A Royal Caribbean cruise ship is back in service after engine problems, and a temporary issue with its private island pier has been fixed.

Between the itinerary changes due to the unprecedented winter weather, technical issues, and damaged piers, the past few weeks haven't been the smoothest for travelers. Thankfully, recent repairs and better forecasts seem to be helping things get back on track. 

For starters, Anthem of the Seas is back in service after being pulled for repairs to address a technical issue that arose last month. Passengers aboard the January 27, 2026, cruise were informed just a few days before embarkation that, as a result, their sailing had been unfortunately canceled. 

"Anthem of the Seas experienced a technical issue on its last sailing, and we're returning to begin required maintenance. Unfortunately, we will not be able to complete the needed repairs in time for our 27 January sailing," read the upsetting email. 

(Credit: Mattynice75/Reddit)

However, according to a Reddit post shared on Saturday, Feb. 5, Anthem of the Seas is ready to welcome passengers back on board. 

"Beautiful day to board Anthem of the Seas. After she spent 10 days alongside for emergency repairs it’s great to see Anthem here in Sydney for our cruise. Perfect day for it too," wrote Mattynice75. 

Cruise Mapper further confirms that Anthem of the Seas returned to Sydney and set sail on the scheduled 7-night round-trip Queensland cruise. She is expected to arrive in Airlie Beach on Feb. 9. 

(Credit: Cruise Mapper. Screenshot taken at 1:25 p.m. EST on Friday, Feb. 6)

Anthem of the Seas is a Quantum Class cruise ship that debuted in 2015. She'll remain Down Under through April 2026 before relocating to Seattle for a seasonal stint in Alaska. Anthem is scheduled to return to Sydney, Australia, in October. 

She measures 168,666 gross tons, 1,141 feet long, and can accommodate over 4,100 passengers at double occupancy. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean cancels Australia cruise because of propulsion problem

CocoCay pier is fully operational again

At least two cruise ships had to cancel their visits to Perfect Day at CocoCay this week after high winds caused the catwalks to fall into the sea on the eastern side of the pier. Freedom of the Seas was diverted to Cabo Rojo, Dominican Republic, while Celebrity Reflection went to Freeport, Bahamas. 

"As the Captain announced earlier, due to this past weekend's winter storm, which included strong winds and heavy seas at Perfect Day at CocoCay, Bahamas, catwalks fell into the sea on the eastern side of the pier," read the informational letter given to guests aboard Freedom of the Seas. 

"Unfortunately, divers have not been able to locate all of them, which prevents us from safely docking the ship at Perfect Day at CocoCay. After exploring and exhausting all other alternatives, we'll skip our visit. We'll now enjoy a sea day tomorrow and visit Cabo Rojo, Dominican Republic, on Wednesday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM," it continued. 

(Credit: Lynette Trease/Facebook)

Future cruisers were initially wary that their visits to CocoCay might be canceled due to the recent pier damage. However, Royal Caribbean confirmed that the repairs were complete in a statement given to TravelPulse:

"Perfect Day at CocoCay experienced adverse weather over the weekend of January 30–February 1 and temporarily closed. Following assessments, the eastern side of the pier was unavailable for docking, and select itineraries were adjusted. Guests were informed directly, and operations have since resumed."

This was confirmed when both Adventure and Liberty of the Seas successfully docked on Thursday, Feb. 5. "HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME! The dock at Coco Cay is re-open! Liberty and Adventure are currently here!" Lynette Trease shared on Facebook. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean Ship Diverted from CocoCay Due to Temporary Pier Issue

Another winter storm caused two ships to skip visits to CocoCay today

(Credit: Cruise Mapper. Screenshot taken at 1:45 p.m. EST on Friday, Feb. 6)

Unfortunately, while the pier is fully repaired, strong winds on Friday, Feb. 6, prevented two ships from docking safely, forcing last-minute cancellations for guests sailing on Explorer and Icon of the Seas. 

Angela Marie Collins Frost shared the news on Facebook, with Cruise Mapper confirming that the scheduled port day was turned into an extra day at sea for the vessels. 

According to Wunderground, the reported winds in the Bahamian capital of Nassau were around 17-18 miles per hour (mph) this morning. While that might not seem extreme, the winds were strong enough to make docking unsafe for large vessels.

Icon of the Seas is currently on a 7-night Eastern Caribbean cruise that previously called at St. Maarten and St. Thomas. The Icon Class ship is due to return to Miami on Saturday, Feb. 7. 

Explorer of the Seas is finishing up a 5-night Bahamian cruise. The 137,308 gross-ton vessel departed Port Canaveral on Feb. 2 and visited Bimini two days later. She'll return to Florida on Saturday as well. 

Celebrity Cruises is known for its chic ships, upscale ambience, and world-class dining. As such, it's a popular choice for travelers seeking a premium cruise experience. 

While Celebrity is owned by the parent company of Royal Caribbean, the two lines couldn't be more different. Neither is inherently better than the other, though — the right choice for you depends on your travel style. 

After taking over 10 Royal Caribbean cruises, I embarked on my first-ever Celebrity cruise aboard the line's newest Edge Class ship (at the time) in 2024. Within minutes, I was wowed by the multi-deck Grand Plaza, modern cabins, and expansive buffet. 

Since then, I've continued to choose Celebrity over Royal Caribbean for its design-forward ships, destination-focused itineraries, and elevated service. 

However, there are a few things I wish I had known before my first Celebrity cruise, especially as someone who isn't necessarily part of the cruise line's primary target audience. 

