Perfect Day at CocoCay has something for everyone, from thrill seekers to partiers, families, and sun-seeking relaxers. However, if you've never been to the private island before, you might not realize that some of the best areas are those frequently overlooked by guests. 

Bryan James, a former Royal Caribbean entertainer, recently took to social media to share a vlog documenting his recent visit to CocoCay. Since being published, the nine-minute YouTube video has received over 40,000 views, 2,000 likes, and 150 comments.

In this video, James' girlfriend Jaidyn, a dancer aboard Star of the Seas, Royal Caribbean's newest Icon Class vessel, explained where crew members like to go when they have free time at the private island.

"This is one of the beaches that's not really on the map, I'd say," she said, talking about Breezy Bay.

"I feel like the main ones are Chill Beach [and] South Beach. [Breezy Bay] is the one that the cast comes to because they don't really advertise it...It's definitely one of the quieter places to be."

"There's a lot going on over here, but not many people, which is nice. I think that's why we come here," she added. 

Chill Island is the first beach most cruisers encounter as they walk along the main pathway around the island. It's also the best snorkeling spot at CocoCay, with calm, clear water, schools of tropical fish, and a sunken shipwreck. For those reasons, Chill Island gets crowded quickly. 

South Beach is another popular spot for guests. While it's further from the arrivals area, it offers a wide stretch of soft sand, tons of lounge chairs, and easy access to nearby bars and dining, including the floating tiki bar. The area also has a lot of sports activities, including a life-sized pool "table" and beach volleyball. 

Read more: 41 Perfect Day at CocoCay tips, tricks, and secrets

Is Breezy Bay worth it? 

Between the two lies Breezy Bay. If you've visited CocoCay before, likely, you've at least walked past Breezy Bay when grabbing the island's famous mozzarella sticks, chicken sandwich, or funnel cake from the Snack Shack. But unlike Chill Island or South Beach, Breezy Bay remains largely untouched by cruise passengers compared to other areas on CocoCay. 

"Personally, I love Breezy Bay because of how close it is to Oasis Lagoon (pool), bathrooms, Snack Shack, Bar, and Chill Grill (Buffet). There are also beach games, basketball, and hammocks in the area," shared Jenn Yazzetti in a public Facebook group. 

Someone else agreed on Reddit, writing, "We did Breezy Bay and loved it for our family (with 3 young kids). We were so close to everything we needed - multiple food options, pool, restrooms. The water was calm and clear and the beach wasn't rocky at all."

When they aren't splurging on admission to the Coco Beach Club, TheSilliestMoose agreed that Breezy Bay at Chill Beach is their favorite "normal" spot at CocoCay. 

Breezy Bay at Chill Island also has some day beds available to rent. For an upcoming cruise on Utopia of the Seas in July 2026, pricing starts at $248.99 when purchased in advance through the Cruise Planner. 

The price includes two floating beach mats, two reserved lounge chairs, a pre-stocked cooler with four water bottles (other drinks are available at an extra charge unless a beverage package has been purchased), and beach towels. A maximum of four guests can use the beach bed, making it a good option for families or small groups who want a little extra comfort during their "perfect" beach day. 

Something else worth mentioning is the bar near Breezy Bay is quite lovely. It has a wooden deck to it, where you can watch people around the beach or the nearby excursions that depart.

There are two downsides to Breezy Bay. First, it's probably the furthest distance from the cruise ship, since it's located on the opposite side of the island from the pier.

The good news is you can take the island's complimentary tram service to get there.

The other issue is the beach and swimming area is partially obstructed by some Coco Beach Club Cabanas.

Not only is the view not pristine, but you cannot swim near the cabanas or you'll be reprimanded by the lifeguards.

You can easily shift down the beach and avoid that, but coming later in the day may be an issue.

That said, you can take advantage of the complimentary lounge chairs if you don't want to shell out any extra money — it isn't a paid-only admission area like Hideaway Beach or the Coco Beach Club. 

In fact, you can split your time ashore easily between Breezy Bay and the Oasis Lagoon pool. The lagoon, which is open to all guests, is not far from the heart of Breezy Bay, making it easy to rotate between fun in the sand and pool all day long. 

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

Is there such a thing as being too old to go on a cruise?

While cruise lines have minimum age restrictions, there's no set age when you're banned from setting sail. In fact, cruising is often the preferred way to travel for seniors and retirees, who appreciate the convenience and comfort that ships offer. 

According to the Cruise Lines International Association's (CLIA) 2025 State of the Industry Report, 81% of Baby Boomers (i.e., those born between 1946 and 1964) are enthusiastic about taking a cruise vacation. The same generation is spending around $157 billion annually on travel. 

That said, seniors face increased health risks while traveling, and the possibility of a life-threatening medical issue occurring at sea increases as you age. 

To better understand the risks and considerations for older cruisers, we spoke with Squaremouth, a leading travel insurance comparison site. In this article, we'll go over their insights into how age can impact travel planning, the types of coverage seniors should purchase, and tips for cruising when you're older. 

Understanding the age requirement for cruise travel

Cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean, do not have a maximum age limit of any kind. As such, choosing a cruise should be a decision made in consultation with a healthcare professional. 

To determine whether it's safe for you to cruise or not, it's important to understand the risks of traveling internationally. If a medical emergency happens in another country, access to care may be limited, and treatment could be costly or more complicated than at home.

"Travel insurance coverage often becomes more important as travelers age. Older cruisers are typically more likely to experience medical issues while traveling, whether it’s a new issue or a pre-existing condition, and medical care while at sea can be costly. This is where travel insurance can help, protecting seniors from unexpected medical costs they could encounter due to injury or illness while on their cruise," Squaremouth explains. 

To that point, older sailors need to find a travel insurance plan that has a pre-existing condition exclusion waiver. A pre-existing medical condition is any medical condition that has been diagnosed, changed, or treated in the last 60-180 days, depending on the plan. Without the waiver, you're responsible for any medical bills or unused trip expenses that are related to the pre-existing health challenges. 

