It's hard to believe that a beloved film that was once rejected by Disney has made its way to the high seas. 

Royal Caribbean is bringing the musical version of the 1985 Back to the Future film to its cruise ship. Today, it's a cultural phenomenon, but it almost never happened.

Speaking onboard Star of the Seas, co-writer Bob Gale shared the story of the movie was pitched to movie executives.

The pitch was turned down over 40 times, with studios claiming that the story was too lighthearted for such a serious sci-fi premise. 

Even after the seemingly constant rejection, Oscar-winning director Robert Zemeckis and co-writer Bob Gale decided to take the pitch to Disney, where they received perhaps the harshest criticism of all. 

"Think they would make a movie about incest? You've got the kid and his mom in a car. Get out of here!" Gale recalled during a panel aboard Star of the Seas, the first-ever cruise ship to bring Back to the Future: The Musical to life at sea. 

It wasn't until Zemeckis worked on the 1984 hit movie Romancing the Stone that revisiting Back to the Future became possible. 

"Everybody in town did want to be in business with [Zemeckis]," Gale said, "And they said, 'Bob, what movie do you want to make?'... And all this time, there was one guy who always liked the script. His name was Steven Spielberg." 

Spielberg was already a powerhouse in Hollywood and had previously worked with Gale three times on the films I Want to Hold Your Hand (1978), 1941 (1979), and Used Cars (1980).  

Initially, Gale was worried that if Back to the Future tanked, he'd never be able to work with Spielberg again. But with the success of Zemeckis's Romancing the Stone, everything changed.

"Steven had just set up Amblin Entertainment on the Universal lot, and we became the first movie to be produced out of Amblin Entertainment. We got set up in 1984. And the rest, as they say, is history," Gale explained. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean will add Back to the Future musical to its next new cruise ship

That history wasn’t made without a few bumps along the road

Even after the film was greenlit, Gale and Zemeckis faced a series of challenges, starting with casting for the lead role of Marty McFly. 

"The president of the studio insisted that we cast Eric Stoltz to play Marty McFly. We could not get Michael J. Fox out of his TV series Family Ties. And so you know, when the president of the corporation tells you [that] you got to do something, you do it."

Still, they realized Stoltz wasn’t the right fit for the role, and they eventually let him go to cast Fox. 

Origins of Back to the Future: The Musical

According to Gale, Zemeckis and his wife saw The Producers on Broadway, which inspired his wife to suggest creating a stage adaptation of Back to the Future.

They had already finished Back to the Future II and Back to the Future III and were adamant about not creating a prequel or spinoffs. As such, Zemeckis and Gale leaned into the idea of a musical adaptation. 

"We thought if we did a theatrical musical that would be a way of giving the public more Back to the Future, but in a way that didn't disturb...the canon of the trilogy," he said. 

First, they called Alan Silvestri, who composed the music for the movies. Then, they reached out to Glen Ballard, a Grammy-winning songwriter who had previously worked with Silvestri on songs for The Polar Express. 

After a few weeks, Silvestri and Ballard came back with some songs, and the team knew they had something great in the works. 

"Now, it took us...four years from when we thought of the idea of doing Back to the Future to when we finally got it made, and ten years after that, all three movies were made," stated Gale. 

Read more: 8 changes coming to Royal Caribbean's next new cruise ship (and 1 returning favorite)

Comparatively, ten years after thinking about the musical adaptation, they still didn't have a director. Colin Ingram was the only producer they had met who thought it was a smart idea. 

However, once they got John Rando onboard, everything fell into place, including figuring out how to bring the DeLorean to the stage. 

"So here we are, now on a cruise ship. If the Me of today could travel back in time to August, September 1980, when Bob Zemeckis and I were struggling to write this script and said, 'Do you know guys know where this story is going to go? Do you know where you're going to be in the year 2025? You're going to be on a cruise ship in the middle of the Caribbean Sea.' Bob and I would have called security and said, 'We've got a lunatic in our office. Get him the heck out of here,'" he joked. 

An unidentified male passenger was injured on a water slide aboard one of the world's largest cruise ships.

(Credit: @aaron.dv02 [left] / @fireal7 [right])

The Frightening Bolt is one of six water slides at Category 6, a record-breaking waterpark on Icon of the Seas. At 46 feet tall, it's famous for being the biggest drop slide at sea, as well as its trapdoor launch, which makes it one of the more extreme attractions on a cruise ship.

Typically, the Category 6 Waterpark is a major draw for guests. However, on Thursday, August 7, one adult male was injured while riding the Frightening Bolt after an acrylic glass panel broke off.

Thankfully, he didn't fall through the hole. Instead, passengers reported seeing "skin laceration injuries from his legs to his hands." 

(Credit: @maddietspmo [left] / @natalya.ash [right])

That said, videos and photos shared on social media show water forcefully gushing through the opening where the panel broke, spraying the chairs overlooking the Hideaway and wake. Consequently, Deck 15 was closed following the accident to prevent further injuries and allow crew members to assess the damage. 

