If you're flying to your cruise from Florida, prepare for possible delays or cancellations.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is prepared to cut thousands of flights across the United States due to the ongoing government shutdown. Out of the 40 impacted airports, at least four are major hubs for cruise passengers. 

The restrictions will go into effect on Friday morning and are a proactive measure based on flight data and growing staffing pressures, as over 11,000 air traffic controllers and countless TSA agents continue to work without pay. 

The flight reductions could create a ripple effect for cruisers, especially flying into airports like Miami (MIA), Fort Lauderdale (FLL), Orlando (MCO), and Tampa (TPA), potentially disrupting travel plans and causing guests to miss their ship's departure. 

Airlines have already begun issuing warnings, urging passengers to check their flight status, arrive early, and prepare for delays or cancellations.

"Due to the ongoing government shutdown and air traffic control staffing shortages, the FAA directed airlines to reduce flight schedules starting Friday, Nov. 7," reads a travel alert on American Airlines' website. 

"If your flight is impacted, we will let you know. We're committed to keeping our customers informed and have issued a travel waiver so you can change your trip online or in the American app."

Other major U.S. carriers, including Delta Air Lines, United, and Southwest, have issued similar warnings.

Many have said that hub-to-hub routes won't be as heavily impacted. However, regional flights may see more dramatic service cuts. 

Other major airports on the FAA's list include Houston Hobby (HOU) and George Bush Houston Intercontinental (IAH), serving Galveston; New York LaGuardia (LGA), Newark Liberty International (EWR), and New York John F Kennedy International (JFK), serving Cape Liberty (Bayonne) and New York; and Los Angeles International (LAX), serving Long Beach. 

More important than ever to arrive early and create a backup plan

Cruise veterans and travel experts advise against flying into your embarkation city the morning of departure. Even on a good day, there's always the risk of a last-minute delay or cancellation. 

However, with the FAA planning to reduce flight capacity by 10% at 40 major airports, it's more important than ever to build extra buffer time into your travel plans.

One cruiser on Reddit shared that they moved their flights from Friday to Thursday for a Saturday departure. 

"We also booked a flight for earlier in the day...that will [hopefully] be less likely to get messed up. We also were able to add Thursday night to our hotel reservation," they added.

Others have suggested that, if all else fails, driving could be a reliable, albeit inconvenient, backup plan.

"We went on freedom of the seas two weeks ago and I told everybody worst case scenario if these flights get canceled we’re getting a rental car and its that simple," wrote one person on Reddit. 

Another added, "It’s inconvenient, but finding a Buccees along the way will make it an adventure."

What about travel insurance?

A good travel insurance policy will reimburse consumers for certain expenses incurred from trip disruptions, including flight cancellations, delays, and lost luggage. 

However, as with any policy, there's a lot written into the fine print that ultimately determines what is and what isn't covered. 

For instance, a travel insurance policyholder generally cannot file for a reimbursement if they choose to back out of their travel plans to avoid potential hiccups — unless they have a cancel-for-any-reason add-on. 

Even then, there are more caveats, and travelers must see whether they can get their money back for the airline flights and the cruise, should they choose to cancel because of the new FAA restrictions. 

Guests sailing aboard Royal Caribbean ships have received emails with an update to the ship's itinerary stating that they're no longer visiting Jamaica.

Hurricane Melissa wreaked havoc over Jamaica last week, and Royal Caribbean ships are now skipping visits to the island.

Rather than calling at Falmouth, Jamaica, the Oasis Class vessel will visit Cabo Rojo, Dominican Republic, on November 26. 

"As part of our ongoing itinerary planning process, we’ve modified our upcoming sailing. On Day 4, we’ll now be visiting Cabo Rojo, Dominican Republic, in place of the previously scheduled stop," reads the email sent to booked passengers. 

"We’re excited to bring you this refreshed experience and appreciate your understanding, as itinerary planning is an ongoing process that requires cruises to have a certain level of flexibility, modifications can occur at any time."

The new itinerary is as follows:

• Sunday, November 23, 2025: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
• Monday, November 24, 2025: Nassau, Bahamas
• Tuesday, November 25, 2025: Cruising
• Wednesday, November 26, 2025: Cabo Rojo, Dominican Republic (Originally Falmouth, Jamaica)
• Thursday, November 27, 2025: Cruising
• Friday, November 28, 2025: Cruising
• Saturday, November 29, 2025: Fort Lauderdale, Florida 

The email continues, adding that any pre-paid Royal Caribbean shore excursions will automatically be refunded to the original form of payment, and all guests will receive a refund of the port tax surplus. 

Royal Caribbean noted that itinerary changes can happen for a variety of reasons, including weather, scheduling conflicts, or berthing agreements.

However, the timing strongly suggests that Hurricane Melissa's impact on Jamaica was the reason that Oasis of the Seas' visit to Falmouth was swapped with the Dominican Republic. 

Oasis of the Seas' November 9 cruise will also skip its scheduled visit to Jamaica. According to a post shared in the sailing's Facebook group, Oasis will call at Cabo Rojo, Dominican Republic, on November 12 instead. 

Moreover, Rhapsody of the Seas did not visit Falmouth on November 5. Instead, the Vision Class ship called at Grand Cayman one day earlier than expected. 

Jamaica aims for full tourism operations by December 15

Hurricane Melissa struck near New Hope, Jamaica, on October 28, leaving widespread destruction and becoming the strongest landfall the country had ever recorded. 

