parents??"

Many could barely look at the photo because it made their scared just thinking about the possibilities, "I am getting anxious just looking at this picture," said Danielle Benton.

Tanya Walker said, "Perfect example of how you go overboard in a ship!"

Major potential for harm

What the kids did in this photo was incredibly dangerous, and the sort of reckless behavior that gives the cruise industry a bad name.

Cruise ships are designed to have balcony railings at such a height that prevents someone from accidently slipping and falling over. These railings are right around chest height on the average person on open deck areas and cabin balconies. They are placed intentionally to ensure passenger safety.

The risk of fall only occurs when someone is doing something they're not supposed to, such as climbing on furniture to access the top of the railing.

Accidental overboard situations occur when the safety precautions are bypassed. This can occur because someone is inebriated, or simply attempts a stunt.

In other situations, some people choose to jump off a ship purposefully in order to cause themselves intentional physical harm.

Given how close it is to the major cruise ports, The Bahamas is a very popular cruise year-round destination. Ships visit tropical ports as well as cruise line private islands.

Deciding the best month to cruise to the Bahamas is dependent on a few factors, such as weather, price, and crowds. You might also want to know will it be too crowded in the summer or rainy in the winter? When is the cheapest time to sail to the Bahamas?

Even if you are not taking a cruise specifically to The Bahamas, there is a good chance that you spend at least one day of your 7-night Caribbean cruise here. Often, Royal Caribbean will include a stop at their private island Perfect Day at CocoCay on their longer Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries that sail to ports like Cozumel, Roatán, St. Maarten, and St. Thomas.  

Best time to cruise based on weather

Since The Bahamas is located further north than most Caribbean ports (think Jamaica and St. Maarten), the islands are more prone to temperature fluctuation. In fact, The Bahamas is not even located within the Caribbean. 

The driest weather can be expected between November and April, with the wettest months being June through September, which is also Atlantic hurricane season. 

While hurricane season officially runs from June 1 to November 30, you are most likely to encounter storms in August and September. Do not let this stop you from booking a cruise during this time, though. If a storm does pop up, the cruise ship captain will do everything they can to ensure smooth sailing, meaning that it is more common for itineraries to be changed instead of being flat out cancelled. 

If cruising in the winter -- think December and January -- you might be subject to colder temperatures due to the possibility of a cold front. When this occurs, the seas will get a little rougher than usual, and temperatures will be in the 60s and 70s. 

In January, for instance, the average high in Nassau is in the high 70s, while the average low drops to the mid 60s. 

Earlier this year, I sailed to CocoCay twice in January. Both times, the weather was not as warm as I would have preferred. Once I got in the water, I had to stay submerged, otherwise the wind chill made it uncomfortably chilly!

When I returned mid-February, though, it was pleasant, and I did not mind sitting in my swimsuit, rather than feeling like I had to bundle up in a towel to hang out on the beach. 

The weather is subject to change; however, the months of March, April, May and November are the most likely to see comfortable temperatures with the least chance of rain. 

Best time to cruise based on crowds 

The Bahamas is a popular cruise port and tourist destination year-round. On February 27, 2023, Nassau set a new single-day record with 28,554 cruise ship passengers in port in a single day!

Regardless of when you choose to sail, you are likely going to be in port with more than one ship. In fact, thanks to Nassau's recent port expansion, they are now able to accommodate 30,000 cruise passengers per day. By the end of 2024, it is estimated that Nassau will see four million cruise visitors.

The busiest times of year coincide with American school holidays. Not only will ships be sailing close to maximum capacity, but the island's themselves (excluding CocoCay) will also see more tourists. These holidays include spring and summer break, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's. Three day weekends, such as Memorial Day and Labor Day, are subject to seeing more crowds, too.

Best time to cruise based on price

While you should never book the cheapest cruise you can find without doing additional research, you can find great deals on cruises to The Bahamas, especially those that are only 3- and 4-nights. The price per night will be more expensive than longer cruises, but the overall cost will be lower.

At the time of writing, a 3-night sailing on Allure of the Seas is advertised at $282 per person for The Bahamas cruise that leaves on November 1, 2024. In comparison, a 7-night Bahamas & Perfect Day cruise onboard Radiance of the Seas starts at $565 per person. This amounts to a difference of roughly $15 per day, before taxes, port fees, and gratuities are even added, for the shorter cruise. 

You are more likely to find a cheaper sailing if you cruise during the following times: 

• January (with the exception of New Years' week and Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend)
• February (with the exception of Presidents' Day Weekend)
• May 
• September

• October
• First two weeks of November
• First two weeks of December 

March and April see an increase in pricing due to spring break, while three day weekends (i.e., Presidents' Day) are popular since they require one less day off of work.