"Our team provided medical care to an adult guest when acrylic glass broke off a water slide as the guest passed through the slide. The guest is being treated for his injuries. The water slide is closed for the remainder of the sailing pending an investigation," a Royal Caribbean spokesperson told Cruise Hive. 

With the Frightening Bolt closed, guests aboard Icon can still ride 5 other slides, including the Pressure Drop, Storm Chasers, Hurricane Hunter, and Storm Surge. 

Are water slides on cruise ships safe?

Generally speaking, the number of water slide-related accidents on cruise ships is rare. Cruise lines heavily invest in regular maintenance and safety inspections to make sure that they're operating smoothly. 

In fact, when I sailed aboard Icon of the Seas in April 2025, the Frightening Bolt was frequently closed for maintenance, and there were no issues when it was operational.

Still, as with any thrill ride, there's always a level of inherent risk. Whether it's a water slide, zip line, rock climbing wall, or ice skating rink, passengers should follow the posted safety instructions, including height and weight restrictions. It's also important to listen to crew members. 

Although the recent accident on the Frightening Bolt on Icon of the Seas was unfortunate, it's an isolated case. Thousands of guests enjoy these water slides safely every year. 

Royal Caribbean won't reopen the Frightening Bolt until it has been repaired and undergone rigorous testing to ensure it is ready to safely operate again. As such, it could be closed for an extra sailing or two. The next cruise departs on Aug. 9. 

The incident is causing some to rethink cruise ship water slides

"You know what doesn't cause me to plummet to my death? The adult pool. That's where I live," wrote one Reddit user.

Another added, "Went on [the Frightening Bolt] last summer and am also a grown man. Going on Star later this year, guess I won't be going on it...then."

"[W]hats most concerning to me is that the icon isn't even 2-3 years old and coupled in with the engine fire it had last year alongside the constant propulsion issues and other problems [it's] seriously making me reconsider sailing with royal," someone else chimed in. 

Icon of the Seas is currently on a 7-night Eastern Caribbean cruise

The 248,663 gross registered ton vessel departed Miami, Florida, on Aug. 2 and is scheduled to return on Aug. 9. 

The incident didn't cause any changes to the itinerary. According to Cruise Mapper, Icon of the Seas is docked at Perfect Day at CocoCay (as of 7:40AM EST), alongside Oasis of the Seas. 

Other ports of call on the itinerary included St. Maarten and St. Thomas. 

Royal Caribbean has revamped its fleet-wide drink menu. 

The base menu for cocktails, low-alcohol, and zero-proof drinks has been updated across all 29 of its ships, placing a greater emphasis on non-alcoholic beverages. It was introduced on Star of the Seas during a special media preview on August 7, 2025. 

Your favorite vacation cocktails, such as piña coladas, daiquiris, and mojitos, are still available. However, this menu refresh introduces a wider variety of craft cocktails and mocktails for those who might be interested in trying something different. 

This new menu will be available at all bars and lounges that don't have a specialized menu of their own, including the Schooner Bar, Boleros, and the Viking Crown Lounge. 

The biggest change is a greater emphasis on non-alcoholic drinks. This isn't necessarily a new trend. When Icon of the Seas launched in 2024, the cruise line crafted a dedicated menu for zero-proof drinks. And no, they are not just virgin versions of cocktails.

"We really took the time to curate them as standalone drinks without alcohol and really look at blending flavors that work together versus a stock virgin daiquiri that is just an alcoholic drink we’ve taken the alcohol out of. We didn’t even consider putting alcohol in these as we put them together," said Ed Eiswirth, Royal Caribbean's Director of Beverage Operations.

You'll still find the basics like soda, energy drinks, juice, and water, but the refreshed menu also features more handcrafted zero-proof beverages:

• Mule Kickback
• Espresso No-Tini
• Peach Perfect
• Lush Life
• Mai Spice

Whether you're sober or simply want to limit your alcohol intake, these new drinks can be great alternatives without feeling like you're restricting yourself:

• Yuzu Sunrise
• All Aboard Spritz
• Watermelon Mint Lemonade
• Passionista
• Crave the Wave

• Coconut Lime Refresher
• Tropical Crush
• Passion Starlight
• Tiger's Tale
• Berry Press
• Berry Necessary 

Additionally, there's more than one non-alcoholic beer and wine. There are also four Blind Tiger spirit-free sparkling mocktails: Lavender French 75, Side Car Mimosa, and Southside Mogito. 

The same "Taste of the Caribbean" drinks are available, including the Painkiller, Dark 'N Stormy, Goombay Smash, Planter's Punch, Papa Jac, and Rum Punch. 

Although the drinks remain the same, the menu features a refreshed design; the map-inspired layout wasn't completely replaced. 