Although the country remains closed to tourists, Jamaica's tourism leaders are optimistic about the country's swift recovery. They plan on resuming full tourism operations by December 15, 2025. 

"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," said Edmund Bartlett, Jamaica's Minister of Tourism. 

To support that ambitious goal, the Ministry of Tourism activated a high-level recovery task force and a companion Tourism Resilience Coordination Committee to facilitate action between public and private organizations. 

Preparing cruise ports for ships and passengers is a key part of the initiative to help bring the country's tourism industry back to life. 

The recovery task force will fast-track assessments and service readiness across resorts, airports, ports, beaches, and more to ensure that visitors feel confident to travel to Jamaica by December 15. 

Royal Caribbean is helping Jamaica's relief efforts

(Credit: Michael Bayley/Facebook)

Days after Hurricane Melissa made catastrophic landfall in Jamaica, Royal Caribbean Group pledged to contribute more than $1 million in aid to Jamaica and The Bahamas.

On Tuesday, November 4, Michael Bayley, CEO of Royal Caribbean International, shared that the Rhapsody of the Seas was en route to deliver emergency relief supplies in Falmouth, Jamaica.

"This morning the Rhapsody of the Seas will call into Falmouth, Jamaica on a relief call for a couple of hours to [offload] over 120 pallets of supplies of water, bedding, medical supplies, food items," he said.

(Credit: Michael Bayley/Facebook)

"The pallets will be offloaded and then items packaged as relief packages for immediate distribution with the help of GEM [Global Empowerment Mission] our relief partner. A huge thank you to the Falmouth Port Authority and community for opening the port."

Rhapsody of the Seas wasn't the only cruise ship in Jamaica for humanitarian efforts on the 4th. Carnival Horizon docked in Ocho Rios for a quick stop to make a brief supply stop. 

Read more: After Hurricane Melissa, Royal Caribbean begins delivering relief supplies

Royal Caribbean is helping Jamaica's relief efforts after Hurricane Melissa caused catastrophic damage across the country. 

Hurricane Melissa made landfall near New Hope, Jamaica, on Tuesday, October 28, as the strongest landfall the country has ever recorded. 

According to NBC News, the Category 5 storm is responsible for 32 deaths and up to $4 billion in insured losses in Jamaica alone. 

At Hurricane Melissa's peak, 77% of homes and businesses in Jamaica were without power. More than 80 roads were closed, too. However, as of Monday, over 27% of customers had their power restored. 

(Credit: Michael Bayley/Facebook)

In the days following the storm's direct impact, Royal Caribbean Group pledged to contribute more than $1 million in aid to Jamaica and The Bahamas.

Michael Bayley, CEO of Royal Caribbean International, took to social media to share that the first cruise ship had arrived with emergency relief supplies in Falmouth, Jamaica. 

"This morning the Rhapsody of the Seas will call into Falmouth, Jamaica on a relief call for a couple of hours to off load over 120 pallets of supplies of water, bedding, medical supplies, food items," he wrote on Facebook. 

(Credit: Michael Bayley/Facebook)

"The pallets will be offloaded and then items packaged as relief packages for immediate distribution with the help of GEM [Global Empowerment Mission] our relief partner.  A huge thank you to the Falmouth Port Authority and community for opening the port."

The images shared by Bayley depict supplies, including memory foam mattresses, bottled water, and t-shirts, being loaded onto the Vision Class ship. 

Rhapsody of the Seas departed San Juan, Puerto Rico, on Nov. 2 on a 6-day cruise to the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and Grand Cayman. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean promises over $1 million in aid will be sent to hurricane-ravaged Jamaica & Bahamas

(Screenshot taken from Cruise Mapper at 9:25 a.m. EST on Nov. 4)

According to Cruise Mapper, the ship revised its itinerary to call at Falmouth one day earlier to drop off supplies for the locals. However, the port is still closed to tourists. 

Rhapsody of the Seas is expected to conclude its current voyage on Nov. 8 in Tampa, Florida. 

Jamaica remains closed to tourists

(Pictured: Falmouth, Jamaica, after Hurricane Melissa. Credit: Michael Wattkis)

After Hurricane Melissa passed, residents and tourists emerged to find their communities and resorts in shambles. Entire neighborhoods were swept away by the powerful winds and flooding. Power and communication lines were torn down, too. 

That said, Jamaica's tourism leaders are optimistic about the country's recovery, and they're eyeing a full restoration of the tourism industry by Dec. 15, 2025. 

"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," said Edmund Bartlett, Jamaica's Minister of Tourism. 

Other cruise lines are also sending supplies to Jamaica

Carnival Horizon's current 6-night cruise was scheduled to visit Ocho Rios, Jamaica, on Nov. 4, and Carnival Cruise Line used the opportunity to assist those in need.

A letter from Captain Rocco Lubrano was delivered to passengers on Nov. 2, saying that Carnival had been in close contact with local officials about the planned visit. 

As expected, the local infrastructure and shore excursion partners weren't ready to provide a day of fun to the cruise guests. 

(Screenshot taken from Cruise Mapper at 9:45 a.m. EST on Nov. 4)

However, the 133,500 gross registered ton ship still called in Ocho Rios to make a brief supply stop. Passengers were not allowed to disembark, but they were given refunds for their shore excursions, as well as the port fees and taxes. 

