Royal Caribbean’s Oasis class ships are among the most activity-packed cruise ships in the world. With only 4 days aboard Wonder of the Seas, I challenged myself to try every complimentary activity.

Wonder of the Seas is Royal Caribbean’s newest megaship to sail short getaway cruises. Building on the popularity of the party-focused Utopia of the Seas, the cruise line is clearly leaning into the trend of weekend party sailings.

I was lucky to be among the first to sail aboard Wonder of the Seas for the ship’s very first 4-night sailing. After a fun-filled cruise on Utopia of the Seas earlier this year, I was eager to see how the experience would compare.

Our itinerary included two ports of call in the Bahamas: Nassau and Perfect Day at CocoCay. We also had one sea day to enjoy all of the ship’s amenities and onboard attractions.

Typically, I prefer spending my sea days in the adults-only Solarium. With only one sea day in our short itinerary, I didn’t have much time to check everything off my bucket list.

Although I tried my best to attempt every activity, I did have some limitations. Essentially, I didn’t want to hurt myself and ruin my vacation. My 30-year-old body isn’t quite as nimble as it once was. Luckily, I’ve been cruising with Royal Caribbean for two decades, so I’ve tried many of the activities on prior cruises.

I always crushed climbing on the rock wall and could, at one point, do tunnel flips on the FlowRider (those days are long gone!). The zip line is another favorite activity on Oasis class ships; however, the line was always long and wrapped around the activity deck. I was committed to zip-lining, but I couldn’t find the energy to stand in the scorching heat for more than an hour for a 5-second ride.

Ice skating is another unique activity on Royal Caribbean’s ships, but this requires long pants for skating. I completely forgot to pack pants so I could ice skate, as an August cruise to the Caribbean doesn’t exactly require pants. With just a carry-on suitcase and no pants available, I skipped ice skating.

All that said, I hit the ground running and crammed as much as I could into my sea day. I spent nearly 12 hours of nonstop activity running around the ship. It was exhausting, but tons of fun, and I would definitely do it again!

10:30 a.m. - Windjammer Breakfast

Our morning started later than we expected, but that’s the beauty of a sea day! We had nowhere to be, so we didn’t set an alarm. My friend is a mom of young kids, so she was happy to sleep in.

By the time we got out of bed and dressed, the Windjammer was our only option for breakfast. In my opinion, the Windjammer buffet space is too small on Oasis class ships. Although there are many different places to dine, the Windjammer is your only option for late breakfast. Considering Wonder of the Seas’ focus on late-night partying, I’d like to see more options for brunch or late-morning breakfast.

We navigated the packed buffet for a quick breakfast, along with many other guests doing the same. Despite the crowd, we enjoyed our selections, and the food was served hot and fresh!

11:30 a.m. - The Ultimate Abyss

Following breakfast, I decided to ride the Ultimate Abyss — the world’s tallest dry slide at sea! Because we were finishing breakfast on the ship’s top deck, the Ultimate Abyss was an easy activity to knock off my bucket list.

My friend wasn’t interested in riding the slide with me, so I ventured on my own to experience the 10-story slide. I positioned myself on the slide for a wild ride in the provided snack. It reminded me of the burlap sacks used for slides at a fair, but this one was more padded. We were given a small demonstration on how to position ourselves, and I listened intently.

The slide was so much fun! I was concentrating on following the instructions that I started to slide sideways from being so stiff. I slightly scraped my knee, but nothing that left a mark. I screamed the entire way down.

12:00 p.m. - Boardwalk Carousel

The Ultimate Abyss brings you from the ship’s top deck down to the Boardwalk on Deck 6. After the exhilarating ride, I noticed the Boardwalk’s signature carousel was offering rides. Although we didn’t have any kids with us, we asked if we could ride, and the operator said it was no issue.

I’d passed by the carousel countless times but had never actually taken a ride. In fact, I couldn’t even remember the last time I’d been on one — maybe Disneyland about eight years ago.

We hopped onto two horses for a fun ride. I expected a slow, boring spin, but the carousel moved faster than I anticipated. We laughed along with the kids, and before we knew it, the ride was over after just a few lively turns.

12:30 p.m. - Trivia: Who Wants to be a Caribbeanaire

As we wandered around the ship, I popped into an energetic game in the Karaoke Spotlight lounge in the Royal Promenade. The lounge was packed, so I knew it was going to be a fun game.

This game is similar to the classic ‘Who Wants to Be a Millionaire’ game show with multiple-choice questions that gradually get more difficult as the game progresses. Although I didn’t participate, I enjoyed watching the game and trying to answer the questions myself. The crowd was super engaged and interactive, which is always fun. I would definitely attend this show again!

Read more: I went to 5 different parties on my last Royal Caribbean cruise. One was clearly the best

1:00 p.m. - Relaxing on the Back of the Ship

Wonder of the Seas is a busy ship, so we were always on the lookout for a quiet, comfortable place to relax. One of our favorite spots on the ship was at the very back of the ship on the walking path.

Oasis class ships have a dedicated walking and running path around the entire ship on Deck 5. Where the ship wraps around the ship’s aft, you can find some chairs that overlook the ship’s wake.

We relaxed here for about an hour while enjoying the beautiful, sunny day. There were only a few other people relaxing here, so it’s a great spot to retreat if you appreciate ocean views! We retreated to this spot multiple times a day, and it’s a great spot to watch the sunset each evening.

2:00 p.m. - Lunch at El Loco Fresh

One of my favorite casual eateries on a Royal Caribbean cruise is El Loco Fresh. The Mexican cuisine is served buffet-style, but everything tastes freshly made. You can find an assortment of burritos, quesadillas, tacos, nachos, and desserts.

My go-to at El Loco Fresh is a chicken quesadilla with sour cream and Mexican cheese — it’s divine! My friend loved the nachos, and we both tried a taco with tender, flavorful pork. Everything was delicious and we hardly had to wait in line.

3:00 p.m. - Mini Golf

This one is a cruise classic! Wonder of the Seas has a miniature golf course on the back of the ship. Mini golf is a great family-friendly activity to keep both kids and adults entertained. You simply grab your own club and golf ball to start your game. It wasn’t entirely clear which hole was meant to be first, and there didn’t seem to be any particular order that we were meant to follow.

The miniature golf course is brightly colored and ocean-themed with a giant octopus, whale, and stingrays. I loved the theming, even though my miniature golf game isn’t anything to write home about.

5:00 p.m. - Dinner in Main Dining Room

After a rousing game of miniature golf, we ventured back to our cabin to relax, shower, and get ready for dinner. We were assigned a lovely table right by the window with excellent wait staff (shout out to Bayou and Gino). We looked forward to our dinners in the main dining room each evening. The food was also fantastic, and the service was attentive! In fact, it was one of the best main dining room experiences that I’ve had in a while.

8:00 p.m. - inTENSE AquaTheatre Show

Oasis class ships have some of the best entertainment in the cruise industry, including high-diving productions in the AquaTheatre. With a giant amphitheater at the back of the ship, you can watch jaw-dropping shows with divers, synchronized swimmers, acrobats, and aerialists.

Our show on Wonder of the Seas was inTENSE with an all-woman cast of performers. The production was outstanding with high-diving stunts from crazy heights and acrobatics like I’ve never seen. The energetic performance was so entertaining that we returned for a second show the following night.

9:00 p.m. - Pizza at Sorrento’s

Is it really a late night on a cruise ship without a slice of pizza? Because our dinner was early at 5:00 p.m., we enjoyed our late-night stop at Sorrento’s in the Royal Promenade. This was one of the most popular restaurants on our cruise, as there was always a line that wrapped around the restaurant.

Luckily, the line moved quickly, and we were happy to gorge on pepperoni pizza. I also love that Royal Caribbean provides ranch dressing for pizza dipping — it makes my Midwestern heart so happy!

9:30 p.m. - Voices Production Show

Our last activity of the night was attending a show in the Royal Theatre called Voices. I had never heard of this show before, and I was eager to see what the a cappella production would be like.

Unfortunately, it wasn’t my favorite show during our cruise. I looked forward to the a cappella performance, but most of the vocals were pre-recorded. The visual displays were impressive and the singers were very talented, but the show wasn’t my cup of tea. I really appreciated the concept of an a cappella performance, but the pre-recorded vocals were distracting from the live performers.

I cruise multiple times each year, and I constantly notice fellow passengers making the same mistakes over and over.

Cruises are designed to be one of the most stress-free vacations you can take. With minimal planning and logistics involved, you can focus on letting loose and having fun instead of sticking to a strict agenda. 

For example, you won’t need to worry about sorting transportation between the various destinations you want to visit. Additionally, each port of call also includes a list of excursions for daily touring, meaning you won’t need to sort through tour operators if you don’t want to. Finally, meals, entertainment, and accommodations are conveniently located in one place to simplify your vacation even further.

However, cruising can be different than other ways of traveling. There are certainly more quirks than you might find with other vacations. First-timers and seasoned cruisers alike can make mistakes that end up putting a damper on their cruise experience. A little bit of preparation and awareness can go a long way to ensure a smooth cruise.

Last month, I set sail on a 4-night Wonder of the Seas with my best friend from Miami, Florida. This was her first sailing, while I’ve been on over 50 cruises and took charge of planning most of our vacation. Between her fresh perspective and my seasoned expertise, I noted how easy it was to make small mistakes that can make a big difference during your cruise.

Here are some of the most common mistakes that I saw cruisers make during my recent cruise, including things you can do to avoid these missteps.

1. Not downloading your boarding pass for embarkation day

You’ll be required to check-in for your cruise prior to embarkation day. Royal Caribbean requires that guests check-in online or in the app between 45 days and up to 48 hours before sailing. If you fail to do this, you will be required to complete the process at the terminal, which can be lengthy and delay the start of your vacation.

If you check in online, you will be able to download your SeaPass card directly to your phone. Think of this like a boarding pass for your flight, as it’s required to board the cruise ship. This allows the cruise terminal employees to easily scan your phone during the check-in process. You can also print your boarding pass, but this isn’t necessary.

However, I was surprised by how many cruisers at the terminal did not have their SeaPass cards downloaded to their phones or printed. In fact, there was an entirely separate check-in line for people who had not printed or downloaded their boarding pass.

Embarkation day is already hectic enough, so it’s important to have everything prepared for a smooth check-in. Without the proper documentation, this delays your boarding and, subsequently, your vacation!

2. Not knowing what’s included in your cruise fare

Wonder of the Seas is an Oasis class vessel, meaning it has world-class amenities and top-notch attractions. As one of the world’s biggest cruise ships, there’s no shortage of activities and thrills to keep you busy. While many of the attractions are already included in the cost of your cruise fare, there are always opportunities to spend extra.

Compared to other cruise lines, especially Norwegian Cruise Line and Carnival Cruise Line, I find that Royal Caribbean has the most complimentary attractions. However, it’s still important to know what exactly is included in your cruise fare and what costs extra. When you’re already spending thousands of dollars on your vacation, you want to get the most value of your money.

For instance, I decided to try the Ultimate Abyss dry slide during our sea day. This is the tallest dry slide on a cruise ship at more than 150 feet above sea level. It’s certainly a wild ride — and even better, it’s included in the cost of your cruise! You can ride as many times as you want for free.

I couldn’t resist trying the slide for myself, and it was so fun. I screamed the entire way down! As I was walking across the Boardwalk, a woman approached me and said, “Excuse me, how much does it cost to ride the slide?”

I was shocked, and said in response, “Oh, it’s free! You should go try it for yourself.” The woman was surprised to learn the slide was included in the cost of her cruise. This interaction made me realize how important it is to know what’s included in your cruise fare.

If you’re interested in a certain activity or attraction, make sure to double check if there is any charge. In addition, some of Royal Caribbean’s attractions offer free "sample rides" during port days. For instance, you can ride the North Star on Quantum ships for a shorter “Basic Experience” for 15 minutes. If you choose the extended ride or want to ride during sea days, you’ll need to pay extra.

Additionally, my best friend didn’t realize that the ice cream machines were complimentary! As a first-time cruiser, she mentioned how it’s difficult to know what’s free versus what costs extra. In my experience, it’s best to check the cruise line’s app to see which attractions, amenities, and restaurants are already included in your cruise fare.

