Are you looking for a classy, quiet experience at Royal Caribbean’s Main Dining Room?

Royal Caribbean’s Main Dining Room is a complimentary venue that serves formal, elegant meals two to three times a day.

It's become a staple of the cruise dining experience and a delicious meal that many cruise fans look forward to.

But you may not be eating alone.

You could be assigned to a table with other guests in the Main Dining Room.

Royal Caribbean tends to assign multiple parties to a table, especially if you’re traveling with a smaller party, such as a couple. 

To conserve dining space, waitstaff often assign multiple groups together at larger tables.

Without proper preparation, first-time cruisers could be met with a disappointing surprise when they come to dinner and find several strangers eating with them.

Being seated with another party can feel like a jarring end to the sophisticated evening you were expecting.

If dining alone is a priority for you, here’s how you can request a table for two.

Read more: How Royal Caribbean's Main Dining Room works and what to expect

How do table assignments work?

Royal Caribbean seats guests according to their availability. 

With the right timing and request, you can ensure that you snag a table for just two.

Royal Caribbean has table sizes for two, four, six, eight, and ten people. 

At those larger tables, the Main Dining Room staff do their best to seat groups together that might have something in common. 

For example, couples could expect to be sat with other couples. Or families with younger kids may find themselves with other families with children.

There’s nothing scary about being seated with another group; your parties will dine and converse, working together to have a lovely evening. 

Just make sure to keep the conversation light and fun! Steer the chat away from controversial topics, and remember that everyone is there to enjoy their meal and have a lovely cruise.

But, there are plenty of valid reasons why you might prefer to be seated alone.

If you’re celebrating a special occasion, feeling more introverted, or just don’t want to be focused on your partner during your dinner, you can request to be seated at a table for two for all your meals. 

Just remember that if you don’t specifically request it, you will likely be seated at a larger table with others.

Traditional Dining

When you first book your cruise, you’ll have two options for when you eat your Main Dining Room dinner: traditional dining or My Time Dining.

Read more: Royal Caribbean My Time Dining versus Traditional Dining

These times determine when you go to dinner, and you’ll want to choose your selection carefully! You won’t be able to change it after the second day of your cruise.

Traditional dining gives you an assigned table at one of three times: 5:30 P.M., 6:45 P.M., or 8:00 P.M.

The exact times will vary according to your cruise’s itinerary, but you can select one of those three dinner times. 

Once you make your choice, you’ll be assigned to a consistent table and team of waiters each night.

If you’d like to secure a table for just two people before your cruise, you can make a request through email.

Simply contact [email protected] about 2-3 weeks before your cruise and ask for a smaller table for just your party.

If this doesn’t work, or you change your mind, you can still make your request once onboard.

Go to the Main Dining room and ask to speak to a head waiter, letting them know that you’d like a table for two.

The Main Dining Room’s waitstaff is extremely accommodating, and they will do their best to fulfill your request. 

Even if you end up being assigned to a larger table, the other parties may not join you, and waiters can move your group to a smaller table.

The good news is that, with traditional dining, you’ll sit at the same table every night. 

Once you make your original request, your group will be set at its own table.

My Time Dining

My Time Dining is a more flexible schedule for dinner. Instead of being assigned a specific time, you have a first-come, first-served option.

Usually, dinnertime runs between 6:00 and 9:30 P.M., and you will be seated when and where the waitstaff and kitchen are ready to serve you.

You can make a dinner reservation ahead of time in the Cruise Planner or Royal Caribbean app. 

If you choose to wait until you get onboard, you can go directly to the Main Dining Room and a head waiter will be happy to assist you. 

When you make your reservations with them, you can request a table for two.

Be sure that you make this in-person request as soon as you get onboard because reservations fill up quickly.

The benefit of making a reservation ahead of time is that you’ll have to wait less to get a table (up to 15 minutes).

However, you’re not required to make a reservation ahead of time. If you choose to, you can simply show up to the Main Dining Room whenever you feel like eating.

If you do not make any reservations, you might end up waiting up to 45 minutes at peak times.

While waiting to be seated, you can request a small table for your party. But many tables will likely be full at this point.

Usually, they will seat you at whatever tables are most quickly available, so just be patient if they can’t fulfill your request right away!

Seating your larger group together

Looking for special seating for a group larger than just two?

You can still request to dine together, instead of being seated with other parties.

If you’ve selected traditional dining, you can request a table allocation 50 days before the sailing. Your group leader can even assign the seats specifically.

However, Royal Caribbean’s website states that if you’ve selected My Time dining, there is no guarantee that your group will be seated together.

Cruising can have quite the learning curve, so why not learn from those that already mastered it all?

If you’re new to Royal Caribbean, it’s natural to feel intimidated by the things you need to learn and prepare for.

One reason you’re probably reading this post right now is so you can find out all the tips and tricks Royal Caribbean veterans know.

Cruise fans have developed tried-and-true strategies to enjoy their cruises to the fullest. Thankfully, the Internet allows us to share all these tips—and for you to learn from them!

By researching and putting into practice these insider hacks, you can make sure you have the best cruise possible. 

If you are new to Royal Caribbean, here are nine things people who cruise Royal Caribbean all the time know about taking a cruise that you might want to consider doing too.

1. Check-in as soon as possible

Getting the earliest check-in time gets you onboard the ship faster.

The Royal Caribbean app and website will open online check-in 45 days before the cruise begins.

Cruise veterans check-in as soon as this opportunity opens, and some even stay up late to be the first!

If you stay up late, checking in at midnight based on the time zone of your sailing, you can get the earliest possible check-in time slot.

After you complete check-in, you’ll receive an option of time slots, usually ranging between 11 A.M. and 2 P.M.

When each time slot fills up with guests, it will close. So it makes sense that you’d need to check-in early to get the earlier times.

The sooner you check-in, the sooner you get onboard the ship!

Since the price you paid for the cruise won’t change, check-in early to get those extra couple of hours onboard.

2. Book specialty dining in advance

Royal Caribbean offers some amazing—and popular—extra-cost dining venues. 

From Chops Grille to Izumi Hibachi, there are formal and delicious meal options for all tastes.

If you want to ensure a table will be open for you, try booking the restaurant before you get onboard the ship.

Royal Caribbean veterans know that restaurants can fill up fast, and you’ll need to act quickly if you want to reserve a table.

You can make reservations online via Royal Caribbean’s Cruise Planner website.

This way, you’ll guarantee a spot and choose the date and time that works best for your schedule.

If you want to celebrate a special occasion or holiday, it’s especially important to plan ahead and reserve as soon as possible.

If you choose to purchase a specialty dining package instead of individual restaurant reservations, have a plan of where and when you want to eat.

Then, make your reservations as soon as you get onboard the ship.

Staff at any one of the specialty venues can help you book your meals for all of the venues.

3. Purchase your cruise years ahead

Royal Caribbean veterans work to get the best possible prices on cruise fares.

The more you save, the more you can spend on activities, excursions, or even another cruise!

To get the best possible price when booking a cruise, you’ll want to book as early in advance as possible.

Ideally, you’d want to book a year or years in advance.

The earlier you book, the more staterooms will be available. Since cruises operate on supply and demand, prices will be cheaper when more supply is available.

By booking one or two years early, you’ll get ahead of the demand and increased prices.

Try asking a Royal Caribbean vet when they book their cruises, and they’ll likely give you an answer measured in years.

If you’re on a cruise and find yourself thinking about the next vacation, you can also book your next cruise directly onboard. You can save hundreds of dollars per person by booking at the Next Cruise area.