Have you ever wanted to see what's under the surface of Royal Caribbean's AquaTheater pool? 

Well, you aren't alone. I've often joked that if it were offered, I'd pay extra for an under-the-water tour of the technologically advanced pool that makes one of the most popular shows at sea possible. 

While that isn't an option, one performer recently gave a rare glimpse below the surface. Although she doesn’t go into too much detail about the interworking's of the pool, she reveals what guests don't see during the AquaTheater shows, including the submerged doors where performances make their dramatic entrances. 

In the 22-second TikTok, user @ocean.performer briefly explained how the pool works, saying that "it's made of three parts: stage right, center lift, and stage left."

Each section can move independently, allowing the pool’s depth to change throughout the show to let divers safely perform their stunts. 

She concludes the video by showing the depth of the AquaTheater pool at its current level, coming in at 3.7 meters — or roughly 12 feet — deep. However, it can actually be adjusted as deep as nearly 18 feet. 

Since being posted, the short video has received over 18,000 views and 520 likes, indicating that there's a lot of curiosity about Royal Caribbean's most exclusive pools. 

Other clips on the TikToker's page reveal that she's a performer working aboard Wonder of the Seas, an Oasis Class ship that sails out of Miami, Florida. 

The AquaTheater pools are the deepest at sea and have two 30-foot diving platforms

Another performer, Ginni van Katwijk, shared a behind-the-scenes look at one of the high dives that takes place during AquaTheater shows. 

When Katwijk posted the Instagram video, she was working aboard Harmony of the Seas, the third Oasis Class ship to enter service for Royal Caribbean. 

"Just like normal," she says as she prepares to dive off the platform, "easy peasy." She then raises her arms, takes a deep breath, and gracefully jumps off the diving board into the AquaTheater pool. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean crew member shows off daring high dive on cruise ship: "Should be illegal"

Users were amazed by her bravery.

Calstatic_king wrote, "You give me anxiety but I can’t stop watching 😂😂😂."

Another added, "Watching you put your hands up and seeing them slightly shake before you centered yourself reminded me that you are a human, but totally a professional! You are incredible at what you do!!!"

What ships have an AquaTheater?

Since launching in 2009 aboard Oasis of the Seas, the AquaTheater has become a signature feature of Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Class ships. Never before had anyone seen daring high dives and choreographed water stunts in the middle of the ocean. 

Today, AquaTheaters can be found on eight ships in Royal Caribbean's fleet, including the two Icon Class vessels:

• Oasis of the Seas
• Allure of the Seas
• Harmony of the Seas
• Symphony of the Seas
• Wonder of the Seas
• Utopia of the Seas
• Icon of the Seas
• Star of the Seas

That said, the AquaTheater on Icon and Star of the Seas is different. Instead of being located at the back of the ship, they're found in the enclosed AquaDome. 

Because the theater is inside, it features climate control settings, advanced lighting, and AI-based technologies to deliver the most immersive and dynamic iterations of the show yet. 

Pro tip: make your reservation for the first or second show! Performances can sometimes be canceled due to weather, so booking early gives you a better chance of seeing the AquaTheater show. If your performance is canceled, you will have time to make it to another before disembarkation. They may even reschedule it for you! 

One man put himself in danger by climbing out his cruise ship window and sitting on top of it.

The incident occurred during a cruise last week, in which someone noticed the man doing something very dangerous and something he definitely shouldn't doing.

Purposefully disregarding these rules can have serious consequences, ranging from hefty fines to permanent bans. 

Recently, one cruiser caught another passenger incorrectly using their infinite verandah cabin on Star of the Seas, Royal Caribbean's newest Icon Class ship. 

In the photograph, the guest is seen sitting on the edge of the open window, with his legs dangling over the side. Presumably, he wanted a better view of the action in Central Park. 

One way to take advantage of the neighborhood is by reserving an inward-facing balcony cabin. On Royal Caribbean's Icon Class, most of these staterooms are infinite verandahs, a modern, innovative twist on the traditional balcony experience. 

Instead of having a separate open-air space, infinite verandah cabins feature a floor-to-ceiling window. The top half can be lowered at the push of a button to transform the entire room into an outdoor retreat. 

Generally speaking, these rooms are pretty controversial. Some cruisers love the extra indoor living space, while others prefer traditional cruise balconies. 

Still, when the window is down, it creates a bright, airy space that brings Central Park right into the stateroom. 

That said, the window is not meant to be sat on when open. Doing so can be extremely dangerous, and this passenger is lucky that he did not accidentally fall! 

Last year, a 12-year-old passenger fell off their Central Park balcony and died 

Witnesses sailing on Harmony of the Seas claimed that the boy had been playing with friends he had met onboard before going over the stateroom's balcony railing, falling to his death. 

Royal Caribbean confirmed that although crew members tried to resuscitate the child, the life-saving efforts were unsuccessful. He unfortunately succumbed to his injuries before the ship returned to Galveston, Texas, on September 8, 2024. 

"We are deeply saddened to confirm the death of one of our guests. Our Care Team is providing support and assistance to the guest's family during this difficult time. For the privacy of the guest and their family, we have no additional details to share," a Royal Caribbean spokesperson told PEOPLE.

It wasn't the first time someone had died in a balcony-related incident on Harmony of the Seas, either. In 2019, a 16-year-old guest passed away trying to climb onto their balcony after forgetting their SeaPass card. 

