If there's one activity on a cruise ship I've heard the most negative comments about, it's the art auction.

While some cruisers seem to enjoy the art auctions, it's hard to overlook the lawsuits and negative comments surrounding how the auctions are conducted.

Multiple lawsuits and employee turnover on vessels have given the dealer a less-than-sterling reputation.

According to Bloomberg Business, the company was subject to almost a dozen lawsuits between 2008 and 2016.

On the other hand, some cruisers praise the opportunity to buy art directly during their cruise. They happily purchase artwork that will hang in their home for years to come.

Read more: What should you not buy on a cruise ship?

Are cruise ship art auctions really as bad as people say?

I've never been to an art auction, much less one on a cruise ship, so I decided to find out for myself.

On my recent 7-night Freedom of the Seas cruise, I attended a Park West art auction.

According to the auctioneer's introduction, Park West believes in making art accessible for everyone.

"Park West Gallery strives to create an entertaining, educational, and welcoming atmosphere that ignites a passion for the arts," the company's website reads.

"Park West’s mission is to make the art world accessible, helping its clients build lasting memories through collecting events, educational seminars, and art exhibitions."

The company conducts 200 auctions a week worldwide—everywhere from cruise ships to Hawaii. Park West has been selling artwork on Royal Caribbean (and Celebrity Cruises) ships since 1995.

Park West represents over 400,000 original artists and claims to sell original pieces. Original is defined by the dealer as "any artwork created directly under the control and supervision of the artist."

According to Park West, this includes one-of-a-kind artwork or limited-edition graphic works. 

However, multiple lawsuits against the company allege that the works sold are merely mass-media prints. These reproductions of original paintings are signed and approved by the artists but are far from one-of-a-kind pieces.

The auction welcomed all cruisers, even those there for the free champagne

First, the auctioneer invited everyone to walk around the gallery and gaze at the available artwork.

Cruisers who liked a certain piece could leave a sticky note on the frame, or speak to the art gallery staff directly.

The pieces varied in genre, from colorful sculptures of anthropomorphic dogs to patriotic eagles, and classic portraits of pale women.

I was intrigued by the artworks that cruisers started to pick out as their favorites: once one sticky note appeared, more would be placed on the same piece.

Most attendees, like myself, were only there to observe and drink the free champagne, but a surprising amount filed into chairs to begin bidding.

At least 30 of my fellow cruisers held bid cards and looked ready to buy their favorite artwork. A server came around with a tray of champagne, passing flutes to every guest present.

As the auction began, the auctioneer sprang to life, speeding the process along with that famous droning voice.

At the beginning, he explained that he would clack his gavel against the podium when each artwork sold.

I was shocked to hear the clang nearly every 3 minutes—every piece of artwork sold right away.

The prices ranged from $500 to $1500, and I couldn't discern any metric of value for the artwork. Pieces that were more colorful, simplistic, and blocky sold for thousands of dollars, while the complex, watercolored artwork painted in tiny brushstrokes was less popular.

Park West used more clever sales tactics

The auctioneer's job was clearly to help sell the pieces, so he played up the creativity or unique print of the artwork.

I was hoping to learn more about the modern art scene by attending, but I was disappointed there was little substance beyond the sales pitch.

Besides highlighting Peter Max, a famous pop artist, little context was given about the art pieces and artists.

I noticed that the auctioneer used more sales tactics to sell the artwork. For example, he created a false sense of urgency by promising that artwork would only be sold at a discounted price to the first two attendees who raised their cards, but then inevitably extending the sale to everyone who jumped in.

Founder & CEO Albert Scaglione stated in 2009 that Park West has never misrepresented the value of its art.

“The value is whatever price the seller can find a buyer that will pay for it," he said.

Park West's auctioneer did announce that they encourage buyers to individually appraise the artwork—"Don't just take our word for it!" 

In addition, the auctioneer was honest about costs and any additional fees.

He announced that cruisers who purchased a piece or won one in a raffle still have to pay the cost of shipping for the artwork.

The auctioneer also explained that the frames we saw were not included in the price. Customers could pay for Park West to fit and add a different frame, or simply choose one on their own.

Park West offers 18-month financing for buyers, which, in my opinion, creates a dangerous sense of security.. Cruisers could bid on artwork they can't actually afford, trusting in the ability to spread the payments out over a year and a half.

The auction moved quickly, but as a passive observer, I found myself both bored and horrified

I could hardly believe that cruisers were spending thousands of dollars on seemingly random artworks—and doing so so quickly!

The auction moved quickly, with unique features like a "mystery bid." 

Four artworks were placed backward on stands, and buyers bid at a discounted price to purchase the unseen artwork. All four mystery pieces sold for $1200.

Read more: 5 Costly lessons learned on a cruise (and how to avoid them!)

Bottom line, cruise ship art auctions are worthwhile for the novel experience, free champagne, and the chance to spend a lot of money on a piece of art.

If you're not looking to purchase an artwork, you'll gain just as much value from independently pursuing the art around the ship. 

Since I didn't purchase any art, I can't speak to the validity of the artwork and sales practices, but I did notice some pushy sales tactics at play.

Happy Sunday and Happy Thanksgiving weekend! I hope you enjoyed a wonderful holiday with family and friends! There is a lot of Royal Caribbean news to share this week.

Royal Caribbean released more of its Caribbean 2026-2027 deployments, including the world's largest cruise ships.

Both Icon of the Seas, and her upcoming sister ship, Star of the Seas, will homeport in Florida for the new itineraries.

Cruisers can now book 7-night Western or Eastern Caribbean cruises on Icon of the Seas, departing from Miami, Florida.

Star of the Seas, which enters service in August of 2025, will continue to sail out of Port Canaveral, Florida. The second Icon-Class ship will offer 7-night Western and Eastern Caribbean cruises.