The "Light & Lively" drinks include:

• Pineapple Guava Sangria
• Scarlett's Tropical Sangria
• Tropic Like It's Hot
• Make Me Blush
• Demure Paloma
• Botanical Breeze

The list of "Crisp & Refreshing" drinks is as follows:

• Love Story
• Berried Treasure
• Handcrafted Margarita
• Yuzu the One
• Curaçao Cosmo
• Cozumel Sunrise
• Cool as a Cucumber
• Strawberry Blonde

"Strong & Sprited" drinks are crafted for those who prefer a bold cocktail:

• Passion Spritz
• Blackberry Lemon Drop
• 'Rol and Rye
• Teqkil-Ya Zombie
• Kentucky Summer

Beer lovers, don't worry — there are still plenty to choose from. Still, some may find the selection lacking compared to bars on land:

• Blue Moon Belgian White
• Blue Moon Non-Alcoholic Belgian White
• Bud Light
• Budweiser
• Coors Light
• Corona Extra
• Dos Equis
• Foster's Oil Can
• Heineken
• Heineken 0.0 (Non-Alcoholic)
• Michelob Ultra
• Miller Lite
• New Belgium Voodoo Ranger Juicy Haze IPA
• Paulaner Weissbier
• Red Stripe
• Sam Adams Non-Alcoholic Just the Haze IPA
• Stella Artois
• Stone Delicious IPA (Gluten-Reduced)
• Angry Orchard Hard Cider
• Strongbow Hard Cider
• Truly Hard Seltzer (Wild Berry or Strawberry Lemonade)
• Twisted Tea Hard Iced Tea
• White Claw Hard Seltzer (Mango)
• Blind Tiger Sparkling Non-Alcoholic Mocktail

You will also find a selection of wines by the glass or by the bottle. Not all wines are available by the glass, but there are various brands from regions around the world. They also have red, white, and sparkling options.

There are several non-alcoholic wines, too:

• Natuero Sparkling (Spain)
• Cero Coma Blanco (Spain)
• Ariel Chardonnay (California)
• Ariel Cabernet Sauvignon (California)
• Naturero Syrah (Spain)

If you purchase a bottle of wine, you can bring it to any bar, restaurant, or even back to your cabin to enjoy; you don't have to finish it in one sitting. 

Finally, there's an impressive selection of spirits for those looking for a quick shot or liquor served neat:

• Vodka
• Rum
• Gin
• Tequila (over 15 kinds!)
• Mezcal
• Scotch
• Cognac
• Whiskey & Bourbon
• Apértif
• Liqueur 

Utopia of the Seas has cabins for all types of cruisers. Budget-friendly sailors can book affordable interior staterooms, while those with a larger budget can splurge on a luxurious suite within the Royal Suite Class. 

One such suite is the Owner's Suite. Although it isn't the two-story Ultimate Family Suite, it delivers an elevated cruise experience with access to the suite-only Coastal Kitchen dining room, a spacious private balcony, exclusive sun deck, upgraded bathroom, and more. 

Charlie Cartwright shared photos of his Owner's Suite on Utopia of the Seas. While onboard, Cartwright stayed in cabin #18218. This particular stateroom is located all the way aft on Deck 18, just steps from the suite-only sun deck. It's also one deck above the Coastal Kitchen restaurant and the Suite Lounge. 

Pricing varies, but you can expect to spend over $2,000 per person on an Owner's Suite on Utopia of the Seas. For example, the cost for two people in an Owner's Suite on Utopia's 3-night Feb. 6, 2026 departure costs $6,020. 

Here's a photo tour of a 1-Bedroom Owner's Suite on Utopia of the Seas, Royal Caribbean's newest Oasis Class ship sailing from Port Canaveral, Florida. 

Spacious living area

Measuring over 860 square feet, the Owner's Suite isn't a cramped stateroom. Instead, it offers ample room to relax and entertain, featuring a separate living room, a large bedroom with a plush bed, a private balcony, and an upgraded bathroom. 

In addition to a sofa and chairs, the living area has a dining table, which is nice for when you want to enjoy meals or snacks in your stateroom. 

The living area also acts as a second bedroom with a convertible double sofa bed, allowing up to four guests to stay in the suite. Thanks to the twice-daily service, it's easy for the bed to be set up at night and neatly tucked away in the morning, so you don't lose the space's functionality.

The cabin also features an impressive wet bar, complete with a coffee machine and mini-fridge (though it does not come fully stocked). This makes it easy to wake up, brew a fresh cup of coffee, and enjoy the sunrise from the balcony. 

Natural light floods through the floor-to-ceiling windows and door that open up to the Owner's Suite private verandah. 

Compared to standard balconies, the suite's verandah offers significantly more space. In fact, it measures over 225 square feet, whereas a standard ocean-view balcony comes in at around 50 square feet. 

Not only does the balcony have comfortable loungers for watching the scenery, but there's another dining table. 

This helps bring the living area outside, making it a great place to gather for a pre-dinner drink or morning breakfast with your family. 

Private bedroom

Although the bedroom is separated from the main living area of the suite, guests don't have to miss out on the spectacular views. The large windows open up to the spacious verandah, rather than hiding passengers away in a dark room. 

The furnishings are a major upgrade compared to standard staterooms, too. The nightstands, for example, have marble tops and plenty of charging ports. The stylish headboard and ambient lighting help further distinguish the Owner's Suite from a standard cruise cabin. 

However, one of the highlights of the suite is the spacious bathroom. Outfitted with a double vanity, soaking tub, shower, bidet, and ample storage, you won't have to worry about fighting for counter space when getting ready in the morning or freshening up before dinner. 

