Royal Caribbean is one step closer to breaking ground on its new beach club in Cozumel. 

The cruise giant submitted its required environmental impact study for approval, as reported by Riviera Maya News. This submission is an important milestone and one of the final hurdles before construction can officially begin. 

According to the INEGI Classification of Economic Activities, the Royal Beach Club Cozumel project is categorized within the tertiary sector, specifically under "cultural and sports entertainment services, and other recreational services."

This means that the beach club won't include hotels. Rather, it will focus on daily recreational activities, such as swimming, shopping, and dining. 

Royal Caribbean's environmental impact study adds that the beach club will generate a daily flow of visitors without overnight stays, consistent with the definition of economic units classified under sub-sector 713. 

The Royal Beach Club Cozumel is proposed to be located within the municipality of Cozumel, Quintana Roo, Mexico. 

The cruise line is taking an existing spot, the Playa Mia Grand Beach Park, and redeveloping it for its guests. This makes it one of the least invasive options, as it can utilize existing infrastructure and prior authorizations.

The site is located about 6.5 miles from Cozumel’s International Cruise Terminal and is roughly 42 acres. Of that acreage, about 13 acres are designated for the project's development, while 29 acres are designated as open areas. 

According to the environmental study, the landscaped green areas and surrounding natural areas will be preserved, restored, and left undisturbed. 

Moreover, Royal Caribbean plans to incorporate local natural materials, such as quarry stone and native woods, into the construction.

They will also finish with regional colors to create an atmosphere that complements Quintana Roo's coastal landscape.

Inside the beach club, guests can expect restaurants offering picturesque ocean views, a market-style food court with Mexican and other classic fast food options, and plenty of bars to stay "hydrated." In particular, the Royal Beach Club Cozumel will feature poolside bars that offer themed drinks throughout the day. 

Additionally, there will be private beach palapas (stilt houses); outdoor lounge areas with sun loungers, hammocks, and lounge chairs; shower and restroom facilities; and sports and beach activities. 

Read more: We got our first look at Royal Caribbean's private beach club in Mexico, and it looks stunning

The Royal Beach Club Cozumel is based on three fundamental pillars

The first, operational and recreational excellence, guarantees efficient services, comfort, and a high-value-added experience for tourists. 

The second pillar, environmental commitment, focuses on minimizing impact, respecting the natural environment, ensuring a responsible use of resources, and a harmonious integration with the ecosystem. 

Finally, the third pillar emphasizes the use of previously affected areas. Rather than build on untouched land, the Royal Beach Club Cozumel will be developed on a site where previously authorized facilities already exist (i.e., the Playa Mia Grand Beach Park). 

The Royal Beach Club Cozumel project is estimated to have a useful life of 26 years and 3 months. 1 year and 3 months constitute the preparation and construction phases, leaving the remaining 25 for the operation and maintenance phases. 

When will the Royal Beach Club Cozumel open?

Royal Caribbean hasn't released an official opening date. However, the brand-new beach club is expected to welcome guests in 2026. 

According to Jay Schneider, Royal Caribbean’s Chief Product Innovation Director, work began around May 2025. 

If the timeline is consistent with the environmental impact proposal, that would indicate an opening in August or September 2026. This is simply speculation and has not been confirmed by Royal Caribbean. 

Similar to Royal Beach Club Paradise Island, the Royal Beach Club Cozumel is a bookable shore excursion. The experience comes with an extra cost, unlike Perfect Day at CocoCay, where guests can enjoy the island's beaches for free. 

Virgin Voyages is offering to recognize your airline, hotel, or cruise loyalty status, so you can enjoy special benefits on an adults-only cruise. 

This means that now is the best time for elite Royal Caribbean and Celebrity members to try the cruise line without losing their hard-earned benefits. 

The all-new Sailing Club Status Match promotion is valid on new bookings made between December 9, 2025, and March 31, 2026, and submissions must be received at least 14 days before your sailing.

Guests who qualify will unlock Blue Extras perks on their first sailing, including one complimentary bag of laundry, one complimentary specialty coffee per day, and an invitation to an exclusive onboard cocktail hour. 

"Loyalty programs have gotten it backward," said Nirmal Saverimuttu, CEO of Virgin Voyages. "They ask for more, give less, and call it a reward. We’re flipping that. From the moment Sailors step aboard, we want them to feel recognized, relaxed, and reminded of why they fell in love with travel in the first place."

How to participate in Virgin's Sailing Club Status Match program

First, you must create a Sailor Account through Virgin Voyages' website. If you already have an account, you'll have to log in to access the Status Match request form. 

Then, you'll choose your eligible airline, hotel, or cruise loyalty program and upload proof of your status by Jan. 16, 2026. Moreover, Sailing Club Status Match submissions must be received at least 14 days before your voyage.

If you aren't at least a Platinum Royal Caribbean or Select Celebrity cruiser, don't worry — there are over 35 travel programs included in the promotion. 

As such, frequent flyers, hotel loyalists, and cruisers across a wide range of brands may qualify for the limited-time deal. 

Here's a rundown of some of the included programs:

• Royal Caribbean's Crown & Anchor Society
• Celebrity Cruises' Captains Club
• Norwegian Cruise Line’s Latitudes Rewards
• Carnival’s VIFP (Very Important Fun Person) Club
• MSC Cruises' Voyagers Club
• Princess Cruises Captain's Circle
• Holland America's Mariner Society
• Disney Cruise Line's Castaway Club
• American Airlines’ AAdvantage
• United MileagePlus Program
• Delta SkyMiles
• Marriott Bonvoy
• Hilton Honors
• World of Hyatt
• IHG One Rewards

After your status application is approved, you will be sent an exclusive Access Key via email. This must be used when making your new Virgin Voyages booking to unlock the Blue Extras benefits. 