For the more impulsive types, last-minute deals are also worth keeping an eye on. While they’re less assured than ones planned years in advance, occasionally those last-minute deals will have a discount worth snatching up.

Read more: How to plan a cruise for the first time

4. Cruise during the off-season

If you’re still looking for fare deals, keep in mind that it matters more when you cruise, not so much when you book the cruise.

Finding lower fares is easier if you’re willing to cruise when school is in session (August to May) and during the cruise shoulder season.

Shoulder season, which offers lower fares, fewer crowds, and comfortable temperatures, varies depending on your destination.

Usually, these times include the months of January (excluding New Year’s Day), February, May, and September, the first two weeks of November, and the first two weeks of December.

Cruising during these times will give you a lower fare, because it’s when other people are less likely to try cruising. 

Buy a cruise for those times when others are at work or in school, and you’ll be rewarded with fewer crowds and lower prices.

5. Try a smaller ship

Yes, Royal Caribbean heavily promotes its newest and biggest ships.

You’ve probably heard about everything there is to try on huge ships like Icon of the Seas and Wonder of the Seas.

But despite the public attention the mega-ships command, veterans know that every ship in the fleet has something to offer—even the smaller ones.

Radiance, Vision, and Voyager Class ships all have their own charm. 

From a quieter experience to a more tight-knit crew to opportunities at unique ports, some amazing experiences can’t be replicated by a larger ship.

Not only that, but they’re also likely to come with a lower price tag.

There’s nothing wrong with those big, exciting ships like in the Icon, Oasis, and Quantum Class, but be sure that you’re not writing off those smaller ships.

The demand for smaller ships isn’t going away anytime soon, and Royal Caribbean has even discussed plans for a new class of smaller ships.

6. Stay onboard in port

If you ever talk to someone who cruises a lot, there's a good chance if you ask them what their plans are while in port, they'll tell you they are staying on the ship.

There are a few good reasons why you might want to strategically embrace this strategy.

If it's a ship new to you and you want to explore and enjoy what the ship has to offer, staying onboard during a port visit gives you more time onboard and less lines to contend with.

Taking a cruise on Icon of the Seas, Wonder of the Seas, or Odyssey of the Seas, there's a good chance you picked these new ships because of all the cool things it offers. While the ship is in port, signature activities tend to be far less crowded, especially the pool and water slides.

Sometimes they stay onboard because there just isn't an excursion or activity that speaks to them. There's nothing wrong with staying on the ship if you don't find a tour that fits your needs.

In addition, cruise pros stay onboard if it's a port of call they've been to in the past. Some ports have a lot of repeatability, while others, not so much.

7. Join the loyalty program

While the Crown and Anchor Society isn’t exactly a secret, veteran cruisers know how to take full advantage of this loyalty program.

You can even sign up before your first cruise, and you’ll earn points for each night you spend on a Royal Caribbean ship.

It’s free to sign up, and you will receive more and more discounts as you earn points.

The Crown and Anchor Society rewards frequent cruisers with onboard discounts, priority embarkation and check-in, and promotional offers.

8. Read Cruise Compasses to prepare

Wondering what exactly you can expect on your next cruise?

It’s hard to accurately predict exactly what events, activities, and specials might be offered on a cruise ship.

Royal Caribbean pros know that they can consult an old Cruise Compass to see what was previously offered on similar sailings.

Looking at an old cruise itinerary can give you a good idea of what to expect going forward.

From entertainment to activities, Royal Caribbean ships won’t change their schedule too much from week to week.

And we have an archive of old Cruise Compasses you to peruse. 

9. Use a good travel agent

Yes, we always recommend using a good travel agent for your cruise.

They’re able to make life easier for you through planning, preparation, and saving you money overall.

A good travel agent comes at no extra cost to you, as they are paid by the cruise line. They provide expertise and knowledge to help you get the best cruise vacation possible.

A good travel agent will have a wealth of knowledge about Royal Caribbean, and be able to answer a variety of questions for you.

Read more: Royal Caribbean’s top travel agents prove why you need one more than ever

Pros know that no one has all the answers, so having a guide in the form of a travel agent gets you your own personal advocate. 

From booking the cruise to any problems you run into onboard, they will be there to assist you.

Royal Caribbean’s private island looks like a tropical paradise.

Sprawling with pools, bars, beaches, restaurants, and a water park, it’s a family’s vacation dream come true.

To make this dream even more of a vision, the majority of amenities on Perfect Day at CocoCay are included in your cruise fare!

On my first visit to Perfect Day at CocoCay, I enjoyed resting on the beach and trying the snacks. 

However, I didn’t know the full breadth of everything available for free. 

We even went back to the ship to eat lunch, not knowing that we could have tried it on the island.

To prevent you from making the same mistake and missing out on everything the island has to offer, we’ve compiled a guide to exactly what is free on Perfect Day at CocoCay.

From beach chairs to tram rides to countless beaches, here’s everything you can enjoy without spending a dime. 

Read more: I went to CocoCay for the first time, and here's what I'd do differently

Waterparks: Splashaway Bay and Captain Jill’s Galleon

Where else can you access an entire waterpark for free?

Splashaway Bay can be found on Perfect Day CocoCay as soon as you enter the island. 

Featuring drenching buckets, tall, spraying fountains, and even free waterslides, it provides free fun for kids of all ages.

For the even younger kiddos, Captain Jill’s Galleon is a ship located right next door. The shipwrecked pirate spot also has water cannons and slides.

Whether you want to make a quick stop on your way onto the island or make the waterpark your whole day of fun, it’s free to access both Splashaway Bay and Captain Jill’s Galleon.

Food: Snack Shack, Skipper’s Grill, and Chill Grill

Nearly all the food venues at Perfect Day at CocoCay are free to enter. 

Snack Shack has two locations available next to Oasis Lagoon and South Beach. This grab-and-go snack stop has finger food such as hot dogs, cheeseburgers, chicken sandwiches, fries, and even salads if you’re looking for something lighter. 

There are even desserts for free: brownies, cookies, and funnel cake. The funnel cake especially is a family favorite!

And there’s no limit to how much food you can grab. Just like onboard your cruise ship, you can even make a plate and carry it with you around the island.

There are even larger dining huts to choose from. Both Skipper Grill and Chill Grill are included in your cruise fare.

These open-air buffets include lunch eats like hot dogs, hamburgers, chicken sandwiches, corn, french fries, salads, and fruit options. 

There are also taco stations with all the fixings you can desire, and rice and beans.

On the side, you’ll find condiments, cookies, brownies, and fresh fruit!

Again, all this comes included in your cruise fare, free of charge.

Beaches: Harbor Beach, Chill Island, and South Beach

Beach access on the island is also complimentary. The main shores are Harbor Beach and South Beach.

Harbor Beach is located near where the ship docks, making it a great option for families to play and spread out with sand toys.

South Beach caters more to adults, featuring hot sand and a floating bar.

It is completely free to stretch out on the sand, play in the clear water, and observe little fish swimming by. 

Chill Island has access to the beach water. You can wade into the water further on, or bring your own snorkeling gear to look for fish and stingrays.

At all locations, you can also use beach chairs, umbrellas, and handy tables without paying anything extra.

You can also bring the complimentary towels from the ship, or pick up more on the island for free. They are interchangeable and completely included in the cruise fare.

Read more: Your really dumb Perfect Day at CocoCay questions answered

Be sure to keep an eye out for the hammocks around the island, because they are included too!

There are a number of hammocks in Chill Island as you cross the bridge from the Arrivals Plaza on your left side.

Tram rides

Perfect Day at CocoCay spans 120 acres. That’s 158 football fields! 

With so much space to explore, it’s easy for the average pair of legs to get tired walking around. 