The soaking tub is a nice touch for families with children, too. It's much easier to bathe a younger kid in the tub than to try to use the standing shower. 

Compared to some other suites (like the Royal Loft Suite), the bathroom does not have any natural light. It's the only bathroom in the cabin, too. There isn't an extra half-bathroom.

Still, all the upgraded features (namely the two sinks and luxurious tub) make the Owner's Suite's singular bathroom a step above standard cabins. 

What perks come with an Owner's Suite on Utopia of the Seas?

Royal Caribbean's Royal Suite Class is comprised of three different tiers: Sea, Sky, and Star. The Owner's Suite falls within the middle Sky tier. As such, it comes with more benefits than regular cabins but not as many as the larger suites onboard (i.e., the Star Class suites). 

Perks for the Sky Class Owner's Suite include:

• Concierge Service
• All-Day Access to Coastal Kitchen
• Flexible Arrival Boarding & Priority Departure
• Access to the Suite Sun Deck
• Plush Bathrobes
• Luxury Pillow Top Mattress and Linens
• Luxury Bathroom Amenities
• Lazazza Espresso Coffee Machine
• Specialty Bottled Water (Upon Arrival)
• Priority Dining Reservations
• Suite Lounge Access (Complimentary Hors D'oeuvres and Cocktails Each Evening)
• One VOOM Wi-Fi Package Per Person

One notable exclusion is that Sky Class suites do not include a drink package. However, complimentary drinks are available in the Suite Lounge. 

Despite heightening concerns over flooding in Juneau, Alaska, you shouldn’t cancel your glacier excursion just yet.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) anticipates that Mendenhall Lake in Juneau, Alaska, will flood sometime in the next 2-3 weeks. 

An update on Travel Juneau's Facebook page shared that officials are monitoring "the potential for a glacial lake outburst, similar to those experienced over the last two years."

Should the water levels rise, local authorities will close all lakeside trails and roads adjacent to the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center. The Mendenhall Campground will also be closed and evacuated. 

Until then, the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center will remain open from 10:00AM to 5:00PM, Sunday through Friday. 

As of Monday, July 28, 2025, the current height of the Suicide Basin, an over-deepened bedrock basin located approximately 1.8 miles up the Mendenhall Glacier, was 1,317ft. Comparatively, the basin's height in 2024 was 1,357ft, while it was 1,401ft in 2023. 

The NOAA released that the basin was rising roughly 3 feet per day and is expected to reach its capacity of 1,368ft in mid-August. The storage capacity of Suicide Basin varies due to ongoing changes in the Mendenhall Glacier, including ice melting and calving. 

Read more: Alaska Cruises on Royal Caribbean: Everything You Need to Know

Suicide Basin plays an important role in the formation of recurring glacial lake outburst floods because Mendenhall Glacier acts as a dam that allows water to build up in the basin. 

A glacier outburst flood (GLOF) is the sudden release of water from a glacier lake and is often caused by the failure of a natural dam (like ice, rock, or moraine) that holds back the lake's water. It can result in a sudden and potentially catastrophic flood downstream.

Scientists monitor these changes using elevation models, drones, and satellite imagery. 

No immediate cause for concern

"This is a routine precautionary update that happens every summer as part of NOAA's glacier monitoring," LaDonna Rose, an Alaskan fisherwoman, cookbook author, and self-proclaimed lover of salmon, shared in a recent comment on the Alaska Cruise Excursions and Packing List 2025 - 2026 Facebook group.

"If there is ever a risk of a lake outburst, tours and trails in the area are temporarily closed as a safety measure and reopened once everything is cleared. This is not something to be alarmed about, it's a natural part of how they monitor glacier activity each season," she added. 

Although cruise passengers should remain aware of the potential for a glacier outburst, they shouldn't be alarmed. Any closures will be communicated, particularly if they impact paid shore excursions to the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center. 

"No need to stress, this is just Juneau being Juneau and they're used to keeping visitors safe and informed," Rose said. 

Read more: 25 Alaska cruise tips to follow in 2025

Suicide Basin experienced record-level flooding on August 6, 2024

Although Suicide Basin has flooded annually since 2011, it's impossible to predict the exact timing of the GLOF. However, the flooding reached record levels in 2024, damaging at least 100 homes and cars. 

According to the NOAA, the Mendenhall River gauge crested at 15.99 feet on August 6, 2024. This exceeded the previous record of 14.97 feet set in 2023. 

At the peak of the event, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) gauge at Mendenhall River recorded a streamflow exceeding 33,000 cubic feet per second (cfs), which was more than 8,000 cfs higher than 2023's levels.

Early estimates also revealed that 14.6 billion gallons of water were released from the Suicide Basin. That's enough water to fill more than 22,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools.

Because the basin isn't as full as it was in 2024, any potential flooding this year might not be as catastrophic. That said, every GLOF is unique, and conditions can quickly change. 

Things to do in Juneau other than go to the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center

Should your plans be disrupted due to the closure of the visitor center, there are plenty of other things to do in Juneau, Alaska. 