A 4-night cruise onboard Allure of the Seas that departs on February 19, 2024 (Presidents' Day) is currently priced at $543 per person for two guests staying in an interior cabin. If you sailed two weeks earlier on February 5, you could book a balcony cabin for roughly the same price!

Other factors that will impact your price include the stateroom category you choose, as well as the age of the ship. Sailings on the brand-new Utopia of the Seas, for instance, will be more expensive than those on Allure of the Seas. 

Of course, the best way to ensure that you are getting the best price on your cruise vacation is to book it as soon in advance as possible. If you notice that the fare does drop, you can either consult your travel agent or call Royal Caribbean, and they will honor the lower price. If you book after a price increase, however, there is no way for you to get price that you missed out on. 

Related: How to get the best cruise deals: 15 easy tips

What is the best time to take a cruise to the Bahamas?

When taking into consideration the weather, crowds, and cost of the cruise fare, the most ideal time to sail to The Bahamas is either May or early November. 

In regard to the weather, the average high and low in Nassau during the month May are in the mid-80s and mid-70s. November tends to be similar, with the average being a few degrees colder than in the spring. Either way, you will avoid the peak humidity and high temperatures that accompany sailing in the summer months. 

Similarly, both May and early November fall outside of the peak season for crowds. While neither the cruise nor port of Nassau will be empty, there will be fewer travelers than in the summer since the majority of American families will be preoccupied with school and other obligations. 

Fewer crowds means that there is less demand, too. Less demand means a decrease in cruise fares, which is great for those looking to sail on a budget or stretch their vacation fund as far as possible. 

You cannot go wrong with a cruise to The Bahamas, though, regardless of when you are able to sail! Just make sure you do your research in advance, so you know what to expect. 

Celebrity Cruises revealed the dining experiences for its next new cruise ship, Celebrity Ascent.

Ascent will launch later this year and be the next in the Edge Class of cruise ships.

While this will be the fourth in the class, Celebrity will have some culinary differences from other ships.

Celebrity Ascent will feature redesigned restaurants, immersive dinners, expanded food and drink menus, including a new whiskey tasting, and a plant-based multi-course dinner.

Here's a look at the dining choices you can expect on Celebrity Ascent when she launches.

Le Voyage

The second installment of Le Voyage will be opened on Celebrity Ascent.

Le Voyage is the creation of world-renowned-chef Daniel Boulud, and it provides guests with fine dining from his favorite places around the world. 

There will be an all-new design to the restaurant featuring a new chandelier, captivating neutrals, plush banquet seating, and gold tones throughout.

Guests will experience a global menu crafted by Chef Boulud himself that offers dishes from his personal travels and favorite places around the world.

There is also a Chef's Table option to rent out a private, 6-seat dining room that treats diners to a multi-course tasting dinner complete with exceptional wine pairings. 

Eden

The iconic Eden venue found on all Edge Class ships will have three levels of sensory experiences completely wrapped in floor-to-ceiling windows. 

You'll find a casual lunch café, a cocktail bar, an entertainment space, an outdoor terrace and a signature restaurant in just one venue.

The signature restaurant will have a new seven-course plant-based tasting menu. Each dish features ingredients that have been sourced from their original place of origin and presented in the most natural state.

Menu highlights include dishes like the Golden Beet-Tomato Ceviche, Ajoblanco Panna Cotta, Roasted and Glazed Celeriac Steak, and Dry Rose Petals Masala Curry. Enjoyed as a tasting menu, or a la carte, diners can also opt for organic and vegan wine pairings. 

Main Dining Rooms

All Edge Class ships have four main dining restaurants instead of one main dining room, with each offering a different style of cuisine and signature dishes.

Ascent will have these dining rooms:

• New American cuisine at Cosmopolitan restaurant
• Mediterranean at Cyprus
• French contemporary at Normandie
• Italian at Tuscan

The Cosmopolitan will have a new design inspired by the culture of champagne, featuring a new layout and seating throughout. 

Combined, the four main dining restaurants offer travelers more than 84 different dishes to choose from. 

More specialty dining

You'll still find other great dining choices at Le Petit Chef, Fine Cut and Blu.

At Le Petit Chef, each dinner features a multi-course menu that is brought to life by colorful and fun animations of a tiny chef who tells the story behind each dish. Each course’s animation ends with a digital version of the dish, followed by the real-life dish placed seamlessly in front of the diner for a wow-worthy experience.

Some new to Ascent will be an all-new four-course dining show told in the style of a fairytale as the tiny chef comes across a mysterious magical cookbook with whimsical recipes full of surprises. 

At Fine Cut Steakhouse, there will be a new dish – the Lemon Poached Lobster Tail with melted leeks, shiitake mushrooms, lobster ravioli and a house made beurre Blanc sauce.

