Thanks for joining us for another weekly look at all of the Royal Caribbean news from this week.  The late-summer heat is still on, and we have plenty of Royal Caribbean news to share from this week.

Icon of the Seas has been a big hit so far, but there are a few changes that could make it even better.

While this brand new Royal Caribbean ship does a lot of things right, Stacey found some things she didn't love as much.

She came up with a list of things great about Icon of the Seas, and things that need to change (that no one is talking about).

Royal Caribbean News

• I bought these 5 things just for my European cruise. I think it will make my vacation better and feel better too
• Another Royal Caribbean cruise ship changes plans due to Hurricane Ernesto
• Here's why booking a cruise ship cabin for two is a smart move even for solo cruisers
• I visited 25 Caribbean destinations on a cruise ship. These are the 4 I'd return to and the 3 I'd skip
• How much does a 3 day cruise cost?
• 13 things you'll love about Oasis of the Seas
• I left Royal Caribbean for Celebrity after 20 cruises. Here's why I'm going back to Royal Caribbean next time

New RCB Video: Why Cruise Prices Keep Rising: Royal Caribbean's secrets explained

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 Cruise Prices Keep Rising: Royal Caribbean's secrets explained — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 542nd episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast, is available where Matt breaks down the latest news of all the changes coming to Allure of the Seas.

We update our podcast weekly, so subscribe for more updates via iTunes, Google Podcasts, Stitcher or RSS.

You can also leave us a rating or review on iTunes, so go ahead and check it out! We appreciate your feedback.

Hurricane Ernesto alters cruise ship itineraries

Hurricane Ernesto, which first hit the Virgin Islands as a tropical storm, strengthened into a hurricane.

It began affecting Royal Caribbean itineraries on Monday, when the cruise line began to re-route ships.

Icon of the Seas and Rhapsody of the Seas have been re-directed to avoid the path of the hurricane.

5 savvy ways I saved money on my first Celebrity cruise

Jenna sailed a Celebrity ship for the first time this month, and she ended up spending more money than expected on airfare.

To keep in line with her budget, Jenna implemented several money-saving tactics throughout her sailing. 

Instead of wasting money on souvenirs or forgetting to status-match her loyalty earnings, she used these five hacks to save money on her cruise.

Avoiding drama, surviving sharing costs and how to have a great multigenerational Family cruise

Royal Caribbean cruises are meant for the whole family to enjoy, and that can include multiple generations.

But how can you balance the needs of every family member, from young to old?

Matt has discovered that a cruise vacation can keep families making memories together, as long as you plan carefully, book early, and focus on the experience.

8 lessons I learned from every Royal Caribbean cruise I took this year

Calista has been cruising Royal Caribbean for a year now, and each cruise taught her something about the industry.

After cruising eight different ships over five different classes, she's learned a lot about how to have the best cruise experience possible.

From the right stateroom selection to saving money when exploring ports, here are her top 8 lessons.

I've taken 8 cruises in the past 12 months, and each one taught me something.

As a new cruiser, I knew I had a lot to learn from personal experience.

Not only was cruising a new form of travel when I started, but my cruises also took me to regions I'd never visited before.

Although all my sailings took place on Royal Caribbean ships, I sailed different ships each time; Wonder of the Seas, Freedom of the Seas, Radiance of the Seas, Enchantment of the Seas, Allure of the Seas, Anthem of the Seas, Icon of the Seas, and Oasis of the Seas.

Each different itinerary and ship type introduced me to a new aspect of cruising.

From choosing the right stateroom to saving money on shore excursions, I'll explore the top lessons I learned from each sailing. 

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

Your cabin selection has a huge influence on the experience

Cruise: Wonder of the Seas

My first cruise took place on Wonder of the Seas, sailing a 7-night Eastern Caribbean and Perfect Day at CocoCay itinerary.

Any Oasis-class ship would make for the perfect first cruise.

I was blown away by the amount of dining, activities, and amenities onboard, and felt like I barely had enough time to experience it all.

But while we splurged on specialty dining and shore excursions, we also tried to save money by booking a guarantee stateroom.

It turned out that this cheaper cabin selection had a huge influence on the entire cruise.

We were assigned a windowless interior cabin at the very front of the ship, and I quickly learned why other cruisers tend to avoid that location.

The room was consistently dark, without a view, and we often heard the noise of the anchor chain banging on the ship's hull.

I also learned that I suffer from seasickness while cruising, and the forward location of the stateroom left me even more susceptible to the vessel's rocking motion.

If I hadn't packed Dramamine, the nausea would have been unbearable.

Although I've booked interior cabins since this cruise, and find that the darkness makes for a good night's sleep, I regret not picking a better cabin for my first cruise.

For a first cruise (or the first one in a while), splurging on a better cabin will upgrade your experience.

Snorkeling is worth it, and you don't always have to pay extra

Cruise: Freedom of the Seas

My Freedom of the Seas cruise took place over a few short days, sailing to Nassau and Perfect Day at CocoCay.

For this trip, I decided to invest in my experience on Royal Caribbean's private island. 

I purchased the snorkel shore excursion, which turned out to be an amazing way to see the beaches of the Bahamas.

After renting the snorkel equipment, I took a self-guided tour of the shipwreck and natural life near the shores of CocoCay.

I saw sea snakes, tropical fish, and a jellyfish!

It was a cool experience, and I later realized that there was nothing stopping me from purchasing and bringing my own snorkel equipment to the island.

At any visit to Perfect Day at CocoCay, you could experience the snorkel shore excursion for free.

Cruising smaller ships is a marvelous way to relax

Cruise: Radiance of the Seas

My third cruise was my first on a smaller ship—the 961-foot Radiance of the Seas.