To help solve this problem, Royal Caribbean has free open-air trams that run around the island.

The trams spot by every 15 minutes, making six total stops at the Arrivals Plaza, South Beach, Coco Beach Club, Up, Up, and Away, Chill Island, and Oasis Lagoon.

All you have to do is sit down at a bench to wait and hop onto the nearest tram!

There’s no reason to stay tired, hungry, or thirsty on this private island. Just relax and enjoy everything CocoCay has to offer.

Oasis Lagoon

Located in the center of the island, Oasis Lagoon is a popular pool complex that fills up fast.

There’s a large, sparkling pool where you can swim and splash around. 

In the pool's center is a swim-up bar next to a DJ center. Live beats play, while guests sip tropical drinks and dance in the warm water.

Nearby sun loungers and umbrellas also make this a great place to leave your stuff or to sit and rest.

Access to this pool is also completely free, but be sure to show up early if you want to find a good spot!

Read more: My Impressions of Perfect Day at CocoCay: Revisiting 13 Years Later

Showers and lockers

Access to amenities such as showers and restrooms will always be complimentary.

You can also find changing rooms around the island, as well as lockers to hold all your valuable items.

You may find yourself waiting in line at busy times on the island, but rest assured, you’ll never have to pay.

Sports Court and Fitness Classes

Whether you enjoy Frisbee, basketball, or beach volleyball, the Sports Court has all the free activities you could desire.

There are also free fitness classes available, such as yoga or Zumba. You can check your cruise compass or the mobile app to see the exact activities offered.

This is a great way to take advantage of the sunshine, and slog off some of that cruise weight!

Be sure to walk to Breezy Bay to see all the fun sports activities that cost nothing extra there. There are a variety of games to play near the volleyball court.

So what costs extra on Perfect Day at CocoCay?

Specialty beverages, such as alcoholic drinks, cost extra at the bars on Perfect Day at CocoCay.

However, if you’ve already purchased a Royal Caribbean drink package, you can use it on the island by showing your SeaPass card, just like you would onboard the ship.

The same goes for the VOOM high-speed Internet: if you’ve already purchased the package, you will have access to it on Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Even if you don’t have the Wifi, you’ll be able to access the app while on the island.

This makes it convenient to check the time and onboard schedules and message your travel party.

Several shops on the island sell souvenirs, which come at an extra cost but can be purchased with your SeaPass card.

Access to the Thrill Waterpark also costs extra, in addition to the Up, Up, and Away hot air balloon.

Royal Caribbean also sells adrenaline-filled shore excursions such as ziplining, snorkeling equipment, swimming with pigs, kayaking, parasailing, and jet skiing.

For a luxury beach experience, you can rent CocoCay cabanas and daybeds by the beach.

Read more: Perfect Day at CocoCay beach bed review

For an even more private experience, Royal Caribbean sells access to the exclusive club Coco Beach Club. 

More recently, the cruise line also opened up Hideaway Beach, an 18+, adults-only beach that costs extra.

Happy weekend! We hope you remembered to Spring Forward! Here’s all the Royal Caribbean news this week!

Royal Caribbean has moved up the first sailing of its newest cruise ship.

Royal Caribbean is ahead of schedule on Utopia of the Seas and added a new sailing before the original inaugural sailing on July 22, 2024.

Since the Utopia will be arriving at Port Canaveral earlier than expected, the ship will have a new inaugural sailing over the weekend of July 19, 2024.

She will be the first Oasis Class ship to focus on short 3 and 4-night cruises.

Royal Caribbean News

• Five moves Royal Caribbean is making to overhaul its weekend cruise business for the future
• Photos show the secret crew-only areas on Icon of the Seas
• I stayed in the cheapest virtual balcony cabin on Royal Caribbean's Anthem of the Seas. Look inside my $137 a night room.
• Royal Caribbean requires cruise ship passengers only app check-in with its app from Vancouver
• "I will be checking under the bed now": Royal Caribbean crew member accused of hiding cameras to spy on guests
• Chops Grille is the best Royal Caribbean extra-cost restaurant, according to a passenger survey
• Royal Caribbean Flowrider: How to surf on a cruise ship
• Icon of the Seas vs Wonder of the Seas
• Your Royal Caribbean cruise is probably still going to Labadee despite Haiti’s situation

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 527th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, and shares why you might not want to book the cheapest cruise you can find.

Matt shares his advice for planning a visit to Royal Caribbean's private island in The Bahamas.

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

New RCB Video: Simple trick to avoid thousands of dollars in cellphone charges on a cruise ship

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 — Simple trick to avoid thousands of dollars in cellphone charges on a cruise ship — and don’t forget to subscribe to our channel.

Guide to Playmakers Sports Bar and Arcade

Did you know you can find a sports bar and arcade right on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship?

Playmakers Sports Bar is an extra-cost bar and arcade that serves food and drink a la carte.

You can enjoy the games and sports playing at no cost, or pay per dish when it comes to the food and drinks. Popular dishes include the wings and the touchdown sundae. 

The location also serves a variety of craft beers and sports-themed cocktails. 

How to plan a cruise for the first time

Planning your first cruise can be a daunting task. There are a myriad of options for you to navigate, from staterooms to itineraries to ship sizes.

Matt has developed a simple guide for you to get started with planning your cruise.

Start with your budget, then move on to decide the length, type, cruise cabin, and specific booking you'd like.

We also have a brand-new online course to help you plan your cruise like a pro!

Spring break is one of the most lively times to take a cruise. Here are 5 tips my family swears by to make crowded sea days better.

Looking forward to your spring cruise? Be prepared for huge crowds and long lines. 

Matt loves to sail during spring break season, so his family has some strategies to make the crowds a little less overwhelming.

From traditional dining to the suite life, here's how you can avoid those busy sea days.

How long does it take for a cruise ship to get ready for a new group of passengers? Here's what a hotel director has to say.

Have you ever wondered how a cruise ship goes straight from one sailing to the next?

On a recent Anthem of the Seas cruise, hotel director Adrian Gheorghe said that the ship rotates almost 9,000 passengers on a turnaround day.

The cruise ship hospitality staff have to work efficiently to clean each space after the previous passengers and get ready for the new ones.

Click here to read the hotel director's strategy for a turnaround day.

Why I almost always stay in a cruise ship inside cabin

An inside cabin will cost less than a balcony or suite, and it often makes a lot of sense to go with these kinds of rooms.

Inside cabins definitely aren’t for everyone, but Jenna prefers to stay in them for the great savings they provide.

From a quieter cabin to a perfect night’s sleep, she'll never complain about cruising in a cozy inside room.

Specialty restaurants are not included in your fare, so what’s worth splurging on?

Among over 1,000 past Royal Caribbean cruisers, Chops Grille came out as the most popular specialty restaurant across the fleet.

People from the Royal Caribbean Dining Facebook page were asked to vote on their absolute top restaurant.

Across 14 possible choices, Chops was ranked the top pay restaurant in Royal Caribbean's fleet, garnering 28% of the vote.

On a Royal Caribbean ship, you’ll have access to complimentary restaurants, such as the Windjammer and the Main Dining Room.

Specialty restaurants usually have a unique theme and more specific menu than others. 

Cruisers prefer them for the quality service, upscale atmosphere, and overall more luxurious experience.

Chops Grille was voted the best specialty restaurant 

In total, we received 1115 votes on the poll. Chops Grille won as the top favorite, with 28% of the votes.

150 Central Park came in second place, at 22%.

In distant third place, 9% voted Izumi Hibachi as their favorite specialty restaurant.