Guest staying in Aqua Class can dine al fresco for breakfast or dinner in Blu’s new outdoor terrace space.

New Drink Offerings

Ascent will have a new exclusive partnership with WhistlePig Whiskey. Ascent will feature two hand-selected barrels made exclusively for Celebrity Cruises. A

vailable at Craft Social, guests can enjoy a Special Bespoke Barrel Aged 12 Years and Special Single Barrel Aged 10 Years, either as a la carte options or as part of a tasting flight that also features WhistlePig PiggyBack 100 Proof Bourbon (Aged 6 Years), WhistlePig 10, and WhistlePig 12. 

Wine aficionados will be happy to know three of Celebrity Ascent’s venues were recognized at the 2023 Wine Spectator Awards, with Le Voyage and Tuscan being recipients of the “Best Of” Award of Excellence, and Fine Cut becoming an Award of Excellence winner.

The Grand Plaza Martini Bar is situated under The Chandelier, a breathtaking light fixture-meets-art installation that comes alive each night during the iconic Flair Bartender Shows.

The Martini Bar on Ascent will feature an expanded new menu, offering classic martinis, fruit-infused creations, and tantalizing desert martinis. 

Sailing in November 2023

Celebrity Ascent will hold 3,260 passengers at double occupancy. 

Celebrity Ascent will begin cruises at the end of November 2023 from Fort Lauderdale's Port Everglades for its inaugural Caribbean season. 

There will be a 4- and 3-night preview sailing on November 22, 2023 and then November 26, 2023.  Ascent will then begin with her maiden 7-night Caribbean sailing on December 3, 2023.

One of the most intriguing questions out there is if Royal Caribbean will ever build a smaller cruise ship.

Royal Caribbean is known for its big ships, and the line has steadily been building bigger and bigger cruise ships over the last two decades.

While the new massive ships certainly garner a lot of attention because of how big they are, there is still a role that smaller cruise ships can play.

Speaking at the the President's Cruise event on Allure of the Seas on Monday, Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley answered a question from the audience regarding a smaller ship.

Haley Evans from Living Adventures Travel Agency, shared a video clip of Mr. Bayley being asked about a smaller ship.

"We are excited about Icon, but we were wondering the other ports where you can't have these large ships at, are you going to make other smaller ships."

Mr. Bayley was quick to admit that the smaller vessels in the fleet are starting to show their age.

"We recognize that we have classes of ships now that are, you know, getting a little up there in the years," he responded.

While he didn't mention them, the Vision Class and Radiance Class cruise ships are the smallest of Royal Caribbean's ships and usually get sent to ports that can't handle big ships.

The first Vision Class ship was launched in 1995 and can accommodate around 2400 - 2700 passengers. Depending on the ship, they range between 73,817 GT and 82,910 GT.

The Radiance Class can also handle around 2400 - 2700 passengers and are 90,090 GT.

As for if Royal Caribbean had plans to replace these ships, or simply build new smaller ships, he was non-committal. 

"It is something that's certainly deeply in our consideration and our planning at the moment that we have a lot of conceptual work going on."

"I think when we're ready we can we can announce steps that will take to to do just that."

He went on to talk about the fact Royal Caribbean is always looking to the future, and new ideas are constantly being considered.

"The brand has always been in kind of growth mode and we've always been building and engineering and designing new classes of ships," Mr. Bayley explained.

He then was sure to say nothing is confirmed at this time, "It's very much in the forefront of our minds. We understand that we need to think and act on this."

"But we're in no position to make any statements or comments about it for obvious reasons."

Royal Caribbean's official order sheet only has the three Icon Class cruise ships and Utopia of the Seas ordered.  There are no other orders placed for Royal Caribbean International ships according to Royal Caribbean Group filings with the  U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Discovery Class rumor

Mr. Bayley's comments seem to indicate they are at the very least thinking about what the future may hold, but he certainly did not comment or allude to a long-running rumor for a new smaller ship.

For years, cruise ship passengers have heard from crew members on Royal Caribbean vessels refer to a new class of smaller ships, known as the Discovery Class or Project Discovery.

It's been a rumor circulating among cruise fans for years. As late as May 2023, the Captain of Radiance of the Seas said a new ship and class similar in size to the Radiance was being planned to be named Discovery of the Seas.

Whether or not these rumors come to fruition of not, the idea of a smaller ship coming in the near future is of great interest to cruise fans.

Royal Caribbean announced they will go to Europe for their next President's Cruise.

While onboard the 2023 President's Cruise, Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley announced the dates and location for the 2024 President's Cruise.

Last year, he asked for a vote between a Caribbean cruise on Allure from Galveston or a European cruise, in which the crowd responded Allure. This year, they had a video prepared during the announcement. 

Prior to the video, though, he asked the crowd their guess on which ship the cruise would be on. He gave a hint stating that they had already had President's Cruises onboard 60% of the fleet. 