"Timing is very important for any travel insurance benefits, especially for seniors. If you wait too long to buy your policy after booking your trip, you may not be eligible for pre-existing condition coverage, and your medical conditions could be excluded," Squaremouth says. 

To qualify for this coverage, you must meet the following criteria: 

• Buy a policy with pre-existing condition coverage within a specific time frame (typically within 14-21 days of your initial trip deposit, depending on the plan)
• Insure 100% of your prepaid trip costs, such as flights, hotels, cruises, tours, and excursions
• Be medically able to travel at the time you buy coverage

It's also important to look at the age requirements, as some providers do enforce age maximums. Squaremouth claims that travel insurance premiums often increase with the traveler's age due to the higher possibility of health-related challenges. As such, it's not uncommon for seniors to pay more for their travel insurance coverage compared to younger travelers, even for the exact same policy.

According to Squaremouth's 2026 Cruise Insurance Cost Report, cruise insurance costs begin to spike after age 50 and peak at age 70. Consequently, travelers over 70 years old can expect to pay 311% more on their cruise insurance policy compared to those under 50.

Does Medicare cover you on a cruise ship?

"Most U.S. health insurance plans, including Medicare, do not cover medical expenses while traveling abroad. This highlights the importance of travel insurance for international cruises, since medical care expenses that occur while cruising would be your responsibility to pay without a travel insurance plan," says Squaremouth. 

"While there are exceptions (e.g., emergency care in a foreign country when closer than a U.S. facility), standard Medicare does not provide comprehensive protection abroad. However, Medicare can cover the costs of treatment on domestic cruises."

Read more: This Medicare mistake leaves seniors uncovered on cruises, experts say

Best cruise travel insurance for seniors

Cruise insurance is absolutely worth it, regardless of your age. When browsing travel insurance plans, Squaremouth recommends that seniors look for a policy that has the following protections and coverage levels:

• Emergency medical coverage of at least $100,000 to cover costs associated with illness and injury while traveling
• Medical evacuation coverage of at least $250,000 to pay for and arrange transport to a proper medical facility if necessary
• Pre‑existing condition coverage if you have existing medical conditions that may cause an issue while traveling
• Primary medical coverage to ensure a faster, more efficient claims process

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), medical evacuations can cost upward of $250,000. Yet, Squaremouth found that 35% of travelers are underinsured for medical evacuation, buying less than $250,000 in coverage.

For example, Royal Caribbean's standard travel insurance policy only includes up to $25,000 in emergency accident medical coverage and $50,000 in emergency medical evacuation coverage — well under the $100,000 and $250,000 recommended by Squaremouth. 

"Medical evacuations off of cruise ships are more common than travelers may think. During my time as Director of Operations at Jet ICU, I led a team of medical evacuation dispatchers and managed account relationships with domestic cruise lines. In my role, I was coordinating at least one medical evacuation per day off of a cruise ship within the Caribbean alone," Chrissy Valdez, Senior Director of Operations at Squaremouth recalls. 

If you are underinsured, you’ll need to cover the remaining cost of an emergency medical evacuation. Without any coverage, you would be fully responsible for the entire expense.

Before buying a policy, it's smart to compare providers and products side-by-side. Squaremouth's website can help you find plans specifically designed for seniors, understand possible age limits, and review how your premium may be impacted by your age so you can select the proper coverage.

Read more: I took my 64-year-old mom on a cruise

Cruise ship restaurants are going well beyond a dining room, buffet, or steakhouse.

The supper clubs available exclusively on Royal Caribbean's Icon Class blend fine dining, crafted cocktails, and live music into a must-see-to-believe "eatertainment" experience.

Unlike traditional specialty restaurants, the supper clubs were designed to blend three pillars — food, beverage, and music — into an elevated, immersive take on "dinner and a show."

"As we thought of experiences that we want to create for Icon Class ships, we really thought about this series of supper clubs and bringing unique and special experiences to each ship that tells the history of great food [and] great cocktails, and ties together the amazing entertainment of live music paired in a very unique and special way," said Linken D'Souza, Senior Vice President, Food & Beverage for Royal Caribbean International. 

Empire Supper Club was the first to debut aboard Icon of the Seas. Along with other record-breaking firsts, the upscale specialty restaurant quickly became a defining feature of the line’s newest class of vessels — despite its $200-per-person price tag. 

However, developing a concept that intertwines a 10-course tasting menu, handcrafted cocktail pairings, and choreographed live music was no small feat.

"Creating the recipes, testing them, checking ingredients, bringing in the ingredients to check, it was a big team effort. So, it took really everyone, from equipment to product development to inventory [to pull it off]," explained Bruce Venter, Royal Caribbean's Senior Executive Chef.

If that does not sound difficult enough, the Royal Caribbean team took it upon themselves to shift to new themes and effectively reimagine the restaurant from the ground up for each Icon Class vessel. 

Empire Supper Club on Icon of the Seas is based on New York City, while the Lincoln Park Supper Club on Star of the Seas transports guests to the windy city of Chicago, Illinois. 

The Lincoln Park Supper Club has an entirely different menu, new music, and an overall themed experience compared to the original supper club on Icon of the Seas — all while adding their own memorable twists. For example, while Chicago is known for having more wind and brass instruments, they added a trumpet to give the music sets another layer of flair. 

"[It delivers on] the notion of 'eatertainment,' but in a whole new way," exclaimed Royal Caribbean's Senior Director of Product Development, Jennifer Goswami.

The upcoming Legend of the Seas will also have an entirely new supper club inspired by the birth of the golden age of cinema. 

"The supper club is a very unique, upscale celebration-type experience in really exquisite surroundings. The atmosphere is really phenomenal. It really gives you a great evening out," said Michael Bayley, President & CEO of Royal Caribbean International. 