8% of respondents also voted for Wonderland as their favorite restaurant, with the rest only getting a few of the votes.

This result isn’t a surprise, considering that most respondents have had a chance to try dining at Chops Grille.

Chops is one of the most popular and well-known specialty restaurants. This quality steakhouse is featured on all Royal Caribbean ships, meaning you’ll get to try it no matter which sailing you choose.

Dru Mason explained her thinking: “It was between Chops and Izumi, but I voted for Chops. Chops has been consistent across most of the ships, so I gave them the vote.”

Because Chops Grille is so popular and offered on every ship, it makes sense that Royal Caribbean has had the chance to test and perfect the restaurant’s menu and service. 

Mike Fresa echoed this sentiment, commenting that, “Chops is the best… then Izumi.”

Izumi offers both Hibachi and sushi options, serving up quality Japanese food. 

Izumi is available on Adventure of the Seas, Allure of the Seas, Anthem of the Seas, Brilliance of the Seas, Explorer of the Seas, Grandeur of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas, Icon of the Seas, Mariner of the Seas, Navigator of the Seas, Oasis of the Seas, Ovation of the Seas, Quantum of the Seas, Radiance of the Seas, Rhapsody of the Seas, Serenade of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas, Utopia of the Seas, Wonder of the Seas, Vision of the Seas, and Voyager of the Seas.

On the other hand, some commenters didn’t have a great experience with Chops Grille. Zach Zilen wrote: “We have been disappointed in Chops several times. The only one we keep going back to is Giovanni’s.”

7% of the votes on the Facebook survey went to Giovanni’s Table or Giovanni’s Kitchen, a venue that serves popular Italian cuisine.

On Adventure of the Seas, Allure of the Seas, Brilliance of the Seas, Explorer of the Seas, Grandeur of the Seas, Independence of the Seas, Jewel of the Seas, Liberty of the Seas, Oasis of the Seas, Radiance of the Seas, Rhapsody of the Seas, Serenade of the Seas, Vision of the Seas, and Voyager of the Seas, the restaurant is called Giovanni’s Table.

On Freedom of the Seas, Icon of the Seas, Wonder of the Seas, and Odyssey of the Seas, the venue was revamped and named Giovanni’s Kitchen, an upgraded contemporary that added perks such as fresh-tossed pizza.

Other comments on the survey expressed that they would choose other restaurants for reasons other than the food.

For example, some venues have different experiences to offer: “I say Wonderland because it’s the one that I’d never be able to duplicate on land,” said Charla Miller. “A truly unique experience.”

The Wonderland venue is an imaginative experience based on Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland. With its experimental design and mind-bending food, it makes sense that this venue provides an irreplaceable experience. 

Wonderland is available on Anthem of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas, Ovation of the Seas, Quantum of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas, and Wonder of the Seas.

But not everyone likes to spend extra money on food. Since specialty restaurants come at an additional cost, some cruisers would rather eat the complimentary food and save their money. Mary Chi expressed this perspective, commenting, “4 cruises and never felt the need to buy extra dinners.”

Still, if you’re interested in trying a luxurious meal, Chops Grille is voted your best option.

What can you expect at Chops Grille?

Chops specializes in juicy steaks, with the tender filet being the most popular menu item.

However, the steakhouse also serves other meats like lamb, pork, fish, Maine lobster, and chicken.

The price for a dinner at Chops Grille varies depending on the ship but usually ranges from $50-$60 per person. The price for lunch is usually lower than for dinner.

A meal at Chops can also be included in your specialty dining package, whether that’s the unlimited package or the 3-night dining package. 

An 18% gratuity may also be added automatically, and you can always tip again at the end of your meal.

The restaurant's classy ambiance makes it a popular spot for birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, and other special occasions. The location is decorated with low, golden lighting, dark brown wood, and crisp white linens, except on Icon of the Seas which has a more modern motif. 

It is an upscale four-course meal. The dress code is smart or smart-casual, and you will be served by a dedicated waitstaff. 

Chops Grille offers both lunch and dinner. If you’re planning an evening meal at Chop, it’s best to reserve a dinner, as spots fill up quickly.

The dinner meal begins with a complimentary serving of bread buns and butter.

After you receive your menu, you can start by ordering unique appetizers such as bacon, shrimp cocktails, crab cakes, tuna tartare, and beer carpaccio.

Next, you can select a soup: wild mushroom, lobster bisque, or other specials; or a salad: caesar, wedge lettuce, or crispy goat cheese.

Your waiter will also bring a beverage menu, with many quality wines. Like in other venues on the ship, the alcohol costs extra, but may be included in your beverage package.

For the entree, options include meats like the tender filet—either 9 or 6 ounces—prime ribeye, prime NY strip, a rack of lamb, or roasted chicken.

There is also a selection of seafood entrees: grilled branzino, spicy jumbo shrimp, Atlantic salmon, or Maine lobster.

You can choose an unlimited number of sides, with options such as tater tots, spinach, grilled asparagus, mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, sautéed mushrooms, French fries, and baked potatoes. 

And yes, you might notice that there are many potato-based items available.

For dessert, the menu includes delicacies like red velvet cake, raspberry cheesecake, and key lime pie.

The desserts come in huge slices, a much larger serving than you might receive at the Main Dining Room. If dessert’s your thing, that’s one reason to consider splurging on an extra-cost restaurant!

The lunch menu is a slimmed-down version of the dinner, with fewer appetizers, entrees, and sides, and only two dessert selections.

If you get full at any point, you can ask your server to package up the food to bring back to your cabin. Don’t let those extra pennies go to waste!

As always, you can ask for accommodations for your food allergies, from lactose-free to gluten-free to vegetarian options. However, given that Chops Grille is a steakhouse, it may not be the best spot for vegetarians or vegans. People who avoid meat and animal products may not find a lot to enjoy.

But if juicy steaks and quality meats are your thing, this restaurant might also become your new favorite. 

Sports bars aren’t just a land activity.

If you love a casual meal while watching a sporting event, or sharing a snack while playing games with friends, you won’t have to give that up on your cruise.

Royal Caribbean has a sports bar on some of its ships called Playmakers. 

The cruise line designed this bar as a fun, casual specialty venue for you to watch your favorite team play.

It fits in the simple but popular concept of a sports bar with quality beers and cocktails, a yummy selection of food, televisions in every corner, and games with even a mini-arcade center attached.

What can you expect from Playmakers?

If wings, sporting events, and craft beers are your thing, we’ve created a comprehensive guide to the Playmakers Sports Bar and Arcade.

What is Playmakers?

Playmakers can be found on:

• Freedom of the Seas
• Icon of the Seas
• Independence of the Seas
• Mariner of the Seas
• Navigator of the Seas
• Oasis of the Seas
• Odyssey of the Seas
• Symphony of the Seas
• Spectrum of the Seas
• Utopia of the Seas
• Wonder of the Seas

On Oasis-Class ships, Playmakers is featured at the heart of the Boardwalk.

The venue is open-air and inviting, with warm lighting and a variety of seating to choose from. 

Over 30 televisions are placed around the bar so that everyone can get a view of a screen.

At peak times, you’ll find other cruisers drinking, partying, watching a sports game, or competing in games of their own.

The bar features games like pool, foosball, Jenga, shuffleboard, and Connect 4. 

The attached arcade also has skee ball, video games, and more. 

While the board and table games are free, the arcade games may cost money to play, depending on which ship you’re sailing on.

It is noisy fun with a welcoming atmosphere, just like your favorite small sports bar at home.

What kind of food is served and how much does it cost?

It’s free to sit inside Playmakers and watch a game. However, the food and drinks all come at an extra cost.