Photo credit to Jon Evans

"We go there every several years because we have a lot of Crown & Anchor from there, and they always said, 'You always do your cruises in America. Why don't do you do one in the Mediterranean,'" said Bayley. 

"This is when we really go to town on that European thing." 

The 2024 President's Cruise will take place on Oasis of the Seas on the June 23, 2024. The 7-night Western Mediterranean cruise will depart from Barcelona, Spain and visit Palma De Mallorca, Spain; Florence/Pisa (La Spezia), Italy; Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy; and Naples / Capri, Italy. 

What is a President's Cruise?

A Royal Caribbean President's Cruise is a regular sailing that anyone is eligible to book, but it is a great opportunity for Royal Caribbean fans who want to go on a sailing together. 

The cruise is hotel by Michael Bayley, the President and CEO of Royal Caribbean. Essentially, it is a fun celebration of the cruise line for all loyal guests.

In the past, there have been special events, such as celebrity musicians, who have made appearances onboard. This year's cruise included an unforgettable live performance by the ten-time Grammy winner Chaka Khan. 

Additionally, there are tons of surprises and commemorative opportunities for those onboard. 

Some of the most loyal Royal Caribbean fans can be found onboard President's Cruises, making them a kind of reunion amongst fans. 

What to expect onboard Oasis of the Seas

Oasis of the Seas is the namesake ship of the Oasis Class, which has held the world record for the largest cruise ships in the world since her inaugural cruise in December 2009. The title for largest cruise ship class in the world will be taken by the highly-anticipated Icon of the Seas in January 2024. 

Oasis Class ships are some of the best for large family vacations, as they offer an extensive amount of amenities and activities to appeal to travelers of all ages. 

She was the first ship in the world to feature interior facing balconies, as well as the beloved neighborhood concept. For the first time, guests could book balconies that overlooked the ship's Boardwalk and Central Park neighborhoods for less than a traditional oceanfront balcony. 

Additionally, she was the first to introduce the one-of-a-kind AquaTheater. Located in the aft of the ship in the Boardwalk neighborhood, this entrainment venue is home to high diving spectaculars the feature dancers, acrobats, and, of course, divers who take the plunge into the deepest pool at sea. 

In 2019, she underwent the cruise line's Royal Amplification program, receiving $165 million in enhancements, including the Ultimate Abyss, Perfect Storm waterslides, upgraded Caribbean-style pool deck, and new dining venues, one of which -- Portside BBQ -- is exclusive to Oasis of the Seas. This specialty restaurant serves a variety of barbecued meats and comfort food. 

Should you cruise to Alaska on an old or new cruise ship?

Royal Caribbean sends four cruise ships to Alaska each summer. Two Radiance Class ships, Radiance of the Seas and Brilliance of the Seas, sail from Vancouver, whereas Quantum of the Seas and Ovation of the Seas, two Quantum Class vessels, offer cruises from Seattle.

Throughout the past two summers, I’ve sailed on both old (Radiance Class) and new (Quantum Class) cruise ships to Alaska. Despite the fact that these ships belong to the same cruise line, the overall cruise experience can differ greatly.

Everything from dining to entertainment, itineraries, and cruise cabins vary based on a ship’s age, and these differences were evident during my time onboard.

If you’re planning a cruise to Alaska, it’s helpful to have an idea of what to expect on an older versus newer cruise ship.

After sailing on the oldest and newest ships to Alaska, here’s how they compare.

Last summer, I cruised on Radiance of the Seas to Alaska, which was launched in 2001. I paid $1,146 for a 7-night cruise.

Last summer I found an insanely cheap deal to Alaska at the last minute. I paid only $1,146 for 2 adults in an interior cabin, including taxes and fees.

This brought the daily cost to just $81 per person, a steal considering what is included in your Royal Caribbean cruise fare.

Last month, I cruised on Quantum of the Seas to Alaska, which was launched in 2014. I paid $1,856 for a 7-night cruise.

I recently returned from another Alaska cruise, a 7-night sailing on Quantum of the Seas, the first ship in Royal Caribbean’s Quantum Class.

Quantum of the Seas is not the newest Royal Caribbean ship sailing to Alaska—that title is earned by Ovation of the Seas, built in 2016. However, the two ships are nearly identical in every aspect, from ship design to cabins and dining venues.

In total, I paid $1,856 for 2 adults in an interior cabin, including taxes and fees. This brought the daily cost per person to $132.

My Radiance of the Seas cruise left from Vancouver, Canada, whereas Quantum of the Seas set sail from Seattle, Washington.

There are two main embarkation ports for Alaska cruises: Vancouver and Seattle.