Each course is paired with a handcrafted cocktail

Pairing cocktails with food isn't as easy as it might sound, Alex Palmeri, Senior Manager of Beverage Operations for Royal Caribbean, explained:

"[It is] a very intense process because you have to make sure you have the right cocktail with the right food, and it's at the right pace. We want these cocktails to be great and crafty." 

The Royal Caribbean team brought in master mixologist Tony Abou-Ganim to ensure that each pairing met the same elevated standard as the fine dining cuisine.

Abou-Ganim loved pairing cocktails with the menus. However, the task wasn't without its challenges. "Sometimes, pairings can be difficult with cocktails," he explained.

"Sometimes, it's not the most obvious. A lot of times, we have to tweak things. You know, we don't always hit a home run, but that is the fun part, kind of the journey getting to that end."

Cocktails are only one aspect of the three-part winning formula

"We've blended what we call 'eatertainment,' where we've got both live music and food together. And that live music and food will be very choreographed, so it'll feel like an intimate yet very luxurious fine dining experience — something we've never done before," said Jay Schneider, Royal Caribbean's Chief Production Officer.

Regardless of whether you dine at Empire, Lincoln Park, or Hollywoodland Supper Club, you'll notice that music is integrated into the experience, with songs carefully synchronized with the dishes and cocktails served.

Vanessa Fourla, the Manager of Live Music and Entertainment for Royal Caribbean, said she begins by taking notes on things like the timing, theatrical aspects, instrumentation, volume, intensity, and thickness of the musical texture. After that, they'll spend hours fine-tuning everything until they get what they deem is "an absolutely seamless experience." 

"[A]s we look at the big idea, we also have to look at the very minute details, anything from the menu design to the table and chairs that are in the venue to the venue itself, the lighting levels, the sound levels, the smells that you have. We'll spend hours debating that minutia of detail to make sure that every time our guests enjoy a new experience, they're blown away," added Jay Rosser, Senior Manager of Product Development for Royal Caribbean International.

Hollywoodland on Legend of the Seas is themed after Hollywood, California

For Hollywoodland, Royal Caribbean is centering on the glitz, glamour, and fame of the 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s in Hollywood. 

While many details are still under wraps, we can expect an exciting new menu that visually showcases the transformation of cinema throughout the years. For example, the meal starts with dishes presented in sepia-like tones, transitions through a series of black-and-white courses, and culminates in a vibrant, colorful explosion.

Guests will also feel like celebrities for the evening, with every aspect (i.e., good food, beverages, and music) designed to make them feel like they're an A-list movie star. 

Did you know that you can match your Royal Caribbean Crown & Anchor Society status to other cruise lines?

While Royal Caribbean wants you to continue sailing with them, they also understand the evolving needs of today’s cruisers.

Rather than forcing loyal guests to start from scratch, the parent company, Royal Caribbean Group, created a cohesive ecosystem that rewards brand loyalty across its entire portfolio — from Royal Caribbean International to Celebrity Cruises and Silversea.

This offers cruisers a way to instantly earn perks and benefits with another Royal Caribbean Group line, despite never having sailed with them before.

Through the Royal Caribbean status matching program, Crown & Anchor Society members can receive equivalent tier recognition in Celebrity’s Captain’s Club and Silversea’s Venetian Society. This ensures that guests stay within the Royal Caribbean Group network.

The program has recently gotten even better. Now, instead of automatically earning loyalty points with the brand you sail, guests can choose which line’s loyalty program they want their points to be added to.

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the Royal Caribbean status match program, including how it works, how the different tiers align, and how to choose where you want your loyalty points to accrue.

Read more: Royal Caribbean introduces a new way to status match between its other cruise lines

Does Royal Caribbean Status Match?

You can only match your Royal Caribbean loyalty status to other brands in the Royal Caribbean Group umbrella, including Celebrity Cruises and Silversea. This means that you can’t take your American Airlines or Delta Airlines status and hope to cheat your way up the loyalty ladder.

Effective June 2024, cruisers can enjoy reciprocal status across the brands — this even includes the top-tier levels. That means if you’ve reached Pinnacle Club with Royal Caribbean International, you can sail as a Zenith member of Celebrity’s Captain’s Club.

In other words, your hard-earned loyalty isn’t diluted from one brand to another. That said, the perks within each program aren’t identical.

For example, while Diamond Crown & Anchor Society cruisers get four complimentary drinks per day, Elite Captain’s Club members get access to a limited happy hour from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

This means that, on Royal Caribbean, you can redeem your drink vouchers for a beachside piña colada at Perfect Day at CocoCay or a morning mimosa, but you’re limited to a set window in the evening when sailing with Celebrity Cruises.

Moreover, whereas Celebrity offers a complimentary bag of laundry for Elite cruisers and above, only Diamond Plus and Pinnacle Club members are eligible for a free bag when sailing on voyages that are 5+ nights.

Some perks cannot be attained through the Status Match Program, as they're exclusively reserved for those who earned their status by sailing with the brand directly. These include:

Crown & Anchor Society

• Complimentary Pinnacle Club milestone cruises
• Diamond Plus and Pinnacle Club amenities
• Single supplement cruise fare reduction
• Cheers with an Officer onboard event
• Milestone recognition (Crystal Block)
• Upgraded bathroom amenities
• Pinnacle Club milestone kits
• Chef’s Choice amenity 

Captain’s Club

• Complimentary Zenith cruises
• Zenith milestone kits
• WWF® donations
• Retreat Lounge access when not staying in the Retreat (Status match members will only be permitted to access the Retreat Lounge when not staying in the Retreat, based on availability and at the sole discretion of Celebrity Cruises) 

Venetian Society

• "Sail with Us: referral offer before your first Silversea voyage
• Complimentary cruises
• Milestone recognition during the Venetian Society Party

Here’s how each loyalty status tier within the Royal Caribbean Group aligns across the three programs:

How To Match Your “Royal Caribbean Loyalty Program” Status

If you're currently a member of one or more Royal Caribbean Group brands’ loyalty programs, the company will automatically verify your information and determine whether you qualify for a status upgrade. Those who are eligible will receive an email confirming their new status — typically within one week.