The 5-night getaway sailed the Western Caribbean, taking me to ports I hadn't visited before.

While I wasn't sure what to expect, I learned that a smaller ship makes for a great way to relax.

The cruise was a calming getaway. The pool areas were always clear, and the elevators were easy to navigate.

I also noticed a more distinct ship culture; the crew members all seemed to know each other, and the captain even walked around to meet cruisers onboard.

Despite all the flack that smaller ships get, I found the cruise a quiet, enjoyable experience.

Plus, we got to visit exciting ports of call that the large ships can’t visit. 

Research thoroughly before sailing a new region

Cruise: Enchantment of the Seas

Enchantment took me to new regions as well: I cruised a 7-night Athens to Barcelona Mediterranean sailing, having never visited the continent before!

I tried to have a more flexible mindset for this cruise, assuming that I'd learn things as I went along.

While I'm usually a big researcher, I did less preparation beforehand and expected to learn from experience.

This isn't the best move when it comes to visiting a new country.

I found myself at a loss when it came to Greek culture or Spanish phrases. Also, when I visited some historical locations such as the island of Crete, I wished that I'd read up on their impact. While the tour guides did give us a lot of information, more reading beforehand would have enhanced my experience.

Read more: 8 lessons learned after trying a European cruise for the first time

The suite life is very sweet indeed

Cruise: Allure of the Seas

My 3-night weekend cruise on Allure was my first time staying in a suite—and it was luxe.

For the first time, I realized just what a huge difference splurging on your cabin could make.

We were greeted with champagne and snacks, and our own coffee machine.

The stateroom had a huge balcony we could eat dinner on and a deep bathtub I used twice during the 3-day cruise.

Plus, the Grand Suite granted access to the suite lounge and other great benefits.

Once again, I saw that splurging on your stateroom really makes a difference.

Purchase shore excursions separate from Royal Caribbean to save money

Cruise: Anthem of the Seas

For the majority of my cruises, I was a loyal to Royal shore excursion buyer.

As soon as the cruise was booked, I would hop on the website to peruse the cruise line's sponsored tours.

While I knew that it was more expensive to purchase through Royal Caribbean, I figured the safety and security it gave me would be worth it.

However, on my Anthem of the Seas Bahamas and Perfect Days sailing, I decided to branch out and find an excursion on shoreexcursions.com.

I purchased a Glass Bottom Boat Ride with a stop on Pearl Island for about $50 per person.

When we arrived at the tour, we had an amazing time, and I discovered that the guests who paid for the same excursion through Royal Caribbean had spent $100-$150 on the excursion.

That means they spent double or even triple for the same tour!

The guides winked and told us not to tell anyone how much we'd saved.

Try as many different dining venues and dishes as you can

Cruise: Icon of the Seas

My next cruise took place on the much-hyped Icon of the Seas, and I truly believe she deserves all the praise she gets.

On this 7-night Western Caribbean and Perfect Day sailing, I was grateful that I made it a priority to try all the different cuisines onboard.

The ship blew me away with its range of dining options and upgrades to previous Royal Caribbean venues.

Read more: 10 lessons learned after trying Icon of the Seas for the first time

It was the best food I'd had on a Royal Caribbean ship—and I only tried the complimentary venues!

If you're planning on cruising Icon, be sure to try as much of the food as you can, and I'd recommend splurging on the specialty dining as well.

A summer trip to Europe is rough, but a positive attitude will take you far

Cruise: Oasis of the Seas

On my second European cruise, I was determined to learn from my past mistakes, and I did tons of research beforehand.

I told myself it would be a great cruise, and it was one of my favorites!

However, sailing to Spain, Italy, and Greece during June is a sure-fire way to run into crowds of tourists, and I did.

Although my research told me I could expect huge crowds, I was unprepared for how much that affected my experience.

When I visited museums, I only got a few seconds in front of the paintings before a group would get in my way. And traffic on the roads cut into our time at port.

Although it ended up being an amazing experience, I would have much preferred a less crowded season.

Oasis of the Seas shook up the cruise industry when she launched over 15 years ago, and she still has many amenities cruisers will love.

Royal Caribbean's goal with the Oasis Class mega-ships is for families to travel together, separate to enjoy their interests, and then meet again in the evening for a quality dinner and a show.

With seven distinct neighborhoods, there's something for everyone.

The Boardwalk appeals to North American nostalgia and childlike fun, while Central Park offers a quiet, natural area for relaxation.

For the sports and thrill-lovers, the Pool and Sports Zone houses the ship's pools, hot tubs, slides, and other activities.

Cruisers of all ages can find shops, dining venues, and parties on the main thoroughfare, the Royal Promenade.

For kids and teenagers, the Youth Zone hosts Adventure Ocean and teen programs.

The Vitality Spa and Fitness Center offers a self-care moment for the body, whether a hot rock massage or an afternoon in the gym.

Oasis' Entertainment Place is the hub for nightlife onboard, from the comedy club to the casino to ice skating shows.

These are our top 13 favorite features onboard Royal Caribbean's first Oasis Class ship.

1. The Bionic Bar

Royal Caribbean's unique technological wonder, the Bionic Bar, is certainly different.

Guests can order drinks on a tablet and watch robot bartenders mix cocktails.

Drinks at the Bionic Bar cost the same as in other venues, and provide an exciting opportunity to see robotic arms creating alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

2. Ultimate Abyss

When Oasis of the Seas was Amplified in 2019, she received a number of new features, including the then-tallest dry slide at sea.

Read more: What was added to each Royal Caribbean ship during its Royal Amplified refurbishment

The huge purple slide spans 10 decks, taking guests down a 100-foot drop.