Royal Caribbean News

• My friend got burned by booking non-refundable cruise fare. I now advocate these 5 cruise booking tips
• My $1,800 stateroom on Royal Caribbean's Brilliance of the Seas has the worst shower curtain, but the balcony was perfect
• Two "nightmare issues" in Royal Caribbean's systems have frustrated cruisers for weeks
• The best cruise line rankings are out for 2025 and Royal Caribbean was snubbed
• Royal Caribbean adds new cruises from New York area just in time for Black Friday sale
• I sailed in tiny interior cabins on old Royal Caribbean and Disney ships. I'd only book one again
• 8 changes coming to Star of the Seas

New Video: No One Should Do These Things On A Cruise!

Have you subscribed to the Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube Channel? We share some great videos there regularly, all about taking a Royal Caribbean cruise! This week, we are sharing our latest video—No One Should Do These Things On A Cruise!—and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 550th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available at all our links.

Cruise veterans book their sailings as far in advance as possible—but why? And how should you plan your cruises years in advance?

In this episode, Matt explains how and when to book your new 2025 and 2026 cruises.

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

The Black Friday deal I've bought on all my cruises, even though I get it for free

Which Black Friday deals are worth spending on?

As a Pinnacle Club member of the Crown and Anchor Society, Matt doesn't have to spend extra on WiFi, but he still buys it while it's on sale.

Here's why—and how to take advantage of this month's deals.

I cruised for 3 days and 7 days on the same ship, and each sailing was a completely different experience

The length of your cruise is an important factor that affects every aspect of the experience.

Recently, Calista sailed on Freedom of the Seas for 7 nights, after trying a weekend cruise on the same ship.

The two cruises were shockingly different, and one sailing was better.

The lesser-known reservation change you can make up to days before your cruise

Reservations are usually set in stone close to the date of your cruise. However, there's one change most cruisers don't know they can still make.

Royal Caribbean allows you to swap out people on your cruise reservation as late as 72 hours before the first day of the sailing.

Do staterooms on Brilliance of the Seas still hold up to the Royal Caribbean standard?

Launched in 2002, Brilliance of the Seas remains a fan favorite.

The Radiance-Class vessel has a capacity for 2,543 guests, with a total of 1,075 staterooms onboard.

I recently sailed on Brilliance for a 7-night Western Caribbean cruise, calling upon Cozumel, Mexico; Georgetown, Grand Cayman; and Yucatan (Progresso), Mexico.

I booked an oceanview balcony cabin through the guarantee process. The guarantee selection offered a lower price in exchange for being assigned a leftover stateroom in our chosen category.

The total payment, with gratuities and fees, was $1959, or $140 per day, per person.

A few weeks before the cruise, Royal Caribbean assigned me a balcony stateroom located on the forward end of Deck 9: #9520.

According to online deck plans, the stateroom spans 167 square feet, with a 27-square-foot balcony.

When I first entered the room, I noticed that it felt small for a balcony cabin, but had some great amenities.

First, I opened up the closet, located to the right of the front door.

The spacious closet featured six large wooden shelves in the center. I like that the shelves were dividing the middle—it made it easy to split the closet with a travel buddy. We could each hang out clothes on one assigned side. 

The closet also had a multitude of hangers and an above-head storage space where the life jackets lay. 

Opposite the closet, I opened the door to the stateroom bathroom. 

The small space was brightly lit, with a large bathroom mirror. 

The tiny shower sat to my right, covered by a white cloth curtain.

The shower curtain was my least favorite part of the stateroom, as it appeared old and worn. Plus, it would either sway outwards, slashing water onto the floor, or inwards, clinging to me in the shower. 

Combined with the miniature size of the shower, it made showering inconvenient and frustrating.

However, our stateroom attendant did a great job of keeping the area clean, with fresh towels every day. 

The bathroom was equipped with multiple shelves, located behind the mirror or under the sink, for plenty of toiletries storage.

Outside of the bathroom, I moved on to explore the cabin desk. The long piece of furniture held seven drawers, plus more shelf storage behind the mirror. 

A ring light on the mirror and chair in front of the desk made it easy to transform into a vanity for applying makeup or choosing jewelry.

On day one, when I first opened the desk drawer, the top piece fell off in my hand. 

By day three, the piece was affixed back onto the drawer, and we didn’t have any further problems with the stateroom. 

I could tell that, despite Brilliance of the Seas' age, Royal Caribbean's crew members were working hard to maintain a quality environment. 

Despite the ship's age, the lights and amenities functioned well, and the stateroom appeared well-maintained. My only issue with the cabin was the shower curtain.

Beside the desk sat the stateroom TV, equipped with 20 free channels. Below that, I found the mini-cooler, which had just enough space to fit bottles of wine or small bowls. 

However, it wasn’t a true refrigerator; any ice left inside melted completely.

Read more: 6 things I loved and 3 things I hated about my Brilliance of the Seas cruise

Opposite the desk, I turned to find the couch. I was surprised by how small this piece of furniture was because other balcony cabins I've stayed in had slightly longer couches.

However, it was a comfortable place to sit or leave items on, and a lamp was conveniently placed above it.

 I also liked that a small table was placed next to the couch—I could leave it there to eat at or move it around for extra storage.

Between the couch and the stateroom bed, I found a long brocade curtain tied back. 

This could serve to divide the stateroom and keep out extra light. If one guest wanted to sleep while the other stayed awake, the curtain could divide the room to avoid disturbance.

The stateroom bed was wide and made up with white Royal Caribbean monogrammed sheets.

My travel buddy and I later asked for the beds to be separated, which our stateroom attendant did quickly and efficiently. 

Each bed was a comfortable place to sleep, with two pillows and a thick blanket.

On either side sat two bedside tables, each with a lamp above them.

Each bedside table had two sections: a drawer and a large shelf space underneath. 

The bedside table to the left also held the stateroom phone.

I appreciated that each lamp provided individual lighting and could control the stateroom’s main lights. I could turn off the lights without getting out of bed!

Past the bed sat a sliding glass door (covered by thick blackout curtains), which led to the cabin balcony.

When it was windy, the door was hard to push open, but the balcony view was always worth it.

The balcony space itself was small, only long enough to fit two chairs and a circular table.