Harmony was docked in Labadee at the time — Royal Caribbean’s private destination in Haiti. According to reports, the Broward Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed that the passenger was on Deck 8 when he slipped and fell on the pier. 

Most recently, a viral TikTok captured a scary moment when teenagers were caught climbing on a cruise balcony.

(Credit: @dvandzzedsw/TikTok)

The 5-second clip was likely meant as a social media stunt (thankfully, no injuries were reported), but it served as a harsh reminder of how quickly things can take a turn for the worse. 

For instance, one boy can be seen wearing flimsy flip-flops and protruding their stomach over the railing while holding onto the ceiling above. Had he taken one wrong step, he could have plummeted overboard into the sea!

Not only that, but passengers were outraged by the reckless behavior. Some went as far as asserting that the teens — along with their parents — should be banned from sailing with the cruise line again. 

Read more: Video captures scary moment teenagers caught climbing on cruise balcony

More vacationers are leaving rival cruise lines to sail with Royal Caribbean, according to the company’s CEO. 

Speaking during an earnings call with investors this week, Jason Liberty, CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, mentioned they're seeing an uptick in customers to their brand, but not cruising.

They're attracting a growing number of new-to-brand cruisers thanks to its differentiated destinations, strong loyalty programs, and innovative ships. 

Icon of the Seas, for example, is unlike any other ship at sea. And although other cruise lines have begun investing more in their private destinations, none come close to the plans that Royal Caribbean has in place — from the upcoming Royal Beach Club Paradise Island to Perfect Day Mexico and beyond. 

Consequently, Mr. Liberty said the company has noticed a clear shift of guests from other cruise lines to its brands.

"We've seen an elevated amount of that," he shared during the company's third-quarter earnings call on Tuesday, October 28. 

Continuing, Liberty emphasized that Royal Caribbean’s strategy of investing in high-return projects is paying off by attracting both new travelers and strengthening guest loyalty.

He added that demand remains strong across nearly all key markets, including the Caribbean and Europe. Moreover, bookings are up on new and like-for-like hardware. 

"We continue to see strong momentum across our business, powered by accelerated demand, growing loyalty, and an all-time high guest satisfaction, he said.

Exclusive destinations and innovative ships attract new cruisers

Royal Caribbean has been ahead of the game for decades. They launched the first cruise ships with ice skating rinks, surfing simulators, zip lines, high-diving water shows, and more. 

"Our technology, our AI tools are getting smarter and smarter so that we are able to curate what is relevant to that consumer," Mr Liberty explained.

"Really seeing an elevated amount of increase first to brand. So seeing people shift from other cruise lines to our brands, we've seen an elevated amount of that."

Today, the cruise line continues to push the boundaries with ships like Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas, offering unprecedented experiences at sea. 

Not only that, but their private destinations, such as Perfect Day at CocoCay and the upcoming Royal Beach Club Paradise Island, give guests a way to enjoy the onboard experience while ashore. 

"[We have a] vision to redefine how the world vacations," Liberty said, "[W]ith the Royal Beach Club Paradise Island, Perfect Day Mexico, and others, we expect to increase our exclusive [land-based] destination portfolio from 2 to 8 by 2028."

These include Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Beach Club Paradise Island, Royal Beach Club Cozumel, Perfect Day Mexico, Royal Beach Club Santorini, and Royal Beach Club Lelepa. 

Combined, Royal Caribbean's innovative ships and exclusive destinations create a vacation experience that cannot be replicated, whether you're sailing on a party cruise to The Bahamas or exploring the Greek Isles. 

Better loyalty benefits

Compared to other cruise lines, Royal Caribbean Group's loyalty programs are among the best in the industry — and they don't want to change that. 

For example, once cruisers earn 80 cruise points with Royal Caribbean, they will receive 4 complimentary drinks per day, one free day of Wi-Fi, one complimentary photograph every sailing, access to the Crown Lounge, and more.

Beyond cruise line-specific perks, Royal Caribbean Group launched an industry-first status match program in 2024. Now, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, and Silversea cruisers can enjoy the same recognition across all three brands.

Most recently, they announced the company's brand-new Points Choice initiative, which will allow cruisers to choose which program they want to apply the loyalty points to, regardless of who they sail with. 

This means that, effective sometime in 2026, those who sail with Celebrity Cruises can turn the cruise points into Crown & Anchor Society points to boost them closer to the next tier in Royal Caribbean's loyalty program. 

"This initiative further strengthens the overall value of our loyalty proposition, deepening engagement across our portfolio, and reinforcing our commitment to putting the guests at the center of our orbit as our ecosystem expands," Liberty said about the Points Choice program. 

In Royal Caribbean's eyes, loyalty is a "two-way street." The company wants cruisers to feel loyal to them, and passengers want to feel rewarded for their loyalty to the cruise line. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean is "trying to avoid" loyalty changes Carnival has made, CEO says

Cruise ships are regularly inspected by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to make sure they're offering paying passengers and crew members a healthy and safe environment. And this year, four Royal Caribbean ships earned a perfect score. 

These inspections aren't limited to Royal Caribbean, either. All cruise lines, ranging from Carnival to MSC, Norwegian, Virgin, Celebrity, and more, are subject to the CDC's Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) inspections. 

The purpose of the random evaluations is to ensure that the cruise lines are meeting the expected standards of cleanliness and to mitigate the chances of illness spreading on board. They focus on everything from food preparation to basic safety and disease prevention protocols. 