To take advantage of this offer, your cruise must be booked by March 31, 2026. All open-for-sale revenue cruises are eligible. 

Note that the loyalty perks are only applied to the primary sailor on the reservation and can only be used once. Finally, the benefits earned through the Sailing Club Status Match offer are not transferable, non-exchangeable, and have no cash value.

Virgin Voyages vs Royal Caribbean: Why loyal Royal Caribbean cruisers should consider a Virgin cruise

Earlier this year, I embarked on my first-ever Virgin Voyages cruise after over a dozen sailings with Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises. 

Although there are areas where Royal and Celebrity shine, I would be open to sailing with Virgin again for a few key reasons. 

First, the dining is more diverse. Rather than being limited to a crowded buffet or a single dining room, Virgin Voyages offers a wide range of globally inspired options. The best part? Everything's included. 

This means that, unlike on Royal Caribbean or Celebrity, guests don't have to pay extra for the specialty Italian restaurant, upscale steakhouse, Mexican eatery, or lively Korean BBQ spot. 

Moreover, the standard buffet was replaced with The Galley, a massive food hall with multiple stalls all specializing in different cuisines. My favorites were Noodle Around and Let’s Taco Bout It. 

Moving on, I appreciated the modern touches throughout the ship. Starting with my interior stateroom, the touch-screen tablet could be used to adjust the cabin's lighting, order room service, and even operate the television. The rainfall shower was a bonus, too. 

Beyond the cabin, the ship was filled with stylish design elements that made it feel like a boutique hotel, rather than a mass-market cruise ship — think sleek lounges, ambient lighting, and cozy nooks for reading. 

Still, the highlight of a Virgin Voyages cruise is the adult-oriented experience. Although Celebrity Cruises caters more to adults than Royal Caribbean, it doesn't come close to the offerings on Virgin, including drag performances, wild late-night parties, and more. 

At the end of the day, a Virgin Voyages cruise will be different than Royal Caribbean. There aren't any Broadway-style productions, waterslides, surf simulators, or zip lines. 

Read more: I took my first Virgin Voyages cruise on its newest ship. Here are my brutally honest thoughts

However, the trade-off is an edgy, gastronomic adults-only cruise where you don't have to worry about kids splashing in the pool or running around the hallways. 

Virgin's new Sailing Club Status Match promotion makes it easier for loyal Royal Caribbean and Celebrity guests to be open to trying this unique take on cruising.  

A viral video shows an outraged passenger attacking another crew member on one of the world's biggest cruise ships, and the shocking footage has sparked major discussions across social media platforms. 

Fighting is one of the easiest ways to get kicked off (and banned) from cruise ships. However, despite the headlines, some guests have not learned that their actions have consequences. 

Recently, a hostile guest assaulted a crew member on Icon of the Seas at the Category 6 Waterpark. The kicker? His actions were caught on camera and shared on Facebook. Since being posted on December 5, the video has been viewed over 1 million times. 

Before throwing the violent punch, the belligerent guest is seen getting in the crew member's face and aggressively yelling. 

(Credit: Pat Brumley Ph D/Facebook)

The crew member, who appears to be a lifeguard based on their uniform, was knocked to the ground by the forceful blow. Another crew member intervened and tackled the passenger to the ground, presumably to prevent further violence. 

After regaining his stance, the unidentified passenger walked away with his middle finger raised toward the crew and stunned passersby. 

He was followed by crew members, though — likely to keep a close eye on them until the ship's security team could arrive and apprehend the guest for questioning. 

"This behavior is absolutely disgusting"

(Credit: Pat Brumley Ph D/Facebook)

Social media users reacted to the 55-second clip online. Some simply stated that the behavior should not be tolerated on board, while others were quick to blame the line's unlimited drink package.

"[The guest] should be forced to pay the employee for pain and suffering - this is abuse, doing this to any random person would result in jail time. For some reason assaults on service workers always get walked off as nothing," commented one person on a thread in the r/Cruise Reddit community. 

Someone else chimed in, "Wow, what a little punk piece of garbage. As soon as he gets off the ship, I hope they have cops waiting to send him to jail."

(Credit: Pat Brumley Ph D/Facebook)

"If I [were] a betting man, I’d be more likely to blame the onboard free-flowing unlimited drink packages," another added on a separate post. 

Although Royal Caribbean has yet to comment on the incident, the cruise giant has strict policies on passenger misconduct

The cruise line's Guest Health, Safety, and Conduct Policy is extremely clear: Inappropriate or abusive behavior is not permitted on board. "Uninvited physical contact" is also against Royal Caribbean's rules. 

These policies aren't suggestions, either. Should a passenger violate these rules, which are all agreed upon in the cruise contract, they face removal from the ship, possible legal action, and a permanent ban from future Royal Caribbean Group sailings. 

Unfortunately, incidents like that aren't uncommon. Multiple livestreamers were recently kicked off Royal Caribbean's Harmony of the Seas. Two members of the "Cx group" — David Ryan and Dave Willis — got into a violent altercation on the pool deck that was recorded in real time. 

According to bystanders, the duo began arguing over another streamer. However, things quickly escalated, and they began throwing punches and eventually tackling one another to the ground. 

As a result of their actions, Ryan and Willis were kicked off Harmony and left in Roatán, Honduras. 

Royal Caribbean just revealed its next batch of Caribbean cruises in 2027 and 2028. 

As part of the cruise line's scheduled deployment release, Royal Caribbean's seasonal Caribbean sailings are now available for booking. 

13 ships based out of Florida, Louisiana, Puerto Rico, Colombia, and Panama are part of this week's release, including Allure of the Seas, Legend of the Seas, Mariner of the Seas, and Enchantment of the Seas. 