If it’s been more than seven days since you’ve enrolled, you should call to further review your information. According to Royal Caribbean, those who do not receive an automatic status match may have different names, addresses, or phone numbers listed on the accounts.

Here are the best numbers to call to help get your status match sorted before your next cruise:

• Royal Caribbean’s Crown & Anchor Society: 1-800-526-9723 or (541) 285-9723 if outside of the U.S. and Canada (charges may apply)
• Celebrity Cruises’ Captain’s Club: 1-800-760-0654 or 1-316-554-5961 if outside of the U.S. and Canada (charges may apply)
• Silversea Cruises’ Venetian Society: 1-888-978-4070 (North America) or call your local Silversea Office (charges may apply)

Royal Caribbean MGM Status Match

Royal Caribbean Crown & Anchor Society members can get a complimentary tier match into MGM® Rewards and benefit from the perks at all MGM destinations nationwide. You must visit an MGM Rewards desk at any MGM Rewards destination to validate your Crown & Anchor Society status.

Here’s how each of the Crown & Anchor tiers matches across MGM’s loyalty program:

MGM Rewards destinations in Las Vegas, Nevada, include the Bellagio, ARIA, Vdara, MGM Grand, The Signature at MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay, W Las Vegas, Park MGM Las Vegas, NoMad Las Vegas, New York-New York, Luxor, and Excalibur.

The regional MGM Rewards destinations are the Beau Rivage, Borgata, Empire City Casino, MGM Grand Detroit, MGM National Harbor, MGM Springfield, and MGM Northfield Park.

Read more: How do Royal Caribbean and MGM Resorts' shared benefits work?

What is the MSC Status Match program?

While you can't use other loyalty statuses to climb the Royal Caribbean Group ladder, you can leverage your existing status with Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, or Silversea to gain a head start through the MSC Status Match program.

Thanks to MSC Cruises' status match initiative, you can sail as a top-tier member in their Voyagers Club immediately, unlocking lucrative benefits like 20% off spa treatments, priority check-in, a complimentary picture, specialty restaurant dinner, and more. 

Enrollment is easy. All you have to do is submit the one-time request on MSC's website. Note that you will need to attach a scan or screen capture of your current loyalty status for proof. 

Read more: I cruised on Royal Caribbean's and MSC's biggest cruise ships. One was a better experience, but the other was a better value

An Israeli man was arrested at PortMiami on Monday after he was found with child sexual abuse material on his cellphone, according to a report from the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office. 

Basilios Grayeb, 29, of Haifa, Israel, was detained after U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers received a "suspicious activity report" regarding "the purchasing of child sexual abuse material," CBS News reported. 

Grayeb was sailing aboard Freedom of the Seas. Rather than waiting for him to disembark and pass through the terminal, federal agents boarded the 156,271 gross-ton ship to take him into custody. 

According to the arrest report, an officer conducted a border search on the suspect's phone and found a video showing a man sexually assaulting a girl who appeared to be younger than five years old. 

(Credit: Miami-Dade County Corrections and Rehabilitation)

Grayeb confessed to viewing and possessing the material after being read his Miranda rights. He was then brought to the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Facility, where he was booked on February 16, 2026, around 4:00 p.m.

He is being held on a $2,500 bond as of Tuesday morning, The Times of Israel reported, and was also placed on an immigration hold. 

According to Cruise Mapper, Freedom of the Seas had just completed a 4-night Bahamian cruise to Freeport and Nassau, departing on Feb. 12. 

(Credit: Mugshots Zone)

The 19-year-old ship set sail on her maiden voyage in May 2006. She measures 1,111 feet long and has a passenger capacity of 3,926 at double occupancy. Freedom will remain in Miami, Florida, through at least April 2028, embarking on a series of cruises to The Bahamas and Caribbean. 

First-time cruisers likely have questions about what to expect once they're onboard the ship. It's easy to feel overwhelmed by everything, from the embarkation process to the main dining room and kids' club. The best way to feel confident before your vacation is to ask questions, even if they seem silly or like basic common knowledge. 

Every cruiser, even the most experienced, had to start somewhere — anxiously trying to figure out which line, ship, cabin, and itinerary were perfect for them, and learning about the nuances of cruise culture. 

In other words, there’s a definite learning curve to cruising for the first (second, or even third) time. To help smooth the transition, we’ve rounded up some of the most common cruise questions that first-time guests are often too embarrassed or shy to ask, so you can act like a pro before you set foot on a ship.

What is included on a Royal Caribbean cruise?

Cruises remain one of the most popular ways to vacation because of their convenience. The base fare is more inclusive than your standard hotel, meaning that you pay one upfront price for accommodations, transportation between ports of call, and a variety of onboard experiences.

Generally speaking, Royal Caribbean cruises include your stateroom, meals in complimentary dining venues, select beverages, most entertainment, access to pools and fitness facilities, youth programming, and transportation between destinations. 

Some amenities, such as specialty restaurants, alcoholic beverages, shore excursions, and Wi-Fi, cost extra, which can catch first-time cruisers by surprise if they aren’t prepared and budget accordingly. 

Do you have to pay gratuities on a cruise?

Speaking of add-ons, gratuities are another cost that often confuses first-time cruisers. While they aren't included in the base fare, they are typically considered mandatory and can either be prepaid before your sailing or automatically added to your SeaPass account.

The gratuity charges (or tips) go toward hardworking crew who help ensure that your vacation is memorable, including your cabin attendant, dining room servers, and other behind-the-scenes team members. 

As of February 2026, Royal Caribbean charges $18.50 per person per day for guests in standard or Junior Suite staterooms. The charge increases to $21.00 per person per day for suites. 