Whenever a ship is inspected by the VSP, it's given a rating on a scale of 0-100. Anything 86 or above is considered satisfactory, while anything below 85 is deemed unsatisfactory. The best, of course, is a perfect 100, which reflects the crew members' exemplary standards and meticulous attention to detail.

As the year begins to wind down, the CDC has revealed that 20 ships, including four Royal Caribbean vessels, received perfect scores. Comparatively, five Royal Caribbean ships earned perfect scores in 2024. 

These were the cleanest Royal Caribbean cruise ships in 2025:

• Adventure of the Seas (inspected on June 3, 2025)
• Icon of the Seas (inspected on June 4, 2025)
• Ovation of the Seas (inspected on July 1, 2025)
• Utopia of the Seas (inspected on July 21, 2025)

Other honorable mentions

Last year, the lowest-scoring Royal Caribbean ship was Adventure of the Seas, receiving an 89 out of 100. Thankfully, while no Royal vessels had failing scores this year, one was just barely above the unsatisfactory threshold.

When inspected on February 9, 2025, Symphony of the Seas scored a shocking 86 out of 100. The then-6-year-old Oasis Class ship was just one point from failing its inspection. 

Afterward, Royal Caribbean implemented over 50 changes to remedy the violations that were found on board, including crew members handling ice with open wounds on their forearms, improper food storage, and failing to properly report children in the youth programs with present gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms.

Read more: After ‘absolutely horrifying’ inspection, Royal Caribbean makes 57 fixes to its cruise ship

The changes were beneficial, and when inspected again on July 22, Symphony of the Seas' score increased from an 86 to a 97. 

17 other Royal Caribbean scored above a 90 in 2025, including:

• Anthem of the Seas, 99 (inspected on May 16, 2025)
• Brilliance of the Seas, 95 (inspected on February 1, 2025)
• Enchantment of the Seas, 95 (inspected on June 18, 2025)
• Freedom of the Seas, 98 (inspected on September 6, 2025)
• Grandeur of the Seas, 97 (inspected on June 14, 2025)
• Harmony of the Seas, 98 (inspected on May 18, 2025)
• Jewel of the Seas, 97 (inspected on April 29, 2025)
• Liberty of the Seas, 99 (inspected on January 17, 2025)
• Mariner of the Seas, 93 (inspected on April 14, 2025)
• Navigator of the Seas, 95 (inspected on June 30, 2025)
• Oasis of the Seas, 93 (inspected on June 5, 2025)
• Quantum of the Seas, 98 (inspected on May 19, 2025)
• Radiance of the Seas, 99 (inspected on July 13, 2025)
• Rhapsody of the Seas, 99 (inspected on March 30, 2025)
• Serenade of the Seas, 96 (inspected on June 25, 2025)
• Vision of the Seas, 95 (inspected on March 13, 2025)
• Wonder of the Seas, 98 (inspected on September 5, 2025)

The cleanliness of Royal Caribbean's ships is reflected in the low number of GI outbreaks reported in 2025

Although cruise ships are more susceptible to the rapid spread of illnesses, the CDC's VSP inspections and sanitation standards play an important role in minimizing these outbreaks.

While GI cases across the cruise industry are higher than in 2024, which saw a total of 18 outbreaks for the entire year, Royal Caribbean has managed to limit its reported outbreaks.

Comparatively, 2025 has already seen 20 GI outbreaks reported industry-wide. The most recent was onboard Oceania Insignia, with over 11% of passengers falling ill. 

That said, only 3 Royal Caribbean ships have reported GI outbreaks to the CDC, including Serenade of the Seas, Navigator of the Seas, and Radiance of the Seas. 

Icon Class ships are the biggest in the world, and it includes a lot of dining, entertainment, and things to do in your cruise fare.

The world's largest cruise ships aren't the least expensive, but people are curious what you get at no additional cost and what other things will cost you out of pocket.

Both Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas are sailing right now, with the addition of Legend of the Seas in 2026, followed by an unnamed Icon Class ship in 2027. 

For that price tag, you might be wondering what's included on an Icon Class ship. From multi-course meals in the Main Dining Room to family-friendly activities and jaw-dropping entertainment, there's a lot packed into the cruise fare. 

However, a vacation on an Icon Class ship isn't all-inclusive. 

Accommodations

Your cruise fare is based on the stateroom category you pick. The most affordable cabins are windowless, interior staterooms, while the most expensive options include suites within the Royal Suite Class. 

Icon Class ships have over 25 stateroom categories, with more than 70% having private balconies. Even better, over 82% of all the cabins can accommodate 3 or more guests, opening a broad array of cruise rooms for families. 

For example, certain staterooms have separate sleeping areas, bunk beds, and split bathrooms. Select suites also come with extra perks like access to the exclusive Suite Neighborhood, priority boarding, free Wi-Fi, a concierge team, and more. 

That said, even if you choose the cheapest cruise cabin on an Icon Class ship, you'll have once-per-day housekeeping and access to all the standard complimentary dining venues and entertainment. 

Read more: Guide to Icon of the Seas cabins and suites

Dining

Icon Class ships have over 20 restaurants and bars onboard, from fleetwide favorites like Chops Grille to exclusive venues you won’t find on any other Royal Caribbean ship, such as the Aquadome Market, Surfside Bites, and Basecamp. 