However, it was a lovely place to sit, read, eat, or chat.

Read more: Inside cabin vs. balcony room on a cruise ship

I also liked that the table and chairs were waterproof and easy to wipe the rain off when the weather was wet.

The balcony added to the cruise experience, offering a convenient spot to check the weather and enjoy views of the ship sailing into and out of port.

At night, the sky was so clear amid the dark ocean, and we could see thousands of stars.

One of the first choices you'll have to make when booking a cruise is the length of your sailing.

Royal Caribbean cruises range from three days to over three weeks, leaving many wondering what the ideal cruise length is.

I sailed on Freedom of the Seas two times, a year apart, but each sailing was for a different length.

My first cruise, in October of 2023, was a weekend sailing, lasting only three days.

My second, in October 2024, was a full seven-day sailing.

Although they were on the same ship just a year apart, the two sailings were entirely different experiences.

I was surprised by how much the length of your cruise can change the entire cruise vacation.

Read more: How different is a 3-night vs 4-night cruise?

From travel buddies to staterooms, here's how the length of my cruise affected my experiences on the same ship.

I get homesick on longer cruises, but they're much more memorable

When I first started taking week-long cruises, I would feel slightly claustrophobic by days five and six.

Despite the abundance of activities onboard, I tend to feel homesick during seven-day cruises.

However, comparing my weekend and weeklong cruises on Freedom of the Seas helped me see the appeal of a longer sailing.

My weekend cruise went by in a flash: three days onboard, including one stop on Perfect Day at CocoCay, is barely enough time to see everything.

Once the weekend cruise ended, the activities, entertainment, and food onboard felt like a blur. My weekend cruise on Freedom of the Seas was probably my least memorable sailing, simply because it went by so fast.

In contrast, my 7-day sailing on Freedom gave me time to stretch out and take my time to see all the sights onboard. I was able to attend multiple shows and activities, even seeing some things twice!

Plus, the sailing had visits to more ports, calling upon Perfect Day at CocoCay, St Thomas, and San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Weekend cruises offer plenty of entertainment, but the shorter duration means you must pack your schedule to experience it all. They're a less memorable sampling of a cruise ship.

My weekend cruise prepared me to try a longer one on Freedom of the Seas, but if I had to choose just one experience, I would pick the 7-day sailing.

My week cruise was solo, while I was able to find a travel buddy for the weekend

One disadvantage of taking a longer, 7-day cruise, is setting aside the time to go on a weeklong vacation. Taking time off from work or school for a weeklong cruise can be challenging, especially mid-year in October.

It was easy for me to take along a travel buddy on my weekend cruise—she didn't even have to request time off from work.

Read more: I cruised by myself on two different Royal Caribbean ships, but there were stark differences in the experiences

However, none of my friends were able to get time off to join me on my later 7-day sailing, so I had to take the longer cruise solo.

While there's nothing wrong with cruising alone, having a travel buddy can make a travel experience more rich and enjoyable.

Plus, if I'd wanted to cruise with multiple friends or my family, it would have been even more difficult to coordinate a weeklong sailing together.

I had time to form friendships on my 7-day cruise

While I didn't bring anyone along on my 7-day cruise, the longer sailing gave me time to form friendships with other cruisers onboard.

I noticed—and was a bit disappointed—that most cruisers on my weekend sailing kept to themselves.

Read more: I'm a new cruiser and tried a weekend cruise on one of the biggest cruise ships. It was filled with lots in a short amount of time

They seemed focused on enjoying their time onboard with their travel groups, rather than making conversation with other cruisers.

On my weeklong cruise, however, I had plenty of time to join Hyperlink events for young adults, spend nights chatting in the hot tubs, and go on multiple shore excursions.

I ended up meeting many more cruisers and crew members on my longer sailing, making the experience an enjoyable, social vacation.

Extra-cost packages are more expensive on a longer sailing

A shorter weekend cruise is often a great opportunity to splurge on extra-cost items. If you've been eyeing drink packages, shore excursions, or specialty dining, a short sailing offers a vacation with a looser budget.

Daily-priced packages like drink packages and WiFi are more affordable overall during shorter cruises since you’re onboard for fewer days.

And shore excursions are worth buying when you visit fewer ports.

On my 3-day sailing on Freedom of the Seas, I splurged and purchased a dinner at Chops Grille. Since the sailing was only three days, it was worth it for me to try a specialty restaurant while onboard.

I also spent more on extras like drinks and Internet.

For example, WiFi runs from $25-30 a day. On my weekend cruise, I paid just $75 for Internet, while WiFi for my 7-day sailing would have cost over $175.

I opted not to purchase Internet for the length of my week-long voyager. This saved me money in the long run but kept me more disconnected on the longer cruise.

Read more: Freedom of the Seas vs. Newer Ships: Does It Still Hold Up?

Since I needed to carefully budget on my weeklong sailing, I spent more time on the ship but had a less lavish experience.

I tried two different staterooms: a balcony and an oceanview

Similar to spending money on extra-cost packages, I was able to splurge on the stateroom category for my shorter sailing.

I booked a guarantee balcony cabin, receiving a spacious stateroom with a private balcony. The cabin featured a spacious couch, a king-sized bed, and a large balcony furnished with patio seating. It was a luxurious stay for the weekend; the perfect spot to relax or watch the ocean wave by.

In contrast, I booked a guarantee oceanview cabin on my longer cruise. The stateroom came with a smaller couch, and a King bed placed under the porthole window.

Read more: 10 things you should know before cruising onboard Freedom of the Seas

While I couldn't feel the sun and breeze like on a balcony cabin, I still enjoyed getting the same ocean views.

However, my oceanview cabin also came with a lot of loud noises, as it was placed low on Deck 2.

In the end, both cabins were enjoyable places to stay, with similar amenities and bathrooms. Choosing the right stateroom all depends on your preferences, budget, and the length of your sailing.