Here's a breakdown of what's new and what's on the horizon. 

Legend of the Seas will return to Fort Lauderdale in 2027

After Legend's second seasonal European deployment, the third Icon Class ship will return to Fort Lauderdale for a winter stint, sailing on 6- and 8-night getaways to the Southern and Western Caribbean. 

You can book cruises to places like the cruise line's award-winning Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas; Cozumel, Mexico (the soon-to-be-home for the Royal Beach Club Cozumel), Willemstad, Curaçao; Cabo Rojo, Dominican Republic, and more. 

Highlights of Legend's onboard experience include 28 dining options, all-new entertainment headlined by Roald Dahl’s "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," and more. 

Mariner of the Seas to sail from The Big Easy

Following Mariner's European deployment, she will move to New Orleans, Louisiana, for the 2027-2028 winter and spring seasons. The 6- to 9-night adventures will call at a variety of ports, including Belize City, Roatán, and Cozumel. 

New Orleans is a great pre- or post-cruise destination. From the historic French Quarter to the lively Bourbon Street and famous Creole cuisine, there's no shortage of ways to enjoy your time in NOLA. 

Grandeur of the Seas to sail from Puerto Rico and Latin America

From May to December 2027, Grandeur of the Seas will be based out of San Juan, Puerto Rico. As such, she will offer port-intensive Southern Caribbean cruises to hot spots like Tortola, British Virgin Islands; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; Castries, St. Lucia; and more.

In December, she'll sail from Colón, Panama, and Cartagena, Colombia, to the ABC islands: Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao. These cruises present a unique opportunity to call at some of the Caribbean's most sought-after destinations, while also highlighting vibrant local cultures. 

Allure of the Seas will call two South Florida ports home

The recently amplified Allure of the Seas will sail from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, starting in May 2027 before moving to Miami in November. 

While in Fort Lauderdale, Allure's line-up will consist of 6- and 8-night voyages to the Western and Southern Caribbean. Ports of call include Perfect Day at CocoCay; Willemstad, Curacao; Falmouth, Jamaica; and more.

After she moves to Miami, she'll offer weeklong cruises to the Eastern and Western Caribbean. 

Oasis of the Seas will take Allure's spot in Fort Lauderdale, offering short cruises to The Bahamas

Fort Lauderdale won't be without an Oasis Class ship for long — after Allure moves to Miami, her spot will be taken by Oasis of the Seas. 

Starting in November 2027, Oasis will offer a series of 3- and 4-night cruises to Perfect Day at CocoCay and Nassau, Bahamas. 

Freedom of the Seas will offer a range of different itineraries 

Freedom of the Seas is a fan favorite — and for good reason. The OG Freedom Class ship offers a good mix of value and amenities. In short, she's a great pick for budget-conscious travelers who don't want to sacrifice adrenaline-pumping activities, comfort, and entertainment. 

Starting April 2027, Freedom of the Seas will sail from Miami, Florida, on 4-, 5-, 7-, and 9-night cruises around the Caribbean. 

Destinations vary but include Curaçao, Aruba, Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay, Nassau, and more.

Independence of the Seas will also sail from Miami

Independence will join Freedom of the Seas in Miami, Florida, in November 2027. During the winter and spring, the ship will offer 4- to 8-night cruises to the Eastern and Western Caribbean. 

The getaways will take guests to visit iconic landmarks like Blackbeard’s Castle in Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, admire vibrant sea life in Grand Cayman, and soak in the Caribbean sun at the all-new Royal Beach Club Cozumel. 

Adventure of the Seas will spend the summer and winter in Port Canaveral

Adventure of the Seas will begin offering cruises from Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida, in April 2027. Travelers can look forward to a variety of itineraries, including 4-, 5, and 9-night voyages. 

According to the cruise line, Adventure's itineraries are perfect for beach lovers, as the ship will visit destinations like Perfect Day at CocoCay, Nassau (for the Royal Beach Club Paradise Island), and Cozumel (for the Royal Beach Club Cozumel). 

Another Voyager Class ship will sail from Florida

Explorer of the Seas will join Oasis of the Seas in Fort Lauderdale in November 2027. 

Unlike the Oasis Class ship, however, Explorer won't offer any short cruises. Instead, vacationers can pick from 6- to 8-night adventures to the Eastern and Western Caribbean. 

Ports include Perfect Day at CocoCay; Falmouth, Jamaica; Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; and more. 

Enchantment of the Seas will sail from Tampa

Enchantment might not be the flashiest ship in the fleet, but there's a lot to love about the classic charm of Vision Class ships. 

Starting in April 2027, Enchantment will set sail on a variety of sun-soaked 5- and 7-night Western Caribbean cruises, visiting destinations like Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico.

In November, she'll move to offering shorter 4- and 5-night cruises, also to the Western Caribbean. 

Guests can embark on weeklong cruises aboard Brilliance of the Seas

Starting in November 2027, Brilliance of the Seas will offer 7-night cruises from Tampa, Florida.

The Western Caribbean cruises will call at popular ports including Roatán, Honduras; Cozumel and Costa Maya, Mexico; Belize City, Belize; and more.

Rhapsody of the Seas will be based out of San Juan

Guests can sail to idyllic destinations aboard Rhapsody of the Seas during the ship's winter 2027 deployment. 

The 6- to 8-night getaways will call at various ports, including St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands; St. Johns, Antigua; Castries, St. Lucia; and Basseterre, St. Kitts & Nevis. 

Jewel of the Seas to offer short cruises from Fort Lauderdale in 2027

Finally, from April to November 2027, Jewel of the Seas will offer 3- and 4-night voyages from Port Everglades to Perfect Day at CocoCay and Nassau. 