3. Forgetting to make reservations for the entertainment

One of the downsides of cruising aboard Royal Caribbean’s biggest ships is needing to book reservations for the nightly entertainment. With some of the best production shows at sea, you won’t want to miss the shows aboard the cruise line’s newest and biggest vessels.

Wonder of the Seas features both an AquaTheatre show and ice skating production - two of my favorites! In addition, the Royal Theatre is home to Effectors II: Crash and Burn, which is a Royal Caribbean original show with Broadway-style singing and dancing. You can find comedy shows and other productions aboard too.

However, reservations are required on Oasis class ships for most of these production shows. You can reserve your spot before embarkation either online in the Cruise Planner or in Royal Caribbean’s app. Unfortunately, I haven’t had the best luck being able to reserve shows beforehand, as the app always gives me an error message.

As such, I reserve shows on embarkation day immediately after boarding. The cruise ship will open more reservations once the sailing actually begins, and I’ve found this to be the best time to book the shows. Once I am connected to the ship’s internet, this is the first item on my to-do list.

I was able to secure our spots for all of the headliner shows with plenty of options available. However, one of the most common mistakes I see cruisers make is not reserving their entertainment. Instead, they often line up in the standby line for the show they wish to see. However, there is no guarantee that you will be able to see the show you want. This can make it difficult to plan your evenings aboard the ship compared to having a confirmed, reserved slot.

Avoid making this mistake by prioritizing entertainment reservations whenever possible. This ensures you’ll get to see the top-notch shows onboard at a time that works for your schedule. If you aren't able to secure reservations prior to embarkation, make sure to reserve them as soon as you get onboard. 

4. Only eating breakfast and lunch at the Windjammer buffet

Wonder of the Seas, along with all Oasis class ships, feature a wide variety of dining venues. With a selection of complimentary and specialty dining restaurants, you’ll probably run out of time to eat at all of the options!

On our cruise, I noticed many passengers making the mistake of only eating at the Windjammer buffet for breakfast and lunch. This makes sense, as the Windjammer is undeniably one of the most convenient places to eat with a self-serve buffet and endless options for cuisine.

However, this can often make the Windjammer difficult to navigate with big crowds and long lines. For this reason, I’d suggest cruisers try other options for breakfast and lunch, especially on Royal Caribbean’s biggest ships.

Instead of eating breakfast at the crowded Windjammer, we chose the quieter Park Cafe in Central Park, where you can grab breakfast sandwiches, build a bagel, or pick up grab-and-go snacks like fruit and yogurt. Johnny Rockets also serves breakfast at no additional cost on Oasis Class ships, while the Solarium Bistro is another hidden gem that often isn't busy. 

Additionally, we preferred visiting El Loco Fresh for a late lunch instead of heading back to the Windjammer buffet. This is a quick-service eatery on the pool deck with Mexican food, including burritos, quesadillas, tacos, and nachos.

We never encountered crowds or lines at these restaurants, making the experience more enjoyable and relaxing compared to the bustling buffet. Don’t make the mistake of only visiting the Windjammer during your cruise, especially if you’re cruising aboard Royal Caribbean’s biggest ships.

5. Arriving late for all-aboard time

While docked in Nassau, Bahamas, I told my friend that people often cut it close for all-aboard time. These people are infamously known as “pier runners” who sprint down the pier to make the cut-off time. All-board time is no joke, as the cruise ship will not wait for late passengers. In this way, it’s best to leave plenty of time for unexpected delays or traffic when returning to your cruise ship.

My friend was excited to see if we had any pier runners during our cruise; and as expected, the ship started paging a group of passengers. It was 15 minutes after the all-aboard time, so we concluded these were missing guests.

Sure enough, people came running down the pier and boarded our ship around 30 minutes late. My friend couldn’t believe that guests would be so nonchalant about the all-aboard time. Not only is this inconsiderate, but it’s also quite risky.

If you are stranded and left behind in a port of call, you need to spend your own money to either reunite with the ship or return to the disembarkation port. If you left your passport on the ship and it departs without you, this could cause an even bigger issue.

If you plan to venture far from the cruise port, it’s best to book a shore excursion with the cruise line. This guarantees the cruise ship won’t depart without you or the cruise line will organize logistics to get you back onboard. Whatever you do, make sure not to arrive after the all-aboard time while docked in a port of call. 

6. Only relaxing on the busy pool deck

The pool deck is one of the busiest and liveliest places on a cruise ship. From sunrise to sunset, you can often find passengers lounging in the deck chairs, hanging out in the pool, or soaking in the hot tub. It’s not uncommon to hear live music playing on the pool deck either, along with dance classes, poolside games, and belly flop competitions taking place.

However, the pool deck can be extremely busy during sea days, as many cruisers want to join in the fun! But if you’re wanting to relax in a quieter location, consider looking for other places to lounge.

During our cruise on Wonder of the Seas, my friend and I often retreated to the aft of Deck 5, which I would consider a hidden gem on Oasis Class ships. These massive vessels feature dedicated walking paths around the promenade deck, and at the very back of the ship, you’ll find some chairs perfect for unwinding.

This became our go-to spot during our cruise. It was a quiet place with hardly any other people and offered uninterrupted views of the ship’s wake. We ended up spending time here almost every day, retreating in the afternoons to read or relax in the shade while enjoying the ocean breeze.

In the evenings, this also became our favorite spot to watch the sunset. With comfortable chairs always available and a calming atmosphere, this was one of the most underrated areas onboard! I encourage all cruisers to look for these hidden spots, as it can make your sailing feel even more special.

7. Booking the wrong flights

I was shocked at how many people seemed to book flights that made their travel more stressful. Like always, I joined our sailing’s Facebook page with other cruisers.

One of the biggest mistakes that I see cruisers make is booking flights the same day as embarkation. Not to mention, our cruise in late August is considered peak hurricane season. This means Florida can experience sudden, unexpected rain showers throughout the day, leading to flight delays or cancellations.

A few people posted on Facebook that they were flying into Miami the morning of our cruise, and they were concerned about potential weather delays. 

This is one of the most important rules for cruising: you should always arrive at least the night before your cruise departure. If your flight has issues, you risk missing your entire cruise vacation!

In addition, some people were worried about the ship’s return time in Miami for their flights home. This is another important consideration, as you don’t want to book your flight too early after the ship returns. Disembarkation can take a while, along with customs and immigration. If you encounter traffic on the way to the airport, this can delay you further.

Avoid the mistake of booking flights at inconvenient times that only add stress to your vacation. Give yourself plenty of time to arrive at your embarkation port, and make sure your return flight isn’t scheduled too early on disembarkation day.

Royal Caribbean announced plans for a new beach club to open in 2026, and it's part of a trend to improve the ports that passengers complain the most about.

Earlier this week, Royal Caribbean unveiled plans to open a brand-new beach club on the Greek island of Santorini. While some were surprised by the announcement, it could be argued that the new beach club was only a matter of time.

In recent years, Royal Caribbean has made significant investments to enhance the in-port experience for its guests, particularly in destinations that have been ranked as cruisers’ least favorites. By enhancing onshore experiences, Royal Caribbean can capture more spending from passengers while delivering a smoother, safer, and more appealing visit for cruisers. It's a win-win situation for the guest and cruise line.

Earlier this year, we reported on the ports travelers said they’d never want to visit again, with Santorini, Nassau, and Costa Maya topping the list. While these ports each have their own drawbacks, guests cited logistical frustrations in Santorini, pushy vendors in Nassau, and the entire tourist trap of Costa Maya’s port.

As such, Royal Caribbean has seen an opportunity to address these pain ports for customers, leading to targeted investments from the cruise line. And the company’s latest investment with Royal Beach Club Santorini is a prime example of this shift.

Santorini is infamous for its logistical challenges.

Santorini, Greece is easily one of the world’s most photographed cruise ports, but the Greek Island is also one of the most frustrating. 

Santorini’s blue-domed churches and cliffside villages attract millions of visitors each year, but this inevitably creates a gridlock along the narrow streets of Oia and Fira. Not to mention, it’s common to have multiple cruise ships anchored in Santorini during peak summer months, leading to even more crowding on the small island.

Because ships must tender passengers ashore, simply getting into town can be a challenge. The steep cliffs mean cruisers must choose between waiting in long lines for the cable car, hiking hundreds of steps, or taking a controversial donkey ride, which many avoid due to concerns for the animals.

Although the island is stunning, the logistical challenges can often overshadow Santorini’s beauty. With this in mind, Royal Caribbean saw an opportunity to build the Royal Beach Club to offer a more relaxed alternative for cruisers. The experience will be offered as a shore excursion with visits to Oia and Fira, along with a few hours lounging at the beach club by the Aegean Sea.

The cruise line stated in the press release, “As Royal Caribbean Group prepares for the beach club’s opening next summer, the company’s ultimate beach club experience will feature a new innovative way to alleviate congestion throughout the island by better distributing guests arriving to Santorini. Vacationers can start their journey in one of three locations, minimizing crowding while maximizing time spent enjoying sights and sounds.”

In doing so, Royal Caribbean aims to ease some of the logistical challenges of visiting Santorini while simultaneously creating new opportunities to capture guest spending ashore.

Cruisers also cite Nassau as their least favorite cruise port.

Nassau, Bahamas, might be one of the most visited cruise ports in the world, but it’s also one of cruisers' least favorite destinations. Because of its proximity to Florida, Nassau appears on many short Caribbean itineraries. This means frequent cruisers have visited Nassau repeatedly, leading many guests to stay onboard rather than disembarking.

The city has tried to change its reputation, recently completing a $300 million cruise port redevelopment. The project greatly modernized the cruise terminal area by adding performance spaces, local shops, restaurants, and bars. However, the city itself remains polarizing.

Cruisers regularly complain about aggressive vendors, safety concerns, and a lack of authentic experiences. Excursions can also be expensive in Nassau; for example, visiting the famous Atlantis resort can cost hundreds of dollars for just a few hours.

To tackle these complaints, Royal Caribbean is building its brand-new Royal Paradise Island Beach Club. The new venue will require guests to purchase admission, along with a drink package if they want open-bar access. The private-style experience is only for Royal Caribbean cruise guests and will feature multiple pools, dining options, and the world’s largest swim-up bar.

Royal Caribbean hopes to give cruisers a relaxing and secure alternative to the hectic city while still generating revenue ashore. This mirrors the success of the cruise line’s Perfect Day at CocoCay, which offers an elevated, controlled environment designed to rival the onboard experience.

In Cozumel, vacationers want something new

Royal Caribbean's research told them that while Cozumel isn't poorly rated by guests, it's grown a bit tiresome.

That's why Royal Beach Club Cozumel will open in December 2026 in an attempt to fix a different "problem" that cruise passengers have with the port.

Jay Schneider leads the Product Development team, and during a preview event for the opening of the beach club, said that Cozumel is great, but lacks something fresh.

"What we've heard from research is a lot of guests have been to Cozumel. They're looking for something new," he explained.

"They love Cozumel, but they want diversity of the offering."

Royal Caribbean wants to bring something new that will excite passengers to add onto an island that's already well-regarded.

Finally, Royal Caribbean will give the tourist trap of Costa Maya a major makeover.

Along with Nassau, Costa Maya in Mexico is often considered one of the least favorite cruise ports for many travelers. This Western Caribbean port is frequently called a massive tourist trap, with a cruise terminal built entirely for passengers.

Visitors must weave through crammed shops, restaurants, wildlife encounters, and a swim-up bar just to exit the terminal. The entire port area feels like one giant, endless maze. Beyond the cruise terminal, the small beach town of Mahahual offers a more relaxed vibe, but even then, options are limited.

To address this, Royal Caribbean purchased the port of Costa Maya to build its newest private destination, Perfect Day Mexico. The new project will span 200 acres and offer an all-inclusive beach experience for cruisers, modeled after its private island in the Bahamas.

This new development will transform the underwhelming port into a destination itself. Instead of being a least favorite destination for cruisers, Costa Maya could soon be a highlight for Royal Caribbean guests. The cruise line plans to offer shaded cabanas, snorkeling, water activities, and controlled access designed to avoid the current tourist chaos.

It’s only a matter of time before Royal Caribbean rolls out more plans to upgrade problem ports, creating new opportunities to boost revenue while improving the guest experience on land.

Royal Caribbean hit a triple ship construction milestone across two brands in the same day, and it exemplifies the vision its chairman laid out more than 30 years ago.