Happy Sunday! Temperatures may be dropping, but there is plenty of Royal Caribbean news to share. This is your weekly summary of all the Royal Caribbean news from this past week, perfectly fitted for your consumption.

How can you prepare for the worst on your sailing? 

Matt has cruised at least once a month for the entirety of 2024, so he's learned the most common mishaps that can ruin a cruise.

From seasickness to airplane delays, here's how Matt solves in advance for key cruising problems.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean Black Friday deals 2024
• Royal Caribbean delays cruise ship return from maintenance work and shortens next sailing
• Cruise ship rescues 6 people and a dog from disabled sailboat off Africa
• My $1,600 stateroom on Royal Caribbean's Freedom of the Seas was cheap, but it had constant noise
• I’ve been on 5 Alaska cruises, and one itinerary was far better than the rest
• I went on a cruise with my baby and used the babysitting service multiple times. It was the best thing ever for parents
• These 16 editor-tested cruise products are up to 55% off for Black Friday, from AirTags to cabin essentials
• Second cruise ship slams into Atlantic storm causing damage, but it's not as scary as you think
• I cruised by myself on two different Royal Caribbean ships, but there were stark differences in the experiences
• 6 Royal Caribbean items you should buy now during Black Friday that will cost you more onboard

New Video: Things I Cut Since I Started Cruising

Have you subscribed to the Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube Channel? We share some great videos there regularly, all about taking a Royal Caribbean cruise! This week, we are sharing our latest video—Things I Cut Since I Started Cruising—and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Royal Caribbean won't cancel Haiti stops even after FAA ban on flights

Royal Caribbean isn't deterred from visiting its private beach in a remote area of Haiti.

Three airliners were shot at this week at Haiti's capital, and that compelled the Federal Aviation Administration to ban flights to the country for 30 days. 

Nonetheless, cruise ships visits will continue as scheduled.

Royal Caribbean made the dining package easier again

Royal Caribbean has made another functional update to its Unlimited Dining Package, allowing cruisers to change or add reservations after booking online.

Last month, the cruise line finally added a change that allows guests to book Unlimited Dining Package reservations online before the cruise, instead of waiting until they get onboard.

However, the online feature only gave the chance to pre-book restaurants at the time of purchasing the dining package. Now, cruisers can also add or change reservations after booking.

Going home: How disembarkation day works on a Royal Caribbean cruise (and how to beat everyone else home)

Disembarking from a cruise ship can be a confusing process, as it's more complicated than checking out of a hotel room or exiting a plane.

There are regimented steps to ensure that guests exit quickly, so it's important to prepare for your last morning aboard.

Here's how to disembark the quickest. 

I saved money by buying the coffee package. I liked the drink selections, but the coffee was mediocre

Is the coffee card worth it? 

Calista likes excellent coffee, so she saved money on specialty drinks by buying the coffee package. The $31 card allows guests to purchase 15 special coffee drinks over the length of a sailing. 

While she liked the ability to try different beverages, Calista thought the beans tasted mediocre.

Best Royal Caribbean Cruises for Families of Five

Travel groups of 5, or families with three kids, may find it difficult to book proper activities, cabins, and sailings that suit everyone's needs. 

The cruise industry is built for 2, and families have additional conflicts to handle when it comes to cruising—from different schedules to activities.

So what are the best ships, itineraries, and staterooms for a family of five?

Is it possible to get quality coffee onboard a Royal Caribbean ship? As a caffeine addict, I’ve often found myself disappointed by the coffee offerings throughout the fleet.

I’ll admit it—my standards are high. I grew up in Indonesia, on the island Java is named after. 

I also worked as a barista for two years, learning how to make popular drinks day after day. I've grown used to fresh beans, ground daily and roasted to perfection.

I’ve learned that good coffee doesn’t taste bitter or burned; it has enough depth that you can start identifying fruity, flowery, or even chocolate undertones.

When I started cruising, I quickly realized that I wouldn’t be finding excellent coffee onboard—especially not for free.

The complimentary brewed pots churn out bitter, burned hot drinks, either regular or decaf. 

Cruisers have multiple options for finding coffee onboard

Cruisers looking for a tastier solution to their caffeine fix have two extra-cost options. (Spoiler alert: both of them are Starbucks).

The first option is to purchase directly from the Starbucks booth on many Royal Caribbean ships.

The following ships have Starbucks kiosks onboard:

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

The second option cruisers have is buying specialty coffee at the bars and cafes onboard, such as Cafe Promenade or Park Cafe.

The specialty coffee served in Royal Caribbean’s cafes is actually identical to Starbucks. They source the same beans, feature the same syrups, and sell almost all of the same coffees, including matcha, chai lattes, and fruit refreshers.

Additionally, these cafes can spike coffee drinks with a shot of alcohol upon request.

Royal Caribbean has several different iterations of cafes across the fleet, such as Cafe Promenade, Cafe Latte-tudes, Cafe @ Two70, Park Cafe, Vitality Cafe, and Splash Away Cafe.

Many complimentary venues have coffee pots and tea stations in the corner, including the AquaDome Market, the Windjammer, and the Solarium Bistro. 

You can also receive complimentary coffee in the Main Dining Room, specialty restaurants, and through room service.

I saved on specialty coffee by purchasing a coffee card package

If you’re like me and know that you’ll have at least two coffee drinks in a day, you can invest in the coffee card.

It's a sort of drink package offering for those that just want espresso drinks.

The card, often called the "coffee package," is a $31 punch card that can be purchased before the cruise online, or on day one at any onboard cafe. Gratuities are automatically added to the card, so the total cost was $36.58.

It features fifteen total punches to be used over the course of the sailing. However, the card is shareable, and multiple orders can be redeemed at a time. If you don’t use all of your punches on the cruise, no worries! It is transferrable to any other Royal Caribbean ship and sailing.

Before my cruise, I tried to research how many punches were charged for each drink, but the information online was conflicting.

When I arrived onboard, I received my physical card, and the limits were listed on the back.

Tall (small) coffees, single espresso shots, and chai lattes are all one card punch. Any large coffees or drinks with two espresso shots are two card punches each.