These cruises are perfect for travelers looking to enjoy a quick Caribbean getaway without committing to a full week at sea. Plus, the Royal Beach Club Paradise Island will be open by then, so guests can enjoy two days ashore at private destinations in The Bahamas. 

More deployments coming soon

Royal Caribbean will continue releasing new sailings soon. The next round of Caribbean deployments is scheduled for the week of February 9, 2026. 

We're still missing the cruise line's October 2027 - April 2027 deployments in Australia, China, and Singapore. However, as of December 9, Royal Caribbean hasn't given an estimated date for when these will be shared. 

For now, here's what's open for booking: 

• NOW OPEN: Alaska (May 2027-Sept. 2027)
• NOW OPEN: Europe (April 2027-Oct. 2027)
• NOW OPEN: 7-night & short Caribbean (March 2027-April 2028)
• NOW OPEN: Northeast, California, & Texas (April 2027-April 2028)
• NOW OPEN: Seasonal Caribbean (April 2027-April 2028)

Royal Caribbean was forced to change over a dozen itineraries on Spectrum of the Seas as tensions between Japan and China continue to rise. 

Guests on at least 14 voyages leaving Shanghai between January and April 2026 were told their cruises would no longer call at Japanese ports.

"We're looking forward to welcoming you onboard Spectrum of the Seas for our February 18, 2026 sailing!" reads an email shared by Cruise the World on Facebook. 

"As part of our ongoing itinerary planning process, we've modified our upcoming sailing. On Day 3, we'll now be visiting Jeju (Seogwipo), South Korea, in place of our previously scheduled stop [of Okinawa]." 

(Credit: Cruise the World/Facebook)

The email continues, stating that the cruise line adjusted the ship's departure time from Shanghai (Baoshan), China, to 4:00 p.m.

Cruise the World shared a second communication received from Royal Caribbean, informing them that the 5-night Feb. 27 departure will no longer call at Okinawa or Ishigaki, Japan. 

Rather, guests will enjoy an overnight visit to Seoul (Incheon), South Korea, arriving at 7:00 a.m. on Day 3 and departing at 5:00 p.m. on Day 4. 

"We're excited to bring you this refreshed experience and appreciate your understanding, as itinerary planning is an ongoing process that requires cruisers to have a certain level of flexibility," the email concludes. 

Other changes to Royal Caribbean's Asia cruises

These aren’t the only voyages impacted by the escalating tensions in Japan and China. 

Alongside the Feb. 18 and 27 cruises, several other Spectrum of the Seas itineraries scheduled from late January into early April have also been adjusted. 

Starting with the Jan. 28 sailing, multiple cruises to Nagasaki have been reworked to visit alternative ports outside of Japan. 

Read more: 5 things I wish I knew before trying a Royal Caribbean cruise in Asia

In all cases, the Japanese cruise destinations were swapped with South Korean ports.

• Jan. 28, 2026: Replaced Nagasaki, Japan, with Busan, South Korea.
• Feb. 1, 2026: Replaced Okinawa and Ishigaki, Japan, with an overnight stay in Seoul (Incheon), South Korea.
• Feb. 6, 2026: Replaced Fukuoka, Japan, with Busan, South Korea.
• Feb. 14, 2026: Replaced Nagasaki, Japan, with Busan, South Korea.
• Feb. 18, 2026: Replaced Okinawa, Japan, with Jeju (Seogwipo), South Korea.
• Feb. 27, 2026: Replaced Okinawa and Ishigaki, Japan, with an overnight stay in Seoul (Incheon), South Korea.
• March 4, 2026: Replaced Nagasaki, Japan, with Jeju (Seogwipo), South Korea.
• March 8, 2026: Replaced Kumamoto and Kagoshima, Japan, with Busan and Jeju (Seogwipo), South Korea.
• March 13, 2026: Replaced Okinawa, Japan, with Jeju (Seogwipo), South Korea.
• March 17, 2026: Replaced Fukuoka, Japan, with Seoul (Incheon), South Korea.
• April 6, 2026: Replaced Okinawa, Japan, with Jeju (Seogwipo), South Korea. 

Escalating Japan-China tensions

Relations between the two Asian countries began rapidly deteriorating in November over Japan's stance on Taiwan's political status. 

Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi made controversial remarks about Taiwan, prompting China's Consul-General to retaliate on X. 

The post, which has since been deleted, claimed "the intruding dirty neck" must be cut off without a moment's hesitation, and was directed at Takaichi. 

Tensions have continued to rise since then. Most recently, Japan lodged a formal protest after Chinese J-15 fighter jets locked radar on Japanese aircraft near the southern island of Okinawa, as reported by the Associated Press. 

Japan's Defense Minister said it was "an extremely regrettable" act and "a dangerous" one that "exceeded the scope necessary for safe aircraft operations."

The radar lock on Saturday is believed to be the first involving Japanese and Chinese military aircraft.

Read more: Royal Caribbean is betting big on this exotic destination. After 4 cruises here, I can see why

Chinese citizens have been advised to avoid travel to Japan

The Japan Times reports that the directive has resulted in mass flight and hotel cancellations across the country. 

According to the Kansai International Airport (KIX), the number of December flights scheduled between Osaka and mainland China, excluding Hong Kong and Macau, has been reduced by 34%. 

Additionally, about 50% to 70% of reservations at 21 hotels made by Chinese nationals through Dec. 31 have been canceled. 

Although Royal Caribbean has neither confirmed nor denied that the recent itinerary changes were prompted by the ongoing geopolitical situation, the timing closely aligns with the rapid decline in Japan–China relations and other travel disruptions across the region. 

A high-profile incident last year aboard a Royal Caribbean cruise ship involving a cruise ship passenger who was detained and later died has resulted in a new lawsuit from the family.