Celebrity isn't much more expensive than Royal Caribbean

When you hear "premium cruise line," it's easy to automatically assume that means higher base fares. In reality, however, Celebrity isn't much more expensive than Royal Caribbean. In fact, you can sail on one of the line's newer Edge Class ships for less than Royal Caribbean's Icon and Star of the Seas. 

Here's an example: In 2024, my partner and I booked a dreamy 7-night Greek Isles cruise on Celebrity Ascent, which was the line’s newest ship at the time. Our infinite veranda stateroom for two cost $4,990.32, including taxes, port fees, gratuities, a drink package, and Wi-Fi.

Comparatively, we sailed on Icon of the Seas in 2025. The base fare was lower at $3,802.46, but we ended up spending an extra $990.92 on the Deluxe Beverage Package and $219.90 for Wi-Fi. The kicker? The price didn’t even include an ocean-view stateroom!

For that reason, I wouldn’t dismiss Celebrity Cruises at first glance. You might be able to score a better deal than you would on a Royal Caribbean ship. 

Flexible package options let you customize your experience 

On a similar note, Celebrity makes it easy to tailor your vacation to your preferences and budget. When you book your sailing, you can book the line's "All Included" rate, which bundles a Classic Drink Package and Basic Wi-Fi into the price. 

You can upgrade your packages through the Cruise Planner before your sailing, though it’s entirely optional. Alternatively, you don’t have to choose a bundled fare and can add the individual add-ons that you want. 

This flexibility makes it easy to vacation in a way that feels personalized. For example, Royal Caribbean offers just one alcoholic beverage package. Celebrity, however, lets you choose from two drink package tiers, allowing guests to pick the option that best fits their personal drinking habits and budget.

Read more: Is Celebrity's drink package worth it? I tried both to see which was better

Similarly, Wi‑Fi on Celebrity is flexible and customizable. When my partner and I booked our cruise to Norway aboard Celebrity Eclipse, Basic Wi‑Fi was included in the "All Included" fare. 

We didn’t think upgrading both of our internet packages was worth the cost. So, we upgraded my partner's Wi-Fi package for just $48.50 (thanks to our Elite discount), while I stuck with the basic option. 

Since Royal Caribbean has just one internet package, if we both wanted to be connected at the same time, we would have to purchase two VOOM packages. 

Don't miss the buffet on the last sea day

On the last sea day, the buffet transforms into a seafood extravaganza with everything from a massive shrimp cocktail tower to ceviche, mussels, strip steaks, and elaborate desserts. Even if you aren't a big seafood fan, you can't miss the chocolate fountain, intricately designed cakes, and other yummy treats. 

Beyond the seafood feast, the buffet is a solid choice for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The made-to-order stations are my favorite. The stir-fry, in particular, has never disappointed me. You'll find other rotating global dishes, too, including seafood saganaki and chicken paella. 

The specialty restaurants are worth the extra cost

Speaking of food, I've found Celebrity to have some of the best specialty restaurants at sea. From the tableside cooking at the French-inspired Murano to the upscale flavors at Le Voyage by Daniel Boulud and the casual bites at the Rooftop Garden Grill, there's something for every palate and budget. 

While that's not to say the complimentary options aren't satisfying (they are!), Celebrity's specialty restaurants just offer a completely elevated culinary experience — think creative menus, premium ingredients, and attentive service. 

If you aren't sold on the $125-per-person experience at Le Voyage, consider the Fine Cut Steakhouse for a more approachable yet memorable dining experience. Tuscan Grille on Solstice Class ships is another personal favorite, with tender steaks, delicious pasta, and incredible wake views. 

Read more: I ate my way through a luxury cruise ship. These are the 6 dishes I'm still thinking about

You can enjoy complimentary drinks while actively gambling in the casino

All casino players can enjoy basic drinks while playing in the casino aboard Celebrity ships. It doesn't matter if it is your first-ever visit to the casino or if you're a serious gambler — you just have to be actively playing. 

The options are limited, though. Expect a small selection of well liquors, beer, wine, and soda. Moreover, service can be slow. Still, having the option for complimentary drinks in the casino highlights why Celebrity is classified as a "premium" cruise line. 

This benefit differs from Royal Caribbean's Club Royale program, where you have to earn enough points before you can receive complimentary beverages. Another bonus? The Celebrity's casinos are non-smoking. 

It's important to arrive at activities ahead of time

Activities like game shows, Musical Murder Mystery, and trivia are wildly popular on Celebrity cruises, so you want to arrive early to snag a seat.

Many of the game shows are highly interactive. Some, like "True or False," encourage every audience member to participate. Other times, you can enter your name in a drawing and try to be one of the lucky contestants that gets to battle it out on stage. Even if you aren't selected, the high-energy activity hosts make the game shows entertaining to watch.

The Musical Murder Mystery should be on every adult's must-do list, too. It isn't offered on every sailing, so when it is, you can imagine that it fills up fast. The immersive performance, typically led by the Cruise Director and/or the activity staff, is hilarious and will have you laughing non-stop. 

Celebrity isn't just for older travelers

Because I'm in my mid-20s, I always assumed that I would feel out of place on a Celebrity cruise. Royal Caribbean caters more to families, while Celebrity generally attracts a slightly older crowd. While that's definitely true, I found that I didn't mind the low-key atmosphere. 

Non-stop thrills used to be my favorite way to vacation as a teenager (I still remember my initial obsession with Oasis Class vessels). However, Icon of the Seas was exhausting. My partner and I agreed that we felt like we needed a vacation after our vacation!

Rather than trying to cross off every amenity — from water slides to Broadway-caliber musicals, AquaTheater shows, comedy performances, rock climbing walls, and more — I prefer sea days spent lounging by the pool, destination-focused itineraries, upscale cocktail bars, and world-class cuisine. 