You can, for example, stroll the streets of the downtown area. It's kept many of the facades that make you feel as though you're walking through a Gold Rush mining town. It is home to popular restaurants and bars, too. These include the Red Dog Saloon and Tracy's King Crab Shack — a must if you want to try fresh crab.

You will also want to browse the shops to look for unique souvenirs, handmade crafts, jewelry, and locally made art. 

The Mount Roberts Tramway is another popular attraction that whisks you 1,800 feet up Mount Roberts, where you'll find panoramic views of Juneau, hiking trails, and more. 

If you want to be a little less active, consider a whale-watching cruise departing from the nearby Auke Bay. You never know what wildlife you will spot, from humpback whales to sea lions. 

Read more: Alaska shore excursions you can book without breaking your budget

We've all heard stories of cruisers lucky enough to earn free drinks and cruises just by gambling in the casino, but have you ever wondered what it took to walk off the ship with a complimentary cruise?

Chris Wong, a crew member who has worked with Royal Caribbean for over five years, recently broke down how the cruise line's Casino Royale rewards program works. 

In a video shared on Wong's popular YouTube channel, he gave viewers a behind-the-scenes look at his daily responsibilities as a Casino Host on Allure of the Seas. 

He also shared what players need to know about the Casino Royale program, from how to earn points to what promotions are available during the casino's operating hours and what kinds of perks serious gamblers can expect. 

The Casino Royale program rewards players based on how much they gamble

Royal Caribbean's casino rewards program, which is entirely separate from the Crown & Anchor Society, is comprised of four tiers: Choice, Prime, Signature, and Masters. 

Cruisers' Crown & Anchor Society status is determined by how many nights guests have spent on Royal Caribbean ships. However, Casino Royale status is based solely on how much a guest gambles in the casino within a calendar year, which runs from April 1 to March 31. In other words, status isn't lifetime and must be earned annually.

According to Wong, there aren't any worthwhile benefits for entry-level members in the Choice tier. 

As such, most players strive to reach Prime (2,500 points). The main perks are free drinks in the casino while playing, as well as a waived 5% convenience fee for table game buy-ins with SeaPass cards. Prime cruisers also get one complimentary cruise per year in an interior stateroom. 

The next tier, Signature, requires 25,000 points. Wong says that one of the best benefits of this status level is that cruisers get one free VOOM Wi-Fi package per sailing, regardless of length. 

Additionally, the annual complimentary cruise cabin category is upgraded to a balcony. 

Read more: I got a free cruise from Royal Caribbean's casino. It was the perfect price, but I wish I had a window

Finally, Masters is the highest tier within the Casino Royale program, reserved for players who earn 100,000 points or more.

This level unlocks the most exclusive perks, including a complimentary cruise in a Grand Suite, priority access to the terminal on embarkation day, two VOOM Wi-Fi packages, dinner in the Coastal Kitchen suite restaurant, and more. 

Earning points on slot machines is more straightforward than on table games. Every $5 on a slot machine earns one casino point. However, the points earned from table games are based on a combination of your average monetary spend and the time spent at the table. 

You can start earning casino points on embarkation day. It's smart because you can take advantage of the complimentary FreePlay loaded onto your SeaPass account. 

"For the first two days of the cruise, everyone who is 18 years and older has mystery FreePlay to use [at] the casino," Wong says. 

The amount varies from $2 to $100, and it's completely random. All you have to do is go into the casino on Day 1 or 2 and visit a slot machine. 

To load the FreePlay onto the slot machine, follow these instructions:

1. Tap or insert your SeaPass card at the slot machine. You'll know it's successfully linked when the blue light turns green.
2. Select "Account" then "Personal Banker."
3. Enter the default PIN (month and day of your birthday, MMDD).
4. Reset your PIN and press "Enter" to validate.
5. Press "Transfer," then "Transfer to Game."
6. Select "Transfer Points to FreePlay" (to play your Rewards Points) or "FreePlay" (to play your promotional FreePlay).
7. Press "Yes" to continue and complete your transaction.
8. Don't forget to collect your SeaPass and log out of your Casino Royale account before leaving the machine. 

Lucky players will receive Instant Rewards Certificates (IRCs) on the last day of the cruise

Whereas your status within the Casino Royale program is based on the points accumulated throughout the calendar year, IRCs are awarded based on the number of points earned during one specific sailing. 

Wong explains, "The Instant Rewards Certificate is based on solely what you earn for the specific cruise that you are on."

The first IRC award is available upon earning 400 points. You won't earn a free cruise, but you will get $100 off a future sailing. 

From there, the rewards only get better the more points you earn. Wong says that as players continue to accumulate points during the cruise, better IRC levels unlock, which offer greater discounts, fully comped cruises, and even casino FreePlay. 

For example, if you earn 4,000 points during a single voyage, you'll receive a free cruise in a balcony cabin (or ocean-view on select sailings) and $500 in casino FreePlay — if you book your next cruise while onboard. 

"For the last few years, Casino Royale and NextCruise have started a cross-promotion where they work together," Wong says. 

As such, the bonus rewards in the third column are only available to those who place a deposit for their next sailing before disembarking. 