The coffee card is only redeemable at Royal Caribbean cafes, for specialty coffee drinks. It cannot be used at actual Starbucks locations, on or offboard.

I used the coffee card on my recent Freedom of the Seas cruise

Over the length of my cruise, I ordered iced caramel lattes, chai lattes, cappuccinos with vanilla, iced mochas, and mocha and caramel frappuccinos.

I thought the quantity of drinks on the card was perfect. For a 7-day cruise, I allowed myself two drinks a day—one in the morning, and one after my afternoon nap.

Avid coffee drinkers like myself will enjoy the 15 punches, as well as the convenience of ordering.

I could go to any complimentary cafe to order my drinks. On Freedom of the Seas, this ended up mostly being the Cafe Promenade and the large bar in the center of the Windjammer.

My drinks were always made quickly and accurately, and having them tick off a punch card was faster than swiping a SeaPass every time.

I loved being able to treat myself. Going to a cafe to order coffee is an enjoyable, special experience of its own, and buying the coffee card brought that experience to a cruise ship.

At any time of day, I could walk over to a cafe, place my order, spell out my name for the cup, and wait for them to call my drink.

It felt just like a cafe back home, with the added novelty of being on a cruise ship.

I also liked knowing that I could bring the card along on any future cruises. There was no pressure to over-caffeinate myself by finishing all the drinks in a single sailing. 

If I’d been cruising for only 3 or 4 nights, for example, I could have still bought the coffee card and felt it a good investment.

While the coffee tasted average, I was impressed by the supplies onboard

The coffee was of an average quality, like most Starbucks drinks. 

It had the over-roasted, burnt flavor typical of Starbucks drinks. When masked with a sweet syrup, it was drinkable. 

However, it was definitely better than the complimentary Lavazza coffee Royal Caribbean serves.

I still felt like I was treating myself, instead of forcing down the gross complimentary coffee to get my fix.

The Royal Caribbean cafes also had an impressive selection of non-dairy milk available: almond, soy, and oat milk. I was surprised at the options available because getting non-dairy milk in the Windjammer is usually a long process that ends in finding the last dregs of almond milk at a drink station.

The cafe also never seemed to run out of any milk or syrup—impressive for a water-bound vessel!

When I worked at a cafe, we struggled to get a reliable, consistent supply of syrups, milk, and three different roasts of beans, so I admired Royal Caribbean’s reserve.  

Last week, I sailed on Freedom of the Seas for a 7-day Perfect Day and Eastern Caribbean cruise.

Originally launched in 2006, Freedom of the Seas ushered in the Freedom Class. 

Although she was once one of the fleet’s largest ships, Freedom is now dwarfed by the Icon and Oasis Classes.

However, she still boasts plenty of amenities and activities, with 15 total decks and a capacity for 4,635 guests. 

In 2020, Freedom underwent a $116 million Royal Amplification, receiving upgrades to the pool deck, water slides, and new dining venues.

The ship itself holds 1,963 staterooms, and my home for the cruise was located on the 2nd deck. 

This was my second time sailing on Freedom of the Seas, so I decided to switch it up for this cruise.

On my first sailings, I’d booked a guarantee balcony stateroom. For this sailing, I selected a guarantee oceanview cabin.

Selecting the guarantee (GTY) cabin option gave me a cheaper price for both categories because it allowed Royal Caribbean to assign me a leftover room, instead of choosing my own location.

The total cost was $1678.14 (with gratuities) for a 7-day cruise, which comes out to just $239 per night. 

I knew I’d be traveling by myself, but to avoid the solo supplemental fees, I booked with two people in the room, then came alone!

The 7-night sailing departed from Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida, and called upon Perfect Day at CocoCay, San Juan, Puerto Rico, and St. Thomas.

My room for the cruise was located on Deck 2, the lowest stateroom I’ve ever stayed in. I was eager to see if the cabin’s position would change my experience at all.

The front door opened on a clean, cheery stateroom, spanning 159 square feet. The porthole window on the back wall filled the room with natural sunlight.

The decorations and color scheme gave a thoughtful, elegant effect to the cabin. Green and gold patterns covered the walls and curtains while painting and furniture brought out blue accents.

To the left of the front door, I opened the closet. 

Inside sat six white-wire shelves. The shelves were wide and helpful for stacking clothes on, but I didn’t like the spaced-out metal—anything small would fall straight through to the floor.

One shelf held the stateroom safe, while the two bottom shelves were filled with bright orange life jackets. While I was grateful for the clear reminder of Royal Caribbean's commitment to safety, the life jackets took up more space than I would have liked.

However, the closet still had a wide expanse of space and hangers to hang clothes. It was at least two feet deep, and four feet wide, stretching taller than my head.

There was more than enough space for two people to hang their clothing and store shoes and luggage.

Next, I walked towards the cabin’s desk and vanity. The long counter had lots of space to leave documents or spread out makeup. The vanity portion had a ring light mirror, perfect for sitting down and getting ready. 

Read more: 10 things you should know before cruising onboard Freedom of the Seas

There was one comfortable, blue-patterned chair sitting at the desk. On either side of the vanity, I found three wide drawers. 

The desk portion held plenty of space for all the items I might need over a 7-day cruise. I could store makeup, jewelry, books, snacks, and more without a problem.

Just past the desk sat the mini-fridge—a large but lukewarm cooler—and, above it, the stateroom’s TV. While the TV didn’t have any ultra-modern amenities like Smart TV or AirPlay, it did show 20 free channels, along with a selection of movies at an extra cost.

Opposite the desk area sat the stateroom couch. This sofa was comfortable and useful, but it wasn’t long enough for everyone to sleep on, and it was not a sofa bed. 

While it was comfortable to sit on, I also found it a useful place to store clothes or bags.

Between the couch and the beds, a long curtain was pulled back. When opened, it could divide the entire room in half, allowing some travelers to sleep while their buddies turn on lights in the other area.