The guest, who was identified as Michael Virgil, 35, was detained after assaulting crew members and threatening other cruisers in a drunken rage. 

Virgil's fiancée, Connie Aguilar, is suing the cruise line for their part in his untimely death. According to court documents obtained by TMZ, crew members served Virgil "at least 33 alcoholic beverages" before his behavior escalated. 

Aguilar claims that they boarded the ship with their 7-year-old son and were directed to wait at one of the bars since their stateroom wasn't ready. 

Their son, who has autism, grew impatient, so Aguilar left to take him on a walk and check on their stateroom, leaving Virgil alone at the bar. The court documents add that he was served dozens of drinks before he ventured off to find their cabin. 

The incident happened aboard Navigator of the Seas in December 2024 on a cruise out of Los Angeles (San Pedro), California, to Ensenada, Mexico.

A bystander, Christifer Mikhail, recounted that he encountered the now-deceased passenger less than an hour after sailing away during what was supposed to be a quick stop to his cabin to grab his phone charger and a sweater. 

Virgil was making a scene, trying to kick down one of the stateroom doors, punching crew members, and spewing profanity and racial comments.

"I was waiting for them to say cut and come out of the rooms," he said, "I was kinda scared [because] I was like, 'Dude, I'm stuck in this hallway [and] everyone else is kind of behind something.'"

The ship's security team then intervened and assisted in restraining Virgil, who fell victim to "the excessive force and fatal actions taken by crew members including security and medical personnel."

After being detained using towels, zip ties, and handcuffs, he was injected with Haloperidol, a sedative that can have severe side effects when combined with heavy alcohol consumption, in an attempt to calm him down. Unfortunately, he passed away within the hour. 

Moreover, the court filings assert that the crew caused "significant hypoxia and impaired ventilation, respiratory failure, cardiovascular instability and ultimately cardiopulmonary arrest, leading to his death..."

The news aligns with what Virgil's family initially claimed last year, stating that his death was wrongfully caused by the cruise line. 

Aguilar's lawsuit seeks damages for the loss of support, inheritance, past and future earnings, funeral and medical expenses, mental pain and suffering, and more.

His death is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

The FBI is typically called to investigate deaths involving U.S. citizens on the high seas. However, cruise criminal jurisdiction is complicated since ships are registered in foreign countries, with most crimes occurring in international waters. 

The location of the vessel, the nationality of the suspect or victim, the ownership of the vessel, the points of embarkation and debarkation, and the country where the vessel is registered all determine the FBI’s role and ability to investigate.

As part of the cruise line's security guidelines, Royal Caribbean reports all allegations of crime to the FBI and United States Coast Guard (USCG).

Another family blamed Royal Caribbean for the death of their loved one, claiming that crew members served her too many drinks

In October 2024, a cruise ship passenger was reported overboard during Allure of the Seas' Taylor Swift-themed cruise. At the time, the vessel was roughly 17 miles north of Nassau. 

The guest was later identified as Dulcie White, 66, with authorities confirming that she didn't fall off the ship: she jumped. 

Despite extensive search efforts, White's body was never recovered. 

According to her daughter, Megan Klewin, White had Royal's unlimited drink package, and the family alleges that crew members overserved her. The lawsuit filed in Miami-Dade County states that she was served seven drinks in just over six hours.

"Because of that [drink package, my mom] did overdo it, trying to maybe get her money's worth," Klewin told CBS News. 

"She was completely intoxicated in a way I haven't seen before. It saddens me that that is my last memory of her."

The lawsuit continues, claiming that crew members ignored obvious signs of intoxication, including slurred speech, stammering, and difficulty standing up. Additionally, another passenger noticed White's dangerous behavior and assisted her safely to her stateroom. 

Klewin saw her mother go onto the balcony on Deck 14, then looked away for a moment. The next time she saw her mother, White was "[sitting] on the edge of the balcony like she had climbed up" and fell into the ocean before Klewin could react. 

Royal Caribbean just filed a series of bizarre trademarks, and one appears to be for a new restaurant. 

According to the United States Patent and Trademark Office, the cruise line submitted a new trademark for a Korean restaurant.

Although trademark applications are vague, they give a general indication of what the word or phrase is intended for. 

For example, the registration could indicate a new dining concept, modifications to the customer loyalty program, or general cruise ship services. 

In this case, SEOULMATE™ is a "trademark registration [that's] intended to cover the categories of restaurant services; Korean restaurant services."

Another possibility is the trademark is intended for one of Royal Caribbean International's sister brands, such as Celebrity Cruises or Silversea.

To be very clear, Royal Caribbean International has not made a formal announcement about this. Rather, this article is simply speculating on future additions to the fleet based on the trademark filing. 

Other interesting trademark filings

In addition to SEOULMATE™, Royal Caribbean filed a trademark for FRESH PRESS™. The registration is intended to cover the categories of restaurant services, specifically restaurant services featuring smoothies and juices. 

This concept appears to align with the line's existing Vitality Café, which suggests that Royal Caribbean could rebrand (or add to) its healthy dining options. 

It also seems that Royal Caribbean is thinking about creating more interactive experiences, like what they did with Admiral Awesome in Icon of the Seas' Surfside neighborhood. 

The CAPTAIN COOL™ trademark filing "is intended to cover the categories of arranging, organizing, conducting, and hosting social entertainment events; Hosting and conducting social entertainment events, namely, family game shows, for others; Entertainment services in the nature of hosting social entertainment events; Hosting social entertainment events, namely, family friendly events or games; Conducting live entertainment in the nature of games featuring a balance beam, ball toss, 3-legged race, treasure hunt, and immersive story time."

Another trademark points to what the family-friendly events or games could be called: COOLYMPICS™. 