There's another catch: there's a select list of voyages that are available for these offers — you can't just book any cruise that catches your eye. 

"You come onboard for your cruise; you play in the casino; [and] you earn points as you play. However many points you have by the end of the cruise, you will receive an instant reward certificate in your room for either a discount off a future cruise or a complimentary cruise. And the third and final option is to pay your $200 deposit with the NextCruise [department], and this will give you a bonus award," he summarizes.

IRCs are printed by the Casino Host (in this case, Wong) on the second-to-last day of the cruise. 

Using a program called "Super-PlayMate," he can access everyone's unique folio IDs and cabin numbers to help properly address the letters. 

Then, he has to print the IRCs for eligible cruisers to deliver them to the housekeeping team, who ensures they are placed in the correct cabin on the last day. 

The offer letter is pretty self-explanatory. First, it lists your name and Crown & Anchor loyalty number. Below that is your offer code, which is just the month and year it was issued, as well as what cabin category it's valid for. 

However, the award is better explained under the offer code. In Wong's example, the IRC is for an oceanview or balcony stateroom on select voyages. 

It's important to take note of the expiration date. Although you don't have to sail by that date, you must have another cruise booked before then.

"[In] my professional opinion, the company isn't very forgiving if you forget about your reward and it expires," Wong warns. 

If you can't find a sailing that works for you, you can trade in your IRC for a discount on a cruise of your choice. 

Again, in Wong's example, rather than booking a complimentary cruise (minus the taxes, port fees, and gratuities), he could get $750 off any voyage of his choosing. 

Read more: I earned a "free" cruise on Royal Caribbean's newest ship, and it saved me almost $9,000

Onboard casino promotions

It's important to check the Cruise Compass to see what daily promotions the casino is offering on your sailing. 

Wong explains a few of the common ones, including the nightly Snowball Raffle Draw, Hot Seat Promotion, and Bags of Cash. 

The Snowball Raffle Draw is offered every night on most Royal Caribbean cruises (Wong issues a disclaimer that actual promotions may vary based on the ship and sailing).

He says, "We give away $100 of FreePlay every night at 10:00pm. To qualify, everybody needs at least 100 casino points. We will use a random name generator to pick out everyone in the casino who has 100 points, and then it's going to spit out a name at random."

The Hot Seat Promotion runs from 11:00pm to midnight. Eligible active players in the casino (those with 100 points or more) are automatically entered to win anywhere from $50 to $150 in FreePlay. 

The drawings are every 15 minutes, with the prize money increasing $15 each round. 

Finally, the Bags of Cash promotion calls on three random players (again, with a minimum of 100 casino points) to select a mystery box containing a surprise amount of FreePlay. On the night Wong recorded the promo, the three cruisers won $50, $150, and $250. 

Royal Caribbean International welcomed its 100 millionth cruiser in July, marking a major milestone for the cruise brand. 

For more than 50 years, Royal Caribbean has been at the forefront of innovation at sea, delivering some of the most unforgettable vacation experiences. 

From building the world's largest cruise ships to creating exclusive beachfront destinations in The Bahamas and Caribbean, the brand has continuously raised the bar for what guests can expect when cruising. 

They aren't slowing down, either. Star of the Seas, the next-gen Icon Class ship, is set to enter service next month. Not only that, but Royal Caribbean is expanding its private destination portfolio with the opening of the Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in Nassau in December. 

By the end of 2027, they'll have two more Royal Beach Clubs in operation, as well as another Perfect Day destination in Mexico — not to mention two more Icon Class ships. 

Family wins free cruise for being lucky 100 millionth

The Duquette family from Parkland, Florida, was celebrated as the 100 millionth guests during a surprise ceremony onboard Icon of the Seas

Chris, Madeline, and Jillian Duquette were celebrated on Icon with confetti cannons in the Royal Promenade, a special balloon photo-op, a meet-and-greet with crew members, and special upgrades and gifts, including a complimentary cruise on Utopia of the Seas.

Utopia is Royal Caribbean's newest Oasis Class ship that launched in July 2024. She was the first purpose-built ship in the fleet to operate year-round short cruises. Historically, 3- and 4-night cruises were reserved for older ships. 

As such, Utopia of the Seas blends its party-like atmosphere with the line's signature amenities, making it the perfect ship for travelers seeking a getaway while experiencing the best that Royal Caribbean has to offer. 

The celebration on Icon wasn't just about honoring one family; it was about the decades of memories made by millions of other families around the world, which is why Royal Caribbean launched a limited-time sale to share the celebration with other guests.

50 years by the numbers

Plus, since Perfect Day at CocoCay opened in 2019, there have been over 34,000 rides on the Up, Up, and Away helium balloon and 1.21 million visits to Thrill Waterpark. 

Until The Fall at Mt. Olympus Water & Theme Park opened in 2023, Thrill Waterpark's Daredevil Peak was the tallest water slide in North America. 

Still, at 135 feet tall, the slide is a must-try for adrenaline seekers.

Last year, over one million (1.26 million, to be exact) children sailed on Royal Caribbean's fleet. 