Not only is the slide 150 feet above sea level, but it also features exciting twists and turns, and a glass platform that reveals just how high up its riders are.

Kids, families, and thrill-seekers will appreciate free access to this slide while onboard Oasis.

3. Portside BBQ

Oasis' Royal Amplification also added the cruise line's first barbecue restaurant, Portside BBQ.

It is a specialty venue, priced a la carte, per dish.

The food is worth it: cruisers can choose from tender brisket, pulled pork, chicken, beef ribs, burnt ends, and turkey legs.

Sides include homestyle cornbread, mac 'n' cheese, and baked beans.

4. Aqua80 Show

Royal Caribbean's Oasis Class ships go above and beyond with aquatic shows that combine high diving, swimming, and acrobatics.

The Aqua Theater onboard Oasis of the Seas was the first-ever aquatic amphitheater on a cruise ship. 

The show, Aqua80, features a soundtrack of '80s classics that all generations will love.

In fact, Aqua80 has been called the best show in the fleet.

5. Central Park

Central Park is a personal favorite—a gorgeous, open-air venue modeled on New York City's famous park.

The area is meticulously maintained, with a 25-foot tall plant wall and an accompanying soundtrack of birdsongs or crickets, depending on the day.

The Central Park on Oasis of the Seas also has access to the library, upscale dining at 150 Central Park, Park Cafe, the Vintages wine bar, Giovanni's Table, and several classy shops.

6. Laser Tag

Did you know you could play laser tag on a cruise ship?

Both children and adults can face off in an exciting Clash for the Crystal City.

Access to the laser tag is free but may require reservations.

Guests should wear close-toed footwear and will receive all other necessary equipment when they arrive.

7. Splashaway Bay

Made especially for kids, the Splashaway Bay Aqua Park features exciting cruise water adventures.

Children of all ages can experience waterslides, fountains, pools, whirlpools, and water cannons.

Two drench buckets also tip over for more splashing fun, and tethered hammocks offer a place to lay down nearby.

Read more: Oasis of the Seas Cabins to Avoid

8. CATS: The Broadway Musical

Musical lovers will be excited to find CATS onboard Oasis of the Seas.

The Andrew Lloyd Webber musical is performed live in the Royal Theater.

With an incredible stage setup and cast costumes, the show tells the story of a tribe of cats called the Jellicles.

9. The Rising Tide Bar

The Rising Tide is another unique, awe-inspiring bar onboard.

The drink station with live bartenders functions much like an elevator, moving slowly between the Royal Promenade and Central Park (decks 5 to 8).

Comfortable seats and stools provide plenty of room for passengers to sit with a drink and enjoy the ever-changing view.

10. Ice Skating Rink

Studio B hosts the vessel's ice skating rink, and features "Frozen in Time," a gorgeous, colorful performance.

The show is based on the fairytales of Hans Christen Anderson and includes a lights show alongside talented ice skaters.

And this rink doesn't just host performances, either—guests can book an ice skating experience of their own on the Royal Caribbean app.

11. Zip Line

When she first launched, Oasis had the first zip line on a cruise ship.

Cruisers can still ride the zip line today, taking a thrilling 82-foot ride suspended in the air.

9 decks of open space will stretch below your feet as you glide above the Boardwalk.

For thrill-seekers and anyone looking to try something new, this free ride is an exciting amenity.

12. The Solarium

The adults-only pool area on Oasis of the Seas is a relaxing venue with comfortable seating, a shallow wading pool, a bar, and several hot tubs.

A large outdoor sundeck is available through the back of the Solarium, where guests can tan and read.

Glass walls and windows allow the light to come in and for guests to see the beautiful ocean view all around.

Read more: I chose an inside cabin on my recent Oasis of the Seas cruise because it was the cheapest option, and I actually loved how much space it had

13. The Escape Room

Oasis' Amplification also added the Apollo 18 escape room.

Inside, you work as a team with other passengers to quickly solve clues and figure out how to escape before time runs out.

The activity does cost extra and must be reserved.

It might sound crazy, but booking a cruise ship cabin for two people if you're sailing alone is actually a good idea.

The cruise industry's sales model assumes double occupancy and it's been that way for decades.

Cruising is by nature, a social form of travel, but solo cruises are rising in popularity.

According to the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), 8 to 13% of cruisers are traveling solo in 2024. Plus, millennials and Gen Z are more likely to travel solo than other generations.

As they continue to age and earn more money, they're likely to travel solo more and more.

Royal Caribbean's Quantum Class ships, for instance, boast over 10 studio balcony cabins and more than 10 studio interior cabins (not available on Odyssey of the Seas) onboard.

However, the availability of solo cabins doesn't mean you should book them straight away.

It's a better idea to book a cabin for two, even if you know you'll be traveling alone—here's why.

How to avoid the single supplement fee

Cruising who travel alone in a double-occupancy cabin are subject to a single supplement fee.

Royal Caribbean's website states that the typical fee is 200% of the category rate.

"All rates posted on this website are based on double occupancy. A single guest who wishes to have a stateroom to themselves will be expected to pay 200% of the category rate, unless otherwise noted in the pricing."

Essentially, you'll pay the same price as two travelers.

For example, on a May 2025 7-night Anthem of the Seas Alaska Experience Cruise, oceanview balcony cabins are marked at $1430 per person for two people in a room.

If you select the same room, for only one person, the price goes up to $2,515.

Because of this, it's actually cheaper to book your cruise with two people in a cabin.

Plus, by booking a bigger, double-occupied cabin, you'll have more space all to yourself!