Royal Caribbean homeports Radiance Class ships in Vancouver each summer due to their smaller size, which enables them to fit under Vancouver’s Lions Gate Bridge. Although Quantum Class ships can fit under the bridge at low tide, this is not conducive to cruise ship itineraries.

Most Americans will find sailing from Seattle more convenient than Vancouver, as there are more direct flights to Seattle from US airports compared to Vancouver. Not only that, but flights to Seattle may also be cheaper, and those driving to the cruise port will not have to cross the border.

Related: Guide to Seattle cruise port for Alaska cruises

Nonetheless, sailing from Vancouver offers other benefits. Because the cruise starts in Canada, Alaska cruises from Vancouver do not need to make a port stop in Victoria, British Columbia on the itinerary. This means guests can visit more ports in Alaska on a 7-night cruise compared to those departing Seattle.

Plus, some cruises from Vancouver are one-way itineraries, which allow passengers to end their cruise in Seward, Alaska instead of returning to Vancouver. Many passengers choose these itineraries so that they can spend extra time in Alaska’s interior before flying home.

Personally, I found sailing from Seattle more convenient during my Quantum of the Seas cruise because I could book a direct flight. That being said, I thoroughly enjoyed exploring Vancouver before Radiance of the Seas and preferred the one-way, port-intensive itinerary of the sailing.

Quantum of the Seas has a more innovative design compared to the traditional design of Radiance of the Seas.

Of all Royal Caribbean ships, I find the Quantum Class to be the most beautiful. Royal Caribbean incorporated a modern, sleek design with these vessels, putting a focus on elegant, open spaces both indoors and outdoors.

Related: 7 things Royal Caribbean got right with Quantum Class ships

I loved the tall ceilings and wide open spaces on Quantum of the Seas, from the multi-story Two70 entertainment venue to the two-deck Royal Esplanade. The passenger flow on a new, modern cruise ship is much more efficient compared to that on old cruise ships.

Radiance of the Seas, as an older ship, has a traditional cruise ship design. The hub of the ship is an indoor, multi-story atrium, which is essentially a large elevator lobby with bars, shopping, and areas like Guest Services spread throughout the decks.

I am not a huge fan of the ship’s atrium design—not only did it feel cramped, but sound traveled easier in the small space, leading to a lack of quiet spaces on the ship.

My cabin on Quantum of the Seas was far more modern and spacious than that on Radiance of the Seas.

Your cabin becomes your home away from home on a cruise, and I loved my cozy interior room Quantum of the Seas.

When I opened the door to my stateroom for the first time, I was pleased to see my interior cabin had a full-sized couch in the back of the cabin, which gave the room two distinct (albeit small) areas: a living room and bedroom.

In addition, my cabin boasted modern decor and color schemes. Despite the ship being nearly a decade old, the cabin still fit today’s trends. Plus, having a virtual balcony in the room was an added benefit, as I could watch a live feed from outside of the ship during the sailing.

My Radiance of the Seas cabin, on the other hand, left something to be desired. There was far less storage in the room compared to that on Quantum of the Seas, yet the room’s layout still felt more cramped.

The cabin’s decor and upholstery was not necessarily outdated, but it wasn’t the most contemporary, either. Given the ship’s age, there were far fewer outlets in the cabin, which made charging electronics more difficult throughout the week.

Quantum of the Seas had more complimentary restaurant options than Radiance of the Seas, which made dining more convenient.

During my Radiance of the Seas cruise, I mainly ate at either the Main Dining Room or Windjammer buffet. There were just two other complimentary dining options: Park Cafe and the Dog House, both of which had limited options.

Quantum of the Seas had a far greater variety of complimentary dining options. Although I still ate the majority of my meals at either the Main Dining Room or Windjammer, I enjoyed having extra options.

The Solarium Bistro on Quantum of the Seas is one of my favorite dining venues onboard. For breakfast and lunch, this venue offers buffet-style dining, and even though there are fewer choices than the Windjammer, there are significantly less crowds.

Related: Top Ten Royal Caribbean Dining Tips

I also enjoy dining at Cafe @ Two70 on Quantum Class ships. This grab-and-go spot serves breakfast and lunch and has some of the best soups, salads, and sandwiches you’ll find on the ship. Like the Solarium Bistro, this dining venue is far less crowded compared to the Windjammer.

You can also find a standalone Sorrento’s Pizza restaurant on Quantum of the Seas along with grab-and-go snacks at Cafe Promenade, hot dogs at SeaPlex Dog House, and quick-service lunch food at Noodle Bar on the pool deck.

I wouldn’t necessarily pick one ship over the other just for the dining options, but expect to eat at the Main Dining Room and Windjammer more on an older ship if you don’t want to buy a dining package for specialty restaurants.

Both ships had excellent indoor spaces for watching Alaska’s scenery.