An 18% gratuity will also be added to your check, depending on the port and itineraries. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean raises prices at some of its specialty restaurants

Prices may vary, but you can usually find a sample menu on Royal Caribbean’s website.

The “warmups” or appetizers range from $5.99 to $12.99. They include classic finger foods like nachos, chicken tenders, fries, pigskin sliders, onion rings, and jalapeño poppers.

Don’t be fooled by the casual atmosphere, though. The food at Playmakers is delicious!

Even if sports and games aren’t your thing, this venue is worth visiting to try some of the servings.

You can order 12 wings for $13.99, 24 wings for $19.99, or 50 wings for $29.99.

The wings come with your choice of sauce—buffalo, barbeque, or Jamaican jerk—and are served with blue cheese, celery, and carrots.

The adjustable amounts mean that you can order for just yourself, or for huge groups of people traveling together.

If you’re up for it, take on the Playmakers Challenge: eat 100 of the hottest “major-league” buffalo wings and you’ll win a commemorative T-shirt!

There are also several burgers, all for $11.99 each and served with fries. These include the classic burger, the impossible burger, the truffle burger, and the chicken sandwich.

Something great about Playmakers is that it's priced a la carte, so you only pay for what you order. This can be a small dish if you’re apprehensive about spending extra on food.

If you have the unlimited specialty dining package, you’ll receive a $20 food credit at Playmakers per person, per day. That means you can dine at Playmakers once per day, but can still go to another a la carte restaurant and eat there too once per day.

When it comes to desserts, there are currently two options on the menu. You can try a campfire cookie, with marshmallows, Nutella, and milk shooters on the side, or the touchdown sundae, which is five scoops of ice cream topped with chocolate syrup and whipped cream.

The sundae is served in a mini football helmet that you can take home with you.

The cookie costs $8.99, and the sundae is $11.99.

What’s on the drink menu?

Playmakers offers domestic and international beers, as well as seven types of craft beers.

They even serve 60-ounce pitchers of your favorite beer for $18!

There’s also a selection of sports-themed cocktails for $13 each: Black and Gold, the Pitch, Knockout Punch, a Goal Post Margarita, and the Playmakers Bloody Mary.

There are also hard ciders, wines, and non-alcoholic drinks.

If you have a Royal Caribbean deluxe drink package, all the beers, wines, and cocktails will be included.

However, you’re not just limited to the Playmakers drink menu. There is a full bar, where you can order anything you might typically enjoy at a Royal Caribbean bar. Just ask the bartender, and they’ll let you know if they can make it for you.

You’re also welcome to stop at the bar without ordering a full plate of food. Just like a sports bar on land, Playmakers is that casual hangout spot for you to enjoy.

When is Playmakers open?

Playmakers is rarely "closed." You can usually hop in for a seat or to play a game at any hour of the day. 

However, the bar serves drinks between 10:00 A.M and 1:00 A.M.

There are two different time slots to order food: 11:30 A.M to 3:30 P.M., and again from 5:30 P.M. to 11:00 P.M.

If you struggle with nighttime snack cravings, Playmakers is a great option! It stays open and serves food most times of the day.

Read more: Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade restaurant review on Symphony of the Seas

What games will be playing?

The games shown differ on a cruise ship on land thanks to complicated international satellite game rights. Most games, especially high-profile games, are available to watch in Playmakers.

Cruise ships get an international satellite feed, so even though the ship may be sailing from the United States, it gets a different set of games.

College football fans can probably watch their favorite teams playing on Saturdays. During football season, NFL games will also be shown on Sundays.

You can expect games from major networks to stream.  Options will vary depending on the ship and season.

Basketball, football, soccer, and golf are all sports commonly streamed at Playmakers. In addition, there's a lot of cricket and soccer shown.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a dress code?

Royal Caribbean lists the dress code as “casual.” Playmakers is a chill sports bar, so there is no other specific dress code.

However, you’ll want to wear a cover-up over any swimsuits, and make sure you’re wearing shoes!

Is there an age limit to enter?

Alcohol can only be served to patrons 21 and up on North American sailings. 

Based on Royal Caribbean’s marketing of Playmakers, kids are welcome to enter with parents and play games. We have never heard of anyone being turned away from Playmakers.

Do I have to pay extra?

While it doesn’t cost money to enter Playmakers, you will have to pay extra for the food and drinks.

Most of the hands-on games are also free, except for the full arcade machines.

Can I use my dining/drink package at Playmakers?

Yes. If you have the unlimited specialty dining package, you’ll receive a $20 food credit at Playmakers per day.

If you have a Royal Caribbean deluxe drink package, all the beers, wines, and cocktails will be included. Other drink packages work here too.

Do I need to make a reservation?

No, you do not need to make a reservation at Playmakers.

Reservations are not accepted. However, the venue can get busy, especially during peak times or when a big game is streaming. 

Be prepared to wait a little before getting your food and drinks.

On many Royal Caribbean cruise ships, you’ll have the opportunity to try boogie boarding or surfing right onboard.

Picture yourself standing tall on rushing waves, surfing over a dark blue sea.

Royal Caribbean is the only cruise line to offer a surf simulator like this.

The FlowRider is a stand-alone surfing simulator with 30,000 gallons of water gushing over a curved surface.

Whether you’re an experienced surfer, or riding the board is something you’ve always wanted to try, you’ll be able to use the FlowRider for free on your cruise.

Essentially, there are two different activities you could try on the FlowRider.

You can boogie board, which is just riding lying down, with your stomach on the board.

Once you gain more experience, then you can begin to stand up and start surfing the waves with your feet planted on the board. This is the traditional surfing technique.

Royal Caribbean has different requirements for each step of the activity.

What is the FlowRider?

The FlowRider is a surf simulator that quickly pumps rushing water over a curved, thick vinyl material. Guests can get on a board in the middle and attempt to ride the strong waves.

The FlowRider was originally created as a land attraction but has since combined with Royal Caribbean to bring the ride to cruise ships.

Royal Caribbean’s website states that using the FlowRider is an extreme sport with a high risk of injury. Falling in the wrong manner could result in serious injury to the head, neck, back, hips, arms, and legs.

You will be required to stretch, watch safety videos, and sign a waiver before riding. 

Royal Caribbean crew members take your safety very seriously when it comes to using the FlowRider.

The FlowRider is located on the following ships:

• Adventure of the Seas
• Allure of the Seas
• Anthem of the Seas
• Explorer of the Seas
• Freedom of the Seas
• Harmony of the Seas
• Icon of the Seas
• Independence of the Seas
• Liberty of the Seas
• Mariner of the Seas
• Navigator of the Seas
• Oasis of the Seas
• Odyssey of the Seas
• Ovation of the Seas
• Quantum of the Seas
• Spectrum of the Seas
• Symphony of the Seas
• Utopia of the Seas
• Voyager of the Seas
• Wonder of the Seas

Oasis Class ships (except Utopia and Wonder of the Seas) have two FlowRiders onboard. It is usually located on the aft of the ship on the highest deck.

How much does the FlowRider cost?

The FlowRider comes free of charge with your cruise fare.

However, you will have to wait in line with other guests to be allowed a turn. The lines can stretch on for quite some time, so keep in mind that the earlier you arrive, the shorter the line will be. 

For example, lines are shortest on embarkation day and early in the morning. The lines will be longest on sea days and in the afternoon or evening.

Private lessons, however, cost extra. 

For a 1-hour lesson, you can expect to pay $69 per person. These are group lessons, with a minimum of 4 people and a maximum of 8 people.

Read more: First ever FlowRider professional lessons offered on Royal Caribbean's Ovation of the Seas

During this group lesson, staff will help you learn to properly stand up on the board and balance while on top of a wave.