Royal Caribbean's studio staterooms range from 101 to 199 square feet, while typical two-person cabins measure 150 square feet and above.

Solo cabins may not be available on your desired cruise ship

Studio cabins allow you to cruise alone without paying the single supplement fee, but they're not on every cruise ship.

Icon of the Seas, Royal Caribbean's current largest ship, does not have any studio cabins onboard. This is likely an indication that the rest of the Icon Class won't feature many single cabin options.

Utopia of the Seas, the latest iteration in the Oasis Class, also not does feature any studio staterooms.

And the ships that do have studio cabins have a limited inventory.

If you prefer a certain cabin location to prevent seasickness or avoid noise, it's unlikely you'll be able to book a studio cabin in that location.

Plus, popular sailings or cruises during peak times might be completely sold out.

On the Anthem of the Seas May 2025, oceanview balcony studios (listed at $2,030) are already sold out, and there are only 8 interior studios still available (which cost $1,222).

Booking a studio cabin severely limits your choices.

Read more: I took my first solo cruise on Royal Caribbean's biggest cruise ships. After 7 nights, here are the pros and cons of cruising alone

Booking a cabin for two is cheaper

Even if you're planning to cruise solo, booking a second person on your reservation gives you a cheaper price.

You can put in the name and information for any one of your friends or family members without actually bringing them on the cruise.

That person can skip checking in and turn out to be a "no-show" on embarkation day.

I've had no problem doing this on my solo cruises. 

When I arrive at the cruise terminal, I say that my travel buddy couldn't make it and that I'll be sailing alone.

The only disadvantage to booking a second person on your reservation is that seat assignments (done for traditional dining) at the Main Dining Room are usually already assigned, based on your travel party.

I've often showed up to a cruise by myself at a traditional, assigned dining time, and found that I was seated at a table for two or more.

If you find dining alone (especially at a bigger table) awkward, you can ask for a different table or skip traditional dining times altogether.

Read more: I tried eating alone in the Main Dining Room on my cruise. I was worried it would feel awkward, but I liked it a lot more than I expected

Is it worth it to cruise by yourself?

There are pros and cons to cruising solo, the most obvious con being the potential for loneliness.

But that doesn't mean you should pass up on a cruise just because you might have to sail alone.

Besides the fact that you get to experience a fantastic vacation, cruising solo allows you to sail at your own pace.

If you prefer wandering art museums, but your partner is an active beach-goer, a solo cruise is the perfect chance to indulge in your preferences.

Read more: 5 things that surprised me about going on my first solo cruise, from enjoying my own stateroom to conversing with others

A solo cruise also pushes you to make conversations and meet new people, rather than relying on the friends you bring with you.

If you're up for the adventure, it's the perfect chance to make the most of your experience and get out of your comfort zone.

A weekend Royal Caribbean cruise is a great getaway, but what is the average cost of a 3 day cruise cost?

Royal Caribbean regularly offers 3-night sailings to the Bahamas and Mexico, and while the advertised price might look straightforward, the true cost can vary widely depending on when you book, what cabin you choose, and how much you spend once onboard.

Royal Caribbean offers 3-night cruises for as little as $400 per person, but there's a catch. You're going to need to be flexible to get rates that low.

A really good last minute deal might come in closer to $500 for two people, but you can expect to pay between $1,500 and $2,500 for a 3-day cruise as a median price.

The base fare for a 3-night cruise will run between $500 and $1,200 per person. That usually covers your stateroom, some of the dining options, and entertainment. But there are additional costs that will add up to the final price, such as gratuities, drinks, specialty dining, Wi-Fi, and excursions.

Because the cruise is only a few days, you'll spend less on onboard expenses and shore excursions because there's simply less time on the ship.

What's the average cost of a 3-night cruise?

The price of any cruise can vary greatly from one sailing to another. 

The brand new Utopia of the Seas, which is dubbed as Royal Caribbean's weekend party ship has 3-night cruises that are as low as $603 per person. 

Here's a list of the average cruise cost for short cruises between 2025 and 2027:

• Utopia of the Seas: $644 per person
• Wonder of the Seas: $486 per person
• Ovation of the Seas: $300 per person
• Navigator of the Seas: $272 per person
• Jewel of the Seas: $304 per person

This is for the base price of the cruise fare only. That price can increase or decrease depending on cabin category, time of year, the popularity of the sailing, and the ship you choose.

You'll notice 3 day cruises from California are much cheaper than Florida, and that's because those are two very different cruise markets.  California cruises aren't nearly as tropical, despite going to Baja Mexico.  Florida cruises are also easier to get to for most Americans since it's on the east coast.

A 3-night cruise on an older ship will probably cost less than a newer ship, but both will cost more during Spring Break than the third week of January. In short, there are a lot of factors that determine the price of a cruise.

Additionally, while 3-night cruises are cheaper than week-long sailings, a cruise over the weekend tends to cost more than a 4-night cruise during the week. Why? Weekend cruises are generally more popular.

This base cruise fare for a 3-night cruise includes accommodations, meals and snacks at complimentary venues, Adventure Ocean children's programs, entertainment and activities, complimentary drinks, and access to ship amenities such as pools, hot tubs, and fitness centers.

Prices in the U.S. now include all taxes and fees (such as port fees), but exclude the cost of gratuities, add-ons, and your other transportation.

The ship's size and age also impact the cost

You'll want to start planning your weekend cruise by choosing a ship to sail on.

As a general rule, newer and bigger ships have more amenities but come at a higher cost.

For example, the cheapest 3-night Bahamas and Perfect Day weekend cruise on Utopia of the Seas costs $603 per person. That's if you choose an interior room in November 2025, coming out to $201 per night, per person.