One of the things I look for most when picking a ship for an Alaska cruise is the amount of indoor spaces around the ship from where I can watch Alaska’s scenery.

I was recently left disappointed after a 7-night Princess cruise to Alaska when I realized the ship was ill designed for cold weather. There was no indoor pool and hardly any lounges to watch the scenery, meaning I had to stand outside in the cold anytime I wanted to enjoy the views.

Related: Royal Caribbean vs Princess Cruise to Alaska: which cruise line is better?

Fortunately, I find that Royal Caribbean designs their ships adequately for cold weather, and you will find an abundance of indoor spaces on both old and new ships cruising to the Last Frontier.

On Radiance of the Seas I loved watching scenery from the Viking Crown Lounge, a venue with panoramic views at the top of the ship. Views were unparalleled from the lounge, and it offered the perfect, heated space to relax while watching glaciers, mountains, and wildlife pass by.

Radiance Class ships are built with over three acres of glass on each ship, so there were plenty more indoor areas to enjoy as well. The Champagne Bar offered tall, floor-to-ceiling glass windows on the ship’s starboard side, and bars like the Schooner Bar and Singapore Sling’s were also designed with ocean views in mind.

Related: I’ve been on every class of Royal Caribbean ships: here’s what I like about each

On Quantum of the Seas, my favorite place to watch the views was the Solarium. While all Royal Caribbean ships have an adults-only Solarium, I find the Solarium on Quantum Class ships to be the most beautiful.

This large pool space has windows in nearly every direction; along with the comfy seating, there’s arguably no better place to sip a cocktail with a view onboard.

Families with kids may prefer the activities on Quantum of the Seas, from a surfing simulator to indoor sports court.

If you’re cruising with kids to Alaska, I’d recommend sailing on Quantum of the Seas over Radiance of the Seas.

As a Quantum Class ship, Quantum of the Seas is packed with kid-friendly activities.

Onboard you’ll find an indoor Sports Court called the SeaPlex. Here you’ll find both free play and organized sports activities such as basketball, pickleball, soccer, and volleyball, as well as bumper cars and rollerskating.

The SeaPlex also has video games, ping pong tables, and arcade games for guests of all ages.

Outside the SeaPlex are more kid friendly activities, including a rock climbing wall, FlowRider surf simulator, and RipCord by iFLY indoor skydiving simulator.

Related: Best Royal Caribbean ships for kids

Radiance of the Seas has a few kid-friendly activities—a rock climbing wall, mini golf course, and small aqua park—but far less than what you’ll find on a Quantum Class ship.

Another benefit of Quantum of the Seas over Radiance of the Seas is that the ship has an indoor pool for all ages, not just for adults. In addition to the adults-only Solarium is a separate indoor pool that both kids and adults can access.

The only indoor pool on Radiance of the Seas is in the adults-only Solarium. The ship does have select hours where kids can access the pool, but they are relatively limited.

There’s no harm in picking a Radiance Class ship for an Alaska cruise, and your kids will still, more than likely, have a whole lot of fun onboard. Nonetheless, it’s hard to deny that Quantum of the Seas offers a more kid-friendly experience overall than Radiance of the Seas.

I preferred the entertainment on Quantum of the Seas, but Radiance of the Seas still offered varied entertainment options.

As far as entertainment, I think Quantum of the Seas has a slight edge over Radiance of the Seas. Shows on the vessel were more modern than those on Radiance of the Seas, both in story concept and technology integration.

I attended just one production show on Radiance of the Seas, Piano Man, and while the cast were talented, nothing wowed me about the show’s storyline. If anything, I thought it seemed geared toward passengers of an older age demographic.

In comparison, the production of Starwater on Quantum of the Seas blew me away. Located in the ship’s technology-focused Two70 venue, this performance featured innovative stages, animated projections on the venue’s walls, and moving television screens to enhance the performance by the singers and dancers.

It was a modern, top-notch performance with a production quality that simply cannot be matched on an older ship.

Outside of production shows, both ships have live music at the pub and Schooner Bar along with other bands and performers, whether a comedian or jazz band.

While not traditional entertainment, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the indoor movie theater on Radiance of the Seas. If you’re in the mood for a chill evening, there’s no better place to spend it than in the cinema, where you can watch movies free of charge.

Movies are also shown on Quantum of the Seas, but they are shown on the pool deck, which isn’t conducive to the cold weather on an Alaska cruise.

My Radiance of the Seas cruise had a more in-depth Alaska itinerary compared to Quantum of the Seas.

As far as itineraries go, Royal Caribbean’s older ships almost always have more in-depth itineraries compared to newer ships, and this holds true in Alaska as well.

My Radiance of the Seas cruise was a one-way itinerary in which I departed from Vancouver, British Columbia and ended the cruise in Seward, Alaska. Traveling in one direction allowed the ship to stop at more ports in Alaska along the way, as well as include a scenic cruise near Hubbard Glacier.