Not all are included, though. If you aren't careful, you could stumble into the $200-per-person supper club. Still, between the complimentary restaurants, there’s more than enough variety to satisfy most cravings without spending extra.

Read more: Icon of the Seas restaurant and dining guide

Complimentary restaurants on Icon Class ships

🍽️Pearl Café (with a few exceptions) 

🍴Park Café

🍽️Windjammer Marketplace 

🍴Surfside Bites

🍽️Surfside Eatery 

🍴AquaDome Market 

🍽️Main Dining Room 

🍴Coastal Kitchen (suite-only dining room) 

🍽️The Grove (suite-only al fresco buffet) 

🍴Basecamp 

🍽️Sorrento's 

🍴El Loco Fresh

🍽️Vitality Café (with a few exceptions) 

🍴Sprinkles

🍽️Room service (complimentary continental breakfast)

Extra cost restaurants on Icon Class ships

🍽️Empire Supper Club (Icon of the Seas) + Lincoln Park Supper Club (Star of the Seas) + unnamed, Hollywood-themed supper club (Legend of the Seas) 

🍴Celebration Table

🍽️Chops Grille 

🍴Izumi Hibachi & Sushi 

🍽️Izumi in the Park 

🍴Hooked Seafood 

🍽️Playmaker's Sports Bar & Arcade

🍴Pier 7

🍽️Starbucks

🍴Giovanni's Italian Kitchen and Wine Bar 

🍽️Trellis Bar (light bar bites) 

🍴Desserted

Read more: I ate at every new restaurant on Icon of the Seas and here's how I would rank them

Drinks

Like all Royal Caribbean ships, select beverages are included in your base fare. These include water, tea, drip coffee, lemonade, iced tea, milk, juices (not fresh squeezed), and hot chocolate. If you want anything else, like bottled water, a cocktail, fresh-squeezed juice, a glass of wine, specialty latte, or beer, you'll have to pay extra. 

You can purchase each drink individually or buy a Royal Caribbean beverage package. The Deluxe Beverage Package includes unlimited alcoholic drinks as well as non-alcoholic specialty beverages. As such, it's the most expensive Royal Caribbean drink package. 

The Refreshment Package covers all non-alcoholic drinks, like mocktails, energy drinks, soda, specialty coffees, and bottled water. However, if you’re only interested in soft drinks, the Soda Package offers unlimited soda.

Read more: I saved money by buying the coffee package

Entertainment

One of the best parts about a cruise vacation is the complimentary entertainment. On Icon Class ships, Royal Caribbean takes things to the next level with Broadway-caliber productions, ice skating performances, high-diving spectaculars, dueling pianos, fun parades, parties, and more. Here's what you don't have to pay extra for:

🎤Absolute Zero (ice skating shows)

🍿AquaTheater (high-dive and synchronized swimming water shows)

🎤Boleros (Latin-themed live music)

🍿Lou's Jazz 'n Blues (bar with live jazz music)

🎤Music Hall (two-story live music venue)

🍿Dueling Pianos (interactive sing-along piano battles)

🎤Royal Theater (Broadway-style shows and original productions)

🍿Schooner Bar (Nautical bar with live pianist)

🎤Spotlight Karaoke (public karaoke rooms, private ones are available for an extra charge)

🍿The Attic (comedy club)

🎤The Overlook (comfy lounge with live music)

Read more: What's new and different on Royal Caribbean's Star of the Seas

Kids programming

Royal Caribbean's Icon Class ships feature some of the best Adventure Ocean programming in the fleet. 

It's free for cruisers between the ages of 3 and 12 until 10 p.m. From 10 p.m. onwards, Adventure Ocean's late-night programming incurs an additional hourly fee. All activities are supervised by the youth staff. 

Teens aged 13 to 17 have a separate hangout space called Social020. It's designed for them to relax, socialize, and enjoy activities away from the younger kids and adults.

Thrills

Icon Class ships have some of the best thrills at sea, from the record-breaking Category 6 Waterpark to the over-water Crown's Edge ropes course/zip line. Like with dining, however, not all activities are included. 

Many attractions, such as the rock climbing wall, mini-golf course, and water slides, are free to enjoy as much as you'd like throughout the cruise. That said, some experiences, like Crown’s Edge, arcade games, and escape room, are available for an extra charge. 

Here's a breakdown of the included thrills on Icon Class ships:

🚢Adrenaline Peak (rock climbing wall)

🛝Baby Bay (baby splash zone)

🚢Splashaway Bay (kid-friendly aqua park)

🛝Carousel (Surfside family ride)

🚢Category 6 Waterpark (record-breaking waterpark at sea with 6 slides)

🛝Fitness center (gym with complimentary machines, weights, and more)

🚢FlowRider (surf simulator)

🛝Lost Dunes (mini-golf course)

🚢Playscape (outdoor play area for kids with climbing features and interactive games)

🛝Running track (open-air track that loops around the ship)

🚢Sports Court (basketball, pickleball, volleyball, and other court games)

🛝Absolute Zero (free skating sessions)

Chills

As fun as it is to take advantage of the adrenaline-pumping attractions on Icon Class ships, there are plenty of spots to relax by the pool, too. 

One important distinction compared to other ships is that there isn't an adults-only Solarium. Instead, it was replaced with The Hideaway, which has a more lively, upbeat atmosphere, with a live DJ and suspended infinity pool. 