Read more: Tipping on a cruise ship: what you should and shouldn't do

How much food can I order in the cruise ship dining room?

The main dining room is one of the complimentary restaurants available fleet-wide. Nearly the entire menu is included in your cruise fare, minus a few premium add-ons. As such, you can order as much food as you want. 

Many passengers enjoy eating in the dining room because they can try new dishes that they may not otherwise pay for at a standard restaurant — think escargot, chicken saag, lentil soup, and seafood cakes. 

In fact, many servers will encourage cruisers to order multiple appetizers, entrées, and desserts if they’re torn between options or want to sample a few different dishes. Regardless of how much you order, you don't have to sweat anticipating a large bill at the end of the meal!  

What should I leave off my cruise packing list?

Packing for your cruise can feel overwhelming. Since you don't have easy access to drug stores and supermarkets, many first-time guests are tempted to overpack. 

Instead of frantically throwing everything you think you might need into your suitcase, take a minute to familiarize yourself with Royal Caribbean's prohibited items list. Common household items like irons, steamers, and extension cords cannot be brought on board. 

Additionally, you can leave your bulky beach towels at home, as Royal Caribbean provides towels for guests to use on the ship and at ports of call. 

Read more: 115-item Ultimate Cruise Packing List

Do you need a passport to go on a cruise?

Passports are recommended for all cruises, regardless of whether you are eyeing a short getaway on Utopia of the Seas or an immersive voyage to The Last Frontier. That said, passports aren't always required for cruises. 

Technically, United States citizens can sail on certain cruises without a passport — so long as you can obtain a valid birth certificate and government-issued photo ID. The only stipulation is that you must be embarking on a closed-loop (or round-trip) voyage that departs from the U.S.

For example, a U.S. citizen wouldn't need a passport on a 3-night cruise to The Bahamas from Port Canaveral, Florida. They would, however, need one for a one-way Alaska sailing from Seward to Vancouver, Canada. 

Is the tap water safe to drink on a cruise ship?

Between daytime cocktails by the pool and long days spent ashore in the heat, it's easy to get dehydrated while on a cruise. While water is included in your cruise fare, bottled water typically costs extra — unless you splurge on a pricey drink package. 

That said, the tap water is safe to consume on cruise ships; all water is rigorously distilled or purified according to sanitation standards approved by the U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS). Additionally, the USPHS regularly inspects the ship during construction and throughout the year to ensure compliance with its strict standards. 

So, yes, it's safe to drink the water on a cruise ship! You should not be afraid to bring your reusable water bottle and refill it in your cabin or other public areas on board. 

Read more: Is the tap water safe to drink on a cruise ship?

How do I beat the cruise chair hogs?

"Chair hogs" refer to guests who leave their towels or personal items on one or more pool loungers and then walk away for hours without actually using them.

We don't recommend becoming part of the problem and annoying other passengers. As such, the best approach is to be strategic. For example, arrive early to claim a spot and use the pool in the morning, rather than waiting until early afternoon. 

You can also hit the pool on a port day, when fewer guests are on the ship. Don't be afraid to speak up if you see unattended chairs, either. Technically, pool attendants should be removing items from chairs that have been left for an extended period. 

What is a guarantee cabin on a cruise?

Some first-time cruisers are interested in the cheapest fare they can find. This isn't wise for a few reasons, starting with the fact that the lowest fares typically mean you do not get to pick your specific cruise cabin. 

Royal Caribbean's guarantee (GTY) fares may initially seem like a wise trade-off since you're still guaranteed a stateroom on the same ship. However, you won't know the exact location of your cabin until closer to your sailing's departure date. 

Since GTY rooms are often assigned from "leftover" cabins, it's always a possibility that you could end up with a stateroom in a less-than-ideal location, such as near the noisy nightclub or at the front of the ship where motion is more prominent. 

Read more: What does stateroom guarantee (GTY) mean on Royal Caribbean?

How do you not get seasick on a cruise?

Since your stateroom’s location can affect how much motion you feel, choosing the right cabin is especially important for those prone to motion sickness. 

Generally speaking, staterooms toward the front (forward) and back (aft) of the ship tend to feel more rocking, while cabins in the middle of the vessel and on lower decks often experience less movement. 

Other hacks to prevent seasickness include buying over-the-counter medication, such as Dramamine or Bonine, acupressure bands, or behind-the-ear patches. More natural remedies include fixating on the horizon, sipping peppermint tea, staying hydrated, and eating green apples.

Where does the crew sleep on a cruise ship?

Crew members live on board during their contracts, but their living areas are completely separate from guest areas. 

Crew accommodations are vastly different than guest cabins, too. Whereas every guest stateroom has an ensuite bathroom, many crew members have to share with at least one other person. Not every crew member has a private room, either.

Another big difference is that crew cabins are more functional than luxurious. As such, the décor tends to be more minimalistic, with crew members often adding personal touches like photos, LED strip lights, plants, and more. 

Read more: Photos show a tiny crew-only cabin on Icon of the Seas

How strict is the dress code?

The cruise ship dining dress code debate comes up often as lines become more casual and laid-back. Today, many Royal Caribbean passengers prioritize comfort, with dining venues rarely enforcing the formal standards of decades past. 

Still, there are some rules, both implicit and explicit, that you should follow. For example, bare feet and swimsuits aren't allowed in the buffet. You also shouldn't pack any clothing with profanity or offensive graphics. 

Beyond these guidelines, "resort casual" tends to suffice — think simple sundresses, t-shirts, blouses, skirts, and jeans. Formal night isn't a mandatory requirement, either. That said, many cruisers enjoy participating and dressing their best. 

Read more: I packed the wrong clothes for the last day of my cruise, and it's a reminder of the worst cruise ship packing mistakes

What happens if you fall off of a cruise ship?

Falling off a cruise ship is not an everyday occurrence, but it isn't unheard of for guests to go overboard. In reality, if you follow the posted safety guidance, it's very, very unlikely that you'll end up in the ocean. Those who end up making headlines are often doing something they shouldn't be, such as climbing on their balcony's railing. 