Plus, Celebrity really isn't that tame. The daily schedule includes ABBA sing-a-longs, late-night deck parties, silent discos, and more. In short, if you're expecting a retirement community-like vibe, you'll be surprised! 

The loyalty perks are pretty solid, but I missed the daily Diamond vouchers

As a Diamond Crown & Anchor Society member, I get Elite perks when sailing with Celebrity. These include a nightly happy hour from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., a complimentary bag of laundry, Wi-Fi discounts, and more. 

Still, I prefer the Crown & Anchor benefits, especially the daily Diamond vouchers. While I enjoy Celebrity’s happy hour, the Diamond drinks offer far more flexibility — I can use them ashore at Perfect Day at CocoCay, sip a mimosa with breakfast, or enjoy a cocktail in the evening at the famous Schooner Bar. 

Over the course of a weeklong cruise, the vouchers, which can be used on beverages valued up to $14, can save a lot of money. 

Additionally, since I typically book Celebrity's "All Included" rate, the nightly happy hour isn't that valuable to me. Conversely, the flexibility of the Diamond drinks means I rarely feel the need to splurge on a pricey Royal Caribbean drink package.

Even though Royal Caribbean's private destination in Haiti is closed, one of its ships made a quick stop for an important reason.

Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas made an unscheduled stop in Labadee, Haiti, to drop off relief supplies while cruise visits are suspended due to the ongoing unrest around the couuntry.

In January, Royal Caribbean made the difficult decision to cancel all scheduled visits to Labadee through December 2026. Rather than calling at the private Haitian port, ships have been rerouted to destinations like Nassau, Bahamas; George Town, Grand Cayman; San Juan, Puerto Rico; and Bimini, Bahamas. 

Even though ships aren't supposed to resume visits this year, guests aboard Oasis of the Seas' current 6-night Western Caribbean cruise reported that the ship briefly stopped at Labadee on Tuesday, February 5. 

Passengers were not permitted off the 226,838 gross ton vessel while it offloaded relief supplies. The operational and humanitarian supplies stop highlights the cruise line's support of its private destination during the ongoing crisis. 

The destination can't completely shut down when there aren't any active visitors, so the supplies are likely what’s necessary to maintain the cruise port and its skeleton staff.

Haiti is currently under a Level 4 "Do Not Travel" advisory from the U.S. State Department due to escalating gang violence and serious security concerns. While the Labadee resort area is protected by a private security force, Royal Caribbean said it suspended calls to Haiti out of an "abundance of caution."

NBC 6 South Florida recently reported on the crisis, stating the violence has dramatically increased since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021.

With gangs now controlling large parts of the capital, families have been forced to flee and live in makeshift shelters. Shockingly, more than 1.4 million people have been displaced across the country as the political instability and gang violence worsen. 

(Credit: Cruise Mapper. Screenshot taken at 3:15 p.m. EST on Tuesday, Feb. 5)

Cruise Mapper further confirms the visit, showing Oasis of the Seas making her departure from Haiti around 3:15 p.m. EST. Now, Oasis will make her way back toward Fort Lauderdale, Florida, for disembarkation on the 7th. She already called at the scheduled ports of Nassau and Falmouth earlier this week. 

Multiple passengers were arrested on Sunday, February 1, after attempting to smuggle illegal drugs on Symphony of the Seas.

Nine passengers were boarding a sailing chartered by Atlantis Events, which was marketed as "the world’s biggest gay festival at sea." However, they were all apprehended during the check-in process when a trained K-9 narcotics dog flagged their bags. 

Miami-Dade County inmate records reveal that the men tried to bring on drugs ranging from MDMA to ketamine, methamphetamine, and GBL, Local 10 reported. 

Some of the quantities were too low for a full-blown investigation by Homeland Security. Instead, they were passed on to Miami-Dade County Sheriff’s Office deputies. 

As of Monday morning, court records indicate the defendants were in custody at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center near Doral, Florida.

"[The Miami-Dade County Sheriff's Office] arrested a total of nine individuals on various drug-related charges," Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office Detective Joseph R. Peguero Rivera said in a statement to The Advocate. 

Symphony of the Seas is an Oasis Class cruise ship that entered service in 2018. According to Royal Caribbean's website, she measures 228,081 gross tons and has a passenger capacity of around 5,500 at double occupancy. 

Through April 2026, Symphony of the Seas will offer Caribbean sailings from Miami, Florida. Afterward, she will relocate to Galveston, Texas, where she will remain through at least January 2028. 

Symphony of the Seas is set to return to Miami on Sunday, Feb. 8.

One defendant had "several bags" of pills and liquid

(Pictured: Ryan Medrano. Credit: Mugshot Zone)

Joshua Eddy, 41, of West Hollywood, California, was caught with "several bags of several pills and liquid," court records state. The substances tested positive for 19.33 grams of MDMA, 3.45 grams of ketamine, 7.55 grams of meth, and 80 grams of GBL.

He appeared in court on Monday, facing a total of four charges, including three counts of possession of a controlled substance and trafficking MDMA. Judge Christina Miranda set a $7,000 bond. Eddy's arraignment court date is scheduled for April 2, 2026. 

Joshua Jenkins, 39, of Tacoma, Washington, was also arrested on Sunday, Feb. 1, when trying to board Symphony of the Seas. 

(Pictured: Brad Kloha. Credit: Mugshot Zone)

According to Jenkins' court records, his bags were flagged for further screening, which then revealed pills that tested positive for 2.11 grams of meth.

He also appeared in court on Monday with a charge of possession of a controlled substance. Unlike Eddy, however, he was released on his own recognizance.