😎Cloud 17 (upscale retreat tucked away on the top deck)

🛟The Cove (oceanfront infinity pool)

😎Whirlpools (nine on Icon, ten on Star of the Seas)

🛟Swim & Tonic (adults-only swim-up pool)

😎The Hideaway (adults-only retreat with suspended infinity pool)

🛟Royal Bay Pool (the largest pool at sea)

😎Water's Edge (family-friendly pool in the play-all-day Surfside neighborhood)

🛟The Grove (suite-only pool and sun deck)

Read more: Royal Caribbean's Star of the Seas is the plussed-up version of the best cruise ship in the world

Having grown up cruising on Royal Caribbean ships, it's not easy considering other lines. But I was intrigued by an adults-only cruise.

Recently, I tried Virgin Voyages for the first time.  

While Royal Caribbean remains the gold standard for family-friendly fun, Virgin excels at creating an adult-centric experience, complete with drag performances, late-night parties, and more. In short, the two couldn't be more different.

As a child-free woman in their mid-20s, Virgin's onboard experience was a welcome change. Yet, there were a few things I wish they had stolen from Royal Caribbean's playbook. 

Here's what stood out on my cruise aboard Brilliant Lady and where Royal Caribbean excels. 

Dining

Virgin Voyages revolutionized the onboard dining experience by getting rid of crowded buffets and noisy dining rooms. 

Instead, every ship offers a food hall with stalls serving freshly prepared dishes such as sushi, tacos, burgers, and spicy ramen, as well as six complimentary restaurants. Each specializes in a different cuisine, like Mexican, Italian, Spanish-inspired tapas, and Korean BBQ.

While the concept itself was great, I found myself missing Royal Caribbean's fast-casual options. On Royal Caribbean ships, it's easy to go to El Loco Fresh for tacos or a quesadilla whenever I want, but on Virgin Voyages, I had to carve out more time to wait for my food in The Galley. 

Even the pizza on Virgin Voyages is made-to-order, which means I couldn't grab a single slice between activities or late at night. The grab-and-go options were mostly limited to pastries, pre-made salads, and wraps. 

Moving on, I missed the basic options available in Royal's dining room. Virgin’s specialty menus focus on innovative and trendy dishes, meaning classic staples like shrimp cocktails and French onion soup are not available.

Although I loved the Dakgangjeong crispy chicken at Gunbae, corn custard and black bean salad from The Wake, and Pink Agave's achiote-marinated smoked pork, it became evident that Virgin isn't the best cruise line for selective eaters.

Planning is also more important than ever. Since there are no assigned dining times, you'll need to log in right at midnight when reservations open. Otherwise, you may get stuck with inconvenient meal times, especially at popular restaurants like Razzle Dazzle, The Wake, and Pink Agave. 

As such, my partner and I ended up with a lot of 9:00 p.m. reservations. Instead of waiting that late, we typically arrived at 5:45 p.m., right when the restaurants opened, and asked to sit at the bar. 

Activities and nightlife

Royal Caribbean's ships are known for their endless activities, ranging from water slides to zip lines, rock climbing walls, FlowRider surf simulators, ice skating rinks, escape rooms, and more. 

Virgin's daytime offerings focus more on relaxation and wellness, and let guests gear up for the high-energy nightlife. As such, you won't find many onboard attractions, other than the main pool, outdoor Athletic Club, arcade, private karaoke rooms, and tattoo parlor.

While Virgin's claim to fame is the iconic Scarlet Night party, the first night started off strong with a late-night PJ party, followed by an electric glow party on the second day. 

That's not to say that Royal doesn't have fun parties, but Virgin strayed away from the typical silent discos and predictable theme nights. Everything was edgier and felt like we had a VIP invite to the coolest nightclub in town, rather than a cruise ship dance party. 

Entertainment

Royal Caribbean's entertainment is top-tier, especially if you're sailing on a newer ship with Broadway-style productions (i.e., The Wizard of Oz on Icon of the Seas and Back to the Future: The Musical on Star of the Seas). Oasis and Icon Class ships also have AquaTheater and ice skating shows, which showcase jaw-dropping stunts and cutting-edge technology. 

That said, Virgin's entertainment is scaled down in comparison and specializes in edgy and unconventional shows. Instead of the standard theater productions, Brilliant Lady features a brand-new murder mystery comedy that focuses on debunking the suspicious activity surrounding the untimely death of pop star Sheena.

The resident drag queen also hosted different events, such as bingo, karaoke, a pop-up storytime in The Roundabout, and more. My favorite, however, was the country-inspired Diva Goes West drag performance. 

My biggest gripe with Virgin's entertainment is that there wasn't a reservation system. 

Whereas on Royal ships, you can easily make reservations to secure your spots at popular theater, ice skating, and AquaTheater shows, we had to queue up as early as two hours ahead of events for seats in the tiny venues. 

Although it's recommended to arrive early for the best seats, I've never had to worry about wasting hours in line on a Royal Caribbean cruise. 

Fleet variety

When it comes to fleet variety, it's no surprise that Royal Caribbean takes the cake. They have a ship for every type of traveler, from smaller, intimate vessels to the world's largest cruise ships. 

In contrast, Virgin's modest fleet of four is nearly identical. Although you may find a few minor changes (i.e., Brilliant Lady doesn't have a record shop, and Razzle Dazzle has a new Spanish-inspired tapas menu), the bones are the same. 