In the unfortunate event that someone does go overboard, the situation is treated as an emergency, and the crew jumps into action. One of the first things you may notice is an emergency broadcast of "Oscar, Oscar, Oscar." The secret code alerts the crew to the situation and helps maintain a sense of order without panicking other passengers. 

Then, search and rescue operations will begin to see if they can either rescue the passenger or recover their body. Following the overboard incident, a formal investigation will be launched to determine the circumstances surrounding the event.

How much does a cruise ship captain make?

A cruise ship is nothing without its trusted captain and navigational crew. The captain is responsible for the safety of the ship, crew, and passengers. They also oversee all the daily operations and ensure smooth sailing.

According to Payscale, cruise captains earn an average of $119,000 per year. A younger captain may earn around $68,000 annually, while the most experienced captains at sea could earn up to $223,000 per year. 

Did you know that you can meet the captain of your cruise, too? Check the daily Cruise Compass to see what opportunities are available during your sailing, such as a Captain's Corner chat or welcome reception. 

What are the best cruise activities?

Cruises are more than eating, drinking, and gambling. There’s something for nearly every interest, so you don't have to worry about boredom being an issue. 

Royal Caribbean's mega-ships are filled from bow to stern with endless activities, ranging from water slides to a mini-golf course, rock climbing wall, FlowRider surf simulator, a sports court, ice skating rink, world-class theater, and more. 

Even the smaller ships that lack the same WOW factors have an impressive daily schedule, with activities like trivia, bingo, live music, wine tastings, and original production shows. 

Read more: After 14 cruises in 2025, these are the best things I did on Royal Caribbean cruise ships this year

Royal Caribbean's Radiance of the Seas successfully rescued six people from a small boat in the Western Caribbean.

According to social media posts, the Radiance Class vessel came to a "full stop" off the coast of Cuba on Sunday, February 15, 2026, to respond to a vessel in distress. 

"Current status on Radiance of the Seas. We are at a full stop pending rescue of 6 people," shared Mike Hoglander in the Crown and Anchor Society Facebook group. 

One Redditor also provided context on the situation, claiming that the captain saw the vessel and was forced to stop. Under international maritime law, vessels are legally required to assist anyone in distress at sea — so long as doing so doesn't endanger their own ship. 

(Credit: Mike Hoglander/Facebook)

According to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), vessels must proceed "with all possible speed" to assist persons in distress, provide help regardless of immigration status or nationality, and coordinate with rescue authorities. 

"[W]ere waiting for the Coast Guard to pick them up but I don’t think they could come," explained Junior-Front-5544. 

"At around 5:45-6 [the crew] decided to get them and there were 6 people. Captain said they will stay [on board] until port tomorrow at [Grand Cayman]."

(Credit: Junior-Front-5544/Reddit)

Hoglander updated his original post to share that all six people were successfully rescued from the small vessel that had begun taking on water. 

Cruise Mapper shows that Radiance of the Seas arrived in Grand Cayman on Monday, Feb. 16, as planned. 

The 90,090 gross-ton Radiance Class vessel is currently on a 6-night Western Caribbean cruise that departed on Feb. 14, from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. 

(Credit: Junior-Front-5544/Reddit)

The first port of call on the itinerary is Grand Cayman, followed by Cozumel, Mexico, on Feb. 18. Radiance is expected to return to Florida on Friday, Feb. 20. 

Radiance of the Seas is a 24-year-old cruise ship that launched in 2001. She measures 962 feet long and can accommodate around 2,140 guests at double occupancy. 

Through April 2026, Radiance will offer Bahamian voyages from Fort Lauderdale. She'll relocate to Tampa, Florida, in April, where she will remain through at least April 2028. 

(Credit: Junior-Front-5544/Reddit)

Itineraries range from 4-night getaways to 8-night Western Caribbean cruises that visit ports like Grand Cayman, Cozumel, Roatán, and Costa Maya. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean ships by age — Newest to Oldest

It's not uncommon for cruise ships to rescue passengers in distress

(Credit: @AileenCD/TikTok)

A few years ago, Odyssey of the Seas rescued 77 migrants off the coast of Greece while on a 7-night Greek Isles cruise. 

The sailboat was first spotted by a Maltese-flagged cargo ship roughly 112 nautical miles (129 miles) southwest of Pylos. Then, Greece's search and rescue authority helped coordinate the rescue operation.

A few months later, Voyager of the Seas rescued 4 adults, 2 children, and a black lab off a disabled sailboat drifting off the coast of Marrakesh, Morocco.

(Credit: Karen Fraser)

In Oct. 2025, Norwegian Epic rescued over 60 people from a boat in the Ionian Sea, USA TODAY reported. 

"The individuals were brought on board and tended to by the ship’s crew who provided a medical evaluation, food and other items for their comfort," said Norwegian in an emailed statement. 

"Following a mandatory directive from the Rescue Coordination Centre, the ship proceeded to Kalamata, Greece where the rescued individuals were turned over to the Greek authorities."

Enchantment of the Seas, one of Royal Caribbean's oldest and smallest vessels, also saved a group of people from a raft that was "falling apart" in international waters between Mexico and Cuba. 

As reported by NBC News, Enchantment of the Seas launched two lifeboats and successfully rescued the distressed people. Afterward, the captain announced that everyone was in good health. 

Although cruising has gotten more expensive, it's still possible to find a good deal on a Royal Caribbean cruise — but if you're only looking for the cheapest option, you may end up disappointed.

While establishing a budget and sticking to it is an important planning step, it shouldn't be the only factor guiding your decision-making. 

Oftentimes, the cheapest sailings are on older ships in windowless inside cabins. Not only that, but the dates may be during the shoulder season, which might limit your flexibility when it comes to choosing itineraries or taking time off work. 