In Saint-Nazaire, France, Royal Caribbean Group is celebrating three major milestones: the delivery of its newest cruise ship and the steel-cutting ceremonies for two additional vessels.

First, Celebrity Cruises has taken delivery of its latest Edge class ship, Celebrity Xcel. This is the latest Edge Class ship, which has evolved with each new ship.

However, the celebrations don’t stop there. Royal Caribbean Group also announced that Celebrity’s fleet will be growing. The next Edge class ship, named Celebrity Xcite, had steel cutting ceremony today in Saint-Nazaire, France. Xcite will be delivered in 2028.

A steel-cutting ceremony marks the formal start of construction on a new cruise ship, symbolizing the moment when the first piece of steel is cut in the shipyard. 

Executives from Royal Caribbean Group and Celebrity Cruises were in attendance, including Royal Caribbean Group CEO Jason Liberty and Celebrity Cruises President Laura Hodges Bethge.

Celebrity Xcite will be the sixth Edge series cruise ship to join Celebrity’s fleet.

Finally, there was also a steel cutting ceremony that took place in the same shipyard for the unnamed seventh Oasis class cruise ship.

Royal Caribbean’s Oasis class ships have transformed the cruise industry and redefined what's possible on a cruise ship. These are some of the world’s biggest cruise ships with their record-breaking size, groundbreaking design, and unmatched variety of experiences onboard. 

A vision for the future

These three milestones come during the same week as the launch of Richard Fain’s new book, Delivering the Wow. 

Although Fain is the chairman and former CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, he’s also the mastermind behind the cruise line’s explosive growth over the last three decades. Fain’s time at Royal Caribbean has shaped the cruise line into a powerhouse focused on bold innovation, architectural ambition, strong culture, and delivering the wow-factor for guests.

The timing of these milestones is a fitting tribute for Royal Caribbean’s visionary leader who shaped Royal Caribbean’s modern era. His influence can be seen across every ship class in Royal Caribbean’s fleet, from the original megaship, Sovereign of the Seas, to the record-breaking Icon class ships. Each class reflects Fain’s future-focused designs and trailblazing initiatives.

In fact, looking at the ships that had milestones, we can see Mr. Fain's important lessons. Oasis 7 is the next in a megaship class that has evolved to continue pushing boundaries, While the Xcel Class ships are next in Celebrity's move to redefine premium travel.

In his book, Fain writes, “What makes a project successful isn’t just the grand design features. It is the way these elements come together to deliver an experience that is cohesive, intentional, and connected to your vision.”

That is certainly true today. With three brand-new vessels across two cruise brands, Fain maintains the belief that when you give people what they want, they’ll return time and again.

That philosophy was at the forefront of Fain’s business strategy for Royal Caribbean, and his leadership helped reshape the cruise industry. As current Royal Caribbean International CEO Michael Bayley recently reflected on LinkedIn:

"Richard Fain… where do you even begin? Brilliant, driven, and almost always right, which could be quite annoying, to be honest. As former CEO and Chairman of the Board of Royal Caribbean Group, Richard dreamed up ideas that sounded completely crazy, and then somehow made them happen. Richard’s bold vision literally transformed the industry.”

Transforming Royal Caribbean over 30 years

During his time as Royal Caribbean Group’s CEO, Fain propelled the cruise line from a small fleet of vessels to a world-leading cruise brand. As one of the most successful cruise lines in the industry, Fain shared many of his honest thoughts and transformative experiences in his new book.

In Delivering the WOW, Fain explains, “When the goal is to build something truly iconic, the real breakthrough often comes not from doing more, but from doing it differently.”

Fain illustrates this business strategy while discussing The Pearl on Royal Caribbean’s Icon class ships. The engineering marvel is not only structurally necessary for the vessel, but also aesthetically pleasing aboard the world's largest cruise ships.

“By making the Pearl support the structure, we had a double win — a clever, aesthetically pleasing solution to a complex technical challenge. I particularly liked the fact that it feels natural in the space; not something added but something that feels like it was always meant to be,” writes Fain.

In conclusion, Fain shares, “The Pearl wasn’t just a structure solution; it was a symbol of what’s possible when you refuse to settle.”

Success continues to breed more success

Whether it’s stepping aboard Oasis of the Seas for the first time or unveiling a more intimate, immersive theater on Celebrity Apex, Fain explains how these awe-inspiring moments have been key to Royal Caribbean’s continued success.

In his book, the former CEO states, “Success in one effort often leads to a cascade of further successes. Alignment and continuous improvement often chain successes one to the next.”

For example, Fain recalls the jaw-dropping moment that crew members boarded Oasis of the Seas for the first time. Because almost every crew member had already worked on other Royal Caribbean ships, the employees recognized the immediate difference with the Oasis class ships.

“You could see that each one stood a little taller. I have no doubt that pride they felt from contributing to such an innovative ship was infectious and strengthened our position as the employer of choice," shared Fain. 

The former CEO also writes about how the redesigned theatre on Celebrity Apex transformed onboard entertainment and drew top creative talent. Instead of replicating a traditional cruise theatre, designers built a flexible, high-tech space with a 270-degree wraparound LED screen and motion-controlled stage.

The redesigned theatre felt more like Broadway at sea than a typical production venue on a cruise ship. Fain notes that this innovation didn’t just wow guests, but it also attracted world-class performers and directors eager to work in a space built for creativity. Once again, this was proof of his belief that when you give people what they want, extraordinary results will continue to follow.

Fain wasn’t afraid to take risks and dare to be different

Fain often believed success meant resisting the urge to copy yesterday’s achievements and instead listening to what guests wanted next.

That principle guided ships like Celebrity Edge, which broke from the traditional cruise ship design with its outward-facing architecture and the now-iconic Magic Carpet. This cantilevered platform serves as a lounge, a bar, or a tender platform suspended above the sea.

In his book, Fain recalled that designers first dismissed the Magic Carpet as impractical. But pushing the idea from a 90-ton lift to a 300-ton floating venue became, as he put it, “critical to build an exceptional ship.”

Now, the Magic Carpet is one of the most recognizable features on Celebrity’s Edge class ships. The bold orange color makes the Magic Carpet one of the most distinguishing elements on any cruise ship.

Similarly, this risk-raking also drove innovations like the AquaDome on Icon of the Seas, which was born from a napkin sketch when computer models wouldn’t pinpoint their vision. The result was an incredible, glass-enclosed entertainment space unlike anything on a cruise ship. The venue is a theatre at night and observatory by day, with a centerpiece that redefined what a cruise ship could feel like.

Fain writes, “Icon of the Seas has received widespread acclaim. But to me, Icon represents more than that. To me, she represents the latest and most dramatic stage of Royal Caribbeans transition from a cruise company to a vacation company.”

“And Wall Street sees it the same way; the market value of Royal Caribbean is now larger than any airline, hotel chain, or tour operator in America. And more than all the other cruise lines combined,” he continues.

In the end, Fain explains how this “vividly demonstrates the value of defining an ambitious goal and having a culture that pursues it relentlessly.”

The cruise line’s focus on culture has been a catalyst for its long-term success

In Delivering the WOW, Fain continuously emphasizes the importance of culture being the company’s greatest competitive advantage. 

Throughout the book, Fain discusses how Royal Caribbean’s wow-factors have been the direct result of having a standout culture. According to the former CEO, guests have been repeatedly delighted beyond what they thought was possible when the culture facilitates alignment around a unifying mission.

Fain highlights the debut of the rock-climbing wall on Voyager of the Seas as a defining example of Royal Caribbean’s culture of innovation. A younger group of employees were tasked to ideate what should be incorporated behind the ship’s funnel. Along with a few ideas, the team members pitched an idea to incorporate a rock-climbing wall. 

Rock-climbing was rising in popularity, and the team imagined it would be a perfect fit. And while Fain originally didn’t love the idea, the company eventually agreed to the concept.

Now, Royal Caribbean has incorporated a rock climbing wall on every new ship since Voyager of the Seas was built in 1999. And while Fain says that only 10% of guests actually use the rock climbing wall, it represents Royal Caribbean’s continued commitment to innovation. In this way, Fain's leadership encouraged employees to experiment, collaborate, and innovate without boundaries. 

“We try to hide exceptional people capable of excellence; people who have the confidence to act on their own but not arrogance to believe that only they know what works best. The company needs a diversity of voices, each with a willingness at times to step outside their formal roles or institutional silos and challenge conventional wisdom.”

With over 10,000 employees, Fain said in a recent Bloomberg interview, “It hasn’t been a real challenge to hire them. The whole book is about our culture. And our culture has made it possible to attract the best and brightest. We’ve had no difficulty attracting the people we need.”

There’s something for everyone on a Royal Caribbean cruise

Fain’s innovative leadership extended beyond Royal Caribbean Group’s cruise ships. For example, when Fain described developing Perfect Day at CocoCay, he wrote of dividing the island into thrill and chill zones. He explained, “Those who wanted excitement could go to the thrill side; those who wanted quiet relaxation could go to the chill side.”

The lesson Fain learned is that innovation isn’t about pleasing one market segment, but instead recognizing the diverse desires within your audience.

The idea that variety is value has become one of the most important lessons in Royal Caribbean’s history. In fact, this idea transformed cruising from a niche market into a mainstream vacation choice.

Fain reflected on this transformation, saying, “This industry has grown by leaps and bounds. Cruising used to be a niche operation. Cruising has become a mainstream part of vacationing. And as a result, we’ve gone from being at the edge of vacation to being one of the most valuable companies in the vacation business.”

“And it’s because cruising offers such an amazing value and such an amazing time for our guests.”

Fain went on to explain how Royal Caribbean’s success came from widening the definition of who a cruise could serve. Fain explains, “[We] offered a product that appealed to everyone. We went from a product that appealed to a small part of the total vacation market, mostly older people or retired people."

“And now we have something for everyone. We have large ships, small ships, The ships are spectacular. It’s really delivering the wow. We deliver the wow to our guests, and they love it. And the result is that people just come back from a cruise vacation don’t just rave about it. They’re obnoxious about it. They love it!” continues Fain.

In this way, today’s triple milestone is a reflection of everything Richard Fain built during his decades at Royal Caribbean Group. Under his leadership, the company transformed from a traditional cruise line into an innovation powerhouse, redefining what was possible at sea.

A newly released video reveals that Majesty of the Seas, once a beloved icon of Royal Caribbean’s fleet, is slowly corroding in Elefsis Bay, Greece.

The new video was shared on YouTube by a channel called Maritime Memories. Using a drone to capture footage, the channel filmed Majesty of the Seas in her present-day state, and the images are haunting.

It’s hard to believe one of the world’s first mega cruise ships is now sitting silent and covered in rust. When she first joined Royal Caribbean’s fleet, Majesty of the Seas was a groundbreaking, revolutionary cruise ship. The ship was renowned for her size and design compared to other ships in the industry. 

While she doesn’t compare to Royal Caribbean’s newest Oasis and Icon class ships, Majesty of the Seas set the stage for continued innovation and cruise ship design in the 1990s. 

When she first launched, Majesty of the Seas was one of the biggest ships in the world. She featured many luxurious amenities throughout her lifetime, including two swimming pools, four whirlpools, a casino, bars, theaters, a basketball court, and a rock-climbing wall.

Majesty of the Seas once towered over the ocean with 12 decks. In 1992, she joined Royal Caribbean's fleet as the third Sovereign class vessel. She followed the successful launches of her sister ships, Monarch of the Seas and Sovereign of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean announced in 2020 that Majesty of the Seas would depart the fleet, along with Empress of the Seas. At the time, Majesty of the Seas was the last Sovereign class vessel still operating for Royal Caribbean. Eventually, Majesty of the Seas was sold to SeaJets, which is a Greek ferry operator. At the same time, Empress of the Seas was sold to an Indian cruise line, Cordelia Cruises. 

And while Majesty of the Seas was renamed to Majesty of the Oceans by her new owner, she has yet to re-enter service. Here’s what the Sovereign class vessel looks like today, including Majesty of the Seas’ important role in Royal Caribbean’s history.

Drone footage reveals Majesty of the Seas quietly deteriorating in Greece

In the four-minute YouTube video, Maritime Memories catches various angles of the deteriorating ship. Currently, Royal Caribbean’s Majesty of the Seas is docked alongside industrial tankers in the Elefsis Bay, which is close to the port city of Piraeus in Greece.