Moving on, Brad Kloha, 41, of Nashville, Tennessee, was caught with pills that tested positive for 16.3 grams of MDMA and 17.8 grams of ketamine.

(Pictured: Adam Jones. Credit: Mugshot Zone)

Court records show that he appeared in bond court on Monday, facing two charges: Possession of a controlled substance and trafficking MDMA. Miami-Dade County Circuit Judge Laura Gonzalez-Marques set his bond at $6,000. 

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers reported finding "a container" with pills in the bag of Adam Jones, 49, of Atlanta, Georgia. The pills eventually tested positive for 22.8 grams of meth. 

The arrest quickly moved from the port to the courtroom, where official records state that Jones appeared on Monday and faced one charge of drug trafficking. His bond was set at $5,000. Along with Eddy, Jones is set to appear for his arraignment on April 2. 

(Pictured: Tamar Wilson. Credit: Mugshot Zone)

Hoi Le, 52, of San Francisco, California, had "two clear baggies with suspected narcotics" in his luggage. Court records reveal that the baggies were tested and came back positive for 14.94 grams of meth and 3.2 grams of ketamine. 

He appeared in bond court on Monday and faced two charges: Possession of a controlled substance and trafficking meth. Judge Michelle A. Delancy set his bond at $5,000, and he is scheduled to appear in arraignment court on April 2. 

Ryan D. Medrano, 27, of Phoenix, Arizona; Tamar J. Wilson, 37, of Chicago, Illinois; Daisuke Nakanoh, 40, of Chicago, Illinois; and Ricardo Gabriel Junquera, 39, of Miami, Florida, were also arrested and face similar drug charges, including allegations involving cocaine and GHB, according to court records.

Multiple deaths have occurred during Atlantis Events-chartered cruises that date as far back as 2010

To start, GLAAD board member Spencer Yu died of a heart attack that was allegedly due to drug use while sailing on Mariner of the Seas in 2009, The Advocate reported. 

One year later, a 37-year-old passenger died while on Liberty of the Seas in 2010. Local police issued a statement that said there appeared to be "no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death."

In 2012, a 30-year-old man went overboard from his stateroom balcony. Eight years later, another passenger sailing aboard an Atlantis Events-chartered cruise died after going overboard in San Juan, Puerto Rico. 

Two years prior, television personality Joel Taylor, 38, died aboard Harmony of the Seas, as shared by PEOPLE. His toxicology report by the Institute of Forensic Sciences of Puerto Rico reported that he had a fatal amount of drugs in his system, including MDMA, Zolpidem, ketamine, and MDA. 

The Advocate confirmed yet another death in January 2022, though Atlantis Events claimed that the death was "nothing out of the ordinary."

Finally, a Royal Caribbean spokesperson confirmed the death of a passenger in 2024 in a statement to The Advocate, which was later confirmed to be Jonathan Mindrum, 36, of Chicago, Illinois. 

Following his death, Mindrum’s father, Craig, wrote a touching tribute in Newsweek, remembering his son as one of "...the smartest people [he's] ever known."

"[I]t was my son's ability to bring together apparently disparate pieces of knowledge and experience—knit them together and perform a new synthesis—that really set him apart for me," Craig said. 

Experts claim that seniors are the most experienced cruisers, spending more money on longer trips than other age groups. However, they routinely make a huge and potentially costly insurance mistake. 

Squaremouth reports that 95% of seniors (those 65 and older) cruising in 2026 are repeat sailors, often booking voyages of two weeks or longer with an average spend of nearly $7,000. 

Despite their extensive experience at sea, many senior cruisers — a staggering 76% — miss out on important travel insurance protections by assuming their Medicare coverage extends abroad. In reality, most traditional health insurance plans don't provide coverage outside of the United States. 

Not only that, but many seniors who do purchase travel insurance policies still end up underprotected. For example, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that medical evacuations can cost upward of $250,000. Yet, 35% of seniors buy less than $250,000 in Medical Evacuation coverage, while 32% purchase less than $100,000 in Emergency Medical coverage. 

For example, Royal Caribbean's standard travel insurance policy only includes up to $25,000 in Emergency Accident Medical coverage and $50,000 in Emergency Medical Evacuation coverage. 

As a result, roughly one-third of senior cruisers are underinsured while at sea. That means that, even if you think your insurance policy will help during unexpected emergencies, you could still be left paying tens of thousands of dollars out of pocket, depending on the final costs. 

Beyond underinsuring, here are two other mistakes senior cruisers make when it comes to travel insurance. 

Waiting too long to buy travel insurance

Seniors commonly have pre-existing health conditions compared to other age groups, such as heart issues or diabetes. As such, they're at a greater risk of complications while traveling, highlighting the need for added protections like Cancel for Any Reason and Trip Interruption for Any Reason. 

However, if you don't purchase a travel insurance policy within a certain window, you could be out of luck. Many seniors aren't eligible for these important protections because policies often must be bought within 14 to 21 days of making your initial cruise deposit. 

Consequently, waiting too long to purchase travel insurance could greatly reduce or eliminate all flexibility to cancel or interrupt your trip for (nearly) any reason. 

Skipping out on key cancellation coverage

Cruise lines, like Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises, offer their own travel insurance policies that you can purchase when you book your cruise. However, according to Squaremouth, they have poor cancellation terms and only provide future cruise vouchers, rather than cash refunds. 

If you don't have any non-refundable trip expenses or have credit card coverage, you should always add Trip Cancellation coverage. Unfortunately, 23% of seniors don't think this is necessary. 

With Trip Cancellation coverage, you are protected against costly pitfalls.