Balancing cost with your priorities and expectations is the best way to ensure that you have an unforgettable vacation at sea. In this article, we'll break down five reasons you should never choose a cruise solely based on the cost. 

Cheap cruises tend to be on older ships with fewer amenities 

New cruise ships are packed from bow to stern with activities, restaurants, and entertainment options. However, while ships like Icon and Star of the Seas might be the focus of the cruise line's advertising, the fleet encompasses far more than mega-ships, and the older vessels are still popular among loyal fans — though some are nearing 30 years old. 

Still, if you're someone who was captivated by a commercial with water slides, surfing simulators, zip lines, and ice skating rinks, you may find that Royal Caribbean's oldest ships don't have the same WOW factor. 

Older vessels, like the Vision and Radiance Class ships, are still a solid choice for travelers who prioritize value over the latest amenities. However, if you're traveling with kids who need constant stimulation or consider yourself an adrenaline junkie, a newer ship, even if it's a Voyager or Freedom Class vessel, may better meet your needs and expectations. 

Read more: What you gain (and lose) by choosing an older cruise ship

The cost per day on shorter cruises is higher, even if the overall price is lower than a weeklong sailing

"Cheap" isn't synonymous with "value." As such, it’s important to look beyond the total price and consider the cost per day to ensure that you are getting the best bang for your buck. 

To give you an example, we'll compare the cost of short and long Royal Caribbean cruise sailings on similar ships and itineraries. Note that these prices were accurate at the time of publication but are subject to change based on demand and availability.

Utopia of the Seas, June 4-7, 2027

• Interior: $1,010/person (~$337 per night)
• Outside View: $1,080/person (~$360 per night)
• Balcony: $1,150/person (~$383 per night)
• Suite: $1,878/person (~$626 per night)

Allure of the Seas, June 6-12, 2027 

• Interior: $1,258/person (~$210 per night)
• Outside View: $1,408/person (~$235 per night)
• Balcony: $1,485/person (~$248 per night)
• Suite: $3,346/person (~$558 per night)

At first glance, the 3-night cruise on Utopia of the Seas appears to be the better deal due to its lower total price, starting at just around $1,000 per person for an interior cabin. However, when broken down by night, the 6-night Allure of the Seas sailing offers double the time on board for only a modest increase in overall cost. This results in a lower per-day price and a greater overall value. 

In fact, you could book a balcony cabin on Allure of the Seas for a lower per-night cost compared to a windowless interior stateroom on Utopia of the Seas. 

Read more: Should you take a short cruise from Florida? Pros and cons of cheap weekend getaways

You could travel during a region's shoulder season and experience unfavorable weather

Sailing to The Bahamas in January, for example, is much cheaper than in June, July, or August. That's because winter weather in The Bahamas is cooler and less predictable. 

In January and early February of 2026, multiple ships had their scheduled visits to Perfect Day at CocoCay canceled due to high winds and rogue waves. Some guests ended up with an extra sea day, while some missed out on all scheduled ports, resulting in "cruises to nowhere." 

While taking a cruise during hurricane season is risky, inclement weather isn’t limited to just one time of year, and sailing during shoulder season can still lead to itinerary changes, missed ports, or cooler-than-expected temperatures that put a damper on your Bahamian beach day. 

The lowest rate on any sailing is often for tiny interior staterooms

There are many factors to consider when choosing the right cruise room, and price is only one of them. Generally speaking, windowless inside cabins are the most affordable, and while they may be perfect for some travelers, others avoid them at all costs. 

Do you want to wake up and admire the passing scenery or have the morning sunlight illuminate your cabin? If so, an outside view stateroom or balcony will be a better fit, even if they cost a bit more.

Other considerations include cabin size, location, and proximity to public venues. For instance, you may not want to be located near the casino or nightclub. As such, it might be in your best interest to pay to select your specific stateroom, rather than rely on luck with a cheaper guaranteed room rate. 

Read more: Cruise ship rooms on Royal Caribbean: How to choose the best cabin

Royal Caribbean cruises are not all-inclusive, so you'll need to budget for other add-ons

Finally, Royal Caribbean's base fare only covers your accommodation, complimentary meals, select beverages, transportation, entertainment, and most onboard activities. However, it does not include add-ons like drink packages, specialty restaurants, shore excursions, and Wi-Fi. 

These extras can significantly increase the total cost of your vacation, regardless of whether you're eyeing a 3-night getaway or a weeklong adventure. For example, Royal Caribbean's Deluxe Beverage Package costs anywhere from $56 to $115 per person, per night. 

As such, booking the cheapest cruise does not necessarily mean that your entire vacation will be inexpensive, so planning ahead for the additional expenses is essential to avoid any last-minute surprises. 

Read more: When should you buy Royal Caribbean drink package, wifi, tours & other add-ons

Royal Caribbean's third Icon Class ship will have its very own Chief Dog Officer: Skipper. 

Earlier this month, Michael Bayley, Royal Caribbean's President and CEO, announced that the then-unnamed puppy had been born. 

Within hours, Bayley's Facebook post had over 400 comments with cruise fans weighing in on what the cruise line should name the soon-to-be Chief Dog Officer of Legend of the Seas. 

Some of the ideas include nautical-inspired names like Anchor and Schooner. Others, such as Norway, paid tribute to Royal Caribbean's history and private destination, Perfect Day at CocoCay. 

(Credit: Michael Bayley/Facebook)

In the end, Bayley revealed the winning name in a playful post alongside an AI image of himself, the recently born puppy, and Rover and Sailor, the respective Chief Dog Officers of Icon and Star of the Seas. 

"ChatGPT A.I. with my true loves!  Rover, Sailor, and baby Skipper! Thank you to all who suggested some wonderful names for our growing group of Chief Dog Officers. After an exhaustive process, our distinguished panel (🤪me) chose Skipper," Bayley shared on Facebook. 