The caption of the video, which was translated from Greek, reads: “For the past five years, the cruise ship Majesty of the Oceans, formerly Majesty of the Seas, has remained anchored in Elefsis Bay, a vessel with a distinctive legacy in international cruising.”

“In 2020, the Greek ferry company Seajets, owned by Marios Iliopoulos, acquired the ship and renamed it Majesty of the Oceans. Since then, it has remained inactive, anchored in Elefsis Bay — carrying with it the weight of its long voyages and the uncertainty of its future,” continues the post.

“Despite early expectations of reactivation, the ship has remained immobilized in Elefsis, alongside other Seajets-owned vessels acquired around the same time — such as the Aegean Majesty (formerly Veendam) and Aegean Goddess (formerly Costa Magica).

The fate of Majesty of the Oceans remains uncertain. Although the vessel represents an important piece of maritime history, its prolonged inactivity in Elefsis raises questions about its future — and the prospects for its revival now appear increasingly remote,” states the YouTube video caption.

The corroding Majesty of the Oceans has remained unused for years.

Everything from the pool deck to the ship’s bow and stern can be seen in the drone footage, including many of the ship’s beloved amenities and features. As someone who personally cruised on Majesty of the Seas in 2008, it’s disheartening to see the ship’s current state.

Throughout the video, Majesty of the Seas almost appears as though she is frozen in time. Unfortunately, the vessel looks abandoned and neglected. It's clear that the ship’s new owners have left her to weather the elements with little sign of attention or care.

For instance, the once-pristine hull of the ship is now streaked with rust from bow to stern. The rust can be seen in nearly every angle of the drone video. In addition, the classic Royal Caribbean anchor can still be seen on the ship’s top deck, an ode to the vessel’s previous life.

One of the saddest moments comes when the video pans to the ship’s name on the bow. The camera focuses on the ship’s new name, Majesty of the Oceans. The words “Majesty of the” appear to remain in the original Royal Caribbean font and placement, but “Seas” has been carefully painted over with “Oceans”.

The “Oceans” font appears mismatched compared to the rest of the ship’s name. Rust can be seen prominently running down from the anchor. Additionally, paint discoloration along the ship reveals years of exposure without upkeep, and streaks of corrosion can be seen across the entire vessel.

Majesty of the Seas’ bustling pool deck now sits dull, faded, and completely empty.

Like all pool decks, Majesty of the Seas’ lido deck was once the heartbeat of the ship. You could always find cruisers competing in pool games, lounging under the sun, and listening to live music.

Now, the main pool deck lies empty aboard Majesty of the Oceans. The pool is drained while the deck is fading and sun loungers are stacked haphazardly.

More rust can be seen across the pool deck, while the once-vibrant blue and yellow pool tiles are discolored from years of exposure. We can also see the kids' waterslide and splash pad area, now faded from the harsh sun. 

In addition, the slide was once a bright feature on Majesty of the Seas’ pool deck, added during a 2007 refurbishment. Now, the slide color has almost completely faded and looks to be cracked.

A secondary pool is roped off, along with two unused hot tubs near the kids' pool area. The small fountains and play structures for kids are peeling, likely from the harsh Aegean sun.

(Majesty of the Seas' original pool deck while sailing for Royal Caribbean)

You can also see Royal Caribbean’s classic pool deck signs in one of the clips, which once adorned the ship’s name and was proudly displayed above the pool deck.

Signature features can still be seen, such as the rock-climbing wall and Viking Crown Lounge.

Many of Majesty of the Seas’ signature features can still be spotted throughout the video. As the video pans over Majesty of the Seas’ aft, we can see her rock-climbing wall. Once an icon of Royal Caribbean’s innovation, the rock wall still towers over the aft deck, even as she sits unused.

Majesty of the Seas was not originally built with a rock climbing wall, as the innovation didn’t debut until Voyager of the Seas was built in 1999. Following the success of the rock climbing wall, Royal Caribbean eventually incorporated the rock climbing wall aboard Majesty of the Seas. Nearby, the sports court remains mostly intact, though its painted boundary lines have faded.

Another classic Royal Caribbean element is the glass-walled Viking Crown Lounge. It can still be easily recognized on the ship’s top deck, which once offered unparalleled views of the ocean. Although time and neglect have certainly dated Majesty of the Seas’ appearance, these signature features represent an important era in Royal Caribbean’s history.

How Majesty of the Seas ended up anchored in Greece.

In December 2020, Royal Caribbean announced the sale of Majesty of the Seas, alongside Empress of the Seas.

In a press release from the cruise line, Royal Caribbean said, “Empress and Majesty of the Seas made indelible marks on the cruise industry with their revolutionary design and size. Touted as the cruise industry’s most groundbreaking ships when they were introduced, they continued to make history throughout their more than three decades of service,” said Michael Bayley, former president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International.

“Saying goodbye to these two beloved ships is a major moment in Royal Caribbean’s history – one that is difficult but necessary. With plans for new, innovative ships to join our fleet in the upcoming years, we look forward to our guests and crew continuing to make new memories with us.”

Additionally, Royal Caribbean praised Majesty of the Seas for playing a crucial role in the cruise line’s commitment to continuously redefine the industry. As the third ship in the impressive Sovereign class, Majesty of the Seas was nearly twice the size of the average cruise ship when she was built in 1992.

At the time of her debut, Royal Caribbean says Majesty of the Seas was the largest in the vacation company’s fleet and sailed 7-night Western Caribbean cruises from Miami, Florida. Many Royal Caribbean cruisers loved sailing aboard Majesty of the Seas, even in her final years.

In the press release, Royal Caribbean stated the ships were sold to an undisclosed Asia-Pacific entity. However, it was eventually unveiled that SeaJets purchased Majesty of the Seas.

Back in 2020, SeaJets was purchasing many different cruise ships from the British cruise line, Cruise & Maritime (CMV). The company planned to sail the purchased vessels on inter-Greek trips or selling them to a third party. Presumably, the company anticipated a similar fate for Majesty of the Seas, which has yet to come to fruition.

The Sovereign class was an important era in Royal Caribbean’s history.

Royal Caribbean’s Sovereign class marked the cruise line’s first true venture into the era of mega ships. At 74,000 gross tons, Majesty of the Seas was built at Chantiers de l’Atlantique in Saint-Nazaire, France. She was quite the marvel in the 1990s, especially with her thoughtful design and massive size.  

As one of the first mega cruise ships, Majesty of the Seas had a capacity of 2,350 passengers at double occupancy and up to 2,767 at maximum capacity. The Sovereign class vessel sailed with 833 crew members.

When she first debuted, Majesty of the Seas brought features that now define modern cruising, including the multi-deck atrium named the Centrum. This included glass elevators, sweeping staircases, and ambient lighting, along with surrounding shops and cafes.

In addition, theaters and entertainment spaces were larger than typical for this era, which allowed for more innovative production shows. Majesty of the Seas was also the first in Royal Caribbean’s fleet to introduce full-ship charters to large groups. Now, this has become a staple for cruise line’s business model.

In 2007, Majesty of the Seas underwent a four-week dry dock overhaul, which refreshed public rooms, cabins, pools, and shopping spaces. Later in 2016, Majesty of the Seas received her final refurbishment and upgrades, including the pool deck’s kid-friendly play area, a poolside movie screen, and casino modifications.

As the cruise industry evolved with even more massive cruise ships, Majesty of the Seas always retained her charm and offered an intimate onboard experience to loyal fans. In her final years, many cruisers appreciated the classic and traditional cruise experience she offered.

While the fate of Majesty of the Seas continues to be unclear, there’s no denying the integral impact she had not only on Royal Caribbean, but the entire cruise industry.

I recently returned from a cruise aboard Wonder of the Seas when I had a sudden realization: Royal Caribbean has the best entertainment in the cruise industry and the competition isn’t even close.

I've cruised with multiple cruise lines over the last few years, including brand-new ships from competitors like Carnival Cruise Line and Norwegian Cruise Line. Even while watching their top-tier entertainment, it didn't compare to Royal Caribbean.

In fact, it’s rare in today’s cruise landscape to find a cruise line willing to invest resources in live entertainment. Shows are expensive for cruise lines, especially compared to low-effort game shows that seem to be dominating the cruise industry. The costs come from employing cast members who need specialized training, along with the advanced technology that can cost millions to install and maintain.

Because of this, many cruise lines are scaling back their entertainment budgets by trimming cast sizes, replacing expensive Broadway shows, and leaning on low-cost variety acts to fill the schedule.

However, Royal Caribbean has taken the opposite approach. At a time when competitors are cutting back, Royal Caribbean continues to invest heavily in onboard entertainment. 

From Broadway musicals to high-diving acrobatics and state-of-the-art ice performances, Royal Caribbean is continuously pushing the boundaries of cruise entertainment. Some might argue that Royal Caribbean’s entertainment rivals major theme parks and Las Vegas productions. And that’s not an exaggeration, as the cruise line has been creating unparalleled entertainment for decades. 

Here’s why Royal Caribbean's entertainment is unlike anything else in the cruise industry, especially as rival brands continue scaling back. 

Royal Caribbean’s entertainment has always been ahead of its time

When Royal Caribbean launched Voyager of the Seas in 1999, it became the first cruise line to feature an ice-skating rink, called Studio B. At the time, it was an absurd concept to include an ice skating rink on a moving cruise ship. The investment was expensive and time consuming, as detailed in former Royal Caribbean Group CEO Richard Fain’s new book, Delivering the Wow.

Fain writes, “Adding an ice-skating rink on a ship turned out to be a difficult and expensive proposition. Yet it was our approach that made it a defining moment for our corporate culture. Our willingness to make such a major commitment spoke volumes about our determination to evolve from a cruise line to a true vacation provider.”

Royal Caribbean’s gamble paid off, as Studio B has become a fan favorite for cruisers. Now, the cruise line has incorporated an ice skating rink on every new ship, including its brand-new, groundbreaking Icon class. Fain even states that Royal Caribbean is the largest employer of figure skaters in America now!

In this way, each new ship class has continued to raise the bar with entertainment. For instance, the Oasis class was introduced in 2009 with an aft-facing AquaTheatre that featured high-divers, synchronized swimmers, and gravity-defying stunts. The industry had never seen anything like it before on a cruise ship, including 30-foot diving platforms and a deep, illuminated pool.

The AquaTheatre was a hit, and it's been incorporated in every Oasis class ship over the last decade. With this, Royal Caribbean has slowly established itself as the cruise industry’s leader in entertainment and live productions. And 15 years later, no other cruise line has even come close to replicating it.

Entertainment is a core identity of Royal Caribbean

For Royal Caribbean, entertainment has become a defining feature of the brand. With each new ship class, the cruise line continues to display its unwavering commitment to innovation and technological advancement.

Unlike competitors, Royal Caribbean has integrated top-notch entertainment into every new ship’s design. Every new Royal Caribbean ship is intentionally engineered around purpose-built entertainment venues, ensuring the ship’s design supports large-scale productions that rival those on land.

Although the Voyager and Freedom class introduced a new concept of imaginative entertainment, the Oasis Class remains one of the most entertainment-heavy ship classes ever built.

Each Oasis class ship features multiple world-class entertainment venues, including the AquaTheater for diving and aerial shows, Studio B for iconic ice-skating productions, and a full-scale Broadway theatre that seats over 1,300 guests. Broadway shows include full-scale, licensed productions such as Grease, Mamma Mia!, and Hairspray.

All of Royal Caribbean's Oasis class vessels also continue to receive show upgrades and technical enhancements. When Wonder of the Seas debuted in 2022, the inTENSE AquaTheatre show featured an all-female cast of athletes, synchronized swimmers, and high divers that performed alongside lasers and digital effects.

While cruising aboard Wonder of the Seas with my best friend last month, we were both in awe of all the entertainment aboard. Compared to competitor cruise lines, or even land-based vacations, it’s tough to compete. We marveled at the top-notch production shows each night, and even attended the inTENSE AquaTheatre show twice! 

Royal Caribbean continues its commitment to entertainment with the Icon class of ships

Royal Caribbean’s newest Icon class vessels take the cruise line’s entertainment to the next level. For example, while the AquaTheater on the Oasis Class ships was a huge success, Royal Caribbean chose to reimagine the concept by moving the production indoors beneath a breathtaking glass dome.