I left the bed as a large Royal King, and it quickly became one of the most comfortable areas I’ve ever slept in. The sheets were heavy yet cooling, and the four pillows were long and extremely soft.

The bed also sat right under the porthole window, which could be covered by two sets of curtains, or uncovered for gorgeous ocean views.

I loved being able to wake up and immediately pull back the curtains, bathing the room in bright sunlight and a view of the sea stretching out behind the ship.

Since my stateroom was also located so low on the ship, I felt very close to the water. It was a great reminder of why sea lovers enjoy cruising!

To either side of the bed sat a bedside table.

Each table had its own adjustable lamp with two light levels, and below that, a drawer and a larger shelf space for more storage. 

The table to the right of the bed held the stateroom’s phone, which could be used to call venues on the ship for free or make international calls at an extra charge.

The bathroom is where Freedom of the Seas starts to show her age in comparison to other ships.

Read more: All about Freedom Class cruise ships

The shower was a classic, thin cruise stateroom locker. 

Granted, the area had modern fixtures and great water pressure and temperature. 

But I found myself missing the wider showers, smooth sliding doors, and footstands of newer Royal Caribbean ships.

In any case, the sink was long, with shelving under the counter and shelves above it, which were built into the long mirror. 

The lighting was a warm golden tone, setting off the blues and greens of the stateroom decor.

A disadvantage of staying lower on the ship was the constant noise—I could hear the anchor banging, the waves crashing, and footsteps running ahead. 

It didn't seem to stop, no matter the time of day, but thankfully I am a sound sleeper.

The noise also was exacerbated by the fact that our sailing was experiencing high winds, so not every cruise would experience the same. 

The cruise industry is convenient for people traveling in twos—but what about families of five?

For groups of five or families with three kids, it can be tricky to find proper activities, accommodations, and sailings.

Royal Caribbean is a popular cruise line for family holidays, but some of its ships and itineraries are better for families than others.

And once you choose a ship and sailing, you'll still have to figure out the best stateroom configurations for your brood.

Larger families have additional challenges when it comes to planning vacations.

You'll have to work around schedule conflicts between school and employment. 

Families also have a broad range of ages that contribute to a variety of interests, from toddlers preferring pool time to adults who just need a quiet moment at the bar.

Finding the right stateroom is also difficult for a family of five, who need extra space and privacy. Cruise lines make it easy to book rooms for two to four people—add a fifth, and things get more complicated.

Whether you're looking for entertainment that enthralls the whole family or the perfect two-bedroom suite, here are the best cruises for a family of five. 

Wonder of the Seas

For families traveling with multiple age ranges, Wonder of the Seas has something for every generation.

One of the cruise line's biggest ships, Wonder is an Oasis-Class vessel packed with entertainment and activities.

The size of the ship ensures that there's enough space to hold something for everyone.

For the active bodies, the vessel has pools, waterslides, a zip line, a surf simulator, laser tag, ice skating, rock climbing walls, and a 10-story dry slide.

Adults can get away in the Solarium, an 18+ pool area, or enjoy comedy, ice-skating, and diving shows with the whole family.

Plus, Wonder of the Seas has nine complimentary venues and over 12 specialty venues, including the signature Mason Jar Southern cooking.

Icon of the Seas

Royal Caribbean's biggest cruise ship—and the largest one in the world—was built with young children and their parents in mind.

The ship's Surfside neighborhood caters specifically to families with young kids with its splash area, water slides, arcade, carousel, and playground.

Read more: Royal Caribbean added a new suite for families on Icon of the Seas that has more space than ever

The neighborhood also features family-centric dining options, like Surfside Eatery, Surfside Bites, and Pier 7.

Surfside neighborhood is also adjacent to Adventure Ocean and multiple family-style suites and cabins.

Icon of the Seas has 28 unique cabin categories, with unique and new designs built especially for families.

Oasis of the Seas

Royal Caribbean's debut Oasis-Class vessel, Oasis of the Seas, has a fun, vibrant atmosphere perfect for families.

Much like Wonder of the Seas, the ship is packed with activities for every passenger's taste.

Oasis first launched in 2009 and was amplified in 2019. The amplification added modern amenities, including a Caribbean-style pool deck with a tropical feel. Four distinct pool areas have lots of space for families to spread out. 

Splashaway Bay, a pool area specifically for children, features small slides, water sprayers, and playground-style climbing areas.

Plus, Oasis has three waterslides, the Ultimate Abyss dry slide, an extra-tall rock climbing wall, a space-themed escape room, Central Park, and the Boardwalk, complete with a carousel.

Utopia of the Seas

Much like her sister vessels in the Oasis Class, Utopia of the Seas has a wide range of activities for all ages to enjoy.

However, another reason families should book a sailing on Utopia is to try a shorter itinerary.

Utopia is the first large Royal Caribbean ship to immediately start offering 3 and 4-night cruises at its debut.

If you struggle to get time off from work, get the children out of school, or coordinate with older kids, a weekend on one of the world's biggest cruise ships has everything you need.

The line's newest cruise ship is packed with novel activities, from an immersive train car dining experience to new parties.

Plus, if you're already a fan of Royal Caribbean's Oasis Class, Utopia takes its classic features to the next level.

Most popular cabins for 5 people

Once you choose a vessel and itinerary, you'll choose a stateroom category to book the sailing.

When it comes to families of five, this isn't always a straightforward process.

The Royal Caribbean website won't allow you to book a cabin for five people, so you'll have to consult with a travel agent or call the cruise line's customer service.

Picking your stateroom onboard means choosing your home for the length of the cruise, so finding a good fit is key. Plus, families especially need comfortable cabins with lots of space for naps, quality time, and extra showers. 

The following aren't all the possible cabin categories for a group of five, but they're the most popular options with cruisers.

Two connecting staterooms

The easier option, available on all ships in the fleet, is to book two connecting staterooms.

The cost of two separate staterooms can be cheaper than one large family stateroom, and two connecting staterooms ensure that the family is still close together.

Doors between them keep an easy flow and can be left open during the day to create a multiple-bedroom cabin.