Read more: Her $13,000 infirmary bill was higher than the cruise itself: Why one cruiser regrets not buying travel insurance

How old is too old to go on a cruise?

Research from the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) indicates that Baby Boomers are the wealthiest generation in history — and they love to travel!

Seniors have the time to get away and travel because they are retired. However, as previously mentioned, they also face a greater risk of complications while traveling due to underlying health conditions that are common as one ages. 

While cruise lines don't enforce a maximum age limit for their passengers, seniors must take extra precautions before hitting the high seas to ensure that they can have a safe, fun vacation. 

These measures include consulting with their primary doctor and ensuring that they purchase not just adequate but robust travel insurance that provides a safety net for emergencies and mishaps.

Additionally, seniors with mobility issues should plan ahead and reserve an accessible stateroom, as they're limited compared to the number of standard cabins available. For example, Royal Caribbean’s Odyssey of the Seas has 41 accessible rooms, while Vision of the Seas, one of its oldest and smallest ships, has just 14.

These wheelchair-friendly staterooms feature wider doorways, roll-in showers, grab bars, lowered surfaces, and more.

Read more: How old is too old to go on a cruise? What an expert recommends

Just like the first two ground-breaking vessels, Royal Caribbean's third Icon Class ship will have its own Chief Dog Officer. 

Michael Bayley, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean International, shared that the newest puppy was recently born.

"Breaking News ! A Legend has been born and she is as cute as cute can be ! Mmmmm now if only we had a name for this little cutey and future Chief Dog Officer of the new ICON class Legend of the Seas," Bayley wrote on Facebook. 

Icon of the Seas was the first ship to feature a full-time Chief Dog Officer. Even before moving on board, Rover captured the hearts of thousands online. 

Star of the Seas followed the same "paw" prints, with Sailor joining the crew on the second Icon Class ship in 2025. Now, cruise fans eagerly awaiting Legend of the Seas' launch have something else to look forward to. 

Rover didn't join Icon of the Seas until she was six months old. The unnamed puppy will likely follow a similar time frame, giving Royal Caribbean time to properly train her and help her develop sea legs.

If this is true, the newest Chief Dog Officer won't join Legend of the Seas until at least August 2026, after the vessel's maiden voyages in July. That said, this remains speculation, as Royal Caribbean has not confirmed an official timeline or date.

Cruise fans share their name ideas on social media

Bayley's comment section was flooded with name ideas for the adorable new pup. Within hours, the post had over 400 comments with cruise fans weighing in on what Royal Caribbean executives should name the soon-to-be Chief Dog Officer. 

Brie Marie Becker suggested Siren because, "...she’s a captivating legend who will be traveling the seas."

"'NOCI' Icon spelt backwards. Pronounced 'Gnocchi' like the Italian potato dumplings," commented Barbara Bamford.

Debbie Debra Patton Evans added, "Bonnie...as in the song, my Bonnie lies over the ocean....my Bonnie lies over the sea...."

"How about Coco?! Could be after the style legend Coco Chanel or after the island Coco Cay!" wrote Rhonda LaPlace Thompson.

Other ideas include:

• Legend
• Destiny
• Anchor
• Gilligan
• Maisy
• Ranger
• Pearl
• Norway

Legend of the Seas will enter service earlier than expected 

Legend's construction has moved along more quickly than anticipated. As such, passengers booked on the first sailing in July were informed that the inaugural cruise was moved up to July 4, 2026. 

"We simply cannot wait to show off The Next Icon of Vacations – Legend of the Seas, that we have now added one (1) extra sailing, a 7-Night Western Mediterranean Cruise on 4 July 2026, that will be the inaugural sailing to kick off the celebrations for our inaugural season!" the email reads. 

The maiden season for the new Icon Class ship will commence in Europe — a first for this class of mega-ships. Then, Legend will relocate to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, before returning to Europe for a seasonal stint in 2027. 

During its European season, Legend will call on bucket-list destinations including Naples, Italy; Barcelona, Spain; Marseille, France; and La Spezia, Italy — all while being an Instagram-worthy destination herself. 

The pier at CocoCay sustained damage over the weekend, causing at least one ship to be diverted to another port of call at the last minute. 

Passengers were informed of the itinerary change aboard Freedom of the Seas after they embarked on Monday, February 2. 

Rather than calling at Perfect Day at CocoCay on Tuesday as planned, guests were told that they'd now enjoy a sea day before heading to Cabo Rojo, Dominican Republic, on Wednesday. 

"As the Captain announced earlier, due to this past weekend's winter storm, which included strong winds and heavy seas at Perfect Day at CocoCay, Bahamas, catwalks fell into the sea on the eastern side of the pier," read a letter delivered to current cruisers. 

(Credit: Sara Lynn/Facebook)

Continuing on, "Unfortunately, divers have not been able to locate all of them, which prevents us from safely docking the ship at Perfect Day at CocoCay. After exploring and exhausting all other alternatives, we'll skip our visit. We'll now enjoy a sea day tomorrow and visit Cabo Rojo, Dominican Republic, on Wednesday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM." 

There's no change to Freedom's scheduled visit to the Bahamian capital of Nassau on Friday. 

Perfect Day at CocoCay is one of Royal Caribbean’s most popular destinations. The private island has won numerous awards and features something for every traveler, from thrill seekers to relaxation-focused cruisers. As such, it's a major selling point on Caribbean and Bahamian itineraries.

(Credit: Cruise Mapper. Screenshot taken at 6:20 p.m. EST on Feb. 3)

Cruise Mapper further confirms the change, showing the Freedom Class ship sailing past Cuba en route to the Dominican Republic.