Fain describes in his book how he actually sketched the concept of the new AquaDome on a napkin and challenged engineers to bring it to life. This redesign turned out to be a major engineering hurdle for Royal Caribbean. Relocating the AquaTheater’s massive weight from the ship’s lower aft to its upper forward section was far from conventional.

In the end, Royal Caribbean redesigned its AquaTheatre into the AquaDome at the front of the ship’s top deck. The new aquatic venue is safely secured under a 327-ton glass dome, which is both a technical and creative masterpiece.

Inside the AquaDome, guests can experience shows like Aqua Action! and Pirates vs. Mermaids. Both of these high-energy productions showcase diving, robotics, and digital projections.

By moving the aquatic theatre indoors, the production team is now able to control lighting, temperature, and acoustics, which creates an immersive theatrical experience. In addition, weather isn’t a major concern like it is for the outdoor AquaTheaters on Oasis Class ships, which can be canceled due to high winds or storms.

In addition to the AquaDome, Royal Caribbean expanded its ice rink with Absolute Zero. This is the largest ice skating rink on any Royal Caribbean ship class! Featuring digital backdrops, custom sound design, and choreographed drone lighting, Absolute Zero’s shows take Royal Caribbean’s ice productions to a new level.

And the innovation doesn’t stop there! Royal Caribbean introduced The Wizard of Oz musical on Icon of the Seas, while Star of the Seas showcases Back to the Future: The Musical. Both of these have been huge hits with cruisers and praised for their impressive, full-scale productions.

In addition, it was recently announced that Legend of the Seas will feature the Broadway musical Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. The vessel is scheduled to join Royal Caribbean’s fleet in 2026. This further exemplifies Royal Caribbean's continued commitment to expanding its entertainment offerings, even when it's costly.

Competitors can’t keep up with Royal Caribbean's entertainment

(Deal or No Deal Gameshow on Carnival Mardi Gras)

Royal Caribbean’s dominance in entertainment comes down to its infrastructure. Because the cruise line designs ships around these performance spaces from the start, the entertainment offerings feel integral to the ship's design. 

For example, the AquaTheater and AquaDome require impressive engineering designs with specialized pools, multi-level seating, and hydraulic lifts that few shipbuilders could replicate without starting from scratch.

That’s likely why competitors haven’t followed suit. The cost and space requirements are restrictive, and for most cruise lines, entertainment simply doesn’t drive demand the way Royal Caribbean’s does. This allows Royal Caribbean to continue pushing the envelope, while other lines have been slowly scaling back on entertainment.

(Beetlejuice Musical on Norwegian Viva)

Most notably, Norwegian Cruise Line has been considered one of Royal Caribbean’s closest competitors, especially when it comes to onboard entertainment. The cruise line even earned acclaim for licensing Broadway hits such as Jersey Boys, Six, and Footloose.

However, in recent years, Norwegian Cruise Line made a series of disappointing entertainment cutbacks. The company reduced cast sizes, cancelled long-running contracts for Broadway productions, and replaced large-scale production shows with cheaper alternatives. Some cast members reported that entire production teams were being dismissed and others had substantially reduced schedules.

While Norwegian Cruise Line was once renowned for their Broadway production shows, that’s no longer the case. Essentially, it was too expensive to continue running shows of this caliber. The cruise line also cited that guests preferred shorter shows that were produced in-house compared to the longer Broadway shows.

(Variety act on Norwegian Star)

During my 12-night cruise with Norwegian last year, there were multiple nights without any sort of entertainment. This was shocking! While I don’t expect a Broadway production each night, some sort of variety act, comedian, or magician would be appreciated.

For long-time cruisers, the entertainment shift is noticeable and disappointing. Entertainment was once a defining feature of Norwegian Cruise Line, especially on its Breakaway and Prima class ships, but that distinction has started to fade.

In addition, when I cruised on Norwegian Viva during her inaugural season, I was surprised that one of the main production shows was a game show titled "Press Your Luck". While game shows can be fun, they’re cheaper to produce and don’t require the same level of talent or production resources as a full cast performance.

Many loyal Norwegian cruisers share the same sentiment - scaling back entertainment and removing Broadway production shows have been diluting the overall cruise experience.

Carnival takes an entirely different approach to entertainment, but it’s still not comparable

Carnival Cruise Line’s entertainment shows are designed for broad appeal, focusing on high-energy shows and in-house productions with singers, dancers, and aerialists.

On the cruise line’s newest Excel class ships, guests can enjoy theater productions like Celestial Strings or Rio Carnival, which combine dancing, live music, and choreographed performances. I enjoyed these production shows during my cruises aboard Carnival’s Excel class ships, but they weren’t at the same level as Royal Caribbean’s AquaTheater or ice shows.

Carnival also places a heavy emphasis on game shows, including Family Feud and Deal or No Deal. These interactive shows are fun and engaging for guests, especially those who enjoy being part of the spotlight, but they also highlight a shift in Carnival’s entertainment strategy. Instead of investing in large-scale, production-heavy performances, the line increasingly relies on guest participation, where passengers essentially become the performers themselves.

Comedy is another focus for Carnival’s onboard experience with the Punchliner Comedy Club offering daily shows for guests. The cruise line often features a rotating lineup of comedians offering both family-friendly and adults-only sets. It’s a crowd-pleaser and a signature element of Carnival’s laid-back, fun-focused atmosphere.

However, the format remains relatively simple with one comedian, a microphone, a spotlight, and a small stage. This is a far cry from the multimillion-dollar productions and immersive venues that you can find on Royal Caribbean’s newest ships.

Entertainment is a strategic investment for Royal Caribbean - and it’s working 

At a time when much of the cruise industry is making cost-cutting entertainment decisions, Royal Caribbean continues to do the opposite. Instead, Royal Caribbean is treating entertainment as a strategic investment rather than a discretionary expense.

The company’s commitment to awe-inspiring performances has become a core part of its brand identity. These are major engineering and financial investments incorporated directly into ship design. Unlike competitors, Royal Caribbean builds entire vessels with entertainment at the heart of the design, turning every ship into a destination in itself.

And the cruise line's strategy is working! Royal Caribbean Group reported record-breaking financial results in Q2 2025, with second-quarter revenue and net income climbing from prior year's financial results. 

In addition, load factors reached 110%, signaling demand continues to be exceptionally strong. This is an indication that guests are not only sailing, but also paying premiums to experience what Royal Caribbean offers.

The financial success and growth of Royal Caribbean highlight the brand’s strategy of differentiation through innovation, particularly in entertainment. There’s no denying that Royal Caribbean’s commitment to this advancement and innovation is directly fueling growth.

Additionally, the cruise line's newest ships consistently sell out faster with higher average fares than other ships. This further proves that guests see value in the unparalleled experience that Royal Caribbean offers. Unlike competitors who are scaling back production shows to save costs, Royal Caribbean has doubled down on creativity, boldness, and advancement. 

From the ice rinks of the Voyager Class to the cutting-edge AquaDome of the Icon Class, Royal Caribbean has spent decades transforming live entertainment into its competitive advantage. And as long as Royal Caribbean keeps treating entertainment as an investment, not an expense, it will continue to deliver something no other cruise line can replicate.

Note: If you purchase Richard Fain's book through our Amazon link in this article, we receive a small commission. This is no additional cost to you but it helps support our site. Thanks!

Royal Caribbean has officially confirmed that its Specialty Coffee Card can be used on multiple cruises, ending years of confusion among loyal guests.

For years, Royal Caribbean cruisers were unsure about policies regarding the Specialty Coffee Cards offered by the cruise line. As one of the more popular drink add-ons, a Specialty Coffee Card provides 15 punches for specialty coffees at a discounted rate. This includes everything from iced lattes to chai teas and Frappuccinos during your cruise. 

However, one of the biggest points of confusion surrounding the coffee card was whether any unused punches could be carried over to future cruises. Some cruisers would share success stories of using the same card on multiple Royal Caribbean cruises, while others were told the punch card was only valid for the one sailing.

Now, Royal Caribbean has clearly stated that Specialty Coffee Cards can be used during multiple sailings. During a recent cruise aboard Oasis of the Seas, Marc Van Niekerk, a Royal Caribbean Blog reader, shared photos of an updated version of the card.

The text on the back of the Specialty Coffee Card now clearly reads, “This card is shareable and multiple orders can be redeemed at one time. Card is also transferable to any other Royal Caribbean ship and sail date. Specialty coffees do not include beverages from licensed Starbucks stores.”

In addition, Royal Caribbean’s Cruise Planner has updated verbiage on the Specialty Coffee Card description to reflect the policy change. The Cruise Planner now states, “The Specialty Coffee Card can be used on future sailings if punches aren’t depleted. There is no minimum purchase or maximum limit when using the Specialty Coffee Card.”

Now, we have official confirmation that unused punches don’t expire at the end of your cruise and can be redeemed on future Royal Caribbean sailings. This update allows cruisers to get more value from their purchase by using any remaining punches on their next cruise. Most importantly, there is no longer any confusion about how the Specialty Coffee Card can be used for multiple cruises. 

The policy clarification is a welcome change for coffee-lovers

While Royal Caribbean provides drip coffee as a complimentary beverage, specialty coffees come at an additional cost. According to the Royal Caribbean Cruise Planner, the Specialty Coffee Card can save cruisers up to 50% on specialty beverages during their cruise. 

With 15 punches on each card, guests can use one punch to cover smaller drinks like a single espresso, tall latte, chai latte, specialty tea, or hot chocolate. Two punches are required for larger beverages such as a double espresso, grande or venti lattes, chai lattes, teas, hot chocolate, or a Frappuccino.

There’s no denying the Specialty Coffee Card can be a great value if you plan to splurge on specialty coffees during your cruise. However, there has been longtime confusion regarding the number of cruises you could use the card. 

Cruisers often debated the policy, with some stating you can use the card over multiple itineraries. Others argued that crew members advised that Specialty Coffee Cards could only be used during one cruise, and the punches would not transfer to another sailing.

In fact, one Royal Caribbean Blog reader posted on our forum last year, “If I purchase a coffee card but do not use all the allotments, can I use the same card on my next sailing on a different vessel?”

The post received many replies from other Royal Caribbean cruisers with a mix of responses. Some had luck using the coffee card multiple times, while others weren’t as lucky.

One responder said, “It is a 'your mileage may vary' situation. I've been able to and been denied. I have never seen a "sale" on the coffee card-always $31.00. I do not know if you can purchase it on board. If it is available onboard for the same price, why not try the old card, and if denied, purchase a new one.”

“My last coffee card had the ship name, supporting "no" answer. However, if the ship name is blank, some folks use it. The description in cruise planner should mention a single cruise,” replied another cruiser.

One cruiser also said, “Tried it once and it was a no-go.”

Others had better luck, writing, “I have purchased many coffee cards and always used them ship to ship and have never had an issue.”

"I just saw this asked on Facebook, and was actually surprised that the answers seemed to vary, but leaned heavily toward yes. A LOT of people said they have used them on multiple cruises with no problem, especially if they did not write the ship name on the card.  Some even said they were specifically told they were allowed to do so, which is why they bought them,” shared one cruiser.

“I did, twice on the same ship. I was even told I could by the cafe staff. I did cross out the old cabin # and put in the new one in pen so they would put the right one down to get their share of gratuities,” explained another traveler. Now, it's clarified that guests can take advantage of their coffee cards for multiple sailings, if they choose. 

In general, people love the Specialty Coffee Card for its convenience and value

Many Royal Caribbean cruisers are fans of the Specialty Coffee Card, as it provides a great value for those who like to start their morning with a latte or cappuccino. For example, on a Reddit post regarding whether the coffee card is worthwhile, the majority of responders were proponents.

Because $31 covers 15 punches, each specialty coffee averages around $2 per beverage for single-shot espressos. This can be significant savings if you’re someone who drinks specialty coffees each morning, which can easily cost $5 to $7 per drink.

Regular coffee drinkers find the Specialty Coffee Card can pay for itself within the first few days of a cruise. In addition, many cruisers love the card’s flexibility and convenience. Because the coffee card is sharable, you can split beverages with your travel party. It can also be used for a variety of espresso-based drinks, including iced lattes, cappuccinos, chai teas, Frappuccinos, and more.