According to the United States Patent and Trademark Office, the filing is "intended to cover the categories of arranging, organizing, conducting, and hosting social entertainment events; Hosting and conducting social entertainment events, namely, family game shows, for others; Entertainment services in the nature of hosting social entertainment events; Hosting social entertainment events, namely, family friendly events or games; Conducting live entertainment in the nature of games featuring a balance beam, ball toss, 3-legged race, treasure hunt, and immersive story time."

As with SEOULMATE™, Royal Caribbean has not made any announcements about the new filings and what they could mean for its ships. 

It's not uncommon for the cruise line to file trademarks in batches, just in case they want to use the names later down the road. 

In many cases, they may file multiple trademarks and end up only using one. 

For example, last year, Royal Caribbean filed two trademarks for concepts relating to the "rental of beach chairs, towels, umbrellas, and cabanas for recreational use":

• Ultimate Family Cabana
• Ultimate Celebration Cabana

As of Dec. 2025, only the Ultimate Family Cabana has been fully conceptualized. The cruise line's largest cabana will be exclusively available at the Royal Beach Club Paradise Island. 

However, that doesn't mean that they won't eventually use the name "Ultimate Celebration Cabana" somewhere else — perhaps at Perfect Day Mexico or the Royal Beach Club Cozumel? It's too soon to tell!

Picking the best cruise isn't as easy as sorting the price from "low to high." With that mindset, you'll likely end up disappointed, with cruising leaving a sour taste in your mouth. 

I've been cruising since I was 5 years old, and over 20 years (and 30 cruises) later, I've mastered how to choose the best cruise line and ship.

I'm a firm believer that there's the perfect ship, destination, and line for everyone — even those adamant that cruising isn't right for them. 

However, finding that right fit isn't as simple as selecting the newest, flashiest ship. Instead, you need to evaluate your priorities and budget. 

For example, the best cruise line for families will be different than the one ideal for couples seeking an adult-oriented getaway. 

Think of this as your ultimate guide to navigating all the options so you can pick a cruise that you will love. 

How to book a cruise for the first time?

First things first, one of the easiest ways to lessen the burden of spending countless hours on Google, YouTube, and Royal Caribbean Blog is to work with a travel agent. 

Not only can they help narrow down your search based on your preferences, but they can also help save you money with exclusive group rates. Plus, you never know when you'll be gifted perks like complimentary gratuities, a bottle of champagne, or a free dinner in one of the ship's specialty restaurants. 

For years, I thought that working with a travel agent meant giving up control over my vacations. However, after booking over 15 sailings with MEI Travel, I realized that having a trusted agent means gaining insider knowledge and access to special deals. 

Travel agents will also contact the cruise line on your behalf if you have any issues before or during your cruise. For example, if you need to change your sail date, they’ll handle the request so you only cover the standard change fee.

How to pick a cruise?

Regardless of whether you use a travel agent, 6 key factors will help you choose a cruise for the first (or 20th) time. 

First, you'll need to establish a budget. While the cruise fare will likely consume most of it, don't forget to account for extras like transportation, drink packages, shore excursions, Wi-Fi, and specialty meals. 

For example, if you find a too-good-to-be-true fare for a sailing out of Port Canaveral, consider how much you'll have to shell out in airfare. If flights from your small-town airport start at $400 per person to Orlando, that "deal" may be more costly than you think. 

Next, determine your destination. Are you dreaming of sailing through Alaska's picturesque Inside Passage, or do you want to spend your days lounging on beaches in the Caribbean with a cocktail in hand? 

Most mainstream cruise lines sail globally, though some regions may be seasonal, such as Europe and Alaska. 

In the end, your destination will shape the cruise line, ship, excursions, and overall vibe of your vacation, so it's a crucial step in narrowing down options. 

As an example, I prefer sailing with Celebrity Cruises in Europe due to the laid-back, adult-focused experience. However, if I'm eyeing a vacation to The Bahamas or Caribbean, Royal Caribbean is my go-to for its entertainment, variety of dining options, and endless onboard activities. 

Moving on, consider how much time you want to be at sea. Some first-time cruisers start out with short sailings, while others might opt for longer voyages that explore multiple destinations. 

Your work schedule, available vacation days, and kids' school calendar will play a role in the length of your cruise, too. A 7-day Caribbean cruise may be feasible, while a 14-night transatlantic cruise would be more challenging to make work. 

Keep in mind that the longer the cruise is, the more you will pay in daily add-ons, such as drink and internet packages. Whereas you may pay around $195 for an unlimited drink package on a 3-day Royal Caribbean cruise, that same package could cost $450 per person or more on a 7-night sailing.

After that, you can begin to think about which cruise line will meet your needs. Generally speaking, nine mainstream cruise lines offer sailings in the major markets, including the Bahamas, Caribbean, Alaska, and Europe:

• Royal Caribbean International
• Celebrity Cruises
• Carnival Cruise Line
• Princess Cruises
• Holland America Line
• Norwegian Cruise Line
• MSC Cruises
• Disney Cruise Line
• Virgin Voyages

Each cruise line has its own personality, target audience, and onboard experience. For example, Disney Cruise Line is ideal for families with young children who love the magic of Disney. Highlights of the experience include character meet-and-greets, Broadway-caliber shows, themed dining, and immersive kids' clubs. 

That said, one of the cons of a Disney Cruise is that they're more expensive than competitors, including Royal Caribbean, Carnival, MSC, and Norwegian — all of which also offer tons of family-friendly fun. 

Comparatively, Celebrity Cruises is geared more towards adults, with craft cocktail bars, fine dining experiences, port-intensive itineraries, and upscale spas. While families are welcome, the atmosphere is more refined. 

Enter Royal Caribbean, Celebrity's sister brand. Royal Caribbean is known for building the world's largest cruise ships, including Icon and Star of the Seas. However, they've technically held the title since Freedom of the Seas debuted in 2006. 