Two separate staterooms also include the benefit of two bathrooms—great to prevent arguments over who's showering next.

Families with older children (or adults who need some extra space) will appreciate the separation two connecting cabins provide.

Each cabin needs to have a guest over 21 booked in the room, but that doesn't mean each adult has to sleep in a particular cabin.

You'll find connecting staterooms on all Royal Caribbean ships.

Family interior stateroom

For groups with a certain budget, the "spacious interior" stateroom is the most affordable cabin category that fits five guests.

The family interior stateroom fits up to six guests inside a windowless interior cabin.

Families who want to focus on shore excursions or onboard activities can save money by skipping an oceanview or balcony cabin and booking this category instead.

It is windowless, with two twin beds, two Pullman beds that fold down from the wall, a private bathroom, and a living area with a sofa bed.

You can book a family interior stateroom on Oasis Class, Freedom Class, and Vision Class ships.

Family oceanview stateroom

Families who want to stay together in one cabin can book a family oceanview stateroom.

Also called the "ultra spacious oceanview," this category has the capacity for six guests and requires a minimum of five to book.

Because a larger group is needed to book, this cabin is less likely to sell out quickly, lowering its cost and making the category easier to find onboard.

This cabin features a bright ocean view through a window or set of portholes.

The category usually ranges in size from 265 to 328 square feet and features a king-size bed, additional bunk beds, and a living area with a sofa bed.

You can book a family oceanview stateroom on Royal Caribbean's Oasis Class, Freedom Class, Voyager Class, Radiance Class, and Vision Class vessels.

Royal Loft Suite

Families looking to splurge on the luxurious benefits of a cruise ship suite can find the Royal Loft Suite on Royal Caribbean's newer ships.

The high-end suit comes with over 560 square feet of space, Star tier suite benefits, and a large private balcony.

The loft configuration features two distinct floors, giving a maximum of six guests tons of space to spread out.

The high price tag comes with some worthwhile treats. The Royal Loft Suite is available on Royal Caribbean ships in the Oasis, Quantum, and Icon Classes.

Ultimate Family Suite

Another luxurious family suite is the Ultimate Family Suite, available on a few Royal Caribbean ships.

This cabin can sleep from five to nine guests and boasts Star-tier benefits.

Families ready to invest in their stateroom experience will appreciate the king-sized bed, two twin beds, four bunk beds, and double pull-out sofa.

The cabin also features plenty of entertainment—you won't even have to step outside for a fun cruise.

The living room features video games, table tennis, Connect 4, and even a slide. 

A wide balcony also features a private Jacuzzi, perfect for parents to enjoy without leaving any sleeping children.

The Ultimate Family Suite is only on Symphony of the Seas, Spectrum of the Seas, and Wonder of the Seas.

Another busy week of Royal Caribbean fun just wrapped up, but if you missed any of it, I have a concise look at all of it for you in this weekly news round-up!

Royal Caribbean's Black Friday deals are here!

The cruise line kicked off its Black Friday specials early, with all kinds of offers of onboard credit offers, discounts on bookings, cheaper pre-cruise purchases, and more!

Some sailings are seeing deep discounts offered and great prices on add-ons too.

Royal Caribbean News

• These are the 3 top competitors for Royal Caribbean. None are cruise lines
• Royal Caribbean is selling its drink packages for as low as $54.99 per day during its Black Friday sale
• I Took a Royal Caribbean Cruise With My Sister — and It Was the Ultimate Girls Trip
• Fed up with a broken drink holder, cruise passenger takes matters into his own hands
• Royal Caribbean cruise ship stuck in Japan due to propulsion problem
• Party accidentally sets off sprinklers on giant cruise ship flooding deck with water
• The 5 important Royal Caribbean email addresses you should know about
• Royal Caribbean alters cruise ship itineraries to avoid Hurricane Rafael
• Royal Caribbean needs more time to finish maintenance work on one of its cruise ships and will delay its return
• Royal Caribbean new Black Friday bundle deals

New RCB Video: Why I Hate Shore Excursions

Have you subscribed to the Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube Channel? We share some great videos there regularly, all about taking a Royal Caribbean cruise! This week, we are sharing our latest video — Why I Hate Shore Excursions — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 549th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available at all our links.

Is it crazy to spend $12,000 on an Ultimate Family Suite? Matt tried the stateroom so he could give his honest thoughts.

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

A Royal Caribbean ship tilted sideways with passengers onboard

Videos posted online show what passengers experienced when Explorer of the Seas was hit by severe weather.

Reports are that Explorer of the Seas was struck by a squall, causing the ship to tilt to one side.

The incident was short-lived, but it caused a lot of damage to the ship's shops and casinos because of falling items.

Royal Caribbean drops suite benefits on select cabins

Royal Caribbean has announced changes to its suite benefits, including some benefits that are being dropped.

Surfside Family Suites will be demoted from Sky Class to Sea Class benefits, while Sunset Junior Suites are moving up to Sky Class. Additionally, Sky Junior Suites will no longer have free WiFi on Icon of the Seas, Spectrum of the Seas, and Utopia of the Seas.

According to the cruise line, it has made these changes to ensure a more consistent experience across the board. 

I took my 6-month-old on a cruise. This is the best ship for a baby, and I want to go on one again

What's it like to sail with a baby, and which ship is the best option?

Nicole has taken over 15 cruises throughout her life, but this October, she took her first cruise with her 6-month-old daughter.

Cruising with a small baby is a completely new approach to travel, and Nicole appreciated all the touches on Icon of the Seas that made the cruise enjoyable.

Freedom of the Seas vs. Newer Ships: Does It Still Hold Up?

Calista recently sailed on Freedom of the Seas after trying Icon and Utopia, creating a stark contrast to the older ship.

Does the Freedom Class still hold up? 

Despite the smaller public spaces and limited dining options, there's still a lot to love about the 18-year-old vessel.

Is it disappointing to go on Royal Caribbean’s older, Freedom Class ships, after trying their newer ships?