At the time of publication, Royal Caribbean has not yet publicly commented on the extent of the damage to the pier or how long repairs are expected to take. This means that it's unclear how many future sailings to the private island will be impacted.

Celebrity Reflection is also skipping CocoCay

According to one Facebook user, Celebrity Reflection is skipping its scheduled visit to CocoCay on Feb. 4. Instead, it will be calling at Freeport, Bahamas. 

However, Utopia of the Seas' visit remains unchanged, revealing that the issue appears to be isolated to one side of the pier, rather than impacting the entire dock. 

Norwegian Cruise Line's Great Stirrup Cay was also damaged 

According to a letter dated February 2, 2026, the pier at Great Stirrup Cay, which just recently opened, is unsafe to dock at due to damage sustained over the weekend. While passengers can still visit the private island, they will be tendered ashore — weather permitting. 

"We’re reaching out with an update ahead of your visit to Great Stirrup Cay, our private island in The Bahamas. Following the winter storms that moved through the region this weekend, the island’s pier and pool will be temporarily unavailable as our teams work to bring them back online later this week," the letter reads. 

Because tendering is dependent on the weather and sea conditions, it may be likely that some guests will end up missing their visit to Great Stirrup Cay, as was the case for guests sailing aboard Norwegian Prima earlier this week. 

"[W]e were supposed to dock but needed to tender due to damage to the pier from the storm, oh and the pool is closed.. Now, tendering [can't'] happen due to the swells," shared a guest on Facebook. 

NCL Prima was supposed to visit the island on Tuesday, February 2, according to Cruise Mapper. 

Read more: Cruise line spends $150 million to make its private island even better

Winter Storm Gianna wreaked havoc on the cruise industry over the weekend

Strong winds and rough waves from an unusual winter storm forced multiple Royal Caribbean Group ships to cancel every port of call on their itineraries over the weekend. 

Wonder of the Seas was supposed to visit Perfect Day at CocoCay and Nassau, but ended up sailing to nowhere. Similarly, Celebrity Reflection's visit to Key West, Florida, was canceled. 

Utopia of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas also had their itineraries altered, though less dramatically, along with vessels from competitors, including Carnival Sunshine, Norwegian Getaway, and Disney Wish. 

Read more: Winter storm forces two ships to sail "cruise to nowhere"

Winter Storm Gianna brought freezing temperatures, extreme winds, and record-breaking snowfall to the East Coast. The historic nor'easter slammed North Carolina particularly hard. 

FOX Weather Storm Specialist Mike Seidel claimed the storm rivaled some of the most intense he's experienced during his 30-plus-year career covering extreme weather, FOX News reported.

Inland, Charlotte saw the largest snowfall in over 20 years, with 11 inches falling. That total ties for the fourth-largest one-day snowfall on record in the Queen City. Additionally, many surrounding areas, including Kannapolis, China Grove, and Concord, saw over one foot of snow. 

Many people plan cruises to visit new destinations. However, did you know that you don't have to get off the ship in port?

Even short weekend voyages visit dreamy places like Perfect Day at CocoCay, which is definitely better than your average office workday. But if you stay on board, you can skip the usual crowds and enjoy the ship's amenities in peace. 

In fact, staying on board during port days is becoming more and more common, especially on massive ships like Icon and Star of the Seas, where the ship is a destination in and of itself.

Still, the majority of passengers are likely to disembark to explore the port of call, even if just to lie on the beach for a few hours. 

As such, the ship's amenities — including the pools, water slides, surfing simulator, and more — can be enjoyed without battling crowds or long sea day lines. 

Here are six reasons why savvy travelers choose to remain on board when their cruise ship stops at a port of call. 

Forces you to slow down and relax

If you're like me, you might want to cross everything (and more) off your to-do list. Sometimes, however, that isn't possible without wearing yourself down. 

On port-intensive itineraries and larger vessels, it's easy to cram your schedule full of activities, from all-day shore excursions to evening production shows and more. 

If you do not intentionally set aside time to rest, it's easy to quickly burn out, especially if you're sailing somewhere warm like the Caribbean or Mediterranean. 

By skipping one port and staying on board, you are giving yourself permission to slow down and recharge. You don't have to worry about waking up early to catch your departing tour or claim a pool chair. 

Instead, you can sleep in, enjoy a leisurely breakfast, and spend the day catching up on your TBR ("to be read") list — or however else you best unwind. 

Fewer lines

Another benefit to staying on board is that, since there are fewer people on the ship, lines are shorter. This means that you won't have to wait as long to try out the FlowRider surf simulator, zip line, water slides, and more. 

Shorter lines aren’t just for fun activities, either. Guest Services, for example, tends to be quieter, which makes port days an ideal time to address any issues you've had during your cruise. 

It's also easier to get in and out of the buffet, browsing the seemingly endless assortment of food without navigating other hungry passengers. With fewer people around, finding a table, preferably with a view, is less time-consuming, too. 

Plenty of poolside lounge chairs

A similar perk is that you don't have to fight for a prime pool chair. On sea days, it's common (though frowned upon) for passengers to reserve lounge chairs when they aren't actively using them. 

This is common on warm-weather itineraries when everyone flocks to the top decks to take advantage of the pool. 

On port days, the pool deck is quieter and more laid-back. As such, you will find that it is easier to grab a pool chair, flag down a server, and soak up the sunshine — all without having to wake up at the crack of dawn. 

Potential spa discounts

Getting pampered at the spa is one of the best ways to relax on vacation. Cruise ship spas, however, aren't known for being affordable. In fact, you can likely reserve a massage or facial for far less at home than at sea. 