You also have the option to rent the FlowRider area for 1 hour, for $345 total. Advanced riders who want more time on the waves can book this option.

Guests wanting a private lesson and access to the area for 1 hour can pay $552 total. This allows you to rent out the wave area and receive coaching with your entire group.

What are the restrictions for using the FlowRider?

Guests need to be at least 6 years old to ride the FlowRiders. Ages 12 and under must also be accompanied by an adult.

Guests must also be at least 52 inches tall to use the bodyboard for Boogie boarding and 58 inches tall to use the flowboard for surfing. 

No footwear, jewelry, watches, goggles, or cameras are allowed.

We recommend that guests wear tight clothing or cover-ups over their swimsuits. Remember that this is a high-energy activity in the waves, so swimtops are likely to come loose.

Royal Caribbean provides surfboards for the experience, but you can bring your own board if it is one specifically made for FlowRiders. If you do, you will be required to sign a board waiver and staff will inspect it for any damage.

Additionally, you can perform any surf tricks you like, but the board must remain between you and the water.

How can I surf on the FlowRider?

If you’re new to the FlowRider, you’ll have to start by boogie boarding. You will lie flat on your stomach and try to balance on the waves.

Look for the times on your Cruise Compass labeled “Boogie Boarding” or “Mixed Waves.”

You will need to first complete the safety briefing and sign a waiver. Once signed, staff will give you a blue bracelet that signifies you are ready to ride.

During these open sessions, everyone who completes the waiver will be given a wristband and cleared for their first attempt.

You can, of course, just lay on your stomach and ride the waves. Try to keep your elbows tucked in and your legs in the water.

However, if you want to try traditional surfing, you can advance to the next step of trying to stand up.

You can let staff know that you’re ready to try standing up. On your turn, you will usually receive two attempts to try and stand up, balancing on the powerful waves.

These two attempts are per day! Staff do not allow people to get back in line and keep trying.

For guest safety, Royal Caribbean has careful rules about who is allowed to continue stand-up surfing. (These are adjusted often, and not clearly posted anywhere.)

Read more: I learned how to surf on a weekend cruise. Here is my advice if you want to try it too

If you aren’t able to stand up on the board during your try and want to attempt stand-up surfing, this is where you may benefit from one of those group lessons. 

During your dedicated hour, staff will make sure you receive tips and coaching on how to balance on the board.

Usually, you will exit this lesson with a white wristband, denoting that you are a safe, advanced FlowRider.

The most common criteria are that you can start by standing up on the board, pushing yourself away from the wall, and remaining steady on the waves.

The staff use their own discretion to make sure you will be able to surf safely.

Once you are an advanced FlowRider, you can surf during “Mixed Waves” or “Advanced Stand Up Surfing.”

This is a great opportunity because once you have your wristband you can go to the advanced sessions, getting more time on the board away from all the newbies.

For those attempting surfing for the first time, put all of your weight on your back foot. Stand up straight with an open chest, and keep both feet planted on the board. 

Frequently asked questions

Are reservations required for the FlowRider?

No, reservations are not required. For complimentary usage, you can wait in line with other guests.

If you are renting a private lesson, you can speak to staff about reserving time on the FlowRider at an extra cost.

Does the FlowRider cost extra?

No, using the FlowEider does not cost extra!

However, if you want to book private lessons, prices start at $69 an hour.

What time is the FlowRider open?

Times offered usually vary by ship. Check the Royal Caribbean app or Cruise Compass to see what times are offered.

Remember that you can boogie board during “Boogie Boarding” and “Mixed Wave.” You can surf during “Mixed Wave” and “Advanced Surfing.”

How does a cruise ship rotate 9,000 passengers and 20 trucks of provisions over the course of 8 hours?

If you’ve ever taken a cruise before, you might find yourself wondering how the ship gets ready for a sailing.

Most cruises happen back-to-back, meaning passengers disembark on the same day new passengers arrive.

Between sailings, cruise ships have a single “turnaround day,” when the guests from the previous sailing are disembarking and the new guests are entering.

At a Captain's Corner event on a recent Anthem of the Seas cruise, a passenger asked how staff prepare for all the logistics of a turnaround day.

Captain’s Corner is an informal Q&A, usually held with the ship’s captain, activities director, and hotel director. 

Guests can pose all their pressing questions, and have them answered directly.

The author with Captain Srecko Ban.

This 2024 Captain’s Corner event was attended by Captain Srecko Ban, hotel director Adrian Gheorghe, and cruise activities director Katie Knowles.

What goes on behind the scenes to get all the logistics in place?

The author with hotel director Adrian Gheorghe.

A guest asked what goes on behind the scenes to get the ship ready for sailing. 

“It seems like a huge undertaking with all the logistics to get stuff onboard,” they said. 

Anthem of the Seas’ hotel director, Adrian Gheorghe, answered this question. 

Hailing from Romania, he started out as a cleaner and worked his way up through guest services over the past 21.

Gheorghe has served as Anthem’s hotel director for the past 6 years.

Anthem of the Seas is a large Quantum Class ship, measuring 1,138 feet in length, 136 feet in width, and 168,367 gross tons. 

“Originally, when we started building our big, big ships, the discussion was around how many guests we [can] have on board our ship,” Gheorghe said.

Anthem is capable of holding 4,905 passengers and 1,500 crew members.

The ship has 2,090 staterooms and 16 guest decks, so that’s a lot of space to prepare for a sailing!

“But it’s all about how you never feel that you’re sharing with so many guests onboard.”

Gheorghe explained that the ships are designed so that you never feel overwhelmed by the amount of other people onboard. 

Through various spaces and lines, guests are moved around so that there are never too many people in one area at a time.

On turnaround day, you’d never guess that almost 9,000 passengers are rotating off and on the cruise ship!

Read more: What's the earliest time I can get off my cruise ship when it's over?

Cruise ships go straight from one cruise to the next 

Gheorghe said that turn-around day takes place over 8 hours, over which the cruise ship rotates about 9,000 passengers.

During this time period, the ship’s staff only have about one to 1.5 hours without guests onboard. 

It is “quite an intense operation.”

Several strategies ensure that guests aren’t packed together.

On disembarkation day, you’ll notice that departure times are usually very staggered.

Royal Caribbean divides guests into groups, depending on whether they are bringing luggage with them or receiving luggage assistance. 

Guests who are bringing their luggage off themselves usually receive the earliest disembarkation time, starting around 7:30 A.M.

With over 50 different groups departing at different times, Royal Caribbean can stagger guests and prevent a mass departure of almost 5,000 people at once.

Read more: 8 reasons to get off your ship as early as possible on disembarkation day

The cruise line also asks guests to wait for their departure out of the stateroom, so that staff has time to clean and get ready for the next guests.

On embarkation day, the ship arrives at port very early in the morning and usually allows guests to enter the cruise terminal around 10 A.M.

Arrivals into the ship are also staggered over 3-4 hours, usually starting around 11 A.M.

Guests who arrive earlier than their scheduled arrival time may be turned away. This ensures that guests don’t arrive at the cruise terminal or enter the ship all at once.

Staterooms are usually opened for incoming guests at about 1 P.M. on embarkation day, allowing enough time for staff to thoroughly clean and prepare every cabin.

Read more: 15 Royal Caribbean boarding process tips for a fast embarkation

The ship also needs new provisions loaded on

Gheorghe called turnaround day “one of our most intense experiences,” saying that it’s a huge accomplishment that crew members can make the day move along efficiently.

“Over the years, we learned the secrets of how to be effective in rotating the ship and preparing it for our guests.” 