With this flexibility, cruisers find the Specialty Coffee Card to be an appealing alternative to the pricier drink packages offered by Royal Caribbean.

In addition, because you’ve already prepaid for your specialty coffee, you don’t have to worry about a surprise bill at the end of your cruise. Whether you want an afternoon pick-me-up from Cafe Promenade or you look forward to a frothy latte every morning, the Specialty Coffee Card can be a great way to save money for coffee-lovers.

This is a simple and budget-friendly way to enhance your Royal Caribbean cruise, especially if you aren’t a fan of the provided drip coffee. And now, the card is even more valuable with confirmation that you can enjoy unused punches for future sailings. 

Black Friday might be a couple months away, but that doesn’t mean you need to wait until November to stock up on your favorite cruise essentials.

Amazon’s Prime Big Day Deal Day is here! Every fall, Amazon features a multi-day sale with steep discounts on some of the website’s most popular items. For cruisers, this means it’s a great time to splurge on the cruise must-haves that you’ve been eyeing.

This fall, Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days will run from October 7 at 12:00am (Pacific Time) through October 8 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time). Amazon promised this sale will feature exclusive deals for Prime Members, like up to 65% off Anker power banks and 50% off Samsonite luggage.

According to Amazon, there will be millions of deals across categories for top brands. For cruise travelers, this can mean serious savings on items like luggage, electronics, and travel essentials.

In addition, Amazon has also introduced “Today’s Big Deals” with special daily discounts for some of the hottest offers. These go fast, so you’ll want to keep an eye on drop times at 12am, 8am, and 1pm PT.

If you want to participate in this fall’s sale, you’ll need a Prime membership to access the sale, or you can start a 30-day free trial.

As someone who loves to online shop, I look forward to Amazon’s biggest sales every year. I’ve been able to snag some amazing deals on my favorite cruise gear, such as my portable sound machine and Apple AirPods.

If you’ve been waiting to buy cruise essentials and you have upcoming cruises this winter, it’s the perfect weekend to shop. With thousands of different products on sale this fall, it can feel overwhelming to find the best deals on cruise essentials.

Lucky for you, I’ve sorted through all of best deals and rounded up the top items you’ll want to purchase for your next cruise.

Note: We receive a small commission if you purchase any products from our affiliate links below. Purchasing from these links costs you nothing extra, but helps support our site. All prices below were accurate at the time of publication. Prices may change during the sale based on availability. Check out our Amazon Storefront for more cruise and travel favorites! 

Cruise and Cabin Necessities

From magnetic hooks for your stateroom to travel-sized toiletries, these cruise essentials will make your cabin more functional and your cruise smoother. 

1. Magnetic Hooks

Cruise staterooms are very compact, and much smaller than a standard hotel room. You’ll want to optimize your small space as much as you can. For this reason, magnetic hooks are extremely popular for cruisers.Because cabin walls are typically magnetic, these hooks hang directly on the wall. This gives you additional hanging space for jackets, lanyards, hats, and bags.

Product Link: DIYMAG Magnetic Hooks, 30lbs+ Magnet Hook 2025 Cruise Cabin Ship Essentials Heavy Duty Strong Magnets Refrigerator Fridge Hanging for Classroom Beach Vacation Kitchen Grills Home 20 Pack (Silver)

Price: $9.97 (38% off)

2. Cruise Luggage Tag Holders

You’ll need to print your luggage tags at home and place the tags on your suitcases for embarkation day. Just like an airport, larger suitcases will be checked with cruise porters and delivered to your stateroom onboard.

Keep your printed luggage tags safe from water and damage during embarkation day with these holders. The clear sleeves help your luggage tag stay secure, and will protect your printed tag from rainy weather. They’re a small purchase that can make a big difference!

Product Link: Cruise On Royal Caribbean Cruise Luggage Tag Holder (4 Pack) – Fits All Royal Caribbean Ships, Durable Travel ID Holders for 2025-2026 Cruises, Clear Waterproof Cruise Essentials

Price: $9.39 (20% off)

3. Portable Fans

If you’re heading somewhere warm for your cruise, you should consider packing a portable fan. Some prefer to have foldable fans in their cruise cabins to improve airflow and keep the cabin cooler at night. Others might prefer a hand-held fan that can be used during shore excursions or around the ship.

Product Link for Desk Fans: TOPK 2 Pack 5000mAh Portable Desk Fan, Ultra-thin Strong Wind Digital Display 4 Speeds Adjustable Small Quiet Battery Powered Personal Travel Fan for Bedroom, Office, Cruise, Library, Outdoor

Price: $29.99 (14% off)

Product Link for Handheld Fans: JISULIFE Portable Handheld Fan, Mini 3 In 1 with Rechargeable Battery, Personal Pocket Fan for Travel, Outdoor, USB Power Bank, Flashlight, Essential Ideal Gifts for Summer/Concert/Vacation - Blue

Price: $14.39 (20% off)

4. Motion-Activated Night Light

Our readers love this motion-activated night light, especially those who book interior cabins. Without natural light, it can be hard to navigate your stateroom at night. This highlight is motion censored to illuminate with movement, so it won’t wake up your cabin mates. In addition, it’s compact, easy to pack, and includes a magnetic base with sticky adhesives.

Product Link: Cruise On Motion-Activated Battery LED Light with Magnetic Base, 360° Rotating Night Lamp for Closets, Bathrooms, Hallways & Cabinets, Wireless, Easy Install, Auto Sensor for Hands-Free Illumination

Price: $14.39 (40% off)

5. Pop-Up Mesh Hamper

One of my favorite purchases for my cruise cabins has been a pop-up mesh hamper. This helps keep my stateroom organized and less cluttered. It’s lightweight and takes up virtually no space in my suitcase. This hamper makes it easy to contain dirty clothes in one spot rather than letting them pile up around the cabin.

Product Link: 2 Pcs Strong Mesh Pop-up Laundry Hamper, Quality Pop Up Hampers for Laundry with Durable Handles Solid Bottom High Carbon Steel Frame, Easy to Open and Fold Flat for Storage(Black)

Price: $13.59 (20% off)

6. Hanging Cosmetic Organizer

Cruise cabins are small, but the cabin bathrooms are even smaller. There can be limited counter space with minimal shelving, making it hard to store all of your toiletries and products. I never cruise without my hanging cosmetic organizer, as it’s easy to store on the back of the bathroom door. It’s the perfect solution to keep my skincare, makeup, and cosmetics nearly stored without cluttering the bathroom vanity.

Product Link: NISHEL Travel Toiletry Bag for women, Portable Hanging Organizer for Travel-Sized Shampoo, Conditioner, Brushes Set, makeup Accessories, Medium Size, Pink

Price: $14.32 (20% off)

7. Cruise Door Magnets

Decorating your cruise cabin door is becoming increasingly popular on ships. You’ll notice many cruisers like to decorate their cabin doors with fun magnets. This is a fun way to jazz up your stateroom, and many cruisers say it helps find their cabin. Magnets are easy to pack because they won’t take up too much luggage space and doesn’t leave any residue on the door.

Product Link: PHOGARY 17pcs Hawaiian Magnets for Cruise Door Decorations, Funny Luau Tropical Magnets for Cruise Metal Door Summer Hawaiian Party Decor

Price: $4.49 (50% off)

8. Travel Toiletry Bottles

If you’re trying to save space in your cruise cabin (or your suitcase!), consider using travel toiletry bottles. These allow you to bring your favorite products from home in these leak-resistant bottles.

Product Link: Travel Bottles for Toiletries, Tsa Approved 3oz Travel Size Containers BPA Free Leak Proof Refillable Liquid Silicone Squeezable Travel Accessories for Shampoo Conditioner Lotion (4 Pack)

Price: $7.99 (20% off)

Suitcases and Luggage Accessories

You’ll need a reliable suitcase to bring on your cruise, regardless of whether you’re flying or driving to the cruise port. I typically bring a carry-on suitcase aboard the ship and only check a larger suitcase for longer itineraries. After finally investing in higher-quality luggage, navigating the airports, hotels, train stations, and cruise terminals has been much better!

9. Samsonite Luggage Set

These Samsonite Carry-On Hardshell suitcases are a favorite for travelers; even better, they'tr expandable to make room for all your cruise treasures! This suitcase set receives high ratings for being high quality and lightweight, with smooth-rolling wheels.

Product Link: Samsonite Freeform 2-Piece Luggage Set - Carry-On & Large Checked Luggage with Dual Spinner Wheels - Durable Polypropylene Hardshell - TSA Lock, Airline-Approved - Expandable Hard Shell – Black

Price: $196.35 (20% off)

10. Coolife Luggage Set

If you’re looking to invest in more than just one suitcase, you could consider splurging on a luggage set during Big Deal Days! This Coolife Luggage set is an excellent deal with three different suitcases included. It's highly rated for its sturdy shell, smooth wheels, and lightweight design. 

Product Link: Coolife Luggage 3 Piece Set Suitcase Spinner Hardshell Lightweight TSA Lock

Price: $152.99 (11% off)

11. Packing Cubes

Packing cubes are a must-have for many travelers, but I especially love them for cruising. They keep everything neatly organized in your suitcase and remove excess air so you can pack more.

Simply remove the packing cube from your suitcase and place directly in your cabin’s closet or drawer for easy unpacking! I designate one packing cube for dirty clothes on the way home, which makes laundry easier after the cruise is over too.

Product Link: BAGAIL 6 Set/8 Set/10 Set Packing Cubes Various Sizes Packing Organizer for Travel Accessories Luggage Carry On Suitcase

Price: $21.99 (21% off)

Product Link: 10 Set Compression Packing Cubes for Travel Essentials,Compressible Expandable Packing Cubes for Suitcase, OlarHike Luggage Organizer Bags for Travel,Handy Helper for Organizing Clothes(Black)

Price: $29.99 (35% off)

12. Electronics Organizer

I was fed up with all of the cords and chargers in my backpack, so I finally invested in an electronics organizer. It makes all the difference keeping everything neatly organized in my bag while traveling. I also use it in my cruise cabin to reduce clutter and keep all of my cords and chargers organized. 

Product Link: BAGSMART Large Electronics Travel Organizer Case, Tech Accessories Cord Storage Bag for Phone, Power Bank, SD Card, Cables, Black

Price: $11.19 (25% off)

13. Travel Pill Organizer

If you travel with medication, including over-the-counter meds, it’s a good idea to have a pill organizer. This can save you space in your luggage and your cruise cabin! I use these for things like vitamin C and zinc supplements to stay healthy while traveling!

Product Link: 2 Pack 3 Compartment Small Pill Box, Moisture Proof Case, Travel Organizer for Pocket Purse, Daily Portable Medicine Vitamin Container, Fish Oil and Supplement Storage

Price: $5.94 (15% off)

14. Travel Jewelry Organizer

Jewelry can quickly become unmanageable, especially with necklaces all tangled together. I like to bring a travel jewelry organizer on my cruises to safely store all of my earrings, necklaces, and bracelets.

Product Link: BELALIFE Travel Jewelry Case Organizer, Medium Foldable Storage Roll for Earrings, Necklaces, Rings, Bracelets, Brooches, Pink

Price: $13.59 (15% off)

Cruise Tech and Electronics

Amazon’s biggest sales typically have the best deals on technology and electronics. This means you can save big on some of the most popular tech items for cruises. From portable chargers to headphones, you’ll definitely want to check out the best tech deals for your upcoming cruise vacations.

15. Wireless Charging Station

One of my recent favorite travel purchases is a wireless charging station. This eliminates the need to bring multiple cords for different devices, such as your phone, smart watch, and wireless headphones. You can simply charge all of your devices at once. 

Product Link: Wireless Charger 3 in 1,RTOPS Magnetic Travel Wireless Charging Station Multiple Devices,GaN 3 in 1 Charging Station, Compatible for iPhone16/15/14/13/Pro/Max,iWatch,AirPods4/3/2/Pro(Adapter Includes)

Price: $24.28 (19% off)

16. USB Charging Station

Older ships may have a limited number of outlets available for charging your electronics. A charging station with multiple USB-A/USB-C ports supports multiple device charging for the cabin, so you don’t have to fight over the outlets.