In contrast, a Bahamas weekend cruise on Jewel of the Seas, a much smaller Radiance class ship, costs $295 per person in September 2025. For an interior stateroom, you'd be paying around $98 per person, per night.

The activities, restaurant choices, and amount for kids to do could not be more different between Utopia and Jewel.

Before you book a weekend cruise simply based on price, be sure that you'll enjoy all the ship has to offer.

You should choose a vessel based on the itinerary, amenities, and entertainment you appreciate.

Stateroom category has the biggest influence on price

Your cabin category will be one of the biggest influences on your final price tag.

It's one of the aspects that make cruising so adjustable to each budget. Whether you'd like to save money by choosing a smaller room or splurge on a suite, the category is completely your choice.

When booking a cruise, you'll want to carefully decide which has the most value to you: are you looking to save money for shore excursions at port, or do you want to splurge on a lavish suite?

Your choice can mean the difference between thousands of dollars.

Looking at a 3-night Bahamas sailing on Liberty of the Seas in December 2025 costs $338 per person in an interior cabin.

The cheapest cabin, an interior room is a smaller space with no windows.

Upgrading to a balcony room on this sailing takes you up to $571 per person, while a Junior Suite starts at $846 per person.

For the biggest leap in price, the huge Royal Suite comes in at $3,103 per person.

Sailing during peak season and holidays raises your cruise fare

Cruise fares also vary depending on the time and season.

The most expensive sailings will fall during holidays, 3-day weekends, spring and summer break, and the weeks from Christmas to New Year's.

On dates like these, when adults are off work and children have a break from school, supply and demand tend to affect the price.

Cruising during peak dates like these can increase your cruise fare to nearly double what the same sailing might cost in the low season.

To save money on your 3-day cruise, you'll want to cruise during the shoulder season.

Each region has a different season in which you'll find the lowest fares and fewer crowds. 

Additionally, if you're planning a cruise further in advance, it's still better to purchase the sailing as early as possible.

Prices increase as the sailing date gets closer, and from one year to the next.

Add-ons are your choice, but they increase the final bill

In addition to the cruise fare, you have the opportunity to add on optional amenities.

Since Royal Caribbean cruises aren't all-inclusive, it's up to you whether you'd like to purchase add-ons like WiFi, drink packages, specialty dining, spa treatments, shore excursions, and souvenirs. 

Prices on these cruise add-ons vary depending on the item and sailing, but they are typically cheaper for shorter cruises.

Though drink packages and spa treatments can be pricey, you'll find that the cost is less for your shorter, weekend cruise.

Royal Caribbean keeps its cruises non-inclusive so that cruisers can choose which add-ons to purchase based on their preferences.

Your overall base is cheaper overall, and you won't end up paying for anything you don't want.

Royal Caribbean Group shared with investors that the average cruisers spent between $90-100 per person, per day on cruise add-ons.

You'll also have to pay for transportation to and from the cruise port

Additional travel (before and after the cruise) is another factor to include in your cruise budget.

Getting to and from your cruise port will be your responsibility; another added expense.

When planning for your cruise, include in your budget the cost of flights, taxis, and baggage if you need to fly to the cruise port, or gas, parking, and tolls if you need to drive.

It's important to consider how and when you'll travel to the cruise port before purchasing the cruise.

We always recommend arriving at the embarkation port a day early, in case any travel delays occur. This will require you to find lodging or book a hotel room the night before embarkation day—another added cost.

Read more: I tried my first 3-night cruise, here's how it went

The biggest cruise ship in the world has gotten a lot of attention, but there are a few things that also stand out about Royal Caribbean's mega ship.

Stacey Boden is a loyal Royal Caribbean cruiser who recently sailed on Icon of the Seas. During her sailing, she noticed some aspects she felt no one else is talking about. Stacey took some time to write this guest post entry about what she loved and what she disliked on the world's largest cruise ship.

My spouse and I have been on a total of 6 cruises, all on Royal Caribbean, since May 2017. 

Initially, we started out going on an annual cruise. In 2019, we canceled 2 sailings we had booked due to expecting and having our first child. We resumed cruising in June 2022.

In 2023, we began scheduling sailings twice a year and we are hoping to scale up to three sailings a year soon. 

I noticed several things that I loved and some things I didn't love as much on our recent Icon of the Seas sailing. These are some things that I haven't heard anyone else mention yet.  

Things I loved: the accessibility

I noticed on Icon some features that make the ship more accessible to everyone. 

The addition of the shower bench

I am sure anyone who has ever attempted to shave their legs in the shower in a non-suite stateroom welcomes this change. In cabin bathrooms on Icon of the Seas, showers are now equipped with a sizable bench for guests to rest or sit on. 

In addition, this feature could be helpful to individuals who are older or with invisible physical disabilities such as dysautonomia who may not require wheelchair use or accessibility but who may need to occasionally sit down in the shower. 

This makes it possible without the use of an added shower chair.

Hands-free doors

Many of the doors to public restrooms throughout the ship have hands-free door openers. 

This feature is helpful for a few reasons including cutting down on "touch points" that spread germs, preventing guests from having to open heavy doors, and also for individuals who may utilize a wheelchair or electric scooter. 

The handicapped stalls within the restroom additionally have these door openers as well as touchless door locks. 

Family restrooms

Icon of the Seas has several family restrooms, and families with young children are not the only ones who benefit from these restrooms. 

These bathrooms are also great for situations such as a family member assisting an individual with disabilities or members of the LGBTQIA+ community who may not be comfortable using a different, gendered restroom.

Smoking areas

No longer is the smoking area something you accidentally walk through on the pool deck. 