Gheorghe explained that they work in four major steps, prioritizing preparation in order of which areas guests see first.

First, they start by preparing the main public areas like the pool decks and Royal Esplanade, making sure the spaces are empty and clear.

Then, the staff focuses on the staterooms: cleaning the room and bathroom and replacing linens, like sheets and towels. Everything is sanitized in preparation for the incoming guests.

Read more: 30 cruise ship embarkation day do’s and don’ts

The third focus is on back-of-the-house operations, loading trucks full of supplies and provisions.

The cruise ship will load all the supplies needed to operate over the length of the next sailing, such as provisions, alcohol, technical equipment, and supplies like toilet paper. 

A fact sheet passed out during the Captain’s Corner event had information on how many supplies Anthem of the Seas uses in a week.

In an average week, guests and crew members consume:

• 15,600 pounds of beef
• 16,000 pounds of chicken 
• 10,517 pounds of pork
• 1,800 pounds of lobster
• 11,000 pounds of seafood
• 4,000 pounds of salmon
• 86,400 fresh eggs

• 16,500 pounds of flour
• 3,500 pounds of sugar
• 1,500 pounds of coffee
• 45,000 pounds of fresh fruit
• 62,000 pounds of fresh vegetables
• 600 pounds of fresh berries

• 18,000 pounds of potatoes
• 8,000 gallons of ice cream
• 8,000 gallons of milk
• 5,800 pounds of cheese
• 10,200 bottles of beer
• 11,500 cans of soda
• 2,225 bottles of wine
• 175 bottles of whiskey
• 550 bottles of vodka
• 18,000 slices of pizza

Gheorghe said these provisions require delivery from 15 to 20 full trucks.

“Why is it that we always load booze first? Quality control. We have to open all the bottles and make sure they taste good,” he joked.

Lastly, staff loads all the luggage from the arriving guests. Luggage arrivals are also staggered, and delivery can stretch into the afternoon. 

Gheorghe shared that a high number of trolleys are moving the luggage, at the same time that cleaning, sanitation, and other preparation is going on.

This month, I sailed onboard Anthem of the Seas in the cheapest cabin possible. 

It turned out to be an interior virtual balcony room, with a high-definition screen.

Anthem of the Seas is a newer Quantum Class ship, originally launched in 2015.

She has 2,090 staterooms in total, able to hold over 4,000 passengers at double occupancy.

With 16 guest decks, Anthem is a large, comfortable ship great for families and cruisers looking for multiple activities. 

Anthem of the Seas provided a high-tech, comfortable cruise experience beyond my expectations.

For my cruise on Anthem, I booked the cheapest possible room through the guarantee cabin process.

The total for this 7-night cruise (including pre-paid gratuities) was $1914.38, which breaks down to about $137 per night, per person.

Royal Caribbean assigned me the cabin for a lower overall price.

However, this meant I wasn’t assigned the room until a few weeks before the cruise.

When I arrived onboard, I realized that I had been assigned a virtual balcony stateroom—my first time seeing this type of cabin.

A virtual balcony is a method cruise ships have introduced to bring an ocean view to windowless inside cabins. 

A high-definition, 80-inch screen replaces a window in the cabin, instead playing a live feed of the view outside. The screen shows you a real-time look at what is going on outside, almost as if you did have a balcony room.

Royal Caribbean first pioneered these cabins on Quantum of the Seas, Anthem’s sister in the Quantum Class.

Read more: 10 Awesome things to do on Royal Caribbean's Anthem of the Seas

I was excited to see the strong points of this stateroom category that I've never tried.

My stateroom was located on Deck 8 towards the front of the ship, a great middle location. This made it easy for me to walk down to the Royal Esplanade on Deck 5, or to take a quick elevator ride up to the Windjammer and pool area on Deck 14. 

Because Anthem's middle decks are all dedicated to guest cabins, my travel companion and I had a very quiet area to sleep in. 

We didn’t suffer from the banging noises of the anchor below or stomping feet above.

When we first walked in, I immediately noticed the large, glowing screen on the far wall. The virtual screen stretched from the floor to the ceiling, projecting a live feed of the outside area.

Although having a live feed in the room felt eerie at first, I found that it was actually very nice to get a peek at what was going on around me. 

When it was raining, I could take a look at the screen and see the wet weather right away.

When the ship arrived at Perfect Day at CocoCay, I saw the blue waters from the comfort of my stateroom.

In a regular interior cabin, you are more cut off from the ship’s surroundings, clueless to what’s going on unless you leave the room and head to another deck.

The feed stayed on 24/7, and although Royal Caribbean’s website says you can switch the screen off, I never found a way to do so.

Unfortunately, the bright screen kept glowing into the night, even though the view was nothing but black.

We could cover it with the white and blue curtains, but they didn’t serve to completely block the blue light.

This was one disadvantage of staying in a virtual balcony cabin because I usually love the deep darkness of a windowless inside cabin.

If the curtains weren’t adjusted perfectly in front of the screen, the light still shone into the room, keeping me up at night.

To the left of the screen, I saw a quality dresser with drawers and a lamp on top. Inside the dresser was the cabin’s mini-fridge, which I didn’t use enough to tell if it kept food cold. I just stored fruit or desserts inside.

Beside the dresser, I found the cabin’s vanity/desk. 

The white chair in front was stylish and had a useful handle on the back. I could easily grab the handle to pull the chair out from the desk.

Above the table space sat a few cubbies for storage, and various ports for charging. From American to European to USB ports, this area provided several options.

The only downside here was that we left all our devices to charge on the desk, cluttering up the area.

I liked the sleek, modern look and feel of this wood furniture, but the ring light seemed dimmer than in other cabins I’ve stayed in. 

Opposite the dresser and vanity sat a long, blue couch. It was large enough for both myself and my friend to sit on it, and also leave bags and clothes there when we needed them.

The cushions and pillows matched the dark blue shade of the stateroom.

The cabin's design felt very modern, and everything was clean and tidy. However, I had one major gripe with the cabin’s layout: storage.

Typically, Royal Caribbean staterooms have one large closet in the front of the room, and various drawers and shelves throughout.

This cabin split the closet into two parts instead: one on either side of the beds.

The left side held a closet with more shelf space and a safe for security. The right side had a more traditional closet, with space and hangers for tall clothes and jackets.

My travel companion and I had to decide if we would split our clothes into both sides, leaving us to walk around the beds and each other every time it was time to put together an outfit.

Or, we could compromise and one of us could have all the shelf space, while the other got to hang all her clothes.

We went with the second option, but I still felt annoyed that the closet was split into two separate areas.

I did love the extra shelf space above the beds—these cabinets were deep and wide, and there was one above each bed.

One design problem I noticed with my cabinet was that it opened from the top, and the corner would hit the closet door each time. 

The only way I could solve this was by leaving the closet door open whenever I opened up the cabinet. 

Between the beds, there were two nightstands with large shelf space. As I am now used to, there were no USB ports or outlets in these nightstands by the beds.

And above each bed was a warm, golden lamp.

Past these beds, I found the cabin’s bathroom.

Although it was small, I thought that it was one of the most modern-looking and clean bathrooms I’ve seen.

The shower had a wide, curved door, giving us just a little more space inside.

The bathroom counter was long, with a large sink. Strangely enough, the counter beside the sink was thinner than the sink itself. 

However, there was still enough shelf space above and below the sink where I could store toiletries.

The bathroom had several hooks for items, but the size and shape seemed ill-suited to hang towels on. When I tried to hang towels on the hooks, they would slide right off.

All-in-all, the room was clean and modern, with some design changes compared to the cabin layout I’m used to. 