Product Link: USB C Fast Charger, 100W GaN 6 Port Type C Charging Station Hub Block Cube, USB C Wall Charger Power Strip Adapter Plug for iPad iPhone 16 15 14 13 12 Pro Max Pixel Note Galaxy, 5ft Cord

Price: $19.98 (20% off)

17. Universal Adapter with USB Ports

This travel adapter is one of our readers’ favorite cruise products! This one is highly rated because of its compact size, functionality, and multiple USB ports. You can charge multiple devices simultaneously, which can be especially helpful in your cruise cabin. Not to mention, some cabins have European outlets that are often left unused if you don’t have an adapter.

Product Link: EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter, European Travel Plug Adapter (Not a Voltage Converter) - International Power Adapter Worldwide Charger with USB-C & 4 USB-A Ports, Travel Essentials (TA-105, Grey)

Price: $17.99 (28% off)

18. Portable Charger

You’ll be having busy days exploring your ports of call and spending days on the pool deck. You might not always want to return to your cabin to charge your phone or tablet, so it’s best to have a portable charger to keep your devices charged throughout the day.

Product Link: INIU Portable Charger, Ultra Slim 10000mAh 45W PD Power Bank, USB C in&Out Fast Charging Battery Pack, Travel Essential Phone Powerbank Compatible with iPhone 17 16 15 Samsung S22 S21 Google iPad etc

Price: $18.69 (38% off)

19. Extra-Long Charging Cord

An extra-long charging cord is especially convenient in your cruise cabin if there’s only one outlet on the vanity. This allows you to lay comfortable on the bed or chill on the couch while still charging your devices. I never cruise without mine!

Product Link: Extra Long USB C Cable Fast Charging 15FT, [Apple MFi] Long USB A to USB C Cable for iPhone17 16 15 Charger Cord 5m,Type C Cable C Charger for iPhone 16 15 Pro Max/16 15 Plus/iPad Pro/Google-2Pack

Price: $17.99 (10% off)

Cruising used to be a cheap getaway, but that doesn’t seem to be the case anymore. Although I find great value from taking a cruise, there’s no denying the cost has increased significantly over the last five years.

Not to mention, Royal Caribbean has been shifting their strategy to offer more party-focused cruises with short Caribbean itineraries. 

For example, Utopia of the Seas debuted last summer as Royal Caribbean's newest Oasis class vessel. The brand-new ship started offering 3-night and 4-night getaway cruises from Port Canaveral in Florida, and it proved to be a huge hit. Following Utopia of the Seas’ success, Royal Caribbean recently shifted another Oasis class ship, Wonder of the Seas, from 7-night sailings to 3-night and 4-night Bahamas cruises.

Short cruises are huge money-makers for the cruise line. In addition to attracting new cruisers, these party-focused itineraries are typically more expensive on a per-night basis. These itineraries also sell out faster than other sailings, so they make sense from a business standpoint.

For the consumer, short cruisers are also a winning strategy. The overall cost is often less for a 3-night or 4-night cruise fare, and you don’t need to take as many PTO days. This allows cruisers to set sail more often compared to weeklong itineraries, which can be more expensive overall and require more vacation days.

Jason Liberty, Royal Caribbean Group's President and CEO, stated in a 2025 Q2 press release, “As consumer preferences continue to evolve - toward more frequent vacations, closer-in vacation planning, and a greater focus on meaningful, experience-driven travel - our experiences are designed to meet these evolving expectations.”

Royal Caribbean has found that onboard spending has been higher as they’ve shifted more ships to shorter Caribbean itineraries. In the same 2025 Q2 financial update, Royal Caribbean stated, “Guest spending onboard and pre-cruise purchases continue to exceed prior years, driven by greater participation at higher prices.”

After totaling everything I spent on my 4-night Wonder of the Seas cruise, it’s easy to see why Royal Caribbean is leaning into short getaways. I spent $2,337.47 on my entire vacation last month, from $179.45 at specialty dining restaurants to $57 on internet access. Here’s a breakdown of my spending.

Our cruise fare was $1,315 for the cheapest interior cabin.

My best friend and I decided a few months ago that we were looking for a girl’s getaway trip together. She lives across the country from me, so this would be the perfect opportunity to spend quality time together. Not to mention, this was her first cruise!

Instead of splurging for a balcony, we opted for the cheapest interior cabin. This happened to be a guaranteed stateroom, meaning we didn’t get to choose the location of our cabin. Although this can be a gamble, it saved us money that we could spend elsewhere during our cruise.

We were pleased to be assigned an interior cabin on Deck 8 towards the front of the ship. The decks above and below us were also staterooms, which kept noise to a minimum. This was a great location on Wonder of the Seas, as we were close to the open-air Central Park with restaurants, bars, and shops. We were never far from the main attractions either.

Although our cabin was modern, it was extremely compact. After sailing in an interior cabin aboard sister-ship Utopia of the Seas, I expected the stateroom to be similar in terms of size and design. This wasn’t the case though, as our cabin was significantly smaller aboard Wonder of the Seas.

To my surprise, this interior cabin had very little space and lacked any couch or chair for additional seating. The layout was also unusual, with the vanity directly in front of my bed. We decided to separate the beds to open up the space, which did help.

The air conditioning also seemed temperamental, which isn’t good for a hot cruise to the Bahamas in August! Luckily, we requested a fan from our cabin attendant, and he provided a large floor fan that kept air circulating all night.

Other than the cabin’s size and temperature control, we had everything else we needed for our short cruise. Because Wonder of the Seas has so much to offer for entertainment, onboard attractions, and activities, we hardly spent any time in our stateroom anyway.

This was the largest expense of our entire vacation, totaling about 56% of the overall cost. Our fare included port fees, taxes, and prepaid gratuities.

I paid $57.98 for VOOM internet, but the reliable speed was worth it!

I always purchase internet while cruising, as my remote work requires occasional meetings and emails. As a Diamond Plus loyalty member, I receive two free days of VOOM Internet access on every cruise. On a 4-night cruise, this means I only needed to pay for two days to have unlimited internet access for the entire cruise.

I purchased my VOOM Surf + Stream internet package on the first day, which allowed me to apply my loyalty discount. I wish Royal Caribbean would provide loyalty discounts to purchases in the Cruise Planner before boarding. Had I purchased the Wi-Fi package before boarding, it would have cost around $92 for the 4-night voyage. Onboard, the cost was $115; but with my loyalty discount, the $57.98 cost was still cheaper than pre-purchasing.

The internet was fast and reliable throughout our entire cruise. I also appreciated being able to use the package while ashore at Perfect Day at CocoCay. My friend was also surprised by the internet’s speed and reliability, as it was her first cruise and she wasn’t sure what to expect. 

This was one of the smallest expenses, costing only 2% of the total vacation cost.

We also splurged on specialty dining for two meals, costing us $179.45.

Oasis class ships are packed with specialty dining restaurants. And after trying other competitor cruise lines, I believe Royal Caribbean has the best specialty dining at sea. In this way, I am always happy to splurge on a specialty dining meal.

I typically book a specialty restaurant on the first night of the cruise, as it’s a reprieve from a hectic boarding day. Specialty dining restaurants are more upscale and intimate with attentive service, which can be a nice change from the main dining room. My friend wanted to try Chops Grille steakhouse, and I was happy to oblige!

We reserved a table for our first night, which allowed us to take advantage of my Diamond Plus BOGO specialty dining offer. The meal was excellent! We loved the experience of eating outside in Central Park as we sailed away from Miami on the first evening. I also tried the ribeye for the first time — it’s a new favorite! This meal was $76.70 for two people.

In addition, my friend loves sushi and definitely wanted to try Izumi, which is Royal Caribbean's Asian-inspired specialty venue. We decided to book lunch at Izumi while the ship was docked in Nassau, Bahamas. This worked out perfectly following our short day ashore, as we only walked around the port area. We both ordered the prix fixe option from Izumi's expansive menu, which included an appetizer, two main course selections, and dessert.

My friend tried the tuna poke bowl and sushi while I opted for the beef noodles and stir fry. She didn’t love her sushi, but everything else was fabulous. Izumi does not offer lunch specials, so it’s the same price regardless of when you dine. We paid $94.90 for our lunch here.

Finally, I couldn’t resist a pumpkin spice latte from Starbucks! It was the first day of Starbucks offering their fall menu for the season, so I couldn’t say no. This latte was $7.85 and, although pricey, was similarly priced to what you'd pay at Starbucks on land.

In total, we spent $179.45 on specialty dining during our 4-night Wonder of the Seas cruise, or 8% of our vacation’s total cost. And it was worth every single cent!

My flight to Miami was $380 while airport parking was $20, totaling $400.

Even though I live in Florida, the Panhandle is about as far from Miami as you can get in the state. Instead of driving 8.5 hours, I opted to book a flight instead. My round-trip airfare on Delta Air Lines was $380 from my small airport in Destin, Florida. I also paid $20 to park my car at the airport. On the other hand, my friend booked her flight with points, making it technically free!

Typically, I prefer cruising from Port Canaveral, Florida due to the shorter driving distance. Airfare can add up quickly if you’re flying to a cruise port, especially if you’re traveling with kids. For this reason, short party-focused cruises are most popular for those who can drive to the embarkation port. At $380 for one ticket, this would be $1,520 for a family of four.

I was able to save some money by only eating lunch and dinner at the airport lounges, as I have access with one of my premium travel credit cards. Airport food is outrageously priced, so being able to take advantage of the airport lounges helps keep travel day costs down.

This was one of the bigger expenses, totaling 17% of the entire vacation cost.

We spent $101.04 on Uber rides between the airport, hotel, and cruise port.

Another downside of flying to your cruise port is not having a car to get around. Instead, you have to rely on taxis, Ubers, or shuttles. For this trip, we flew in the night before our cruise and booked a hotel for the night (as you always should!).

My Uber from the airport to the hotel was $41.89 while the following morning’s ride to the port was only $11.02. Our hotel was very close to the cruise port, so this Uber ride was very cheap because of the close proximity. After the cruise, we took another Uber from the cruise port directly to the MIA airport, costing us $48.13.

In total, we spent around $101.04 on Uber rides in Miami, which is 4% of the vacation’s total cost.

I booked a hotel in Miami for one night before the cruise, costing $304.

Because I flew into Miami the night before our cruise, I needed to book a hotel for the night. It’s always best practice to fly into your embarkation port at least one day before your cruise departs. For international flights, I add an extra buffer day or two. This ensures you have plenty of time to account for delays or cancellations.

I landed in Miami around 9:00 P.M. and made my way to the Miami Marriott Biscayne Bay. The hotel was recently remodeled, so the rooms felt up-to-date. With my Marriott status, we had breakfast included in the room fare. On the morning of embarkation, this was a great way to start our vacation.

The Marriott Biscayne Bay hotel is conveniently located by the cruise port. The morning of embarkation, we could see Wonder of the Seas in the distance at Royal Caribbean’s PortMiami cruise terminal. Because our hotel was close to the terminal, our Uber ride was quick and easy.

Overall, our hotel room was 13% of the entire trip’s cost, which is on the higher end. We probably could have booked a cheaper room closer to the airport, but we appreciated the convenience to the cruise terminal on embarkation day.

In total, our entire cruise vacation aboard Wonder of the Seas was $2,337.47.

This 4-night cruise was not necessarily a cheap getaway. We paid $2,337 in total for this vacation, including airfare, cruise fare, onboard purchases, our hotel room, and port transportation. For four nights, this comes out to $1,168.74 each, or $292 per person for each night of the cruise.

The cost of this cruise could have been much higher. For instance, I receive five complimentary drinks per day with my loyalty status. Had we purchased an expensive drink package or drinks individually, the cost would have hundreds of dollars more. We also skipped any shore excursions in Nassau and Perfect Day at CocoCay, which also cut down on costs.

In addition, my husband had to stay behind for work and, therefore, we didn’t need to pay a dog-sitter for the duration of this cruise. We’ve spent upwards of $500 to have an in-home pet sitter for our two Aussiedoodles. It’s easy to forget about the cost of pet care or home care when planning a vacation, but this can add up quickly.

In comparison, my 4-night cruise on Utopia of the Seas back in February was $2,683, which is only slightly higher than we paid for this vacation. While more expensive than you might anticipate, I really enjoy shorter cruises. In fact, I’ve already booked another sailing aboard Utopia of the Seas this winter. If you're a first-time cruiser or simply wanting a quick vacation, I would definitely recommend Royal Caribbean's short Caribbean options.