Related: Royal Caribbean Alaska cruise guide

And, by ending the cruise in Seward, Alaska, passengers could choose to extend their vacation by visiting destinations in the state’s interior, such as Denali National Park & Preserve.

Quantum of the Seas still offers a nice itinerary, but when Alaska cruises depart from Seattle, they must include a stop in Canada before returning back to the United States. Therefore, my itinerary had to stop in Victoria, British Columbia.

I thoroughly enjoyed my day in Victoria, but I would have preferred visiting another port in Alaska—the itinerary only visited three Alaska ports as opposed to the four I visited on Radiance of the Seas.

Overall, you can’t go wrong with either ship for an Alaska cruise, but be sure to weigh the pros and cons of each before choosing one over the other.

There’s no right or wrong ship choice for an Alaska cruise, so it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of each before booking your vacation.

For most people, visiting Alaska is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and it makes sense to get the most out of your weeklong cruise. Booking a ship from Vancouver means you will not have to stop in Canada during the itinerary, allowing you to see even more of Alaska’s beauty throughout the week.

Plus, a ship like Radiance of the Seas offers one-way cruises, something you won’t find on newer vessels sailing to Alaska.

Nevertheless, it’s tough to beat the modernity and variety of activities offered on Quantum of the Seas. Whether you’re cruising with a 5-year old or 80-year old, there’s truly something for everyone on Royal Caribbean’s newest ships, from dining to entertainment and amenities.

While I would say I prefer the overall experience on Quantum of the Seas more than that on Radiance of the Seas, I wouldn’t hesitate to book an older ship for Alaska again.

Happy Sunday! We hope you are having a great weekend! Now it’s time to sit back, relax, and catch up on all the Royal Caribbean news from the week!

When Icon of the Seas debuts in January, she's going to change the cruise industry.

Not only will Icon be larger than any other cruise ship, but she's going to introduce a variety of innovations and shifts in what to expect from a Royal Caribbean cruise.

We're still six months away, but here's 11 ways Icon of the Seas will change the industry when she launches.

Royal Caribbean News

• You can experience Comic Con at sea on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship in 2025
• Celebrity Cruises ships by age from newest to oldest
• I took two cruises on the same Royal Caribbean ship - and they were totally different
• I paid $1500 for an inside cabin on the Freedom of the Seas: take a look inside my tiny windowless room
• 5 things I would never do on land but would do on a cruise ship
• The clever reason to bring a European power adapter on your cruise ship
• Lionel Messi debut for Inter Miami CF celebrated by Royal Caribbean
• 5 ways to upgrade your cruise for $250 or less

New RCB Video: Things you'll notice when cruising on a new cruise ship

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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 — Things you'll notice when cruising on a new cruise ship — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Your really dumb Perfect Day at CocoCay questions

Don't be ashamed, we all have some really basic questions sometimes, so it's only fitting to answer them.

We hear many of the same questions over and over again here at Royal Caribbean Blog—we wanted to answer them in one place. While not "dumb" questions, knowing the answers to these commonly asked questions should better help you plan your day on the island.

Check out our answers to your really "dumb" Perfect Day at CocoCay questions.

Royal Caribbean vs Carnival

What are the differences between Royal Caribbean vs Carnival Cruise Line?

Both cruise lines are the largest in the world, and they represent the lion share of cruise bookings.  So what makes one a better choice over the other?

Having sailed both lines extensively, Allie shares what you should know about each line, and how the ships compare to each other.

The reasons you should book a new cruise ship (and 4 reasons not to)

With two new Royal Caribbean cruise ships coming in 2024, you should know the warnings about a brand new cruise ship.

Icon of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas will begin sailing next year, and they both will be loaded with the latest incredible things to do on a cruise ship.

Depending on your flexibility and preferences, being on a new ship when it first starts sailing could be a really good or bad idea.

What's the difference between big and small Royal Caribbean cruise ships?

Does it really matter if you book a big cruise ship or a small cruise ship?

There are advantages and drawbacks to each size of ship, and it's important to know the differences between each one.

Before booking a cruise, you should know if you should choose a big ship or a small ship.

Purchasing a European power adapter for your next cruise should be on your to-do list. 

While newer cruise ships are equipped with more outlets and USB ports, older ships tend to have fewer plugs. This can be frustrating to learn when you board the ship and are unprepared. 

I recently cruised onboard Navigator of the Seas, a Voyager Class ship that was launched in 2002, and my interior stateroom only had two American outlets. Had I packed a European power adapter, I could have made use of the European plug to increase the total number of outlets in the room to three. 

In comparison, I sailed onboard Symphony of the Seas earlier this year, and my cabin came with one American outlet beside of the bed, as well as three on the vanity. There were also two USB ports and a European plug. 