One way to save money on your luxurious spa day is to book a treatment on a port day. Usually, cruise lines will incentivize guests to stay on the ship and spend money by offering discounts on spa services. 

The best way to check is to visit the spa on embarkation day. If they don't have any available offers, don't be afraid to periodically check in throughout your sailing. Discounts may appear in the daily Cruise Planner schedule, too. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean Spa Package Prices

You can use your drink and Wi-Fi packages

While Royal Caribbean's fare is pretty inclusive compared to land vacations to destinations like Walt Disney World or New York City, certain things come with an extra cost — most notably alcoholic beverages and internet. 

Royal Caribbean's Deluxe Beverage Package is one of the most popular cruise add-ons. By purchasing the package, you receive unlimited drinks per day for one set price, typically anywhere from $56 to $115 per day. 

The VOOM SURF + STREAM Internet Package gives cruisers access to some of the fastest Wi-Fi speeds at sea. You can browse the web, stream your favorite shows, FaceTime, and more. 

However, unless you're visiting Royal Caribbean's Perfect Day at CocoCay, these packages are useless while ashore. If, for example, you are in Nassau or St. Thomas, all drinks purchased ashore will cost extra — in addition to what you paid for the beverage package. 

By staying on the ship, you can maximize the value of these add-ons.

You don't have to buy pricey excursions

Staying on board also means you can save money by skipping pricey tours. With proper planning, you can easily plan an affordable day ashore, either by sticking to "free" activities (like the beach at CocoCay) or exploring ports independently.

However, even small taxi fares can quickly add up, especially once you factor in the other purchases, such as beach chairs, food, etc. 

By staying on the cruise ship, you avoid the temptation to overspend and take advantage of everything that you've already paid for. As such, it's a surprisingly smart way to keep overall cruise costs in check without sacrificing fun. 

Read more: Guide to picking the perfect Royal Caribbean shore excursion

Alaska is known for its natural beauty, so should you spend more to book a balcony cabin?

As you'll quickly discover, a balcony will cost more than an interior cabin, and the price difference can be substantial on an Alaska cruise.

With a front-row viewing spot for glaciers, breaching whales, and breathtaking fjords, Alaska cruise balconies can turn moments you might otherwise miss into lifelong memories. That said, balconies are not cheap and can often cost thousands of dollars more than interior staterooms. 

If you're wondering, "What type of room is best for an Alaska cruise?" consider this your ultimate guide for Alaska cruise cabins. We'll go over the different cabin categories, prices, and pros and cons to help you make the most informed decision. 

Alaska cruise cabin types

Royal Caribbean cruise ships have four standard stateroom categories: Interior, Ocean View, Balcony, and Suite. Inside cabins are usually the smallest, while suites come in a variety of layouts, from Junior Suites to spacious multi-deck Loft Suites. 

All cabins come equipped with the same basic amenities, including an ensuite bathroom, vanity area with mirror, mini-fridge, storage space, a television, and a Royal King bed that can be split into two twin beds. 

Newer Royal Caribbean ships, such as Anthem of the Seas, have more balconies than older vessels. Even still, balconies, especially on scenic cruises to destinations like Alaska, are in high demand, which keeps prices high — regardless of the ship's age. 

Alaska cruise balcony room price

If you plan in advance, budget-conscious travelers can get away with cruise fares of around $750 per person. However, if you're eyeing a balcony cabin, you should expect fares starting above $1,200 per person. 

Because cruise fares are priced dynamically, the cost of a cruise today may differ from the same cruise tomorrow or next week. That said, the cost of an Alaska cruise mainly depends on two factors: the month of your sailing and the cabin category. 

Starting with the former, the Royal Caribbean Alaska cruise season usually runs from May to September, with the most popular months to visit being June, July, and August. As such, fares during the summer months are typically significantly higher due to the increased demand. 

Cruise cabins also drastically impact the price of an Alaska cruise. Interior, Ocean View, Balcony, and Suite rooms range in cost, with windowless inside rooms the most budget-friendly and suites costing several thousand dollars per person.

As an example, we priced out cruise fares for three sailings during summer 2027. The prices reflect the total cruise fare per person, including taxes and fees. Gratuities, however, are excluded. The staterooms are priced to include two adults. 

Depending on when you book, the available inventory could result in higher prices and fewer stateroom options. These prices were accurate at the time of publication and are subject to change without warning.

Read more: How much does an Alaska cruise cost?

Anthem of the Seas: 7-night Northbound Alaska & Hubbard Glacier from Vancouver, Canada, to Seward, Alaska

May 14, 2027: 

• Interior: $1,575
• Oceanview: $2,215
• Balcony: $2,414
• Suite: $5,054

Voyager of the Seas: 7-night Alaska Adventure Cruise from Seattle, Washington

July 9, 2027: 

• Interior: $1,876
• Oceanview: $3,136
• Balcony: $3,681
• Suite: $5,422

In both cases, the cost of an Alaska balcony cabin was at least $800 more for two passengers. On Anthem of the Seas in May 2027, the balcony cost $839 more, while the discrepancy on Voyager of the Seas during the region's peak travel season was even steeper, coming in at $1,805. This breaks down to over $900 extra per traveler. 

Pros of an Alaska cruise balcony room

For many cruisers, an Alaska balcony is more than just their "home away from home" — it’s part of the entire vacation experience.

One of the biggest advantages is that having a balcony means you have private, direct access to Alaska's scenery. This means that you don't have to compete for space on the public decks. 

While this is important on scenic sailing days, it also gives you a chance to experience the views whenever you want. You never know when you'll pass by a breaching whale or snow-capped mountains. 

Another benefit is that balconies are typically larger than Interior or Ocean View rooms. As such, they come with extra space that can be beneficial for families traveling together. 