While I enjoyed the cabin overall, some of these design changes were less efficient than others.

What’s the best way to get to a cruise port with limited airport access?

Port Canaveral has become one of the busiest cruise ports in the world, welcoming over 4 million cruise passengers in 2022.

Royal Caribbean ships like Wonder of the Seas, Allure of the Seas, and Adventure of the Seas regularly sail out of this port.

Royal Caribbean’s newest Oasis Class ship, Utopia of the Seas, will also begin sailing from Port Canaveral in the summer of 2024.

The port—which also serves cargo and shipping lines—makes 80% of its revenue from cruise business. 

It’s a popular location to embark on many exciting cruise adventures.

Read more: Utopia of the Seas: Itinerary, features, and more

However, Port Canaveral doesn’t have immediate airport access.

Airports range from 32 to 71 miles away, making it more difficult to travel directly to the port.

If your cruise ship sails out of Port Canaveral, you will have to do your homework to find the best way to get to your cruise.

There are four airports you can fly into to reach Port Canaveral: Orlando Airport (MCO), Melbourne Airport (MLB), Sanford Airport (SFB), and Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB).

Here’s a guide on how to choose the best airport for your trip.

Where is Port Canaveral?

Port Canaveral is the maritime gateway to Central Florida. 

It is located 45 minutes east of downtown Orlando, on the eastern coast of Florida in Brevard County. 

The location makes a cruise from Port Canaveral a great time to stop at the famous theme parks in Orlando. Several parks are located within driving distance, such as:

• Disney World (1 hour and 15 minutes from Port Canaveral)
• Universal Studios (1 hour from Port Canaveral)
• SeaWorld Orlando (55 minutes from Port Canaveral)
• Kennedy Space Center (30 minutes from Port Canaveral)

Access to the Cocoa Beach Pier, just 10 minutes south, also allows you to stop and enjoy the sunshine on a Florida beach.

With the distance between the airports and Port Canaveral, it makes sense to stop for a few days in Florida and appreciate the popular attractions in the area.

Extending your trip by a few days will give you a travel buffer for any mishaps and allow you to enjoy what the Orlando area has to offer.

How do I get to my cruise terminal?

There are a few transportation options between the airport and Port Canaveral. 

You could choose a rideshare app such as Uber or Lyft, and get dropped off at your cruise terminal.

If you research and book ahead of time, there are also shared or private shuttles that travel from the airport to Port Canaveral.

You can also rent a car at the airport and drive to the cruise terminal yourself.

Port Canaveral is an “L” shape, with a total of 6 cruise ship terminals.

Royal Caribbean ships usually sail out of terminal 1, called CT1. However, some Royal Caribbean ships also use terminal 5 (or CT5). 

Make sure you double-check where your ship will be on embarkation day. 

To get to Terminal 1, you will need to take exit 54B toward the south side of the port. To get to Terminal 5, you need to take exit 54A to the north side of the port.

Always double-check at each step in your transportation so you don’t miss your ship!

When should I get to my cruise terminal?

The Orlando area—specifically I-4—is infamous for rush-hour traffic, so be sure to budget plenty of travel time from the airport to the port.

You should always plan for your flight to arrive the day before your cruise begins, since a flight the morning of could be delayed or even canceled.

Many reputable hotels close to Port Canaveral make it convenient to stay the night there. 

In the morning, you can take advantage of the hotel's shuttle service directly to your cruise terminal.

This is the best way to avoid any delays. Remember that your ship is not required to wait for you, and you don't want to miss your entire vacation!

Read more: I've never been on a cruise, but spent a week researching what I need to know. My top 11 important lessons I think I learned

For your return flight, it’s recommended that you book your flight home after noon on the day of disembarkation.

Cruise ships return to the port early in the morning and usually start disembarkation by 7 A.M. However, it can still take 2-3 hours for everyone to get off the ship.

You could get off anywhere between 8-10 A.M., but delays are always possible.

Once you factor in travel time to the airport, plus check-in and security screening, it’s easy to see how an afternoon flight will give you the most peace of mind.

I would always rather wait in the airport hours before my booked flight than miss it altogether.

Orlando International Airport (MCO)

The most popular and convenient airport in the Port Canaveral area is the Orlando International Airport (MCO).

MCO is located 45 minutes, or approximately 44 miles west of Port Canaveral.

It is one of the busiest airports in the country, with major service to the city of Orlando and its surrounding theme parks.

This means that MCO offers the highest number of options when it comes to airline and flight service. 

However, it can also become very congested, with longer wait times.

Security wait times range anywhere from 10 to 50 minutes, depending on the day and number of planes in the airport.

Even if you are flying domestically, we recommend that you get to the Orlando International Airport at least 3 hours before your flight.

You have a few options for your 45-minute drive from MCO to Port Canaveral.

A rideshare service, such as Uber or Lyft, ranges from $60 to $90. However, prices can vary greatly depending on the time and availability of drivers.

You can also book a shared shuttle service, like Go Port Canaveral or Port to Port Shuttles, ahead of time. These services usually cost (per person) $25 to $30 one way, or $50 to $60 round-trip.

Melbourne Orlando International Airport (MLB)

Melbourne International Airport is the closest one to Port Canaveral, but also one of the smallest.

MLB is 25 miles south of Port Canaveral, but a drive still takes almost the same amount of travel time as MCO. Depending on traffic, it takes 40-45 minutes to get to Port Canaveral from MLB.

Only five domestic airlines service this airport; American Airlines, Avelo, Allegiant, Delta Airlines, and Sun Country.

Options might be slim when it comes to flying into MLB. You’ll want to do your research carefully before choosing an airport and flight time.

However, a benefit to the small size means that this airport will be less crowded, and take up less of your time at security and check-in. 

Because of the size of the airport, there also aren’t as many shuttle options available. 

Plan ahead by looking at the cost of Uber and Lyft in the area. Uber’s website currently lists a ride from MLB to Port Canaveral at $62 with an Uber X and $78 with an Uber XL.

Orlando/Sanford International Airport (SFB)

The Sanford International Airport is approximately 64 miles northwest of Port Canaveral. Travel time takes one hour to an hour and a half, depending on traffic.

Although smaller and further away than Orlando International Airport, SFB offers a few discount flight options. 

SFB mainly features flights from Allegiant Airlines, Flair Airlines, and Sun Country Airlines.

Allegiant Airlines will be your best bet if you’re flying into SFB for a cruise. They offer cheap, domestic flights from many cities in the U.S.

Rideshare transport from SFB to Port Canaveral ranges from $65 to $90. Again, these prices are subject to change and can vary greatly.

Shuttle services are still going to run cheaper. For example, Port Canaveral Quick Shuttle offers one-way rides for $40, or $80 round trip.

Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB)

Daytona Beach International Airport is the furthest airport on this list, located 71 miles from Port Canaveral. Travel time takes about 1 hour and 11 minutes.

Daytona Beach International Airport mainly offers domestic flights with Delta Airlines, American Airlines, and Avelo Airlines.

There are no shared shuttle services from DAB to Port Canaveral. 

Your best bet is a rideshare app. Uber rides start at $100 and can go up to $150 or even $200 depending on the time, availability, and type.

Can I drive to Port Canaveral?

Driving your own vehicle is a great way to save money on transportation to the port.

However, when you arrive you will have to park your car. Port Canaveral offers convenient parking with plenty of spaces, but it runs a little pricey.

Currently, parking costs $17 per day, including the days of arrival and departure. The terminal accepts major credit cards but not cash.

The terminal parking lots open at 10 A.M. for embarking passengers, so you can easily park and get directly onboard.