It seems the smoking area has been moved to an area that can only be accessed toward the back of the Cloud 17 area. 

Additionally, the new ventilation system in the casino was fantastic for clearing away the smoke. This sailing was the first time I could actually tolerate being in the casino.

Things I wish existed on Icon of the Seas

There were a few things on Icon of the Seas that I wished existed or that I wished Royal Caribbean would bring back.

Shaded area in Hideaway Pool

I am an individual who has been known to get a sunburn at the mere thought of going outside. 

My spouse and I went to the Hideaway pool one morning as soon as it opened and hung out at the far-left side. 

At that time of day, we had approximately 45 minutes until the sun peaked out from the side of the ship and the little bit of shade was now gone. I would love it if there was some sort of way to introduce the option for shade in this area. 

Regular old body slides

Category 6 waterpark has 6 water slides. Two are family raft slides, which can accommodate 2-4 riders in a raft. 

One of them is a speed slide. This style of slide is a body slide where riders are sent down a steep, free fall plunge to the ground. 

Two are mat racers, in which the rider rides a mat face-first down the slide. 

The final slide is a drop-launch capsule in which the floor drops out from underneath the rider into the slide. I personally would have preferred a feet-first body slide without a steep drop as I am not very adventurous.  

Floor display for elevators

My spouse mentioned this next one and I agree. 

The addition of the destination elevators — panels where guests can select which floor they're headed to and then hop on a specific elevator — has been fantastic. 

However, it is really difficult to figure out how long you will be waiting for the elevator. It would be great to still have a display with what floor the elevator was on or even for the display pads to give individuals an idea of an approximate wait time. 

Cocktail drink mixes

Sometime since our last cruise Royal Caribbean stopped using the Sunsational/Island Oasis drink mixes for cocktails. These mixes come in a carton and are used for fruit drinks such as pina coladas and margaritas. 

Instead, bartenders are now using a brand called Finest Call, which comes in plastic bottles. My personal opinion is that this brand isn't as good. 

Anything food and drink related is very subjective, however, I felt that this new drink mix was missing a lot of the flavor I had come to know and love from the previous brands Royal used.  

Shorter spa services

I would have been more willing to purchase spa services if they offered shorter services costing less. 

For example, I would love to see a 1-day thermal suite option or 30-minute massage services. The shortest massages are about 50 minutes long, and they cost from $179-$399.

Just as Utopia of the Seas has proven an appetite for shorter sailings that may cost less overall but more per day, I think that there is an untapped market for shorter services or upgrades that cost less overall but may cost more per minute. This could extend beyond the spa and extend to half-day casita rentals and more. 

Welcome to this week's edition of the Royal Caribbean post round-up, where we summarize all of the Royal Caribbean news and information from this week into one handy-dandy post! There is plenty of great content to enjoy, so sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's round-up!

Royal Caribbean announced $100 million plus updates coming to Allure of the Seas in 2025.

The long-delayed Royal Amplification of Allure of the Seas is expected to cost at least $100 million.

Allure will begin her upgrades in March 2025, and by the time she re-enters service in April 2025, she will have over 35 places to eat, drink, and splash onboard.

Like refurbishments on past ships, Allure will get new restaurants, upgrades, and an overall radical transformation.

Royal Caribbean News

• Passenger went overboard from Royal Caribbean cruise ship while on Mediterranean cruise, report says
• Royal Caribbean CEO says new ship class coming in 3-4 years
• I toured the $10,000-per-day mega suite on Royal Caribbean’s new ship. Take a look inside the cruise line’s mind-blowing cabin for families
• 15 lessons after trying Royal Caribbean's 274-night world cruise
• Royal Caribbean head of entertainment reveals how long it takes to create a new show for a cruise ship
• 4 Royal Caribbean splurges to skip lines
• How many drinks per day can you have with a drink package?

New RCB Video: 4 Ways to Tell If Your Cruise Deal is Too Good To Be True!

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 — 4 Ways to Tell If Your Cruise Deal is Too Good To Be True! — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 541st episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, and this episode features two special guests.

Two of our RCB writers review their recent cruises with Matt, talking about what it's like to work while on a cruise ship.

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.

5 things to know before sailing on Royal Caribbean's Utopia of the Seas

Before you set sail on Royal Caribbean's newest Oasis-Class ship, there are some important aspects to know.

Each sailing currently lasts three or four nights, so you'll only have a few days to experience everything onboard.

From the Royal Railway to the most underrated entertainment, Matt has discovered the top secrets on Utopia of the Seas.  

Red Flags to Look for on Cruise Shore Excursions

Booking the wrong shore excursions could waste your time, money, or even end in a dangerous experience.

How can you avoid choosing a scam of a tour?

Here are the top red flags to look out for before choosing a shore excursion.

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

What drives Royal Caribbean to keep making mega-ships, even 15 years after its first? 

Michael Bayley, Royal Caribbean International President and CEO, answered this question at a talk on Utopia of the Seas' preview cruise last month.

"This class of ship for Royal Caribbean has been a true game changer," he said, thanks to the neighborhoods onboard and appeal to all ages.

What is it like to live on a cruise ship for 9 months straight?

Passengers on Royal Caribbean's Ultimate World Cruise have experienced 239 days of sailing on Serenade of the Seas since December 2023.

The 9-month cruise around the world is set to visit 65 countries, more than 150 destinations, and 11 Great Wonders of the World before it ends in September 2024.

The cruise has been a success for Royal Caribbean, to the point that the cruise line plans to do another.

But what is it really like onboard the viral cruise?

Reddit user Bruin144 previously shared a photo a day to the Royal Caribbean subreddit, updating social media on the world cruise adventures.