Richard Fain, Royal Caribbean’s Chairman and former CEO, is sharing some of the most dramatic, nail-biting moments throughout the cruise line’s history in his new book.

His new book is titled Delivering the WOW: Culture as Catalyst for Lasting Success and will be released on October 21, 2025. I was lucky enough to receive an advance copy of Fain’s book, which is packed with juicy secrets from Royal Caribbean’s history.

Fain served as Royal Caribbean's CEO for more than three decades. While the cruise line started as a small Norwegian company with three vessels, Fain propelled Royal Caribbean into becoming one of the most valuable and profitable cruise lines in the world. 

Before taking on the role of CEO for Royal Caribbean, Fain worked for Gotaas-Larsen Shipping Corporation. This was a Norwegian shipping company and one of the three companies that co-founded Royal Caribbean. Fain served as treasurer, Chief Financial Officer, and Joint Managing Director during his 13 years at Gotaas-Larsen Shipping Company.

In 2022, Fain stepped down from his position as Royal Caribbean Group's CEO and still serves as a Chairman and Director of the Board. However, Royal Caribbean announced in June 2025 that Fain will step down from his position as Chairman. Instead, Jason Liberty, current Royal Caribbean Group President and CEO, will succeed as Chairman beginning in Q4 2025.

Throughout the book, Fain outlines Royal Caribbean’s massive transformation during his time as CEO. The story highlights many lessons learned, including insights on business leadership and the importance of Royal Caribbean's WOW-focused culture. 

While the book leans heavily into the actionable business insights from Royal Caribbean’s history, Fain sprinkles in dramatic moments throughout Royal Caribbean’s long history. For instance, he shares how the original design of Icon of the Seas’ Aquadome was originally sketched on a napkin in the break room!

As a longtime fan of Royal Caribbean and business analyst, I was eager to read Fain’s stories and business perspective. While I’m not a huge reader, Fain’s book was fun and easy to read. I loved hearing his personal and professional thoughts on many key moments in Royal Caribbean’s history.

Here are some of Fain’s biggest Royal Caribbean secrets and behind-the-scenes moments from his 30 years as Royal Caribbean Group’s CEO.

If you want to purchase Richard Fain’s new book, Delivering the WOW, you can pre-order it here on Amazon. By using our link, Royal Caribbean Blog receives a small commission at no extra cost to you.

1. Sovereign of the Seas' construction was almost cancelled during the 1987 recession

At the end of 1987, Fain was asked to be the Chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, and he accepted. The role would begin in the first quarter of 1988, aligning with the launch of Royal Caribbean’s first megaship, Sovereign of the Seas.

Then the unexpected happened. While Fain was looking forward to his new CEO position, the New York Stock Exchange dropped 23 percent on October 19, 1987, which is now known as “Black Monday." At the time, this was the largest single-day market drop in American history. 

With so much uncertainty, Fain says the future of traveling and cruising was up in the air. The former CEO shares how he received a panicked phone call from one of the company's shareholders, urging him to cancel the order for Sovereign of the Seas.

That call came from George Soros, one of the largest shareholders in Gotaas-Larsen. Although Fain had worked with Soros before, this conversation was different. And while Sovereign of the Seas was almost completely built, Soros insisted that Fain cancel the ship’s order.

Fain explains the tense conversation in his book: “George opened up without any of our usual preliminaries: ‘Richard, you need to cancel the order for the Sovereign of the Seas.’ I said, ‘George, we can’t cancel the order. The ship’s finished. It’s almost built.’

He said, ‘I know it’s almost done, but you’ve got to cancel, because nobody’s ever going to want to cruise again. Everybody should just act now, and if they feel poor, they won’t buy a cruise. You should act before the shipyard realizes how bad the future will be.’

I said, ‘George, even if that’s true, the ship is built. We can’t cancel. They’re already vacuuming the carpets!’ He said, ‘You may have to pay them a penalty, but you’ve got to cancel.’”

Fain details that he was confident in the cruise industry’s resiliency from previous recessions, and he didn’t share the stock market’s widespread pessimism.

He writes, “I reminded [George] that Gotaas-Larsen owned only one-third of Royal Caribbean. We couldn’t unilaterally demand the cancellation of a contract. Fortunately…the 1987 crash was short lived. Within six months, the stock market was back to where it had been.”

Just a few months later, on January 15, 1988, Sovereign of the Sea debuted and was blessed by her godmother, Rosalynn Carter. She became one of the most important cruise ships in Royal Caribbean's history.

2. Carnival tried to buy Royal Caribbean in 1988

After her debut, Sovereign of the Seas was a massive success for Royal Caribbean. Fain explains how the megaship was “profitable from her maiden voyage on and her guest satisfaction scores were the highest in the company’s history.”

He continues that the future of Royal Caribbean was looking bright with such strong performance from Sovereign of the Seas. By May 1988, the company was looking at building on the success of Sovereign of the Seas, but competitor Carnival Cruise Line had other plans.

Fain explains, “One morning, Jack Seabrook, the chairman of Gotaas-Larsen, called with shocking news. Carnival, the largest and most powerful cruise line in the world, wanted to buy Royal Caribbean. With that news, our future, our vision, everything we had been working toward was in play. I had only been Royal’s CEO for a few weeks, and suddenly, this call sounded like it might change everything.”

The clock started ticking on a high-stakes, fast-paced deal. Over the course of 40 days, Fain scrambled to find an alternative option. He details late-night negotiations and unexpected network connections, determined to keep Royal Caribbean’s independence.

At one point, a massive wire transfer was needed to secure Royal Caribbean’s future. However, Fain explains that the transfer, worth $300 million, was somehow lost in the London banking system with only a few hours left on the clock. This was the capital needed to finalize a new partnership that would block Carnival's takeover. Without this, Carnival's offer would become the default, and Royal Caribbean's independence would be lost.

When the money finally arrived at the last possible moment, Royal Caribbean entered into a new partnership that allowed the company to maintain its independence. As Fain reflects in the book, this was a make-or-break moment that defined the company and later proved the importance of lasting partnerships.

3. Royal Caribbean’s signature rock climbing wall almost didn’t happen

Royal Caribbean is known for its one-of-a-kind, innovative thrills that you can’t find on any other cruise ship. One of the cruise line’s first notable and unique additions to its ships was a rock climbing wall. While it doesn’t seem as significant compared to today’s attractions, including full-scale waterparks, surf simulators, and zip-lines, the addition was revolutionary at the time.

Fain details how some of the company’s youngest team members actually pitched the idea of a rock climbing wall - and he resisted at first. 

In his book, the former CEO explains during the final design stages for Voyager of the Seas in 1999, there was a large, empty space behind the ship’s funnel. Fain asked a small team of younger team members to imagine something interesting to put there, hoping for a fresh perspective.

After studying the ship’s design for several weeks, the team came back with a proposal for the rock-climbing wall. The team explained how the vertical space was perfect for a rock wall, and there would be plenty of space for equipment. The team also pointed out that rock climbing was becoming one of the fastest-growing sports in America, and could be popular with Royal Caribbean’s younger guests.

Fain states, “I resisted. I could not imagine anyone wanting to change into special gear on vacation and climb a wall. I didn’t tell them, but I privately went to a climbing studio and tried it myself. I came away with several bruises and a conviction that no reasonable person would find this fun.”

The team was pressed to find more reasonable alternatives, but they came back even more convinced that the rock wall would be the winner. “I hated all four ideas, but I thought the rock wall was the least terrible, so I agreed to it.”

However, Fain explains how the rock wall quickly became one of the most talked about features of the new ship.

He writes, “The cruise director commented, ‘Only a fraction of guests actually climb the wall, but it’s one of the most photographed features on board. It tells everyone this ship is different.’ It was so popular that we retrofitted it on our existing ships and have since included it on every new ship.”

Fain explains how this taught Royal Caribbean three valuable lessons. 

First, not everything needs to appeal to everyone. Even though only 10% of guests use the rock-climbing wall, its presence speaks volumes about the Royal Caribbean cruise experience. Second, it became symbolic of the shift Royal Caribbean was trying to make and emphasized that vacations don’t need to be sedentary. Finally, inspiration is everywhere, especially when you give people the opportunity to be creative.

4. Oasis of the Seas’ test blimp was almost shot down by the Swedish Air Force

(Photo shared by Loyal to Royal)

While Royal Caribbean has invented some of the most incredible shipboard technology, not all ideas were a success. Fain explains how the cruise line pursued the idea of putting a blimp on Oasis of the Seas, which ended up being a “spectacular failure”.

The blimp was meant to be towed 500 feet in the air above the vessel to give guests a view of the ship and its surroundings. Royal Caribbean hoped it would be a unique guest experience and a distinctive feature visible to people in the distance.

As you can imagine, Fain says the concept was technically challenging. He details, “It had to be able to withstand hurricane force winds and still be comfortable for 12 guests at a time. And it had to be tested under the most difficult of conditions—first in computer simulations, then in a wind tunnel, then on a special racing track, and finally onboard the ship during sea trials.”

(Photo shared by Loyal to Royal)

In the book, Fain explains how he tried the blimp himself, finding the ride stunning with breathtaking, sweeping views of the Swedish coast. “Once back on solid ground (i.e., the ship’s deck), the safety officer—who had been quiet during the ride—couldn’t stop talking about the view, how awe-inspiring it had been, and how blown away our guests would be.”

Because the blimp’s proper cradle wasn’t ready, the crew members tied the blimp to temporary moorings before bed that day. Unfortunately, there was a storm that night and the blimp actually broke free from the ship and flew away.

“Before we could find it, the captain received a call from the Swedish Air Force. Apparently, our blimp had floated into commercial air space, and the Air Force wanted to shoot it down. Luckily, before they opened fire, the blimp started descending and fell into the ocean. A fishing boat eventually picked it up.”

Fain says the blimp wasn’t meant to be, but it does showcase Royal Caribbean’s continued commitment to innovation at exceptional lengths. Even more importantly, the cruise line isn’t afraid to let go of an idea that isn't the right fit.

5. Royal Caribbean almost failed at building its ice skating rinks

Fain says Royal Caribbean is always determined to expand their entertainment options, especially with each new ship class. While ideating the next innovative space, Studio B came to life. However, the former CEO explains how the Studio B ice skating rink was one of the cruise line’s more interesting technical challenges.

“Our ships already had several entertainment spaces, but we wanted to add one additional space that would be different from anything else on the high seas. Peter Compton, who led our entertainment team, proposed adding a flexible space that would be patterned after the second stage in a TV studio,” writes Fain.

“He proposed calling it Studio B. Like a TV studio, there would be seating for the TV audience, and the space itself would be flexible enough to accommodate many kinds of activities.”

The team imagined what the space could be, but knew they wanted an ice skating rink. While testing artificial ice with a professional figure skater, the cruise line decided that the rink needed real ice. But, Fain never anticipated how challenging this could be.

Fain explains, “We learned instead that normal ice-skating rinks are made by pouring concrete over refrigerant pipes. That works fine on land, but ships flex as they move through the water. Ice can bend (who knew?), but concrete doesn’t.”

Royal Caribbean decided to design a viscous layer that resembled mud. This would stay soft near the bottom but firm towards the top. Because it could bend, the real ice rink could work on Royal Caribbean's Voyager of the Seas.

Fain details how he visited the Finnish shipyard and watched the workers flood Studio B with water to create a smooth sheet of ice, just as he had hoped. 

“It looked incredible. We high-fived as the Zamboni started smoothing the surface. I had been nervous, but now I could see for myself that it worked. Success,” says Fain.

Even though the ice looked good, the professional skater said it was too warm and soft to skate on. Fain says his heart sank as he imagined the new magnificent cruise ship debuting with an empty Studio B at its core. Luckily, the engineers found a simple fix that included a new refrigerant with a lower freezing point.

“It made the ice harder and colder and the skaters much happier. The ice-skating rink was so successful that we have put it on 16 ships and became the largest employer of figure skaters in America. My heart leaps every time I watch a performance in Studio B and see those extraordinary skaters effortlessly glide across the ice, as if the laws of friction didn’t exist," states the former CEO.

Fain says this displays Royal Caribbean’s unwavering commitment to its innovation with such a difficult and expensive proposition.