Additionally, there were over 508,000 bumper car battles recorded on Quantum Class ships in 2024, along with 276,367 ice skating sessions. 

Guests tested their bravery with 1.25 million rock climbs, 29,900 daring Crown's Edge walks, and 544,889 slides down the Oasis Class-exclusive Ultimate Abyss. 

800 couples tied the knot at sea in 2024, while 194,196 celebrated their birthdays on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship. 

The most impressive number, however, has to be the 11.12 million ice cream cones served from Sprinkles. 

Limited-time sale

Cruisers can take advantage of a limited-time sale to celebrate Royal Caribbean's 100 millionth passenger milestone. 

They're offering up to $100 in bonus savings on all cruises from the United States. This offer is combinable with other ongoing promotions, too. 

It's valid on cruises departing on or after August 1, 2025. 

There's also a special Cruise Planner sale, featuring discounts on popular add-ons like drink and dining packages, Wi-Fi, shore excursions, spa treatments, and more:

• Beverage: Up to 40% off
• Dining: Up to 50% off
• Spa: Up to 30% off
• VIP Passes: Up to 50% off
• Internet: Up to 30% off
• Photo Package: Up to 60% off
• Gift & Gear: Up to 35% off

The Cruise Planner sale runs from Thursday, July 31, 2025, through August 5, 2025. Deals are valid on sailings from August 5, 2025, through December 31, 2025. 

Note that the availability of offers varies by eligible ships: AD, AL, AN, BR, EN, EX, FR, GR, HM, IC, ID, JW, LB, LE, MA, NV, OA, OV, OY, QN, RD, RH, SC, SR, ST, SY, UT, VI, VY, WN.

Royal Caribbean is making it clear that they value their repeat cruisers.

On July 29, Royal Caribbean Group released its second quarter results, revealing the company is seeing strong demand for its products from previous cruisers, with 40% of guests being repeat passengers. 

According to Jason Liberty, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, the company is tuned into its guests' wants and has a lot of plans to make sure they want to continue cruising with Royal Caribbean Group, whether aboard a Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, or Silversea ship. 

Not only does this mean investing in new hardware, like new ships and exclusive island destinations, but also giving repeat cruisers special offers and loyalty perks. 

Loyalty impacts guest behavior

"Repeat cruisers continue to rate cruising as the best value for their vacation spend, with brands that consistently lead in guest satisfaction and vacation options that range from weekend getaways to bucket list adventures on ocean and on land," said Liberty during the Q2 earnings call on July 29. 

It helps that Royal Caribbean's consumer base continues to feel financially confident, with three out of four guests indicating they feel financially secure. This aligns with the fact that loyalty members are spending 25% more per trip than new cruisers. 

"Holistically, as we get to see millions of spending activities per day, we see a very healthy customer. When we dig into that customer, they have strong, great jobs; they have strong balance sheets; and they're confident in spending and making sure that they're they're receiving the vacation experience that they're looking for," Liberty explained. 

Not only that, but Royal Caribbean has seen strong intent among millennial-aged cruisers and younger, who continue to represent half the company's customer base. Additionally, 7 in 10 of Royal Caribbean's customers from younger generations are more likely to book their cruise closer to departure, reflecting more spontaneity and flexibility. 

"More than half of the millennials tell us they are more likely to consider cruising today compared to two years ago, driven mainly by the attractive value proposition of [a] cruise," Liberty said. 

Although new ships and destinations play a role in attracting customers, building trust and connections with guests means they will be more likely to choose a vacation with Royal Caribbean Group than other competitors, whether they're land-based or another cruise line. 

Liberty added, "We're trying to increase repetition, which ultimately leads to an increase in lifetime value of the customer, lowers our acquisition costs, and positions us to close the gap further to land-based vacations."

By wanting to grow their repeat customer business, consumers will hopefully get better recognition and incentives in the future. 

Loyalty is a two-way street

Recently, Carnival Cruise Line has been under fire for its overhaul of the line's Very Important Fun Person (VIFP) Club. Starting in 2026, cruisers are no longer rewarded based on how many nights they've spent on Carnival ships. Instead, Carnival loyalty status is determined by total spend. 

However, points earned through Carnival's co-branded credit card will also feed directly into the Carnival Rewards ecosystem. This means that guests can work their way up the loyalty tiers not only by cruising on Carnival's fleet but also through everyday spending with the credit card. 

However, the biggest shocker was that status is no longer lifetime. You must requalify every two years, similar to airline and hotel loyalty programs. 

Read more: Rival Carnival Cruise Line made drastic changes to its loyalty program

In the weeks following the announcement, many Carnival cruisers have expressed that they feel like the new system devalues their loyalty to the cruise line.

In contrast, Royal Caribbean is doubling down on its commitment to its guests, stating that loyalty is a "two-way street." 

"Loyalty is very important. I think people want to be recognized. They want to not just be recognized for their spend today, but be recognized for all that they have done in the past," said Liberty.

As such, creating the status match program between Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, and Silversea helps ensure that consumers are rewarded for their history with the company, regardless of which brand they choose to sail.

For example, a guest who holds Diamond status with Royal Caribbean will enjoy comparable perks when sailing with Celebrity or Silversea, and vice versa. 