The cruise line’s smaller vessels, such as the Voyager and Explorer Class, are great for exploring unique ports and exclusive itineraries. 

Its mega-ships, like the Icon and Oasis Class, famously offer an overwhelming amount of onboard activities and amenities.

So where does that leave Royal Caribbean’s medium-sized vessels, like the Freedom Class?

Eighteen years ago, Freedom of the Seas debuted as the very first Freedom Class ship, and the largest cruise ship in the world.

In 2006, the 1,111-foot-long and 156,271 gross-ton vessel stunned guests with its water slides, 15 decks, and 1,963 staterooms.

However, nearly two decades later, Freedom of the Seas has long been dwarfed by six Oasis-class ships—each one larger than the next—and now a new Icon Class of even bigger mega-ships.

Freedom was Amplified in 2020, undergoing a $116 million upgrade that included a new pool deck, water slides, and dining venues. 

How does a cruise on Freedom of the Seas compare to Royal Caribbean’s newest ships?

Coming hot on the heels of my cruises on Icon of the Seas, Oasis of the Seas, and Utopia of the Seas, I was eager to compare this older vessel.

Freedom feels small and crowded in comparison to bigger ships

I almost felt disappointed when I first walked onboard Freedom. The golden, shiny elevators and the tiled Royal Promenade felt much smaller in comparison to the Oasis and Icon Class.

When compared to the wide open spaces of Icon of the Seas, for example—with a two-level Royal Promenade and huge Pearl staircase—Freedom of the Seas feels tiny.

The public spaces and seating areas looked dingy and crowded. When sailing on ships like Wonder of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas, I appreciated how much seating and walking areas there were. 

On Freedom, however, I found myself stalled in huge throngs of people and wandering the pool deck trying to find a seat.

The public spaces felt tiny, especially the middle of the Royal Promenade, the elevator spaces, the Windjammer’s aisles, and the pool deck.

While it felt inconvenient, having to deal with more crowds onboard Freedom made me consider the communal nature of cruising.

There is something fun, after all, about squeezing into a packed elevator and exchanging quiet laughter with strangers. 

While the crowds were annoying, they also made the cruise feel more united. I saw the same faces over and over until we began to recognize each other

The cabin had fewer modern amenities

While I enjoyed my oceanview cabin on Freedom of the Seas, I noticed it missed some of the more modern amenities I’ve seen on newer Royal Caribbean ships.

Aspects like more ports around the room (instead of just at the desk) spoiled me by improving my experience on newer ships.

I felt the lack of the modern fixtures in the bathroom. Icon of the Seas, for example, has a large shower area, complete with smooth sliding doors and footstands in the shower.

Standing in Freedom’s astronaut-sized shower, by comparison, felt cramped and dull.

The bathroom was small, with dimming lights and slamming sliding doors. 

I also noticed less creative organizational designs, and less adjustable AC and announcement controls.

However, each aspect of the cabin was still clean and functional. It wasn’t that any part of it was lacking—the most inconvenience I felt was the lack of charging ports all over the stateroom.

My stateroom was still a comfortable, luxurious home at sea.

I needed the complimentary dining options on newer ships

The food onboard Freedom of the Seas was tasty and came with marvelous service, but I missed the complimentary dining options on newer Royal Caribbean ships.

I spent my time dining for free at the Windjammer buffet, the Main Dining Room, Sorrento’s Pizza, El Loco Fresh, and the Café Promenade, but found that I quickly tired of the breakfast options.

Read more: I spent a week on the world's largest cruise ship, the free food was the best of any Royal Caribbean ship

For breakfast, I could head to the Windjammer or the Café Promenade, or order room service—continental breakfast comes free.

But on a 7-day cruise, these options got old. The two venues served mostly the same dishes for breakfast: waffles, hashbrowns, oatmeal, pancakes, fruit, yogurt, and muffins. When I ordered room service, the food looked unappealing, and the fruit was moldy.

More than that, I longed for some new venues to switch up my breakfast scenery. I missed the AquaDome Market on Icon of the Seas, and the Park Cafe on Utopia of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean strove to add more complimentary dining on its newer ships, and I really missed that upgrade when I sailed on Freedom.

I didn’t miss the flashier shows and entertainment

Freedom may not have the flashy, unbelievable Aquashows and light performances of newer ships, but the onboard entertainment didn’t lack anything.

Freedom of the Seas has ice shows, live music and comedians, movies, nightclub events, and other production shows.

All of these performances still felt entertaining, even when compared to the marvelous technological wonders on newer ships.

Plus, the smaller nature of the cruise meant the entertainment came from the game shows, trivia nights, and other cruisers.

Instead of attending a flashy robotic performance, the biggest events of the evening would be a live piano player at the Schooner Bar or the finale of the karaoke competition.

This communal entertainment struck a balance amid more exciting shows, like the FreedomIce.com ice skating show and the Once Upon a Time performance.

The sports center was quite action-packed, with a rock climbing wall, basketball court, FlowRider surf simulator, two water slides, and an arcade. Plus, cruisers can experience laser tag and ice skating onboard, just like on the Oasis Class.

Freedom’s onboard activities create a great middle-ground for a more itinerary-intensive cruise. 

When the weather was rainy and windy, there were plenty of indoor cruise activities to enjoy. 

But on a port day, I didn’t feel the need to rush back to the ship to try everything onboard.

Bottom line: Freedom reminds me why I love to cruise

Even though I found myself missing some modern amenities, Freedom of the Seas reminded me of what I truly enjoy about cruising. 

I don’t cruise for the world records, the flashy technology, or the over-the-top activities. As a matter of fact, sailing on a ship with a less hyped-up reputation made for a calmer, more relaxed cruise. 

I cruise Royal Caribbean for its laid-back vacation atmosphere, cheerful service, unlimited food, and communal cruise entertainment.

Freedom of the Seas may not be the cruise line’s newest or biggest, but it was filled with genuine crew and fun-loving cruisers. 

The activities, service, and entertainment held up as quality, despite the ship’s age.