Surprisingly, Virgin offers a variety of itineraries despite its limited fleet, ranging from Caribbean getaways to port-intensive Mediterranean cruises and even voyages to The Last Frontier. The diversity helps keep each Virgin cruise interesting, even if the ship is pretty much the same. 

Still, because Royal Caribbean has 29 ships (with more on the way), it’s hard to compete with the number of experiences they offer. 

For example, next summer, you can book a European cruise aboard Legend of the Seas, Royal Caribbean's next-gen Icon Class ship. However, if you want something more low-key with fewer crowds, Royal will have five other vessels deployed in Europe, so you can choose the perfect ship based on your travel style.

In comparison, Virgin Voyages will have just two ships in Europe next summer. This means that, in addition to fewer itineraries, Virgin sailors have less flexibility when it comes to departure date. 

Read more: I chose an inside cabin on my recent Virgin Voyages cruise because it was the cheapest option

Inclusive fares

While finding good cruise deals is still possible, it's more expensive to take a cruise vacation today than in the past. Cruise fares increased by over 15% in 2023 compared to 2019, meaning that travelers are trying to be more strategic with their planning to make their budgets go further. 

Royal Caribbean's cruise fares don't include everything. In addition to the base price, passengers will often shell out hundreds of dollars on add-ons like drink and Wi-Fi packages, specialty meals, and gratuities. 

It can be frustrating for guests who hate feeling like they're being nickel-and-dimed. 

Virgin Voyages, however, prides itself on having more inclusive fares. Although not all-inclusive, guests do not have to worry about budgeting extra for gratuities, essential drinks (like soda, drip coffee, water, and tea), and Wi-Fi.

All dining is included, too. Unlike Royal Caribbean ships, where you have to pay extra for specialty meals, ice cream, etc., Virgin Voyages offers a wider variety of dining options at no additional charge. 

Drink packages

One thing you must pay extra for on Royal Caribbean and Virgin ships is alcohol. Royal Caribbean offers three core drink packages, where guests can enjoy unlimited soda, non-alcoholic, or alcoholic beverages for a set daily price. 

Virgin, however, doesn't have any traditional drink packages. Instead, you must pay for each drink individually. You can, however, save money by pre-purchasing a bar tab. Essentially, you'll get a little extra free money by preloading your onboard account before your cruise. 

The amount of free money depends on how much you spend:

• $225 worth of drink credits for $200 (12% of pre-cruise savings)
• $350 worth of drink credits for $300 (16% of pre-cruise savings)
• $600 worth of drink credits for $500 (20% of pre-cruise savings)
• $925 worth of drink credits for $750 (23% of pre-cruise savings)
• $1,250 worth of drink credits for $1,000 (26% of pre-cruise savings)

That said, make sure you attend Virgin's sailaway party. They have free-flowing champagne available during the celebration. 

Although cruises are meant to be fun and relaxing, you can't disregard the rules that come with being on board. These regulations aren't meant to restrict your enjoyment, but to ensure everyone's safety and comfort during the sailing. Breaking the rules can have serious consequences. 

A recent TikTok shows teenagers climbing on their balcony's railing while at sea. According to the poster, @dvandzzedsw, the stunt happened aboard Wonder of the Seas, an Oasis Class ship sailing from Miami, Florida. 

Climbing on balcony railings is not allowed on Royal Caribbean cruise ships. "Sitting, standing, jumping, laying or climbing on, over or across any exterior or interior railings or other protective barriers is strictly prohibited," reads the company's cruise contract. 

The fate of the cruisers is unknown, but other guests have been banned from future sailings for similar reckless behavior, even if no one was injured. 

(Credit: @dvandzzedsw/TikTok)

For example, a woman was banned for life in 2019 after posing for a photo on her balcony's railing. She was caught by a fellow guest sailing on Allure of the Seas, who snapped a picture to share with crew members. 

The teens captured themselves inching along the narrow railing as the open ocean churned up white seafoam below. One was even wearing flimsy flip-flops and seen protuding their stomach over the railing while holding onto the ceiling above. 

The video may have been meant as clout for social media, but it showcases a dangerous activity that could result in serious injuries — or even death. According to data calculated by the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), out of the 212 overboard incidents between 2009 and 2019, just 48, or 28.2%, were successfully rescued. 

No amount of likes or views is worth putting your life at risk. Moreover, these boys will likely be banned from sailing with the cruise line again, hindering future family vacations with Royal Caribbean and its sister lines, Celebrity Cruises and Silversea. 

Read more: What happens when someone goes overboard on a cruise ship?

"You need to teach and watch your children or deal with the consequences"

Cruisers have taken to social media to express their outrage after watching the short 5-second clip. 

One Redditor went as far as saying that the teenagers, along with their parents, should be banned from sailing with Royal Caribbean. 

"Not only should the teens be banned for 10 years but their parents or guardians they had with them on the cruise should be banned as well," they wrote.

"I'm sorry, but you need to teach and watch your children or deal with the consequences. If you have a teen that would engage in this sort of risky behavior you should not be bringing them on a cruise." 

Other users added that they're worried the cruise line may go as far as banning balcony cabins or restricting them to guests 18 years or older. However, one Redditor reassured them that such a move is unlikely:

"They will only ban balconies when the cost outweighs the profits, no matter how many people fall off of them."