Related: I stayed in a $1,400 stateroom on Symphony of the Seas — see what my room on this cruise ship looked like

Moving forward, I am always going to make sure that I have a European power adapter on any cruise ship I sail on just to make sure that I am prepared for any charging situation. 

Please note that we have linked Amazon items in this post through an affiliate link. The affiliate link costs you nothing extra, but Royal Caribbean Blog will make a small commission if you purchase the item through the link. 

They are inexpensive to purchase

For less than $10, you can purchase a six-pack of European adapters. So long as you do not lose them, they can be reused on future vacations, too. 

While you might not need all six on your cruise, they are good to have on hand in the event you do take a European vacation, as you will need adapters for all plugs, rather than just a single one. By already having them tucked in a drawer at home, that is one less thing you will have to worry about getting!

European power adapters are less bulky than cruise line approved power strips

Most cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean, prohibit passengers from bringing surge protected power strips onboard. If you are caught with one, it will be confiscated and returned after you disembark. What a disappointment that would be if you were banking on using your power strip during your cruise!

If you do not have an option that will work, you will have to purchase one, and they are more expensive than European power adapters. 

European power adapters are also small and lightweight, making them a better option for travel, especially when thinking about putting items in your cruise carry-on. The lighter the bag, the better! 

You are unlikely to find American ports located throughout the ship

Sometimes, the last place you want to be on a cruise is your stateroom! If, however, you find that your phone or laptop has died, you might have to camp out there for awhile while it recharges. 

Throughout the ship, you are going to find more European plugs than American, meaning that you can still experience the overall atmosphere of the cruise while charging your device. 

On a recent cruise, I sat in the Solarium to do some work until my laptop died, which happened quicker than usual due to the heat.

Since I did not have a power adapter, I was forced to sit in my cabin while it recharged. If I had brought a European adapter, I could have found somewhere to continue working in the public areas of the ship. 

It is a necessity if you have more than two people staying in your stateroom

Many cruise ship cabins are able to accommodate three and four guests. With only two American outlets, though, this could pose an issue when it comes to charging phones at night. 

In this case, you need to be able to access a third plug. Debating who is able to use the plugs is not how you want to spend your time together. 

Even if you only have two people in your cabin, between phones, smart watches, laptops, ear buds, and more, you never know when you will have to decide between changing one device over another, especially on the last night of your cruise when you have to travel the next day! 

Here are a few more really helpful things I always bring on a cruise

Since streamers are prohibited onboard, a must-have for me on any cruise is wrinkle release spray. I have some dresses that, no matter how I try and pack them, are prone to wrinkling while in my suitcase.

A small travel-sized bottle is perfect for traveling, as it does not take up much space in bag. It helps to get out the bigger wrinkles, so I do not feel like I am wearing something I pulled out of my hamper! 

And speaking of charging devices, I like to pack a portable charger. While I might not need to use it on sea days, it is reassuring to be able to throw a charger in my day bag before disembarking in port. 

The one I have been obsessed with is on the larger and more expensive side, but I love that I do not have to recharge it after every use! It is great to leave plugged in on a sea while I am not using the cabin's outlets or need the charger handy. Plus, you are also able to charge more than one device at once, which is helpful if you are traveling with friends or family.

Since older ships do not have outlets beside of the bed, it is helpful to bring longer cables if you are someone who likes to use their phone at night or keep it close by to use as an alarm in the morning. I recommend a braided one, as they tend to last longer than standard Apple-issued cords because they are more durable. 

Related: 40 essential things to bring on a cruise

Messi fever has reached Royal Caribbean.

The Argentinian football star, Lionel Messi, has made big headlines with his arrival as the newest member of Inter Miami for the first game of the season in 2023.

Tickets for the first game with Messi playing skyrocketed on secondary markets, with the average price well over $250.  There was even one ticket that cost $110,000!

Royal Caribbean celebrated the occasion with a light display honoring the team on Friday morning.

At the cruise line's terminal at PortMiami, Royal Caribbean changed its lights to the same pink color of the team with Freedom of the Seas displaying the iconic #10 across more than five decks as it arrived at PortMiami. 

Messi is as big a soccer star as there is in the world, and he signed with the team last week in preparation for the first game against Mexico’s Cruz Azul at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale. 

The soccer star's arrival will provide a welcome boost on the field for Miami, who have struggled in the MLS in recent weeks, having failed to register a win in their last 11 games.

Earlier in the week, Lionel Messi visited a Royal Caribbean cruise ship to meet cruise line President and CEO, Michael Bayley.

Also joining Mr. Bayley was soccer legend David Beckham, who is a co-owner of the team.

Royal Caribbean is Inter Miami’s Official Vacation Partner.