Skipper was mentioned a few times in the previous comment section by fans, including Amy Sue, Diane Cushman, Maria Jodoin, Bridgette Hope Spence, Amanda Davis, and Christy Collins. 

Read more: New puppy born that will live on Royal Caribbean's next new cruise ship

With the name now official, cruisers can look forward to Skipper following in the previous "paw" prints of the other Chief Dog Officers. 

Icon of the Seas was the first ship to feature a full-time Chief Dog Officer

Icon of the Seas is record-breaking in more ways than one. While the massive mega-ship broke records as the world’s largest cruise ship and for having the largest waterpark at sea, the vessel was also the first in the fleet to introduce a Chief Dog Officer.

Rover, an adorable Golden Retriever, made history as Royal Caribbean’s first-ever Chief Dog Officer when Icon debuted in January 2024. She lives on the ship full-time with her handler (talk about a dream job!) and became a celebrity before the ship even set sail. 

The following year, Royal Caribbean welcomed Sailor aboard Star of the Seas, continuing the trend of having a "family dog" on its family-focused cruise ships. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean will have a dog that lives on Star of the Seas

With Rover joining the Icon of the Seas' crew around six months old, Skipper will likely follow a similar time frame. This will give Royal Caribbean ample time to properly train her and help her develop her much-needed sea legs. 

If this is true, based on Sailor's birthday, she won't embark on Legend of the Seas until around August 2026, after the ship's maiden voyages in July. This, however, is just speculation; Royal Caribbean has not confirmed anything about when Skipper may make Legend her full-time home — other than that she will definitely be on board while the Icon Class ship is in Europe. 

Legend of the Seas' maiden voyage is scheduled for July 2026

Legend of the Seas is the next highly-anticipated Icon Class ship. While the bones are nearly identical to the other two vessels, what makes Legend so special is that she's the first Icon Class ship to offer European cruises. 

When Legend debuts in July 2026, she'll sail on a series of round-trip voyages from Barcelona, Spain, and Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy. Then, she'll move to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, for the winter season before returning to Europe in May 2027. 

Combining a sailing on an Icon Class ship with bucket-list destinations like Marseille, France; Naples, Italy; and Palma de Mallorca, Spain, gives travelers the chance to pair Royal Caribbean’s newest, most groundbreaking hardware with some of the Mediterranean’s most iconic destinations. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean adds an even earlier first sailing on Legend of the Seas

One cruise ship just made history after earning the first-ever Five-Star rating from the Forbes Travel Guide for one of its fine dining restaurants at sea.  

Le Voyage by Daniel Boulud aboard Celebrity Xcel, the cruise line's newest Edge Series ship, earned the prestigious honor and joined an elite group of restaurants that hold Five-Star accolades across the globe. 

The upscale restaurant, which was created in partnership with Celebrity Cruises’ global culinary ambassador and Michelin-starred Chef Daniel Boulud, first debuted in Celebrity Beyond. It's more than just a fine dining experience, too. Each meal is a cultural journey that invites guests to experience flavors from around the world, all inspired by Chef Daniel Boulud's travels. 

Le Voyage offers diners a choice between expertly prepared à la carte dishes and a carefully crafted five-course tasting menu. The meal isn't cheap, costing over $100 per person. However, the recently-awarded Forbes Five-Star distinction reinforces that this isn't just another specialty steakhouse on a cruise ship. It's one of the best culinary experiences in the world — that just so happens to be at sea. 

"We are extremely proud and honored to earn Forbes Travel Guide's first Five-Star rating for a restaurant at sea. This industry-leading recognition reflects our unwavering commitment to culinary excellence," said Laura Hodges Bethge, President of Celebrity Cruises. 

Chef Daniel Boulud added, "I have the honor of being Celebrity Cruises’ global culinary ambassador, supporting their delivery of elevated culinary experiences. Throughout the years of partnership, I recognized Celebrity’s drive for culinary innovation and dedication to quality service. We began expanding our collaboration, first featuring my menus for their Suite guests, then trusting Celebrity to launch my first-ever restaurant at sea.

"Le Voyage is the culmination of our years-long partnership, and we are thrilled to be recognized with Forbes Travel Guide's Five Stars. Together, we look forward to continuing to redefine the possibilities of dining at sea."

Forbes Travel Guide is widely regarded as the gold standard for excellence in hospitality. It remains the only independent, global rating system for luxury hotels, spas, restaurants, and ocean cruises. In fact, every Forbes Travel Guide Star Rating comes from anonymous evaluations that are measured against hundreds of objective standards that prioritize exceptional service. 

Le Voyage's award isn't the first time that Celebrity Cruises has made history with the travel guide, either. In 2023, the premium cruise line was the first to earn a prestigious Forbes Travel Guide Star Award. 

Read more: 9 things I wish I knew before setting foot on a Celebrity ship

Three other restaurants earned Four-Star ratings

"At Celebrity Cruises, elevated hospitality is in our DNA. Guided by our guests, we dream up and deliver experiences that create memories and stories they cannot experience anywhere else," explained Hodges Bethge. 

As such, it should not come as a surprise to learn that not one, not two, but three other Celebrity restaurants walked away with Four-Star ratings from Forbes Travel Guide: Le Voyage on Celebrity Ascent, Fine Cut Steakhouse on Celebrity Ascent, and Fine Cut Steakhouse on Celebrity Apex. 

Additionally, four Celebrity Cruises ships earned an overall rating in 2026, including Celebrity Xcel (recommended), Celebrity Ascent (Four-Stars), Celebrity Apex (recommended), and Celebrity Flora (recommended). 

These eight awards are a testament to Celebrity's promise that "Nothing Else Comes Close." From world-class dining to elevated service and transformational accommodations, the cruise line continues to set new standards for what travelers can expect at sea. 

The outlook for the line remains strong, with the first river ships expected to debut in 2027. These first-of-its-kind vessels are taking a lot of inspiration from the Edge Series — three of which walked away with Forbes overall ratings in 2026. 

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