That means that, for decades, they've been at the forefront of cruise ship innovation, and their ships are packed with amenities for every type of traveler. 

That said, their older ships lack the same jaw-dropping features as the line's newest vessels, which is why it's important to thoroughly research the cruise ship you're considering before booking. 

Read more: I left Royal Caribbean for Celebrity after 20 cruises. Here's why I'm going back to Royal Caribbean next time

Icon of the Seas, for instance, is vastly different than Vision of the Seas. The former has a record-breaking waterpark, surf simulator, ice skating rink, mini-golf course, countless dining options, and cutting-edge entertainment (think high diving aqua shows and a Broadway-style production of "The Wizard of Oz"). 

In contrast, Vision of the Seas offers a more traditional cruising experience with smaller public spaces and fewer adrenaline-pumping attractions. 

If you don't want to sail on the newest or oldest ships in the fleet, check out Royal Caribbean's Voyager and Freedom Classes. These vessels continue to be popular amongst cruise enthusiasts because they strike a balance between modern amenities and value. 

Onboard, you'll find everything from rock climbing walls to ice skating rinks, surf simulators, spacious public areas, multiple pools, an elegant dining room, a specialty steakhouse, and more. 

Similarly, newer Carnival cruise ships will feel vastly different than older ones. I've sailed on Carnival Celebration and Carnival Elation, and prefer the sleek cabins, dining variety, and entertainment on Excel Class ships. 

Another important consideration is what cruise cabin you want. Most ships have four standard categories of staterooms: inside, ocean-view, balcony, and suite. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean cruise ship cabin and suite guide

Interior cabins are usually the cheapest. However, they're also the smallest and lack natural light. Ocean-view rooms have an exterior-facing window, but it doesn't open. If you want access to fresh air directly from your cabin, you'll want to book a balcony. 

There are more balcony rooms on newer ships compared to older ones. Also, some of Royal Caribbean's vessels have inward-facing balconies, so make sure you're careful when selecting a cabin on Oasis and Icon Class ships. 

Moreover, Icon Class ships have infinite verandahs, which are somewhat controversial. Unlike traditional balconies, infinite verandahs don't have a private outdoor area. Instead, the entire stateroom turns into a balcony with the press of a button, which lowers the top half of the floor-to-ceiling window. 

If you're looking for the most spacious accommodations on the ship, suites are the way to go. The perks vary based on the cruise line and ship. For example, Royal Caribbean's suite program is more robust than Carnival's. 

However, the benefits aren't consistent fleetwide. Royal Caribbean's newer ships (i.e., Oasis, Quantum, and Icon Class vessels) feature the Royal Suite Class, which categorizes cabins into three tiers — each with its own set of perks. 

The suite program on older ships (i.e., Vision, Voyager, Radiance, and Freedom Classes) is more limited and offers fewer exclusive amenities. While you’ll still enjoy extra space and some perks compared to standard cabins, the experience isn’t as luxurious as what’s offered in the Royal Suite Class. 

Read more: I stayed in 3 mega cruise ship suites this year. 6 surprises made it better than I expected

Cruisers staying in top-tier suites within the Royal Suite Class enjoy benefits like an unlimited drink package and Wi-Fi, access to the suite-only dining room, a Royal Genie (essentially a butler), and more. 

Other cruise lines also have lavish "ship-within-a-ship" experiences with private areas, exclusive restaurants, and outstanding service. 

For example, I stayed in MSC's Yacht Club and was blown away by my spacious suite, the upscale Topsail Lounge, private pool deck, and more. Plus, it was not as pricey as Royal Caribbean's Royal Suite Class. 

To recap, the key factors to consider when picking a cruise are:

• Budget
• Destination
• Length
• Cruise line
• Cruise ship
• Cruise cabin

The perfect cruise for you won't be the same as your coworker, best friend, aunt, uncle, cousin, or neighbor

With over 100 mainstream cruise ships sailing globally, there's a cruise to match every travel style, budget, and bucket list destination. 

Some travelers thrive on mega-ships packed with the industry's latest technology and amenities, while others prefer cruising on smaller vessels to off-the-beaten-path destinations. 

At the end of the day, picking the right cruise isn't just about the itinerary. After all, the ship serves as your floating hotel, so you want to make sure that the onboard experience is just as memorable as your shore excursions. 

It's been months since Royal Caribbean ships have visited Falmouth, Jamaica. However, the port reopened and is welcoming cruise passengers once again. 

Hurricane Melissa made landfall near New Hope, Jamaica, on Tuesday, Oct. 28, as the strongest landfall the country had ever recorded, causing catastrophic damage across the Caribbean nation. 

Not only that, but Melissa is one of the most intense landfalling Atlantic hurricanes on record (in terms of lowest barometric pressure), tied with the "Labor Day" storm of 1935.

The Category 5 storm was responsible for 32 deaths and up to $4 billion in insured losses in Jamaica alone, NBC News reported. 

(Credit: Port Authority of Jamaica/Facebook)

As such, Royal Caribbean and other major cruise lines had been diverting ships away from the country while it focused on critical relief efforts. 

However, according to the Port Authority of Jamaica, Falmouth is officially open to cruise traffic. Princess Cruises' Caribbean Princess was the first vessel to call at Falmouth on Dec. 2, 2025. The 3,140-passenger ship is currently on a 12-night Caribbean cruise from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. 

"This restart supports renewed activity across the Falmouth community, stimulating business opportunities for local merchants, transport operators, and service providers," Jamaica's Port Authority shared on Facebook. 

(Credit: Port Authority of Jamaica/Facebook)

"The Port Authority of Jamaica remains committed to strengthening the communities in which we operate and contributing meaningfully to local livelihoods as we return to normalcy and advance ongoing rebuilding efforts."