After an unexpected family emergency caused him to leave the cruise, he posted a reflection on the past 8 months of the world cruise.

"I think RCL has done a great job on this cruise. I also think it has been a learning experience both for the company & the employees involved in the cruise," he wrote.

Here are his top 15 lessons learned from sailing on the Ultimate World Cruise. 

1. Most of the cruisers are very wealthy

The vast majority of people on the full world cruise are rich," Bruin144 said.

“Not a little rich either—like founder of a successful company, invented a lucrative widget, or successful surgeon rich."

He guessed most of the cruisers have an average net worth of 7 figures or above.

Many of the passengers had never even operated a washing machine or dryer before.

Despite that economic privilege, he doesn’t consider Royal Caribbean a luxury brand. Once you manage those expectations, he said, you’ll have a great time. 

2. Economic disparities will be obvious on and off the ship

As a piece of advice for anyone considering taking the next World Cruise: "If class disparity bothers you a lot, then long term cruising may not be for you."

Because passengers are quite wealthy, you'll notice a huge economic disparity.

Plus, visiting over 65 world nations will open your eyes to a variety of lifestyles and cultures.

Bruin144's post said, "The world cruise was definitely an eye opener on both ends of the economic scale." 

3. Invest in a relationship with crew members

“Be nice to your cabin steward,” Bruin144 advised.

Over 9 months and many passengers, they’ll have a lot of cabins to clean.

Bruin144 and his travel partner asked their cabin steward to not clean on Sundays to give them an extra break.

They also tipped and didn’t ask for other things, such as keeping ice in the ice bucket.

4. When it comes to drinks, find a specific bar and bartender you like 

Serenade of the Seas has 12 bars onboard.

Rather than having a drink at multiple locations in a day, Bruin144 recommends finding one bartender and bartenders you like, and going there for all your drinks.

He recommends tipping the staff as well—he gave a large tip once a week on average.

5. Stress and exhaustion can turn anyone into a crank

While some TikTokers on the Ultimate World Cruise complained that they encountered rude passengers, Bruin144 had a different perspective.

The rich guests onboard weren’t necessarily rude because of their economic status—many were very nice.

But, he pointed out that “anyone when stressed or tired” can be a jerk. “This applies to me,” he confessed. 

Despite the long-term nature of a World Cruise, it still counts as a form of travel. Travel can be stressful, exhausting, and annoying. 

6. Ports weren’t scheduled perfectly

There were some port days that Bruin144 would have scheduled differently.

For example, the ship docked in a remote industrial area an hour away from Saigon, then only spent a few hours in the major city of Singapore.

He ended up wishing they’d skipped a few of the Southeast Asian ports to do an overnight in Singapore.

Read more: I'm going on Royal Caribbean's first world cruise for 274 nights: Why I booked and what I'm expecting

7. The cruise only provides a short taste of destinations

Since the World Cruise only stopped at ports for a short period of time, Bruin144 compared it to the movie “If it’s Tuesday it must be Belgium”—in which a group of Americans sees a whirlwind of 9 countries in 18 days.

“Many people skip going ashore in some ports or only go for a short time,” he said.

Additionally, he came to really enjoy sea days, and even back-to-back days spent at sea.

8. However, it was a chance to discover places for a future visit

Although not every place was a hit, the Ultimate World was a great opportunity to discover locations Bruin144 might want to revisit.

In the comments, he shared that he would like to visit Japan, Moʻoreʻa & Australia in the future.

Throughout the cruise, Bruin144 wrote, “Several places truly expanded my view of the world.”

“Watching Central India roll by from a train for 6 hours was genuinely a thought-provoking experience.”

9. Give yourself a goal or mission to complete for the length of the cruise

For their cruise, Bruin144 and his travel buddy made it a goal to buy and mail a postcard from a local post office in as many places as possible.

They ended up sending them to a family member who collects postcards.

Since he likes trains, Bruin144 also rode metros, streetcars, and trains in many areas.

That was a way to have fun and help get around the cities!

10. Don’t collect too many souvenirs

While a normal week-long cruise might seem like the perfect time to buy tons of souvenirs and collectibles, that doesn’t work on a long-term sailing.

Some cruisers tend to buy stuff at every port they visit.

But buying too many items can rapidly fill the cabin you’re spending several months in!

We collect refrigerator magnets and nothing else,” Bruin144 wrote.

11. Be healthy and prepared before going on the cruise

If you’re going to be sailing a cruise that visits so many destinations, you’ll need to be able to walk to properly enjoy sights and tours.

Bruin144 recommends that future cruisers “Take six months (or a year) before the cruise, reduce your weight, and do whatever you need to do so you can walk at least a couple of miles in high heat & humidity.”

If you have any health issues or pending surgeries, get those done before boarding the ship.

12. It’s also important to care for your health on the cruise—don’t treat it like just another vacation

On a typical cruise, you might be tempted to live it up to the fullest—eat, drink, and party as much as you want.

But on a world cruise, you aren’t on a typical vacation, you’re learning to live on a ship.

You’ll need to “learn to control your eating and drinking in the face of unlimited availability.”

13. Only take ashore what you absolutely need to

Especially if you don’t blend in with the locals, be sure that you’re not bringing any indispensable items off the ship.

On port days, Bruin144 only brings local cash, US bills, his SeaPass card, a small wallet, and only one ID.

He keeps his other ID and credit cards safe, back in the stateroom.

14. Royal Caribbean shore excursions are safer, but not always varied

When the ship is only in port for a short time, Royal Caribbean shore excursions are a good option because the ship is contracted to wait for you before leaving.

However, they can be more expensive when bought through the cruise line.