Read more: 10 Alaska cruise essentials to not forget

Cons of an Alaska cruise balcony room

There's no denying that balcony cabins offer front-row seats to amazing views and extra space. However, there are a few drawbacks to consider when planning your Alaska cruise — with the most obvious being the cost. 

Because balcony cabins are some of the most expensive (other than suites), accommodations could take up a hefty percentage of your vacation budget. 

Those with tighter budgets may not think that the extra cost can be justified, especially with shore excursions typically costing more than destinations like The Bahamas or the Caribbean. 

Something else to consider is that Alaska's chillier temperatures and unpredictable weather may prevent you from using the balcony as much as you would on other itineraries. 

Read more: Alaska cruise ports guide

Another major winter storm is expected to slam the United States over the weekend. The effects, however, are being felt beyond land — with cruise itineraries being disrupted in anticipation of strong winds. 

Passengers sailing on this weekend's Utopia of the Seas voyage were informed that their scheduled visit to Perfect Day at CocoCay was canceled due to the weather forecast and unsafe docking conditions. 

"[W]e unfortunately have to cancel our visit to Perfect Day at CocoCay, Bahamas on Sunday due to strong winds. As a result, and to provide you with the best and safest experience, we'll now enjoy a Sea Day instead," reads a letter given to guests. 

That isn't the only change, either. Rather than departing Nassau at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 31, Utopia of the Seas will had her departure time changed.

First, they shortened it to leaving the Bahamian capital at 5:00pm, but then the all aboard time was revised again to 2:30pm.

"We're terribly sorry for the last-minute change caused by the weather — your safety is our top priority. Please know, being onboard is the safest place to be, as we can move out of the way of any inclement weather," the letter continues. 

Royal Caribbean is not providing any compensation for the canceled port beyond the standard port fee refund. Those who pre-booked shore excursions through the cruise line will receive an onboard credit, which can be used anywhere on the Oasis Class ship.

Any remaining funds at the end of the sailing will be reimbursed to the card on file in up to 14 business days after disembarkation. 

At the time of writing, Utopia of the Seas is expected to return to Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida, as scheduled at 6:30 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 2. 

Royal Caribbean's Liberty of the Seas is also skipping its stop at Perfect Day at CocoCay on Sunday. Like Utopia, Liberty will spend an extra day at sea before returning to Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Additionally, the Freedom Class vessel will depart Nassau early on Saturday, leaving around 2:30 p.m. 

Finally, Adventure of the Seas is rumored to depart 2 hours earlier than scheduled on Saturday, Jan. 31, from Port Canaveral, Florida. Moreover, the ship is skipping its stop in Nassau on Feb. 1. 

Massive bomb cyclone targeting the East Coast

According to the Weather Channel, Winter Storm Gianna is expected to intensify into a bomb cyclone, with snow, strong winds, and coastal flooding impacting the Carolinas, Virginia, and New England. 

Winter storm warnings are in effect for much of the East Coast, ranging from the Southeast all the way up to Cape Cod and Nantucket Island, Massachusetts. 

AccuWeather reported that certain southern cities, including Charlotte, Raleigh, and Greensboro, North Carolina, could be facing their biggest snowstorm in decades. Preliminary estimates also suggest that snowfall totals in Norfolk, Virginia, could top last February’s 11.1 inches.

The arctic blast is pushing south as well, with impacts expected as far as South Florida and the Bahamas. In Port Canaveral, for example, the low on Saturday is forecast around 29°F, and near-freezing temperatures are possible across parts of Broward and Miami-Dade counties, CBS News confirmed. 

Other ships impacted by the strengthening major nor'easter

(Credit: Scott Sanders, The DCL Blog/X)

Like Utopia of the Seas, Disney Wish will skip its scheduled stop to Castaway Cay, Disney Cruise Line's private Bahamaian island, this weekend. 

"We have been closely monitoring a weather system that will impact our planned stop at Disney Castaway Cay," a letter given to impacted passengers reads. 

"Given the anticipated strong winds and adverse sea conditions predicted in The Bahamas overnight on Saturday and during the day on Sunday, we will not be able to visit Disney Castaway Cay on Sunday. We will instead spend more time in Nassau, on Saturday night and throughout the morning on Sunday."

(Credit: John Wojtasiak/Facebook)

Even ships already at sea are being forced to adjust. Carnival Sunshine, for example, is returning to Norfolk at 7:00 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 31. The Sunshine Class vessel was originally expected to arrive in Virginia on Sunday. 

Consequently, the ship’s scheduled visit to Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos, on Thursday was canceled to allow enough time to sail up the East Coast.

Carnival Sunshine passengers do not have to disembark from the ship upon its arrival in Virginia — they may remain on board until Sunday as originally planned. 

Read more: Carnival ends cruise early to avoid developing Nor'easter

Regardless, everyone will receive a one-day prorated refund of the paid cruise fare to the original form of payment, along with a one-day prorated refund for any pre-purchased drink packages, Wi-Fi plans, and prepaid gratuities. Carnival is also providing passengers with a complimentary Value Wi-Fi plan to handle last-minute travel arrangements. 

Carnival's letter, which was signed by Captain Leonardo Contarino, concludes, "Once again, we are truly sorry that the weather is affecting our plans this week and thank you for your patience and understanding. My team and I remain committed to taking good care of you for the rest of our time together." 

Similarly, Norwegian Breakaway is rushing back to New York and skipping its visit to St. Thomas. The ship is expected to arrive on Feb. 1 at 11:00 p.m., rather than Feb. 3. The extra two nights in New York will be treated as an overnight port of call.