Multiple Royal Caribbean ships, including Adventure of the Seas, Oasis of the Seas, and Independence of the Seas, are set to call at Falmouth in the coming weeks. 

Other cruise lines, such as Disney, Norwegian, MSC, and Holland America Line, are also scheduled to visit Falmouth during the busy holiday season. 

Jamaica aims to resume full tourism operations by Dec. 15

Falmouth was the last cruise port in Jamaica to reopen to cruise passengers. 

Ocho Rios welcomed ships in mid-November, with guests aboard Holland America Line’s Zuiderdam visiting the island on Nov. 11. The following day, thousands of passengers on the Carnival Sunrise also got to call at Ocho Rios. 

Likewise, Montego Bay welcomed nearly 2,900 passengers from the Mein Schiff 1 cruise ship on Nov. 24. 

However, Falmouth's infrastructure repairs took longer to complete. As such, the port remained closed into December. 

After Melissa's landfall, Edmund Bartlett, Jamaica's Minister of Tourism. said the country was aiming to resume full tourism operations by Dec. 15.

"Tourism’s strength lies not just in its product offerings, but in its people and partnerships. The speed and synergy of our response show the industry’s resilience and our unwavering commitment to recovery with empathy, compassion, and innovation," Bartlett explained. 

While tourism operations were halted, many cruise lines pledged millions to aid the ongoing relief efforts. Cruise ships also delivered essential supplies, such as water, bedding, clothing, mattresses, and more. 

An unexpected pregnancy nearly cost one couple their New Year's cruise — until Royal Caribbean's CEO came to the rescue. 

The soon-to-be father shared the story on the r/royalcaribbean Reddit thread. In a post titled "Unexpected pregnancy is keeping us from a cruise (already purchased) over New [Year's]," JTH2014 explained that he feared he and his wife would lose out on their $1,500 vacation. 

"My wife and I had booked a cruise at the end of next month. We just found out a couple [of] weeks ago that she was already 18 weeks pregnant with our first child (she swears she didn't feel any different), meaning she will be past 23 weeks by our sail date, meaning they won't let us onboard," he wrote. 

Continuing, the expectant father said he called Cruises.com (presumably the third-party they had booked through) to figure out what options were available to them since they did not have travel insurance. 

Initially, while they were told they couldn't get a refund, they could reschedule their cruise to a later sail date due to the medical issue. However, their relief didn't last long. 

"I called [Cruises.com] again yesterday with the new cruise I had picked out six months after my wife's due date. Royal Caribbean is apparently now refusing [to] reschedule," he said.

"I contacted the cruise line myself, asking for more information. They basically said that allowing customers to reschedule for medical reasons is not an official policy, that they allow or disallow it 'at their discretion.'"

Fellow cruisers chimed in with advice in the thread. Some comments weren't helpful, advising the expectant couple to lie about how far along the mother was and enjoy their cruise anyway. 

"Just lie about how far along she is. I did on one of my cruises, not a big deal. All you do is click not over 23 weeks on the health questions," suggested one individual. 

Others mentioned the importance of travel insurance, though that wasn't helpful to the couple's current situation. 

Experienced cruisers encouraged them to keep pushing for a medical accommodation. Someone even suggested contacting Royal Caribbean's President and CEO, Michael Bayley, to see if the company's advanced resolutions team could assist. 

Read more: The 5 important Royal Caribbean email addresses you should know about

"This Sub-Reddit saved my Honeymoon"

In a follow-up post, JTH2014 happily shared that, thanks to the advice on their previous thread, the issue was resolved. 

"I thought for sure I was out that $1500, but someone suggested I send my story directly to the CEO's public email ([email protected]). Someone from his office called me today and said I am being granted a one-year credit for that balance," he explained. 

To him, that was better than the original offer. With more flexibility, he can pick any sail date, depending on how things are going with their baby. 

Babies have to be at least 6 months old to cruise from the U.S.

As generous as the offer was, commenters reminded JTH2014 that Royal Caribbean has strict guidelines for traveling with younger children. 

"[D]o be aware that [your] baby must be at least six months old to cruise domestically, and 12 months old for any sailing with more than two consecutive sea days," wrote crazydisneycatlady, a Platinum sailor within Royal Caribbean's Crown & Anchor Society. 

With those rules in mind, the year-long credit may not give them as much flexibility as they hoped. Still, there is time to plan their first vacation together as a family of three during the last quarter of 2026 without losing the money that's already been paid. 

Experienced parents in the thread shared how much they enjoyed sailing with their infants, giving them a lot to look forward to.

Haterofstarbucks remarked, "I took a [6-month-old] on a cruise. My spouse and I had a blast on the ship with the [6-month-old]. Our son’s personality really came out on the ship. He was highly alert but not in the crawling phase. We just put him in the stroller and went exploring."

Read more: 8 Things I wish I knew about taking a baby on a cruise ship

Always buy travel insurance

JTH2014's situation highlights one possible medical scenario where travel insurance could make a huge difference. Unexpected events, from unplanned pregnancies to sudden illnesses, can derail well-planned vacations — even once you are onboard. 

Without insurance, you're stuck paying for any medical care received on the ship out of pocket, as cruise ships do not typically accept standard health insurance policies. 

For example, one first-time cruiser was stuck paying $4,000 for treatment after she began throwing up blood and losing consciousness while sailing on a Royal Caribbean ship. 

Khiali Baxter was then transported to a hospital in Costa Maya, Mexico, where she racked up over $9,000 in additional medical expenses for several different procedures to help stabilize her.

Aside from helping cover costly medical emergencies, travel insurance can also help protect against trip disruptions, lost luggage, and more.