Most of them also consist of the same formula: “going somewhere on a bus with a driver & a moderately English proficient guide.”

During these bus rides, which can last over an hour, some of the guides will talk the entire time.

“So you get an in-depth view of their country’s history, the guide’s view on politics and/or a history of colonialism or their abuela’s recipe for fish stew.”

This formula may not be everyone’s cup of tea.

15. Learn to spot the tour guide scams

Sometimes, local tour guides change the advertised itinerary, Bruin144 said.

Instead of taking guests to the intended destination, they’ll try to bring the group to their cousin’s tapestry factory for shopping.

“You need to learn to incite buswide revolts and insist on going to the item on the itinerary or back to the ship.”

It's been 15 years since Royal Caribbean introduced the megaship to the world, and they remain massively popular for good reason.

What makes these ships so successful? 

Michael Bayley, Royal Caribbean International President and CEO, answered this question at a talk on Utopia of the Seas' preview cruise last month.

Ashely Kosciolek from The Points Guy asked, "What about the Oasis Class makes it so popular that you're still rolling out new ships 15 years later?"

"This class of ship for Royal Caribbean has been a true game changer," Bayley replied, "Its level of satisfaction for the customer is epic."

When Oasis of the Seas, the first Oasis Class ship, debuted in 2009, it was a really big deal. 

Spanning 1,186 feet long, with a capacity for 6,780 passengers, it was the largest cruise ship in the world.

The Oasis Class remained the largest cruise ships until they were dethroned by Royal Caribbean's next big project: The Icon Class.

Icon of the Seas, launched in 2024, measures a whopping 1,196 feet long and can carry 7,514 guests.

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

Neighborhoods are part of what makes these ships so successful

Royal Caribbean's dominance on huge ships has been extremely profitable for the cruise line.

The sense of breaking a record by sailing the biggest cruise ships draws in passengers, as well as the opportunity for extra onboard amenities.

Jason Liberty, Royal Caribbean Group President and CEO, explained that “Newer, larger ships can break even on cash flow at around 35% capacity, while older, smaller ships are closer to 50%."

After releasing one Icon Class ship and a new Oasis Class ship, Royal Caribbean is experiencing record profits this year. 

Neighborhoods have become Royal Caribbean's formula for creating a successful mega-ship.

According to Michael Bayley, Royal Caribbean Group President and CEO, part of the Oasis Class' success lies in its size separating into different neighborhoods.

"Ironically, the reason why it works so well is neighborhoods," he said.

"Neighborhoods have been able to pull people together into spaces that they really enjoy. And it creates a feeling of spaciousness elsewhere."

Royal Caribbean intends for its neighborhoods to offer something for everyone; a place where like-minded cruisers can congregate.

"The neighborhood concept [is about] creating spaces for family and everyone has something [they] are excited to do during the day."

The huge size of an Oasis Class ship allows it to be separated into different neighborhoods, which then assists cruisers in better navigating the vessel.

Having a cluster of neighborhoods on a cruise ship serves to make it feel even bigger, while also providing separate spaces depending on a cruiser's interests.

On Wonder of the Seas, launched in 2022, eight neighborhoods provide space for every attraction. Utopia of the Seas also has eight neighborhoods.

For those looking for active fun, the Pool and Sports Zone is located on the top decks, providing pools, waterslides, and other sports activities.

Quiet nature lovers will enjoy the open-air Central Park and its dining venues, while the Royal Promenade is an exciting, happening area, filled with shops, bars, and dining.

Read more: Royal Caribbean Oasis Class Ships by Age

Different neighborhoods allow families and groups to separate during the day, enjoy their preferences, and then come together for an evening meal and a show.

"It's the perfect family vacation because it's great to be with your family... to a degree." Bayley pointed out. "Sometimes you don't want to be with them, you know. So all day, everybody goes off and does their thing."

Royal Caribbean continued this concept into the Icon Class.

Icon of the Seas boasts eight neighborhoods, one of which focuses completely on providing a space for little kids to have fun.

Surfside neighborhood was designed specifically for younger children to enjoy, with quick bites, a colorful Playscape area, and the Splashaway Bay pool area.

"We really focused on bringing the little kids into Surfside," Bayley said.

According to him, hundreds of little kids and their parents went from running all over the ship to spending their days in Surfside neighborhood.

"And they love that space. You can't get those kids out."

Royal Caribbean is dedicated to the Oasis Class

Mr. Bayley spoke to Royal Caribbean's dedication to its Oasis Class.

He recently sailed on Oasis of the Seas for the 2024 President's Cruise.

"I hadn't been on Oasis for a number of years," he said, "And as I looked around that ship, I'm like, wow, what a great ship!"

The Oasis Class has been a game-changing, record-breaking family of ships for the cruise line.

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

Additionally, Oasis Class ships are aging very well. Royal Caribbean has invested a lot into these ships and plans to continue doing so.

"Just before the pandemic, we put almost a quarter of $1 billion into one of the Oasis class ships just to bring it up to speed."

In 2019, Oasis of the Seas underwent a Royal Amplification that added new amenities and changes.

The ship received guest favorites such as:

• Re-designed, Caribbean-style pool deck
• Lime & Coconut signature bar
• Ultimate Abyss slide (dry slide)
• The Perfect Storm water slides
• Splashaway Bay Aqua Park
• Portside BBQ specialty restaurant
• El Loco Fresh complimentary Mexican restaurant
• Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade
• Sugar Beach Candy Shop
• Spotlight Karaoke venue
• Music Hall live music venue
• Bionic Bar
• Revamped Adventure Ocean
• Mission Control: Apollo 18 escape room

"We are dedicated to the Oasis Class," Bayley said.