This cross-brand recognition strengthens the connection between the cruise lines and makes it so there are options for all types of cruisers within the brand's portfolio, whether you're seeking a family-focused vacation on the world's largest ships, an ultra-luxury getaway, or an upscale European cruise.

A Royal Caribbean crew member violently attacked another worker before jumping off the world's largest cruise ship. 

The 35-year-old South African man stabbed a 28-year-old South African on Thursday, July 24, shortly before 7:30PM, the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) confirmed. 

Guests reported hearing "Oscar, Oscar, Oscar" (Royal Caribbean's secret code word for "man overboard") around 7:18PM. Icon then slowed down and returned to the location where the crew member had gone overboard. He was found dead by onboard medical staff less than an hour later. 

One passenger revealed that they saw the rescue mission from their port-side balcony cabin, where they witnessed crew members dropping life preservers into the ocean. They also saw a rescue boat deployed, which later returned with the crew member onboard. However, guests weren't made immediately aware of his condition and presumed the rescue mission was successful.  

Read more: Crew member dies after going overboard from Royal Caribbean cruise ship

Royal Caribbean initially shared that there was a man overboard incident on Icon of the Seas that resulted in the death of a crew member but withheld further details until authorities could investigate.

"Our crew immediately initiated a search and rescue operation, but unfortunately, the crew member passed away. We extend our condolences to the crew member’s family and loved ones," said Royal Caribbean in a brief statement issued to 7News Miami.

However, in a statement given to NBC News, police confirmed that the incident involved a dispute between two crew members and that the woman sustained multiple stab wounds to her upper body. She received treatment and is in stable condition. 

(Credit: CBS News Miami)

"One of the crew members was injured, was attended to by the onboard medical team, and she is now in stable condition," a Royal Caribbean spokesperson later said. 

"Unfortunately, the other crew member is deceased after he went overboard and was recovered in a search and rescue operation."

Icon of the Seas was sailing about 200 miles off the coast of Nassau, Bahamas, en route to Perfect Day at CocoCay when the crew member jumped overboard. The last day of the 7-night itinerary wasn't impacted by the incident, and Icon returned to Miami, Florida, on Saturday, July 26. 

An investigation into the attack is ongoing. Additionally, an autopsy will be conducted to determine the crew member's exact cause of death. There's no reason that the investigation should impact or delay cruise operations for future Icon sailings. 

The two crew members have not been identified out of respect for their families and their privacy. 

A crew member died after going overboard from Icon of the Seas, Royal Caribbean confirmed. 

According to online reports, the secret man overboard code ("Oscar, Oscar, Oscar") sounded at around 7:18PM on Thursday, July 24. The world's largest cruise ship then slowed down and returned to the location where the crew member had gone overboard. 

One passenger shared that they saw the rescue unfold from their port-side balcony stateroom, where they witnessed crew members dropping life preservers into the ocean. Not long after, a rescue boat was deployed and returned with someone onboard. 

Additionally, security closed the blinds in the Royal Promenade and discouraged cruisers from hanging out near the sides of the vessel during the incident. 

Although they were able to quickly locate the individual, the crew member, who supposedly worked at the Schooner Bar, succumbed to their injuries and passed away. 

Icon of the Seas was sailing about 200 miles off the coast of Nassau, Bahamas, en route to Perfect Day at CocoCay when the crew member went overboard. The remainder of the voyage will continue uninterrupted. Icon is expected to return to PortMiami on Sunday, wrapping up the 7-night Eastern Caribbean cruise. 

"Our crew immediately initiated a search and rescue operation, but unfortunately, the crew member passed away. We extend our condolences to the crew member’s family and loved ones," said Royal Caribbean in a statement issued to 7News Miami. 

"To respect their privacy, we have no additional details to share."

The incident happened less than one month after a father jumped into the ocean after his child while sailing on a Disney cruise ship

Last month, a young child fell overboard from the Disney Dream en route to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, during a 4-night sailing to the Bahamas. Moments later, the kid's father leapt into the ocean. Both were successfully rescued by the crew, and the father was instantly called a hero. 

However, other rumors quickly started circulating on the internet, saying that her dad had held her on a railing when she fell into the water. Security footage dispelled the rumor, though, revealing that the young girl fell through a porthole after losing her balance. 

Detectives said the 37-year-old father was alerted about the harrowing situation by his wife. He then jumped into the water, found his daughter, and treaded water until they were rescued by Disney crew members. 

Read more: Child goes overboard from Disney cruise ship; father jumps in to save her, reports claim

The chances of falling overboard on a cruise ship are low

Deck railings on Royal Caribbean cruise ships are at least 42 inches high to comply with the Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act (CVSSA) of 2010. Additionally, thick metal panels, Plexiglass panels, or metal bars are positioned under the railings to prevent guests from accidentally slipping through. 

As such, going overboard on a cruise ship is rare. A report shared by the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) revealed that there were 212 confirmed overboard incidents from cruise ships between 2009 and 2019. 

Of those incidents, 48 individuals, or 28.2%, were successfully rescued.